Mining Issues – Greenpeace welcomes Northland mining pullout

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February 5, 2025

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is welcoming the decision by an Australian mining giant to pull the plug on its plans to mine for minerals in a forest reserve in the Far North.

Seabed mining campaigner Juressa Lee says: “The victory over mining company Mineralogy International demonstrates the collective power of resistance in iwi, local communities and environmental groups working together.

Lee says the victory sends a powerful message to other would-be miners, such as Australian-owned mining company Trans-Tasman Resources, which wants to start seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight.

“Trans-Tasman Resources has faced years of determined opposition from Greenpeace, local iwi and hapū, scientists, boaties and the fishing industry over its plans to plunder the seas off the Taranaki coast.

“TTR has been defeated in the courts again and again but is now betting the Luxon government’s Fast Track process will enable it to circumvent any proper transparent scrutiny of its plans.

“But Greenpeace and our allies will continue to resist this every step of the way. We won’t let seabed mining take place in Aotearoa without a fight.”

MIL OSI

Pump station now installed in Judges Bay wastewater upgrade

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February 5, 2025

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Source: Auckland Council

With the new underground wastewater pump station now in place, Watercare is making significant progress towards lifting the long term Safeswim black pin status at Judges Bay.

The installation of the pump station is a key achievement in Watercare’s $13.2 million Judges Bay wastewater upgrade, which also includes the installation of two wastewater pipelines: a rising main on Judges Bay Road and a gravity main on Cleveland Road.

Together, these infrastructure upgrades will increase the capacity in the local wastewater network and reduce the frequency of wet weather overflows at Judges Bay.

The upgrade is Watercare’s permanent solution to a broken wastewater pipeline underneath the Parnell Rose Gardens – believed to have been caused by extreme flooding during the 2023 summer storms.

Watercare project manager Frank Lin says the submersible pump station, which weighs 8.5 tonnes and is 8.4 metres tall and 3.5m wide, was delivered and installed on the same day.

“The submersible pump station was delivered to the site on a flatbed truck at 6:30am and was installed by around 1pm.

“It was lifted off the truck by crane and suspended in mid-air.

“The crew then manoeuvred the pump station by 90 degrees so it could be lowered into the 8.5 metre deep shaft.

“The crew did an excellent job of following the lifting plan and installing the pump station in a narrow and challenging site.

“Once the pump station had been lowered, secured in the shaft, and the support suspensions removed, the crew began backfilling the shaft and connecting the pipework and services, including power and water.

“The crew filled the pump station with water to prevent stress and compaction while the shaft was infilled with concrete to keep the pump station in place.”

Lin says the St Judges Bay wastewater upgrades are on track to be completed by July this year.

“Our crews and contractors are making great progress with the upgrades, with stage two of the upgrade – the installation of the new rising main on Judges Bay Rd – now complete.

“Work is progressing well on stage three of the project with the installation of the gravity main now underway on Cleveland Road, which will connect with the rising main at the corner of Judges Bay Road.

“To install the gravity main, we’ll be using horizontal directional drilling, which will allow us to install the pipeline at a shallow depth underneath the road with minimal surface excavation. This keeps costs down, minimises disruption and gets the job done faster.”

The Wastewater Pump Station was lifted in by crane and installed on the same day.

Waitematā Local Board chairperson Genevieve Sage is impressed with the progress Watercare is making with the wastewater upgrades for Judges Bay.

“The bespoke solution caters to the community’s current and future needs.

“Once in service, the infrastructure will provide a permanent replacement to the damaged pipe caused by the 2023 summer storm events. The wastewater upgrade will help to increase resilience of our wastewater network as well as further protect our local waterways.

“This will enable Watercare to lift the long term Safeswim black pin status at Judges Bay.”

Ōrākei Ward councillor and Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson thanks Watercare for their diligent work and the community for their patience as we progress towards completing these projects.

“Our community is highly engaged and passionate about the efforts Watercare is making to improve below the ground water infrastructure in Parnell.

“We are eagerly anticipating the lifting of the Safeswim black pin status, allowing current and future generations to take a dip at Judges Bay.”

MIL OSI

Police operation concludes in Waterview

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February 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

The Police operation in Waterview has now concluded and a man is in custody.

Earlier this afternoon, Police had information that this man had arrived on Tutuki Street, at a property of a person known to him.

He had made a number of concerning comments, before the occupant was able to leave the address.

Police were soon in the area and cordoned off Tutuki Street, with ongoing attempts to engage with this man this afternoon.

Police had information the man was potentially in possession of a firearm and as such the Armed Offenders Squad was deployed to the area.

This evening, Police made entry to the address and the 43-year-old man was taken into custody.

Police enquiries remain ongoing at the location, with charges to be decided in due course.

We acknowledge the public’s cooperation while this matter was resolved.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Update on Police operation in Waterview

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February 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A Police operation in Waterview is continuing this afternoon.

The area around Tutuki Street is currently cordoned off and contained.

Police have been trying to engage with an occupant of an address on Tutuki Street.

While the Police operation is still ongoing, there is currently no wider risk to the public.

Further updates will be provided as available.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

IMAX Soars to Highest Grossing Chinese New Year Ever with $53 Million

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MIL OSI

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February 5, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

IMAX Box Office in China’s Peak Moviegoing Period up +57% over Previous Best; Animated Blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” Leads the Way with $36 Million and Counting

NEW YORK, US and SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2025 – IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) shattered its box office record for Chinese New Year, delivering $53 million during the 7-day holiday period concluded February 4. The busiest window annually for moviegoing in China, the 2025 Chinese New Year holiday saw IMAX exceed its previous record of $34 million set in 2023 by a whopping +57%. IMAX also delivered its highest attendance ever for the Chinese New Year, with 5.5 million admissions nationwide.

While the holiday has concluded, IMAX’s record-breaking slate of Chinese New Year films will continue to play throughout the IMAX China network for another month. IMAX delivered its highest market share of the holiday – 4.3% on only 1% of screens – and $7.3 million on the final day of the period, demonstrating the continued strength of the slate.

“Chinese New Year unleashed one of the most impressive surges in moviegoing we’ve seen in recent years, anywhere in the world — leaving a slew of broken IMAX records in its wake,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. “This is a shot of adrenaline for moviegoing in China that comes at just the right time, with a tentpole heavy slate of local language and Hollywood films ahead for 2025.”

Enlight’s “Ne Zha 2” — the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 smash hit — led the way with $36 million. The film scored the biggest opening weekend in IMAX history for an animated film with $22 million and is already the fourth highest grossing IMAX local language release of all time. “Ne Zha 2” took just seven days to top its predecessor “Ne Zha,” which earned $35 million in China over its two-month IMAX run.

Alibaba’s fantasy “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force” delivered $7.6 million and Bona’s naval drama “Operation Hadal” added another $2.7 million in IMAX. Both films featured IMAX-exclusive expanded aspect ratio. China Film Group’s martial arts actioner “Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants” scored $3.7 million while Maoyan’s “Detective Chinatown 1900” contributed an additional $2.7 million in IMAX.

“The message from audiences is clear: IMAX is their first choice,” said Daniel Manwaring, CEO of IMAX China. “Riding on a stronger-than-ever audience preference, IMAX has transformed moviegoing into a cultural phenomenon and a social talking point. We deeply value their brand loyalty and are confident that we can carry this momentum throughout what is poised to be one of the strongest years for Chinese local language films.”

With the 2025 Chinese New Year slate, IMAX continues to expand its strategy of bringing local language films to audiences around the world. “Creation of The Gods II: Demon Force” and “Detective Chinatown 1900” were also released in select IMAX locations across 11 countries worldwide, bringing in more than $1.2 million outside of China. “Ne Zha 2” will be shown exclusively in IMAX theaters in Australia and New Zealand beginning February 6^th.

The Chinese New Year slate will continue to play in China for the next month, alongside Disney’s “Captain America: Brave New World” and the re-release of the classic romance “In Mood for Love”.

Hashtag: #IMAX

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

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

Road blocked, SH1, Tamahere

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February 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway One/Waikato Expressway is blocked following a single vehicle crash this afternoon.

Police were alerted to the crash before the Tamahere Road off-ramp at around 4pm.

There are no reports of injuries at this stage.

The southbound lane is blocked and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Public Works Act overhaul fails to protect Māori land

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February 5, 2025

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Source: Green Party

The Government’s so-called overhaul of the Public Works Act will fail to prevent further injustices around the confiscation of Māori land.

“Now is the time for this Government to be brave and ensure not one more acre of Māori land is stolen by the Crown,” says Green Party Māori Development spokesperson Hūhana Lyndon.

“The Government is failing to address what remains a source of great injustice for Māori – that’s why I’m calling on all political parties to support my bill to protect Maori land from confiscation under the Public Works Act.

“Māori have already lost a significant amount of land and that includes for public purposes. But the plans for the overhaul of the Act give Māori no ability to say no to the state taking their land for public works.

“Adding the Minister of Māori Development into the hierarchy controlling approvals for compulsory acquisition of whenua gives no comfort to Māori. We’ve already seen with Fast-Track, having multiple ministers signing off on things is hardly a protection for whenua or te taiao.

“What’s more, the inadequate compensation package announced by the Minister is a bitter pill for Māori who have already lost so much.

“The Government’s neglect of Māori concerns is an insult to injury compounded by the Prime Minister’s absence at Waitangi this week.

“Don’t think for one second that the confiscation of land is just a memory of the Land Wars and their legacy – it’s something still confronting us in the present.

“The Waitangi Tribunal found that the Crown must actively protect Māori interests, and this is what my Bill seeks to do, by protecting the small amount of Māori land left from compulsory acquisition – thus giving primacy to Article Two of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“The Green Party’s Hoki Whenua Mai commitment would prevent whenua Māori being taken in future, and provide a clearer path for the return of land previously taken.

MIL OSI

Govt’s lack of a plan shows in soaring unemployment stats

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February 5, 2025

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Source: Green Party

The latest labour market figures confirm unemployment has risen to levels not seen since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This Government lacks a plan for creating jobs, its only plan is entrenching poverty for our poorest communities,” says the Green Party’s Social Development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March.

“Our country has the means to build an economy that works for everyone and leaves nobody behind. We can invest in the public services and infrastructure which support our communities into meaningful jobs and livelihoods.

“The latest stats lay bare the poverty trap this Government is setting for our communities. Cutting thousands of jobs and undermining support for people doing it tough is setting our communities up to fail.

“There are not enough jobs – this is by design. We can’t use austerity to condemn people into deeper poverty due to hard times

“The Government has introduced new benefit sanctions while they push more people into unemployment, knowing full well there aren’t enough jobs for every single person on the benefit, and will never be while it’s in power.

“Where is the workforce planning desperately needed for our country, with its many challenges including the huge infrastructure deficit and meeting the needs of an ageing population? Nowhere to be seen under this coalition for the rich.

“We have a plan for a Future Workforce Agency to strategically upskill New Zealanders and coordinate industrial planning.

“The Greens would end poverty with a Guaranteed Minimum Income, more training opportunities, and restarting public investment in healthcare, schools, and building housing that creates good jobs. Our jobs for nature plan will also be a central plank for providing people with meaningful and stable work.

“The Government needs to boost benefits and abolish sanctions, so that the increasing number of unemployed New Zealanders aren’t left to languish in poverty, and aren’t punished for struggling to find work in National’s barren economy,” says Ricardo Menéndez March.

MIL OSI

New psychosocial risk infographics for high-risk sectors

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February 5, 2025

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Source: Worksafe New Zealand

5 February 2025

WorkSafe has developed infographics on psychosocial risks in the high-risk sectors of agriculture, construction, forestry, and manufacturing, as well as psychosocial risks that affect all New Zealand workers.

Mental health is an important workplace health and safety issue. Businesses have a responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act to manage both physical and psychosocial risks.

Psychosocial risks arise from poor work design and challenges in the social and physical environment, and they may result in negative psychological, physical, and social outcomes.

These infographics help businesses to easily find and understand data on psychosocial risks relevant to their industry. Sharing information like this is part of our engagement function, to empower businesses and workers to improve health and safety practice.

The infographics collate existing data into an easily digestible format. The data is from WorkSafe’s workforce segmentation and insights surveys, New Zealand psychosocial survey, work-related suicide report, and mentally healthy work concerns notified to WorkSafe.

The following information is available about each sector:

Psychological harm
Self-rated health
Work-related suicides and significant work-related stressors
Offensive behaviours such as bullying and threats of violence
Policies around bullying, harassment, and violence
Protective factors
Mentally healthy work concerns that WorkSafe has received
Employer attitudes
Employers’ health and safety maturity, perceptions, and practices.

View the psychosocial risks infographics

MIL OSI

Explore the best summer spots at Auckland Regional Parks

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February 5, 2025

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Source: Auckland Council

We’re pretty lucky here in Tāmaki Makaurau, to have access to such epic scenery right in our own backyard. With a whopping 45,000 hectares, Auckland’s 28 regional parks have plenty on offer. They span bush, beach and farmland and can satisfy anyone from the picnic seekers and beach-goers to water sport junkies, adventurous hikers and campers alike.

Wherever you fall on the adventure spectrum – get inspired here for your next outing with friends and whānau, ready to enjoy the outdoors your way.

BEST REGIONAL PARKS FOR CAMPING:

Ātiu Creek

If you’re keen on horsing around (with a permit), check out Ātiu Creek Regional Park and campground – the only campsite in an Auckland regional park where you can stay overnight with your horse secure in a nearby paddock.

If you’re more keen on mountain biking or walking, you too can make the most of 843 hectares that make up Ātiu Creek, Auckland’s third-largest regional park, which sits right on the shores of Kaipara Harbour.

Safe to say there’s plenty of prime picnic spots and epic lookout points throughout as well.

Explore the serene environment of Āitu Creek Regional Park.

Āwhitu

Located on the southwest shores of Manukau Harbour, and only 90 minutes from Auckland, you’ll find Āwhitu Regional Park. With its two campgrounds, a golf course, historic homestead, picnic and barbecue areas, and safe swimming beaches, this is the prime spot for a weekend getaway.

Wenderholm

Head south towards the mouth of the Puhoi River, to find the region’s best example of mainland coastal forest in Wenderholm Regional Park. You can set up camp for the night at Schischka campground, before exploring the various walking tracks, viewing spots and historic house museum known as Couldrey House. Be sure to check out either the Pūhoi River, Hauraki Gulf and/or Mahurangi Harbour by boat or kayak!

Ōmana

Further southeast is Ōmana Regional Park where you’ll find breathtaking views of Tīkapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf. With accessible concrete paths that lead to shelly beaches decorated by pōhutukawa, the Clifftop campground makes for the perfect home away from home.

Waharau

For something unique, head out to Waharau Regional Park’s Tainui campground, which supplies power and hot showers – a luxury for remote campgrounds!

You’ll be surrounded by nature out at the Blackberry campground, which sits next to a calming river, mature native bush and delightful birdsong.

This location is also the start/finish point of the Te Ara Moana/Kayak Trail, which takes kayakers down the coast with camps at five different regional parks along the way.

BEST COASTAL WALKS

If a multi-day adventure isn’t on the cards, how about heading southeast to the quiet and scenic coastal parks Auckland has to offer. Consider your next day trip sorted!

Duder and Waitawa

For farm and coastal walks, check out Duder Regional Park which consists of a number of trails varying from 30-minute walks to 3hr loop trails and is located on the scenic pōhutukawa-fringed Wahakakaiwhara Peninsula. Dogs aren’t allowed at Duder, but they’re welcome at the nearby Waitawa Regional Park where you can walk, mountain bike, ride your horse, fish and even play disc golf.

Tawhitokino

Tawhitokino Regional Park is praised by having what some call the most beautiful beach in Auckland, the catch is that it’s only accessible at low tide. This means a trip to this small coastal park – at the end of Kawakawa Bay Coast Road – needs careful planning. The walk through the low tide section will take up to 30 minutes. Dogs are allowed off leash (including the adjoining beach) but prohibited near the campgrounds.

The seaside views from Tawhitokino Regional Park are a must-see!

Motukorea/Browns Island

Another regional park that needs careful planning beforehand is Motukorea / Browns Island. One of two island regional parks in Tāmaki Makaurau (the other is Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke), Motukorea is only accessible via boat or kayak, so keeping a close watch on the weather is recommended. Some places offer guided kayak tours to the island too.

Orere Point and Tāpapakanga

Spend some time at Auckland’s smallest regional park, Orere Point Regional Park, before heading 10 minutes down the road to Tāpapakanga Regional Park. Marvel at the stunning coastal and farm walks available.

One of these tracks takes you to the highest point in the park, where you can get gorgeous views across to Coromandel Peninsula.

Further along the Firth of Thames is the dog friendly Waharau Regional Park where you can pick from the vast farmland, riverbanks and forest for camping, picnics and walking.

The coastline of Tāpapakanga Regional Park is one of the most gorgeous in the Auckland region.

HIDDEN TREASURES

Te Rau Pūriri

Hidden treasures abound in Tāmaki Makaurau! Did you know the largest and deepest of the sand-dune lakes is found along Auckland’s west coast? Check out Lake Ototoa located in Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park, South Head, which spans 340 hectares and conveniently also offers a beach to its visitors.

Take in the majestic views from the hilltops of Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park.

Mutukāroa/Hamlins Hill

How about a spot where you can see both the East and West coasts from the same point? Check out Mutukāroa/Hamlins Hill Regional Park for this hidden gem of a spot, and a historic strategic location for Iwi, and part of the portage route when moving waka from the Waitematā to the Manukau and vice versa. This epic park, located between Penrose and Mount Wellington, is visible from the southern motorway and holds great importance to mana whenua. Archaeological features include pits, middens and terraces where crops once grew.

Scandrett

For the history buffs, visit Scandrett Regional Park, home to two headland pā sites, on the Mahurangi Peninsula. Shipbuilding took place here in the 1850s, and from the 1860s it was a farm noted for its concrete, rather than kauri, buildings. Restored farm buildings remain and have become features of the park that was still used as farmland until 1998.

Shakespear

Make the most of Auckland’s most accessible open sanctuary! Located on the tip of Whangapāraoa Peninsula, you’ll find a stunner of a place in Shakespear Regional Park where conservation, recreation and farming come together to provide a unique experience. Keep an eye out for glow-worms and kiwi or set up camp behind the sand dunes at the eastern end of Te Haruhi Bay.

BEHOLD THE RANGES!

Waitākere Ranges

Adventure waits out in Auckland’s West side. The Waitākere Ranges Regional Park are a treasure and certainly a sight to behold. Check out the various walking tracks and all it’s got to offer at the Arataki Visitor Centre where you can also learn more about the ecology and cultural significance of the land.

Hunua Ranges

At 25,000 hectares, Hunua Ranges Regional Park features numerous tramping and mountain biking tracks, as well as opportunities to fish, swim and visit waterfalls (but note that swimming at Hunua Falls can be dangerous). Surrounded by stunning scenery, it might also be tempting to explore the interior of the Hunua Ranges, but this kind of remote tramping is only recommended to those with back-country experience armed with a detailed track map and the right provisions and equipment.

Did you know Kauri Dieback, (Phytophthora taxon Agathis), is a disease that is threatening the survival of kauri trees? Hunua Ranges Regional Park is particularly special as it remains the largest Kauri Forest known to be free of this disease.

Regardless of which park you visit, be sure keep to the defined tracks, use the hygiene stations when provided and clean your footwear before and after your visit.

Immerse yourself in the forest and waterfall scenery through the Hunua Bush Walk.

Stay safe out there

You can also check out the Mountain Safety Council’s Plan My Walk app for helpful tips to plan your trip!

And before you take the plunge this summer, check out the Safeswim website for up-to-date information on water quality, wind, waves and tides, as well as jellyfish swarms and other hazards. Safeswim is a fantastic tool to help keep you and your whānau safe.

To ensure an enjoyable time outdoors, remember these helpful tips:

Dogs and track notices: Check the rules before you go. All parks have a designated webpage which outline unique specifications and updates on potential hazards and closures due to maintenance or Kauri Dieback.

Amplified sound: Be courteous of others and the wildlife. Keep amplified noise to a minimum.

Rubbish free parks: Plan your visit, minimise what you bring to the park and ensure you take you all your rubbish home with you.

Fire & solid fuel BBQs: Check for any restrictions at https://www.checkitsalright.nz

Parking: Be patient, park with care and avoid blocking access ways and other people.

MIL OSI