Investing in natural disaster research partnerships

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March 4, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government continues to invest in research which will deliver tangible benefits to New Zealanders, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.

Three New Zealand research teams have been granted funding to partner with Japanese research organisations on projects that aim to make New Zealand more prepared and resilient when natural disasters strike.

“This Government is focused on putting funding where it will make the biggest difference. Natural disasters pose a significant risk in New Zealand – a good reminder of that is the recent elevation of alert levels at Whakaari White Island,” says Dr Reti.

“Collaboration with like-minded nations and sharing research infrastructure enables our researchers to lead and participate in world-class science, innovation and technology that benefits New Zealand.

“Building relationships with international partners is critical to developing a vibrant science and innovation sector, which is a core part of our plan to deliver economic growth.

“New Zealand and Japan share similar risks when it comes to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity. By working together in these projects, we can better understand risks and potential mitigate options for future events.

“Working together with Japan also enables our researchers to access invaluable resources and experience such as their Marine Seismic Vessel Research Vessel Kaimei, proprietary modelling software, and access to structural laboratories. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this research and the benefits it brings.”

The University of Canterbury will work with Tohoku University on a structural retrofitting system to enhance the resilience of buildings in seismic events while reducing the cost of traditional retrofitting with a new modular infill system.

GNS Science will work Japan’s National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) on tolerable levels of ashfall following volcanic events.

GNS Science will also work with the Japan Agency for Marine Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) for a seismic study of the Hikurangi subduction zone – New Zealand’s largest threat for tsunamis.

The research teams will each receive $300,000 from the Government’s Catalyst Fund. Japanese research teams will receive equivalent funding from our Japanese partner – the Japan Science and Technology Agency.

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Economy – Strengthening Trust and Confidence in New Zealand’s Insurance Industry – RBNZ

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March 4, 2025

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Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

4 March 2025 – Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby has reinforced the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s commitment to ensuring a resilient, efficient, innovative and transparent insurance sector, speaking at the Insurance Council of New Zealand’s conference today.

“The insurance industry is not just a key pillar of our financial system; it is fundamental to our society by enabling risk to be spread, transferred and shared. Its success relies on trust and confidence that comes with transparency, ensuring that consumers have the right coverage and that insurers can meet their obligations when needed,” Mr Hawkesby said.

New Zealand’s insurance landscape presents distinct challenges, with its complex composition of participants – retail and wholesale players, foreign parents, global reinsurers, government providers – and New Zealand’s unique risks – seismic activity, volcanic threats, and the increasing impact of climate change.

Meeting these challenges also requires a stable and sound financial system, underpinned by a modern and fit for purpose regulatory regime. The review of the Insurance Prudential Supervision Act (IPSA) is aimed at bringing about this modernisation.

It also requires all participants to take a system view and the necessity for a collaborative approach and leadership from across the industry. The CoFR[1] insurance forum is an opportunity to support this leadership and for regulators to share and collaborate with the industry.

The Reserve Bank remains dedicated to enhancing engagement with the industry, modernising its regulatory framework and approach, and embedding deeper insurance expertise within its leadership.

“We recognise that there is more work to do. However, our commitment to working collaboratively with industry leaders ensures that the insurance sector continues to play a vital role in a productive and sustainable economy,” Mr Hawkesby said.

More information

read the release : https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=f31a61e71d&e=f3c68946f8

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[1] The Council of Financial Regulators (CoFR), includes the Financial Markets Authority, Treasury, Commerce Commission, and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment,

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Upgrade to tourist experience on Stewart Island

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March 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Upgraded tourism ventures on Rakiura Stewart Island promise a world-class experience for visitors, with enhanced guided nature walks and improved facilities, says Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson.
Mr Patterson is on Stewart Island today, joining locals to celebrate the completion of the Rakiura Oneke Southern Wilderness Experience.
“The realisation of this project on Stewart Island is monumental. The people here have been holding this project in their hearts for many years, and it’s incredible to see the work finally completed. It’s a testament to the dedication this close-knit community has to their home,” says Mr Patterson.
Rakiura Māori Lands Trust (RMLT) was approved for grant and loan funding from the Provincial Growth Fund, totalling $2.18 million in 2020, to support the development of tourism infrastructure. The Trust provided funding to upgrade conservation efforts at Oneke (also known as ‘The Neck’), a remote area on Stewart Island that hosts an abundance of native wildlife and incredible coastal landscapes.
“Thanks to the new walking track at Oneke, visitors can take guided walks to discover the area’s early history and natural wonders. There’s also a new wharf, whare and shelter facilities. This infrastructure will support tourism on Oneke well into the future.
“Stewart Island has long been a habitat for native flora and fauna, and restoring the biodiversity of the land back to its natural state has been a priority for RMLT for many years. The new developments contribute to the continued work being done to restore the biodiversity at Oneke, with upgraded predator-proof fencing and biosecurity measures,” says Mr Patterson.

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Privacy News – February 2025

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March 4, 2025

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Source: Privacy Commissioner

The February 2025 issue of Privacy News includes a reminder about giving feedback on the Biometrics Code, a piece about the Public Services Commission and Stats NZ reports, how to apply to speak in Privacy Week 2025, and new guidance for tenants and landlords on our website. You can also read about the EU Guidelines and task force on AI, and a note about privacy. org. nz being updated. Read the February 2025 issue.

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The greatest threat in the workplace could be sitting next to you

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March 4, 2025

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Source: Privacy Commissioner

By Michael Webster, Privacy Commissioner

Originally published on the New Zealand Herald 3 October 2024. One of the greatest risks to privacy in the workplace could be sitting next to you – or it could even be you. Employee browsing or the unauthorised access and misuse of personal information is one of the most common privacy breaches. I also believe its one of the least understood or reported on, as required by the Privacy Act. New Zealand is a small place and theres a good chance a familiar name will crop up in a database or on a file at work and it can prove very tempting to have a look. However, a sneaky peek isnt a harmless case of nosiness; its inappropriate and can be a breach of the principles underpinning the Privacy Act.

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Calls to ditch NCEA tests expose a deficit in school leadership

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March 4, 2025

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Source: ACT Party

Responding to principals calling for an end to new online NCEA tests due to low pass rates, ACT Education spokesperson Laura McClure says:

“We’ve tested literacy and numeracy and discovered big problems. A normal response would be to look at how our schools are equipping kids with these basic skills. Instead, we’ve got principals wanting to hide from reality and ditch the tests that expose the problem.

“What kind of leadership are kids getting when the message from their principals is, ‘this is too hard for you and we need to make the test easier‘?

“As a country we cannot afford to lower expectations and create a workforce defined by mediocrity. We must aim higher and empower every student to reach their potential.

“NCEA exists to offer real knowledge and skills, and set real standards – not to give qualifications to everyone. Testing against real standards makes the system accountable.

“We need to lift our aspirations and ensure school leavers have basic competencies – such as being able to understand the employment contracts they’re signing.”

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Every Bite’s deep work shifts behaviour on food waste

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March 4, 2025

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Source: Zero Waste Network Aotearoa

Every Bite has released its first annual report outlining in-depth its work, methods and outcomes in preventing food waste. What emerges are good news stories about how communities and individuals are connecting with each other and learning how to address Aotearoa NZ’s serious food waste problem.

“A lot of us tend to underestimate how much food we actually waste, and there is a lack of public awareness of how our behaviours impact food systems and lead to environmental degradation. Whilst most people declare that wasting food feels wrong, the complexity of our food systems combined with busy lives make it challenging to see how much food we do waste and build new habits to address this,” says Every Bite’s project manager Rachel Glaiser.

“This is why Every Bite was developed: to build a community of people making small but practical changes that over time will see a big impact. It is a model based on the zero waste hierarchy that prioritises preventing food waste in the first place rather than reducing it once it is created.”

The project aims to help New Zealanders make simple changes at home to waste less food.

“The Every Bite programme runs over four weeks and can be done in person or online, making it flexible for busy households. Among other things, participants receive a toolkit to experiment with ways to prevent food waste in their homes. The programme kick-off event brings people together and includes tips, tricks and hacks from zero waste chefs and others who have lots of experience in tackling their food waste.

“We all need inspiration, knowledge, practical tools and support so we can try new things at home to see what works for us. We are constantly learning how to build new habits and stay motivated to keep going on this journey. These learnings, together with staying across the latest research in behaviour change and food waste, are helping us to continue to improve the programme for our communities.”

“Every Bite’s first year involved four Hub partners who delivered the programme: Wastebusters (Wānaka), Sustainable Hawke’s Bay (Hastings), Environment Network Manawatū (Palmerston North), and Go Eco (Hamilton). These four Hubs brought experience, deep community connections and were strong collaborators.”

“Every Bite is excited to now move into years two and three of the programme, where it will reach new communities, welcome new Hubs, and deliver real impact to prevent food waste in Aotearoa.”

Notes:

Every Bite has been developed as part of the Ministry for the Environment’s ‘National Food Waste Reduction Programme’ that aims to deliver large-scale, national-level behaviour change programmes that reduce food waste and emissions.

The full report can be found here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6604ab9f601bc406c87b5ce7/t/67637e74ea92c508a72b7afa/1734573749062/Every+Bite+Year+1+Report.pdf

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Tech and innovation boost for Marlborough

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March 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

A major boost to regional innovation opens in Blenheim today, supported by a $578,000 grant from the Government’s Regional Strategic Partnership Fund (RSPF), Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says.
“The completion of Te Au Pūngao – Tech & Innovation Hub is a key regional development milestone which will provide opportunities for start-ups and existing agri-businesses, tech innovators, researchers, investors, and support agencies – they will have a place to connect and collaborate in shared workspaces, and hold start-up events, networking sessions, seminars and workshops” Mr Patterson says.
The 500 sq metre hub in central Blenheim received $635,000 in co-funding from the Marlborough District Council. The facilities include co-working space of up to 28 hot desks, meeting rooms, video conferencing facilities and a prototyping room.
“Marlborough is home to some of New Zealand’s most innovative minds and pioneering sectors, especially in viticulture and aquaculture,” Mr Patterson says.
“As these industries transform to adopt AI, robotics and advanced technologies, the region is attracting more agritech and marine tech innovators who work in these spaces.
“The hub is crucial in supporting these sectors by providing a space where local businesses can develop solutions and realise the ever-evolving opportunities that Marlborough and New Zealand’s agribusiness sector has to offer.
“I see strong alignment between the Government’s ‘Going for Growth’ economic plan and Te Au Pūngao – Tech & Innovation Hub, particularly through investment in the innovation, science and technology space. I look forward to seeing this new regional asset delivering high value innovation, economic growth, and well-paid jobs to Marlborough,” Mr Patterson says.

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Police seek information and footage to SH6 fatality, Gibbston

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March 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

An investigation has been launched into the death of a man on State Highway 6 after he was struck by a vehicle last night.

Emergency services were called to the scene near Kawerau Bridge Historic Reserve at around 10pm.

Sadly, the man was located deceased at the scene.

Work is now underway to understand what has occurred, as well as to formally identify the victim.

Police would like to speak with anyone who might have witnessed the incident.

We’d also like to hear from anyone who may have seen a man wearing black pants and a black shirt, walking on SH6 near the area before 10pm, or anyone who has captured dashcam footage from the incident or surrounding times.

If you have any information that may assist Police in our investigation, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 250304/8199.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Driver charged over crash that killed passengers

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March 4, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have charged a 20-year-old driver for allegedly causing the deaths of two of his passengers in January.

The crash on Butchers Road, Clarkville, on 11 January, killed a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman, both of whom were in a vehicle being driven by the accused.

The car they were travelling in hit a concrete power pole with such force, the vehicle split in half. Both the victims were located deceased at the scene, while the driver sustained minor injuries.

Following an investigation into the cause of the crash, Police arrested the 20-year-old North Canterbury man on 26 February and charged him with two counts of causing death while under the influence of drugs. Police allege the driver was under the influence of a drug to such an extent that he was incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.

He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today, 4 March.

As the case is before the court, Police are unable to comment further.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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