E tū, the union for journalists and media workers, is sounding the alarm over the confirmation of an additional 30 job losses at NZME’s newsroom, as the wave of media cuts continues.
E tū Director Michael Wood says the latest redundancies are yet another blow to journalism in Aotearoa.
“Confirmation that a further 30 jobs will be lost from the NZME newsroom is part of a massacre of journalist capacity across the country,” Michael says.
“It follows on from NZME closing 14 regional titles, major job reductions at Stuff, and successive rounds of cuts at TVNZ. Cumulatively, these reductions mean that the New Zealand media system has less ability to perform its core functions – holding decision-makers to account, providing information in response to natural disasters, covering breaking news, and undertaking long-term investigations that help to inform the public on important issues.”
E tū members at NZME have engaged constructively, securing some changes to the original proposals that have preserved journalistic capacity. Michael says this underscores the value of union membership and collective action.
“The work of E tū members at NZME resulted in some changes to the original proposals, which have preserved some capacity, showing the value of union membership and engagement.
“However, we remain deeply concerned by the scale of these cuts and the clear signal from NZME that resources will be increasingly steered toward content that generates clicks. NZME must find a balance between generating short-term revenue and continuing to invest in high-quality journalism that drives long-term value.”
Responsibility also lies squarely with the Government, which has failed to act on the systemic issues affecting the sector.
“Primarily, though, this further round of cuts can be sheeted home to a Government that is missing in action,” Michael says.
“The sector continues to suffer because the content it produces gets used by social media platforms that do not contribute to its costs while earning advertising revenue from it. Last year, the Government committed to advancing the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill to address this issue, but now appears to have wilted in the face of lobbying from big overseas corporates.”
E tū is calling on the Government to take urgent action to support our local media.
“In the wake of yet another round of cuts, it is more evident than ever that the Government needs to wake up and take action so that we preserve a media system that supports New Zealand’s democracy.”
On Saturday 1 March the 2025 Auckland Pride Festival will conclude, completing the city’s month-long celebrations in a thoughtful, restful and reflective way.
Hāmiora Bailey, Auckland Pride’s Executive Director, explains that Auckland Pride 2025 was shaped to give visibility to the history and healing of our people across the whole community.
“We wanted it to be grounded in the arts, carry cultural relevance in both te ao Māori and Takatāpuitanga and be truly generational.
“Building on that intention, our closing event shifts away from the traditional Pride March and Pride Party. It reflects on the strength within our communities and galvanises our shared vision of queer liberation and social justice.
“I can’t imagine a better place for us to round out our festival than Waimahara. It’s fitting for our festival as this multi-sensory artwork in the underpass is a hinge between the Arts Quarter and Myers Park. Both places are significant for us,” Hāmiora says.
Headliners for the Auckland Pride closing event Nia and Nganeko with Pride Auckland Executive Director Hāmiora Bailey at Waimahara in Myers Park.
Read about artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hāua, Ngāti Manu), the technology team at IION and the composers behind Waimahara and view video of the artwork atOur Auckland.
Councillor Richard Hills says Auckland Council is committed to supporting our rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau. He is thrilled to see Myers Park playing a part.
“We are pleased Auckland Pride has chosen this venue. We are very proud of Waimahara and this is the first time we’ll see the upgraded part of the park as an outdoor amphitheatre.
“Auckland Council is delighted to support this celebration of our rainbow and Takatāpui communities, bringing performance, thought leadership, storytelling and reflection all together in one place,” says Councillor Hills.
He explains that the artwork is designed to deepen visitors’ connection with this place.
“Waimahara describes the memory of water, specifically Te Waihorotiu the stream flowing from Myers Park through the underpass and down to the Waitematā Harbour.
“Like the stream, this artwork is alive. It responds to our presence through changing light patterns and sound as we enter the underpass. Two waiata have been composed especially for people to sing into the sensor and activate the artwork further,” he says.
The lyrics and the tune, with a ‘how to’ video, can be found via a QR code on-site. Or watch the ‘how to’ videohere.
Waimahara in Myers Park.
Sharing the same name as the artwork the closing event for Auckland Pride, WAIMAHARA, begins in Aotea Square. A short hīkoi then makes its way into the underpass experiencing the ambient light and sound effects of Waimahara, and further into Myers Park.
There will be pockets of performance by talented Māori artists Nganeko and Nia, panel discussions, letter writing and picnics.
For detailed times and full schedule visitAuckland Pride.
Auckland Pride 2025 is supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate. Read more about Auckland Council’s commitment to supporting the region’s rainbow communities.
Covering period of Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd February – Muggy conditions finally come to an end as rain and fresh southwesterlies spread from the south. The rain is expected to ease off towards the end of the weekend with dry sunnier skies increasing.
MetService is forecasting yet another muggy day for North Islanders today (Thursday), little did we know that we would be looking forward to cooler conditions after the ‘not so welcomed’ delayed start to summer earlier on in the year. Rain will move up the South Island along with a change to cooler, less humid air brought by southwesterly winds.
A band of showers spreads onto the lower North Island Friday morning, then up the island through the day with those southwesterlies finally bringing some respite after the muggy conditions. Sunnier skies start to increase in the east of the South Island and the south of the North Island, but not before a period of occasionally heavy showers and possible thunderstorms in Canterbury, north of Ashburton, up to Wairarapa during the afternoon and evening.
On Saturday a high-pressure system sits out to the west, allowing for fresh southwesterlies to persist over the country.
MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti says, “Another front moves up the South Island on Saturday resulting in wet weather in the west, however things are looking drier for those in the east with the exception of areas south of Alexandra”.
Largely sunny skies are expected for the North Island on Saturday, which should be a good day for outdoor enthusiasts, especially if you do not mind a southwesterly breeze. “It is looking like optimum weather for football’s A-League New Zealand derby on Saturday afternoon between Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix with sunny skies expected” added Shiviti.
From Sunday into early next week, the high-pressure brings largely settled weather across the country, with only a few areas seeing showers. However, a rain band is set to move onto the South Island late Monday into Tuesday, briefly interrupting the settled weather.
Grasslanz Technology Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Skiffington as its new Chief Executive Officer, starting on 3 March 2025.
Megan’s appointment follows Dr John Caradus’ decision to step down as CEO after 19 years and move to the new role of Chief Technology Officer, so that he can focus on the science side of the business.
Grasslanz Technology is a commercial subsidiary of AgResearch focussed on the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge plant and microbial solutions for the primary sector.
As CEO, Megan will be responsible for leading the organisation into its next phase of development, with a focus on commercial delivery, solving problems for the sector and collaboration. This includes collaboration opportunities arising from the upcoming science system reforms, in which AgResearch will merge with other Crown Research Institutes to form a Public Research Organisation.
Megan brings with her a proven track record of successful partnerships, understanding of the research commercialisation process and strong relationships within the primary industry.
Grasslanz Board Chair Dr Ian Boddy says: “We are thrilled to welcome Megan to the GTL team and look forward to seeing her working with John and the team to continue delivering value for Grasslanz, our shareholders and NZ”.
Megan says she is excited about the opportunity to lead a company that is always innovating and focused on solutions for farmers and New Zealand.
“I’m excited to get alongside the team at Grasslanz to keep delivering innovative solutions for our farmers with our partners.”
Free ‘Tex-Mex wallaby quesadillas with parmesan mayonnaise’ will be on the menu at the Northland Regional Council (NRC) marquee at the upcoming Northland Field Days.
About 40 kilogrammes of minced wallaby will be used to create the quesadillas which will be made available to visitors at the upcoming Thursday 27 February to Saturday March 01 Dargaville event.
A joint creation by the NRC, NorthTec | Tai Tokerau Wānanga Level 4 cookery students and their tutor Hughie Blues, the council expects to give away about 1800 portions of quesadillas over the three days of field days from the council’s usual site – I1 and I2.
Council Kaipara constituency representative John Blackwell says last year’s giveaway was venison bruschetta with red onion jam and horopito creme fraiche.
“Over the years the council has transformed a variety of pest animals, plants and even insects into an array of edible field day treats all designed as a fun way to spark added public interest in its broader work.”
The wallaby for the giveaway has been sourced from Blenheim company Premium Game because there’s no local wild wallaby stock.
Councillor Blackwell says while there are no known wallaby populations in Northland, they could potentially spread to the region from nearby areas like Kawau Island and Rotorua Lakes.
“These animals are classified as an ‘exclusion pest’ due to their potential to cause significant environmental and economic harm.” “They threaten native bush by eating seedlings, hindering regeneration, and also impact farming and forestry by consuming pasture and exotic seedlings.”
Councillor Blackwell says the council has successfully collaborated with the hospitality students for field days over a number of years and he’s pleased the two organisations will be working together again this year.
Lisette Buckle, NorthTec | Tai Tokerau Wānanga Pathway Manager- Service Industries, says the relationship between Northtec and the council is yet another chance for Level 4 cookery students to work on something “a little bit out of the ordinary”.
“Students and their chef tutor, Hughie Blues, will be on site over the three days preparing and serving the food.” “It’s always good for our hospitality students to get out and about, catering at events and gaining experience which will help them get into a great career.”
Councillor Blackwell says for anyone keen to try the wallaby quesadillas, the best time to visit is around 10:30am, 12.30pm or 2pm each day.
He says council’s site is on a popular road at field days with other community groups and agencies nearby making it easy for the public to access information and have a chat about all things environmental.
“A key focus for field days this year is biosecurity, including our Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) and this event is the perfect opportunity to engage directly with some of our key stakeholders.”
He says as biosecurity is a focal point, the council will be highlighting the importance of managing pest animals and plants to ensure biodiversity thrives. (This includes addressing issues related to incursions of deer, wallabies, turtles, clams, and other pest species).
“Our usual crowd favourites, pest animals, and pest plants (including how to get rid of weeds) will feature alongside biodiversity information, including updates on dune lakes and bitterns.”
Staff from our land management team will also be on site again, showcasing a catchment model and providing information on the Hill Country Erosion Fund, as well as the use of poplars and willows for erosion control.
Councillor Blackwell says the council’s climate action team will be seeking active participation in one of their ‘serious games’ such as the NIWA climate game and wave simulation.
“They will also be sharing information about the Electrify Northland initiative and conducting climate change surveys and we’ll also have information about other council work, including our Environmental Awards, and other general business.”
A number of regional councillors, including Cr Blackwell, will be on site during the field days and look forward to catching up with those attending the event.
Responding to the draw of the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide) Amendment Bill:
“Finally, the House of Representatives will have a chance to debate the wokery in the banking sector that has seen farmers and other unfashionable sectors treated like second-class borrowers,” says ACT Rural Communities spokesperson Mark Cameron, who is also leading an inquiry into rural banking practices.
“The ACT team will be looking at the detail of this bill. We’ll continue to make the case for tackling woke banking practices at its cause. That includes the Net Zero Banking Alliance, which major banks in the United States, Canada, and Australia are rightly fleeing. We’ve also challenged the stupid climate commitments placed on banks by the Financial Markets Authority.
“In the meantime, I’m celebrating the fact that these issues, once only discussed with frustration across the farm fence, are now being addressed in New Zealand’s highest chambers of power.”
This morning’s Stats NZ child poverty statistics should act as a wake-up call for the government: with no movement in child poverty rates since June 2023, it’s time to make the wellbeing of our tamariki a political priority.
“Poverty is a political choice we do not have to accept. We can choose to end it–our mokopuna deserve nothing less,” says Green Party co-leader and Child Poverty spokesperson, Hon Marama Davidson.
“Every child in Aotearoa deserves a warm, dry home and a full belly. We have all the tools we need to give them that and more.
“What we need is ambition and commitment to end the cycle of thousands of children across generations falling through the cracks and being set up to fail for the rest of their lives. It is high time we started supporting our children to thrive.
“It’s well understood that the first few years set the stage for the rest of a child’s life. Living in a household mired in poverty has lasting consequences for the wellbeing of ourpēpi andtamariki.
“Unfortunately, as we have seen today, 156,000 children are growing up in material hardship. This is a national shame.
“Māori, Pacific and disabled children are disproportionately affected by child poverty, with 1 in 4, 1 in 3, and 1 in 5 children growing up in material hardship respectively. These are the very groups hit the hardest by the policies of a Government which has bent over backwards to hand billions of dollars in tax cuts to wealthy landlords, while ignoring the many struggling.
“The Green Party campaigned to end poverty for all families in Aotearoa by providing everyone with an Income Guarantee that would ensure every household and every child has all they need to thrive.
“We can’t keep tinkering around the edge and watering down child poverty reduction targets like we’ve seen the coalition doing this term. Our plan will put children’s wellbeing at the centre of decision-making and policy, where it should have been all along,”says Marama Davidson.
Crews will be carrying out routine maintenance overnight Sunday on a stretch of State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway.
The stretch of road between Omahu Road and Evenden Road will be closed from 8pm and reopening at 5am on Monday, in time for commuter traffic.
Signposted detours will be available.
During the closure, crews will be working on a range of maintenance, including focusing on flexible median barrier repair, signage repair and road surface repairs if and where needed within the Omahu to Evenden stretch.
Sunday’s closure is part of routine monthly maintenance – one Sunday night a month, crews will be focused on a range of maintenance on a different section of the expressway.
At this stage, the following dates have been confirmed for the remainder of the year:
23 March 24 August
27 April 28 September
25 May No October closure at this stage
29 June 2 November
27 July 7 December
While these dates are confirmed, the stretch of expressway closed on any date may change at short notice depending on the maintenance priorities at the time.
The dates are also weather dependent and if postponed, the following Sunday will be used as the contingency date.
Further north, a section of State Highway 50 through Ahuriri, in Napier, will be closed during the day on Sunday for a triathlon event.
SH50 will be closed from Napier Port’s eastern gate through Ahuriri Truck Bypass, Bridge Street and Hyderabad Street to the peanut roundabout intersection with Pandora Road.
A stretch of State Highway 1 south of Foxton is closing to southbound traffic as the Levin to Foxton safety improvements project progresses.
The southbound lane of SH1 will be closed from the southern entrance to Foxton through to the intersection with Oturoa Road between 9am and 3pm weekdays for 1 week from Monday 17 to Friday 21 March 2025.
The road will remain open to northbound traffic.
A signposted detour will be in place for southbound road users, who will be detoured left onto Union Street and into Foxton Shannon Road, onto State Highway 57, through to Queen Street East, and back to State Highway 1 in Levin. Detour signage will be in place.
The lane closure is necessary to allow crews to complete a second coat seal on the highway and undertake some remedial tasks.
While northbound traffic will remain on the highway, a reduced speed limit will be in place. The detour route is expected to add an additional 15 minutes to journey times.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi wants to thank people for their understanding during this work. A one-way closure allows crews to complete the work as efficiently as possible, minimising ongoing disruption to motorists.
When we rebuild a section of the road and apply a chipseal finish we need to come back later to carry out a second coat seal. This locks in the seal to make it waterproof, keeps it stronger and safer for longer, and helps reduce the likelihood of flushing occurring.
About the project
This work follows the completion of Stage 2 of the SH1 Levin to Foxton safety improvements project. Stage 2 saw flexible median and turnaround facilities constructed at Oturoa and Koputaroa roads. A small section of side barrier was also installed on the southbound lane just south of the Oturoa Road intersection to prevent vehicles driving into a ditch
“Thermo Earth of Love Project” to Enhance Surface Temperature Observation and Advance its Solutions Further
TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 February 2025 – On January 27, 2025, Tenchijin announced the launch of “Thermo Earth of Love Project,” a proprietary satellite program aimed at enhancing surface temperature monitoring capabilities. The company’s satellite is scheduled for launch in 2027.
Thermo Earth of Love Project – LST Observation Satellite
has been utilizing satellite data to tackle various societal challenges, including climate change mitigation, aging infrastructure, and urban planning. Among the extensive range of satellite data, Tenchijin places particular importance on surface temperature data.
Surface temperature has been one of the key satellite data types Tenchijin has worked with since its founding. As Tenchijin has collaborated with stakeholders such as agricultural producers, local governments, and water utilities to address their challenges, it has recognized the growing importance of this data. In recent years, with increasingly severe summer heatwaves, knowing not only air temperature but also ground heat level has become even more critical. Tenchijin believes that surface temperature data is essential for understanding the impacts of climate change, assessing disaster risks, and developing effective countermeasures.
It is this belief in the potential of surface temperature data that led the company to take the significant step of developing its own satellite. The project name “Thermo Earth of Love Project” symbolizes both the warmth of Earth that surface temperature data reveals (Thermo Earth) and Tenchijin’s love and dedication to the planet (Love).
Continuous observation and analysis of surface temperature from space allow us to reexamine the relationship between Earth and humanity from the ground up. By making surface temperature data a standard part of society and transforming it into solutions that enhance people’s lives with greater safety and security, Tenchijin aims to contribute to a better future for the next generation.
The Value of Surface Temperature Data
Overlaying Multiple Datasets
Tenchijin does not view satellite data as a single-use resource but rather as part of a comprehensive big data approach. Tenchijin employs a unique method, uncommon in the space industry, by overlaying different satellite datasets and combining satellite data with ground-based data (such as sensor data, statistical data, and GIS data).
Key Satellite Data Handled by Tenchijin
Satellite Imagery When people think of satellite data, satellite imagery (visible images) is often what comes to mind. Many private companies, both in Japan and abroad, provide satellite imagery. At Tenchijin, these images are used to monitor natural changes, detect urban development, and identify structures and other features.
SAR Imagery Satellite imagery can also capture information that is invisible to the human eye. One example is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, which has recently gained attention. While SAR satellites like Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s advanced radar satellite “Daichi-4” (ALOS-4) have traditionally been developed under government initiatives, private companies have also started entering the field. Tenchijin uses SAR data to analyze ground deformation and related phenomena.
Surface Temperature Surface temperature refers to the temperature of the ground itself. Unlike air temperature, which measures the temperature of the atmosphere, surface temperature indicates how hot or cold the ground is.
Surface temperature is a specialized dataset collected by various national satellites, including those from the Japan Meteorological Agency, JAXA, and NASA. Traditionally, this data has primarily been used by scientists and researchers.
However, since its founding, Tenchijin has been applying surface temperature data to business use cases. The reason why this data had not been widely adopted in business before lies in its complexity and the rarity of overlaying multiple satellite datasets.
Why has Tenchijin been able to leverage this data?
The answer lies in the company’s name. The name “Tenchijin” embodies its core mission:
“Ten” (Sky): utilizing satellite data from space
“Chi” (Earth): integrating ground-based data
“Jin” (People): enhancing people’s lives and activities through data
Because Tenchijin was founded with a vision of integrating multiple data sources, the company was able to quickly realize the potential of surface temperature data.
Surface temperature plays a crucial role in Tenchijin’s existing services, such as evaluating the risk of infrastructure deterioration, selecting optimal locations for renewable energy, and assessing suitable areas for agriculture adapted to climate change.
Recognizing the value of surface temperature data early on, Tenchijin has been conducting research and development to create proprietary high-frequency, high-resolution surface temperature information. This involves integrating data from JAXA’s GCOM-C satellite, the Himawari weather satellite, and various international satellites.
We are currently utilizing this technology in the free-to-use WebGIS service called “Tenchijin COMPASS” and in the water utility DX service for local governments and water service providers, known as “Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterLeak.”
What is “Thermo Earth of Love Project”?
The “Thermo Earth of Love Project” is an initiative by Tenchijin, a company that has long believed in the potential of surface temperature data. Through the development of its own satellite, this project aims to enhance surface temperature observation, with a satellite launch planned for 2027.
Starting in 2027, expanded coverage and higher resolution surface temperature data will significantly advance our solutions. We envision specific applications in the following areas:
Enhancements in Water Infrastructure Management High-resolution, high-frequency surface temperature data will enable more advanced maintenance and management of water infrastructure. This includes improving leak detection accuracy, providing near-real-time monitoring for rapid response, and enabling the prediction and preventive maintenance of water pipes. Additionally, this data will be utilized to assess damage from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, contributing to urban planning and disaster management efforts.
Precision Agriculture By leveraging more detailed surface temperature data, we can enable precise monitoring of crop growth conditions, early detection of pests and diseases, and optimal selection of crop varieties. Near-real-time analysis of climate change and soil temperature variations will enhance the accuracy of harvest planning, supporting the development of sustainable agricultural models.
“Thermo Earth of Love Project” represents a bold step for Tenchijin, a startup that has previously deployed satellite data-driven solutions, as it now ventures into the domain of space hardware development.
In the space hardware sector, business models have traditionally been hardware-driven, where companies develop their own satellites and sell the resulting observation data. However, Tenchijin’s solution-driven vertical integration approach is a rare and pioneering initiative, even on a global scale.
Tenchijin’s strength lies in knowing the data required through real-world business applications. By identifying data that can effectively address societal challenges, Tenchijin believes it can fully unlock its value.
Surface temperature data, in particular, is a specialized form of information monitored by government satellites, such as those from the Japan Meteorological Agency, JAXA, and NASA. This is precisely why it is significant for not only government agencies but also private companies to possess and utilize this data, broadening its potential applications.
Tenchijin is guided by its mission of “optimizing human civilization through space big data” and its core values of “thinking from a space perspective” and “engaging in activities beneficial to Earth.” “Thermo Earth of Love Project” is a major step toward achieving these high aspirations.
The satellite data capturing Earth’s state holds limitless possibilities. “Thermo Earth of Love Project” expresses both the warmth of surface temperature and a deep love for the planet.
Tenchijin firmly believes that surface temperature data is an invaluable resource for humanity. Tenchijin sincerely hopes you will follow and support the challenges it faces in “Thermo Earth of Love Project.”
