Business – ‘Minister for the South Island’ welcomed by Business Canterbury

By

-

January 20, 2025

Source: Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury welcomes news that Rangitata MP, James Meager will step into a newly created Minister for the South Island role. The portfolio, which will likely mirror that of the Auckland portfolio and act as an advocacy and coordination role, will be a step in the right direction for ensuring an all of government approach to the South Island.

Business Canterbury chief executive, Leeann Watson says, “The South Island’s contribution to the New Zealand economy is something we’ve been discussing with the Government, alongside the need for focused investment to support our growth, so it’s great to see this commitment and recognition through the creation of a ministerial portfolio.

“Canterbury and South Island businesses are generally known as quiet achievers in the New Zealand economy, but the statistics speak for themselves, and we are taking on the world with our unique mix of a highly diversified economy – including the primary industries, manufacturing, construction and professional services, and those emerging like aerospace, agritech and healthtech – as well as our lifestyle, environment and innovative culture.

“Canterbury drove 23 per cent of national business growth last year with only 13 per cent of the country’s businesses. This growth is generating significant interest in Canterbury with student numbers, migration both from within New Zealand and abroad, and tourism numbers growing far beyond those in other centres – highlighting an opportunity for the Government to take a more active role in supporting what will be the best place in New Zealand to live, work, play and invest.

“Having a ministerial cheerleader who is also the associate Minister of Transport, we hope, will lead to a better all of government approach to Canterbury and the South Island, and a regulatory environment more tailored to us and our desire for policy that better enables innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth.

“For example, connections to the rest of New Zealand and the world will always be an opportunity to power up the South Island economy – and we look forward to working with Mr Meager on ensuring that our world-class food and fibre and manufactured goods can move to their destinations more efficiently and reliably.

Business Canterbury will be meeting with Mr Meager in the coming weeks to discuss priorities for Canterbury businesses and the scope of his portfolio to affect positive change.

About Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the largest business support agency in the South Island and advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

MIL OSI

Tech and Business – New Teletrac Navman Asset Trackers Set Benchmark with One-time Install and Indoor Tracking

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

January 20, 2025

0

Source: Botica Butler Raudon for Teletrac Navman

Ten-year battery life provides for one-time install, continuous tracking of assets without disruption; assets viewed via TN360 platform

Auckland, 20 January 2025 – Teletrac Navman, a leading connected mobility platform and Vontier company, has unveiled significant updates to its asset tracker portfolio, with the launch of one-time install devices that include new indoor tracking capability for real-time location visibility.

The market-leading asset trackers, designed for indoor and outdoor equipment, offer a ten-year battery life that minimises disruption, lowers maintenance costs and addresses the challenges of managing assets across various locations.

The improved, high accuracy indoor tracking also makes them a perfect fit for a wide variety of applications, including warehouse asset management, construction equipment and other high-value asset monitoring.

Further, Teletrac Navman’s AI powered TN360 and TN360 ACM platforms will provide a single pane of glass view for real-time asset location. The platforms have been designed for fleet, asset and construction equipment management, providing visibility into location, maintenance and utilisation across powered and non-powered assets. This empowers businesses to make informed decisions regarding asset mobility, enhanced management efficiency, security and sustainability.

Doug Haebig, Director, Product Management at Teletrac Navman, said: “Our customers’ assets are becoming more utilised and operations more dispersed and challenging to manage. The last thing you want is in-demand assets disappearing from your tracking platform because of shorter battery life or signal strength capabilities, and the associated costs of refitting them with new trackers.

“Businesses need greater robustness and functionality, as well as improved connectivity to alleviate some of their operational challenges. Our new market-leading devices will give asset managers the visibility they need to streamline and protect operations through a one-time install.”

The new features of the trackers include:

Optimised Performance: Up to 10 years of battery life, for a true ‘install once’ solution with low maintenance requirements
High Accuracy Tracking: Enhanced indoor and outdoor tracking for improved real-time asset location management
Global Connectivity: 4G network recognition with 2G cellular fallback to ensure connectivity in the most remote areas
Theft Recovery Mode: In case of theft, ‘Recovery Mode’ can be activated to help locate and recover stolen assets
Durable Housing: IP68 and IK07 rated to withstand the harshest environments
Self-installation: Designed for easier deployment and usage across dynamic operational environments .

Teletrac Navman’s existing range of asset tracking devices has been highly successful with thousands of units in the field tracking non-powered assets and has a wide variety of applications. The business has seen demand remain high for asset tracking leading it to develop new functionality and capabilities to suit different use cases.

About Teletrac Navman  
Teletrac Navman’s goal is to empower the industries that transform and sustain our futures with simple and intelligent solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of their operation. As a connected mobility platform for industries that manage vehicle and equipment assets, Teletrac Navman simplifies the complex so that its customers can transform the way they work through cloud-based solutions that leverage AI to unlock the power of operational insight. Teletrac Navman manages more than 700,000 vehicles and assets around the world. The company operates globally, with offices worldwide and headquarters in Northbrook IL. For more information, visit  www.teletracnavman.com.  

Teletrac Navman is a Vontier company.

About Vontier
Vontier (NYSE: VNT) is a global industrial technology company uniting productivity, automation and multi-energy technologies to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving, more connected mobility ecosystem. Leveraging leading market positions, decades of domain expertise and unparalleled portfolio breadth, Vontier enables the way the world moves – delivering smart, safe and sustainable solutions to our customers and the planet. Vontier has a culture of continuous improvement and innovation built upon the foundation of the Vontier Business System and embraced by colleagues worldwide. Additional information about Vontier is available on the Company’s website www.vontier.com.

MIL OSI

Fire Safety – Temporary fire ban ends in Te Tai Tokerau Northland

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

January 20, 2025

0

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

After suspending fire permits earlier this week, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is now allowing fire permits already issued to be used again from 8 am Monday 20 January.

This decision returns Te Tai Tokerau to a restricted fire season, which means outdoor fires can only be lit with fire permits authorised by Fire and Emergency.

Northland District Manager Wipari Henwood says the extreme fire risk identified earlier in the week has subsided.

“The cooler, damper conditions make it less likely that a fire will get out of control,” he says.

“We’re allowing people to light fires with permits again, but – as always – we expect that they take great care in how and where fires are lit, and fires are properly extinguished in line with our guidance.

“If you aren’t sure what the restrictions are for your location, go to checkitsalright.nz for guidance and to apply for a fire permit if you need one.”

MIL OSI

Update: search for missing jetskier, Lake Taupō

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

January 20, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

The search for the missing jetskier on Lake Taupō has resumed this morning.

Last night, the Police National Dive Squad arrived and made an initial search, along with a Police drone operator, and Police Search and Rescue staff.

The Dive Squad will redeploy later this morning, with assistance from the Harbourmaster and Coastguard.

Further planning and review is also underway, which includes the use of a Police drone operator surveying the area this morning.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

‘Shocking’ revelations: the tūi, the pōhutukawa, and the mystery of south Titirangi

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

January 20, 2025

0

Source: Auckland Council

For two summers, south Titirangi locals were left scratching their heads over an unsettling sight: an alarming number of dead tūī beneath the same majestic pōhutukawa tree.

As the tree burst into its iconic crimson bloom, attracting a chorus of nectar-feeding birds, it also seemed to be the site of an ‘“avian whodunit’”.

David Blake, a community resident and conservation enthusiast, was the first to sound the alarm.

“When I found the first ones, I thought it might be poison. It was heartbreaking,” he shared.

But poison was ruled out when he called in the experts at Auckland Council, and the investigation eliminated every imaginable culprit—from bird flu to BB gun.

The real breakthrough came thanks to Auckland Council’s senior ecologist Sarah Gibbs, and her colleagues.

“It was a bit like CSI: tūī,” Ms Gibbs said cheekily.

“In all seriousness, tūī are a beloved native bird, and we don’t like to see them turning up dead without explanation.

“We tested everything and got nowhere until a Massey University vet, Dr Alvaro Wehrle-Martinez, carried out a postmortem on the tui and confirmed the cause – electrocution.

Mystery solved: it turns out power lines running through the iconic pōhutukawa tree in south Titirangi were the problem.”

Ironically, the tree feeding the tūī a summer feast was also serving as an accidental hazard.

Tūī, in this nectar rich excitement, were brushing against the power lines, turning a festive feast into a deadly misstep.

The breakthrough prompted swift action. Arborists trimmed the pōhutukawa back from the wires to protect both the tree and its feathered diners.

“It’s not ideal to trim such a magnificent tree,” acknowledged Gibbs, “but this way, the tūī can safely enjoy their summer smorgasbord.”

The case closed with a sigh of relief and some new learnings, while preserving this treasured Titirangi pōhutukawa, an essential food source for nectar-eating birds – as part of the local ecosystem.

David Blake reflects on the saga with mixed emotions.

“I’m glad we solved it but will miss seeing so many tūī in one place, now the tree has had a haircut. Still, better a few less blooms than a few less tūī.”

And so, south Titirangi’s summer soundtrack continues, a little less ‘shocking’, but just as sweet.

MIL OSI

Cobble skinks beat the odds and fly home

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

January 20, 2025

0

Source: Department of Conservation

Date: 20 January 2025

It comes after a DOC ranger surveying coastal areas near their original habitat found new populations of these skinks, with one significant site estimated to hold over 22,000.

The release took place on the 15 of January with representatives of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae, DOC and Auckland Zoo staff present.

The skinks are being returned from Auckland Zoo, where they have been cared for and successfully bred since 2016, after their only known habitat was severely impacted by coastal erosion. The skinks were flown to Nelson by Air New Zealand and transported to the release site by vehicle.

These skinks live in a unique environment consisting of beach stones or “cobbles” and were believed to be in severe decline, occupying less than one hectare of coastline habitat in 2016. An assessment of the coastline was undertaken to locate a suitable, stable site to release the animals.

At the time, it was thought there were less than 100 left in the wild. Based on this information the species was classified as Nationally Critical and thought to be under imminent threat of extinction with every passing storm.

An emergency rescue salvage of 35 individuals was undertaken in 2016, with six more transferred in 2022. These animals have been cared for by expert herpetologists at Auckland Zoo and bred in the Zoo’s specialist facilities to reach 148 individuals.

DOC Biodiversity Project Lead Kate Simister says, “We are really pleased to have found the situation is not as dire as originally thought. Although significant threats such as sea level rise, coastal erosion and weeds encroaching on their habitat still face cobble skink in the long-term, for now, we can return the captive population to the wild and focus our efforts on in-situ management and protection.”

Auckland Zoo’s Head of Animal Care and Conservation Richard Gibson, says when a small number of skinks were rescued and sent to the Zoo in 2016, they were thought to be the last of their species, so the stakes were extremely high.

“Through a combination of prior experience and evidence-based adaptation, we quickly established a successful husbandry regime under which the skinks both thrived and reproduced.

“Genetic and demographic management plans meant these few animals quickly became the potential source to recover the species and we learned a great deal about their natural history while in our care, things that would help inform their eventual recovery.

“Now we know they’re not quite as close to the precipice of extinction we have the luxury of returning the Zoo population to the wild to reintroduce valuable genetics. We will continue to work with our DOC partners and iwi to plan for long-term security for this species living so precariously close to the edge,” explains Richard.

Ngāti Whātua Orakei representatives said a special karakia at Auckland Zoo for the Cobble skinks ahead of their safe return to the wild. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae representatives were also there to greet them on their Te Waipounamu arrival.

“On behalf of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae, we are so grateful to be a part of this amazing kaupapa, especially for our tamariki to be involved on this special day,” said Deputy Chair of Ngāti Waewae, Hamiria Ngaamo.

“It is also a great opportunity to grow and continue our connections with Ngāti Whātua Orakei, Auckland Zoo, and Te Papa Atawhai ki Kawatiri, who all have done such an incredible job taking care of these taonga for their safe return home.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

One man raced to court following theft, Invercargill

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

January 20, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A group of elite cyclists attending a national cycling event in Invercargill managed to add an extra race they had not anticipated to their weekend, says Sergeant Geoff Sutherland.

While the group were enjoying a meal after one of their races on Saturday, they witnessed an opportunistic thief take one of their road bikes and ride away.

“Two of the cyclists mounted their trusty bikes and went into pursuit of the man.”

The alleged offender did not stand a chance against the cyclists, only going as far as three blocks before being sandwiched in and apprehended.

“For him, the race was over.”

A Police patrol unit was on-scene within a minute, and the out of breath offender was arrested without incident.

Thankfully, the $15,000 road racing bike suffered only minor damage, and the owner was able to race the following day in the finals event with some success.

A 31-year-old local man is due to appear in Invercargill District Court today, charged with theft.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Police investigating Hutt Valley Death

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

January 20, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are investigating the death of a man in Wellington Hospital yesterday, following an altercation in Boulcott in December.

The man was transported to Wellington hospital with a brain injury following an altercation with another person at Hutt Hospital, Friday 27 December.

Police are working to determine the full circumstances of what occurred.

The investigation remains ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Delays expected following Glenbrook crash

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

January 20, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a crash in Glenbrook this morning.

The two vehicle crash, at the intersection of Wyner and Glenbrook Roads, was reported to Police at 5.50am.

One person has been transported to hospital in a moderate condition.

Motorists are being advised to expect delays while the scene is cleared.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Water rescue, Lake Taupō

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

January 19, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Andy Livingstone, Taupō Police:

Police received a report about 12:40pm today of a person or people on a jetski in trouble, on Lake Taupō off Acacia Bay.

While one person and the jetski made it to shore with assistance from Police and Taupō Coastguard, a second person sadly did not, and was last seen struggling in the water.

The Police National Dive Squad has been notified and is expected to deploy tomorrow.

Tūwharetoa Maori Trust Board has been advised and local hapū are assisting to support those involved.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI