The head of the national rural health group today made an impassioned plea for the government to consider much-needed rural research.
Michelle Thompson, chief executive of the Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (RHAANZ) says there is a strong feeling that rural health outcomes are poorer than urban health outcomes but until they have the hard data they can’t be sure whether there is a difference or understand the scale of the difference.
Earlier this year the RHAANZ presented its five most urgent priorities to government, one of which included comprehensive rural health research support.
“It’s been such a relief today to see the government provide a further half a million dollars for rural mental health initiatives. This is a good sign to us they agree, in the absence of hard data, this is an area of concern.”
Thompson was speaking today from the National Fieldays in Hamilton which is the biggest agricultural event in the southern hemisphere, reflecting the importance of rural industries on the NZ economy.
“Yet we know very little about the people who live and work in rural NZ from a health perspective. To do this we first need a nationally agreed definition on rurality as it pertains to health in New Zealand.
“Then we need to ensure that the Ministry of Health, the district health boards and primary health organisations use this definition to routinely report health statistics using a rural/urban comparison.
“The 49-member organisations of RHAANZ believe the lack of a fit-for-purpose definition of rural is a major stumbling block to our work and until we have such a definition that is routinely used across Government neither we, nor the government, can write informed health policy. Neither can we be sure that our precious resources are being targeted to where they are most needed.
“It is not okay that we don’t know whether our children are disadvantaged because they have poorer access to maternity and youth health services than urban children, for example.
“We just don’t know whether our outcomes for cancer are poorer because of the extra difficulties getting to chemotherapy or radiotherapy services. Logic would tell us that having to travel long distances to services would make a difference but we can’t be sure about this without a firm evidence base.
“Alongside a new definition of rural we want to see a rural proofing tool reinstated across policy development in New Zealand.
“We used to have this 10 years ago but it appears to have dropped off the scene. Rural proofing requires our policy-makers to take in to account the circumstances and needs of rural communities and rural business when developing and implementing policy before the policy is introduced.
“This is to enable any unintended consequences to be addressed before the policy is rolled out. Consideration of low population density and isolation are critical to rural proofing.
“While rural definitions and rural proofing may sound dry and boring, they are seen as absolutely essential to get right. These are the top two election issues our members took to government last month.
“Words talk but numbers shout. Without hard evidence, it’s pretty much impossible to make a case to government for additional support and resourcing for rural communities,” Thompson says.
For more information contact RHAANZ chief executive Michelle Thompson on 021 2347413 or Make Lemonade editor-in-chief Kip Brook on 0275 030188.
| A make Lemonade release || June 15, 2017 |||
Brewing giant Carlsberg is setting itself ambitious targets to achieve zero carbon emissions at its breweries by 2030.The announcement follows the company’s plans to roll out ‘Green Fibre’ bottles by 2018. The bottles are designed to degrade into “environmentally non-harmful materials”.
Carlsberg has now said that it will eliminate carbon emissions from breweries by 2030 through “greater use of renewables”.
It also wants to reduce “beer-in-hand” emissions for consumers globally by 30% by 2030 by “engaging with partners along the value chain”.
Cees ‘t Hart, chief executive of the Carlsberg Group, said: “We’re committed to delivering zero carbon emissions and halving water usage at our breweries by 2030. As a first action, we’ll switch to 100% renewable electricity by 2022 and cooperate with partners to protect shared water resources in selected water-scarce areas. I’m certain that in achieving our targets we’ll create efficiency improvements, risk reduction and a more resilient business that exists in harmony with local communities and the environment.”
Lufthansa Group will now enable secure and simple payments at the check-in counter, by introducing Amadeus Airport Pay. The new service, developed by Amadeus and Ingenico, will be available at more than 170 airports around the world.
Customers will be able to pay for ancillary services, such as excess baggage, with credit or debit cards, girocard payments and compatible digital wallets. Additionally, airline staff is able to initiate compensation payments using Amadeus Airprot Pay, for instance in case a passenger voluntary steps back from an overbooked flight.
“To bring secure and seamless payment options to our passengers to ease their individual and seamless travel experience is a core objective for Lufthansa Group,” says Kai Schilb, Head of Payment at Lufthansa Group Hub Airlines. “Amadeus Airport Pay enables our travellers to choose customised ancillary services for their flight while checking in or at the gate – securely and with a variety of payment options, and without the need for detours.”
The standard used by Amadeus Airport Pay solution is also fully compatible with PCI-DSS, a series of security standards defined by the payment card industry. By using a PIN method for the cards, fraud is prevented during the payment process.
Philipp Vetten, Head of IT Payment Projects at Lufthansa Group Hub Airlines, adds: “Besides, as an IT solution, Amadeus Airport Pay gives the Lufthansa Group full control over its payment infrastructure by enabling bilateral connections with a wide range of payment providers. We look forward to bringing this service to our airport check-in desks and ticket offices in more than 170 airports very soon.”
| A Lufthansa release || June 14, 2017 |||
A proposed National Environmental Standard for Marine Aquaculture to make re-consenting existing marine farms more consistent and efficient has been released today by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith.
“The aquaculture industry is an important part of New Zealand’s diversified primary industry, earning $500 million a year and employing over 3000 people. This proposed National Environmental Standard for Marine Aquaculture is needed to increase certainty and industry confidence, improve biosecurity management and reduce compliance costs,” Mr Guy says.
“The problem this new environmental standard addresses is the bow wave of 750 nationwide marine farms, or about 64 per cent of the industry, coming up for reconsenting in the next seven years. This is compounded by each council having different processes and rules and these processes and rules being changed with plan updates. This new environmental standard will save marine farmers tens of millions of dollars in consent renewals and ensure a more consistent approach to regulation of the industry.”
“This new environmental standard for aquaculture is part of the Government’s plan for improving New Zealand’s resource management system by taking a more consistent national approach. It follows other national regulations for telecommunications, electricity transmission, contamination of soil, pest control, water metering, forestry and stock exclusion from waterways. These national regulations enable better environmental outcomes, greater certainty and less cost for industry,” Dr Smith says.
“The particular gains from this aquaculture environment standard are the consistent regulations for biosecurity, greater flexibility for changes of species and enabling most replacement consents to be processed by councils as non-notified restricted discretionary activities.
“We encourage the public, industry and iwi to consider these proposals and give feedback to help us get this single set of rules right.”
The final proposals will incorporate feedback from submissions and, if progressed, the National Environmental Standard would come into effect in 2018.
The Ministry for Primary Industries will host a series of public meetings and hui where people can learn more about the proposed standard and ask questions directly of those involved.
Further information, including the meeting schedule, the proposal, and on how to make a submission, is available at: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations/proposed-national-environmental-standard-for-marine-aquaculture/
| A Beehive release || June 15, 2017 |||
Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced diplomat Carl Worker as New Zealand’s next Consul-General in Hong Kong, a role he has held previously.
“New Zealand has a close relationship with Hong Kong with thriving trade, investment and finance links,” Mr Brownlee says.
“As New Zealand’s 10th largest export market with total exports of $1.15 billion last year, Hong Kong is an important commercial and investment market for New Zealand companies.
“New Zealand has had over 39,000 visitor arrivals from Hong Kong last year.
“We also have a very successful trade agreement with Hong Kong, the Closer Economic Partnership, which has secured duty-free access for New Zealand goods into Hong Kong. It continues to support growing trade both with Hong Kong and as an important gateway to mainland China for New Zealand firms.
“New Zealand and Hong Kong have strong community links, with long established expat communities,” Mr Brownlee says.
Mr Worker is currently Principal Business Adviser with a special focus on China at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism.
He served as Ambassador to China from 2009 to 2015 following earlier assignments as Ambassador to Argentina, his first appointment as Consul-General in Hong Kong from 1994-98, and Deputy Head of Mission in Beijing from 1992-94.
| A Beehive release || June 15, 2017 |||
Foreign Affairs Minister Gerry Brownlee has today named diplomat Mark Sinclair as New Zealand’s new Ambassador to Mexico.
“Mexico is an important partner for New Zealand as we look to establish a stronger New Zealand presence throughout Latin America,” Mr Brownlee says.
“Mexico has consistently been one of our largest trading partners in the region, and we share a strong commitment to trade liberalisation and regional economic integration.
“We look forward to further advancing our relationship through trade, economic, agricultural and cultural links,” Mr Brownlee says.
Mr Sinclair is currently Ambassador for Climate Change and was previously Ambassador to Japan. He has also served as Chief Negotiator, Trans-Pacific Partnership, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
| A Beehive release || June 15, 2017 |||
New Zealand's next ambassador to China will be Clare Fearnley, Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee announced today.
“New Zealand’s relationship with China is one of our most important. In its 45th year, it encompasses areas as diverse as economic, trade, climate change, defence, legal, cultural and educational cooperation,” Mr Brownlee says.
“Two-way trade reached a new high of $23 billion in 2016, and both sides have set the ambitious target of $30 billion by 2020.
“Our free trade agreement has been an incredible success, with trade between our two countries tripling since 2008. Upgrade negotiations now under way promise to set the foundations for the future growth of the relationship.
“New Zealand’s diplomatic presence in China has grown significantly in recent years.
“A new, purpose-built embassy will open early next year, demonstrating our commitment to supporting high-value business, cultural and government engagement at all levels.
“I look forward to the new Ambassador advancing New Zealand’s relationship with China,” Mr Brownlee says.
Ms Fearnley is currently New Zealand Ambassador to South Korea after serving as Director-General North Asia, Director-General Asia Pacific, and Acting Director-General Legal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She was also previously Consul-General in Shanghai.
| A Beehive release || June 15, 2017 |||
Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced diplomat Rupert Holborow as New Zealand’s new Ambassador to Germany.
“New Zealand enjoys an excellent relationship with Germany, with extensive political, trade, scientific and tourism links,” Mr Brownlee says.
“Germany is an influential member of the European Union, and we work together closely at the United Nations on global issues such as human rights, disarmament, security and climate change.
“Germany is also a major trading partner for New Zealand. Two-way trade amounts to over $3 billion per year, and Germany’s ongoing support for a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union is critical to achieving our ambitions.
“Over 96,000 German tourists visit New Zealand each year and around 4000 students travel from Germany to study here annually,” Mr Brownlee says.
Mr Holborow is currently Divisional Manager of the Economic Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Exports Work-Stream Lead for the Government’s Business Growth Agenda, as well as a Vice-Chair of the OECD Trade Committee. He was previously New Zealand High Commissioner to India.
| A Beehive release || June 15, 2017 |||
New National Environmental Standard for marine aquaculture proposed
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Simon Dyne General Manager Regional Business North Island, says that emphasis on new technologies is important for developing our future roads, which will need to meet the needs of diverse road users following a number of major incidents involving trucks and cyclists on New Zealand roads over the past two years.
“As a company, we want to prevent unnecessary deaths or injuries on our roads. We want our people, and every road user they interact with, to return home safely every day,” Mr Dyne says.
Fulton Hogan has also joined forces with Dutch company, Heijmans, who have developed a product called Bikescout. By using radar technology and LED indicators in the road surface, Bikescout helps improve the safety of cyclists by warning drivers when cyclists are approaching and how fast they are travelling.
Fulton Hogan is currently testing Bikescout on Hutt Road in Wellington. It has been installed near a two-way cycle lane in front of a Caltex Station. The high traffic volume and speed that road users are travelling in this area creates a high risk zone for cyclists.
“The roads within the communities we work in require new technologies that promote the safety of all road users. We are looking for further opportunities to utilise the capabilities of Bikescout within New Zealand and Australia.”
Decisions on how cycle ways, footpaths and shared use paths are incorporated into a road or bridge project are determined by New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
“While working on NZTA projects, we ensure that any worksites we control remain safe for cyclists and pedestrians to use. We are proud to be involved with projects that make New Zealand roads safer for both cyclists and pedestrians.”
Fulton Hogan is currently trialling a new safety measure on the Papanui Parallel cycle project. The company has retrofitted one of their trucks with a 360 degree camera and side rails to help prevent the risk of cyclists going under the vehicle. These features increase the safety of both the cyclists and truck drivers using the road.
In Auckland, Fulton Hogan constructed the Onehunga Foreshore Bridge, which includes a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. This project provides the Onehunga community with safe access to new coastal parkland, beaches, a new recreational loop, and the Waikaraka cycleway.
Incorporation of separate cycleway infrastructure has been involved in many Fulton Hogan projects such as shared use pedestrian and cycle paths on the Tauranga Eastern Link, the Waikato Expressway, the Christchurch Southern Motorway, and the SH16 Lincoln Road Interchange which also included an extension and improvements to the North-western cycleway.
“Evidence suggests that successful transport networks incorporate a number of modes operating as seamlessly as possible. As road builders for more than 80 years, we are excited to be involved in exploring new frontiers for bike safe design and construction,” Mr Dyne says.
| A Fulton Hogan release || June 14, 2017 |||