“The ACT Party can’t be bothered putting an MP on one of the Justice subcommittees hearing submissions on their own Treaty Principles Bill,” Labour Justice Spokesperson Duncan Webb said.
“It is bad enough that ACT has put New Zealand through the expense and anguish of this doomed Bill, but to then refuse to hear oral submissions is utterly disrespectful, lazy, and it shows that this is all just a stunt by David Seymour.
“It is outrageous that $6 million of the taxpayer’s money is being misused to promote ACT Party ideology, while Christopher Luxon stands idly by. For the ACT Party to refuse to send an MP to hear 30 of the 80 hours of submissions just adds insult to injury.
“Thousands of New Zealanders have spent hours carefully preparing their submissions and some have been invited to submit to the select committee. Those submitters deserve to have the ACT Party listen to what they have to say. The ACT Party’s suggestion that they have more important things to do is insulting and disingenuous,” Duncan Webb said.
Returning the Ō-Rākau battle site to tūpuna ownership will help to recognise the past and safeguard their stories for the benefit of future generations, Minister for Māori Crown Relations Tama Potaka says. The Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passed its third reading at Parliament today. The Bill will vest the title to the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres east of Kihikihi, in ngā tūpuna o Ō-Rākau – the ancestors of Ō-Rākau. “This unique arrangement acknowledges those who were present during the battle or had traditional connections to the land,” Mr Potaka says. “The battle site will be managed by a body representing the descendants of ngā tūpuna, as well as their whānau, hapū and Iwi. “I know it’s been a long journey to achieve this result and I acknowledge the work of Maniapoto, Raukawa, Waikato and all others whose mahi has contributed to the return of the whenua. “Since 2015, the Crown and Iwi have worked closely together to return the whenua at Ō-Rākau and honour the tūpuna who had connections to that land. Ō-Rākau was the site of the last major battle in the Crown’s 1863-64 invasion of Waikato. Between 31 March and 2 April 1864, around 300 Māori, many of them women and children, defended their pa against an attack by 1,400 British troops. An estimated half of the defenders were killed during the fighting and subsequent retreat and the land was subsequently confiscated by the Crown. “Ō-Rākau was the site of an important conflict in our nation’s history and I was honoured to attend the 160th anniversary commemorations there last year. “Today is the next step on a journey taken together by Crown and Iwi in recognition of our shared experiences together.” E hoki ana te pae riri o Ō-Rākau ki raro i te rangatiratanga o ngā tūpuna Mā te hokinga o te pae riri o Ō-Rākau ki raro i te rangatiratanga o ngā tūpuna ka āhukahukatia tō rātou onamata, ka whakamarua ā rātou kōrero hei painga mō ngā whakatupuranga kei te heke mai, te kī a te Minita mō Te Arawhiti, a Tama Potaka. Kua pāhi Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara i muri i te pānuitanga tuatoru i te Pāremata i tēnei rā. Ka tukuna e te Pire te taitara ki te pae riri e 9.7 heketea te rahi, e 5 kiromita te tawhiti whakaterāwhiti o Kihikihi, ki ngā tūpuna o Ō-Rākau. “Ko tā tēnei whakaritenga ahurei he āhukahuka i ērā i reira i te wā o te pakanga, i whai hononga taketake rānei ki taua whenua,” hei tā Minita Potaka. “Ka whakahaeretia te pae riri e tētahi rōpū e whakakanohi ana i ngā uri o aua tūpuna, i ō rātou whānau, hapū, iwi anō hoki. “E mōhio ana ahau he roa te huarahi i whāia kia puta ai tēnei otinga, me āku mihi ki ērā mahi nunui a Maniapoto, a Raukawa, a Waikato, a ētahi atu rānei i whai wāhi ki te whakahokinga o te papa whenua nei. “Mai i 2015 he kaha te mahi ngātahi a te Karauna me ngā Iwi ki te whakahoki i te whenua i Ō-Rākau me te whakamiha i ngā tūpuna i whai hononga ki taua pito whenua. Ko Ō-Rākau te pae o te pakanga nui whakamutunga o tā te Karauna urutomokanga o Waikato i te 1863-64. I waenga i te 31 o Māehe me te 2 o Aperira 1864 i whakangungua e tōna 300 tāngata Māori, ko te tokomaha o rātou he wāhine me te tamariki, tō rātou pā ki tētahi pāhatanga e ngā hōia Piritene 1,400. Ko te whakatau tata, i whakamatea tata ki te haurua o ngā kaiwawao i ngā wā o te pakanga, me te whakatahinga i whai muri, ka mutu, he mea raupatu te whenua e te Karauna. “Ko Ō-Rākau te pae o tētahi pakanga nui i te hītori o te motu, ā, nōku te whiwhi i tae atu au ki reira mō te whakanuinga huritau 160 i tērā tau. “Ko tēnei rā he wāhanga anō i te haerenga ngātahi o te Karauna me ngā Iwi ki te āhukahuka i ō mātou hononga tētahi ki tētahi.”
Last updated 18 February 2025 Last updated 18 February 2025
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This page provides information about tertiary education organisations’ (TEOs’) reporting on TEO-led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (TEO-led WLN) delivery, and our monitoring of their performance. This page provides information about tertiary education organisations’ (TEOs’) reporting on TEO-led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (TEO-led WLN) delivery, and our monitoring of their performance.
For information about Employer-led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (EWLN) reporting and monitoring, see Employer-led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (EWLN) Fund. Reporting If you receive TEO-led WLN funding, you must submit:
a progress report for the period 1 January to 31 May no later than 10 working days after 31 May; and a progress report for the period 1 January to 30 September no later than 10 working days after 30 September; and a final report for the period 1 January to 31 December no later than 31 January of the following year.
Each progress report and the final report must:
be submitted in accordance with the template that we will provide to you; and relate to the specific delivery commitments outlined in your Investment Plan.
For details about the information we require you to report, please refer to Data requirements: Other Fund Actuals. Templates for the two progress reports and one final report are available for TEOs to complete and submit by the due dates on DXP Ngā Kete. Monitoring We monitor TEO performance and practices to understand their performance in the sector, and to inform our decisions about future funding they may receive. We monitor a TEO’s:
achievement of mix of provision (MoP) delivery commitments compliance with TEO-led WLN funding conditions for the relevant year compliance with legislative requirements, and achievement of other expectations that we communicate to TEOs.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises resurfacing work will take place on southbound lanes 1 & 2 (clip-on lanes) of the Auckland Harbour Bridge this weekend.
This will require longer than a typical overnight closure due to the nature of the material used to pave the bridge. Southbound lanes 1 & 2 (clip-on lanes) will be closed from 9pm Saturday 22 February until 12pm Sunday 23 February while this work is carried out. Shelly Beach southbound off-ramp will also be closed.
Traffic will still be able to cross the bridge in both directions at all times during the works.
We recommend using State Highway 16 Western Ring Route where possible to avoid congestion. The route carries traffic between SH1 Constellation Drive and SH1 Manukau using State Highway 18, SH16 and State Highway 20.
This work has been scheduled on a weekend to avoid disrupting peak travel times during the week.
Please be patient and treat our crews with kindness and respect. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the traffic management directions at our work sites.
This 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.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is urging drivers to expect delays following a truck breakdown on Hawke’s Bay Expressway.
The truck is partially blocking the northbound lane just before Tutaekuri River Bridge.
The southbound lane is unaffected.
However motorists through this area are currently experiencing significant delays. Please avoid this stretch of road if possible and plan ahead, until the truck can be removed from the road.
The MICHELIN Guide announced its arrival in Manila and Environs & Cebu for an upcoming 2026 selection
The restaurant selection for the inaugural edition will be revealed in the last quarter of 2025
The renowned anonymous MICHELIN Inspectors are already in the field
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 February 2025 – The MICHELIN Guide announced today its latest expansion into the vibrant culinary landscapes of Manila and Cebu. This new selection will focus on the bustling Metro Manila and the dynamic city of Cebu, while also beginning to explore the environs of Manila, including Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite. The prestigious guide revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors have been thoroughly exploring these regions to identify the most outstanding dining venues. This selection will highlight the best of Manila and Environs & Cebu’s dining scene, showcasing talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions.
“Our MICHELIN Inspectors have been following the evolution of the Filipino culinary scene with great excitement. The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture.” Explained Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “In Manila, we see young, talented chefs redefining Filipino cuisine with fresh perspectives, while Cebu, as a leading tourist destination, offers an impressive range of dining experiences with world-class hospitality.”
With its 7,641 islands, diverse regional cuisines, and cultural fusion, the Philippines has a thriving food scene that embraces both authentic heritage and contemporary innovation. From Manila & Environs, where Filipino cuisine thrives with strong regional identity, to Cebu, a globally recognized tourism hub with a flourishing hospitality industry, the country’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, attracting food lovers from around the world.
A standout example of the Philippines’ celebrated cuisine is lechon, a signature dish deeply embedded in Filipino culture. Particularly famous in Cebu, lechon has gained global recognition for its perfectly crisp skin and flavorful, tender meat, often enjoyed during festive celebrations and special gatherings. The presence of iconic dishes like lechon further elevates the Philippines as a top culinary destination, drawing food lovers eager to experience its bold flavors and rich traditions. The MICHELIN Guide’s recognition will further elevate Filipino cuisine on the international stage and expand global appreciation for the country’s diverse and dynamic food culture.
The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide is supported by the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT). Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco stated, “We extend our warmest welcome to the MICHELIN Guide whose international recognition of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage celebrates the diversity of flavors and exceptional creativity that permeate our nation. We are proud to share our vibrant culture and distinct cuisines to the world, which can be enjoyed through exceptional dining experiences across our dynamic cities and beautiful islands. We invite travelers to visit the Philippines and experience the love, warmth, and creativity of Filipino cuisine, while savoring innovative culinary creations shaped by diverse global influences.“
“The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide is not only a testament to our country’s culinary excellence but also a significant leap forward for Filipino tourism, with gastronomy now forming a key part of our national tourism priorities. In the Philippines, every dish tells a story and every flavor is an invitation to experience our nation’s rich cultural tapestry,” Secretary Frasco added.
The MICHELIN Guide Methodology
The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes and to promote travel culture.
The selection will follow MICHELIN’s historic method based on five universal criteria to ensure consistency between each selection, including;
The quality of the ingredients
The mastery of cooking techniques
The harmony of flavors
The personality of the cuisine
The consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole
The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection
The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to special restaurants within its full selection. The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.
The MICHELIN Guide is committed to maintaining the highest global standards in its restaurant selection process. Our team of anonymous, experienced, and expert inspectors conduct continuous and rigorous evaluations of restaurants. These evaluations are carried out objectively and independently, ensuring that external factors do not influence the results. This dedication to impartiality and excellence guarantees that only the outstanding dining establishments are recognized.
The full restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be unveiled at a special event to be held in the last quarter of 2025. It will be available exclusively in digital format on all the Guide’s interfaces: website, mobile applications, and social networks. It will join the global MICHELIN Guide restaurant and hotel selections to be found for free on its digital platforms.
To learn more about the MICHELIN Guide history, methodology or selection organization, please visit guide.michelin.com or follow updates on facebook.com/MichelinGuideAsia and instagram.com/michelinguide.
The MICHELIN Guide Worldwide app foriOSandAndroiddevices.
Laurence Smith, Principal Advisor – Biosecurity says there are currently no eradication tools available for didymo.
“Didymo can be spread by a single drop of water. Even if you can’t see it, you could be spreading it.
“There are many waterways in Waitaha/Canterbury that are free of didymo, so it’s important we all do our bit to protect the freshwater spaces we all enjoy.”
Didymo found in Te Tautea o Hinekakai/Devils Punchbowl Creek in Arthur’s Pass
Check, Clean, Dry
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has declared the South Island a controlled area for didymo. This means there is a legal requirement to clean all gear used in the water before going from one waterway to another.
Laurence encourages water users to adopt the Check, Clean, Dry method before moving between waterways.
“It’s important we do our best to prevent its spread with behaviour change,” he says.
Check
Check kayaks, footwear, fishing gear and anything else that was in the water, for any mud, dirt and debris and remove it. Leave debris at the site or, if you find any later, treat and dispose of it in the rubbish. Do not wash it down drains.
Clean
Wash all equipment such as nets, machinery, footwear and clothing thoroughly with an appropriate decontamination solution (10% detergent for 10 minutes or 2% bleach for at least one minute in water) before putting it in any new waterway.
Dry
If you can’t clean your gear, restrict your use to a single waterway OR dry completely to the touch inside and out, and leave to dry for at least another 48 hours.
The aim is for tamariki (children) to be able to grow vegetables and plants all year round and make food in classes, demonstrating ‘garden to plate’ learning. The native plants grown will be used for the school’s riparian planting projects.
The school would like to eventually provide produce to food banks, and to families within the school community who need support.
Just under $1,300 will go towards equipment such as an irrigation pipe and attachments, the hiring of a trenching machine (to bury the pipes) and a garden shed to act as a pump house.
Principal Elizabeth Coyle says the school was set up with a vision to develop an environmental awareness amongst ākonga (students).
“We’ve achieved great things already and wish to keep the momentum going to help tamariki reach their full potential in this space.
“This project will certainly help with that, and we’re grateful to the Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee for backing this important mahi.”
Vegetables and plants growing inside the tunnel house
Water zone committee Action Plan funding
Each water zone committee was allocated $50,000 this financial year. The committees make funding recommendations on projects in their zone that benefit the environment or engage the community on environmental issues.
This support in turn helps the committees meet the goals in their Action Plans – which outline their tactics for delivering on the targets of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.
Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee’s Action Plan priorities are:
enhancing mahinga kai, biodiversity and recreation opportunities
raising awareness about the risks to private drinking water supplies
supporting actions to restore Te Waihora to a healthy state
facilitating actions to achieve catchment nutrient targets and water quality outcomes
facilitating a community-wide approach to restore the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River back to a healthy state.
Action Plan projects in Selwyn Waihora
Rolleston Christian School’s project is one of six funded this year by the Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee’s Action Plan.
The other projects are:
Scamander Swamp Wetland Restoration
This project aims to ‘crack the whip’ on crack willow, which is increasingly encroaching on the wetland. Reducing the prevalence of this weed will help protect the function of the wetland ecosystem, habitat for native biodiversity and aesthetic values.
$16,500 in ZCAP funding will go toward covering the initial control works, along with some of the ongoing costs.
Halswell/Huritini Wetland Restoration
Raupō largely dominates this wetland, but crack and grey willow, as well as some other woody pest species, are increasingly invading the site.
Scamander wetland, on the edge of Lake Coleridge, is known for its scenery, recreation and cultural importance.
$10,000 in ZCAP funding will go towards controlling the willow and the other pest species before they become overly problematic.
Old Tai Tapu bush deer fence
Old Tai Tapu bush is a 6.5 hectare indigenous lowland forest, which is being devastated by fallow deer.
QEII National Trust is looking to fence 11,015 metres of bush to keep deer out, eliminate deer that are already in the bush, and undertake monitoring. The project will benefit from $12,762 in ZCAP funding.
Lincoln students discovery plant-out and monitoring days
This project is part of a greater effort to restore vegetation along the Huritini/Halswell Awa (river) in Ahuriri Reserve and other awa in Selwyn Waihora.
A plant-out day for Te Kura o Tauhinu/Lincoln Primary students will be held, centred on a variety of activities to help the students learn about the positive effects of native species on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They’ll also look at the cultural uses of plants and certain species.
A hands-on monitoring event for a school to check plant survival and measure biosecurity at a restoration site will also be organised. This will include a native bird count, a terrestrial invertebrate hunt, and aquatic and fish invertebrate investigations.
$6,941 in funding will go towards the cost of running the two events.
The Fantail Trust native bird and plant sanctuary
This project will see the creation of a native bird and plant sanctuary in the Rakaia Gorge along the walkway.
$2,500 in ZCAP funding will go towards the deployment of five AT220 traps in remote sites to help eliminate possums and rats. This is in addition to other traps already installed in the forest. The aim is to significantly improve the survival of native birds and invertebrates and enable the forest to regenerate and rejuvenate.
Committee delighted by high quality proposals
Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee deputy chair Allanah Kidd says the projects will help improve freshwater and/or biodiversity outcomes.
“This was a highly competitive round which made allocations recommendations difficult” she said.
“As a committee we were delighted to see so many high-quality and worthy proposals put forward, and to be able to support a range of inspiring projects.”
Our compliance staff are active on the ground in Lower Waihao following elevated nitrate concentrations in a rural water scheme last year.
The ‘do not drink’ notice for the Morven, Glenavy, and Ikawai water scheme, including Waikakahi East, was lifted on December 18 after nitrate levels were successfully reduced.
On 2 December 2024 nitrate concentrations in the Lower Waihao rural community supply well exceeded the Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) of 50mg/l.
The MAV of 50mg/l for nitrate in drinking water in New Zealand is set by Taumata Arowai, the regulator of water services in New Zealand. This aligns with guidelines set by the World Health Organisations (WHO).
The immediate issue was resolved when Waimate District Council facilitated a temporary alternative supply from the Waitaki River to mix with and dilute the water in the scheme.
This reduced the nitrate concentration in the supply to be below the MAV. The ‘do not drink’ notice was lifted on 18 December. They have since stopped using the alternative supply.
As of Friday 7 February, the scheme recorded a nitrate concentration of 33mg/l. A longer-term solution is currently being worked through.
Our compliance mahi
We conducted compliance visits at key properties in late 2024 and continue to work with landowners in the region to ensure there are no obvious point sources of nitrates and to check that landowners are following the conditions of their resource consent.
We are focused on ongoing compliance and consents work to implement the Land and Water Regional Plan, as well as land management work to improve on the ground practices.
Compliance officers conducted all priority site visits in late 2024. They continue to visit other relevant sites and complete compliance monitoring reports following these visits. Our land management advisors are also working directly with landowners in the region to ensure they are following the conditions of their resource consent.
We are also working with the local irrigation scheme’s members to ensure the necessary consents are in place.
In terms of the cause of the elevated nitrate concentrations, no single source was found for this specific event, and we don’t believe there would be a single source of nitrates that would account for the increased concentrations seen in December.
Private well users should check their supply
Private well users were advised that it remains their responsibility to test water quality to ensure it was safe to drink. We have information available about testing private wells and drinking water safety.
Communication with the community
Waimate District Council continues to update its ratepayers on the issue and we will provide updates through its website and to relevant authorities and community groups.
Te Rūnanga o Waihao is being kept up-to-date directly by our compliance team.
Factors affecting nitrate concentration
In late 2024, several heavy rainfall events in the area caused nitrate in the soil to get flushed down to the groundwater flows causing increased nitrate concentration. The Lower Waihao supply well is very shallow at 4 metres, and shallow groundwater is prone to contamination from upgradient land use.
Local land use consists of intensive farming and related rural discharges (both from animal and human origin), which are known nitrate sources.
Previous updates
Update: 18 December 2024
The cease water consumption notice for the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme (including Waikakahi East) has been lifted.
Nitrate levels have been reduced and Waimate District Council have advised consumers on this scheme they can once again use water for drinking and cooking.
This does not apply to private wells. If you source your drinking water from a private well, it remains your responsibility to test water quality to ensure it’s safe to drink.
Private wells can still have high nitrate concentrations, despite the above-mentioned scheme now being declared safe to drink from.
Update: 3 December 2024
We have been advised by Waimate District Council that nitrate concentrations in the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme (including Waikakahi East) have now exceeded drinking water standards.
Waimate District Council is now providing alternative water for residents in this scheme.
This increase follows three large rainfall events over October and November that have caused nitrate in the soil to get ‘flushed’ down to the groundwater flows.
The Lower Waihao drinking water supply is a shallow groundwater well, located in an area of intensive farming. This means that heavy rainfall in the area can impact nitrate concentrations.
Our monitoring has shown nitrate concentrations in shallow groundwater in the area to be increasing over the past 20 to 30 years.
We are supporting Waimate District Council with this issue. This includes encouraging private well owners outside the drinking water scheme to test their water if they use it for drinking.
We are committed to taking further steps to improve water quality in this area. As the land use activity regulator, we have boosted our compliance monitoring in the region to ensure potential sources of nitrate are being well-managed.
This includes on-farm visits to monitor dairy effluent consents in the catchment and checking on permitted activities to ensure they are being carried out within plan limits. We are also working with the local irrigation company on its consenting requirements.
“In some more remote places we’ve seen a few bits and pieces, but otherwise we haven’t seen much rubbish at all,” said Jack and Sarah, campervan tourists from Australia who’d parked up at Lake Takapō as part of a three-week South Island road trip.
Caroline and David, from Germany, had their van parked up near Lake Ruataniwha at the southern side of Twizel.
“In Germany, it’s super important to take care of the environment,” they said.
“So, it’s cool to see the same thing happening here. The scenery here is crazy by the way.”
Katrien and Femke, Dutch friends travelling near Lake Takapō, said their stay had been “super clean and nice to experience”.
