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More ffective and lasting solutions needed for teacher shortages

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Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)

“The report released today shows clearly we are facing significant shortages of secondary teachers around the motu.

“The Government’s attempts to address the shortage by importing teachers from overseas, employing unqualified staff and lowering the re-entry requirements for teachers who have been out of the profession for a while are a bandaid on the significant need in schools.

“We need improvements in relative pay rates and working conditions and the removal of barriers into teaching – such as paid training.”

“Also, the numbers still only tell part of the story as the specialist nature of secondary teaching means that you could have numbers balanced yet still be short of hundreds of the needed teachers in practice. And if you want schools to have a choice of appointment you actually need a surplus of teachers in each region.”

“Even on the most optimistic projection for secondary teachers, schools could still be struggling to fill subject vacancies and reducing curriculum options or having teachers take subject classes they are not specialists in, e.g. specialist history teachers taking physics classes.”

Chris Abercrombie said the report did not take into account relief teacher supply. “Relief teachers are a big part of the system and shortages there are a major pressure currently.

“This report acknowledges what we are hearing from principals around the motu – that it is becoming increasingly difficulty to fill vacancies in a wide range of subject areas, and in a wide range of schools.

“The secondary teacher shortage is worsening and if this Government is serious about growing Aotearoa New Zealand, it needs to start with the basics and ensure every secondary school student has a trained and qualified specialist teacher in every subject.”

Last modified on Friday, 21 February 2025 09:43

MIL OSI

Industrial hemp regulations to be reviewed

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Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Regulation David Seymour says that outdated and burdensome regulations surrounding industrial hemp (iHemp) production are set to be reviewed by the Ministry for Regulation.

Industrial hemp is currently classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, despite containing minimal THC and posing little risk of misuse.

“This over-regulation stifles economic growth and innovation within the sector,” says Mr Seymour.

The Ministry for Regulation has received extensive feedback on the red tape hindering the industry, both through its review into Agricultural and Horticultural Products and the red tape tipline.

In response, the Ministry is working with MedSafe and the Ministry of Health to reassess these nearly twenty-year-old regulations. 

A 2023 report by MBIE highlighted hemp as a key opportunity for New Zealand’s bioeconomy, with the New Zealand Hemp Industries Association (NZHIA) projecting potential earnings of $2 billion by 2030, contingent on regulatory reform.

“Despite several government interventions since the legalisation of hemp cultivation in 2006, the sector has seen limited growth.

“It’s time for a new approach that balances risk management with unlocking opportunities for growers.

“I will present reform options to Cabinet later this year, to rejuvenate the iHemp sector and drive economic growth.”

MIL OSI

SH1 Awanui road rebuild to begin Sunday

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises road users to plan ahead and expect delays as contractors work to rebuild a section of State Highway 1 at Awanui, from this Sunday (23 February).

Work will take place between the Awanui BP and 20m south of the Gill Road/SH1 intersection overnight from 6pm – 6am, to minimise disruption. Stop/go traffic management will be in place during the works, and a 30km/h temporary speed limit will remain in place 24 hours for the duration. Work is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete.

There will be no parking along this section of SH1 (the main street of Awanui) and for 100m up Collards St, Gills Rd, and Warau St, Sunday to Thursday nights, from 6pm to 6am.

Travel delays during these works are expected to be 5 – 10mins.

Rebuilding the road, which often involves replacing all or most of the structural road layers, improves the longevity of the network, the resilience and ultimately the safety and efficiency for all road users.

Chipsealing between Kaitaia and Awanui

Overnight chipsealing work at 2 locations on SH1 between Kaitaia and Awanui is also planned for mid-March.

  • Between N Park Drive and Wireless Road, north of Kaitaia
  • Between Gill Road and Quarry Road, south of Awanui

Work will take place between 7pm and 7am, with stop/go traffic and temporary speed restrictions in place. Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place the following day to guide traffic over the new seal and help to embed it successfully.

This work is currently scheduled for Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 March but is weather dependent and may change at short notice. People are encouraged to visit the Journey Planner website for up-to-date information.

People travelling from Kaitaia and on through Awanui on these dates, should expect delays and allow additional time for their journeys.

Please be patient and treat our crews with kindness and respect. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the directions of traffic management staff and signs.

This summer maintenance period (September 2024 to May 2025), we’re investing in the largest road rebuild programme ever for the region, with Northland one of three regions across Aotearoa with the most significant road rebuild programmes over the next three years. 

Work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.

Journey Planner(external link)

For more information about the overall maintenance programme and planned works, visit the Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme website:

Northland roadworks(external link)

You can now sign up to receive email updates on upcoming road maintenance:

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience while we undertake this important work to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads.

MIL OSI

Three prime New Zealand islands join global restoration campaign

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  21 February 2025

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and partners are joining the international Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) to boost conservation efforts on subantarctic Maukahuka/Auckland Island, Rakiura/Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. 

The IOCC, led by international conservation groups, Island Conservation and Re:wild, and UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, aims to restore at least 40 globally significant island-ocean ecosystems around the world by 2030.   

An ambitious plan to remove invasive species, protect threatened wildlife, and restore the island ecosystems so they’re resilient to climate change has been agreed by DOC, Ngāi Tahu, Moriori, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri and community partners.  

DOC’s Director-General Penny Nelson says joining the IOCC will help New Zealand promote and amplify groundbreaking island conservation on the world stage. 

“For millions of years, New Zealand’s native species evolved separately from the rest of the world. They’re unique, they’re only found here, and once they’re gone from here, they’re gone from everywhere. 

“These islands are precious remnants of a prehistoric world. Protecting and restoring them will make sure they become safe havens for iconic native species once more. 

“We want to see the return of fields of chest-high flowering megaherbs on Maukahuka/Auckland Island, thriving colonies of diverse seabirds like tāiko and albatross on the Chatham Islands and Rakiura becoming a refuge for kākāpō.   

“Partnering with the IOCC connects us with international donors who want to restore nature. It will boost government investment so we can scale up the most complex and challenging island conservation projects New Zealand has ever attempted.  

“We’re thrilled that just last month a generous New Zealander donated $100,000 to the Auckland Island project, adding to the $11.5 million already raised through philanthropy across the three projects,” Penny Nelson says. 

Penny Becker, CEO of Island Conservation, says, “We are beyond excited to welcome these three important New Zealand restoration projects into our global portfolio of island-ocean ecosystems.  

“By restoring these islands, we can make a tangible difference for biodiversity and oceans. Investing in these projects is an investment in the health and future of our planet.” 

Signatory partners are celebrating the launch of New Zealand’s participation in the IOCC at an event at Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff, hosted by Te Rūnaka o Awarua.  

Awarua Rūnaka spokesperson and co-chair of Te Puka Rakiura Trust Dean Whaanga, says, “Te Rūnaka o Awarua is delighted to be hosting this event to launch the entry of these three motu (islands) into the IOCC. 

“Two of the three islands – Rakiura/Stewart Island and Maukahuka/Auckland Island – are located within the Ngāi Tahu takiwā (territory) and our role as kaitiaki (guardians) of these motu is of immense significance to our whānau (people).  

“Our success in restoring the small offshore islands surrounding Rakiura has laid the pathway for the mahi that needs to be done on Rakiura and Maukahuka,” Dean Whaanga says. 

New Zealand is world renowned for island conservation work with over 110 successful island pest eradications achieved so far and an ambitious nationwide Predator Free 2050 goal. However, the three latest island projects will be ground-breaking in their scale and complexity.  

Each island is 4-15 times larger than the biggest New Zealand island (Campbell Island) previously cleared of pests. Their remoteness from the mainland, difficult terrain, wild weather and multiple animal pest species presents unique challenges. Human settlements are also present on Rakiura and the Chatham Islands, marking a first for New Zealand predator free projects of this scale. The local communities play a crucial part in the restoration of these islands. 

Plans for removing introduced predators from the three islands have been underway for many years and are well advanced. Extensive research and feasibility work has been undertaken, involving a wide range of expertise including in science, predator control, planning and logistics, and community engagement. Investment in these projects will unlock new methods and grow the toolbox for eradicating harmful introduced predators both in Aotearoa and around the world.   

The government has invested $54 million in the three island conservation projects, which are estimated to cost a total of $202 million. With $11.5 million donated so far, this leaves $137 million still to be raised.  

Funds raised towards the three island conservation projects will be managed by the New Zealand Nature Fund (NZNF), which is supporting New Zealand’s IOCC pledge. NZNF is also embarking on a major campaign with donors and philanthropists.     

Donate today to help restore the natural biodiversity of these three unique islands: www.nznaturefund.org/iocc.

New Zealand Island-Ocean Connection Challenge booklet (PDF, 5,900K)

Background information

Signatories to New Zealand’s IOCC pledge are the Department of Conservation, Te Rūnanga o Hokonui, Te Rūnaka o Awarua, Te Rūnaka o Waihōpai, Te Rūnaka o Ōraka Aparima, Te Puka Rakiura Trust (Predator Free Rakiura), Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Iwi Trust and Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust. Predator Free NZ Trust and Predator Free 2050 Ltd are supporting partners. 

DOC is coordinating the partnerships with all groups involved in the IOCC pledge.  

Maukahuka/Auckland Island, located 465km south of Bluff, is a renowned World Heritage Site and nature reserve. Dubbed the ‘seabird capital of the world’, it’s a hub for breeding seabirds, including four albatross species. The island’s rich biodiversity (including over 100 species found nowhere else) is at threat from mice, pigs and feral cats. Planning is well underway for the eradication of the three invasive mammals which is estimated to cost $78 million. This project is led by DOC in partnership with Ngāi Tahu. 

Rakiura/Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third largest island, is 90% public conservation land including Rakiura National Park. Home to a tokoeka brown kiwi population, it’s surrounded by many pest-free islands with thriving tītī/sooty shearwater and other seabird populations. Te Puka Rakiura Trust, Ngāi Tahu and DOC are working together towards the goal to eradicate feral cats, rats, possums, and hedgehogs from the island. The vision is to restore the island for the return of kākāpō and other wildlife previously found there. 

Chatham Islands, located 800km east of Aotearoa, is a haven for native birds and plants found nowhere else like the kakaruia/karure/Chatham Island black robin, Chatham Island tāiko/magenta petrel and Chatham Island albatross/toroa/hopo. The IOCC pledge is to continue removing feral cats from Rangihaute/Rangiauria/Pitt Island and complete the first phase of the Predator Free project on Rēkohu/Wharekauri/main Chatham by removing possums and feral cats. The long-term goal is to remove possums, feral cats and rats from the whole archipelago and see the seabird-driven ecosystem thriving. This community-driven project is led by the Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust with Hokotehi Moriori Trust and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri, supported by DOC, Chatham Islands Council and Predator Free 2050 Ltd. 

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Department of Conservation: media@doc.govt.nz 

Island Conservation Strategic Communications Director Sally Esposito: sally.esposito@islandconservation.org 

Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust Communications Lead Jess MacKenzie: info@chathamrestorationtrust.org  

Te Puka Rakiura Trust (Predator Free Rakiura) Communication Advisor Vaneesa Bellew: v.bellew@predatorfreerakiura.org.nz

MIL OSI

Serious crash, SH 73/Curletts Road, Christchurch

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A busy Christchurch intersection is shut as emergency services respond to a crash involving a car and motorbike this morning.

Curletts Road (State Highway 73) is blocked at the intersection of Lunns Road, following the 5.40am crash.

The rider of the motorcycle is being treated for critical injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit is attending and the intersection will likely be closed for some time.

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Barbecues Galore Acquires Barbecue Country Edmonton

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Source: Media Outreach

ALBERTA & ONTARIO, CANADA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 February 2025 – In a joint agreement that completes today at 11:00 am MST, Barbecue Country, of 5682 75 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta will officially join the proudly Canadian, Barbecues Galore family.

Canadian homeowners have trusted Barbecues Galore since 1979 for expert advice and exceptional services related to luxury patio furniture, fireplaces, barbecues, an amazing assortment of barbecue accessories, smokers, pizza ovens, outdoor fire tables, umbrellas, modular outdoor kitchens, charcoal, and pellets, plus a huge selection of sauces, spices & rubs.

A 46-year-old, privately held, Canadian-owned and operated company, Barbecues Galore will now own six gorgeous retail stores — three in Ontario, two in Calgary, and one in Edmonton — offering the nation’s best collection of barbecues, fireplaces, and patio furniture.

Barbecue Country started in 1983 and has always been known as the premier destination for all your barbecue needs. It expanded into its current 12,000 sq ft. showroom in 2004. With a certified Kansas City Barbecue Society judge on staff, it is clear that barbecue is in the DNA of both companies.1

“We are excited to welcome the staff and customers of Barbecue Country to our Barbecues Galore family. They can expect to enjoy more product choices including Yoder smokers, pizza ovens, electric fireplaces, luxury patio furniture, a variety of charcoal options, and a $9.99 everyday bag of Big Boy pellet fuel – the lowest price in Canada,” said President, Paul Johnson.

Barbecues Galore wants all current and future customers to know they are in good hands. Both companies honour the same great Price Promise. We welcome everyone to join our barbecue community for Canadians, by Canadians. Follow us on Facebook, and subscribe to our free email Hotline Newsletter to get weekly barbecue recipes, and articles on interesting barbecue topics, and be among the first to hear about local events and great promotions throughout the year.

www.BarbecuesGalore.ca

Hashtag: #BarbecuesGalore

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

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

NZ-AU: Canyon Bolsters Board with Appointment of Dean Horton

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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canyon Resources Limited (ASX: CAY) (‘Canyon’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Dean Horton as Non-Executive Director commencing his role on 19 February 2025. Mr. Horton’s appointment supports the Board’s strategy of attracting and building a proven, diversified and highly-credentialed team of industry professionals who can grow and develop the Company’s Minim Martap Bauxite Project, located in Cameroon, through development and into production.

Mr. Horton is a senior corporate finance professional with over 25 years of international experience in the development and financing of energy, natural resource and infrastructure projects. Mr. Horton has held senior roles with leading financial institutions across Australia, Africa, the Gulf Region, Hong Kong and Indonesia. An emerging markets expert, Mr. Horton brings a network of international relationships spanning sovereigns and financial institutions across renewable energy, natural resources, and sustainable investment sectors.

Mr. Horton previously served as Group Manager of Funding at Fortescue, where he led the team responsible for corporate finance solutions for decarbonisation, the global portfolio of domestic and international green energy development projects and offshore iron ore projects in Africa.

Prior to his tenure at Fortescue, Mr. Horton held several positions at the National Australia Bank. As General Manager of Group Corporate Development, Mr. Horton spearheaded NAB’s entry into Indonesia, obtaining regulatory approvals and leading M&A initiatives. In addition, Mr. Horton led the establishment of a Hong Kong based project finance team supporting over US$ 7 billion in infrastructure, energy and mining projects across Asia and the Gulf, and was a member of the corporate finance/ special situations team at Ahli United Bank, managing a US$3.5 billion global emerging market portfolio.

Most recently, Mr. Horton was the Chief Financial Officer of Greatland Gold (LON: GGP) where he supported the significant equity and working capital raise, and associated hedging, for the US$475 million Telfer and Havieron acquisition from Newmont.

A Zambian national, Mr. Horton holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Finance, with Honours, and his thesis on modelling Australian interest rates was published by the Australian Economic Review in 1999.

Mark Hohnen, Executive Chairman of Canyon commented: “We are delighted to welcome Dean as Non-Executive Director, with his appointment bringing significant project financing expertise and international leadership, which will be increasingly invaluable as we continue to grow and develop our world-class Minim Martap Bauxite Project into production.

“Attracting and appointing someone of Dean’s calibre is testament to Canyon’s reputation within the bauxite industry and exciting future prospects for the Company, as we make rapid progress toward production. Dean’s experience across international jurisdictions and strong relationships within the global natural resources sector will provide critical support as we enter this next phase of exciting growth and set the foundations for the Company as a near-term bauxite producer.

“The Board is committed to ensuring that Minim Martap is positioned to become a tier-one, long term bauxite producer, delivering strong and sustainable value for all stakeholders. Dean’s appointment further strengthens our leadership at a pivotal time and we look forward to working with him as we continue to build momentum towards production.”

This announcement has been approved for release by the Canyon Resources’ Board of Directors.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3305866-5217-4f9f-a18f-3fdca5b6d347

– Published by The MIL Network

Advisory group on organised crime appointed

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Ministerial Advisory Group on transnational and serious organised crime was appointed by Cabinet on Monday and met for the first time today, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello announced.
“The group will provide independent advice to ensure we have a better cross-government response to fighting the increasing threat posed to New Zealand by international and domestic crime groups,” Ms Costello says.
“These criminal groups are organised as businesses, and we have to address their activities accordingly – stopping their product and their supply chains and their use of ‘labour’ and targeting their money. 
“This means there’s a greater role for agencies like ACC, WorkSafe and Inland Revenue to work alongside Immigration, MPI and law enforcement to cooperate and fight organised crime. The way all of these agencies operate and work together will be a focus for the advisory group.”
The advisory group, chaired by Steve Symon, a senior partner at Meredith Connell, has expertise across government and law enforcement, as well as knowledge of the nature of organised crime and the impact it has in New Zealand. There will be four other members, three of whom – Craig Hamilton, John Tims and Jarrod Gilbert – have been appointed. The fourth member will be appointed very shortly. 
The group will be in place for eight months and be funded through the Proceeds of Crime Fund.
“The advisory group will provide advice and recommendations on how law enforcement and regulatory agencies can improve enforcement and disruption action,” Ms Costello says. 
“We have to do all that we can to stop criminal groups with the ultimate objective of making New Zealand the hardest place in the world for organised crime to operate.
“Organised criminal activity inflicts misery in our communities including driving violent crime, and harms legitimate businesses and the broader New Zealand economy,” Ms Costello says. “The illicit drug trade alone is estimated to have cost the country close to $1.5 billion in social harm last year.
“We have a range of regulatory and law enforcement levers available to us and we need agencies to more effectively use these to support the dismantling of criminal organisations and the sham businesses that front their activities.
“I’m anticipating that the advisory group will look at information sharing between agencies, the way investigations and prosecutions are managed, and how frontline cooperation can be improved.  
“Collectively, we can make a step-change in the way Government agencies think about and respond to serious organised crime and make New Zealand safer.”

MIL OSI

Tax – Keeping ability to gather tax information essential says tax reform group – TJA

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Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

20 February 2025 – Tax Justice Aotearoa is calling on the Minister of Revenue to retain the ability for Inland Revenue to collect vital information that supports effective tax policy making.

“We are concerned that the Minister initiated a review of this important provision within the Tax Administration Act just over a year after IR produced its report on High Net Worth Individuals,” said Glenn Barclay, Chairperson of Tax Justice Aotearoa.

“That piece of work provided us with the first in depth information on the scale of the inequities of our tax system and the review has the air of an exercise to close down or restrict similar research in the future. We are calling on the Minister to stick with this provision, which is essential to good tax policy making.”

S.17GB of the Tax Administration Act is the provision that enabled Inland Revenue to carry out that ground breaking Report on High Net Worth Individuals in 2023.

The report revealed that the wealthiest 311 families in the country had an effective tax rate of around 9%, while the average taxpayer had an effective tax rate of over 20%.
 
“The lack of balance in our tax system is now well understood, but without the information gathered under s.17GB we would not have had the research on High Net Worth Individuals and would be guessing about the extent of the problem,” said Glenn Barclay.

S.17GB goes beyond the general information collecting power in the Act, which is not sufficient to provide access to information that could potentially lead to policy change – it is mainly about enforcement.
 
“The need for this provision is also a symptom of our badly out of balance tax system. If we were already taxing capital in any meaningful way, then it is reasonable to assume that IR would have much better information about what high net worth individuals are worth.

“In the absence of those taxes and that information, this provision becomes even more essential.”
 
Glenn Barclay also drew attention to the relevance of s.17GB to other recently announced policies.
 
“Government policies such as the possibility of reducing corporate taxes and encouraging wealthy individuals to come to New Zealand, mean that understanding their contribution to revenue is going to become more important, not less,” he said.
 
“There is no good reason to reduce or eliminate this power to gather information other than to protect vested interests and we ask the Minister to put the public interest first.”

MIL OSI

The Silent Menace of DUI

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Source: Press Release Service

Driving under the influence (DUI) remains one of New Zealand’s most persistent and preventable public health challenges. According to the New Zealand Transport Agency, alcohol-impaired driving contributes to nearly 30% of fatal road crashes annually. Beyond the stark statistics lies a deeper issue: the profound medical, social, and economic consequences of DUI that ripple through communities, families, and individuals.

The Medical Reality of DUI
Alcohol’s impact on the body is both immediate and far-reaching. Even in small quantities, it impairs essential cognitive and physical functions, creating a dangerous disconnect between driver and vehicle:

Slowed Reflexes: Alcohol delays reaction times, making it difficult to respond to sudden changes on the road.
Impaired Vision: Blurred or double vision reduces a driver’s ability to judge distances and recognize hazards.
Poor Decision-Making: Alcohol disrupts the brain’s ability to process information, leading to risky behaviors and poor judgment.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of just 0.05%—the legal limit in New Zealand—doubles the risk of a crash. At higher levels, the likelihood of a fatal accident increases exponentially. Chronic alcohol misuse, often associated with repeated DUI incidents, can lead to long-term health issues such as liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.

A Community Issue, Not Just an Individual One
DUI is not merely a personal failing; it is a societal problem. Every incident affects families, first responders, healthcare systems, and the broader community. In cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, where nightlife and social drinking are woven into the culture, the challenge is particularly acute. Public health initiatives have made strides in raising awareness, but more is needed. Prevention requires not just education, but accessible solutions that align with modern lifestyles.

Practical Steps for Safer Choices
While systemic solutions are essential, individual actions remain critical. Some practical tips include:

Plan Ahead: Arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare app, or rely on delivery services to avoid the need to drive after drinking.
Monitor Consumption: Use standard drink guidelines to stay within safe limits.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water between alcoholic beverages can slow the absorption of alcohol.
Set Limits: Establish clear boundaries before drinking to avoid impulsive decisions.
By adopting these habits, individuals can play an active role in reducing DUI incidents and creating safer communities.

A Smarter Way Forward
The fight against DUI requires a multifaceted approach—one that combines education, enforcement, and innovation. While the road ahead is long, the emergence of practical solutions offers a glimpse of what’s possible. Technologies and businesses that encourage safer choices are beginning to make a difference.

Take GIMME, New Zealand’s local and leading on-demand alcohol delivery platform. The service provides fast, convenient delivery of beverages directly to customers’ doors—within 30–90 minutes in major cities and by the next business day nationwide. By eliminating the need for individuals to drive after consuming alcohol, GIMME reduces the temptation to get behind the wheel and helps prevent DUI. Its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction extends to robust packaging protocols, ensuring a seamless, secure delivery experience.

“We’re not just delivering alcohol; we’re delivering experiences and promoting safer choices,” says Vanshraj Singh, Business Head at GIMME. “Our goal is to make it easy for Kiwis to enjoy their favorite beverages without compromising safety.”

GIMME is more than just a delivery service; it’s a movement toward safer, smarter, and more responsible drinking experiences. By providing an alternative to driving under the influence, GIMME helps to foster a culture of responsibility and conviviality.

Partnering for Progress
GIMME’s partnerships with local breweries, wineries, and distilleries support New Zealand’s vibrant beverage industry while amplifying the company’s public health mission. This community-focused approach strengthens both the local economy and the safety of New Zealand’s roads.

Looking to the future, GIMME is focused on innovation, expanding its reach, and enhancing its technology. With its loyalty and rewards program—on par with those used by global companies like Ben & Jerry’s—GIMME continues to elevate the standard for on-demand alcohol delivery.

Conclusion
As New Zealand continues to grapple with the challenges of DUI, progress depends on collective action. From individuals taking responsible steps to businesses like GIMME leading by example, there is potential to reduce the devastating impact of DUI. Together, these efforts can pave the way for a safer, more conscientious drinking culture—one that values both personal enjoyment and public well-being.

Media Release 20 February 2025.

MIL OSI