The Vice-Chancellor of New Zealand’s leading university, and the country’s largest research-led institution, says the changes announced today by the government to reform the science sector, informed by the first report of theScience System Advisory Group, will need to incorporate robust systems to identify funding priorities and measure research impact.
Responding to the research and science reforms, the University of Auckland’s Professor Dawn Freshwater welcomed the emphasis on research impact and end-user outcomes.
“We will always require investment in basic science and discovery. Research is an ecosystem that starts with these fundamentals.
“New Zealand has pockets of world-leading science and discovery. However, the pipeline to innovation, translation and commercialisation must be joined up with government, business, industry and incentivised researchers working together.”
In this context, Professor Freshwater says that focused discovery, translation application and commercialisation will better deliver innovation, economic development, skill and novel contributions to societal challenges. She applauded changes to incentivise quality, relevant and impactful research.
However, she added that the system must have a “coherent strategy and governance around funding priorities and investments as well as ways of monitoring, evaluating and measuring the impact and outcomes across all domains”.
Professor Freshwater says it is also essential that New Zealand’s research takes account of the research relevance in social sciences and humanities and their importance in enhancing and advancing societies and creating social cohesion.
Noting the recently released global report on trust in science and the comparatively high levels of trust in New Zealand, Professor Freshwater says, “We must now build on that trust as a nation and realise this strength amongst New Zealanders.
“Universities are committed to a future-focused, relevant and impactful role as part of a recharged and reformed research and science ecosystem. International collaborations are essential to maximise this, creating strength and the potential to deliver world-leading outcomes with reach well beyond New Zealand.”
Among the changes revealed today, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins announced that the seven Crown Research Institutes will be consolidated into four Public Research Organisations. Read more: (ref. http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/reforms-boost-science-sector-and-economy )
Universities – Vice-Chancellor responds to research and science reforms – University of Auckland
Fire Safety – Offenders sentenced for lighting the 2022 Awarua Wetlands wildfire during a total fire ban
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Business and Politics – Government answers businesses’ call for growth centred policies
Source: Business Canterbury
Upper Hutt crash closes State Highway 2 to southbound traffic
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
| NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
State Highway 2 in Upper Hutt is currently closed to southbound traffic between Totara Park Road and Gibbons Street.
It follows a two-vehicle crash at the Gibbons Street intersection around 2:30 this afternoon.
Emergency services and contractors are at the scene and local road detours are available.
While the northbound lane remains open, access to State Highway 2 northbound from Gibbons Street is unavailable.
The Police Serious Crash Unit is attending, and traffic management can be expected to remain in place until its investigations are complete, and the crash site is cleared.
Southbound traffic must use an alternative route and drivers can expect delays when travelling through the area.
Updates on the highway’s status are available on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website. Drivers are urged to check road conditions before they travel:
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Summer roadworks kicking back off in Tairāwhiti
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
If you’re travelling the Tairāwhiti state highway network, you can expect to see a renewed level of activity for 2025.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) crews are back at work repairing and renewing state highways to ensure more efficient travel and safer, more resilient roads.
Work on many sites on both State Highway 2 (SH2) and State Highway 35 (SH35) is either underway or about to begin. Many sites will have stop / go traffic management and temporary lower speed limits in place while work is carried out.
NZTA is reminding everyone using the state highway network around the region to plan their journeys and expect delays. While summer maintenance work has been staged to reduce the overall impact on road users, there is likely to be delays to people’s travel – with cyclone recovery work, annual road renewals and other projects underway.
Works are weather dependent and subject to change. Please allow extra time to travel around the region and use NZTA’s Journey Planner to check for updates.
SH35 sites underway or starting this month
- Road resealing on SH35 between Christopher Rd and Pouawa Bridge will continue until late January. The work will take place between the hours of 6am to 6pm. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10-to-15-minute delays possible.
- Overnight road resealing on SH35 between Tatapouri Boat Ramp and Okitu Scenic Reserve from 28 January to 1 February. The work will take place between 6pm and 6am. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to a temporary 30km/h speed restriction. Delays of between 10 and 15 minutes are possible.
- Overnight road resealing on SH35 Awapuni Rd between Lytton Rd and the Speedway (Makorori) from 27 January until 3 February. The overnight work will take place between 6pm and 6am. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary 30km/h speed restriction will be in place. Delays of between 10 and 15 minutes are possible.
- Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH35 at Awatere Gully, until late March. A buttress wall with gabions (baskets fill with rocks) will be constructed to repair the underslip. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 6am and 6pm with a temporary 30km/h speed restriction in place. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible.
- Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH35 at Kemps Culvert, until late April. Crews will reinstate the inlet/outlet of the culvert and focus on additional drainage improvements. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible between 6am and 6pm.
- Cyclone repair work on SH35 at Kopuaroa, north of Tokomaru Bay, (underslip repairs and road reinstatement). Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed restrictions will be in place until mid-2025. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible.
SH2 sites underway or starting this month
- A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd, Bartletts. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions between the hours of 6am and 6pm. Work is expected to be complete by 4 February.
- A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 north between Whakarau Rd and Waihuka Rd, Puha. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10–15-minute delays possible between 6am and 6pm. Work is expected to be complete by 29 January.
- A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd, Bartletts. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions between the hours of 6am and 6pm, 13 and 30 January.
- A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 north between Whakarau Rd and Waihuka Rd, Puha. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10–15-minute delays possible between 6am and 6pm, 6 to 24 January.
- A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Puninga Rd and Tarewa Rd, Whareratas. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions, between 6am and 6pm, 20 January to 3 February.
- Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH2 through the Otoko Hill area. Stop/go traffic management is is place in addition to temporary speed restrictions. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible until late 2025.
Summer is always a busy period for road maintenance, as the weather is typically drier and warmer.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi acknowledges this work will be disruptive for some road users and appreciates people’s patience while this strengthening work is carried out to make these road more resilient.
This summer, roadworkers are out across the region making improvements. Expect delays and allow extra time before you travel. Road workers are out in all weather and do their best to keep everyone moving. Be tolerant and respectful of all crew members and follow any instructions on site. They’re helping to keep you safe.
As always, 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.
Keeping State Highway 6 in tip top shape – night closures planned for February
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
The top of the south summer maintenance continues with State Highway 6 Whangamoa Saddle, between Rai Valley and Hira, and the Pelorus Bridge next in line for work.
This route will have three weeks of night closures from late-February until mid-March for road resurfacing and maintenance work.
The work will run from 23 February until 13 March. During this time State Highway 6 between Hira and Rai Valley will be closed from 8 pm to 5.30 am, Sunday to Thursday nights. No work will be done on Friday and Saturdays.
To take advantage of this closure and reduce future disruption on this corridor, the Pelorus Bridge on State Highway 6 between Havelock and Rai Valley will be closed on the night of 23 February from 8 pm until 5.30 am. The bridge will be open for traffic at 12:30 am.
Rob Service, System Manager Nelson-Tasman, says it’s critical this important route between Nelson and Marlborough is regularly and properly maintained.
It’s essential our road crews get in well before winter to ensure the highway is in good shape before the cooler, wetter weather arrives. They’ll be clearing drainage, replacing a culvert, doing resilience improvements, and other general maintenance work.”
“The work on Pelorus Bridge on the first night of the closure involves replacing a bridge deck panel. The bridge must be closed while this work is undertaken. Our Nelson and Marlborough teams have worked together and planned this work to occur during the Whangamoa Saddle work to reduce the impact on road users.”
“We have deliberately timed the work to happen at night and it is also well outside peak summer holiday traffic. It means it will affect as few road users as possible,” Mr Service says.
The road will be opened once per night at 12:30 am to let traffic through. The freight industry and other drivers will need to plan carefully to ensure they meet this schedule.
Mr Service says given the narrowness of the road and the equipment being used, the highway must be closed.
“We realise road closures are disruptive, but they help keep our road crews safer and let us complete our work faster.”
“Doing this work during the day under stop/go when there is more traffic, would create major delays for drivers. Night closures help us avoid this,” Mr Service says.
And he says drivers need to be aware of other state highway maintenance work planned for State Highway’s around the region in February and March.
“Drivers must keep this in mind. Please, check road conditions before you travel. Be aware of where the road works are so you can plan your journeys properly,” Mr Service says.
Other State Highway maintenance works:
- SH6 Havelock – Nighttime works: Asphalting
- Tuesday, 11 February to Sunday, 6 March, 7 pm to 7 am. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.
- SH6 Pelorus – Day time work: Area Wide Pavement Treatment
- Monday, 10 February to Tuesday, 11 March, 7 am to 7 pm. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.
SH6 Whangamoa Saddle – works schedule and location:
- 23 February to 13 March. Sunday to Thursday nights, 8 pm – 5:30 am.
- No work will be done on Friday and Saturday nights. The highway will be open, but traffic management and temporary speed limits will apply at work areas.
- There will be one nightly opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles through. Drivers must be at the closure points (at the weighbridge in Hira, and on the Rai Valley straight at Rai Engineering & Mechanical) by 12:30 am.
- Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
- There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.
SH6 Pelorus Bridge – works schedule and location:
- Sunday 23 February, 8 pm – 5:30 am with one opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles to cross the bridge.
- Drivers must be at the closure points at the Pelorus Bridge by 12:30 am.
- Contractors will return to the site to complete maintenance work on SH6 Pelorus Bridge from 3 March to 6 March, 8 pm – 5:30 am. Expect delays of up to 10 minutes.
- Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
- There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.
Detour Route:
- The alternate route for drivers wanting to travel over night between Blenheim and Nelson is via State Highway 63 and St Arnaud.
- This a much longer route and will add more than two hours to travel times.
Works Location:
One to face court after drugs, stolen items, and cash seized, Hawke’s Bay
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
An operation targeting methamphetamine dealing in the Hawke’s Bay has resulted in an arrest, alongside the seizure of drugs, stolen items, and around $57,500 cash.
In Hastings, at around 7.45am this morning, the Armed Offenders Squad arrested and charged a 55-year-old man in relation to the operation.
Following the arrest, a search of the man’s vehicle located around $7,500 cash, scales, and around 56grams of methamphetamine.
The Organised Crime Unit, assisted by Offender Prevention Teams, the Armed Offenders Squad, and a Police dog unit, executed three search warrants within Hastings and Napier later in the day.
In properties in Flaxmere and Camberley, Police staff located a small amount of methamphetamine and cannabis, as well as stolen power tools, e-scooters and e-bikes, and a stolen Holden Commodore.
At a commercial premises in Pandora, Napier, the Organised Crime Unit located $50,000 cash and 220grams of methamphetamine.
Detective Sergeant Kris Payne says, Police is pleased with the result from this operation.
“We work hard to disrupt the supply of methamphetamine and other drugs as we see first-hand the serious impacts and harm these illicit drugs have on our communities every day.”
Police will continue to target those who supply illicit drugs, which cause extreme harm and damage to our communities. However, we cannot do this alone, and we ask that anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs contacts us on 105.
Information can also be reported to your local Police station or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
We encourage anyone affected by drug addiction to seek help through Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.
The 55-year-old man appeared in Hastings District Court today, charged with possession of methamphetamine to supply and supplying methamphetamine. He is remanded in custody to reappear on Tuesday 11 February.
Further charges are likely.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Hong Kong’s Advantages Spotlighted at WEF Annual Meeting in Davos
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 January 2025 – Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Paul Chan, is among nearly 3,000 political leaders, financial officials and business elites attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Hong Kong SAR’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, speaks at the “2025 Davos-Caixin CEO Luncheon” in Davos, Switzerland.
Promoting Hong Kong’s advantages and value as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder”, Mr Chan has met with leaders from finance and business sectors around the world.
In keynote remarks at the “2025 Davos-Caixin CEO Luncheon”, Mr Chan briefed participants on the latest economic situation and development strategies of Hong Kong, particularly regarding how to leverage the city’s advantages of being well connected to Mainland China and to the world, under the “one country, two systems” principle.
Later, in a speech at the “2025 Davos-Tencent Finance Vision Dinner”, the Financial Secretary elaborated on how Hong Kong can play the role of a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” in the face of an increasingly complex international environment. This, he said, would contribute to China’s high-level opening-up and, in the process, create value and opportunities for global businesses and investors.
Mr Chan also informed participants of the WEF Annual Meeting about Hong Kong’s achievements in attracting businesses and talent as well as the city’s strategies and measures for developments in finance, innovation and technology, trade and aviation.
During a meeting with the Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Daren Tang, the Financial Secretary shared that with the staunch support of the country, Hong Kong is vigorously advancing to become an international innovation and technology centre and a regional intellectual property trading centre. He expressed gratitude to WIPO for its support in establishing a Technology and Innovation Support Centre in Hong Kong, noting that the city aims to have it operational this year.
Mr Chan, during a meeting organised by the Giving to Amplify Earth Action launched by the WEF, took the opportunity to highlight Hong Kong’s positon as a leading green finance hub in Asia. He explained that the city’s thriving ecosystem of family offices, private equity funds as well as wealth and asset management is conducive to effectively connecting wealth with climate transformation projects.
Mr Chan has met with several representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi (right), to further strengthen bilateral co-peration with the region.
On fintech, Mr Chan met the Chief Executive Officer of stablecoin issuer Circle, Jeremy Allaire to learn about the company’s business development strategies in Asia, and Martin Gilbert, the Chair of Revolut, a UK-based fintech company specialising in digital banking services.
Building on the success of the inaugural “Gulf Cooperation Council Chapter” (GCC Chapter) at the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong earlier this month, Mr Chan met several representatives of GCC countries with a view to further strengthening bilateral co-operation and accelerating the signing of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC.
He noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government will actively promote more two-way visits of business delegations, thereby facilitating the matching of projects in the digital economy and green transformation, as well as co-operation in the securities markets, Islamic finance, and asset and wealth management between Hong Kong and the Arab States.
Representatives of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the MTR Corporation Limited and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited are also attending the WEF Annual Meeting, which adopts the theme of “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong
Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #WEF #financialservices
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
SH30 closed following crash, Whakatane
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
State Highway 30, Whakatane is currently closed near Thornton Road following an earlier crash.
The crash involved a pedestrian and a vehicle and was reported just before 4:10pm.
The pedestrian has sustained serious injuries.
Staff from the Serious Crash Unit are conducting a scene examination.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays. Detours are in place.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Bringing change through compost, carbon, and connection (PPF)
Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:
Headline: Bringing change through compost, carbon, and connection (PPF)
People | Planet | Food – In this episode, host Roger Robson-Williams chats with friend and colleague Stephen Wallace, Sustainability Manager at AgResearch and Plant & Food Research,
Stephen shares his journey into sustainability, sparked by a passion for the environment and early efforts to combat food waste in the workplace. He offers insights into his collaborations with senior leadership to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and vehicles, emphasising the importance of reducing gross emissions and the role of carbon offsetting in climate strategies. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how individuals can contribute to a healthier planet, ensuring thriving ecosystems and healthy, sustainable food for all.
To view our full catalogue of podcasts go to our Scigest page: www.plantandfood.com/scigest
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