ASH applauds Finnish plans to phase out smoking
Finland is set to become the fist country to completely phase out smoking.
New laws banning the display of tobacco products smoking in cars carrying children are the start of what the Finnish State Secretary describes as getting rid of tobacco "once and for all".
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) says that this approach is exactly what is needed in this country.
“We need to set a clear deadline to get rid of smoking and remind ourselves this is an urgent health priority. The Maori affairs Select Committee inquiry into tobacco is our chance to call for that deadline,” says ASH director Ben Youdan.
“The tobacco industry needs to be held to account and it looks like Finland intends to do exactly that.”
“We need to set our sights on making New Zealand a tobacco free nation by 2020 and it is our hope that the inquiry is the starting point for this,” concludes Mr Youdan.
New Zealand’s smokefree community has worked on a vision for a tobacco free New Zealand by 2020 since 2007.
Last year the Maori Affairs Committee launched an inquiry into the tobacco industry in Aotearoa and the consequences of tobacco use for Maori.
The committee intends to report its findings and recommendations of the inquiry to Parliament.
Submissions to the committee are due by Friday 29 January 2010.
Friday, January 15, 2010
UNICEF NZ launches Haiti Emergency Appeal
Wellington, 14 January 2010. -- UNICEF NZ has launched an emergency appeal in response to the devastating Haiti earthquake.
People can make a donation by calling 0800-800-194 or online at www.unicef.org.nz
Please include the UNICEF NZ appeal in any lists you publish of aid agency appeals for Haiti.
UNICEF staff are on the ground in Haiti providing immediate aid, with emergency supplies and extra personnel arriving and on the way. More information about how UNICEF is helping at www.unicef.org.nz
People can make a donation by calling 0800-800-194 or online at www.unicef.org.nz
Please include the UNICEF NZ appeal in any lists you publish of aid agency appeals for Haiti.
UNICEF staff are on the ground in Haiti providing immediate aid, with emergency supplies and extra personnel arriving and on the way. More information about how UNICEF is helping at www.unicef.org.nz
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Government expands vet incentive scheme
The Government’s voluntary bonding scheme for veterinarians is to be expanded to cover all practices that deal with production animals, Agriculture Minister David Carter announced today.
The scheme, launched last year, encourages new graduates to stay in an eligible practice by providing a taxable payment of $11,000 for every year, up to five years, that they are working in the practice.
The scheme was originally aimed at practices in specific rural areas. Since then, 20 vets have been accepted into the scheme.
From this year, all practices that deal with production animals like dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry will be eligible, providing the vets receiving the funding will spend most of their time working with these animals.
Mr Carter says the changes are the result of feedback from veterinarians and the Vet Association.
“When the scheme was launched, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry acknowledged that good data on vet shortages was scarce, so a transition year was agreed while vets and their Association, as well as Massey University and the Vet Council, could be consulted on the final design of the scheme.
“Its main limitation appeared to be the targeting of specific regions. Many practices reported they faced similar shortages and recruitment difficulties as those in the eligible areas, but were not able to use the voluntary bonding incentives to recruit and retain staff.
“I’m pleased that the scheme will now focus on encouraging vets into practices with production animals, wherever that practice may be,” Mr Carter says.
The scheme, launched last year, encourages new graduates to stay in an eligible practice by providing a taxable payment of $11,000 for every year, up to five years, that they are working in the practice.
The scheme was originally aimed at practices in specific rural areas. Since then, 20 vets have been accepted into the scheme.
From this year, all practices that deal with production animals like dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry will be eligible, providing the vets receiving the funding will spend most of their time working with these animals.
Mr Carter says the changes are the result of feedback from veterinarians and the Vet Association.
“When the scheme was launched, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry acknowledged that good data on vet shortages was scarce, so a transition year was agreed while vets and their Association, as well as Massey University and the Vet Council, could be consulted on the final design of the scheme.
“Its main limitation appeared to be the targeting of specific regions. Many practices reported they faced similar shortages and recruitment difficulties as those in the eligible areas, but were not able to use the voluntary bonding incentives to recruit and retain staff.
“I’m pleased that the scheme will now focus on encouraging vets into practices with production animals, wherever that practice may be,” Mr Carter says.
Maize 2010 - FAR's Major Annual Maize Event - 16 February
FAR Waikato Arable Research Site, 82 Oaklea Lane, Tamahere, Hamilton. 16 February 10am to 2.25pm.
Opportunity to view current maize trials and hear up to date research findings.
Attendance is free, but registration required. Call 03 325 6353 or email bondm@far.org.nz.
Opportunity to view current maize trials and hear up to date research findings.
Attendance is free, but registration required. Call 03 325 6353 or email bondm@far.org.nz.
Tax will help people quit smoking - Cancer Society
The Cancer Society welcomes recent announcements by the Hon Tariana Turia, Associate Minister of
Health, that an increase in tobacco tax is on the government’s agenda.
“Tobacco smoking is one of the main causes of cancer mortality in New Zealand and despite widespread
understanding linking cancer and smoking, around 20% of New Zealand people continue to smoke,” said
the society’s Tobacco Control Advisor, Navid Foroutan.
“The rate of smoking is higher among more vulnerable populations and these are exactly the people who
are most sensitive to any rise in price.”
National and international evidence shows that raising the excise tax on tobacco is a most effective
measure and proven to reduce smoking consumption.
“Smoking cessation is already a high priority for the government, but without introducing substantial tax
increases, it is unlikely smoking cessation efforts will be very successful,” commented Chief Executive,
Dalton Kelly. “We believe the tax increases will be most effective if they are substantial and regular, and
roll your own tobacco should be taxed at a higher rate to equalise its cost at the counter.”
The Cancer Society advocates that a fixed proportion of any tax increase, which will increase the
government’s revenue from tobacco sales (currently around 1 billion dollars), should be allocated to
health promotion and smoking prevention as well as cessation services and campaigns. Tax increases are
supported by New Zealanders, including smokers, especially if some of the funds are directed towards
helping smokers quit.
Health, that an increase in tobacco tax is on the government’s agenda.
“Tobacco smoking is one of the main causes of cancer mortality in New Zealand and despite widespread
understanding linking cancer and smoking, around 20% of New Zealand people continue to smoke,” said
the society’s Tobacco Control Advisor, Navid Foroutan.
“The rate of smoking is higher among more vulnerable populations and these are exactly the people who
are most sensitive to any rise in price.”
National and international evidence shows that raising the excise tax on tobacco is a most effective
measure and proven to reduce smoking consumption.
“Smoking cessation is already a high priority for the government, but without introducing substantial tax
increases, it is unlikely smoking cessation efforts will be very successful,” commented Chief Executive,
Dalton Kelly. “We believe the tax increases will be most effective if they are substantial and regular, and
roll your own tobacco should be taxed at a higher rate to equalise its cost at the counter.”
The Cancer Society advocates that a fixed proportion of any tax increase, which will increase the
government’s revenue from tobacco sales (currently around 1 billion dollars), should be allocated to
health promotion and smoking prevention as well as cessation services and campaigns. Tax increases are
supported by New Zealanders, including smokers, especially if some of the funds are directed towards
helping smokers quit.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Government keeping close watch on dry conditions
The Government is keeping a close eye on dry weather in parts of the country and will consider drought assistance if conditions worsen, says Agriculture Minister David Carter.
“Northland is rapidly approaching drought status and the eastern coasts of both islands are very dry, particularly parts of central Otago, coastal Canterbury, parts of Gisborne and inland Bay of Plenty.
Mr Carter says Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry staff are actively monitoring the situation and liaising with local Rural Support Trusts.
“Expected rain in parts of the country this week will provide relief, but it may not be enough to remove the risk of drought in some regions. A combination of high temperatures and wind means that low soil moisture content is still a concern.
“I have instructed MAF to provide me with regular updates on the situation.
“I know that many farmers are still recovering from last year’s drought and have been working hard to build feed reserves, restock their farms and improve stock conditions.
“Drought has a devastating effect on farmers, rural communities and the economy. The impact is felt not just by farmers, but by all New Zealanders.”
Mr Carter says the Government is committed to offering support as required and processes are in place to provide special assistance if a drought is declared.
Note: Farm management advice and assistance to rural communities is provided by 14 Rural Support Trusts around New Zealand. Click title to view assistance links.
“Northland is rapidly approaching drought status and the eastern coasts of both islands are very dry, particularly parts of central Otago, coastal Canterbury, parts of Gisborne and inland Bay of Plenty.
Mr Carter says Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry staff are actively monitoring the situation and liaising with local Rural Support Trusts.
“Expected rain in parts of the country this week will provide relief, but it may not be enough to remove the risk of drought in some regions. A combination of high temperatures and wind means that low soil moisture content is still a concern.
“I have instructed MAF to provide me with regular updates on the situation.
“I know that many farmers are still recovering from last year’s drought and have been working hard to build feed reserves, restock their farms and improve stock conditions.
“Drought has a devastating effect on farmers, rural communities and the economy. The impact is felt not just by farmers, but by all New Zealanders.”
Mr Carter says the Government is committed to offering support as required and processes are in place to provide special assistance if a drought is declared.
Note: Farm management advice and assistance to rural communities is provided by 14 Rural Support Trusts around New Zealand. Click title to view assistance links.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Third Vulnerability Report out from NZ Council of Christian Social Services
As we go into Christmas with messages of goodwill to one and all, along with messages about our economic indicators improving, we have to still be very mindful that the recession has a long tail where social services are concerned.
This was well demonstrated last week by the release of the third vulnerability report from the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services. This identifies some disturbing trends:
- an increase in the numbers of New Zealand children living in benefit dependent households
- a sharp rise in the numbers of families on the Housing New Zealand Corporation ‘A Priority’ (severe housing need) housing waiting list
- Service providers have been under huge stress with one agency chairperson describing the increased referrals as almost overwhelming…Drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation programmes, social work support and counselling have all experienced high demand”.
- a hugely disproportionate impact for some sectors of our communities. At 14% the unemployment rate for Māori is over 3 times higher than the 4.5% rate for Pākehā. The proportion of unemployed young people has climbed from 16% a year ago to 25% now.”
Organics bloom despite recession
A new study shows global shoppers are still buying organic fruit and vegetables in spite of the recession. Market research company Packaged Facts also predicts the value of the US market for environmentally sustainable or ‘ethical’ food products is set to rise by 8.7% to US$38 billion this year. In Europe, Germany is the largest consumer of organic fruit and vegetables – more than NZ$6 billion last year.
Young Grower of the Year Competition
The new website for the Young Grower of the Year competition goes live this week. ZESPRI is the platinum sponsor.
The 2010 Young Grower of the Year finals will be held at the Horticulture New Zealand Conference in Auckland on August 3 – 5. Now is the time to start thinking about finding bright young things to enter the regional competitions held around the country for Young Fruit Grower of the Year and Young Vegetable Grower of the Year. Click the title above to go to the website.
The 2010 Young Grower of the Year finals will be held at the Horticulture New Zealand Conference in Auckland on August 3 – 5. Now is the time to start thinking about finding bright young things to enter the regional competitions held around the country for Young Fruit Grower of the Year and Young Vegetable Grower of the Year. Click the title above to go to the website.
NIWA Climate Sumary for December 2009
NIWA National Climate Summary – December 2009: Very sunny in the north
NIWA (National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research) has just issued its official climate summary for December 2009.
Some key points are:
• Sunshine: Very sunny for the north and east of the North Island
• Rainfall: Dry in the north and east of both islands; very dry in the Far North
• Temperature: Near average for most of country
December sunshine totals were well above normal (more than 125 percent of normal) in the north and east of the North Island and parts of North Canterbury. Much of the rest of the country received above normal sunshine (between 110 and 125 percent of normal).
Well below normal rainfall (less than 50 percent of normal) was recorded in much of the Far North District for December. It was also drier-than-normal (between 50 and 80 percent of normal) in Central North Island, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, southern Hawkes Bay, Tararua District, Wairarapa, Northern South Island, Canterbury and Otago. December rainfall was above normal (between 120 and 150 percent of normal) in the south and west of the South Island and coastal Taranaki. Soil moisture levels on 31 December 2009 were well below normal (more than 50mm below normal) in the Far North, Central North Island and Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Temperatures were near average (between -0.5°C and 0.5°C from average) for most of the country. Below average temperatures (between 0.5 and 1.0°C below average) were recorded in parts of Hawkes Bay, Kapiti, South Canterbury, West Coast and Southland. Above average temperatures were recorded in parts of Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Northland. The national average temperature was 15.3°C (0.3°C below the long-term December average).
NIWA (National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research) has just issued its official climate summary for December 2009.
Some key points are:
• Sunshine: Very sunny for the north and east of the North Island
• Rainfall: Dry in the north and east of both islands; very dry in the Far North
• Temperature: Near average for most of country
December sunshine totals were well above normal (more than 125 percent of normal) in the north and east of the North Island and parts of North Canterbury. Much of the rest of the country received above normal sunshine (between 110 and 125 percent of normal).
Well below normal rainfall (less than 50 percent of normal) was recorded in much of the Far North District for December. It was also drier-than-normal (between 50 and 80 percent of normal) in Central North Island, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, southern Hawkes Bay, Tararua District, Wairarapa, Northern South Island, Canterbury and Otago. December rainfall was above normal (between 120 and 150 percent of normal) in the south and west of the South Island and coastal Taranaki. Soil moisture levels on 31 December 2009 were well below normal (more than 50mm below normal) in the Far North, Central North Island and Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Temperatures were near average (between -0.5°C and 0.5°C from average) for most of the country. Below average temperatures (between 0.5 and 1.0°C below average) were recorded in parts of Hawkes Bay, Kapiti, South Canterbury, West Coast and Southland. Above average temperatures were recorded in parts of Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Northland. The national average temperature was 15.3°C (0.3°C below the long-term December average).
Monday, December 21, 2009
Planned approach to home support needed
The New Zealand Home Health Association (NZHHA) agrees with the conclusions of a recent study that an overhaul of elderly care is needed, and is calling for a more planned approach to services.
For full story click title above.
For full story click title above.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Minister disappointed at pig code delay
Agriculture Minister David Carter is disappointed that a threat of legal action by the Pork Industry Board has delayed the release of a new code of welfare for pigs.
“It is frustrating that this has happened just days before the draft code was to be released for public consultation.
“Earlier this year I asked the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) to review the code urgently so it could release a draft for consultation by the end of the year.
“NAWAC has advised me that it was on track to do this, but an unprecedented threat of legal action over the release of the draft code for public consultation has derailed the process.
“This is disappointing as I realise there is a high level of public concern over the issue of pig welfare.”
Mr Carter says he agrees NAWAC should protect itself from threatened litigation and he accepts that the best course of action is for the Committee to consult further with the Pork Industry Board before releasing the draft for public consultation.
“This draft code needs to be out urgently. The industry and NAWAC need to work together to make it happen,” says Mr Carter.
“It is frustrating that this has happened just days before the draft code was to be released for public consultation.
“Earlier this year I asked the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) to review the code urgently so it could release a draft for consultation by the end of the year.
“NAWAC has advised me that it was on track to do this, but an unprecedented threat of legal action over the release of the draft code for public consultation has derailed the process.
“This is disappointing as I realise there is a high level of public concern over the issue of pig welfare.”
Mr Carter says he agrees NAWAC should protect itself from threatened litigation and he accepts that the best course of action is for the Committee to consult further with the Pork Industry Board before releasing the draft for public consultation.
“This draft code needs to be out urgently. The industry and NAWAC need to work together to make it happen,” says Mr Carter.
Stress reducing Xmas tips from Relationship Services
1. Make time to relax with those you love.
2. Christmas is a season, not just one day. Spread the celebrations out.
3. Ask for help. Offer help. Share the load
4. Try and put longstanding disagreements aside for the day and enjoy yourselves.
5. If things do get tense, take a deep breath, change the subject or walk away.
6. Steer clear of disagreements when you drink.
7. Use a little self-control so you don't say or do something hurtful.
8. Make it fun for the kids, and it will be easier for you.
9. Lighten the financial pressure on your relationship. Set a dollar limit for gifts and food.
10. Take time out as well as time off, allow some time just for you.
For more ideas and tips click the Title above to go to the Relationship Services website
2. Christmas is a season, not just one day. Spread the celebrations out.
3. Ask for help. Offer help. Share the load
4. Try and put longstanding disagreements aside for the day and enjoy yourselves.
5. If things do get tense, take a deep breath, change the subject or walk away.
6. Steer clear of disagreements when you drink.
7. Use a little self-control so you don't say or do something hurtful.
8. Make it fun for the kids, and it will be easier for you.
9. Lighten the financial pressure on your relationship. Set a dollar limit for gifts and food.
10. Take time out as well as time off, allow some time just for you.
For more ideas and tips click the Title above to go to the Relationship Services website
National Health Board members announced
Seven of the 10 new National Health Board (NHB) members announced recently are doctors and nurses.
Establishing a National Health Board was announced recently as part of a drive to improve frontline health services and better supervise the $10 billion of public health funding the 21 DHBs spend on hospitals and primary health care.
The appointed members of the inaugural Board are:
Dr Virginia Hope (Deputy Chair) is a public health physician and Programme Leader for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) at the National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease. She was formerly a Medical Officer of Health in Auckland and an elected member of the Auckland District Health Board, and is currently an elected member of Capital and Coast DHB.
(Source New Zealand Rural General Practice Network newsletter).
Establishing a National Health Board was announced recently as part of a drive to improve frontline health services and better supervise the $10 billion of public health funding the 21 DHBs spend on hospitals and primary health care.
The appointed members of the inaugural Board are:
Dr Virginia Hope (Deputy Chair) is a public health physician and Programme Leader for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) at the National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease. She was formerly a Medical Officer of Health in Auckland and an elected member of the Auckland District Health Board, and is currently an elected member of Capital and Coast DHB.
(Source New Zealand Rural General Practice Network newsletter).
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Women underpaid - Pay and employment equity report released
The Government has finally released details of its pay and employment equity investigations which confirm that women in the public sector are significantly underpaid and discriminated against, revealed the CTU today. According to the information sent to the CTU gender pay gaps in the public service range from 3 percent up to 35 percent, from 18-24 percent in Crown research institutes, and in public health one District Health Board reported that women earned on average 69 percent of men's full-time equivalent earnings.
Click title to view full media release.
Click title to view full media release.
Employment Court Decision on disability support worker pay
The Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota has welcomed another decision by the Employment Court that has confirmed the right of disability support workers to be paid the minimum wage of $12.50 for every hour on duty during sleepovers. The case involved disability support worker Phil Dickson. He works at an IHC community house that is home to five service users with intellectual disabilities. As part of his job Mr Dickson does 'sleepover' shifts from 10pm to 7am for which he's paid $34. This amounts to $3.77 an hour, less than a third of the minimum adult wage of $12.50 an hour.
Click Title above to view full media release
Click Title above to view full media release
Electricity Act a travesty of natural justice claims DEUN
Electricity Act a travesty of natural justice - column by Molly Melhuish - Domestic Energy Users Network
"The Electricity Industry Bill is a travesty of natural justice. It excludes domestic consumers, who pay nearly half the electricity industry revenues, from any role in the Electricity Authority that is to govern the industry.
This Bill is more brash than Brash. Its neoliberal philosophy comes directly from the Commerce Act 1986 and State Owned Enterprises Act 1986.
The vision of those laws is that industry maximizes its profits and regulates itself. The consumer is protected only by whatever competition may emerge."
More .... To read full article click title above.
"The Electricity Industry Bill is a travesty of natural justice. It excludes domestic consumers, who pay nearly half the electricity industry revenues, from any role in the Electricity Authority that is to govern the industry.
This Bill is more brash than Brash. Its neoliberal philosophy comes directly from the Commerce Act 1986 and State Owned Enterprises Act 1986.
The vision of those laws is that industry maximizes its profits and regulates itself. The consumer is protected only by whatever competition may emerge."
More .... To read full article click title above.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Road Safety Trust
RWNZ is interested to note that while its application for funding to put up billboards bearing the 20kmh past a school bus safety message failed to meet the Road Safety Trust's "innovative" threshold criteria , the Trust gave funding to itself for its driver distraction campaign to put a safety message on tracksuits worn by referees at the Air New Zealand Cup and Heartland Championship competitions this winter. So no-one's ever worn a tracksuit with a slogan on it before? Yeah right!
Road Safety Trust
Community groups including Rural Women New Zealand are demanding to know why they cannot get grants from the Crown-owned Road Safety Trust, despite it having more than $10 million in savings.
The independent trust is funded by a portion of profits from the sale of personalised plates and one of its aims is to hand out money for community safety initiatives.
The trust has been spending money on its own national campaign to reduce driver distraction and has rejected 14 applications from community groups for the year to June because they did not meet its criteria.
Among those rejected were the organisations Rural Women and Safekids.
Rural Women asked for money to create signs to remind drivers of the speed limit when passing school buses.
One of its national councillors, Jacky Stafford, believes the initiative should have been supported.
"This trust says that they will do specific road safety projects - this is a specific project ... Surely keeping our kids safe on roads has to be a top priority."
Road Safety Trust chair Yvonne Sharp says it gives out grants only for innovative projects but is now signalling that funding criteria will be reviewed.
"What we fund is innovation and, very unfortunately, none of the applications we got actually complied with that funding criteria.
"I think that circumstances always change and I think that I'll be recommending to the trust that we look very closely at the criteria."
Transport Minister Steven Joyce told Morning Report he will talk to the trust about why it is not paying out money to community groups and whether it is doing another agency's job.
The independent trust is funded by a portion of profits from the sale of personalised plates and one of its aims is to hand out money for community safety initiatives.
The trust has been spending money on its own national campaign to reduce driver distraction and has rejected 14 applications from community groups for the year to June because they did not meet its criteria.
Among those rejected were the organisations Rural Women and Safekids.
Rural Women asked for money to create signs to remind drivers of the speed limit when passing school buses.
One of its national councillors, Jacky Stafford, believes the initiative should have been supported.
"This trust says that they will do specific road safety projects - this is a specific project ... Surely keeping our kids safe on roads has to be a top priority."
Road Safety Trust chair Yvonne Sharp says it gives out grants only for innovative projects but is now signalling that funding criteria will be reviewed.
"What we fund is innovation and, very unfortunately, none of the applications we got actually complied with that funding criteria.
"I think that circumstances always change and I think that I'll be recommending to the trust that we look very closely at the criteria."
Transport Minister Steven Joyce told Morning Report he will talk to the trust about why it is not paying out money to community groups and whether it is doing another agency's job.
Friday, December 11, 2009
NCW oral submission on the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill
Today the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) made an oral submission to the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee on the Submission on the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill that highlights the negative impact that the changes will have on women.
For full media release, click the Title above.
For full media release, click the Title above.
Relay for Life - Wellington - 27-28 March 2010
The Cancer Society Wellington Division's eighth Relay For Life will be held at Frank Kitts Park, Jervois Quay, on 27th-28th March 2010. The waterfront park will once again become a marquee city and temporary home to over 1500 Relay participants and visitors over the weekend.
For further information click the Title above.
For further information click the Title above.
Irrigation NZ Inc - Conference and Expo - 26-28 April 2010
At Christchurch Convention Centre
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR IRRIGATION NZ CONFERENCE!
Irrigated Agriculture – NZ’s economic future and more…
The conference programme is set and full of current and challenging topics covering the key conference themes:
• Water – Managing NZ’s Greatest Asset
• Water Infrastructure – Future Proofing NZ’s Primary Industry
• Establishing Trust – The Key to Managing Our Own Destiny
• Optimising Demand Management
The conference is enhanced by several social functions designed to give you an opportunity to make connections and network with industry peers.
For more details of the conference, including the programme, sponsorship & exhibition opportunities and to register to attend visit Irrigation New Zealand’s website - www.irrigationnz.co.nz
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR IRRIGATION NZ CONFERENCE!
Irrigated Agriculture – NZ’s economic future and more…
The conference programme is set and full of current and challenging topics covering the key conference themes:
• Water – Managing NZ’s Greatest Asset
• Water Infrastructure – Future Proofing NZ’s Primary Industry
• Establishing Trust – The Key to Managing Our Own Destiny
• Optimising Demand Management
The conference is enhanced by several social functions designed to give you an opportunity to make connections and network with industry peers.
For more details of the conference, including the programme, sponsorship & exhibition opportunities and to register to attend visit Irrigation New Zealand’s website - www.irrigationnz.co.nz
National Climate Summary – Spring 2009: Extremely dry for much of the South Island
National Climate Centre update:
• Rainfall: Below normal rainfall over much of the South Island, especially Otago and the Lakes District, as well as eastern parts of Northland, Auckland and Coromandel. Very wet in southern Hawkes Bay and the Tararua District. Near normal spring rainfall elsewhere.
• Temperature: Near average temperatures in Northland, Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty and the Lakes District; a cooler than usual spring in most other regions.
• Sunshine: Sunny over much of the South Island, as well as for Waikato, Taupo, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay. Very cloudy in the west from Taranaki to Wellington.
• Rainfall: Below normal rainfall over much of the South Island, especially Otago and the Lakes District, as well as eastern parts of Northland, Auckland and Coromandel. Very wet in southern Hawkes Bay and the Tararua District. Near normal spring rainfall elsewhere.
• Temperature: Near average temperatures in Northland, Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty and the Lakes District; a cooler than usual spring in most other regions.
• Sunshine: Sunny over much of the South Island, as well as for Waikato, Taupo, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay. Very cloudy in the west from Taranaki to Wellington.
Mental health Twitter feeds launched
Two new Twitter feeds devoted to information on mental health in New Zealand have been launched.
The Mental Health Foundation and the Like Minds, Like Mine programme intend to use Twitter to make an important contribution towards improving distribution of research and information on mental health.
“The huge increase in popularity of social networking sites like Twitter is rapidly changing the way we access information,” says Judi Clements, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation. “We have access to a wealth of quality data. Social networking platforms give us a vital opportunity to reach a wider audience and distribute information in this up-to-the-minute environment.”
The Twitter feeds are just part of the Foundation and Like Minds’ recent social media approach. Both have developed Facebook groups in recent months and the Foundation now has a blog www.mentalhealth.org.nz/blog/
The Mental Health Foundation’s Twitter feed can be found at www.twitter.com/mentalhealthnz
Like Minds’ Twitter feed can be found at http://twitter.com/NZLikeMinds
The Mental Health Foundation and the Like Minds, Like Mine programme intend to use Twitter to make an important contribution towards improving distribution of research and information on mental health.
“The huge increase in popularity of social networking sites like Twitter is rapidly changing the way we access information,” says Judi Clements, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation. “We have access to a wealth of quality data. Social networking platforms give us a vital opportunity to reach a wider audience and distribute information in this up-to-the-minute environment.”
The Twitter feeds are just part of the Foundation and Like Minds’ recent social media approach. Both have developed Facebook groups in recent months and the Foundation now has a blog www.mentalhealth.org.nz/blog/
The Mental Health Foundation’s Twitter feed can be found at www.twitter.com/mentalhealthnz
Like Minds’ Twitter feed can be found at http://twitter.com/NZLikeMinds
Monday, December 7, 2009
Ministry of Women's Affairs CEO Shenagh Gleisner moves on
Ministry of Women's Affairs CEO for the last six years, Shenagh Gleisner, announced in the Department's Panui magazine that her term is coming to an end in February 2010. She will be staying on a few extra months, until mid year, to effect the handover to a new Chief Executive.
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