Government Cuts – Privatisation and asset sales puts profits ahead of people’s needs – PSA

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January 24, 2025

Source: PSA

Privatising public services like health that we all rely on will move the focus from delivering for people in need to cutting costs to boost profits of companies.

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi strongly opposes increased delivery by private providers of public services like health and education, and asset sales as mooted today by ACT leader David Seymour.

Acting PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says the ACT proposals would take money from public services and funnel it towards private providers. This defunding of public services would see the interests of private companies and a limited number of shareholders prioritised over the common good in the provision of vital services.

“Privatisation will inevitably mean syphoning money off from providing services for all to pay profits to private corporations, says Fitzsimons.

“This will result in only those who can pay being able to access adequate health care and other vital services.

“Just look at the health system in the USA where the private sector dominates and sick people without health insurance are left at hospital doors. We don’t want that here.

“Assets sales have been tried and failed in New Zealand. The only winners are private companies.

“Public services and assets belong to all of us and are there to deliver for people not shareholders.

“Privatisation will also mean that the workers who deliver quality public, health and community services will see their livelihoods threatened by redundancies and reduced pay and conditions,” Fitzsimons says.

“The coalition Government’s savage attacks on, and funding cuts to public, health and community services, are clearly aimed at destroying trust in these services as a step towards privatisation.

“The PSA calls on Prime Minister Luxon to rule out privatising public services now and in the future,” Fitzsimons says.

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WorkSafe New Zealand welcomes new Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate

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January 24, 2025

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Source: Worksafe New Zealand

24 January 2025

WorkSafe New Zealand welcomes Corey Sinclair as its new Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate. Corey started with WorkSafe on Wednesday 22 January.

As Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate, Corey leads the design and delivery of our commercial investment and people strategies, to help enable WorkSafe to deliver our statement of intent and create a work environment that is consistent with our values.

“Corey brings many years of senior leadership experience from working in the public service, banking and finance sectors. We are delighted to have him join the leadership team at WorkSafe,” says Chief Executive Sharon Thompson.

Corey Sinclair, Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate

Corey also has executive leadership credentials from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government, Accelerate Strategic, and the University of Auckland.

Corey joins WorkSafe from a secondment role at the Crown Response Office, where he led in the Crown’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions. Prior to that, Corey had senior leadership roles at Inland Revenue, where he transformed services delivered to customers and stakeholders across Aotearoa.

He is passionate about business transformation, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. As a proud Kiwi-Samoan leader, Corey strives to serve the public interest and achieve positive outcomes for all New Zealanders.

Corey says, “I’m excited to join the WorkSafe team. While I’m conscious of the considerable change the organisation and kaimahi have been through, I’m looking forward to supporting the new strategy and plans in place.”

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Appeal for information: burglaries, Rolleston

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January 24, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Attribute to Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker, Area Response Manager, Canterbury Rural South:

Rolleston Police investigating reports of burglaries from residential addresses in recent weeks would like to hear from anyone who may have information that could help.

Three separate incidents have been reported since the 1 January this year.

Among the items that were stolen were a number of military medals, including a Pacific Star medal, distinctive jewellery and a go-kart. Police are appealing for any information that could reunite these items with their rightful owners.

If you have any information that could help our enquiries, and you have not yet spoken to Police, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250123/2449.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

We would also like to remind people to keep their homes as safe as possible if they’re going away this summer.

Lock up doors and windows and ask a neighbour to check on your home regularly. Consider investing in an alarm system and sensor lights.

Also ensure you have someone trusted to clear your mail and any other items that may be delivered. If you see any suspicious behaviour, please call 111 immediately.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Road closed, SH2, Ormond

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January 24, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Matawai Road/SH2 is closed following a serious crash in Ormond this afternoon.

Police were alerted to a two vehicle crash near Hatten Lane at around 1.10pm.

Initial enquiries suggest there are injuries.

The road is closed while the Serious Crash Unit examine the scene.

Southbound traffic has diversions however it is not suitable for large trucks. There are no diversions for northbound traffic.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area, use alternate routes and expect delays.

ENDS

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Aon Names Puneet Swani Head of Talent Solutions in Asia Pacific to Accelerate Aon’s Human Capital Strategy in the Region

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January 24, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced Puneet Swani has been named head of Talent Solutions for Asia Pacific, effective immediately. Swani will be based in Singapore and report to Tim Dwyer, head of Human Capital for Asia Pacific at Aon. Swani will help drive Aon’s Talent Solutions capability and integrated Human Capital approach in Asia Pacific working closely with the Talent, Health and Wealth Solutions teams, across the region.

“Talent Solutions is crucial to our overall Human Capital strategy due to its impact on clients’ abilities to attract, retain and develop their talent. By addressing these needs, we aim to assist clients in making better decisions in the pursuit of stronger, more adaptable and motivated workforces. I am excited to welcome Puneet to the Aon team,” said Dwyer. “Puneet’s business acumen, combined with his twenty-five plus years of experience as an international HR advisor will accelerate our ability to deliver human capital capabilities to our clients.”

Swani is an experienced leader specialising in human resources consulting spanning more than twenty-five years. He joins Aon having had a distinguished career at both Hewitt Associates and Mercer, most recently serving as senior partner – international region at Mercer.

“I am thrilled to join Aon as the firm continues to innovate and provide data and expertise to help organisations attract and retain key talent. I look forward to working with Aon’s talented team and building on their existing momentum of delivering insights and scalable solutions to mitigate people risk and help organisations create resilient workforces,” Swani said.

Read more about Aon’s capabilities in Asia Pacific here.

Hashtag: #Aon

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

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

EVM, Solarvest and PECC2 Forge Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Renewable Energy Adoption in Vietnam through the new Direct Power Purchase Agreement Mechanism (DPPA) via National Grid

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January 24, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between, Saigon Jim Brother’s Corporation (EVM), Solarvest (Vietnam) Company Limited (“Solarvest”), and Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 2 (PECC2), marking the start of a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of a renewable energy solution in Vietnam. This collaboration focuses on leveraging the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) Mechanism via National Grid to supply a large amount of green electricity by Solarvest and PECC2 to EVM’s operations in Vietnam, playing a part in facilitating sustainable energy projects and drive Vietnam’s clean energy transition.

After years of research, the Vietnamese Government issued Decree 80/2024/ND-CP on July 3, 2024, regulating the mechanism for direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) between renewable energy generators and large electricity consumers. Among the two types of DPPA outlined in this Decree, the DPPA through the national grid, also known as the virtual DPPA, is the option selected by the parties under this MOU. This mechanism allows EVM, who has substantial renewable energy needs, to access a utility-scale renewable energy generating source, a solar farm project, with electricity purchases made through the national grid. EVM, Solarvest and PECC2 recognize that this DPPA Mechanism presents a unique opportunity to overcome barriers to renewable energy adoption, including accessible, regulatory, financial, and technical challenges. By uniting their expertise, the parties aim to streamline the adoption of renewable energy solutions and accelerate participation in the DPPA Mechanism for solar energy projects.

Speaking at the event, Global Vice President – Sales, Assets & Marketing of Solarvest, Mr. Jack Tan Qi Jie, emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainability: “This partnership between EVM, Solarvest and PECC2 is more than a collaboration—it’s a strategic alignment of expertise and shared values. Together, we are addressing one of the most critical challenges businesses face today: the transition to renewable energy in a way that is both economically viable and operationally efficient. Solarvest brings years of experience in clean energy development, with over 1,300MW of renewable energy projects across Asia-Pacific. By combining our proven financial models with the technical expertise of PECC2 and the innovative drive of EVM, we are creating tailored solutions that enable businesses to achieve their sustainability goals without compromising profitability. We see that The DPPA via National Grid marks an important milestone in Vietnam’s energy transition and it is expected to transform Vietnam’s energy market, policies, and power system operations toward achieving NET ZERO and excited to be a part of this progress as a pioneer.”

Mr. Emil Lin, CSR Senior Manager of Saigon Jim Brother’s Corporation (EVM), commented: “As a footwear manufacturing company in Vietnam for a top international brand, sustainability is at the core of our operations. This cooperation with Solarvest and PECC2 marks a pivotal step in our journey toward achieving our turning green targets. By integrating renewable energy into our production processes, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also aligning with EP Group’s global sustainability goals. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship as we continue to lead by example in the manufacturing industry.”

Representing PECC2, Mr. Nguyen Hai Phu, Chief Operating Officer of PECC2 said: “This collaboration with Solarvest and EVM represents a significant step forward, allowing PECC2 to provide large-scale green electricity to EVM’s operations in Vietnam. This partnership signifies more than a legal agreement; it demonstrates a shared vision to overcome challenges in renewable energy adoption. By combining our expertise, we aim to address accessibility, regulatory, financial, and technical hurdles, thereby streamlining the implementation of renewable energy solutions and enhancing participation in the DPPA Mechanism for renewable energy projects.”

https://solarvest.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/solarvest/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.facebook.com/solarvest
https://www.instagram.com/solarvestgroup/

Hashtag: #Solarvest #Energy #SolarEnergy #Sustainability

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

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

Weekend wet weather set to hit South Island highways

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January 24, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

People travelling in Tasman and the West Coast are encouraged to keep an eye on weather and road conditions this weekend.

The MetService has weather warnings in place for both regions.

A Heavy Rain Warning is in place for Westland from midday Saturday through until 6 pm on Sunday. This will affect State Highway 6 between Hokitika and Haast.

A Heavy Rain Watch has also been issued for Tasman, west of Motueka, from 9 pm Saturday until 6 pm Sunday. This will affect State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill and Golden Bay.

Heavy rain increases the risks of slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding. It can also see roads closed at short notice

Wet roads can be slippery. Drivers must be alert and prepared for road hazards, and drive to the conditions. Increase following distances, avoid sudden braking, reduce speed, and use headlights if visibility is poor. Be safe, be seen.

Road users should also check road and weather conditions before they travel:

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Summer maintenance in the spotlight on State Highway 29

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January 24, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Crews continue to tackle a significant programme of summer maintenance on State Highway 29 (SH29).

Work to rebuild and resurface the road across 9 sites began in October 2024, with 3 sites near Hanga Lane, Old Kaimai Road and Gargan Road now complete.

Resurfacing got underway near Kaukumoutiti Stream Bridge last week, north of Soldiers Road, with 2 final night shifts required on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 January.

Works will take place between 7pm and 6am, with stop/go in place. There will be a reduced speed limit of 50km/h during the day. Some periods of stop/stop, of up to 30 minutes, will also be required to complete work within the narrow bridge area. People are advised to expect delays. 

Drainage and asphalt resurfacing work will get underway near McLaren Falls Road on Tuesday 28 January* to Tuesday 11 March (*this work was originally scheduled to start Monday 20 January).

The drainage work will be carried out first, with work occurring during the day, Monday to Friday.

Temporary traffic management will be in place including the closure of the entire passing lane starting at Poripori Road and finishing just after McLaren Falls Road (Monday to Friday only, opening at the weekends), plus a reduced speed limit of 50km/h through the site, and 30km/h at the intersection with McLaren Falls Road.

Once drainage works are complete, asphalting is expected to get started in February and will involve lane closures, a reduced speed limit of 50km/h and periods of stop/go at night.

Road users should be prepared for delays and allow extra time for their journeys.

Further sites getting underway next week include chip sealing near Kaimai School (Tuesday 28 January), near Hanga Lane (Wednesday night) and near Ruahihi Road (Thursday night).

Works at each site will take place across 1 night, between 7pm and 6am, with stop/go in place. There will be a reduced speed limit of 30km/h during the day. People are advised to expect delays. 

These will be followed by the next round of full Kaimai Range overnight closures.

The Kaimai Range will see night closures (for all traffic) over 2 weeks, from Sunday 9 February to the morning of Friday 14 February (5 nights) and from Sunday 16 February to the morning of Friday 21 February (5 nights), between 8pm and 4.30am each night.

During the day SH29 will be open but may be under a temporary speed restriction.

The detours for this closure are significant and add considerable time to journeys. People are encouraged to check the NZTA Journey Planner and allow extra time for their journey, or if possible, delay travel over SH29 on these nights.   

The detour routes are:

South: SH28, SH5, SH30, SH33, SH2 via Rotorua

North: SH24, SH27, SH26, SH2 via Karangahake Gorge

More information

Meanwhile resurfacing work on SH29, between Cambridge Road and the SH29/SH36 roundabout, is scheduled for late February and will include a 1-night full lane closure. Details will be provided closer to the time.

Following this, resurfacing on the SH29 Toll Road is also scheduled for March 2025.

These works form part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund. 

Once complete, drivers will have smoother and safer journeys along this section of the SH29 corridor. 

People are encouraged to plan ahead and see where disruptive works are by using the NZTA Journey Planner.

Journey Planner(external link)

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Homai Station access upgraded during rail closure

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January 24, 2025

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Source: Auckland Council

Homai Station is now ready for more frequent train services when the City Rail Link opens in 2026, with safer access to the station as well as improvements for the local blind and low vision community.

The safer access replaces two pedestrian level crossings which are now closed as part of an ongoing programme replacing level crossings to support more frequent trains while improving safety and keeping roads moving.

Homai Station was blessed today by mana whenua, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua and will re-open to passengers with a new accessible ramp and pathways when train services resume on 28 January.

It is one of many projects Auckland Transport (AT) and KiwiRail are carrying out during the month-long closure of Auckland’s rail network, says AT Programme Director Kris Gibson.

“Replacing the level crossings with this new accessible ramp and stairs will make it safer to access Homai Station, where there will be an increased number of trains running once the City Rail Link opens in 2026,” he says.

“In particular, it will be safer for people accessing the nearby BLENNZ (Blind Low Vision Education Network NZ) School and Blind Low Vision NZ South Auckland office and Guide Dog Training Centre.

“We engaged with the community early and their feedback helped us make sure the upgrades to Homai Station will benefit those who use it,” Mr Gibson says.

A new modular-structure ramp runs from Browns Road Bridge to the station, along with new lighting, wider footpaths and new pathways from the carpark and Mcvilly Road. The ramp colour scheme and bright yellow handrail is specifically designed to be high contrast, helping people with low vision to differentiate between the sloping and flat sections of the ramp.

BLENNZ School Homai Principal Saul Taylor says, “BLENNZ (Blind Low Vision Education Network NZ) have been delighted with the excellent level of inclusion and connection with Auckland Transport’s project team.

“The engagement with BLENNZ has been invaluable and we have felt listened to throughout the project. By including our suggestions and working alongside us so closely, the walkways and new ramp for the station will be more accessible, safe, and enjoyable for our whole school community.

“The benefits will be felt for many years to come,” Mr Taylor says.

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Schools to accelerate maths achievement

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January 24, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Students who need extra help with maths are set to benefit from a targeted acceleration programme that will give them more confidence in the classroom, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“Last year, significant numbers of students did not meet the foundational literacy and numeracy level required to gain NCEA. To achieve our goal of getting 80 per cent of our kids to curriculum by the time they get to high school, we need to be relentlessly focused on teaching the basics brilliantly at school.

“We are ensuring more kids who need extra support, get it. 145 English and Māori medium schools across the country have been identified to take part in the $3 million intensive trial which aims to bring 3000 Year 7 and 8 students up to the required curriculum level in maths,” Ms Stanford says.

The 12-week trial will take place in Term 1 and 2 and involve small group tutoring and supervised online tuition for 30 minutes, up to four times a week for each child.

Schools participating will receive funding for staff involved based on the number of children taking part. It will be used to pay for staffing as well as cover costs associated with an AI tutoring tool. An evaluation of the trial will inform how to scale it up nationwide by next year.

“Every year 65,000 young New Zealanders start school, we must ensure they’re getting off to the very best possible start. That’s why primary school students will now benefit from explicit teaching through structured mathematics and a clear, detailed and knowledge-rich curriculum based on the science of learning.

“We are laser focused on lifting student achievement and closing the equity gap in our education system so all children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to grow the New Zealand of the future,” Ms Stanford says.

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