Instant Biosecurity Fine Raised to $400

The instant biosecurity fine is to be doubled to $400 after the Biosecurity Amendment Bill passed its final reading in Parliament last night.
“The bill represents a major step towards improving border processing, while cracking down on travellers who deliberately flout our biosecurity laws,” Biosecurity Minister David Carter said.
“This is an important change to biosecurity at our border and sends a clear message about how seriously the Government takes New Zealand’s biosecurity protection.
“Travellers not declaring or disposing of products such as fruit and meat upon arrival pose a significant threat to New Zealand’s economic, environmental, and social well-being.
“The doubling of the instant fine for not making such a declaration is an appropriate reflection of the seriousness of this offence, and will increase awareness of New Zealand’s strict biosecurity measures.
As well as raising the instant biosecurity fine from $200 to $400, the bill also increases the maximum penalty for conviction in Court for the same offence from $400 to $1000.

National Council of Women - new website

The redeveloped website for the National Council of Women of New Zealand is now live and can be viewed at http://ncwnz.org.nz/
It includes a discussion forum on hot topics for you to have your say.

Fair Electricity Bill? Your feedback wanted

DEUN is running a poll on its website www.issues.co.nz/fairelectricity and wants to know:  "What was your highest monthly power bill this winter, and what was your main heating source?"
DEUN is particularly keen to get some data from rural households.
DEUN is also keen to find whether dial-up is an obstacle to reaching the issues website. Please let DEUN know in the comment box on the website if it took a particularly long time to access the site.

Great tunes for a great cause

The Salvation Army's new Christmas CD - "It's a Wrap 2" - is available at Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths stores, and for a $5 donation! "We had such great success last year with our first Christmas CD going 'double miraculous platinum' (selling almost 40,000 copies) that we just had to do it again!" says the Salvation Army's Territorial Public Relations Secretary, Major Robert Ross.
“It’s a Wrap 2” features 15 very different Christmas tracks – by the Sallies’ own musicians, plus brilliant vocalist Bella Kalolo, barbershop quartet Musical Island Boys and jazz group Otis.

Curtain Donations Needed - Christchurch

Community Energy Action Charitable Trust is appealing to households replacing curtains to donate the old ones to the Curtain Bank. The Curtain Bank, a Community Energy Action project, fits recycled thermal and lined curtains in the homes of low income households to minimise heat loss from windows. However, without donations from the public the Curtain Bank cannot provide this assistance.
This winter has been the most successful ever in the Curtain Bank’s 15 year history. The Curtain Bank fitted curtains to 1470 windows in the homes of 342 households on low incomes. The amount of fabric fitted, more than 4600m2 would fit 10 netball courts.

The Curtain Bank has now closed for clients over summer, reopening again after Easter 2010. Curtains can still be dropped off at Community Energy Action, 198 Armagh St (back of the Orion building).
CEA can be contacted on phone 03 374 5698 or www.cea.conz.

Nearly Half of Kiwis Affected by Mental Illness

It is one of society's most delicate issues, but research released yesterday shows that nearly half of all Kiwis have in some way been affected by mental illness. The independent study was commissioned by Movember, a charity which encourages men to grow moustaches during November to help raise awareness and funds in support of men's health. Money raised by Movember will be donated to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ for its 'Out of the Blue' depression awareness campaign and to the Cancer Society of New Zealand in support of prostate cancer.  Click title above to view full media release.

Write your volunteering story and be in to win!

IHC has launched a new website for volunteers with a competition for stories about volunteering. To mark International Volunteer Day (5 December) people with intellectual disabilities and volunteers are being encouraged to write in with their stories. The best stories will be featured on the new website www.volunteer4IHC.org.nz and prizes include a 2009 Hewlett Packard laptop sponsored by Datacom Systems, Wellington, and a Sony Digital Cybershot W Series digital camera with starter kit and carry bag. The website features personal accounts of friends and friendships and is designed to raise the profile of IHC's volunteer programme. The site is for existing volunteers and people who want to get to know someone with an intellectual disability.

Ice cream could lick chemo side-effects

Clinical trials are under way for New Zealand-developed medical ice cream.
An innovative new medical ice cream developed by Fonterra and the University of Auckland has shown early promise for combating some of the unpleasant side-effects of chemotherapy.
The ice cream, known as ReCharge, has started Phase 2 clinical trials in New Zealand to assess its effectiveness against chemotherapy induced diarrhoea and anaemia.
But the "dessert with a difference" could also reduce weight loss and damage to the immune system during chemotherapy.
Oncology centres at Whangarei, Auckland, Waikato, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill are taking part in the trial. (Taranaki Daily News)  Click Title to view more.

Rates of mother and infant mortality in New Zealand

The Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee, a ministerial committee responsible for reviewing maternal and perinatal deaths (born between 20 weeks gestation and 28 days of age), announced the release of their third report to the Minister of Health today.
This highly anticipated report presents one measure of the quality and safety of New Zealand’s maternity services. Click Title above to view full report.

Fair Deal for School Support Staff Rally - Sat 28 November

Saturday 28 November.  NZEI support staff, teachers, principals and community supporters are taking to the streets of Auckland calling for a fair deal for school support staff. Meet in Queen Elizabeth Square, downtown Auckland at 11.30am. March up Queen St leaving at 12noon.  Rally at Myers Park 1pm with free bbq.

Road Safety / School Bus Safety - Summary of Submissions on Safer Journeys 2020 released

Click the Title above to link to the summary of 1500 submissions received by the Ministry of Transport on its Safer Journeys 2020 document.
Rural issues include:  Page 24 comments on the question of whether there should be an exemption for rural youth if the driving age were raised; Page 28 creating more speed zones on high risk rural roads; Page 37/38 Supporting the roll out of strongly enforced variable speed limits around schools and address the issue of rural school bus safety; Investigate options to improve safety around rural schools and school buses.  -  The RWNZ concerns are specifically mentioned in regards to the latter.

Roll Over Protection for Quad Bikes - ATV Safety

Click on the title above for an interesting blog on ROPs for quad bikes.  Do they work?  Should they be mandatory?

National Bovine TB pest management strategy

The Animal Health Board (AHB) National Bovine Tuberculosis (Tb) pest management strategy has been reviewed and an amendment proposal is currently open for submissions.
You can access the full discussion paper or a summary by clicking the Title above.
Submissions are due on Monday, 30 November.

International Volunteer Day - 5 December

This special day is marked around the world to celebrate and acknowledge the immense contribution made by volunteers across all sectors of the community. International Volunteer Day will be officially marked on Saturday 5 December. However because it is a weekend day many celebrations will take place on a weekday just before or after 5 December.

Community Irrigaton Fund - Ope for 2010-11 Funding Round

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Community Irrigation Fund (CIF) is now open for applications for the 2010/11 funding round. Applications close on Monday 22 February 2010 and all potential parties are encouraged to apply. The fund provides grants to promoters of community water storage and/or irrigation schemes for generating investor and community support. Applicants need to have completed a feasibility study for the irrigation scheme before applying. The CIF also provides funding for local government-led water strategies. More information and the application forms can be found on the MAF website link: www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/rural-nz/cif/ or by contacting Loretta Dobbs, CIF Project Adviser on phone: 04 894 0632 or email: CIFund@maf.govt.nz

2010 Golden Lamb Awards (Glammies)

It’s time to start thinking about your entry into the 2010 Golden Lamb Awards aka ‘The Glammies’, with the final showcased at the Upper Clutha A & P Show in Wanaka, Friday 12th and Saturday 13th March 2010. Entries from around the country will seeking to be named producer of New Zealand’s most tender, tasty lamb.
For an entry form or more information contact Kim Doran at Beef + Lamb New Zealand on Freephone 0800 733 466 or email kim@beeflambnz.co.nz or visit the competitions link on www.beeflambnz.co.nz Supported by Meat & Wool New Zealand levies.

RWNZ ERWA finalist at Style Christchurch

Wow!  RWNZ member and Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009 finalist, Beverley Forrester, was selected to be part of Style Christchurch last week, where New Zealand's top 12 designers showed their garments.  To view the clip on You Tube click the title above.  Beverley's pure wool Beverley Riverina collection was on the catwalk immediately after Annah Stretton and before Zambesi.  Congratulations Beverley, the sky is the limit!

Who Cares for the Carers?

Families that care for a family member with mental illness need support in order to help them to do the best job they can do, according to a report released today.
The Families Commission has released the Who Cares for People with Schizophrenia: Family carers' health, circumstances and adjustment report. Research author Dr Sunny Collings from Otago University, Wellington says the study of a representative sample of carers says shows family carers of people with recent-onset schizophrenia are an important element of care arrangements, providing part of the foundations on which the mental health system is built.
“Caregivers make an enormous contribution, which isn’t always recognised. The report shows that their contribution is enhanced when they have support. Those who were more positive about their role as a caregiver tended to have good social support, and a range of coping strategies. They were also more often involved in other caring roles, such as parenting children,” says Dr Collings.
“Support for carers was most likely to come from friends, spouses, children and siblings of the carer. Those caregivers who were receiving specific support from NGO and health agencies, reported fewer positive experiences of care-giving. This might be because people who are having a difficult time are the ones more likely to get involved with support agencies.”
Coping strategies were developed by trial and error rather than through formal information or training.
Caregivers had good health but were more likely to experience mental health problems themselves than the general population, which they were not always being given assistance for.
“Although family carers are vulnerable to psychological distress they are also generally resilient and capable of noticing the positive features of their situations, as well as the challenges,” said Sunny Collings.
The report found that overall, satisfaction with mental health services was high. However Māori and Pacific caregivers had lower rates of satisfaction with health services, calling into question responsiveness of the mental health system to some groups.
Three-quarters of carers considered they did not get a ‘fair deal’ from society in respect of their role, with half considering that the Government should shoulder more responsibility.
Generally carers held the view that they enjoyed benefits from filling the carer role – particularly those who saw the family-care role as ‘natural’.
Families Commission Chief Executive Paul Curry said the issues in the report raise an important question about how professionals and family carers can function effectively alongside each other.

Real Art Roadshow

Fiona Campbell, New Zealand’s youngest major arts philanthropist and director of the Real Art Roadshow, has won the Supreme Award at the 12th National Business Review’s Sponsorship of the Arts Awards.
The Real Art Roadshow visits schools for free and comprises one of New Zealand’s largest traveling art exhibitions. The exhibition is housed in two huge trucks that each unfold to form two 78 square metre ‘galleries’. Each ‘gallery’ displays over 60 pieces of original art by a cross-section of established and emerging New Zealand artists, including Don Binney, Seung Yul Oh, Robyn Kahukiwa, Pat Hanly and Fiona Pardington.
The two collections of outstanding New Zealand art have toured over 200 secondary schools nationwide during 2008 and 2009 and were open to the public during school holidays – with over 100,000 visitors in all.

Real Art Roadshow will continue touring for the next eight years.
For information about the Real Art Roadshow visit www.realartroadshow.co.nz

Ploughing Money into Child Cancer - South Island Tractor Convoy

A convoy of vintage and classic tractors will be travelling the length of the South Island early next year in a bid to raise funds for Child Cancer.
The South Island Tractor Trek for Cancer Kids 2010 has already attracted close on 50 confirmed participants from throughout the country who will drive their old work horse across some of the South Island’s most spectacular back country roads. At least three of the tractors will be driven by women.
Each participant will fund their own trip and is expected to also find sponsors and donations for the Child Cancer Foundation.
The trek starts from Bluff on February 22, arriving back in Bluff on March 16. Most participants will complete the entire 2500km journey but a small number will join the group in Canterbury for the northern leg only.
Trek convener Maurice Short said the itinerary was aimed at keeping tractors off main roads where possible, taking in places such as Lake Onslow, Dansey’s Pass, Hakataramea Pass, Lees Valley, Hanmer Springs, Molesworth Station and Taylor Pass.
The tractors will travel at an average speed of 25km/hr.
All trek participants must be self-contained, meaning some will be towing caravans, others will have tents and one couple even plan to camp in a converted sheep pen on a trailer.

Howto Improve Rates of Childhood Immunisation

The Health Committee has initiated an inquiry into how to improve completion rates of childhood immunisation.
Many New Zealand children suffer measles, whooping cough, pneumococcal pneumonia and other relatively common infectious diseases despite immunisation being available at no charge. The mortality and related co-morbidity is high and could be prevented.
There is clear scientific evidence that the benefits of high levels of immunisation to the individual and to society outweigh the disadvantages (very rare, but sometimes severe side effects).
Our immunisation completion rates are far lower than in many other developed and underdeveloped countries (which have completion rates up to 95%), and there are significant inequities for many of our most vulnerable children. (Māori uptake in Auckland and Counties Manukau is 64%).
This inquiry specifically does not seek to recommend that immunisation be compulsory.
The terms of reference for this inquiry are as follows:
1. To collate current statistics for New Zealand children on timeliness of delivery and completion of immunisation, and how we compare internationally.
2. To assess how well the New Zealand Immunisation Register is working, and the effectiveness of utilisation.
3. To search relevant world literature for optimal methods of how to achieve timely and high immunisation completion rates.
4. To seek up-to-date information on community concerns, informed consent and conscientious objection issues.
5. To seek an analysis of benefits and disadvantages.
6. To define, and make recommendations as to what methods could be applied at minimal cost to improve immunisation in New Zealand,( bearing in mind the first 60% are easier to get, the next 20-30% require more effort, the next 5% lots of effort and around 5% are declines).

The committee will be advertising for submissions in the next few days.

Tips (and traps) when buying Xmas gifts - from SafeKids

Picking the right gift for the kids, family and friends can be quite challenging. This holiday and summer season, show that you love them by treating them with gifts which they can enjoy and at the same time, help protect from injuries at home, at play and on the road.
What to buy:
- A booster seat. Jazz it up and let their imagination run wild (tell them it’s a rocket ship or a fairy chariot!). Remember, kids are safer in a booster seat until they’re big enough to fit an adult seat belt properly. The easiest way to tell: If they’re under 148cm tall, they still need a booster seat.
- A cycle helmet. If Lance Armstrong needs one, your kid will too. Let them pick their own helmet and remember to be a role model (buy and use one yourself).
- Tools with safety locks. Nothing pleases dad more than a brand new power tool. Buy one with a safety lock, and protect curious little hands by storing them out of children’s sight and reach.
- A Portable Pool Fence. Owners of small or portable pools still need to comply with pool safety regulations. A portable/ flexible pool fence is a perfect gift to help enjoy the summer season safely.
- Smoke alarms. If you’ve visited a relative or a friend’s house and notice that they don’t have a smoke alarm, buy one as a present (don’t forget the batteries). What better gift than one that could save their lives in a fire.

What NOT to buy:
- Toys that are choking hazards. If a toy can fit inside the hole of a toilet roll, it is a potential choking hazard for babies and toddlers.
- Baby bath seats and rings. Bath seats and rings give a false sense of security, and using one can be dangerous. Babies can slip or get trapped underwater.
- Baby Walkers. They could fall against fires, down stairs and off decks if they use one. They could be burned by hot water from kettles or pots they shouldn’t have been able to reach, or poison themselves with medications and cleaning products parents thought were stored high enough.
For more information in keeping kids safe at home, at play and on the road, visit www.safekids.org.nz.

Meat & Wool New Zealand calls for director nominations

Nominations are sought for two farmer elected director positions on the Board of Meat & Wool New Zealand.
The positions are for the Western North Island and the Central South Island electorates, for a term of three years. Nominations close on Wednesday 20 January 2010.
Incumbent Central South Island Director, David Douglas has signalled that he intends to stand for re-election, while incumbent Western North Island Director, Ron Frew has notified the board he will not seek re-election.
Nominations must be submitted on the official form that can be obtained from the Returning Officer Warwick Lampp by calling the Election Hotline 0508 666 336. They must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 20 January 2010.
Voters in the two electorates are encouraged to check that they are on the electoral roll and this can be done by calling the Election Hotline. Farmers who are not registered need to fill out a voter registration form by 10 February 2010. This can be obtained from the Election Hotline 0508 666 336.
To be eligible to vote, a livestock farmer must have owned at least 250 sheep or goats or a combined total of these, or 50 beef cattle, or 100 dairy cattle, on 30 June 2009.
Election day is 10 March 2010.

Fonterra Annual Meeting Voting Results

Fonterra shareholders today voted overwhelmingly in favour of the first two steps of the Co-operative’s new capital structure at the Annual Meeting in Ashburton.

Shareholders passed two special resolutions in support of the first two capital structure steps, both of which required a 75% shareholder vote under the Co-operative’s constitution. Resolution 1 – Strengthening the Share Structure, received an 89% vote. Resolution 2 – Restricted Share Value also received an 89% vote.

Community Economic Development Conference

Waitakere, Auckland 9 to 11 February 2010

This inaugural New Zealand community economic development conference is aimed at people from not-for-profit organisations, government agencies and councils who wish to explore international best practice in the fields of community-led local economic development, social enterprises, social finances, asset transfer and enabling support mechanisms. The conference has attracted a wide range of international and New Zealand presenters who will challenge conventional approaches to community economic development, explore new ways of thinking, encourage entrepreneurship and inspire participants to engage in actions that will enhance communities well-being. Prior to the conference two specialist two day workshops will be run on Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and Cultural Planning led by two leading overseas specialists. For further details and to register for the conference and workshops, go to: www.cedconf.org.nz .

National Not-For-Profit Sector Conference 11-12 March 2010

Waipuna Hotel, Auckland, 11-12 March 2010

This will offer key insights from world-class presenters and the collective wisdom of more than 300 other managers and board members from not-for-profit organisations around New Zealand. With key note presentations by international renown practitioners and authors Hildy Gottlieb (The Pollyana Principles) and Margaret Wheatley, ably supported by other high performing New Zealanders, this will be a great opportunity to not only sharpen your skills, but also to gather inspiration and ideas for use within your organisation. Early bird registrations are available till 1 December 2009 with all the details available at: www.nfpconference.co.nz.

White Ribbon Day - 25 November

Show you're against violence towards women.  The Families Commission is promoting White Ribbon Day on 25 November.  For further information go to http://www.whiteribbon.org.nz/.

NCWNZ new website/online discussion forum

The National Council of Women of NZ has a new website, which will include an online discussion forum - on the topic of domestic violence and violence towards women.  Our EO Noeline Holt will be attending the lanch of the new website at Parliament Buildings on 26 Nov 09.  White ribbon day is 25 November, a day to show you're against violence towards women.

Costume &Textile Conference - Lower Hutt

TheNewDowse (Lower Hutt, nr Wellngton) will be hosting the 9th annual Costume &Textile Conference in partnership with the New Zealand Costume Textile Association. The theme of the conference is Hanging by a Thread - tales of disaster & survival, and it will take place on 12 and 13 of June in the Little Theatre. For more information call Rachel Healy 04 560 1477, Mob: 027 687 4226 or go to http://www.newdowse.org.nz/.

Rural General Practce Network Conference

The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network conference will be held in Christchurch next year at the city’s Convention Centre from March 11 – 14. Next year’s theme is “Rural Health – No.8 Wired”.  For more information go to http://www.conference.co.nz/

2010 International Gambling Conference

2010 International Gambling Conference —The Implications of Technology for Policy, Practice and Research


This is on 24-26 February 2010, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Auckland and organised by: Gambling and Addictions Research Centre, AUT University, Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand, and Hapai Te Hauora Tapui. You can read full conference details at: http://www.aut.ac.nz/research/research-institutes/niphmhr/gambling-and-addictions-research-centre/conferences-and-other-events.

Promote Positive Parenting - Families Commission

The Families Commission says that the review of the section 59 law change shows that it is time for Kiwis to start concentrating on how best to promote positive parenting and safe, nurturing families.  For full media release click the heading for this post.

Foundation for Arable Research Dates

Visit the FAR website events page at http://far.org.nz/event and use the new calendar to check out upcoming events in your region or nationally. Contact the FAR office on 03 325 6353 for additional information on any of the events listed.  Or for more information contact Shirley Went 03 325 6333.

TechSoup - free software for charities

Did you know TechSoup New Zealand provides donated software from companies such as Microsoft to eligible New Zealand Charities, voluntary and community groups with charitable status. Via this program you can get all the latest Microsoft products. For more information go to http://www.techsoup.net.nz/.

Website to check 111 listings

There is a website where you can check and confirm your address for the emergency services.

Just go to www.myaddress.co.nz

A Vote for Cynthia - the musical

A Vote for Cynthia - the Musical Touring 2010

Helen Moulder’s popular solo show A Vote for Cynthia – the musical will be on the road again in 2010 and Helen is looking for individuals and groups to host the performances. The following are the approximate dates she’ll be in your area. Taranaki, March 27 – 31; West Coast, April 7 – 20; Canterbury, April 21 - 31; Otago & Southland, May 1 – 31. If you’d like to find out more, email Helen on hmoulder@xtra.co.nz or call 0274 987 580.

Taranaki Road Safety Day Invitation to attend

RWNZ has received an invitation to the Roadsafe Taranaki "School Bus Safety Project" mini-conference planned for 26th November, 10-12noon, at New Plymouth Club. This event will present the findings of recent research, undertaken by local school children, to identify safety issues relating to travel involving schools buses along with their suggestions for improving safety.

After the main presentations there will be opportunities for those who attend to visit the display stands of each school and speak to each school group invidually.

For further information contact Channa Perry, Safe Community Programme Manager, New Plymouth Injury Safe (NPiS), Health Promotion Unit, Taranaki District Health Board, Phone DDI 06 753 7777 ext.8792, Email npis@tdhb.org.nz