Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards

January 8, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many.

“This adds insult to injury for our workers who have been under constant attack under this Government,” says Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono.

“The Green Party’s Income Guarantee provides a clear alternative, a commitment to every New Zealander that no matter what, you will have enough to put food on the table, a safe place to call home, and live a decent life–all paid for with a fair tax system.

“While the Government claims this move supports its objective of reducing the number of people claiming the Jobseeker benefit, it fails, miserably, to address the reality for many workers. The assertion that work is the pathway out of poverty rings hollow when minimum wage is no guarantee of the ability to pay rent, feed a family, or pay for essential things like healthcare.

“Shockingly, half of children living in poverty live in households whose primary income comes from work.

“Further, rents are increasing significantly faster than minimum wage increases, with a massive 4.1 per cent increase in rent costs from November last year. The system is failing those it claims to support.

“Choosing to raise the minimum wage by less than inflation means more people will face mounting debt and will struggle to cover the basics, let alone afford the unexpected costs of medical care, childcare, or urgent repairs.

“The Government’s decision today does not reflect what New Zealanders deserve. It’s time for bold action that prioritises the well-being of workers and their families, not more pandering to the rich at the expense of the rest of us,” says Teanau Tuiono.

NOTES:

MIL OSI

Kopinga Marae

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Manawareka tch mauriora

It is such a great privilege for Richard and me to come to Kopinga.

Thank you so much for inviting us to be here today – and for taking us to see the rakau momori and for sharing your knowledge with us.

I appreciate what this beautiful, tranquil building has come to represent: your aroha and respect for your karapuna [ancestors], your commitment to your identity, culture, language, and heritage – and to the legacy of peace bequeathed to you.

I acknowledge the struggle to maintain a Moriori identity and commend you for your work to revive Te Re Moriori as a living language, and bring together here knowledge about your traditions and customs.

You have honoured your ancestors by holding fast to what matters. You have created a foundation for Moriori to build on for the future.

I wish you all the very best with your mission.

Me rongo

MIL OSI

Community Lunch, Chatham Islands

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Kioranga

Nau mai haere mai

Welcome everyone to today’s lunch. Thank you for coming. We are so pleased to return some of the wonderful hospitality we have received here.

I specifically acknowledge:

Her Worship Monique Croon
Ricki Hapi
Ward Kamo
Paul Eagle and

Toni Gregory-Hunt

I understand your police officers, Lucie and Will Joines are about to finish their time on the Chathams. On behalf of everyone here, I acknowledge their many years of service, and wish them all the very best for their next posting.

I know that three days in the Chathams barely scratches the surface, and you probably get fed up with people arriving from Wellington and telling you what’s what.

However, I hope you’ll indulge me as I share some general impressions.

We loved spending time with your children yesterday, and I can see how much their independent spirit, community spirit and can-do attitude is connected to growing up in an isolated and utterly unique landscape.

We’ve heard something of the history of these islands, during our visits to Whakamaharatanga and Kopinga marae, the Tommy Solomon statue, and when we saw the kopi trees with their rakau momori. We are looking forward to learning more about the Chathams’ history and geology at the Museum this afternoon.

All in all, this has been an unforgettable few days, and we will definitely be back!

We leave tomorrow morning, and I may have to drag Richard away. He spent some years on the Falkland Islands as a medical officer, and feels quite at home here, especially at the Health Centre – he knows what it is like to deal with every kind of medical emergency on remote islands.

I now have some understanding why Chatham Islanders feel compelled to return here from all points of the globe. There is nowhere else quite like this place.

As you know, Governors-General represent our nation’s Head of State, His Majesty King Charles III. And you probably know about his passion for the environment and the wellbeing of the planet.

Here on Rēkohu, I know I am speaking to the converted, because you have such a close relationship with the natural world. I know King Charles will be heartened to hear about your community efforts to conserve the land, eradicate pests and protect vulnerable species.

Working together for the wellbeing of the land, the sea, your precious wildlife – and your fellow Islanders – will deliver a sustainable future for yourselves, your children, and your children’s children.

It takes a great deal to create a community. A shared vision, a shared sense of purpose, a common history and a pride in the unique identify of your members and their contribution to your islands. I have thoroughly appreciated being met with your hearts and heads during my time here visiting this wonderful place, the Chatham Islands, Rekohu. It is a jewel in our crown.

I won’t hold up proceedings any further, except to wish you all the best for the holiday season.

I hope to get round and meet everyone here – and after my Government House Kaumatua, Joe Harawira has blessed the kai – please do help yourselves.

Matua Joe, I invite you now to bless the kai.

MIL OSI

The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi 2024 Icon Awards Whakamana Hiranga

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Kei aku nui kei, aku rahi ngā Māreikura, ngā Whatukura. Nau mai, piki mai, kake mai, i runga i te kaupapa o te ra. Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

I’d like to begin by specifically acknowledging: Tā Pita Sharples, 2024 Icon Award Whakamana Hiranga recipient, and Te Rangimarie Sharples; Chelsea Winstanley, Co-Chair of The Arts Foundation; Kent Gardner, Outgoing Co-Chair, and Hamish Edgar, Incoming Co-Chair; Jessica Palalagi, General Manager, The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi. And to all our very distinguished guests – tēnā koutou katoa.

As Governor-General, and patron of The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, I’m delighted to welcome you all to Government House for this very special event – to celebrate our two newest Whakamana Hiranga Icons, and this year’s recipient of the Harriet Friedlander Residency.

I know that, in this instance, the word ‘icon’ is not used lightly – and that our two newest icons have truly earned that mantle: not only through their dedication to their respective crafts over so many years, but also the generosity with which they have shared their work with New Zealand, and with the world.

Tā Pita Sharples – your extraordinary career has straddled the worlds of academia, politics, Māori development, and the arts. The thread that connects these worlds has been your staunch commitment to representing, celebrating, and empowering te ao Māori.

I certainly remember your spearheading of kapa haka, the Hoani Waititi Marae, kohanga reo, and kura kaupapa in West Auckland during my formative years, and the early years of my children. To them, you will always be Matua Pita.

Tonight, we acknowledge in particular your artistic contributions – as a pioneer in the development of the kura kaupapa movement, the New Zealand School of Māori Weaponry, and the acclaimed Te Roopu Manutaki Māori cultural group – of which I was a member for a time.

As you yourself said, so perfectly: ‘If you don’t dream, you’re not alive.’ Thank you Tā Pita, for dreaming with such ambition, generosity, and brilliance – and for enriching our country in the process.

I know that Neil Finn is unable to be here this evening, but it will be a pleasure to have Jemaine Clement accept Neil’s award on his behalf.

Neil’s music is indelibly etched into the New Zealand consciousness – most notably, perhaps, through his contributions to Split Enz and Crowded House. I’m sure I was not alone, however, in feeling immense pride when Neil was chosen to join Fleetwood Mac.

Neil’s music has provided the soundtrack to New Zealand life for so many years – capturing something distinctively, joyfully, lovingly ‘us’. Neil understands the profound and mysterious power of music – and has dedicated his life to harnessing that power to remarkable effect.

I think few would argue with Ed O’Brien’s estimation of Neil as popular music’s ‘most prolific writer of great songs’. He and his brother Tim have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape.

This evening, we also recognise this year’s recipient of the Harriet Friedlander Residency: Ayesha Green. Your paintings of extraordinary vision and boldness represent a remarkable talent – already mature in its concerns and ambitious in its scope.

I hope this residency will offer you the opportunity to further deepen and expand your artistic practice, and I will look forward to following your artistic journey with great pride and interest.

I wish finally to acknowledge the Arts Foundation, and its supporters, for all that you do to nurture the arts in Aotearoa. Through your commitment and generosity, you enable our creative practitioners to work at their craft, and to share their work with the world – and, through events such as this, you recognise those artists’ outstanding achievements.

We live in increasingly uncertain times, and it is through art that we receive the profound comfort of knowing we’re not alone; a reminder of the too-often-neglected truth of how much we share.

The whakataukī says: ‘Mā te pohewa mā te auaha hoki, ka whakapuaki ngā kura e huna ana. With imagination and creativity, a hidden jewel can be revealed.’

To Tā Pita, Neil, and Ayesha – my very warmest congratulations once again. Thank you for helping us to see ourselves more clearly as a nation, and for the hidden jewels you have revealed, and continue to reveal to us all through your wonderful work.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

MIL OSI

Drive-in movies bring summer fun to Rangiora

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Date: 01 Jan 2025

Drive, walk or cycle into the south bank of the Ashley Rakahuri River in Rangiora for your choice of two movie screenings:

Saturday 18 January, 2pm — Minions: The Rise of Gru

The origin story of how the world’s greatest supervillain first met his iconic Minions, forged cinema’s most despicable crew and faced off against the most unstoppable criminal force ever assembled. This film has a PG rating with a warning note for violence.

Entry to the screening area will open at 1pm.

Buy tickets to Minions: The Rise of Gru

Saturday 18 January at 6pm — The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.

This film has a PG rating with a warning note for battle violence and fantasy horror.

Entry to the screening area will open at 5pm.

Buy tickets to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Drive-in movie details

Cyclists and pedestrians can enter the event space from the Break Bank carpark or via the Rakahuri Trail.
Tickets cost $20 per car, or $5 per pedestrian or cyclist. There will be no gate sales.
A range of food options will be available on site, and you are welcome to bring your own food. Please remember to take all rubbish with you when you leave.
For those in cars, movie audio will be available through either your car radio or an app on your smartphone, with details provided on-screen before the movie begins.
A reserved space with speakers will be set up at the front of the area for those who want to watch the movie on a picnic rug or camp chair.
The screen will be elevated to allow for good viewing for the whole area.
The movies will go ahead rain or shine, but if the event is cancelled for any reason, tickets will be refunded.
Please note this is an alcohol-free, smoke-free and pet-free event.

Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park

Find out more about the recreational spaces in Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park, including an exercise trail and areas for fishing, swimming, gamebird hunting, walking, cycling and picnicking.

Stay up to date with regional parks events

Environment Canterbury © 2025
Retrieved: 11:50am, Wed 08 Jan 2025
ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/drive-in-movies-bring-summer-fun-to-rangiora/

MIL OSI

Capturing bugs helps students understand water quality

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

The bug bags provide a short-term habitat for macroinvertebrates, bugs, worms, and snails that may have otherwise drifted past.

Dr Issie Barrett from the Waterways Centre and Matt Stanford, Enviroschools Selwyn facilitator, worked with Glentunnel, Hororata, Greendale, Springston, and Leeston Enviroschools to take a baseline water quality assessment at each site using the types of macroinvertebrates they found.

“There are lots of different types of bugs that can live in the river and what we want to see is lots of diversity, because that’s going to be the healthiest river,” said Issie.

She explained that certain bugs were indicators of water quality – for instance, stoneflies are intolerant to pollution, so high numbers of stoneflies indicated better water quality. On the flip side, high numbers of invertebrates like snails and worms would suggest that the waterway might be polluted.

The big question at sites where we don’t currently find the sensitive species is, “are they just drifting past because there is nowhere suitable for them to live?” This is what deploying the bags may tell us.

Ākonga/students report mixed results

In a joint meeting, each school shared the type of bugs that had ended up in their bags and compared that with baseline sampling. The bags deployed near Whitecliffs and Glentunnel were located furthest up the awa and had lots of sensitive species like green stoneflies, dobsonflies and single gill mayflies, which indicated a higher water quality.

Over the years the students in these areas have led restoration efforts along the awa with riparian planting and are proud of their connection to this waterway.

Further downstream, students discovered some pollution-tolerant species like snails, flatworms, segmented worms, and blood worms in their bags.

Issie said that seeing species like worms isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “A fully functioning ecosystem will include both sensitive species and the more tolerant types.”

Spring flood hinders success

Flooding of the Waikirikiri awa in October meant some of the bug bags were swept down the river.

“None of the students’ hard work will go to waste,” said Issie. “Bags that were washed away will likely end up in Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and become habitats for invertebrates and small fish.”

“The flood that we had ended up testing the design limits of our bug bags and revealed some deficiencies that the students have already thought of ways to rectify,” explained Matt.

Despite the flood, ākonga still found the creation and launch, as well as the identification of macroinvertebrates, to be an exciting and beneficial activity.

Leeston school said that some of their children didn’t even know there were bugs in the river, so it was an interesting learning experience for them.

“This project wasn’t about having all the answers,” said Matt. “We wanted to foster the children’s curiosity and get them to ask the ‘why’ question. When young people are connected to their local environment, they act instinctively in ways to protect it. I’m sure we will see some cool action from them aimed at improved water quality along the Waikirirkiri awa.”

MIL OSI

From our Chair: A year of partnerships, plans and pivoting

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

In recent months, staff have completed a major programme of work to help restore the region’s resilience to flooding after the 2021 flood event.

The project focused on more than 400 repair jobs across Central and South Canterbury. This included:

rebuilding more than 5km of stopbanks
undertaking erosion and scour protection
planting more than 60,000 native and exotic trees.

In many cases, we were able to replant existing trees that had washed out but were still alive after the flood.

This mahi wouldn’t be possible without the support of our communities – hundreds of landowners and dozens of contractors – who tirelessly worked alongside us for the past three years.

The total cost of flood recovery work came down to $22.6 million and we thank the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for helping co-fund about $8.3 million of this through a one-off emergency fund.

Kānoa funding

We were also successful in gaining some funding in the Government’s budget from ‘Kānoa – Regional Development and Commercial Services’ for tranche 1 of flood resilience projects.

The projects in Waitaha that will benefit are the Rangitata Flood and Resilience Works – Stage 2, Regional Structure Upgrade and Adaptation Programme – and Waitarakao/Washdyke/Seadown Works.

Kānoa is co-funding up to 60 per cent of these projects through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF). Environment Canterbury is funding the rest through rate collection. 

District-wide rate for the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River

Finally, as part of the LTP, we implemented the district-wide rate for the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River. This is a dedicated separate rate charged to Selwyn district ratepayers for flood protection work including the clearing out of channels and flow paths, weed control, and berm strengthening.

This is in addition to the six dedicated river and drainage rating districts that exist on the periphery of this work area. We are committed to working with the local community and Selwyn District Council to understand key pressure points and improve flood resilience of the whole catchment.

MIL OSI

Help stop the spread of freshwater pests

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Date: 19 Dec 2024

Check

Check boats, trailers and anything else that was in the water, including your dog’s fur and paws if your dog is in the water with you, for any plant material and remove it.

Even if the plant appears dry and dead, it may still survive and start a new infestation. 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 or animals, 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.

Keep an eye out for our Check, Clean, Dry ambassadors this summer

Our Check, Clean, Dry ambassadors will be out and about this summer at a number of recreational hotspots across the region to help keep freshwater pests front of mind for water users and to chat all things Check, Clean, Dry.

They will also be providing free, portable cleaning equipment and collateral if you are working and playing in and around popular freshwater sites.

“We are looking forward to getting out and visiting freshwater hotspots across Canterbury this summer, creating awareness and educating the public about how to prevent the spread of invasive freshwater pests,” says Louise McDermott, freshwater ambassador – Biosecurity.

“Check, Clean, Dry, isn’t just to protect against historic freshwater pests like didymo, there are other harmful aquatic pests which you may not be able to see. We all have a responsibility to protect our freshwater. Remember, even if you can’t see it, if it’s wet, it’s a threat,” says Anna Meikle, freshwater ambassador – Biosecurity.

Find out more

Environment Canterbury © 2025
Retrieved: 11:50am, Wed 08 Jan 2025
ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2024/help-stop-the-spread-of-freshwater-pests/

MIL OSI

Lunar New Year infuses city centre with Auckland’s unique Asian flavour

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Pique your senses in our city centre this Lunar New Year.

Midtown’s lanes and squares will be alive with a creative and cultural buzz inspired by Asian traditions and infused with a unique Auckland flavour.

From 26 January to 22 February, feel uplifted by the colours, sounds, tastes and beats of Asia, joining millions around the world who celebrate Lunar New Year.

Throughout the festival, we invite you to take part in the inaugural Bao and Boba promotion. It’s simple; if you dine in the city centre and vote for your top shop you’ll be in to win.

Sculptures bring smiles

Shown first at the Louvre Museum in Paris and later in London, Berlin, Kobe and Sydney among other cities, Chubby Women by acclaimed Chinese artist Xu Hongfei are coming to Aotea Square. These light-hearted, body-positive sculptures of voluptuous women – reminiscent of masterpieces by Titian and Rubens – bring smiles wherever they go.

Lucky Cats beckon

The Lucky Cat figurine beckons good fortune and prosperity, so don’t miss our selfie sensation in the making. By the clocktower of the Auckland Town Hall you’ll meet a three metre high Lucky Cat popping cute finger-hearts in Kiwi style. In Darby Street neon red Lucky Cats will shine from lamp posts and in Bledisloe Lane lightboxes will display Asian art.

Promenade of flavours

Immerse yourself in a free summer event transforming Te Hā o Hine (Khartoum Place) and Lorne Street into an exciting Asian street festival. Cheer the crews in the street dance battle or relax and learn Tai Chi.

Enjoy delicious food on a promenade of outdoor tables where a food ambassador will share with you the history of the dish you’re enjoying. Experience a real sense of community while watching dragon dances, traditional instrument buskers, local Asian musicians and storytellers.

Read more about the Midtown Street Party for Lunar New Year at OurAuckland.

Lion dances and bubble tea

At Auckland Art Gallery, witness the spectacular Tung Tek lion dancers performing on the forecourt, chilled sounds from DJ EDY and guitarist Sam Nakamura, bubble tea, a menu of family-focused workshops inspired by delicious yee sang, and many other exciting Lunar New Year activities.

Read more about Auckland Art Gallery events here.

Karaoke and mahjong

And bring the whole family to Lunar New Year in Aotea Square as part of Auckland Live’s Summer in the Square. Experience gravity-defying dance, the Lunar New Year karaoke competition and mahjong workshops teaching the classic game, and myriad more.

Read more about Lunar New Year in Aotea Square at OurAuckland.

Scroll through to the full Lunar New Year programme with dates, times and venues at OurAuckland.

Auckland Council Lunar New Year festival director Eric Ngan says our growing pan-Asian population is an asset to Auckland. He says young Asian Kiwis are proud of their roots, enjoy life in this city, and continue to creatively evolve their traditions.

“The tradition of sharing time and food together is as strong as ever in the weeks of Lunar New Year. The metaphors that speak to the phases of the moon – change, brightness, and wholeness – are reflected in the nature of our Lunar New Year celebrations, such as family reunion dinners, striving for harmony and an aspirational future,” he says.

The Lunar New Year Festival is proudly supported by the city centre targeted rate.

MIL OSI

Rain drain: Northcote’s new stormwater infrastructure tested to the max

LiveNews Publisher

January 8, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Northcote has always suffered from terrible stormwater flooding. It’s located in the historic trajectory of the Awataha Stream and the middle of an overland flow path. As such, after heavy rain, the town centre and surrounding homes have historically been prone to flooding.

To address these flooding problems, as well as reconnect local communities with their awa using green infrastructure, Eke Panuku has been working with Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team, Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities, Kaipātiki Local Board and mana whenua, in recent years, to put water sensitive design principles into practice.

With the record-breaking downpour in Auckland experienced on Friday 27 January, the new stormwater infrastructure in Northcote was tested to the max.

Two significant projects completed at the end of last year as part of Te Ara Awataha – Northcote’s new greenway – made all the difference in the face of the deluge that hit Tāmaki Makaurau. These were the daylighting of the Awataha Stream and the transformation of Greenslade Reserve into a stormwater detention park.

“Bringing the Awataha Stream to the surface provided better stormwater management in Northcote by allowing flood water to be channelled along the stream bed, rather than through private property. Having the water flow through an open channel provides much greater capacity than the older piped network. And, in this instance, it had the added benefit of keeping the parts of the older pipe in place, diverting a portion of the higher flood flows back into the pipe to provide even more flood capacity,” says Nicholas Vigar, Head of Network Planning at Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters.

Te Ara Awataha greenway network links existing and new reserves, providing areas for recreation and conservation. When not in flood, the returned stream bed will improve water quality and create habitat for manu (birds), ngāngara (insects) and tuna (eels) once more. The paths alongside the stream have rapidly become a valuable means of connection – both to local destinations and to nature.

Greenslade Reserve makes up another critical part of the greenway and stormwater infrastructure. The reserve was transformed last year to address flooding problems. This included a planted urban wetland and detention basin.

The reserve was designed to manage a one in 100-year flood event by detaining and slowing the release of water (able to handle approximately five Olympic size pools worth!). In late January, this proved critical.

At its peak, January’s downpour exceeded a one in 100-year event. Water overflowed into the street network, but the detention of 12 million litres of water on the sport field meant that flooding downstream was predominantly within the street network and damage to property was minimal compared to previous (lesser) events. When not in flood, Greenslade Reserve now provides a top-class sports field and recreational facility.

Kate Cumberpatch, Eke Panuku Priority Location Director – North, said: “The weather conditions were unprecedented, but we’re delighted that the new stormwater management infrastructure provided protection for the residents of Northcote! It did what it was designed to do, diverting and managing the extreme amounts of rainwater and preventing the extent of flooding we have seen in the past.”

MIL OSI

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