Rural Bulletin June 2009

Rural Bulletin is published by Rural Women NZ with the support of the NZ Lottery Grants Board, Telecom NZ, FarmSafe and Landcorp

Rural Bulletin June 2009 www.ruralwomen.org.nz
Contents
Budget 2009: An Overview
The Big Picture..........................................................................3
Government Revenue and Spending........................................3
Government core expenses ......................................................3
Cuts in spending........................................................................3
Environment/Conservation........................................................3
Tourism/recreation ....................................................................4
Sport ...................................................................................4
Primary Sector...........................................................................4
Fisheries and aquaculture ..................................................4
Health ........................................................................................4
Workforce initiatives ...........................................................4
District health boards..........................................................4
Other health spending ........................................................4
ACC ....................................................................................4
Education...................................................................................4
NCEA..................................................................................5
Tertiary education...............................................................5
Social Services..........................................................................5
Superannuation/Vets Benefits............................................5
Community Housing ..................................................................5
Insulating & heating homes................................................5
Transport: State Highways........................................................5
Energy .......................................................................................5
Justice/Police.............................................................................5
Community Law centres.....................................................6
Securities Commission.......................................................6
Government security agencies...........................................6
Defence .....................................................................................6
Research & Development .........................................................6
Maori..........................................................................................6
Internet: Broadband...................................................................6
Arts, Culture & Heritage ............................................................6
Foreign Affairs ...........................................................................6
Consultation
National Education Standards...................................................6
Electoral Finance: Issues Paper ...............................................7
Anti-counterfeiting Trade Agreement… ....................................7
Protecting Traditional Knowledge…..........................................7
Granting Patents........................................................................7
North Is Grid Upgrade: Update .................................................7
Unpasteurised Milk Products ....................................................7
ICT: Managing Radio Spectrum................................................8
Re-allocating Some Radio Spectrum........................................8
Cigarette Safety Standard?.......................................................8
Wanganui or Whanganui?.........................................................8
Food Safety: Codex Review......................................................8
Lake Rotoma: Action Plan.........................................................8
Religion in NZ Schools: Guide ..................................................8
Current IRD Consultations ........................................................8
Managing Mt Aspiring National Park.........................................9
NZ Marine Mammals & Fish......................................................9
Current ERMA Consultations ....................................................9
Rural
Cows Genetic Code Sequenced ...............................................9
Enterprising Rural Woman Award Winners ..............................9
NZX Acquires Rural Publisher...................................................9
Avoiding Farm Injuries...............................................................9
How to avoid injury ...........................................................10
Environment
Landcare’s CarboNZero Programme: World First ..................10
Managing NZ’s Resources: Part II ..........................................10
Tiritiri Matangi: Top Restoration Site.......................................10
Tourism
International Travel/Migration: April 2009 ...............................10
Working Holidays in NZ...........................................................11
Health and Welfare
Revised Health Targets ...........................................................11
Fixing Eyes in the Pacific.........................................................11
OSH/DoL & Safe Workplaces .................................................11
LPG Cabinet Heaters: Safe Use .............................................11
Mothers and Children: Three Reports.....................................11
Educating Mothers about Childbirth… .............................11
Children: Love Goes a Long Way….................................11
State of the World’s Mothers ............................................12
Disability Issues: New Committee...........................................12
Food Security: Two Resources ...............................................12
Education
Trades Academies for Secondary Students ...........................12
Upskilling Future School Principals.........................................12
Employment
Unemployment Rate Reaches 5% ..........................................12
Salaries and Wages ................................................................13
Transport
Road User Charges Review Report........................................13
Security on Domestic Aircraft ..................................................13
2- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
Housing
NZ Property Market: Overseas Interest ..................................13
Property Market Values Stabilising? .......................................13
New Residential Tenancies Bill...............................................13
Energy
Revised Electricity Commission Role .....................................14
Commerce Commission Report: Electricity Pricing ................14
2009 EECA Awards: Winners: ................................................14
Electricity from Waves.............................................................14
State Sector
Redeployment Option for State Servants ...............................14
CRIs and Workforce Planning.................................................14
Justice/the Law
Review of Legal Aid System ...................................................15
Boy Racers: Two New Bills .....................................................15
Law Commission & Alcohol Laws #1 ......................................15
NZ Child and Youth Offending Statistics.................................15
Family Court: New Rules.........................................................15
Not-for-Profits
The Community Response Fund ............................................16
Donating online: Check Your Website ....................................16
ESOL Home Tutors Name Change ........................................16
Parliament
Advance Voting: Mt Albert By-election....................................16
Business
Imports/Exports: April 2009.....................................................16
Primary Industries Benefit from R&D ......................................16
Complying With Standards: SNZ Code...................................17
Record Fall in Retail Sales......................................................17
Halal Products/Services: Big Business ...................................17
Money Matters
Food Prices Down in April.......................................................17
Are You Entitled to a Rates Rebate?......................................18
The Price of Milk......................................................................18
New Tax System Working Group............................................18
SuperGold Card Benefits: Survey...........................................18
Internet/ICT
NZers’ Use of Broadcasting /Media ........................................18
ICT Industry Continues to Grow..............................................19
A Handful of Websites.............................................................19
Treaty Matters
Maori Aquaculture Settlement.................................................19
Arts & Culture
More Locally Made TV ............................................................19
2009 Pacific Music Award Winners.........................................20
Maori Television Service: Review...........................................20
NZ Short Film: Cannes Award ................................................20
Fishing
Setting Catch Limits: Case Dismissed....................................20
General
NZ's population 4.3 million…...................................................20
Life expectancy increases… ...................................................20
Marriages, Civil Unions & Divorces.........................................21
UN Report on NZ Human Rights.............................................21
Matariki: Aotearoa/Pacific New Year ......................................21
How to Spot Matariki ........................................................21
Volunteer Awareness Week…................................................21
Maori Language Week….........................................................21
World Refugee Day .................................................................21
Some Conferences/Events......................................................21
Financial Literacy 09.........................................................21
National Foster Care Conference.....................................22
Treaty in the 21st Century Conference ............................22
SPELD NZ Conference ....................................................22
Mystery Creek Fieldays ....................................................22
NZ Institute of Food Science & Technology Conference.22
NZ Soil Carbon Conference .............................................22
Bloom Her Business Forum..............................................22
Effluent Management Training .........................................22
Funding/Awards.......................................................................22
Lottery Community Regional Committees........................22
Lottery Environment and Heritage....................................22
Every Child Counts Awards..............................................22
IHC Telecom Art Awards ..................................................22
EEO Trust Work & Life Awards ........................................23
Essay Award for Young Economists ................................23
NZ Post Mansfield Prize 2010..........................................23
National Schools Poetry Award........................................23
NZ Poet Laureate Award ..................................................23
Qantas Film and Television Awards.................................23
Appointments...........................................................................23
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 3
Budget 2009: An
Overview
The Big Picture
This upcoming year sees the first operating deficit in more than
a decade - $9.3 billion in the 2009/10 financial year, and the
following is expected:
surpluses are not expected again until 2016;
because deficits mean more debt, the Government will
borrow an extra $34 billion over the next 4 years;
gross debt – the difference between what we owe and
what we own – will peak at 43% of GDP in 2017;
the economy will shrink a further 1.7% next year; and
unemployment will peak at 8% next year (70,000 more
people will be out of work).
Government Revenue and
Spending
Government’s core revenue ($56.8 billion) for the 2009/10
financial year comes from:
individuals’ income taxes - $24.9 billion;
GST - $11.2 billion;
corporate tax - $8.3 billion;
other indirect taxes - $4.9 billion;
other revenue - $3.1 billion;
other direct taxes - $2.3 billion; and
interest revenue and dividends - $2.1 billion.
Government core expenses
Government’s core expenses ($65.3 billion) for the 2009/10
financial year go on:
social security and welfare - $21.2 billion;
health - $13.4 billion;
education - $11.3 billion;
law & order - $3.3 billion;
core government services - $3.6 billion;
finance costs - $2.5 billion; and
other - $7.8 billion.
Cuts in spending
Government’s review of state spending has found $2
billion in cuts (over the next 4 years) which will be recycled
into new policies. The main areas of savings,
reprioritisation, and cuts are:
the second and third rounds of planned tax cuts in 2010
and 2011 have been deferred;
automatic contributions to the NZ Super Fund have been
suspended until the operating balance excluding gains
and losses (OBEGAL) returns to surplus (which could be
at least a decade away);
the annual operating allowance has been revised down to
$1.45 billion for 2009/10, compared with $1.75 billion
indicated in the Budget Policy Statement in December. It
will be capped at $1.1 billion in 2010/11 and adjusted by
2% in following years; and
$2 billion of the previous Government's planned spending
has been re-prioritised.
This means:
cuts in funding subsidies for some courses in adult
community education - $54 million;
maintaining rather than reducing adult-child ratios in
childhood education - $275 million;
cuts in tertiary education funding - $55 million: some
tertiary education projects from last year’s Budget will not
be funded, including: capability funding, scholarships for
domestic and foreign students, increases to industrytraining
funds, and the development of some new training
programmes;
staff cuts at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) -
$354 million;
ending the enterprising communities subsidies - $32.3
million;
planned spending at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade (MFAT) is not proceeding - $105 million;
Conservation Department cuts - $54 million;
cuts in overseas development assistance - $166 million;
cuts at the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) -
$180 million;
Sport and Recreation programme on children's and young
people's nutrition and activity, “Mission On”, has been
scrapped ($15.7 million to zero), along with some other
nutrition schemes; and
the budget for Ministerial Support Services (e.g., office
admin, media advisers, accommodation) is being cut by
$2 million. Services to run Parliament and select
committees are also been dropped by $2 million – to $17
million.
Environment/Conservation
Over the next 4 years there will be:
an increase of funding for the reform of the Resource
Management Act of $9 million;
increasing funding for developing the Emissions Trading
Scheme, including international linkages, by $6.9 million;
increasing funding for the freshwater policy work
programme by $2.1 million; and
additional funding of $17.3 million for activities that would
have been discontinued as a result of funding reductions
in 2009/10. These activities relate to waste minimisation,
Waikato River Settlement, and other policy advice.
4- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
Tourism/recreation
The NZ Cycleway Project gets $50 million dollars over 3 years.
Sport
Sponsorship of Team NZ’s next America’s Cup attempt rises
by $750,000 to $13 million.
Primary Sector
Key features of the “Primary Growth Partnership” include:
$190 million (over 4 years); and
investments will be market-driven and focus on delivering
economic growth and sustainability across the primary
sectors, from producers to consumers: this includes
pastoral (including wool) and arable production;
horticulture; seafood (including aquaculture); forestry and
wood products; food processing; and climate change
initiatives.
Fisheries and aquaculture
Spending here includes:
$1.9 million in funding (over the next 4 years) to help
develop sustainable aquaculture;
$4.2 million (over the next 4 years) to increase the
honorary fishery officer network (from 172 to 250), and the
full time fishery officers needed to support it (from 95 to
104);
$1.4 million more on a new catch-reporting system for
charter boats that carry recreational fishers; and
$2 million more on developing estimates of recreational
fishers’ harvest for some key inshore species.
Health
Over the next 4 years, $3 billion more spent in health
(including $750 million in 2009/10). Note: 40% of all new
government funding in this Budget goes to health priorities.
Workforce initiatives
60 new medical training places in 2009/10, which is the
first round of a plan to establish 200 new places annually
(cost: $25 million);
25 extra places for general practitioner training in 2009/10,
increasing to 50 extra places per year (cost: $17.5 million
over 4 years);
money for up to 800 additional health professionals over 4
years to increase services for people needing elective
surgery ($70 million over 4 years); and
more training for health professionals in rural areas ($4
million over 4 years).
District health boards
Just over $2.1 billion extra (over the next 4 years) is to go
directly to District Health Boards for services to their local
populations. DHBs will be required to advance a number of
initiatives from this funding:
part one in a funding boost for subsidised medicines –
$138.8 million to DHBs;
devolving some hospital services to primary care $45.5
million; and
improving quality and supervision in aged residential care
facilities and respite care for those being cared for by
others at home -$89.5 million.
extra maternity funding of $103.5 million (over 4 years) to
support: resources for increased birth rates - $40 million;
longer stays in birthing facilities - $38.5 million; support
services for parents - $14 million for a 24/7 Plunketline
telephone advice service and other advisory and
information services to support the Well Child Framework;
an extra visit to the GP or lead maternity carer in each
trimester for mothers or babies at risk - $9.9 million; and
obstetrics retraining for GPs - $1.1 million;
Other health spending
$60 million (over 4 years) for hospice and palliative care;
$37.2 million (over 4 years) to help to securely care and
rehabilitate offenders with an intellectual disability outside
of the criminal justice system;
$245 million (over 4 years) into capital infrastructure;
$15.3 million (over 2 years), starting in 2011/12, into
voluntary bonding for hard-to-staff health professions and
locations; and
$26 million over 4 years for treating eating disorders.
ACC
$500,000 in new funding in 2009/10 goes towards a stock take
of the Accident Compensation Corporation levy accounts – i.e.,
the work account, earners' account, motor vehicle account,
and the non-earners' account.
Education
The main parts of education spending in this Budget include:
$523.3 million in operating and capital funding (over 4
years) for a “21st Century School Building Programme” to
expand and future-proof existing schools and build new
ones;
$80.1 million in additional funding for day-to-day school
operations; $36 million to support the “Crusade for
Literacy and Numeracy”; $16 million to fight truancy; and
$34 million to improve schools access to high-speed
broadband;
$19.9 million to extend the Te Kotahitanga professional
development programme for teachers to more schools
and for professional development programmes for
principals that focus on raising Maori students’
achievement;
a $12.6 million reduction in the levy the Government
charges schools for international students;
more funding for educating students with special needs
and behavioural issues, including $51 million extra for
“Ongoing Reviewable Resourcing Schemes”, and $8
million to increase the “Interim Response Fund” - which
provides support to schools when a student’s behaviour
reaches crisis point;
$69.7 million for improving access to early childhood
education (ECE) by expanding 20 hours ECE to
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 5
playcentres and kohanga reo and removing the six-hour
daily limit; and
$169.1 million in 2009/2010 to pay increases in teacher
salaries; and $70 million (over 4 years) to cover salary
increases for school caretakers, cleaners, and ground
staff.
NCEA
Spending on the NCEA includes $10.9 million to maintain the
current number of NCEA moderators to ensure consistency of
NCEA standards across schools; and $8 million to ensure
NCEA assessment tools are of a high-standard and well
understood by teachers.
Tertiary education
The total amount of funding for tertiary education in Vote
Education increases to $2.78 billion in 2009/10.
Some $127 million of that goes to inflation-adjust funding for
tertiary institutions from 2010.
Social Services
Some of the announcements include:
the Community Response Fund (announced before the
Budget) makes up to $40 million available in the first year
to support voluntary sector groups delivering services in
communities throughout NZ;
an extra $81.5 million (over the next 4 years) for the Fresh
Start initiatives for young offenders (this will extend the
current range of tools available for the youth justice
system when dealing with serious and persistent young
offenders);
funding is being continued for several initiatives, including
$4 million of spending in 2009/10 for: Reducing Youth
Offenders Programme, Kauri Centre, Teen Parent Service
Coordinators, Family Violence campaign, and Early Years
Service Hubs;
$370,000 (over 4 years beginning 2009/2010) for an
information pack that would be sent to 20,000 people who
care for their whanau and friends without payment; and
Community Sector Taskforce: $1.2 million ($400,000 per
year over 3 years) beginning in 2009/10, for refreshing the
membership of the Taskforce.
In terms of social development spending the following get a
funding increase: ReStart redundancy help (+$32.7 million);
grants to social services (+$29.7 million); 9-day fortnight
subsidies (+$11.6 million); youth justice (+$8.7 million); and
Super held at 66% of wages (+ $1.5 million). The following go
down: Enterprising Communities gone (- $5.6 million); and
training allowance restricted (- $2.0 million).
Superannuation/Vets Benefits
NZ Superannuation and Veteran's Pension: after-tax married
rates are maintained at a minimum of 66% of the average
after-tax wage.
Community Housing
Spending here includes:
$40 million more into housing services over the next 4
years ($20 million of that into Housing NZ’s Housing
Innovation Fund);
$5 million for phasing in Maori development projects
(complements the work under the Rural Housing
Programme);
$12 million (over the next 2 financial years) for Housing
NZ’s Rural Housing Programme; and
$6.4 million (in 2009/10) for the Residential Tenancies
Services.
Insulating & heating homes
Over 180,000 homes will have access to a grants scheme for
insulation and clean heating (devices such as heat pumps and
approved wood burners). Cost: $323.3 million (over the next 4
years).
The scheme, which is open to owners and occupiers of houses
built before 2000, will start on 1 July 2009. Goal is to see up to
60,500 homes being insulated each year by 2012/13.
Individual grants of up to $1,800 will be made. The money will
have to be paid back, but there will be payment options put in
place (for instance, ability to pay it back through your power bill
or rates bill).
For holders of Community Service Cards, additional funding
will be available.
Transport: State Highways
The State Highway network gets almost $3 billion in (over the
next 3 years) for infrastructure work.
Energy
There will be a tax exemption for oil and gas exploration, and a
new grants scheme will be set up to encourage biodiesel.
Justice/Police
Over the next 4 years, $700.7 million in operating funding and
$255.7 million in capital funding, for initiatives including:
$182.5 million for 300 more officers in Counties-Manukau
by the end of 2010, and 300 more officers across the rest
of the country by the end of 2011;
$10 million for Tasers;
$61.3 million to increase criminal courts capacity in
Auckland;
$9.8 million to boost court security;
$16.3 million to improve fines collection;
$385.4 million to increase prison capacity through double
bunking at five prisons and plans for further additional
capacity;
$133.8 million operational spending to recruit an extra 134
probation officers, 26 frontline managers, and 20
psychologists;
$103 million to improve parole and home detention
management to recruit an extra 112 probation officers,
three frontline managers, and three psychologists;
$2.3 million to introduce offender levy for victims; and
$600,000 in additional funding for the Independent Police
Conduct Authority.
6- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
Community Law centres
Community law centres receive 17.1 million in operating
funding in 2009/10 (including a $7.2 million top-up for
community law centres in 2009/10) to maintain access to
justice services through community law centres and legal aid.
Securities Commission
Some $11.7 million (over the next 4 years) goes to further
strengthen financial regulations (as the new central regulatory
body for financial advisers, the Securities Commission gets
most this money).
Government security agencies
These agencies get $91 million, a 5% increase on last year.
The biggest slice goes to the Government Communications
Security Bureau.
Defence
An extra $52 million in 2009/10 ($309 million over the next 4
years) will go on improving operations and strengthen the
capability of the NZ Defence Force.
Research & Development
Overall spending in Research and Development has been
increased this year by $28 million (leaving NZ’s per capita
GDP investment in R&D unchanged at 0.52%, but still less
than the OECD average of 0.68%). The former percentage
also does not factor in that the R&D tax credit and Fast
Forward schemes are not going ahead.
The main spending in R&D includes:
an extra $40 million (over 4 years) to the Crown Research
Institute Capability Fund, for maintaining and developing
CRI’s nationally significant research;
$36 million (over 4 years) to the Marsden Fund to provide
for investigator-initiated excellent research (the Fund is
now $47 million per year);
$32 million (over 4 years) for health research;
new funding of $4 million (over 4 years) for the Prime
Minister’s Science Prizes; and
$16 million, in 2010/11, for the Kiwi Advanced Research
and Education Network (KAREN), to enhance NZ’s highspeed
telecommunications research connectivity and
capability.
Maori
Te Puni Kokiri (TPK) plans to appoint welfare officers to
identify Maori families who are struggling to make ends meet.
Overall, TPK plans to spend $174.4 million - $8 million less
than last year. Maori and Treaty initiatives include:
an extra $22.4 million (over the next 4 years) to settle all
historical Treaty of Waitangi claims by 2014;
Whanau Social Assistance Services will get $32 million
(over the next 4 years);
the Maori Economic Task Force will get $10 million over
2009/10 and 2010/11;
new funding of $2.6 million (over the next 4 years) to help
establish the Maori Trustee as a fully independent
sustainable entity, with ongoing funding for enhanced
services to Maori beneficial landowners;
$500,000 a year for 10 years to the Turanganui a Kiwa
tribes to “enhance their capacity to lead local economic
and social developments”; and
$4.5 million for whanau language development over the
next three years.
Internet: Broadband
Ultra fast broadband gets $290 million of initial implementation
funding for the 2009/10 financial year. In addition, $48 million
into rural broadband infrastructure (details to be released
soon).
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Two artistic and cultural organisations get a boost of $10.5
million over the next 4 years:
Creative NZ will receive an additional $7.1 million to
support key music, dance, and theatre companies; and
the Royal NZ Ballet will receive an extra $3.4 million.
Foreign Affairs
There is a $50 million boost for trade-related work, and this
now accounts for more than half of the MFAT budget, which
rises 19% to $492 million.
The Government has reviewed the 5-year $621 million funding
package announced in last year's Budget. Some $9.5 million in
the 2008/09 financial year, and $298.6 million over the next 4
years has been cut from that figure, and the Ministry’s network
of overseas posts is to be reviewed.
Consultation
National Education Standards
Parents, families, whanau, teachers, principals, and school
trustees can now have their say on draft National Standards
for primary and intermediate students. These standards aim to
lift achievement in literacy and numeracy by being clear about
what students should achieve and by when. From 2010,
parents will receive regular school reports showing how their
child is doing against the National Standards in reading,
writing, and maths.
The Ministry is also seeking submissions on examples of plain
language reports for parents.
Maori Medium Standards are being developed as well:
consultation on these will take place between August and
September.
Submissions close on 3 July 2009. Online submission forms are at
www.minedu.govt.nz, or you can send submissions to Freepost 203 656,
National Standards, Ministry of Education, PO Box 1666, Wellington. For
National standards information packs email orders@thechair.minedu.govt.nz or
phone 0800 660 662 and ask for either the Parent or Education Sector pack.
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 7
Electoral Finance: Issues Paper
This issues paper represents the first stage of a review of
electoral finance legislation which is being carried out in order
to develop new rules about electoral campaigning and political
party funding. The review follows the recent repeal of the
Electoral Finance Act 2007 (temporary procedures are until
place until then). It will lead to legislation enabling a new
electoral finance system to be set up before the 2011 general
election.
Historically, electoral law reform has been the subject of broad
cross-party and public consensus and the review will be
involving all parliamentary parties and the public.
Submissions on the issues paper close on 26 June 2009. They can be emailed to
electoralfinancereform@justice.govt.nz, or posted to Freepost Authority No
224498, Electoral Finance Reform, Ministry of Justice, C/- PO Box 180,
Wellington 6140. The Issues paper is at http://www.justice.govt.nz/electoralfinance-
reform/home.asp
Anti-counterfeiting Trade
Agreement…
Your views are sought are sought on proposals in a discussion
paper outlining intellectual property proposals relating to
border protection, and civil and criminal enforcement
provisions that are not currently part of NZ law. The paper has
been published as NZ and trading partners Australia, Canada,
the European Union, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Singapore,
Switzerland, and the US discuss development of an Anti-
Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) covering intellectual
property rights that countries could join voluntarily.
This consultation covers intellectual property enforcement
issues in the physical world. A further round of discussions is
expected to include enforcement issues in the digital
environment.
Submissions close on 29 June 2009. They go to trademarks@med.govt.nz. The
discussion paper is at http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/Page____40774.aspx
…Protecting Traditional
Knowledge…
The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) is currently
seeking comments on NZ’s participation in the “World
Intellectual Property Organisation – Intergovernmental
Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources,
Traditional Knowledge and Folklore” (WIPO-IPG) - also known
as “traditional cultural expressions”. This committee, which is
meeting at the end of this month, is working on (amongst other
things) the development of objectives and principles for the
protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural
expressions.
MED is interested in hearing from Maori organisations,
communities and individuals, and anyone else with an interest
in this work.
Submissions are due on 5 June 2009. However, Rural Bulletin readers’
submissions will be accepted until 19 June 2009. Submissions go to
traditional.knowledge@med.govt.nz. Please write "WIPO IGC Submissions" in
the subject bar. Written submissions go to: WIPO IGC Submissions Intellectual
Property Policy Group, Ministry of Economic Development, PO Box 1473,
Wellington. More is at
http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/ContentTopicSummary____40804.aspx
…& Granting Patents
Public submissions are now being invited on the Patents Bill,
which would replace the current Patents Act 1953. The aim of
the Bill is to update the way patents are granted NZ, while
continuing to provide a balance between supporting
innovation, and making sure the interests of the public and the
interests of Maori (in respect of traditional knowledge and
indigenous plants and animals) are protected. The changes
would bring the NZ system more in line with patent granting
systems of most other countries.
A patent is a right granted over an invention. The grant of a
patent gives the patent owner the exclusive right to make, use,
and sell a patented invention. A patentable invention is an
invention that is a “manner of manufacture” is new, involves an
inventive step, and is useful. The right gives inventors the
opportunity to make a return on the invention they have
invested in. In return, the patent owner has to provide a
detailed description of the invention. The right lasts for a
maximum of 20 years, and once the patent has expired
anyone can use the invention.
Submissions close on 2 July 2009. Two copies go to the Commerce Committee,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington. The Bill is at
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2008/0235-
1/latest/DLM1419043.html
North Is Grid Upgrade: Update
The Board of Inquiry has released its draft report on
Transpower’s Upper North Island grid upgrade proposal, which
involves 200km of 70 metre-high pylons running a 400kv line
from Whakamaru in South Waikato to Auckland.
It says the benefits of the proposal outweighed the
disadvantages, and has granted the resource consents subject
to certain conditions. People to whom the draft report was sent
are invited to comment on any aspect of the report and once
these have been considered the Board will produce a final
report.
Submissions close on 24 June 2009. More is at http://www.mfe.govt.nz/rma/callin-
transpower/board-of-inquiry/report-and-decision/
Unpasteurised Milk Products
At the moment, only a small variety of unpasteurised milk
products are available in NZ. A recently-released discussion
paper from the NZ Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) outlines
proposals for a new way of assessing unpasteurised milk
products that would enable unpasteurised products that pose a
low level of risk to the general population to be produced, sold,
imported, and exported. The proposals are for unpasteurised
milk products to be grouped according to the hazards they
pose. Producers would have to meet certain requirements
relating to on-farm and processing techniques, and new
specifications for some unpasteurised milk products. Imports
standards would be revised, there would be specific labelling
requirements, and educational material would be developed
both for vulnerable consumers, and for producers and
importers.
Submissions close on 3 July 2009. The discussion paper and details for
submitting are at
http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/dairy/publications/consultation/unpasteurised-milkproducts/
index.htm
8- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
ICT: Managing Radio Spectrum
A discussion paper on spectrum management in the radio
licensing system is available for comment. Radio spectrum
managed under the radio licensing system supports a wide
range of public and private uses including public safety,
emergency, and defence services.
The discussion paper summarises the Ministry of Economic
Development’s (MED) views about the effectiveness of the
current licensing system. It identifies some specific concerns,
and MED is particularly interested to hear about any potential
problems that have not been covered. Possible improvements
to the system are also considered; your views are sought on
these as well. No specific changes are proposed at this stage.
Submissions close on 19 May 2009. Email them to radiospectrum@med.govt.nz
or mail them to: Spectrum Management in the Radio Licensing Regime, Radio
Spectrum Policy & Planning, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140. the discussion
paper is at http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms (go to “Whats New” and click on
“Spectrum management in the radio licensing regime - discussion paper
released”)
Re-allocating Some Radio
Spectrum
Another recently-released discussion paper outlines proposals
for re-allocating radio spectrum in the 806-960 MHz band. The
main changes proposed for this band are:
allocating a new 8 MHz block of spectrum for radio
broadcast studio-to-transmitter fixed links;
changing a 6 MHz block currently used for these links, by
permitting use by “short-range devices” like radio
frequency identification systems, smart meters and
broadband wireless networks; and
putting most of the new band for studio-to-transmitter links
up for auction as 20-year rights.
The non-cellular services and applications using this frequency
range are land mobile radio, fixed links including radio
broadcast studio-to-transmitter links, and short-range radiocommunications.
The band is also home to cellular spectrum
held by Telecom, Vodafone and 2degrees Mobile.
Submissions close on 30 June 2009. Email them to radiospectrum@med.govt.nz
(subject line: “806-960 MHz Band Replanning”), or post to: 806-960 MHz Band
Re-planning, Radio Spectrum Policy and Planning, Ministry of Economic
Development, PO Box 1473, Wellington. The discussion paper is at
www.rsm.govt.nz
Cigarette Safety Standard?
Standards NZ is proposing to establish burning standards for
cigarettes in a bid to prevent accidental fires, particularly bed
fires caused by smokers who fall asleep. In a consultation
paper, “Determination of the extinction propensity of
cigarettes”, it’s noted that carelessly handled cigarettes caused
around 12% of the fire deaths in Australia from 2000 to 2002.
Submissions close on 22 June 2009. The proposed standard is at
http://shop.standards.co.nz/drafts/DZ4830-4830PCdraftv2.pdf
Wanganui or Whanganui?
What do you think?
Submissions close 17 August 2009. An online submission form is at
http://www.linz.govt.nz/placenames/consultation-decisions/a-toz/
whanganui/name-change-submissions.aspx, or you can post one to Secretary
for the NZ Geographic Board Nga Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa, c/- Land Information
NZ, PO Box 5501, Wellington 6145, fax 04 460 0112, email info@linz.govt.nz.
More is at http://www.linz.govt.nz/placenames/consultation-decisions/a-toz/
whanganui/index.aspx, or tel freephone 0800 665 463
Food Safety: Codex Review
In 2005, a strategy was developed guide NZ's participation in
Codex. The main purpose of Codex - the Codex Alimentarius
Commission - is to protect the health of consumers and ensure
fair trade practices in the food trade.
The Codex strategy is being reviewed and updated because there have been
changes both within the NZ Food Safety Authority (NZFSA - the lead agency for
Codex), and in the Codex system.
Submissions close on 19 June. They go to M Casey, Policy Group, NZ Food
Safety Authority, P0 Box 2835, Wellington, email michelle.casey@nzfsa.govt.nz.
More is at http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consultation/review-of-2005-codex-strategy/
Lake Rotoma: Action Plan
Monitoring has shown that the water quality Lake of Rotoma
(located between Rotorua and Whakatane) is slowly
deteriorating. The Rotorua Lakes Strategy Group (RLSG) is
seeking public submissions on an action plan it has developed
to deal with this. The plan requires the amount of phosphorus
being discharged into the lake to be reduced by at least 35%,
and the amount of nitrogen by at least 7%.
Submissions close on 3 July 2009. More is at
http://www.envbop.govt.nz/Water/Lakes/Lake-Rotoma.asp
Religion in NZ Schools: Guide
A draft guide called “Religion in NZ Schools - Questions and
Concerns” is going through a final round of consultations. The
guide sets out relevant legislation and considers a number of
issues around provision of religious instruction in schools. It
has been developed as a resource for Boards of Trustees,
Principals and the wider school community.
Submissions close on 30 June 2009. For more information/copies of the guide
email nzdiversity@hrc.co.nz
Current IRD Consultations
The Department of Inland Revenue (IRD) is currently
consulting on a number of draft items:
a draft determination for Firewood Processors and Log
Splitters;
benefits by third parties - fringe benefit tax consequences
- section CX 2 (2); and
the relationship between section 113 of the Tax
Administration Act and the second proviso to section 20(3)
of the GST Act.
IRD wants to know whether you think these drafts are:
technically accurate, fairly reflect taxation legislation, are in line
with commercial reality, and useful in practical situations?
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 9
Send comments on all three drafts by 12 June 2009. You can either email them
to public.consultation@ird.govt.nz, or post them to Team Manager, Technical
Services, Office of the Chief Tax Counsel, Inland Revenue Department, PO Box
2198, Wellington. More is at http://www.ird.govt.nz/public-consultation/current/
Managing Mt Aspiring National
Park
The Department of Conservation (DoC) is consulting on a
management plan for Mt Aspiring National Park in order to
protect the values that make it special and make sure people
can enjoy them. Some of the issues that need to be managed
so this can happen include: aircraft use, visitor pressures,
protecting natural quiet, commercial activity in remote and
wilderness areas, and introduced pests – and these are
considered in the plan.
Submissions close on 30 June. They go to Mount Aspiring Management Plan
Review, Department of Conservation, PO Box 176, Alexandra 9340, fax 03 440
204, email bhunt@doc.govt.nz. More, including an online submission form, is at
http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/
NZ Marine Mammals & Fish
The Department of Conservation (DoC) is seeking
submissions about any changes in the threatened species
status of NZ’s marine mammals and marine fish species. The
information you provide will help DoC update marine fish and
mammal lists in the NZ Threat Classification System.
Submissions close for both marine mammals and marine fish on 22 June 2009.
They go to Scientific Officer (Species), Terrestrial Conservation Unit, email
threatstatus@doc.govt.nz, or to Department of Conservation, PO Box 10-420,
Wellington 6143. More is at http://www.doc.govt.nz/gettinginvolved/
consultations/current/new-listing-of-threatened-status-of-new-zealandmarine-
species/
Current ERMA Consultations
The Environmental Risk management Authority (ERMA) is also
currently consulting on the following (closing dates for
submissions are in brackets):
the procedure and requirements for issuing a test
certificate for the design for a stationary tank or process
container (22 June);
a single pack anti-fouling paint for use on boats (1 July);
a vet medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections in
farm animals (18 June);
herbicide for the control of grass weeds in many broadleaf
crops (15 June);
a solution for the treating of timber and wood products at
industrial treatment facilities (18 June); and
manufacturing concentrates with fungicidal properties for
use in the preparation of other mixtures (29 June).
More, including online application forms, is at
www.ermanz.govt.nz/consultations/consult-apps.html
Rural
Cows Genetic Code Sequenced
Better disease resistance, higher quality meat, and less
methane emissions are the possible spin-offs from completing
the sequencing the genome* of a cow (specifically, a female
Hereford cow named L1 Dominette) following six years of
research by a consortium of more than 300 scientists from 25
countries.
Completion of the genome sequence paves the way for
research into more sustainable food production, taking into
account the needs of an increasing world population. The
scientists involved in the project say the findings of this study
may also provide the means to select animals with a smaller
environmental footprint, particularly animals with less
greenhouse gas emissions.
*The genome of an organism is its hereditary information
encoded in DNA (the “building blocks” of life). The sequence of
DNA encodes the necessary information for living things to
survive and reproduce. Determining the sequence is therefore
useful in fundamental research into why and how organisms
live.
Enterprising Rural Woman
Award Winners
A boutique Wairarapa tourism venture has won the Rural
Women NZ Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009. The Tora
Coastal Walk, run by Jenny Bargh and Kiri and Kath Elworthy,
is the first winner of the BNZ - sponsored award, which
attracted 46 entries from all over the country.
Runners up were - Jan Bolton of Kaingaroa Roading
Contractors Ltd based in Murupara, and Beverley Forrester of
“Blackhills”, a paddock-to-catwalk sheep farming and designer
wool operation based in Hurunui, North Canterbury.
Rural Women NZ set up the Enterprising Rural Woman Award
to highlight the innovative ways women are contributing to the
rural economy, and their determination to succeed in the face
of the extra challenges presented by the difficulties in
accessing technology and geographical location.
NZX Acquires Rural Publisher
The NZ Stock Exchange (NZX) is finalising an agreement to
acquire Country-Wide Publications Ltd (CPL). CPL’s products
include The NZ Farmers Weekly, Country-Wide North and
Country-Wide South, NZ Dairy Exporter, Deer Farmer, and
Young Country.
Avoiding Farm Injuries
As we're nearly half way through the year, it is a good time to
think about your farm’s safety record and consider ways to
maintain safe practices. Unless we improve agricultural
practices, recent ACC statistics indicate that:
20 agricultural workers will lose their lives in the workplace
during 2009 (one death every 18 days); and
every day 13 people will be seriously injured on farms.
The following recent investigations are clear reminders of the
importance of thinking and working safely:
10- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
a Mangakino diary farmer slid under a cow and broke his
leg when he tried to drop the cow in a paddock to treat
suspected milk fever (he later agreed that this strategy
was not recommended standard practice and he was
looking to save time);
an 80-year old man fractured his ribs and pelvis when he
fell off logs while working with a chainsaw near Mahoenui;
a 19-year old Wairoa woman received back injuries after a
cattle beast kicked a gate onto her;
a visitor to a South Head farm was knocked unconscious
and received lacerations to his face and limbs after falling
off a quad bike and being run over by a trailer; and
a 77 year old man was airlifted to hospital after a tractor
rolled over his lower legs at Mangatarata.
How to avoid injury
In a nutshell, taking practical action on your property to reduce
risk can save many lives and injuries, including your own.
Ask yourself if you and your staff have the right skills and
strategies to eliminate, isolate, or minimise safety hazards on
your rural property. Consider all aspects of your farm (inside
and outside), the machinery, and changing conditions
(weather, soil etc). Then, ask yourself, what is the safest way
to work?
Putting in place FarmSafe’s Golden Rule will reduce the risk of
injury: “4x2 ….take 4 steps back and think for 2 minutes”.
For more information visit www.farmsafe.co.nz
Environment
Landcare’s CarboNZero
Programme: World First
The CarboNZero programme Landcare Research manages is
the first greenhouse gas certification scheme in the world to
receive accreditation under the rules of the International
Accreditation Forum. The programme provides an online
calculator for organisations and households to measure their
greenhouse gas emissions (or carbon footprint) and to
understand their emission sources. Organisations which have
reduced and accounted for unavoidable emissions can be
certificated (subject to an audit) and use the information for
their carbon labelling requirements.
Managing NZ’s Resources: Part
II
Following the first phase of checking the law relating to the
way NZ manages its resources – the introduction of the
Resource Management Act Amendment Bill into Parliament –
a second phase of work is underway.
In this, economic and environmental outcomes relating to
resource management will be considered, including:
the management of aquaculture, infrastructure, urban
design, and water;
the relationship between the Resource Management Act
and the Building, Conservation, Forests, and Historic
Places Acts; and
some RMA processes that were too complex to include in
the first part of the reforms.
It will also involve the setting up of an Environmental
Protection Authority.
Tiritiri Matangi: Top Restoration
Site
Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park has been
named one of the top 25 ecological restoration projects in
Australia and NZ. It was selected for its variety of restoration
activities (which date back to 1984), the high level of
community involvement, and the amount of restoration
research undertaken by seven universities and polytechnics.
More information is at www.globalrestorationnetwork.org/countries/australianewzealand/
new-zealand/, and www.doc.govt.nz/top25
Tourism
International Travel/Migration:
April 2009
The number of people visiting NZ in April 2009 (195,900) was
up 16,500 (9%) from the previous April, according to Statistics
NZ (SNZ). The timing of Easter, from March in 2008 to April in
2009, contributed to the increase. For the combined months of
March and April 2009, visitor arrivals were down 2% on the
same two months in 2008.
More people visited from: Australia (up 16,800), Hong Kong
(up 1,400), and Germany (up 900), but fewer from Korea
(down 3,200) and Japan (down 1,100). The 2.417 million
visitor arrivals recorded in the April 2009 year were down
65,900 (3%) from the previous April year.
New Zealand residents went on 162,400 short-term overseas
trips in April 2009, down 1,900 (1%) from April 2008. There
were fewer trips to Fiji (down 1,500), China (down 1,100), and
Japan (down 900). In contrast, more NZers went to Australia
(up 2,900) and Samoa (up 900). For the April 2009 year, there
were 1.940 million New Zealand resident departures, down
57,100 (3%) from the previous year.
Some 400 more people came to NZ (permanent and longterm)
than left it in April 2009: in April 2008 1,300 more people
left here than came here. The increase was mainly due to
1,600 fewer PLT departures of New Zealand citizens.
PLT arrivals exceeded PLT departures by 2,200 in April 2009,
up from 1,700 in March 2009 and 1,600 in February 2009.
These figures are all well above the average of 400 recorded
for the 25-month period from January 2007–2009.
New Zealand's annual net PLT migration balance was a gain
of 9,200 in the April 2009 year, up from 4,700 in the April 2008
year. The net PLT outflow to Australia was 32,000 in the April
2009 year, down from the record net outflows of 35,400 in both
the December 2008 and January 2009 years.
PLT arrivals of New Zealand citizens numbered 24,500 in the
April 2009 year, just above the average of 23,400 for the
1979–2008 December years (arrivals of New Zealand citizens
tend to show little variation year-to-year).
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 11
Working Holidays in NZ
NZ has working holiday schemes with 30 countries which
entitle 18 to 30-year-olds from those countries to holiday and
do incidental work here for up to a year (two years for UK
citizens). These visitors have also been able to complete a
single three-month course of study during their holiday.
Changes coming up in July to this scheme mean that the
restriction to one three-month course of study per holiday will
be removed, and NZ will be able to negotiate with each
participating country for the study entitlement to increase from
three months to six months.
Health and Welfare
Revised Health Targets
A recently-revised short list of six health targets is aimed at
enabling District Health Boards to focus on front line services,
and reducing administrative monitoring and reporting
requirements. The six targets are:
shorter waiting times for emergency department
treatment;
smoking;
immunisation;
diabetes;
cardiovascular services; and
reduced waiting times for critical cancer treatment and
elective surgery.
The list will be reviewed again next year.
Fixing Eyes in the Pacific
NZ is contributing $5.6 million to a trans-Tasman project that
will improve eye health, and treat blindness in the Pacific. It is
estimated there 80,000 blind people and a further 250,000 with
impaired vision in the Pacific, and that up to 75% of blindness
is preventable.
Under the programme, to which Australia is contributing $11.2
million to this project, the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ will train
and equip at least 45 eye nurses and eight eye doctors
throughout the Pacific and in Timor-Leste over the next three
years. After training, each new eye doctor will be able to
perform at least 200 cataract operations and see over 1000
new patients a year in their own country.
For more information visit www.hollows.org.nz or www.nzaid.govt.nz
OSH/DoL & Safe Workplaces
The Department of Labour (DoL) has set out the principles and
policies it follows when enforcing the Health and Safety in
Employment Act on its website. Under the policy, if noncompliance
is minor and does not endanger anyone DoL could
try to agree with the operator about how they can comply with
the Act. However, if there is serious non-compliance, or there
is a likelihood of someone being seriously hurt, it is more likely
to use an infringement notice or prosecution.
More is at http://dol.govt.nz/publications/research/keeping-work-safe
LPG Cabinet Heaters: Safe Use
The LPG Association offers the following information on safe
use of LPG cabinet heaters:
when connecting a new or refilled cylinder, apply soapy
water to the cylinder connections and turn on the cylinder.
If bubbles appear you should close the valve immediately
and contact an LPG service agent;
keep your LPG heater at least 1 metre from anything that
could catch on fire;
put a safety guard around your heater if you have young
children at home;
open a window by 2cm when your heater is on: this
removes emissions, reduces condensation, and keeps the
air fresh – and never use an LPG heater in your bedroom
or bathroom;
if you smell LPG turn off your heater and cylinder
straightaway and contact an LPG service agent; and
take your heater and cylinder to an LPG service agent and
have it checked yearly.
For more information about LPG safety to www.energysafety.govt.nz, or to
www.lpga.org.nz, or tell 0508 377 463
Mothers and Children: Three
Reports
They are:
Educating Mothers about Childbirth…
A recent Families Commission study describes women’s
access to, and perception of, childbirth education services
offered by providers in the 21 District Health Boards (DHBs).
The report says some new mothers are falling between the
gaps as a result of poor information and access to services
provided around the time of childbirth. It also shows that the
quality of the information and services they are getting differs
greatly between the health regions.
The study looks at questions around the professional antenatal
and postnatal services in NZ like: How do these services
measure up in NZ? Are the services provided equally
accessible throughout the country? Do they meet women’s
needs? Are they culturally appropriate? And is there a smooth
referral process from the providers of antenatal care to the
providers of support for those vital first weeks of being a new
parent?
Download the report, Childbirth Education Antenatal Education and transitions of
Maternity Care in NZ” from http://www.nzfamilies.org.nz/files/RF-Childbirth-
Education.pdf
…Children: Love Goes a Long Way…
The critical role of parents and caregivers in the physical
development of childrens’ brains has been highlighted in a
Families Commission report, “Healthy Families, Young Minds
and Developing Brains.” The report shows how a child's
experience of love, pleasure, and security - or the lack of these
- has a major impact on issues as diverse as family violence,
crime, social, and educational success and mental health.
Download the report from http://www.nzfamilies.org.nz/files/RF-Healthy-
Families.pdf
12- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
… & State of the World’s Mothers
Save the Children has released its 10th annual State of the
World’s Mothers, which focuses on the link between school
success and investing in early learning opportunities for young
children. The report shows that NZ has met six out of ten key
benchmarks of suggested minimum standards for early
childhood development in wealthy countries. Sweden tops the
wealthiest countries in its commitment to early childhood
development meeting all ten key benchmarks, while Australia
meets two, and Canada and Ireland come last - meeting one
benchmark.
The areas that NZ does not meet the minimum requirements
are:
parental leave of 1 year at 50% of salary;
1% of GDP spent on early childhood services;
child poverty rate less than 10%; and
near universal outreach of essential child health services.
The report also presents the annual global Mothers’ Index
which lists the best and worst places to be a mother. NZ
comes in sixth place among the top ten best places with
Sweden ranking first, followed by Norway, Australia, Iceland,
and Denmark, then by Finland, Ireland, Germany, and the
Netherlands.
The full report is at www.savethechidren.org.nz
Disability Issues: New
Committee
The Government has set up a Ministerial Committee on
Disability Issues to be responsible for the way the NZ Disability
Strategy and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities “promote, protect and ensure the full and equal
enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all
persons with disabilities….”.* The committee will be chaired by
the Minister for Disability Issues and it has other government
ministers as members.
*Quote from the Convention on the rights of Persons with
Disabilities: article 1.
Food Security: Two Resources
A new resource called “Food Security Among Maori in
Aotearoa – Part II” is designed to give communities ideas
about what they can do to improve their food security. Food
security is not about personal choice alone – food security (or
lack of it) can also be the result of environmental factors, such
as the ease with which you can get to quality supermarkets
and to fast - food outlets.
The resource includes ideas such as kohanga growing their
own fruit and vegetables, a kura planting feijoa trees as a
windbreak, a marae purchasing fruit wholesale and selling it on
to whanau for no profit, and local health providers advocating
for petrol stations to sell fruit instead of having “specials” on
chocolate bars.
Research shows that households that are the least foodsecure
have people with the highest body mass index. This is
because foods high in fat and sugar are the cheaper option.
The toolkit was developed by Te Hotu Manawa Maori.
For more information tel 09 638 5803
The Obesity Action Coalition also recently released a report
called “Food Security for Pacific Peoples in NZ”. The report
says that 46.6% of Pacific households with children stated that
they could always afford to eat properly, compared to 86.1% of
NZ European and other culture households. By comparison, in
1997, 60% of Pacific households with children reported that
they could always afford to eat properly.
The report says that Pacific peoples have picked up the
challenge of food security and that there is a lot of good work
going on in this area, with many programmes in place.
However, the report also notes that these initiatives will be
successful only if policies and local environments also offer
support – because healthy food is more expensive than less
healthy food, not as easy to access, and not always as tasty.
You can download the report at
http://www.obesityaction.org.nz/pfsr/PacificfoodsecurityreportfinalMarch09.pdf
Education
Trades Academies for
Secondary Students
The Ministry of Education is to set up trade academies that will
focus on delivering trades and technology programmes to
secondary students in Years 9 to 13. The idea is to motivate
more students to stay engaged in learning and training by
providing them with a greater number of options for study;
provide them with clear career pathways by giving them a
head start on training for vocational qualifications; and improve
the responsiveness of schools to business and economic
needs.
Trades academies could be on-site at school, be made up of
secondary, tertiary and business partnerships, or be virtual
academies that facilitate students moving between standard
school delivery, tertiary training providers, and industry-based
experience and mentoring.
More is at
http://www.minedu.govt.nz/educationSectors/Schools/Initiatives/TradesAcademie
s.aspx
Upskilling Future School
Principals
A new plan called the Professional Leadership Plan is now in
place. Its aim is to give future principals the knowledge, skills,
and support they need to lead effective teaching and learning
for every student, and help teachers move more quickly into
leadership positions in their schools. The plan, which focuses
on hard-to-staff schools and on upskilling Maori and Pasifika
teachers, follows on from a successful pilot programme.
The Professional Leadership Plan is at www.educationalleaders.govt.nz
Employment
Unemployment Rate Reaches
5%
In the March 2009 quarter, the unemployment rate increased
for the fifth consecutive quarter, to reach 5.0%. Male
unemployment rate increased to 5.1%, female unemployment
rate to 4.9%. During the quarter, the number of unemployed
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 13
increased by 7,000 to reach 115,000. Since the March 2008
quarter, the number of people unemployed has risen by
30,000.
Salaries and Wages
Private sector salary and wage rates (including overtime)
increased 3.1% in the year to the March 2009 quarter and
0.6% in the March 2009 quarter. Salary and wage rates
(including overtime) for the public sector increased 4.3% in the
year to the March 2009 quarter and 0.6% in the March 2009
quarter.
Salary and ordinary time wage rates rose 3.4% in the year to
the March 2009 quarter and overtime wage rates increased
3.8% in the same period. In the March quarter, salary and
ordinary time wage rates increased 0.6%, while overtime wage
rates rose 0.8%.
The median increase for all surveyed salary and ordinary time
wage rates that rose in the year to the March 2009 quarter was
4.2%. In the same year, the mean increase for all surveyed
salary and ordinary time wage rates that rose was 5.7%.
Transport
Road User Charges Review
Report
A report of the independent review of road user charges (RUC)
makes no less than 32 recommendations. Amongst them are
recommendations that:
the current RUC system be retained for diesel vehicles,
rather than moving to a diesel tax (because of costs that a
diesel tax would impose on non-transport users);
NZ move towards setting up an electronic RUC collection
system; and
six weeks notice be given for any future increases in RUC
rates.
Officials have been asked for further advice on the workability
of some of the recommendations.
More is at http://beehive.govt.nz/release/road+user+charges+review+released+0
Security on Domestic Aircraft
Following a review of aviation security, flight deck security on
domestic aircraft is to be tightened to reduce the risk of
interference with an aircraft mid-flight. Measures include
strengthening existing cockpit doors on aircraft with more than
30 seats, and investigating the installation of cockpit doors for
19-seat aircraft.
Housing
NZ Property Market: Overseas
Interest
In the year to April, real estate firm Realestate.co.nz recorded
a 14% spike in the number of homes-for-sale search sessions
initiated by site visitors living outside New Zealand - and a 17%
increase in similar offshore-based searches for kiwi rental
properties.
The biggest increase in international rental search traffic came
from Spain, which is up 248% over the year, followed by
Ireland (up 172%), the Russian Federation (132%), and
Singapore (up 130%).
In terms of overseas browsers investigating homes for sale,
traffic from Spain is (up 226%), followed by China (up 211%),
the Russian Federation (up 157%), and Taiwan (up 129%).
Of the top 20 overseas countries providing property search
traffic to Realestate.co.nz, only two markets – Australia and
South Africa – recorded a drop in traffic over the past year.
Rental property search traffic from Australia was down 11% in
the year to April, while rental searches originating from South
Africa were down 55%. When it came to homes-to-buy
searches, Australian traffic was down 9% and South African
traffic was down 49%.
Property Market Values
Stabilising?
The Quotable Value national residential property indicators for
April showed a 9.2% decline in property values over the last
year, a slight improvement on the 9.3% yearly decline reported
during the previous month. This is the first time the trend in
property values has improved since September 2007.
Property values in the main centres have begun to flatten over
recent months. And, prices being paid for property in most
provincial centres have been flat for the past few months.
New Residential Tenancies Bill
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill (No 2) introduced
last year has been reviewed. It would now (amongst other
things):
extend the Act (including protecting access to advice,
information and, dispute resolution services) to more
people involved in renting, such as tenants in boarding
houses;
introduce principles to indicate when landlords or tenants
are responsible for charges such as water or rates;
introduce new processes for terminating and renewing
tenancies, to provide an appropriate balance between
flexibility and certainty of tenure;
increasing fines and damages claims and introducing new
penalties;
provide for faster dispute resolution;
require action to be taken when there are assaults, or
threats of assault, by tenants' guests or associates; and
require landlords to disclose whether the premises have
had to be cleansed under a statutory order (e.g., because
the premises have been contaminated due to
methamphetamine manufacture).
14- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
Energy
Revised Electricity Commission
Role
A recently-released Government Policy Statement (GPS) sets
out objectives and outcomes expected from the Electricity
Commission. It:
emphasises security of supply;
introduces a streamlined, simplified process for
transmission investments under $20 million in value; and
signals a review of the NZ Energy Strategy, and
assessment of any duplication with the NZ Energy and
Efficiency Conservation Strategy.
Information on the revised GPS for Electricity Governance is available at
www.med.govt.nz/electricity/gps/
Commerce Commission Report:
Electricity Pricing
Following on from the Wolak investigation for the Commerce
Commission in 2005 into electricity pricing, the Commission
has found no evidence of breaches of the Commerce Act,
although it will be issuing one warning regarding a risk of a
breach.
The Commission says that each of the four largest generatorretailers
– Contact, Genesis, Meridian, and Mighty River Power
– is likely to have held substantial market power on a recurring
basis, particularly during dry years. However, that behaviour
does not meet the criteria of “taking advantage” of market
power for a proscribed purpose, namely the hindering or
deterring of competitors, under section 36 of the Act, and
therefore it is not a breach.
The investigation followed complaints about high electricity
prices, large company profits, a perceived low level of
competitive activity, and allegations of anti-competitive
conduct.
More is at
http://www.comcom.govt.nz/BusinessCompetition/Publications/Electricityreport/D
ecisionsList.aspx
2009 EECA Awards: Winners:
The following were winners in the 2009 Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Energy Awards:
Supreme winner, Mick Ingram, of Radford Yarn
Technologies;
Shell NZ Transport Award: Auckland International Airport
Ltd;
Large Business Award (two winners) : Energy for
Industry/Winstone Pulp International and NZ Steel Ltd;
Eco Insulation SME Business Award: Winner: Yealands
Estate Wines;
Public Sector Award: Department of Conservation;
Fujitsu General NZ Residential Award: Otago Regional
Council;
Innovation Award: Energy for Industry/Silver Fern Farms;
Energy Management Award (two winners): Honeywell Ltd
and University of Auckland;
Renewable Energy Award: Radford Yarn Technologies
Ltd; and
the Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy
Award: High Achievement Awards went to Professor C.
Gerry Carrington and Professor Ann Smith.
Electricity from Waves
A proposal to generate electricity from wave energy has been
awarded $760,000 under the Government's Marine Energy
Deployment Fund. The WET-NZ project put forward by Power
Projects Ltd and Industrial Research Ltd (the second to gain
funding under the Fund) is a wave energy device that
responds to changes in wave motion to create energy. It is
moored, and sits below the seas surface. It has been tested in
waters off the Canterbury coast and in Wellington Harbour.
State Sector
Redeployment Option for State
Servants
A new scheme has been set up to help match State servants
who are made redundant with other jobs in the State Services.
It means that State servants who've been made redundant will
now have the option of entering a pool during their notice
period, and of then being considered when vacancies arise in
other State organisations.
The process will be overseen by the State Services
Commission and will be available for all agencies within the
State Services, including Public Service departments, non-
Public Service departments, and Crown entities.
CRIs and Workforce Planning
The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) has reported on and
audit of workforce planning in the nine Crown Research
Institutes (CRIs - the largest providers of scientific research in
NZ).
Workforce planning encourages organisations to understand
the mix of skills and knowledge held by their staff. This enables
organisations to identify whether they need to change that mix
of skills and knowledge to support the delivery of their goals. It
also allows organisations to adapt effectively when business
needs change, and can help identify the staff with
organisational knowledge that needs to be retained.
The OAG found that two CRIs had comprehensive and
established systems to support effective workforce planning,
five CRIs were developing their workforce planning, and two
were in the early stages of carrying out their workforce
planning.
Each CRI linked its delivery of research, science, and
technology products to its ability to attract and retain skilled
staff - and all were facing similar challenges in attracting and
retaining suitably qualified and experienced researchers,
scientists, and technicians.
The report is at http://www.oag.govt.nz/2009/workforce-planning/
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 15
Justice/the Law
Review of Legal Aid System
A review of NZ’s legal aid system is being carried out. The
aims are to make sure that:
it delivers legal services to those who need them most in a
cost - effective way;
fits well with the way the justice system, especially the
court system, works;
is consistent with principles of natural justice and NZ’s
international obligations;
is based on objectives of fairness, efficiency,
effectiveness, and quality;
provides value for money; and
is simple to administer.
The reviewers are to take into account the projected fiscal
environment, and are to develop alternative approaches to
manage/reduce costs. They will look at all aspects of initial
criminal legal services, legal information, education, advice
and representation, and in particular at the areas of criminal,
family, civil, and Waitangi Tribunal legal aid, all eligibility
factors, contracting of providers, and issues, such as the
assignment of cases. They will also consider spending in areas
related to legal aid (for example, lawyers for the child, youth
advocates, etc) and administration of the legal aid system.
Public consultation is timed for August/September, and a final
report is due in November.
Terms of reference for the review are at http://www.justice.govt.nz/media/mediaterms-
of-reference.pdf
Boy Racers: Two New Bills
Two Bills that give police, courts, and local authorities greater
powers to tackle illegal street racers and crush their vehicles
as a last resort have been introduced to Parliament.
The Vehicle Confiscation and Seizure Bill would: allow vehicles
to be seized and destroyed as a new penalty for illegal street
racing; allow vehicles repeatedly used by people with overdue
traffic fines to be seized and sold to pay those fines; and
enable Police and Courts to target illegal street racers who
commit offences in another person's vehicle.
The Land Transport (Enforcement Powers) Amendment Bill
will include provisions to: allow local authorities to create
bylaws that prevent vehicles repeatedly “cruising” city street;
allow the compulsory impoundment of vehicles involved in
illegal street racing; and introduce demerit points for noise
offences, licence breaches, and registration plate offences.
Law Commission & Alcohol
Laws #1
The Law Commission has tabled its first (of three) reports on
the reform of NZ’s Alcohol laws.
In it, the Commission suggests that Parliament should no
longer decide alcohol Bills on the basis of the conscience vote,
and that party-based voting will produce laws that are more
consistent and durable. The conscience vote developed in the
19th and early 20th centuries when the debate about alcohol
was around religion and morality. The Commission says that
today, the emphasis is on achieving the right balance between
harm minimisation and individual liberty: issues too important
to be left to a conscience vote.
More is at http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/ProjectPressReleases.aspx?ProjectID=154
NZ Child and Youth Offending
Statistics
A recent report “Child and Youth Offending Statistics in NZ:
1992 to 2007”, examines trends in Police apprehensions of
children aged 10 to 13, and youth aged 14 to 16, during 1995
to 2007. It also looks at trends in prosecutions of, and orders
and sentences imposed on, young people from 1992 to 2007.
An “apprehension” is recorded when a person has been dealt
with by the Police in some manner to resolve an alleged
offence. Apprehensions represent the number of alleged
offences but not the number of individuals, as people who are
apprehended for more than one offence are counted once for
each offence. The main trends in Police apprehensions 1995
to 2007 are:
child and youth apprehension rates for 2006 and 2007
were the lowest since 1995;
child and youth apprehension rates for property offences
in 2007 were the lowest since 1995; and
from 1995 to 2007 period, population-adjusted violence
apprehensions increased for children and youth, as they
did for all age groups, with children recording the lowest
increase.
And in terms of prosecutions, orders and sentences, the main
trends during 2004 to 2007 are:
from 2004 to 2007 the number of prosecuted cases
involving young people (excluding non-imprisonable traffic
offences) fluctuated, increasing overall by 1.9% (from
5,932 to 6,044);
a Section 282 discharge, which means that the charge is
deemed never to have been laid, was the most common
outcome for prosecutions involving young people in the
last four years; and
overall the number of cases proved in the Youth Court has
decreased in the last four years.
More is at http://www.justice.govt.nz/pubs/reports/2009/nz-youth-justicestatistics-
1992-2007/
Family Court: New Rules
New rules affecting the reporting of Family Court proceedings
are now in effect. They mean that news media may attend
Family Court hearings, and that reports of the proceedings can
now be published so long as there is no information identifying
children or vulnerable people without leave of the judge. If the
judge agrees, parties can bring a support person to the
hearing, and other people will also be able to attend with the
judge's permission.
The judge can ask anyone to leave the courtroom.
Judges are able to direct registrars to appoint lawyers and
specialist report writers, and registrars can issue a summons
under the Domestic Violence Act and direct that additional
people should be served with applications under the Family
Protection Act.
The changes represent the first stage of the Family Courts
Matters legislation. Other parts of the legislation yet to come
16- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
into force include changes to counselling for couples and
parents under the Family Proceedings Act and the Care of
Children Act, and the introduction of counselling for children
and family mediation.
Not-for-Profits
The Community Response Fund
The Government has set up a Community Response Fund
(CRF) of $40 million in response to increased demand for
community and voluntary sector organisations’ services. The
CRF, which will operate for two years, has two parts:
it will provide crisis funding to providers of critical services
that are having real trouble maintaining their services
because of the impact of the economic downturn on their
non-government funding; and
it will provide funding to providers of critical services that
are experiencing big increases in demand for their
services from families, children, young, or older people
because of the economic downturn.
Critical community-based social services including services for
family violence, child abuse and neglect, budget and financial
advice, sexual violence, early intervention for vulnerable and
at-risk children and families, families under stress, and
vulnerable and at-risk people, whether old or young.
The main priority will be given to supporting the delivery of
extra services, while some funding will support innovative
responses to demand.
It will be administered by the Ministry of Social Development
(MSD), with up to 12 regional panels approving applications.
The panels will include representatives from the Ministry of
Social Development, Non-Government Organisations, and,
where appropriate, representatives from the Ministry of Youth
Development, Te Puni Kokiri, the Ministry of Pacific Island
Affairs, and local government.
They will start considering applications in July and then once
every four months over the next two years.
Donating online: Check Your
Website
American user research says many non-profit organisations
could collect more donations from their websites if they stated
what they are about and how they use donations. Usability
studies described on Jacob Neilson’s Alertbox show that some
potential donors had problems when they visited sites to try to
find out about NGO organisations' missions and goals - key
factors in their decisions about whether to give money.
Well-designed non-profit websites are particularly suited for
attracting new donors and efficiently supporting small-scale
impulse giving. Websites are less effective at sustaining longterm
donor relationships. For encouraging customer (or donor)
loyalty, e-mail newsletters remain the Internet tool of choice.
More is at http://www.useit.com/alertbox/nonprofit-donations.html
ESOL Home Tutors Name
Change
ESOL Home Tutors, which provides a range of English
language and settlement services, has a new name: “English
Language Partners NZ. With 23 locations, 200 staff, 3,000
volunteers, and 1,000 new volunteers trained each year,
English Language Partners NZ is Aotearoa/NZ's largest
organisation working with migrants and refugees.
For more information email natoffice@englishlanguage.org.nz, or visit
http://www.esolht.org.nz/news/news/nr1239253555.html
Parliament
Advance Voting: Mt Albert Byelection
This by-election is being held on 13 June.
People can vote in advance if they can’t get to a polling place
on election day because they are out of the Mt Albert
electorate, sick, working, or for any other reason.
There are five advance voting places in the Mt Albert
electorate, and you can vote at Registrars of Electors’ offices
across the country or at the Chief Electoral Office in
Wellington.
The easiest option for people overseas is to download their
voting papers from the elections website www.elections.org.nz
and fax or post them back so they are received by 7pm on
election day. They can also vote in person at overseas posts in
Australia, China, Cook Islands, England, India, and Samoa.
For more information on advance voting call freephone 0800 36 76
Business
Imports/Exports: April 2009
For the month of April 2009 compared with April 2008:
merchandise exports were valued at $3.6 billion, down
$176 million (4.6%);
crude oil led the exports decrease, down $204 million
(61.3%);
merchandise imports were valued at $3.4 billion, down
$745 million (18.1%);
almost two-thirds of the decrease in imports was due to
large one-off capital items in April 2008;
imports of vehicles, parts, and accessories decreased
$127 million (32.4%); and
the trade balance was a surplus of $276 million, or 7.5%
of exports.
Primary Industries Benefit from
R&D
Statistics NZ (SNZ) say that 19% of research and development
(R&D) carried out in 2008 period was for the benefit of NZ's
primary industries. Total R&D expenditure for 2008 was $2.1
billion, an increase of 17% from the $1.8 billion reported two
years previously.
The business sector continues to carry out the most R&D,
accounting for over $900 million undertaken. Other areas set
to benefit from R&D being undertaken are manufacturing,
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 17
health, environment, and information and communication
services. Each of these represented 10% or more of R&D
spending in 2008.The proportion of R&D funded by the
business, government, and university sectors remained steady
between 2006 and 2008, with the government sector funding
43%, just ahead business at 40%.
A full report on the results of this survey will be published this
month.
Complying With Standards: SNZ
Code
Standards NZ has published a code to help organisations in
both the public and private sectors to develop programmes
which show they comply with legislation, industry codes, and
organisational standards, as well as with standards of good
corporate governance, ethics, and community expectations.
You can download the new compliance standards at
http://www.standards.co.nz/web-shop/
Record Fall in Retail Sales
The total sales volume in the retail industries fell a record 2.9%
in the March 2009 quarter, according to Statistics NZ. This is
double the previous largest falls of 1.4% seen in March 1997
and June 2008. For the sixth quarter in succession, the biggest
contributor to the fall in sales volumes was motor vehicle
retailing, down 11.4% in the latest quarter. Sales volumes in
core retailing, which excludes the vehicle-related industries, fell
a record 1.2% in the March 2009 quarter. This is also double
the previous largest falls of 0.6% seen in June 2007 and June
2008.
Volumes fell in 14 of the 20 core industries, led by appliance
retailing (down 5.9%) and department stores (down 3.6%).
Supermarket and grocery stores (up 1.9%) increased the most.
The trend in total retail sales volumes has been declining since
the June 2007 quarter, falling 6.7% since then, the longest and
fastest decline since the series began in September 1995.
The value of total retail sales fell 1.5% ($236 million) in the
March 2009 quarter. This was the fourth consecutive quarterly
fall, and the largest since March 1997 when sales fell 1.6%.
The biggest contributors to the latest fall were motor vehicle
retailing, down 9.2% ($156 million) and automotive fuel
retailing, down 6.6% ($112 million).
The value of core retailing rose 0.3% ($41 million) in the latest
quarter. Only 7 of the 20 core retail industries had sales
increases, the largest coming from supermarket and grocery
stores, up 3.3% ($119 million). The largest offsetting decrease
was in appliance retailing, down 6.1% ($39 million). The trend
in total retail sales values has been falling for the last year and
is now 2.8% lower than in the March 2008 quarter. This is the
longest period of decline since the series began.
In the month of March 2009, total retail sales fell 0.4% ($22
million), led by a 7.4% ($41 million) drop in automotive fuel
retailing. Core retailing rose 0.5% ($20 million), with sales up in
15 of the 20 core industries. The largest increase came from
cafes and restaurants, up 4.4% ($14 million).
Halal Products/Services: Big
Business
According to the Halal Journal, a Kuala Lumpur-based
magazine, the Halal food market has exploded in the past
decade and is now worth an estimated US$632 billion annually
- about 16% of the entire global food industry. If you add in the
fast-growing Islam-friendly finance sector and the myriad other
products and services — cosmetics, real estate, hotels,
fashion, insurance — that comply with Islamic law and the
teachings of the Koran, the sector is worth well over US$1
trillion a year.
The world's 1.6 billion Muslims are younger and, in some
places at least, richer than ever. Seeking to tap that huge
market, non-Muslim multinationals like Tesco, McDonald's, and
Nestlé have expanded their Muslim-friendly offerings and now
control an estimated 90% of the global Halal market.
At the same time, governments in Asia and the Middle East
are pouring millions into efforts to become regional "Halal
hubs," providing tailor-made manufacturing centres and "Halal
logistics" — providing systems to maintain product purity
during shipping and storage. The increased competition is
changing manufacturing and supply chains in some unusual
places. Most of Saudi Arabia's chicken is raised in Brazil,
which means Brazilian suppliers have built elaborate Halal
slaughtering facilities. Abattoirs in NZ, the world's biggest
exporter of Halal lamb, have hosted delegations from Iran and
Malaysia. And the Netherlands, keen to maximize Rotterdam's
role as Europe's biggest port, has built Halal warehouses so
that imported Halal goods aren't stored next to pork or alcohol.
The movement's advocates envisage Muslim cars and Halal
furniture built in accordance with Muslim finance, labour, and
ethical principles. Citing the kosher and organic industries as
successful examples of doing well by doing good, some
entrepreneurs even see Halal products moving into the
mainstream and appealing to consumers looking for highquality,
ethical products. A few firms that comply with the
Shari’ah code — the religious laws that observant Muslims
follow — point out that already many of their customers are
non-Muslim. At the Jawhara Hotels, an alcohol-free Arabian
Gulf chain run by the Islam-compliant Al Lootah conglomerate,
60% of the clientele are non-Muslims, drawn by the hotels'
serenity and family-friendly atmosphere. And Dutch-based
company Marhaba, which sells cookies and chocolate, says a
quarter of its customers are non-Muslims, mostly people
concerned not about religious edicts but about food safety.
The Halal Journal is at http://www.halaljournal.com/
Money Matters
Food Prices Down in April
Food prices decreased 0.6% in the April 2009 month according
to Statistics NZ. The fruit and vegetable (down 2.0%), grocery
food (down 0.4%), meat, poultry and fish (down 0.8%), and
non-alcoholic beverage (down 0.9%) subgroups all fell.
Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food (up 0.4%) was the
only subgroup to rise.
The most significant decrease came from the fruit and
vegetables subgroup (down 2.0%), which was driven by lower
prices for kiwifruit (down 54.8%). Kiwifruit is coming into
season and large price falls usually occur in April and May.
The most significant individual upward contribution came from
tomatoes (up 26.2%).
Within the other subgroups, the most significant downward
contributions came from lower prices for fresh chicken (down
3.4%), margarine (down 9.4%), and fresh milk (down 1.5%).
18- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
For the year to April 2009, food prices rose 7.6% with all five
subgroups recording increases: grocery food (up 6.7%), meat,
poultry and fish (up 11.5%), fruit and vegetables (up 9.9%),
restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food (up 5.2%), and nonalcoholic
beverages (up 7.5%). Within these subgroups, the
most significant upward contributions came from higher prices
for ready-to-eat food (up 5.3%), bread (up 12.8%), beef (up
12.5%), and soft drinks (up 7.2%). The most significant
downwards contributions came from lower prices for cheddar
cheese (down 15.7%), and tomatoes (down 15.8%).
Are You Entitled to a Rates
Rebate?
Home owners on low incomes may be entitled to a rebate of
up to $530 off their council rates, through the Rates Rebate
Scheme.
To be entitled to a rebate, a person needs to be on a low
income and pay rates for the home they live in. The amount of
rebate depends on a person's income, how high their rates
are, and how many dependents they have. The higher a
person's rates, or the more dependents they have, the higher
their income can be before the rebate is reduced.
Most superannuitants and beneficiaries and many employed
people on low incomes would be entitled to a rebate. NZ
superannuation and most other Work and Income benefits are
counted as income when assessing eligibility for a rates
rebate. However, a number of benefits and allowances, such
as the disability allowance, child disability allowance, family tax
credits, and most war pensions (other than veteran's pension)
do not count as income for rates rebate purposes.
So, for example, a couple who receive NZ Superannuation,
with no other income and two dependents, would probably get
the full $530 rebate if their rates were $1,782 or more.
The scheme is administered by the Department of Internal
Affairs (DIA) but ratepayers apply directly to their local council
for a rebate. They must declare their income for the tax year
preceding, the start of the rating year (e.g. for the rating year
2008/09, they will need to declare their income for the year
ending 31 March 2008). They must also get the application
signed by an authorised person such as a council staff
member, Justice of the Peace, solicitor, chartered accountant,
or minister of religion.
There are also some specific rules about properties that are
owned by trusts that can affect a ratepayer's eligibility, and
ratepayers should check these with their local council before
applying.
Last year councils approved around 111,000 rebates, and so
far in 2008/09 more than 104,000 rebates have been granted.
To apply for a rebate for the current rating year applications must be lodged with
the local council no later than 30 June 2009. For more information on the scheme
visit www.ratesrebates.govt.nz
The Price of Milk
The Oily Rag Research Department has carried out an
electronic survey of 600 people to find out how much they are
paying for milk. The survey compared the cost of various kinds
of two-litre bottles of standard blue stop non-organic milk. The
researchers found that:
there is a significant difference in the retail price. One
person said they pay $3.25 for milk at their supermarket
which sells for $4.60 at their local dairy;
the same milk is bottled under different brands and sold at
different prices;
the retail price of milk processed by small independent
producers is significantly cheaper than their much larger
competitors;
the lowest price for a standard 2-litre bottle was $2.40 for
Dairy Dale brand at a speciality food outlet in Manukau;
and
the highest price was $5.20 for Anchor brand from a dairy
in Wellington.
The Milk Report is on www.oilyrag.co.nz, along with a publication called “Living
off the Smell of an Oily Rag in NZ”
New Tax System Working Group
A new Tax Working Group is to help the government consider
the major tax policy challenges facing NZ. It is being coordinated
by Victoria University's Centre for Accounting,
Governance and Taxation Research, and will include private
sector and academic experts, and Treasury and Inland
Revenue officials.
Topics to be considered include the fiscal framework, and the
structure of personal income tax, corporate tax, GST, and tax
integrity.
SuperGold Card Benefits:
Survey
SuperGold card users save about a dollar a day on average,
according to a recent online poll carried out by the 50-plus
website GrownUps.co.nz. Almost 500 GrownUps members
who said they were SuperGold cardholders reported how often
they used their cards, and what the value was to them.
The main poll findings are:
36% of respondents had never used their SuperGold card
and 38% used it only once per month;
60% of card holders saved less than $10 per month. 88%
saved up to $30 per month; and
56% said they’d be affected if the card was taken away,
while 37% said they would not be affected.
Internet/ICT
NZers’ Use of Broadcasting
/Media
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage and Te Puni Kokiri
recently commissioned Research NZ to carry out a public
survey of media use in 2008. Amongst the findings:
most people own or have access to a range of media
equipment;
there are very high levels of ownership or access to
television, radio, DVD players, cell phones/PDAs, and
computers with internet access (ranging down this list
from 98 to 85% of those surveyed);
76% own/access a video recorder;
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 19
ownership/access to Sky/TelstraClear pay TV, DVD
recorders/hard drives, iPods/MP3 players, Playstation/Xbox
ranges from 55% (Sky) to 38% (playstations);
Maori are more likely than non-Maori to own these kinds
of equipment;
People aged 15-24 (Maori in particular) are more likely
than all other respondents to have recently purchased
media equipment;
NZers are making increasing use of new technology, but
TV and radio are retaining their dominant role in
households. Radio is particularly popular with older
people;
Internet use is extensive and growing. Maori respondents
use the Internet for a wider range of activities than non-
Maori - for social networking (54% Maori - 35% non-
Maori), downloading music and videos (48% - 37%), and
playing games (33% - 25%);
Cell phone use is high, particularly among youth, who are
more likely to use their phones to take photos, listen to
music or watch video clips etc;
TV is the most popular media source for news, weather,
entertainment, and particularly sport for around three
quarters of all respondents;
a computer with internet access is used by three quarters
of respondents for research/information;
radio remains the main way people access music for just
under half of respondents;
41% of respondents check local news/information through
TV;
multi-tasking is common, particularly among young people
and Maori: half of all respondents reported using, for
example, cell phones and/or internet) while watching
television; and
50% of NZers regularly watch, listen to or read something
in Maori, or about the Maori language or culture. Maori are
more likely to do this daily, for a longer period of time and
for a wider range of purposes.
For the survey 1827 people aged 15 years and older were
surveyed.
The report is at http://www.mch.govt.nz/publications/media-usesurvey/
report.html
ICT Industry Continues to Grow
According to Statistics NZ, total sales of goods and services
from NZ's information and communication technology (ICT)
industry increased 3% to $19.3 billion in the 2008 financial
year. This was similar to the growth rate in sales of ICT goods
and services reported the previous year.
Information from the “ICT Supply Survey: 2007/08” will be included in the OECD
Science, Technology and Industry scoreboard - www.oecd.org/sti/scoreboard -
which will be updated later in 2009
A Handful of Websites
The report of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance
is at
http://www.royalcommission.govt.nz/rccms.nsf/CONTENTPAGES/$first?open
The Government’s response to the report of the Royal
Commission on Auckland Governance is at
http://www.auckland.govt.nz/web/cms_rcauckland.nsf/weblivehome/$first?openn
A Viral Video Chart at http://www.viralvideochart.co/ offers a
comprehensive breakdown of the most popular virals, as well
as interesting information about the kinds of people who are
watching, and at what times the viewing peaked.
An online energy store, Powershop, is at
http://www.powershop.co.nz/ Its customers can buy online pre-paid
power from a variety of suppliers, and can choose whether
they want the cheapest or most environmentally friendly.
Information on recent changes to the way NZAID works and
where it is housed are at
http://www.nzaid.govt.nz/library/publications/corporate/cabinet-papers.html.
Two background papers and a number of Cabinet Minutes
cover the changes to institutional arrangements, mandate, and
policies of the agency.
Treaty Matters
Maori Aquaculture Settlement
The Crown recently signed a Deed of Settlement with iwi of the
South Island for an early cash settlement of $97 million in full
and final settlement of all Crown obligations for “precommencement
space”* obligations under the Maori
Aquaculture Settlement.
The settlement covers the vast majority of NZ’s current
aquaculture development areas including the Marlborough
Sounds, Tasman Bay and Hauraki Gulf, along with the
remainder of the South Island.
This is the first Deed of Settlement to be signed by the new
government.
*“Pre-commencement space” is aquaculture space that was
approved between 21 September 1992 and 31 December
2004.
More about the settlement is at http://www.fish.govt.nz/ennz/
Maori/Details+of++Settlement/default.htm?WBCMODE=Presentation
Arts & Culture
More Locally Made TV
NZ On Air’s “Local Content Report 2008” showed that more
than 11,600 hours of local programming screened in 2008 on
the six national free to air channels. This is the highest level
recorded to date and a 7% increase on last year. Thirty-four
percent of the free to air schedules feature programmes by
Kiwis, for Kiwis. The progress in the last 20 years has been
significant: in 1989 only 59 hours of drama screened (711
hours in 2008); for children’s programmes 464 hours in 1989
(1,047 hours in 2008); and for documentaries 34 local hours in
1989 (691 hours in 2008).
To find out more go to http://www.nzonair.govt.nz/local_content_report_2008.php
20- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
2009 Pacific Music Award
Winners
At these awards Nesian Mystik picked up the Nui FM Best
Pacific Urban Artist Award, the Radio 531pi Best Pacific Group
Award and the coveted Tui for the S3 Best Pacific Music
Album for “Elevator Musiq,”, and the APRA Best Song Award
for the single “Nesian 101”.
Other winners were:
female hip hop and RnB artist, Ladi 6: Pacific Blue Best
Pacific Female Artist for her debut solo album “Time is not
Much”;
Devolo: the NZ Commission Best Pacific Male Artist for
“Heaven & Hell”;
Oyster Music (various artists): Best Pacific Gospel Album
for “The Gospel According to….”;
Tigilau Ness received the Manukau Institute of
Technology Lifetime Achievement Award;
“Sweet & Irie” received the Phillip Fuemana Award; and
the South Auckland Community Church Band received the
Manukau City Council People’s Choice Award.
Maori Television Service: Review
A Review Panel has been looking at the effectiveness of the
Maori Television Service (MTS) Act, five years after it came
into force. The Panel has come up with a number of
recommendations covering Maori language and culture; MTS’s
broadcasting platform; how broadcasting technology fits with
other electronic media; MTS as multi-channel broadcaster; the
focus of the service on the promotion of Maori language and
culture; and legislation that might affect how well the service is
provided.
The report is available at http://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/consultation/mtsa/report/
NZ Short Film: Cannes Award
NZ short film “The Six Dollar Fifty Man” has been awarded the
Special Distinction in the Short Film Competition of the 62nd
Festival De Cannes in France. The film tells the story of an
eight-year-old boy who retreats into a make believe world to
deal with playground bullying. According to the Cannes
Director of Film NZ has had more short films chosen for
Cannes than any other country in the world apart from France.
João Salaviza’s “Arena” from Portugal won the Palme d'Or.
Fishing
Setting Catch Limits: Case
Dismissed
A majority of the Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal
brought by two associations of recreational fishers against
decisions of the Minister of Fisheries in the administration of
kahawai fisheries. Kahawai is a species which is subject to the
quota management system. The NZ Recreational Fishing
Council Inc and the NZ Big Game Fishing Council Inc had
sought judicial review of decisions made in 2004 and 2005 by
the Minister of Fisheries setting the total allowable catch and
the total allowable commercial catch for kahawai in several
quota management areas.
The decision confirms that setting catch limits and the
allocation of catch between the three fishing sectors -
commercial, recreational and customary Maori - is ultimately
the responsibility of the Minister of Fisheries.
Catch limits and the allocation of catch between the three
fishing sectors in the kahawai fishery will now be reviewed,
with any changes applying from 1 October 2010.
General
NZ's population 4.3 million…
Statistics NZ figures show the estimated resident population of
NZ to be 4,306,400 at 31 March 2009. The population
increased by 42,800 (1.0%) in the March 2009 year, compared
with 40,800 (1.0%) in the March 2008 year. Population growth
increased slightly from the March 2008 year level due to
increased net migration.
The main contribution to population growth during the March
2009 year came from natural increase (excess of births over
deaths) of 35,300, down 800 on the previous March year.
Permanent and long-term arrivals exceeded departures by
7,500 in the latest year, up from a net migration gain of 4,700
in the March 2008 year.
At 31 March 2009, the median age for males was 35.5 years
(half are younger, and half older, than this age). The median
age for the female population was 37.3 years. The median age
has increased 2.4 years for males and 2.7 years for females
between the 1999 and 2009 March years.
In the March 2009 year, the growth rate was highest for the
population aged 65 years and over (at 2.5%), followed by an
increase of 1.6% for the population aged 40–64 years. The
number of people aged 15–39 years increased by 0.4%, while
the number of children (aged 0–14 years) increased 0.2% in
the same period.
… Life expectancy increases…
A newborn girl can expect to live an average of 82.2 years and
a newborn boy 78.2 years, Statistics NZ said recently. These
levels for 2006–08 represent longevity gains of 1.1 years for
females and 1.9 years for males since 2000–02. Since 1975–
77, life expectancy at birth has increased by 6.8 years for
females and 9.2 years for males.
There were 64,160 live births registered in the March 2009
year, up 910 (1%) from the March 2008 year. The birth rate
was 2.2 births per woman in the March 2009 year, the highest
rate of fertility since the March 1991 year.
On average, NZ women now have children about five years
later than their counterparts in the mid-1960s. The median age
(half are younger, and half older, than this age) of NZ women
giving birth is now 30 years, compared with 25 years in 1969.
The median age of women giving birth to their first child was
28 years in the year ended March 2009.
Births exceeded deaths by 35,010 in the March 2009 year.
Natural increase has climbed from a low of 26,670 in 2002.
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 21
…& Marriages, Civil Unions &
Divorces
21,900 marriages were registered to NZ residents during
the December 2008 year;
2,000 marriages were registered to overseas residents in
2008;
the general marriage rate was 13.7 marriages per 1,000
not-married population aged 16 years and over in 2008;
327 resident civil unions were registered in 2008, of which
78% were same-sex unions;
78 civil unions were registered to overseas residents in
2008;
9,700 orders for dissolution of marriage were granted in
NZ during the December 2008 year; and
there were 11.3 divorces for every 1,000 estimated
existing marriages in 2008.
UN Report on NZ Human Rights
A NZ delegation presented the country’s five-yearly report on
how the country meets its obligations to the Convention
against Torture (OPCAT) to the United Nations in Geneva at
the beginning of May.
The UN Committee Against Torture’s report welcomed the
constructive dialogue with the NZ delegation and noted this
country had made good progress in meeting its obligations
under the Convention. The Committee noted a range of
positive developments, including NZ’s ratification of the
Convention’s Optional Protocol, to provide for independent
monitoring of all detention facilities.
However, the UN Committee Against Torture has singled out
four issues for which it requests progress reports within a year:
the roll out of tasers by the NZ Police;
conditions of detention in prisons;
how the justice system deals with historic claims of abuse;
and
NZ’s reservation about Article 14 of the Convention
against Torture.
More is at
http://www.hrc.co.nz/home/hrc/newsandissues/unreportsonnewzealandscomplian
ce.php
Matariki: Aotearoa/Pacific New
Year
Once a year, in the winter sky just before dawn, Matariki
comes into view, signalling the Maori New Year. “Matariki” is
the Maori name for the small cluster of stars, also known as
the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, in the Taurus constellation.
Various Maori tribes have celebrated Matariki at different
times. Some held festivities when Matariki was first seen in the
dawn sky in late May/early June; while others celebrated after
the full moon rose or at the beginning of the next new moon.
For all tribes, the importance of Matariki has been captured in
proverbs and songs, which link it with the bright star Whanui
(Vega). In recent times, it has become a special time of the
year to respect the land, celebrate NZ, and continue to share
and grow with each other.
How to Spot Matariki
Matariki comes into view low on the north-eastern horizon,
appearing in the tail of the Milky Way. The best time to see it is
throughout June and early July before it disappears south on
the horizon.
More about Matariki is at
http://www.teara.govt.nz/EarthSeaAndSky/Astronomy/MatarikiMaoriNewYear/1/e
n
Volunteer Awareness Week…
Volunteer Awareness Week runs from 14-20 June. The week
provides NZers with a chance to acknowledge the excellent
work done by all the volunteers in NZ - and also discover
opportunities to get involved in their communities.
It’s a great time for first-timers to give volunteering a go -
whether it be in sport, the arts, civil defence, visiting the
elderly, or simply helping a neighbour. The number of different
voluntary roles available is vast – and anyone can be a
volunteer.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities go to www.volunteernow.org.nz
or call 0800 VOL CNTR
…Maori Language Week…
Maori Language Week, which has been celebrated for over 30
years, will be held from 23 July–2 August with the theme Te
Reo i te Hapori – Maori Language in the Community. Te Taura
Whiri i te reo Maori- the Maori Language Commission has a
number of resources on its website for both learners and
speakers of Maori, and also for businesses.
For more information see the Te Taura Whiri website at
http://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/ and language resources are at
http://www.nzreo.org.nz/
…& World Refugee Day
The global theme for this year’s World Refugee Day on 20
June is “Real People, Real Needs”. Refugee services
throughout NZ are planning a number of events throughout the
country to mark the day.
The average stay in a refugee camp is 17 years, and needs
such as safety, housing, education, water, food, and medical
care may not be adequately met in these camps. What’s more,
less than 1% of the over 11 million refugees worldwide are
resettled in another country (NZ is one of the top ten countries
offering resettlement as a durable solution: we resettle around
750 people a year).
More is at http://www.hrc.co.nz/newsletters/diversity-action-programme/tepunanga/
2009/05/world-refugee-day
Some Conferences/Events
Financial Literacy 09
On 26 June the Retirement Commission is hosting Financial
Literacy 09, a free one - day summit at the Ilott Theatre,
Wellington Town Hall. It is for NZers interested in improving
our population's financial literacy (financial literacy is the ability
to make informed decisions about using and managing
money).
22- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
More is at http://www.retirement.org.nz/news-media/events. Register at
http://www.retirement.org.nz/news-media/events/financial-literacy-09/Register
National Foster Care Conference
The NZ Family & Foster Care Federation (NZFFCF) will be
held in Napier from 26-27 June. Its theme is Me whakapakari
kotahi tatau - Growing together, building together (starting
now).
More is at http://www.nzfostercare.org.nz/information#Conferences
Treaty in the 21st Century Conference
This is being held in the Treaty Resource Centre, Manukau
from 3-4 July. It is for people who are interested in applying the
Treaty of Waitangi in the not for profit, public and private
sectors, in local communities and in their own lives.
More is at http://www.trc.org.nz/conference09. Register at
http://www.trc.org.nz/onlineregistration
SPELD NZ Conference
This conference, being held from 19-21 June 2009 has the
theme of Going for GoLD.
More is at
http://www.newplymouthnz.com/VisitingNewPlymouth/EventsCalendar/Conferenc
esAndReunions/SPELDNZConferenceGoingforGoLD.htm
Mystery Creek Fieldays
These are being held from 10-13 June at Mystery Creek (not
far from Hamilton). This years theme is “My Land, Our
Environment” putting a focus on safeguarding the future of NZ
farming. The Fieldays first Cuisine Artisan Awards 2009 will
recognise NZ’s best artisan food and beverage. This year also
marks the introduction of female bachelor challengers, when
eight single women from the rural sector will be invited to
challenge the blokes.
For further entry details visit http://www.fieldays.co.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/292
NZ Institute of Food Science & Technology
Conference
This is being held in Christchurch from 23-25 June.
More is at www.nzifst.org.nz
NZ Soil Carbon Conference
This conference is being held in Napier from 23-25 June.
For more information go to www.soilcarbonconference.co.nz
Bloom Her Business Forum
The 11th annual BLOOM Her Business forum and marketplace
is being held from 24-25 June at the Heritage Hotel, Hobson
Street Auckland CBD. It will include presentation of the Her
Businesswoman of the Year Awards.
More is at http://www.herbusinessmagazine.com/Events/Bloom.html
Effluent Management Training
“Dealing with Dairy Farm Effluent” is a new training package
developed by the Agriculture Industry Training Organisation
with the assistance of DairyNZ, and support of Fonterra. The
course aims to improve awareness amongst all farm staff of
effluent as a valuable farm resource, and their role in its
effective management. It caters to all levels of dairy worker
experience.
For more information, see http://www.agricultureito.ac.nz/Training/Dairy/Dealingwith-
Effluent/dairyfarmeffluent.jasc
Funding/Awards
Lottery Community Regional Committees
Lottery Community considers applications for developmental or
preventative projects, welfare and support services, or projects
that help to improve the wellbeing of people in the community.
It will fund: activity, resource and programme costs;
administration costs; care and support; domestic travel;
projects encouraging people to participate in their
communities; salaries (up to $30,000); training and
supervision; feasibility studies; one-off projects and new
initiatives; regional and national gatherings; volunteer costs
and expenses; community awareness; and minor capital works
(up to $30,000).
There are 11 Lottery Regional Community Distribution
Committees serving the following regions: West Coast /
Nelson-Marlborough; Canterbury-Kaikoura (including Chatham
Islands); Otago – Southland; Northland; Auckland; Waikato;
Taranaki; Bay of Plenty – Gisborne; Hawkes Bay; Manawatu-
Wanganui; and Wellington.
Applications close on1 July 2009. For more information/to register for a grant go
to Grants Online at http://www.cdgo.govt.nz/ For more information, tel freephone
0800 824 824 or email grantsonline@dia.govt.nz
Lottery Environment and Heritage
Lottery Environment and Heritage grants are for projects which
promote, protect and conserve NZ's natural, physical and
cultural heritage, such as: native regeneration
projects/establishment of native plant nurseries; captive
breeding programmes including animal release to enhance
indigenous fauna; pest and predator eradication programmes;
historical publications; museums, whare taonga and art
galleries; conservation of historic buildings, structures, rolling
stock, archeological sites, and waahi tapu sites.
Applications close on 10 July 2009. For more information/to register for a grant
go to Grants Online at http://www.cdgo.govt.nz/ For more information, tel
freephone 0800 824 824 or email grantsonline@dia.govt.nz
Every Child Counts Awards
Every Child Counts/He Mana to ia Tamaiti is calling for
nominations for two awards. The first is for an institution that
has made a significant difference to improve the status and
wellbeing of children during 2008-09. The second will go to a
person who has made a difference by an action or role that
improves the status and wellbeing of children in 2008-09.
Nominations close on 18 July 2009. They go to Every Child Counts 2009 Awards,
PO Box 6434, Wellington 6141, email them to Barbara@unicef.org.nz. A
nomination form is at:
http://www.everychildcounts.org.nz/docs/ECC2009AwardNominationForm.pdf
IHC Telecom Art Awards
The IHC Telecom Art Awards were established in 2004 to
encourage and recognise creativity from NZers with an
intellectual disability – and over 650 people entered the awards
Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946 Rural Bulletin: June 2009 - 23
in 2008. There are regional and national awards with ten
finalists being selected from each region. Prizes: overall winner
- $5000, second placegetter - $2000, and two other winners -
$1000 each.
Entries close on 3 July 2009. Conditions of entry and entry forms are at
http://www.ihc.org.nz/Default.aspx?tabid=1540
EEO Trust Work & Life Awards
A new award called the Skills Highway Award has been added
to the Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Trust Work &
Life Awards. The award, which is backed by the Department of
Labour (DoL), recognises employers who take practical action
to help staff improve their reading, writing and maths.
Entries close on 23 July 2009. For more information/entry guidelines go to
http://www.eeotrust.org.nz/awards/awards.cfm
Essay Award for Young Economists
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has launched a WTO
Essay Award for young economists working on a PH.D. The
paper must address issues related to the economics of the
WTO (e.g., the design of trade agreements, contingent
protection, trade facilitation etc). The aim is to promote highquality
research on WTO-related issues among young
economists. The winner receives CHF (Swiss Franc) 5,000
and be funded to go to the European Trade Study Group
(ETSG) where the award will be announced.
Entries close on 30 June 2009. Email them to Michele.Ruta@Wto.Org. More is at
http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Media-and-publications/Features/885-WTO-essaycompetition.
php
NZ Post Mansfield Prize 2010
NZ creative writers are invited to apply for the NZ Post
Mansfield Prize 2010 (previously called the Katherine
Mansfield Fellowship). The prize offers a 6 - month residency
in Menton, France.
Applications close on 26 June 2009. For more information email
felicityb@creativenz.govt.nz, or tel 04 498 0735
National Schools Poetry Award
Entries for the 2009 NZ Post National Schools Poetry Awards
2009 for years 11, 12, and 13 students are now open. The
awards celebrate young writing talent in NZ. Would - be
entrants are encouraged to join the Awards Bebo group where
a warm-up Haiku competition is taking place.
Entries close on 15 June 2009. An entry form is at
http://www.nzpost.co.nz/poetryawards. More is at
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0905/S00065.htm. The Awards Bebo site is at
http://www.bebo.co.nz/newz903
NZ Poet Laureate Award
The National Library of NZ is seeking nominations for the
2009-2011 NZ Poet Laureate Award. Nominees will have
made an outstanding contribution to NZ poetry.
The Poet Laureate is committed to writing a publishable
collection and to promoting NZ poetry through readings and
other public events.
Nominations close 19 June 2009. Nomination forms are at www.natlib.govt.nz.,
email poet-laureate@natlib.govt.nz, or post to Poet Laureate Award, PO Box
1467, Wellington, 6104
Qantas Film and Television Awards
There are 64 of these awards across news and current affairs,
general television, documentary, and film. The award
programme is jointly organised by the Screen Directors Guild
of NZ and the NZ Television Broadcasters’ Council. It
celebrates the best of the best in the NZ film and television
industries.
The combined industries employ thousands of NZers and
generated total gross revenue of $2.7 billion in the 2008
financial year, up 11% on the previous year.
Entries close on 15 June 2009. More information is at
www.qantasfilmandtvawardsco.nz
Appointments
Mark Ramsden will be NZ's new High Commissioner to the
Solomon Islands and Heather Riddell will be NZ's next
Ambassador to Vietnam.
Judge Craig Thompson has been appointed Principal
Environment Judge. John Allen has been appointed as Chief
Executive and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Professor Peter Gluckman is the first Prime Minister’s Chief
Science Advisor. Kristy McDonald QC has been appointed
chairperson of the Real Estate Agents Authority (which will
replace the Real Estate Institute of NZ as the oversight body
for the real estate industry). Professor Grant Guilford will be
the new Dean of Science at the University of Auckland. Greg
Goulding has agreed to act as Chief Executive and Chief
Archivist of Archives NZ. David Henry has been appointed
Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission. Annabel Cotton
is the new Commissioner for Financial Advisers. Bruce Pilbrow
and Christine Rankin have been appointed as Families’
Commissioners. John Angus has been appointed NZ’s
Children’s Commissioner. Newly appointed members of the
National Infrastructure Advisory Board are: Dr Rod Carr
(Chair), Sir Ron Carter, Lindsay Crossen, Dr Arthur Grimes, Dr
Terence Heiler, Rob McLeod, John Rae, and Alex Sundakov.
New NZTE Board members are: Peter Townsend, Charles
Finny, and Julie Christie (and sitting Board members Craig
Ellison and Lorraine Witten have agreed to renewed terms).
Grant Kirby has been appointed as a member of the Local
Government Commission. Pieter Burghout is the new Chief
Executive of the Building Research Association of NZ
(BRANZ). Parliament’s new Kaumatua is Rose White–
Tahuparae from Whanganui. John Wood has been appointed
the Crown’s lead negotiator in talks with Whanganui iwi on the
settlement of historical claims. Two new parent community
representatives to the Correspondence School Board of
Trustees have been appointed: Don Blakeney and Jacky
Stafford (a member of Rural Women New Zealand’s National
Council, Jacky sits on its Education Committee, and is also
Chairperson of the Rural Education Reference Group).
Melanie Jones as the new Director of News and Sport at
RadioLIVE News. Manawatu District Council has appointed
Lorraine Vincent as Chief Executive Officer. Graeme Milne is
the new Chair of the Waikato District Health Board.
24- Rural Bulletin: June 2008 Rural Women NZ, PO Box 12021, Wellington 6144, Fax 04 472 8946
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the
information in Rural Bulletin is accurate, Rural Women New
Zealand does not accept liability for error of fact or opinion
which may be present, nor for the consequences of any
financial decision based on the information. Any views or
opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of
Rural Women New Zealand.
Rural Bulletin is a free publication produced by Rural Women New Zealand. Its aim is to build community capacity by circulating
relevant information, so people in rural and other communities have an opportunity to make informed decisions about, and have their
say on, issues and changes that may affect them.