No frills Teaching Council needed

March 6, 2025

Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)

The Teaching Council has opened consultation this week on a proposal to increase practising certificate renewal fees from $464 to $501 for the next three years.

Chris Abercrombie said the proposal represented an 8% increase which the Council advise is the result of cost inflation as well as increased operating costs. One of those is the processing of thousands of overseas teaching applications.

Teaching Council explanations for the proposed fee increase include the fact the Government funding of additional staff to process overseas teachers’ applications would end in June. “The Government has deliberately chosen to hire overseas teachers to address teacher shortages, rather than ensuring an adequate supply of New Zealand teachers, so it should continue the funding of staff to process overseas applications for as long as it takes. There is no way the profession should be paying for this.”

Chris Abercrombie said it was National Party policy that teachers’ registration fees should be paid for by the government, and teachers supported this. “This will most likely be part of our claim in our collective agreement negotiations later this year.

“In the meantime, I would strongly encourage all teachers to have their say on the proposed fee increase.”

Last modified on Thursday, 6 March 2025 16:59

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Cyanobacteria health warning placed on Lake Rotokaeo

LiveNews Publisher

March 6, 2025

Source: Waikato District Health Board

A health warning has been issued today by National Public Health Service (NPHS), advising people to avoid recreational water activity at Lake Rotokaeo, due to a significant rise in the cyanobacteria (blue green algae) concentration.

Lakes Rotokauri, Waikare, Whangape and Hakanoa continue to have cyanobacterial health warnings in place, with an ‘extreme risk’ health warning at Lake Ngā Roto.

“People should avoid any activity in or near these lakes that could lead to skin contact with the affected water, or the water being swallowed,” says Medical Officer of Health Dr Richard Vipond.

“Toxins released by cyanobacteria can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, skin rashes, stomach upsets, and neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.”

The symptoms may not appear until sometime after contact with affected water.

“If you do come into contact with water at lakes with health warnings or where there were visible changes in water colour, shower and change your clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if you do not have symptoms,” adds Dr Vipond.

“If you feel unwell after coming in contact with the lake you should seek health advice from your doctor or by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116. Please also report it to the NPHS Waikato office on (07) 838 2569.”

Scums formed by algal blooms are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins. If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible.

“It’s particularly important for parents to keep an eye on children if you’re down at the water as these scums can form at the edge of the lake and children will sometimes play with them.”

Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, or eating algal bloom scum as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria and could become seriously ill.

To check if recreational water spots near you are safe for swimming and playing in visit https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/. Information is also available from Waikato Regional Council at https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/water/algal-blooms/

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Pūtiki pedestrians get safer SH4 crossing

LiveNews Publisher

March 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Safer road crossing for residents at Pūtiki in Whanganui is now a reality.

Work has now been completed on State Highway 4 at Pūtiki, with a new pedestrian refuge island installed and a new flush median, kerb extension and pram crossing points (where the footpath dips down to meet the road).

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Project Manager Kendra Ludeke says the road is now safer to cross as there is a place for people to stop halfway to check for traffic.

“We’ve worked closely with the Pūtiki Emergency Response Group (PERG) to finalise this design and work. One of the key recommendations from the group was to make it safer for pedestrians to cross SH4 Pūtiki Drive where the Kaumātua flats and bus stops are.

“Safe and appropriate crossings are key elements in providing a connected network for pedestrians and we are happy to be working in collaboration with the project partners to achieve this in Pūtiki.

“This crossing will make it easier for people to cross this at-times busy stretch of highway. It’s important people using the area to cross the road still look both ways and be careful before crossing.

PERG member Kanui Cooper says these additions help to improve traffic management during a flood event and evacuation of the Kaumatua flats and form part of a range of initiatives driven by the local community that aim to improve safety for everyone – in particular Kaumātua and tamariki.

“The initiative not only improves safety, but it also strengthens connectedness to the community and to Whanganui as a whole.”

NZTA Project Manager Kendra Ludeke (3rd from right) is joined by Kaumātua, residents and local community members, trying out the new crossing. NB: since this photo, yellow tactile indicators have also been installed.

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Arrest made following investigation into injured baby, Dargaville

LiveNews Publisher

March 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB:

Police investigating an incident involving an injured five-month-old baby in Dargaville have today made an arrest.

A 22-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and will appear in Whangārei District Court tomorrow.

The arrest come after the baby was presented at Dargaville Hospital with serious head injuries on 28 December.

The baby was flown to Whangārei Hospital and later transferred to Starship Hospital in Auckland.

The baby is now recovering well.

As this matter is now before the Courts, Police don’t have any further comment.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Warrant to arrest – Rawiri Cave

LiveNews Publisher

March 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are seeking Rawiri Cave, 25, who has a warrant for his arrest.

He is wanted in relation to a number of incidents in Counties Manukau, including aggravated robbery and escapes custody.

Cave has long hair, usually worn in a top knot style, and has two Tā moko style tattoos on the back of his right calf and on his right forearm.

He is known to frequent Counties Manukau, Point Chevalier and Waterview areas.

Anyone with information about Cave is urged to contact Police via 105 online or the 105 phone reporting line, referencing file number 250107/1230.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Release: Labour calls for end to police referrals to Destiny programmes

LiveNews Publisher

March 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Police have referred 20 offenders to Destiny Church-affiliated programmes Man Up and Legacy as ‘wellness providers’ in the last year, raising concerns that those seeking help are being recruited into a harmful organisation.

“Referrals to Man Up and Legacy need to stop. Members of these groups violently disrupted a Pride Week event at the Te Atatū Peninsula library and are now at the centre of a Police investigation,” Labour MP for Te Atatū Phil Twyford said.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell has confirmed Police referred 20 offenders to Man Up and Legacy since the two groups were approved as “wellness providers” in April last year, in answers to Twyford’s written parliamentary questions.

“How does the Minister justify referring offenders to an organisation that openly preaches hate against the Rainbow community and has a track record of violence?”

“Anti-violence groups have criticised Destiny Church groups’ involvement in offender rehabilitation, saying their approach creates a greater risk of violence against women and children.

“Does the Minister have any evidence these Destiny programmes have a positive effect on offenders? Has he looked into whether Man Up and Legacy are using the Police referrals to recruit new members?

“The West Auckland Police are investigating the conduct of Destiny Church at Te Atatū Peninsula Library last month. Charities Services have confirmed to me they are investigating my call for Destiny charities to be deregistered for serious wrongdoing. It is time the Government now rules out the Police or any other government agency referring people to Destiny Church or their subsidiaries,” Phil Twyford said.

Labour rainbow community spokesperson Shanan Halbert said, “Mark Mitchell promised that New Zealanders would feel safer under this government, but the Rainbow community has felt under attack. More than 100 incidents of hate against the community are reported monthly under his watch, but he he has declined to declare how many are related to Destiny Church. It’s time for him to take action.”

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Special Minds Launches 1-to-1 Special Needs Platform to Empower Families with Five Key Pillars

MIL OSI

March 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – Special Minds is redefining special needs education in Singapore with the launch of its groundbreaking 1:1 matching platform. As a new and innovative solution, the platform is designed to connect families with highly skilled professionals, offering tailored services to meet each child’s unique needs. Built around five key pillars—tuition, early childhood education, early intervention, therapy and counselling, and enrichment—this platform offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to special needs education. By combining these core services, Special Minds ensures that every child receives personalised, expert support in the comfort of their own home, making quality care and education more accessible than ever before.

Navigating special needs services can be overwhelming, with accessibility and affordability being major challenges for many families. Special Minds simplifies this process by offering a streamlined, home-based matching system that helps parents find the right professionals across these five essential areas—making specialised care more convenient, flexible, and effective.

The 5 Key Pillars of Special Minds’ Matching Platform

1. Special Needs Tuition

Many children with learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and ASD, require specialised academic support. Special Minds matches families with experienced educators who provide personalised special needs tuition to help children excel in their studies at their own pace.

2. Early Childhood Education

Laying a strong foundation is crucial for children with special needs. Special Minds connects parents with qualified early childhood educators who specialise in working with young learners, fostering essential skills in language, numeracy, communication, and cognitive development.

3. Early Intervention Programs

An early intervention program in Singapore can make a life-changing difference for children with developmental delays or conditions such as Global developmental delay (GDD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing difficulties. Special Minds helps parents access certified early intervention specialists who provide customised strategies to support each child’s growth.

4. Therapy and Counselling

Many children require speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy, or counselling to develop key life skills and manage emotions. Special Minds allows parents to match with qualified therapists, making therapy more convenient and effective.

5. Enrichment Activities

Learning isn’t just about academics—it’s also about exploration and engagement. The platform provides access to specialists who offer enrichment programs such as phonics, yoga, music, art, and swimming for children with special needs, helping them develop confidence and social skills in a fun and supportive environment.

The five key pillars of Special Minds’ matching platform work together to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the diverse needs of children with special needs. From tuition to early childhood education, each pillar is designed to offer specialised care that promotes holistic development. Whether it’s through early intervention programs that help children reach developmental milestones, therapy and counselling that provide emotional and behavioural support, or enrichment activities that nurture creativity, Special Minds ensures that children receive well-rounded care that is both accessible and effective.

By focusing on these five areas, Special Minds not only provides tailored support to children but also empowers parents and caregivers to navigate the complexities of special needs care with ease and confidence. This comprehensive approach helps children build the skills they need to thrive in all areas of life, from academics to emotional well-being and beyond.

Founder of Special Minds, Ms. Azanea Quek, shared, “We built this platform so that parents can easily connect with skilled special needs professionals based on their child’s needs, location, and budget. It’s a game-changer for families who have been struggling to access quality, personalised support.”

Special Minds is committed to empowering families and children by making high-quality special needs education and support more accessible, affordable, and flexible. With a growing network of over 500 professionals, the platform is transforming the special needs landscape in Singapore—ensuring that every child, regardless of their challenges, has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information, please visit https://specialminds.com.sg/.

Hashtag: #SpecialMinds

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

TouchPoint, Inc. Appoints Staci Kroon as President and CEO

MIL OSI

March 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – TouchPoint, Inc. is excited to announce the appointment of Staci Kroon as their new President and CEO, reporting directly to TouchPoint’s Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2025. Brian McNeill, who has served as TouchPoint’s President and CEO for 25 years, will retire effective March 1, 2025, and transition to Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Staci Kroon

Staci is an accomplished leader of global engineering and manufacturing companies, where she has excelled in driving growth and delivering results through innovation, geographic expansion, acquisitions, team building and operational excellence. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of BraunAbility, a global leader in mobility transportation solutions, providing independence to individuals with mobility challenges.

Staci holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School of Business, and a Postgraduate degree in Design, Manufacturing, and Management from Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK. Staci served on the Board of BraunAbility and currently serves on the Board of Winnebago Industries, a longtime Southco customer.

Staci said “I am thrilled to join TouchPoint as President and CEO, stepping into a new chapter of growth and innovation alongside a talented team. TouchPoint has a remarkable 125-year history, built on a foundation of strong values, resilience, and continuous evolution.”

After 25 years as serving as TouchPoint’s President and CEO, I could not be more excited about this transition and to mark the beginning of our next 125 years of growth,” said Brian McNeill. “Our businesses are strong and well positioned to continue in their growth trajectory under Staci’s leadership.”

Hashtag: #TouchPoint #StaciKroon #globalengineering #manufacturing

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Bridge inspections planned this month for the Top of the South

LiveNews Publisher

March 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Ensuring state highway bridges are safe and fit for purpose will see bridge inspections completed on state highways across the top of the South this month.

The Auckland based Bridge Inspection Unit will be in the region from mid to late March to assess bridges on State Highways 1, 6, 60 and 63.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South says the technical inspections are essential and have to be carried out every six years.

“In the same way people get a Warrant of Fitness inspection for their cars, we do the same with our state highway bridges.”

“They are an essential part of our state highway infrastructure, and with hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of vehicles using them daily, it is critical we make sure they’re in good order and safe to use. These inspections also tell us what maintenance the bridges may need,” Mr Owen says.

To complete the work, a truck-mounted inspection unit parks on the bridge. This allows structural engineers access to hard-to-reach components underneath the structure to determine their condition.

Mr Owen says this means traffic will be affected while the inspections are underway.

“There are two bridges that must be closed while inspections take place – the single-lane, State Highway 63 Wairau River (Wash) Bridge, and the narrow State Highway 60 Motueka River Bridge.”

There is simply not enough space on these bridges to let traffic past safely while this work is completed,” Mr Owen says.

He says during the bridge closures traffic will be stopped, with openings on the hour to let queued vehicles through.

“The good news is all other bridges to be inspected are wide enough to allow a single lane of traffic through while the bridge inspection unit does its work.”

“Because there will be Stop/Go traffic management and a temporary speed limit of 30km/h in place, drivers can expect some short delays, but it should not be too onerous,” Mr Owen says.

He recommends people travelling in the top of the South Island during March to keep an eye on the work schedule and the NZTA/Waka Kotahi journey planner to make sure they are not caught out by the work.

Mr Owen says the work has been planned alongside all other maintenance work to minimise the overall traveller disruption.

“We’ve also planned this work so that all the assessments of the region’s state highway bridges is completed in March and early April rather than spacing the assessments out during the year.

“It is a more effective and efficient approach and reduces overall disruption to road users,” Mr Owen says.

Bridge inspection schedule

Date	Bridge location	Details
Monday 17 March	SH63 Wairau River (Wash) Bridge	Nighttime – closure 6pm to 6am – Openings at the top of each hour to let traffic through.
Wednesday 19 March	SH6 Buller River (Longford) Bridge	Daytime – Stop/Go 8am to 5:30pm Delays of up to 10 mins
Thursday 20 March	SH6 O’Sullivans Bridge	Daytime – Stop/Go 8am to 5:30pm Delays of up to 10 mins
Friday 21 March	SH6 Motueka River (Kohatu) Bridge	Daytime – Stop/Go 8am to 5:30pm Delays of up to 15 mins
Monday 24 March	SH60 Tākaka River (Paines Ford) Bridge	Daytime – Stop/Go 8am to 6pm Delays of up to 10 mins
Tuesday 25 March	SH60 Waitapu Bridge – Tākaka River	Daytime – Stop/Go 8am to 6pm Delays of up to 10 mins
Wednesday 26 March	SH60 Motueka River Bridge	Nighttime – closure 8pm to 6am – Openings at the top of each hour to let traffic through
Thursday 27 March	SH60 Appleby Bridge	Nighttime – Stop/Go 8pm to 6am Delays of up to 10 mins
Monday 31 March	SH1 Awatere River Bridge	Nighttime – Stop/Go 7pm to midnight Delays of up to 15 mins
Tuesday 1 April	SH6 Wairau River Bridge	Nighttime – Stop/Go Midnight to 6am Delays of up to 10 mins

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Breathing New Life into Takarunga/ Mt Victoria: Revitalising the Summit

LiveNews Publisher

March 6, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is pleased to share a major transformation at the tihi (summit)of Takarunga / Mt Victoria in Devonport. This is a significant milestone for the Authority in fulfilling its role of protecting the Maunga and providing for their ongoing manaaki and hauora.

A key focus of the project has been restoring the tihi as a predominantly pedestrian space. The removal of the carpark has made way for new pathways, native planting, and accessible seating—creating a more welcoming environment that encourages visitors to slow down, take in the views, and connect with the rich history and cultural significance of the Maunga.

Takarunga tihi restoration showing new upgrades. Photo credit: Cactus Photography

Tūpuna Maunga Authority Chairperson, Paul Majurey, says, “we are guided by a vision to better acknowledge the wairuatanga, mana aotūroa, takotoranga whenua, mauri pūnaha hauropi, mana hononga tangata, wahi rawa whakauka and mana whai a Rēhia for each individual Maunga.”

Majurey further states this project is significant in appreciating the vision set out in the Integrated Management Plan. “The Maunga are taonga tuku iho. This project allows people to experience Takarunga in a way that respects cultural significance, and the vision set out by Mana Whenua and the Authority.”

Mana Whenua artist Arapeta Hākura played a key role in shaping the cultural design elements of the upgrade. Hakura was the first recipient of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority’s research scholarship and was later invited to contribute to this project, bringing Māori histories and stories of Takarunga to life. His work reflects the migration of the Toroa bird, symbolising shared purpose and collective effort, while Hononga a Takarunga represents unity, interconnectedness, and the deep bonds between the land and its people.

“Being part of this project has been an incredible experience,” says Hakura. “It’s a journey of storytelling through design, weaving our histories into something tangible. The elements we’ve created reflect the deep connection between Mana Whenua and the Maunga, and it’s exciting to see these stories become part of the landscape.”

The newly restored tihi ready for visitors. The Tūpuna Maunga Authority looks forward to welcoming the public to experience the revitalised space and connect with the rich cultural heritage of Takarunga / Mt Victoria.

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