Te Pāti Māori extends our deepest aroha to the 500 plus Whānau Ora workers who have been advised today that the govt will be dismantling their contracts.
For twenty years , Whānau Ora has been helping families, delivering life-changing support through a kaupapa Māori approach.
It has built trust where the government has failed, reached into homes where the system has ignored, and provided solutions that work for our people.
“Our sincerest gratitude goes out to every kaimahi, every whānau navigator, and every provider who has committed themselves to uplifting and helping whānau.You have carried the vision of Tā Mason Durie and Dame Tariana Turia, building a model that has transformed Māori health and wellbeing,”said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
“This decision does not reflect on your mahi—it is a political attack on the very existence of Māori-led solutions.”
“This isn’t just about job losses. This is about whānau who depend on these services—who will now be left without the support they need,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Rawiri Waititi.
“Whānau Ora has consistently outperformed government agencies. It has shown that when Māori lead, Māori thrive. That success should have been recognised and expanded, not gutted.
“Te Pāti Māori acknowledges the excellence in every review and audit that have repeatedly affirmed Whānau Ora’s effectiveness. The results speak for themselves—this is a service that should have been strengthened, not stripped.”
“Our fight isn’t over. We will continue to advocate for Whānau Ora, and the families and ensure that Māori leadership in our own wellbeing is not erased,” Ngarewa-Packer concluded.
New Zealand will showcase its infrastructure pipeline and exciting growth sectors to companies managing about $6 trillion in capitalat next week’s Infrastructure Investment Summit, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.
“The upcoming Summit is all about attracting investment into the infrastructure projects New Zealanders need to get ahead, so that we can grow our economy, create opportunities for New Zealanders, and raise the standard of living for Kiwi families,” Mr Bishop says.
“We’re going to show our international visitors in no uncertain terms that New Zealand is open for business, and we are a country worth investing in.
“New Zealanders can be proud that some of the world’s biggest investment and infrastructure entities are keen to learn about the opportunities New Zealand has to offer.
“The financial companies and institutions attending the summit manage assets and funds worth around $6 trillion of capital and they are headquartered across the world. They include pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and major banks. We also have delegates from the construction and engineering sectors.
“Their decision to come here demonstrates that New Zealand is held in high regard internationally as an economy that is worth investing in.
“We’ll also have representatives from our own investment and construction community, including a number of iwi investment entities, ACC and the New Zealand Super Fund.
“Across the two-day summit, Ministers will showcase our ambitious pipeline of projects in transport, health, education, courts and corrections, and the resources sector. Iwi representatives will highlight the strength of the Māori economy and their own upcoming opportunities for these investors.
“We’ll also highlight four growth sectors – aquaculture, renewable energy, clean technology and advanced transportation which includes some exciting opportunities in space.
“The Government is moving quickly to create a regulatory environment that welcomes international capital and makes it easier to get projects off the ground. We’re reforming foreign investment laws and immigration settings, and our Fast Track Approvals regime is up and running.
“This Government is serious about growing New Zealand’s economy and creating more opportunities for Kiwis to get ahead. The summit is just one part of our ambitious agenda to grow New Zealand’s economy and make life better for Kiwis.”
Attached:
The Infrastructure Investment Summit programme.
Note to Editors:
All companies are attending the summit at their own cost, including travel and accommodation.
International attendees come from 14 countries: Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States of America.
Today, on International Working Women’s Day, FIRST Union is proud to announce that a pay equity claim has been raised with employers on behalf of hundreds of veterinary nurses who work for private providers across Aotearoa.
“As a primarily female-dominated profession, veterinary nurses are historically underpaid and socially undervalued – this must change, and it begins with fair pay,” said Sheryl Cadman, FIRST Union central regional secretary.
“Most vet nurses currently earn around $25 per hour – more than $2 below the current living wage – and the industry as a whole is massively struggling with the recruitment of new vet nurses and the retention of experienced workers,” said Ms Cadman.
“Typically, the vet nurses who care for our pets and livestock can expect to start on minimum wage after completing a 2-year diploma or 3-year bachelor’s degree.”
The Boehringer Ingelheim whitepaper also showed that 41% of veterinary nurses expect to leave the industry within five years, and only 26% expect to stay until retirement.
Jasmin Searle, an Auckland-based senior veterinary nurse and practice manager who has worked in the industry for almost eight years, said that many of her colleagues have chosen to leave the profession due to rising burnout and mental health pressures, stemming from a large workload and insufficient staffing levels.
“I love my job, but I’ve almost walked away from it before,” said Ms Searle. “The combination of poor pay, poor working conditions, and a lack of support led to six resignations within 18 months at my previous clinic.”
“It’s historically considered a ‘caring’ role that relies on soft skills and has been classed as women’s work, leading to major pay disparities with comparable professions and a misunderstanding of what our jobs actually involve.”
“Veterinary nurses are responsible for the majority of a patient’s care – everything from anaesthesia and intubation to X-rays, bloodwork and the administration of IVs.”
“The vast majority of vet nurses who leave the industry do so because they’re heading for Australia, where the pay is better, or they’re leaving the industry altogether because it’s simply not sustainable to operate under so much stress in the long-term for such little pay.”
Ms Cadman said that the majority of veterinary practices are owned by large companies like Vetpartners, Vetlife, Pet Doctors and Animates, who are private entities competing on wages and conditions with each other. According to a2020 Companion Animals in New Zealand(CANZ) report, the country has the second highest proportion of pet ownership in the world.
“We’re a nation of pet lovers but we are not valuing the skilled workers who are there for us and our friends in their time of greatest need,” said Ms Cadman.
“This pay equity claim is more than just about securing a fair wage; it’s about creating a sustainable future for the profession.”
FIRST Union’s pay equity claim for veterinary nurses will receive legal support and assistance from the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi (PSA).
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2025 – As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics have increasingly reshaped industries and societies, promising to be the multibillion-dollar opportunity in the next decade, the VinFuture Prize is committed to recognizing and honoring pioneers who have driven this technological revolution. After the 2024 Grand Prize honored five scientists for their contributions to advancing deep learning, the Prize Council has now welcomed Professor Daniela Rus, Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at MIT, as its newest member.
Professor Daniela Rus. Photo courtesy of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL).
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Professor Rus reflects on her journey in a field long perceived as male-dominated and shares how AI plays an important role in shaping the future of robotics.
From the leap of AI to robots
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for robotics to drive industrial revolution. AI models are surprisingly humanlike in their ability to process text, video, images, and other data when prompted. However, Professor Rus pointed out that so far, these algorithms have largely remained relegated to the digital world, rather than the real world. Meanwhile, robots excel in the physical world but lack inherent intelligence, relying largely on pre-programmed instructions.
This is a decade when AI will finally make the leap from the digital world to the real world. Professor Rus envisions bridging this gap by integrating AI into robotics to make real-world physical machines intelligent. “They can be robots and also other machines, including power grids, sensors, and satellites; essentially anything you want in the physical world,” she said.
This vision requires what Professor Rus calls “physical AI.” In other words, it means developing AI models that not only process information but also understand the physics of the real world, she explained. This requires overcoming the limitations of current statistical AI, which lacks a deep understanding of real-world physics.
Ultimately, Professor Rus emphasized the need to develop AI solutions that are physics-aware, causal, error-free, compact and integrated into physical systems. With many researchers and scientists actively pursuing these advancements, she predicts a complete transformation of industries over the next decade.
“In healthcare, AI-driven diagnostic tools can improve monitoring and disease detection. Meanwhile, autonomous systems promise safer roads, reducing fatalities, and making our transportation system much more efficient and effective. One of the most exciting applications is real-time language translation, which can enable seamless global communication.” she clarified.
In general, AI and robotics hand in hand could liberate humans from mundane routine tasks, enabling them to dedicate their efforts to higher-level activities such as strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. However, Professor Rus also emphasized the importance of acknowledging the current limitations of machine learning and cautioned against over-reliance on robotics as a universal solution.
Embrace the AI era
Recognizing the profound impact of AI on industries and societies globally, Professor Rus expressed her appreciation for the VinFuture Prize’s recognition of the pioneers driving this transformation, comprehensively acknowledge contributions from all three core pillars of AI revolution: machine-learning (Professors Yoshua Bengio – Geoffrey Hinton – Yann LeCun), datasets (Professor Fei-Fei Li) and hardware (Mr. Jensen Huang).
“The prize highlights how far we’ve come from the scientific foundations of AI to the point where it can create so much impact in improving our lives and contributing to a better world,” she exclaimed.
As the newest member of the esteemed VinFuture Prize Council, she expressed her anticipation for a productive collaboration, aligned with the Council’s objectives: “The VinFuture Prize is remarkable,and it is wonderful to see AI researchers and advancements receiving this level of recognition. My expectation is that this collaboration will focus on identifying and celebrating groundbreaking achievements and people who have made those contributions that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.”
Regarding the long-term impact of intelligent robots in the near future, Professor Rus emphasized the necessity of equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills required to navigate this evolving landscape. She highlighted the importance of achieving digital literacy to adapt to the inevitable technological shift, through formal education, corporate training, or community-led initiatives. “It’s important to recognize that these tools are neither inherently good nor bad: their impact depends on how we choose to use them,” she stressed.
With the advocate from the VinFuture Prize to the constant development of AI, Professor Rus was confident that this would serve as a rallying point to inspire more young researchers and developers worldwide to push the boundaries of AI and robots across borders.
“We are at a pivotal moment where AI is beginning to make a profound impact on the world. The Prize will energize the younger generation to participate, learn, and contribute. The more that young scientists and engineers engage with AI and robotics, the faster we will see meaningful advancements that create a more equitable and sustainable future for all,” she remarked.
“The path is never a straight line”
Recognized among the distinguished women leading the global advancement of AI and robotics, Professor Rus traces her passion to an early fascination with science fiction. Her subsequent studies in computer science, mathematics, and astronomy provided a foundation for her academic journey, which was further shaped by the guidance of her future PhD advisor.
Inspired by her advisor, she became deeply intrigued by the potential application of computation to interact with the physical world. “This realization was a turning point for me, as I saw an opportunity to work on something groundbreaking,” she said.
Reflecting on the state-of-the-art at that time, most robots were characterized by humanoid forms, robotic arms, or box-like wheeled machines, predominantly constructed from metal. Despite their power, these industrial robots proved impractical for factory assistance due to their bulk, weight, and inherent safety risks.
Professor Rus adopted an alternative approach to address this challenge: “I realized how the natural world was full of diverse forms and materials and explored ways to expand the definition of a robot to include a wider range of these. In my lab, we pioneered early work in soft robotics and investigated using silicone, paper, and even food as the basis for making new robots.“
This research approach led her to pursue the development of machines possessing both physical form and cognitive capabilities, aiming to optimize the synergy between structural design and intelligent control, motivating machines to act with purpose and adaptability. “By merging smarter AI with innovative materials and designs, we can push the boundaries of what robots can achieve,” she explained.
Throughout her remarkable journey, Professor Rus distinguished herself with unwavering commitment to advancing the science and engineering of intelligence. She demonstrates a persistent dedication to addressing evolving challenges within the field, in pursuit of a future where machines seamlessly integrate into human lives, supporting people in both physical and cognitive tasks.
“Challenges are inevitable, and the path is never a straight line. The key is to stay focused on a big goal.” Professor Rus emphasized, “You have to adapt to wherever science and engineering can take you. Studying these machines has taught me that we have so much opportunity and more left to learn, not only about the machines but also about ourselves.”
The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide.
The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). https://vinfutureprize.org/vinfuture-prize-nomination/
The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring women innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields.
Hashtag: #VinFuture
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2025 – Watch Exchange proudly announces the appointment of renowned Singaporean filmmaker Jack Neo as its official brand ambassador. This strategic collaboration underscores Watch Exchange’s commitment to trust, authenticity, and excellence in the pre-owned watches Singapore market—values that align closely with Neo’s dedication to storytelling and integrity.
As brand ambassador, Jack Neo will build trust and strengthen connections with luxury watch enthusiasts, leveraging his reputation as a trusted public figure. His influence extends beyond entertainment, making him the ideal representative for a brand focused on transparency, consumer education, and trust
A Partnership Built on Excellence & Consumer Protection
Jack Neo is a highly respected filmmaker, actor, and screenwriter with a career spanning over three decades. Known for directing films such as “Money No Enough” and “Ah Boys to Men“, Neo’s ability to connect with audiences through compelling storytelling has made him a household name.
Neo’s first collaboration with Watch Exchange includes the brand’s co-sponsorship of his latest film, “I Want To Be Boss”, which premiered on January 24, 2025. The film incorporates a subplot about AI-generated scams targeting unsuspecting individuals, drawing attention to the growing issue of fraudulent transactions. This theme resonates with challenges faced by first-time luxury watch buyers, many of whom struggle to differentiate genuine timepieces from counterfeits.
“We are honored to welcome Jack Neo as our brand ambassador,” said Watch Exchange’s founder. “His values of authenticity and integrity align perfectly with our mission to provide a trusted place for buying, selling, consigning, and trading brand new and pre owned luxury watches. This partnership goes beyond brand representation—it aims to empower consumers with knowledge, ensuring they make informed, secure decisions when investing in a timepiece.”
With the growing demand for pre owned Rolex and other luxury timepieces, concerns over counterfeit and stolen goods have increased. The pre-owned luxury watch market has expanded rapidly in recent years, attracting both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers who may be more vulnerable to fraud.
As a fully licensed business by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and regulated by the Ministry of Law for purposes of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, Watch Exchange follows strict authentication and verification procedures to ensure that every watch sold is 100% genuine and legally sourced. These rigorous standards provide peace of mind to individuals looking to buy or sell watches in Singapore, reinforcing Watch Exchange’s commitment to consumer protection and industry integrity.
Collectors and watch enthusiasts can explore a curated selection of pre-owned luxury watches at Watch Exchange’s watch shop in Far East Plaza or browse online for a seamless and secure experience.
For more information about Watch Exchange and its range of products and services, please visit https://watchexchange.sg/
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2025 – Every year hundreds of entrepreneurs are launching their brands on Amazon to reach millions of customers in North America and beyond.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, read the inspiring stories of Singapore female entrepreneurs and innovators who are making their mark globally on Amazon through products such as dog toys, health foods, baby essentials, and lifestyle homeware.
1) Ruth, Founder ofRace&Herd
After several years in the corporate world, Ruth realised that something was missing in her life—a deeper sense of purpose. Driven by her lifelong love for dogs, Ruth founded Race&Herd in 2020, using her expertise as a certified dog behaviour expert to create science-backed toys for dogs that require high physical and mental stimulation.
When Ruth saw her dog Dinky’s enthusiastic response to a horse ball, she identified an untapped market opportunity. “Race&Herd recognised what other brands had overlooked—dogs have natural herding instincts that traditional toys weren’t addressing. This insight led to the creation of our signature herding ball, establishing Race&Herd as the pioneer in this innovative product category.”
With a vision to make Race&Herd a global brand, Ruth launched her business through Amazon Global Selling. As demand for Race&Herd products continues to grow today, Ruth has expanded her reach to more markets in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico.
“Seeing my ideas transform into products that make dogs happy is the most rewarding part of what I do. There’s nothing quite like watching your vision materialise and knowing it’s making a positive difference by bringing people and their pet closer together.”
Ruth’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Keep your passion alive! While competition can be fierce, stay connected to what excites you and keep innovating—because innovation is what keeps you ahead of the competition.”
2) Yvon, CEO and Founder,Hegen
For Yvon, the journey to entrepreneurship has been driven by a strong will to make a positive impact on mothers and their experience with breastfeeding.
Yvon’s vision birthed the now-iconic “Sqround” (square-round) bottle —an innovative design without screw thread, making it easier for babies to hold, and to simplify stacking and storage for mothers. “Initially questioned by the industry, the “Sqround” bottle, featuring the award-winning Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open™ (PCTO™) innovation, redefined convenience with its effortless one-hand closure. Our no screw-thread Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open™ innovation set Hegen apart and helped make us a leader in innovation in the mother and baby industry,” says Yvon.
As a woman navigating a traditionally male-dominated baby care industry, Yvon says she faced the challenge of making her voice heard, and had to break barriers with resilience and unwavering determination. “Each obstacle became an opportunity to challenge limitations and push boundaries, not just for myself but for other women in business.”
Yvon’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Dream big and never limit what you can achieve! When we allow ourselves to dream boldly, we can unlock possibilities that we never thought were possible.”
In 2016, Hegen began selling in the Amazon US store (Amazon.com) and has since expanded to Amazon.sg after finding success in the U.S. Becoming an Amazon seller has opened the brand to marketing and selling globally — allowing Hegen to reach mothers around the world easily.
3) Ann and Christina, Co-Founders,Nook Theory
In 2020, during the pandemic, home became the center of everything—work, leisure, family, personal and social life. Ann and Christina, best friends turned business partners, saw an opportunity to bring more warmth and comfort into homes everywhere. They founded Nook Theory, a lifestyle brand offering everyday living items – such as their best-selling Better Days insulated bags, eco-friendly bamboo plates and reusable multi-pockets shopping bags) – designed to seamlessly blend function, style, and sustainability. Nook Theory is now a thriving home and lifestyle brand in the Amazon store, reaching customers across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
When asked about the challenges of being women entrepreneurs, Ann replies: “Entrepreneurship is a constant balancing act of highs and lows. When challenges arise, don’t let them weigh you down. Always remember your strength and your ‘why’ [you are doing this], and let them be the driving force to turn setbacks into comebacks”
Ann and Christina’s advice to entrepreneurs: “When launching a business, it’s easy for entrepreneurs to fall into the trap of overthinking— getting stuck in analysis paralysis and never taking the first step,” Christina shares. “Research and risk analysis are important but the key is to act quickly because the market can shift. Don’t overthink —just take that first step!”
4) Riyana, Founder,Everiday Foods
Riyana’s journey began with a passion for holistic health, born from her own struggles: a demanding job in finance and a host of health issues which forced her to re-evaluate her lifestyle.
Earning her certification as a Holistic Nutritionist (NTP) and recognising her clients’ desire for healthy yet authentic Asian pantry staples, Riyana launched Everiday Foods on Amazon in 2023. Leveraging Amazon Global Selling, she expanded from her Singapore kitchen to the U.S., meeting an overseas demand for unique Asian flavours such as gluten-free and vegan chili sauces and sambals.
When asked about the challenges of being a woman in business, Riyana replies: “Honestly, being a woman has been an advantage in many ways. The entrepreneurial community—especially in the food and wellness space—has been incredibly supportive and I’ve found that women-led businesses often attract a loyal, engaged customer base.”
Riyana said her challenges came from being a solopreneur having to build a business from the ground up: “I had to wear many hats, from product development to operations to marketing, which can be overwhelming. Learning to delegate and build the right support system has been key to overcoming these hurdles.”
“I also doubted if I could compete with bigger brands. Overtime, I learned that authenticity and building a strong brand identity matters more than size. Leveraging my expertise in nutrition and creating products I truly believe in helped me push through those doubts.”
Riyana’s advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs: “Start before you feel ready. Build a strong network, know your numbers, and trust your unique approach — that’s your strength.”
Firefighters from six brigades, supported by five helicopters, are working to contain a large vegetation fire at Mangakahia in the Far North District of Te Tai Tokerau.
The fire was reported about 12.30pm and is burning through an estimated 11 hectares of scrub, gorse and grassland. One building – a derelict school – has been destroyed. No other structures are at immediate risk and there have been no evacuations.
Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Corey Matchitt says that about 50 firefighters are working on the flanks of the fire to establish containment lines, with helicopters attacking the head of the fire.
Mangakahia Road has reopened, but people are asked to stay away from the area to let firefighters focus on their work.
Firefighting will be continue through the night and fresh crews will be on site tomorrow, supported by heavy machinery and helicopters.
Corey Matchitt says a fire investigation has begun and initial indications are that the fire was caused by sparks from a grinder.
If that cause is confirmed, it will be the second fire in Northland in three days to have been ignited by grinders. He is urging people not to carry out any activity that could generate sparks over the next few days when the fire danger remains very high.
Kia ora koutou. Ngā mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai haere mai, ra ki te Whare Kawana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
I’d like to begin by specifically acknowledging: The Honourable Karen Chhour, Minister for Children, and for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence; Linda Surtees, Chief Executive of Caring Families Aotearoa; Tatum McKay, Interim Chief Executive of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren; and Matt Reid, Chief Executive of Barnardos.
And to all our very distinguished guests, including of course this afternoon’s award recipients – tēnā koutou katoa.
It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Government House Wellington, for this year’s Excellence in Foster Care Awards. These awards hold a very special place in my heart – having spent so much of my life and career advocating for the wellbeing of tamariki and whānau – and I am honoured to host you here this afternoon.
During my time as Children’s Commissioner, I saw first-hand the profound and heartbreaking consequences for children who did not grow up in safe and nurturing environments; children who so often suffered neglect and abuse at the hands of those who should have been caring for them most. And I saw how devastating that impact could be on the rest of their lives, and on the lives of future generations.
New Zealand is home to the world’s foremost longitudinal study, The Dunedin Study, which has conclusively proven these very things: that children exposed to adverse psychosocial experiences are more likely to suffer enduring emotional and physiological problems over the course of their lives. And we know the inverse to be true: that children are more likely to lead long, happy, healthy lives, when they are part of a loving and nurturing family and home.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified in 1989, contained what was, at the time, a profound idea: that children are not simply objects who belong to their parents, and for whom decisions are made – but that childhood is a special, protected time: a time in which children should be allowed to grow, learn, and play with freedom and dignity.
I wish to thank all of this afternoon’s recipients for doing just that: for protecting that most sacred time of childhood, and for allowing children this precious and fleeting moment in their lives to simply delight in the world, and, over time, to come to understand and begin to shape their place within it.
I know that many of you receiving awards today might feel you are not worthy of any kind of recognition. I wish to insist on the opposite: I can think of few more deserving of acknowledgement and thanks for the work you do, and the deepest care you show to these most vulnerable members of our society.
The awards you will receive this afternoon are given in acknowledgment of your extraordinary manaakitanga, as well as your willingness and indeed your desire to go beyond what could reasonably be expected of you as foster parents.
It was the American puppeteer and animator Jim Henson who said that children ‘don’t remember what you try to teach them; they remember what you are.’ In being such models of selflessness, commitment, and love, you are instilling those very virtues in the children you’ve taken into your homes and care.
Speaking as a mother and a grandmother, I wholly believe that children should be limited by nothing other than the strength of their imaginations, and the reach of their dreams. I am sure that those children who have experienced the care of each of you here today will have the best possible opportunity to become whoever and whatever they wish to be in this world.
As Governor-General, on behalf of all New Zealanders, I extend my very sincerest thanks to you all – for filling the lives of these young New Zealanders with such hope, goodness, and love – and I congratulate you once again on your awards, which could not be more truly deserved.
In late January work got underway to replace the 48-year-old Onetai Stream Bridge, north of Paeroa on State Highway 26 (SH26), and from Monday 10 March, the road reopens following completion of the first phase.
“SH26, between Paeroa and Thames, has been closed while work to replace the bridge has been underway. Due to the site being particularly narrow, and the small size of the bridge, the safest and most efficient option was closing the road to demolish the old bridge and install the new one,” says Andrew Oakley, Waikato System Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
A wider, stronger bridge is making this route on the eastern side of the Waihou River safer and more resilient.
“Bridges in New Zealand are generally built with concrete, and for this one we’re piloting a new approach which has been successful overseas. The new Onetai Stream Bridge is being built with a timber deck and bridge beams,” says Mr Oakley.
The original bridge was designed and constructed in 1976. Its 2025 replacement will be 3 metres wider giving drivers more lane space, and with additional safety features including a new type of side barrier.
To plan ahead and see where disruptive works are, people can use the NZTA Journey Planner. This is kept up to date in real time so you can see all disruptive activity and potential hazards on the state highway network.
