State Highway summer maintenance continues in Marlborough

Release: Health leadership in disarray while Kiwis miss out

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February 7, 2025

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Te Whatu Ora Chief Executive Margie Apa leaving her job four months early is another symptom of this government’s failure to deliver healthcare for New Zealanders.

“Margie Apa was a team player who worked hard to build a modern health system designed to serve everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand. She cares deeply for health outcomes and was focused on that in her role,” Labour’s acting health spokesperson Peeni Henare said.

“She helped put systems in place to close the gaps for Kiwis to access the healthcare they deserve. Whether it was mums-to-be in the furthest reaches of rural New Zealand, to those historically uncatered for in our cities. I want to thank Margie Apa for her work and wish her all the best in her next role.

“Fourteen months in Christopher Luxon’s Government has brought in chaotic changes to leadership: firing his first Health Minister and the Health New Zealand board, and now seeing off the chief executive.

“Soon he will run out of people to blame for his own failures in health.

“Changing leadership while fundamental issues of resourcing are unaddressed is taking the health system backwards.

“New Zealanders want to know they can access healthcare when they need it. This chaos at the top only shows the Prime Minister is failing to deliver that,” Peeni Henare said.

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Scientists hit the water for Maaui dolphin population survey

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February 7, 2025

Source: Department of Conservation

Date: 07 February 2025

This research, conducted every five years, uses a proven genetic mark-recapture method to estimate the Maaui dolphin population along the west coast of the North Island. DNA samples will be collected from live, wild dolphins using a small biopsy dart, providing essential information about population size, genetic diversity, and movement patterns.

“The Maaui dolphin is critically endangered, and every sighting or sample contributes to our understanding of the species and its future survival,” says Cara Hansen, DOC Ranger.

The most recent abundance estimate, completed in 2021, indicated there were approximately 54 individual Maaui dolphins over the age of one year in the water off the North Island’s west coast (the animals’ known habitat). This new survey will provide an updated estimate to help track changes in the population and inform conservation efforts.

The survey will be carried out over two summer seasons, in 2025-26 and 2026-27, with field teams operating between the entrance of Kaipara Harbour and the Mokau River in Taranaki. Staff from DOC’s Taranaki, Auckland, and Waikato districts, the Marine Species Team, the University of Auckland, and Ngaati Te Ata will collaborate on this important project.

The public can also play a role in conservation efforts by reporting any sightings of Maaui dolphins and being aware of the threat that toxoplasmosis has on Maaui dolphins. The dolphins have a distinctive round dorsal fin, often likened to an ear from the cartoon character Mickey Mouse.

“Real-time reports help our field teams understand where the dolphins are being seen and improve the success of our survey,” says Cara.

Sightings can be reported through DOC’s hotline at 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or online Marine mammal sighting form.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

Innovation Fund to provide improved access to digital mental health resources

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February 7, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is thrilled to announce today that the Mental Health Foundation is the latest recipient of a grant from the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund.
“This funding is being matched by the Mental Health Foundation to fully fund Project Wakapuāwai, an initiative that will digitise more mental health resources to allow Kiwis faster access to mental health information and support,” Mr Doocey says.
“If you are on a farm in Northland or a tiny town in Southern New Zealand, your access to mental health support can be limited. That is not acceptable. We want every Kiwi to know help is close and this goes someway to achieving that.
“The Mental Health Foundation will now be able to redevelop and future proof its digital platforms to improve the ways they provide crucial information about mental health and wellbeing, suicide prevention, and mental distress for all New Zealanders.
“We know that access to information and support for many rural and remote communities remains a barrier so alongside telehealth, this is another option for those looking to support themselves or for someone they care about.
“The Mental Health Foundation has been supporting our communities for nearly 50 years and the knowledge they have built up over time is invaluable.
“The contract announced today is the fourth contract to be awarded from the first round of the Mental Health Innovation Fund. Altogether, funding to Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, MATES in Construction and the Mental Health Foundation account for more than $2.3 million.
Further announcements about other successful providers from round one of the fund are expected in the coming months.
“The Innovation fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in grassroots initiatives through non-governmental and community organisations that deliver mental health and addiction support to New Zealanders.
“We know that community-based organisations like the Mental Health Foundation are already delivering results for Kiwis. It is vital that we enable NGOs to deliver innovative projects and initiatives that increase faster access to better mental health support across New Zealand.”

Investigations – Fire investigators seek help from Roxburgh community after Town Hall fire

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February 7, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators looking into the cause of the Roxburgh Town Hall fire yesterday are asking for help from the local community.

Fire investigator John Smalls says that his team is doing everything they can to get a clear picture of the fire’s progress, and people in Roxburgh may be able to help determine how and where the fire started.

“We really feel for the community, who are clearly devastated by the loss of their historic building,” he says.

“That’s why we’re doing everything we can to get a clear picture of what was happening to the building before and during yesterday’s fire.

“We’re especially looking for any images that show the back and sides of the building.”

John Smalls says the call went out to the community this morning and the response has already been terrific.

“We know how much this building means to local people, both for its current use, and as an important link to Roxburgh’s long history.”

Update: Search for missing man, Cook Strait

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February 7, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

The ongoing search for a man reported missing on a jetski in the Cook Strait area has not located any further items of note since the man’s jetski was located on Monday evening.

The man left the Tasman District on Monday morning bound for Plimmerton, north of Wellington, but did not arrive as expected.

Favourable weather conditions in the Cook Strait area yesterday allowed for continued searching over a wide area involving a number of agencies.

At this time there has been no sign of the missing man. Today Police are reviewing the search efforts to date and planning further search activity.

Police have been in contact with the man’s family and support is being provided to them at what is an understandably difficult time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Fast-track to accelerate economic growth starts today

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February 7, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

www.fasttrack.govt.nz open now for project applications
Listed projects can apply now for consideration by an expert panel
Other projects can also apply to enter the Fast-track process
>Retired Environment Court Judge Jane Borthwick appointed as Convener of expert panels

Today marks the official start of the Fast-track Approvals regime to make it quicker and easier to build the projects New Zealand needs to grow its economy, Infrastructure and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say.

“The Fast-track Approvals Act, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, was signed into law just before Christmas. The new Act helps cut through the thicket of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth,” Mr Bishop says.

“From today, the Fast-track one-stop shop approvals regime is officially open for project applications. That means we can at last begin to get moving on growing New Zealand’s economy and sorting out our infrastructure deficit, housing crisis, and energy shortage, instead of tying essential projects up in knots for years at a time.”

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says the Fast-track Approvals Act lists 149 projects with significant national or regional benefits which were recommended for inclusion by an independent advisory group and agreed to by Cabinet.

“The list of projects spans housing, renewable energy, transport, mining, quarrying, and the primary sector – everything we need more of to grow our economy and provide much-needed new jobs for the regions,” Mr Jones says.

Listed project applications

“The owners of the 149 listed projects can now go to www.fasttrack.govt.nz and lodge substantive applications for their projects to be considered by expert panels facilitated by the Environmental Protection Authority,” Mr Bishop says.

“Before lodging an application, projects must consult with the relevant administering agencies (including local government); any relevant iwi authorities, hapū, and Treaty settlement entities; and others.

“Expert panels will consider these applications, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals.”

Other projects

“Projects not listed in the Act can also apply for referral to an expert panel through the same Fast-track website from today. Their applications will first go to the Minister of Infrastructure for consideration, which includes inviting written comments from the Minister for the Environment and any other Ministers with relevant portfolios, before the Infrastructure Minister decides whether to refer the project for Fast-track,” Mr Jones says.

Expert panels conveners

“The conveners who appoint the expert panels to consider applications must be either a former (including retired) Environment Court or High Court Judge, or senior lawyers with expertise in resource management,” Mr Bishop says.

“As well as appointing expert panels, the panel convener and associates will be able to request reports from relevant agencies and individuals and will set timeframes for panels to consider applications.

“The Government has appointed retired Environment Court Judge Jane Borthwick as Panel Convener, and Helen Atkins and Jennifer Caldwell as Associate Panel Conveners.

“Judge Borthwick has a wealth of experience in environmental and resource management litigation. She has worked with multiple industry stakeholders where there has been considerable public interest.”

Mr Jones says the associate panel convenors also bring significant experience from the private and public sectors.

“Ms Atkins and Ms Caldwell have both had oversight and leadership on a mixed range of complex projects,” Mr Jones says.

“The EPA is currently running an Expressions of Interest process to identify a pool of potential expert panel members with knowledge, skills, and expertise relevant to the variety of approvals being handled through the Fast-track Approvals process. Information about the EOI process and the skills and experience needed can be found on the new Fast-track website.”

Judge Jane Borthwick is approaching her 30^th year post-admission to the bar. She has experience in environmental and resource management litigation throughout New Zealand. She has been a lawyer and judge in the environment court and has worked in policy and plan development, resource consents, designations, and land acquisitions. She has been a judge for 15 years and has recently had a particular focus on freshwater management in public policy and consenting domains. She has worked closely with the energy sector, local authorities, the farming sector, and iwi.

Helen Atkins has been a practicing lawyer in environmental, local government, and public law for over 30 years. She has vast experience in the legal sector and managing roles in different organisations both domestically and internationally.

Jennifer Caldwell has over 30 years’ experience in environmental law and litigation, including strategic management, oversight and leadership of complex consenting projects. She has held many leadership positions within the legal sector both domestically and internationally and has previously worked with the Environmental Protection Authority as an Expert Panel Chair.

Name release – workplace incident, Patoka

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February 7, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now release the name of the man who died in a workplace incident in Patoka on Tuesday 4 February.

He was Malcolm Douglas MacDonald, 81, of Camberley.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

His death has been referred to WorkSafe and the Coroner.

ENDS

Local News – Aniva residency offers creative space for Pacific artists – Porirua City

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February 7, 2025

Source: Porirua City Council

Porirua’s Pātaka Art + Museum and Creative New Zealand are on the lookout for an artist to take up the Aniva Artist in Residency programme opportunity for 2025.

The programme offers an Aotearoa-based Pacific artist or practitioner who identifies as LGBTQIA+/MVPFAFF- a paid, three-month residency to create a new body of work. Applications are being accepted between 7 February and 17 March.

South Auckland interdisciplinary artist Moe Laga (she/they) was the Creative New Zealand Pacific Aniva Artist in Residence for 2024.

During her residency, Moe created the performance piece Fetū/Fetu’u: The Stars/Curses, which chronicled her experiences as a Samoan Fa’fafine born in Aotearoa, grappling with the complexities of life.

Moe performed this piece in October at the end of her residency, and it has been included in the upcoming Performance Arcade live art event, to be staged on the Wellington waterfront from 19-21 February.

Pātaka Director Ana Sciascia says they were honoured to have such a body of work created during the residency.

“Moe’s performance was reflective, intimate and intensely moving. It was a stunning arrangement of poetry, video, choreography, and a sublime curated playlist.

“I am thrilled that Fetū/Fetu’u: The Stars/Curses will receive a second outing at this year’s Performance Arcade.”

Moe says the residency provided her with the perfect opportunity to develop new ideas that had been in the back of her mind but not yet fully explored.

“It allowed me to experiment with various mediums and explore innovative ways of storytelling.”

This residency was first offered in 2021 and awarded to Saviiey Aliiva’a Nua (she/her) – a Porirua-based community artist. She is also the chairwoman and director of Ngā Uri o Whiti Te Rā Mai Le Moana Trust.

The opportunity for artists to develop their arts practice and engage with the Porirua arts community is made possible through Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Strategy, which enables connection and investment in Pacific arts for the benefit of Aotearoa.

This year Creative New Zealand is also offering the Aniva Residency at the Govett-Brewster/Len Lye Centre and Puke Ariki Museum in New Plymouth.

Creative New Zealand Manager Pacific Arts Cultivation Ali Foa’i says they are thrilled to continue the partnership with Pātaka to again provide the residency for 2025.

“Aniva has opened up more opportunities for previous recipients.”

As well as Moe’s upcoming performance at the Performance Arcade, 2023 recipient Manu Vaea had an exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery and Wheke Fortress following their residency.

DEFINITIONS

MVPFAFF (Pacific LGBTQiA+)

M for Mahu in Tahiti and Hawai’i.

V for Vaka sa lewa lewa in Fiji.

P for Palopa in Papua New Guinea.

F for Fa’afafine in Samoa and American Samoa.

A for Akava’ine in the Cook Islands.

F for Fakaleiti or leiti in the Kingdom of Tonga.

F for Fakafifine in Niue.

L for Lesbian

B for Bisexual

T for Transexual

Q for Queer, Queer Gender

I for Intersex

A for Agender, Asexual

+ for other Queer identifying community.

Local News – Motorcycle sessions in Porirua you don’t want to miss

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February 7, 2025

Source: Porirua City Council

All keen motorcycle riders and enthusiasts, pay attention because the legendary Dave Moss is about to hit town.

Dave, an expert on motorcycle tuning and suspension, will be in Porirua this month to help you increase your safety on the ride. He has been on a mission for nearly 15 years, not just in New Zealand but all over the world, to teach people how to understand their bikes and set them up to meet their own physical needs while maximizing their safety on the road.

Dave’s sessions, to be held on 11 and 16 February at Te Rauparaha Arena, will be two safety tuning presentations, a two-hour, hands-on suspension workshop, and a three-hour suspension tuning session.

Porirua road safety coordinator Paulette Pavelich says it’s amazing to have a motorcyclist of Dave’s reputation and renown in Porirua.

“There’s so much that people will take away from their interactions with Dave – being safer on the road with an expertly-tuned motorcycle, with straightforward and honest feedback that can only improve where you are with your bike,” she says.

The events are a mix of free and paid, so check Eventfinda to check times and cost: