Rural Bulletin

Rural Women New Zealand - informing New Zealand each month

www.ruralwomen.org.nz

April 2010

Rural Bulletin is a free publication produced by Rural Women New Zealand.

It aims to build community capacity by circulating relevant information,

giving people in rural and other communities an opportunity to have their say
on issues and changes that may affect them.

Rural Bulletin may be copied in full, or individual items reproduced, providing

the source is acknowledged.

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Rural Women New Zealand
phone 04 473 5524
email enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz

For editorial enquiries contact the editors:

Craig Matthews/Paddy Twist
phone 04 473 5524
email ruralbulletin@ruralwomen.org.nz

Rural Women New Zealand aims to strengthen rural communities. For further
information and membership enquiries go to www.ruralwomen.org.nz.

Rural Bulletin is published by Rural Women New Zealand with the support of the NZ Lottery Grants Board,
telecomnz, Totalspan and Versatile Buildings, Access Homehealth Ltd, TaxRefunds.co.nz, Farmside and Landcorp.
Contents
Consultation
Replacing Foreshore/Seabed Act................................................3
Consultation on Benefit Changes ................................................3
SuperGold Card Review..............................................................3
Privacy Act Review: Have Your Say............................................3
Building Act Consultation.............................................................3
Religious Diversity: More Education? ..........................................4
Draft Pig Welfare Code................................................................4
Display of Tobacco Products.......................................................4
Assessing Conservation Land Minerals.......................................4
Regularly Funded Art Organisations: Review..............................5
Regulating Natural Health Products ............................................5
Public Service Funding Practices ................................................5
Securities Trustees/Statutory Supervisors Bill.............................5
Trans-Tasman Proceedings Bill ..................................................5
Three Hong Kong-NZ Treaty Consultations ................................5
Auckland Policy Social Forum .....................................................5
Tax on Foreign Investment..........................................................6
National Standards: Maori Education….......................................6
… & Maori Medium Educational Leadership…............................6
More Video Links in Courts? .......................................................6
Misuse of Drugs Act ....................................................................6
Carbon Credits & Fishing ............................................................6
Other Ministry of Fisheries Consultations ................................6
Select Committee Inquiry: Clinical Trials .....................................6
OAG’s Rest Homes Report .........................................................7
OZ-NZ Food Standards Treaty....................................................7
Financial Service Provider Acts: Amendments… ........................7
…& Financial Advisers Code Coming .........................................7
Young People & Employment......................................................7
NZX Listing Rules........................................................................7
ERMA NZ Consultations..............................................................7
ERMA’s applications consultations ..........................................7
Electricity Commission Consultations..........................................8
IRD Consultations .......................................................................8
Turkey Meat Import Standard......................................................8
Rural
Greenhouse Gas Research Centre Open ...................................8
Meat & Wool now Beef & Lamb...................................................8
Hadda Beetle in Auckland ...........................................................8
Root Weevil Evil ..........................................................................8
Maori Land Project Brings Benefits .............................................8
Rai Valley Water Quality Project .................................................9
Enterprising Rural Woman Award: Update..................................9
UK Rural Services Network’s Focus............................................9
Country Schools: Stories Invited .................................................9
Environment
Kiwis Green Values .....................................................................9
All About Conservation ................................................................9
Companies: Roadmap for Sustainability......................................9
“Ethical Eating” Goes Mainstream.............................................10
Global Deforestation Declining ..................................................10
New Wind Farm Noise Standard ...............................................10
New Bird: New Name ................................................................10
A Chocolate-Powered Racecar .................................................10
Tourism
International Travel & Migration.................................................10
Accommodation Survey: January 2010 .....................................10
Auckland Hotel Prices Down .....................................................11
1 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
Global Travel to Rebound? ....................................................... 11
NZ-Israel Working Holidays ...................................................... 11
Health & Welfare
Get Your Flu Jab Now............................................................... 11
National Depression Initiative: Journal… .................................. 11
…& New Suicide Prevention Resource..................................... 11
More In Elective Surgery........................................................... 11
Adolescent CanTeen Service.................................................... 11
Grandparents’ Challenges & New Roles................................... 11
Train Your Brain ........................................................................ 12
Food Sensitivity Rates Study .................................................... 12
Kiwis & Natural Disasters: Plans… ........................................... 12
…& Storing Water for Emergencies .......................................... 12
More $ for Disability Equipment ................................................ 12
Capadex & Paradex to Go ........................................................ 12
Study: Maori Palliative Care Needs........................................... 13
Cranes Code: Uplifting Tale ...................................................... 13
Businesses and Chemicals ....................................................... 13
Portion Size & “Last Supper” Paintings ..................................... 13
Education/Training
BIMs: All About Tertiary Education:........................................... 13
Tertiary Education: Performance/Funding?............................... 13
National Standards Advisory Group .......................................... 13
OECD Review of School Assessment....................................... 13
Profiling Maori School Achievers............................................... 14
Likelihood of Studying at Tertiary Level .................................... 14
Asia Topics in Secondary Schools ............................................ 14
Researchers Seeking Feisty Littlies .......................................... 14
Employment
More Skilled Job Ads ................................................................ 14
Labour Productivity Down in 2009............................................. 14
Another Kind of Productivity? .................................................... 14
Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme: Report .................... 15
Employment Guide for SMEs .................................................... 15
Gender Income Gap Starts Early .............................................. 15
Housing/Building
House Building Made Easier ..................................................... 15
Consents for New Homes Rise ................................................. 15
Six New Community Housing Projects...................................... 15
Energy
Saving Energy on Farms........................................................... 16
Renewable Energy Generation in 2009 .................................... 16
Electricity Smart Meters: Update............................................... 16
Go Kupe!................................................................................... 16
Tauhara Geothermal Power Station Inquiry .............................. 16
Transport & Travel
Safer Journeys :Road Safety Strategy… .................................. 16
… Young Drivers … .................................................................. 17
… & Repeat Drink Drivers ......................................................... 17
Servicing NZ’s Highways – New System? ................................ 17
AA’s Fuel Consumption Tests................................................... 17
Car Market Figures ................................................................... 17
Security Aviation Charge Drops ................................................ 17
Rule Changes in Force ............................................................. 17
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Justice/The Law
Knife Possession Laws Report..................................................17
Licensing Trustees/Statutory Supervisors .................................17
More Judges Coming ................................................................18
Digitising Historical Legislation ..................................................18
Prisoners & Voting: New Bill......................................................18
Trans-Tasman Proceedings Bill ................................................18
Parliament
Voting Referendum Bill Introduced............................................18
Women in the World’s Parliaments ...........................................18
The Offending Email..................................................................18
Public Service/Local Authorities
Public Service Mergers..............................................................19
Fewer Public Servants...............................................................19
Review of Defence Spending ....................................................19
Local Authorities & Drinking Water: Report ...............................19
Commission for Environment Canterbury..................................19
Local Authority Spending...........................................................19
N-F-P Sector
“Time Banking”: Giving & Getting ..............................................20
Code of Funding Practice Coming.............................................20
Social Research: New Centre ...................................................20
Charities Commission & Declined Applications .........................20
Helping Donors Claim Tax Credits ............................................20
Business
Trade Balance Improves ...........................................................20
New Productivity Commission ...................................................20
Food Innovation Network NZ.....................................................21
Kiwi Exports Shift Towards Asia................................................21
Aussies Drinking Our Wine........................................................21
CEP Signed with Hong Kong.....................................................21
Free Trade Negotiations Include US .........................................21
Money Matters
The Big Picture: Infrastructure Plan...........................................21
Minimum Wage Rise, Just.........................................................22
GDP: December 2009 Quarter ..................................................22
Food Prices Fall in February .....................................................22
Regulation of KiwiSaver schemes? ...........................................22
New External Reporting Board ..................................................22
Many Angel Investors in 2009 ...................................................22
Oz-NZ Double Tax Agreement… ..............................................22
…& Two More Tax Treaties.......................................................22
Internet/ICT
Rural Broadband Plans .............................................................22
Internet & Kiwi Life ....................................................................23
Top IT Countries........................................................................23
Voluntary 111 Emergency Call Code ........................................23
Social Media & Business Reputation.........................................23
A Handful of Websites ...............................................................24
Treaty Matters
Aquaculture Settlement Bill Passes...........................................24
Te Atiawa/Taranaki Terms of Negotiation .................................24
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Arts & Culture
TV Local Content Report........................................................... 24
“Arts For All” Guide/Workshops................................................. 25
The Asian Radio Show: Contributions?..................................... 25
Homegrown Film Competition ................................................... 25
Kiwis’ Favourite Movies............................................................. 25
Science/Technology
Crown Research Institutes: Changes........................................ 25
Tons of Ice on Moon ................................................................. 25
General
Seasonal Climate Outlook: April – June 2010 ........................... 25
Past Decade Warmest on Record............................................. 26
2009: Year of Inexpensive Weather .......................................... 26
Longer NZ Citizenship Requirements….................................... 26
…More Older, Richer Immigrants… .......................................... 26
…& New Immigration NZ website ............................................. 26
NZ’s Latest Human Rights Report............................................. 26
Top 10 Priorities – Race Relations............................................ 27
NZ Chinese Working Life: Study ............................................... 27
Advancement of Women: One UN Agency? ............................. 27
NZ Sign Language Week .......................................................... 27
NZ Community of the Year........................................................ 27
Final Shape of Auckland ........................................................... 27
Some Conferences/Events ....................................................... 28
Rural Women New Zealand’s National Conference .............. 28
2010 Biofuels and Electric Vehicles Conference ................... 28
Agribusiness Conference 2010.............................................. 28
Meat & Wool NZ Beef Expo................................................... 28
National Refugee Resettlement Forum ................................. 28
Irrigated Agriculture – NZ’s Economic Future ........................ 28
Prison Fellowship NZ Volunteer Conferences ....................... 28
NZ Council of Christian Social Services Conference 2010.... 28
KISS: Kids in Safe Seats ....................................................... 28
Services for Older People Conference .................................. 28
Aotearoa Wave and Tidal Energy Association Conference ... 28
Privacy Forum: The Future of Privacy ................................... 28
Building Bridges Community Mental Health/Addictions
Conference ............................................................................ 28
NZ Federation of Disability Information Centres Training
Conference ............................................................................ 29
Funding/Awards Opportunities .................................................. 29
Student ANZAC Competition ................................................. 29
Green Ribbon Awards ........................................................... 29
Maori Provider Development Scheme ................................... 29
Mental Health Support Workers Training Grant..................... 29
Voluntary Bonding Scheme (Health) ..................................... 29
Fulbright Science & Technology Awards ............................... 29
Lottery Community Sector Research Fund............................ 29
Lottery National Community Committee ................................ 29
Lottery Outdoor Safety Committee ........................................ 29
The Chevening Scholarship .................................................. 29
Public Health Leadership Programmes ................................. 30
Appointments ............................................................................ 30
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 2

Consultation
Replacing Foreshore/Seabed Act
A consultation paper outlining the government’s preferred option
for ways of replacing the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 has
been published for comment. Last year a Ministerial Review
Panel found the Foreshore and Seabed Act was unfair because
it only removed property rights available to Maori, and their right
to access the courts. The Government now proposes that:
• no one would own the foreshore and seabed, which would
be called a “public domain”;
• there would be public access to it, subject to e.g., health and
safety matters, burial grounds, protection of
fishing/navigation rights, and protection of existing use rights
to the end of their term;
• iwi would have the right to go to court to establish customary
title;
• parts of the foreshore and seabed already held in private
title would not be affected; and
• regional councils would continue to have the role of
allocating space in the foreshore and seabed in conjunction
with coastal hapu/iwi with customary interests in the area.
The paper asks questions about how customary title would be
determined and about allocation of coastal space, structures on
the foreshore/seabed, reclamations, and squatting.
Submissions close on 30 April 2010. You can make an online submission online,
email foreshoreseabedreview@justice.govt.nz, or post to FreePost Authority
number 224164, Foreshore and Seabed Review, Ministry of Justice, c/- PO Box
180, Wellington 6140. More (including the online submission form, and information
about public meetings being held in April around the country) is available via
www.justice.govt.nz/policy-and-consultation/reviewing-the-foreshore-and-seabed-
act-2004/
Consultation on Benefit Changes
This Bill would create a new “Future Focus” benefit system that
would be introduced over a year, beginning in October.
Proposed changes to the current system include:
• part-time work obligations for two new groups of
beneficiaries: DPB recipients whose youngest child is aged
six or over, and people on a Sickness Benefit who have
been assessed as being able to work part-time;
• more graduated sanctions for people who don’t comply with
their work obligations: under the new system it’s proposed
that case managers will have flexibility to reduce a person’s
benefit to 50%, or suspend it, or cancel it;
• an increase in the amount that people on the DPB and
Invalids Benefit can earn each week, without affecting their
benefit, from $80 to $100;
• the rules around the Unemployment Benefit are to be
changed so it can only be granted for a 12-month period;
and
• more frequent reassessment for people on the Sickness
Benefit (the first two medical certificates issued to a sickness
beneficiary will now be for a maximum of only four weeks
each).
3 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
Submissions close on 14 May 2010. Make your submission online or send two
copies to the Social Service Committee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. The Bill is
at http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2010/0125/latest/DLM2827309.html
SuperGold Card Review
Under the SuperGold Card scheme currently being reviewed,
superannuitants travel free between 9am and 3pm and after
6.30pm (in Invercargill, the afternoon off-peak cut-off is 2.30pm;
in Auckland, the scheme covers the afternoon peak period of
3pm to 6.30pm). Transport operators are reimbursed 75% of the
adult fare for each free trip, and administration costs are fully
funded by the scheme, which has a budget of $18 million.
The reviewers say the scheme is not financially sustainable with
the funding available, and that changes will have to be made.
Amongst the options for action being considered are: reducing
the reimbursement rate; capping the reimbursement payments;
changing the services that are eligible, removing or reducing
payments for administration costs; requiring photo ID; and
making the service nationally consistent.
Submissions close on 26 April 2010. Email or post them to D Watson, NZ Transport
Agency, Private Bag 6995, Wellington 6141, email Dave.Watson@nzta.govt.nz. The
paper is at http://www.transport.govt.nz/land/Documents/SuperGold-
Card_Consultation_Document.pdf
Privacy Act Review: Have Your
Say
The Law Commission wants to know what people think about
how the Privacy Act 1993 is working, if it needs changes, and if
new things need to go in it. In addition to asking detailed
questions about the wording of the Act, the Commission
discusses, for instance:
• how to monitor and control the privacy implications of new
technology;
• to what extent government departments should be able to
share information about citizens; and
• whether there should be an obligation to notify people if
information about them is wrongly released or lost.
It also asks whether the Act should more clearly deal with direct
marketing; and whether the Privacy Commissioner’s present
functions and powers, and the complaints process, are
adequate.
Submissions close on 30 April. 2010 More about the review is at
http://talklaw.co.nz/privacyreview. You can make a submission online, or send one
to Privacy Act Review Project Coordinator, Law Commission, PO Box 2590,
Wellington 6140; email privacy@lawcom.govt.nz
Building Act Consultation
Following a review of the Building Act, a discussion paper
outlining proposals for its amendment has been released. The
discussion paper and consultation are part of the Better Building
Blueprint, which aims to make it easier and cheaper to build
good quality homes and buildings.
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Among other things, the discussion paper proposes that:
• lowest risk building work (such as a basic shed or a low
deck) will not need a consent;
• low risk building work (such as a simple, one-story house)
will go through a quicker, simpler consenting process with
fewer council inspections and more reliance on the skills of
licensed building practitioners to get it right first time;
• high risk, more complex houses will continue to go through
the current approval and inspection process;
• complex, major commercial building work will go through a
simpler process than it currently does, recognising the
experience and skills of those involved and that commercial
contracts for major projects include quality control; and
• consumers will get more information and mandatory written
contracts setting out what is expected, how any faults will be
fixed, how disputes will be resolved and details of financial
backing (surety).
Additionally, the government is exploring whether the building
consent system is the best way to regulate public infrastructure
works such as bridges and tunnels.
Submissions close on 23 April 2010. They go to buildingactreview@dbh.govt.nz, or
make a submission via https://secure.dbh.govt.nz/building-act-consultation/survey-
introduction.aspx. The paper is at www.dbh.govt.nz/consulting-on-building-act
Religious Diversity: More
Education?
A Human Rights Commission review update suggests more
educational resources about religious diversity are needed on
the status of freedom of religion and belief in NZ. It indicates that
NZ is generally tolerant of religious diversity, but notes that
respect for religious diversity could be further enhanced by the
development of a national structure for interfaith dialogue,
guidelines for managing religious diversity in the workplace,
health services and other domains, and the development of
religious diversity teaching resources for the school curriculum.
The Commission is seeking feedback on the review by 30 April 2010. It goes to
infoline@hrc.co.nz or Human Rights in NZ Today, PO Box 6751, Wellesley St,
Auckland 1141. The review is at
http://www.hrc.co.nz/home/hrc/newsandissues/callforeducationonreligiousdiversity.p
hp
Draft Pig Welfare Code
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) has
been reviewing the Animal Welfare (Pigs) Code of Welfare 2005
and a draft code has been released for consultation.
The draft covers the welfare of pigs in all types of management
systems (including pigs owned by non-commercial operators and
pets). The minimum standards and recommendations for best
practice in the code relate to stockmanship, the provision of food
and water, shelter (including housing), meeting behavioural
needs, handling and husbandry procedures, disease and injury
control, emergency humane destruction, and welfare assurance
systems
Submissions close on 16 April 2010. They go to animalwelfare@maf.govt.nz, or
NAWAC Secretary, MAF Biosecurity NZ, PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140. The draft
code is at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult.
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Display of Tobacco Products
Consultation has begun on a proposal to ban the display of
tobacco products in all retail outlets in NZ.
There is some evidence that tobacco displays prompt impulse
purchasing and that there is a link between displays and young
people taking up smoking. A recent survey of 1608 people aged
15 and over indicated 65.6% of the participants agreed that “the
number of places selling cigarettes and tobacco should be
reduced to make them less easily available”.
Anyone is welcome to comment on the proposals.
Submissions close on 21 May 2010. They go to J Stribling, Ministry of Health, PO
Box 5013, Wellington, 6145, email john_stribling@moh.govt.nz. More is at
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/proposal-to-ban-tobacco-retail-displays-
in-nz
Assessing Conservation Land
Minerals
A discussion paper proposing ways of assessing NZ's mineral
supplies on Conservation and other land was recently released.
A Schedule 4 was added to the Crown Minerals Act in 1997
restricting exploration and mining activities in specified public
conservation land. Some land listed in this schedule is thought to
contain minerals of value that could contribute significantly to
NZ’s economy, and public input on whether some of these areas
should be removed from Schedule 4 is sought. The paper
proposes:
• setting aside about $4 million over the next nine months to
gather further information on prospective Schedule Four*
areas of the Coromandel, Paparoa National Park, and
Rakiura National Park in Stewart Island, and also non-
Schedule Four areas such as Northland;
• removing 7,058 hectares of land from Schedule Four of the
Crown Minerals Act (this makes up 0.2% of Schedule Four
land), with around 500 ha of that land potentially being
mined; and
• the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Energy and
Resources both considering access arrangements to
Conservation and other Crown land for mineral-related
activities (currently, only the Conservation Minister considers
this kind of application);
• setting up a Conservation Fund, the budget for which would
be 50% of royalty revenue from minerals (other than
petroleum) from public conservation areas, with a minimum
of $2 million per annum for the first four years and a
maximum of $10 million per annum; and
• protecting a further 12,400 hectares of NZ against mining
activity by adding them to Schedule Four.
Submissions close on 4 May 2010. An online form is at
www.med.govt.nz/schedule4, or email submissions to schedule4@med.govt.nz, or
post them to Schedule 4 Stocktake, Ministry of Economic Development, PO Box
1473, Wellington 6140. The paper is at
http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/MultipageDocumentTOC____42792.aspx
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 4
Regularly Funded Art
Organisations: Review
Creative NZ (CNZ) has published a discussion paper on
proposals for new ways of funding recurrently funded
organisations (RFOs). These are the 34 professional
organisations that receive one, two or three-year funding
contracts (totalling $16.9 million for arts activities). This is the
third of three major CNZ funding streams to be reviewed: the
other two reviews were of the contestable funding programme
and the creative communities scheme.
Feedback deadline is 23 April 2010. Email admin@martinjenkins.co.nz to receive a
link to an online questionnaire. Hard copies of the questionnaire can be posted to
RFO Review, MartinJenkins, PO Box 5256, Wellington. The discussion paper and a
questionnaire are at
http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/funding/recurrently_funded_organisations/review_of_r
ecurrently_funded_organisations
Regulating Natural Health
Products
The Ministry of Health has published proposals for regulating
natural health products in NZ. The main features of these are:
product approval, based on notification of products on a
database; recognition of the decisions of trusted overseas
regulators; a list of prohibited ingredients; a list of permitted
ingredients; a list of permitted low-level natural health products
claims; labelling requirements; advertising rules; export
certification, where it would assist companies to access overseas
markets; and a tailor-made manufacturing code of practice.
There are around 450 companies supplying some 6600 natural
health products in the NZ market. About a third of the companies
have a turnover of between $5 million and $20 million, while 14%
have a turnover of over $20 million. The rest of the companies
have a turnover ranging from $100,000 to $5 million.
Submissions close on 17 May 2010. They go to: Natural health products
consultation, Policy Unit, Health and Disability Systems Strategy Directorate,
Ministry of Health, PO Box 5013, Wellington, email nhpproposal@moh.govt.nz.
More is at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/consult-development-natural-
health-products-bill-mar10
Public Service Funding Practices
The Office of the Community and Voluntary Sector (OCVS) has
asked Standards NZ to develop a Code of Funding Practice to
guide public servants’ contracting and grant-making. The aims
are to assist government funders to make grants according to
guidance from Treasury and the Office of the Auditor-General,
and to help community and voluntary sector organisations with
funding relationships with government agencies.
An online consultation process will begin 16 April 2010 through the link
http://www.ocvs.govt.nz/publications/newsletter/index.html#03DevelopmentofemCo
deofFundingPracticeemunderway
5 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
Securities Trustees/Statutory
Supervisors Bill
The purpose of this Bill is to protect the interests of investors and
enhance investor confidence in financial markets.
Submissions close on 6 May 2010. Make your submission online or send two copies
to the Justice and Electoral Committee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. A related
media release is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-
NZ/PB/SC/About/Media/c/0/1/00SCCO_MediaRelease20100326_1-Securities-
Trustees-and-Statutory-Supervisors.htm
Trans-Tasman Proceedings Bill
This Bill sets in place an Agreement between the Government of
NZ and the Government of Australia on Trans-Tasman court
proceedings that was signed in 2008.
Submissions close on 7 May 2010. Make your submission online or send two copies
to the Justice and Electoral Committee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. The Bill is
at http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2009/0105/latest/DLM2576223.html
Three Hong Kong-NZ Treaty
Consultations
These relate to the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement with
Hong Kong. They are: International treaty examination of the NZ
- Hong Kong, China Environment Cooperation Agreement;
International treaty examination of the Memorandum of
Understanding on Labour Cooperation Between NZ and Hong
Kong, China; and International treaty examination of the
Exchange of Letters on the Conclusion of an Investment Protocol
to the NZ - Hong Kong, China Closer Economic Partnership
Agreement.
Submissions close on 22 April 2010. Make them online or send two copies to the
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, Wellington. A copy of the
Agreement can be obtained by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
at TreatyOfficer@mfat.govt.nz
Auckland Policy Social Forum
A recently-published discussion paper considers what the
Auckland Social Policy Forum will do, how it could work, and how
it might relate to the NGO and community sector. Feedback is
sought on the form and function of the Forum, the types of issues
it should be considering, and how it can best engage with
Auckland's diverse communities and social organisations.
Submissions close on 21 May 2010.They go to
aucklandsocialpolicyforum@msd.govt.nz, or to Auckland Social Policy Forum
Feedback, Ministry of Social Development Regional Policy – Auckland Office,
Private Bag 68-911, Newton, Auckland 1143. The paper is at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/Auckland%20Social%20Policy%20Forum%
20Discussion%20Document%20%20%28PDF%29.pdf
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Tax on Foreign Investment
An Inland Revenue (IRD) issues paper seeks feedback on
suggested changes to the tax treatment of non-portfolio foreign
investment funds. It considers ways to make the foreign
investment funds (FIF) rules easier and more coherent for
taxpayers and advisors to understand and operate. The aim will
trying to make sure the tax system does not act as a barrier to
NZ companies wishing to expand into new and emerging
markets.
Submissions close on 30 April 2010. Email them to policy.webmaster@ird.govt.nz
with “International Tax Review” in the subject line, or post them to International Tax
Review, C/- Deputy Commissioner, Policy, Policy Advice Division, Inland Revenue
Department, PO Box 2198, Wellington 6140, The paper is at
http://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/publications/year/
National Standards: Maori
Education…
Teachers, principals and whanau have been asked to help
contribute to new draft National Standards for Maori-medium
education programmes/Nga Whanaketanga Rumaki Maori. The
standards have been developed by Maori-medium Te Reo
Matatini and Pangarau leaders, and are aimed at providing clear
expectations of progress and achievement, and clear
explanations to parents.
Consultation workshops and meetings are being held between March and May
2010.More on these are at www.minedu.govt.nz/NgaWhanaketanga. Feedback
forms are available from schools and from www.minedu.govt.nz/NgaWhanaketanga.
More is at
http://www.minedu.govt.nz/theMinistry/Consultation/NgaWhanaketangaRumakiMaor
i.aspx
… & Maori Medium Educational
Leadership…
Your views are sought on a discussion paper called “Tu
Rangatira: Maori Medium Educational Leadership”. The paper
has three sections: Te Aho Tapu – Focus on Learners; Whenu –
Seven Key Roles of Leadership; and Nga Aho – Seven Key
Areas of Focus. The paper has been drafted to support all
people involved in Maori medium education, including teachers,
principals, boards of trustees and school families/whanau in all
Maori medium programmes (including immersion units in
mainstream schools as well as Maori language schools).
Submissions close on 16 April 2010. Make them online at
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2HYKSBW More, including Maori and English
versions of the paper and the feedback link, are at
http://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Leadership-development/Feedback-Tu-
Rangatira
More Video Links in Courts?
The recently-introduced Courts (Remote Participation) Bill aims
to modernise and simplify the criminal court procedure, by
enabling greater use of video links.
Submissions close on 16 April 2010. Make them online or send two copies to the
Justice and Electoral Committee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. More is at
http://www.parliament.nz/en-
NZ/PB/SC/MakeSub/c/3/5/49SCJE_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL9711_1-Courts-Remote-
Participation-Bill.htm
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Misuse of Drugs Act
The Law Commission has released an issues paper on the
review of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. In it the Commission
proposes a new system requiring manufacturers and importers to
seek an approval for a substance before it can be released onto
the market. It also proposes that there should be minimum
controls such as age and advertising restrictions that should
apply unless the substance is prohibited altogether.
Submissions close on 30 April 2010. Have your say via the Law Commission’s
online consultation website at www.talklaw.co.nz. More is at
http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/ProjectPressReleases.aspx?ProjectID=143
Carbon Credits & Fishing
The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is currently consulting on
a Draft Fishing Allocation Plan. The NZ Emissions Trading
Scheme (ETS) will lead to a rise in fuel prices of about 3 cents a
litre (expected in the middle of this year when transport fuels are
included in the scheme). To compensate fishing quota owners
for the expected fall in value of fishing quota which might result
from the increase, the Government is planning a one-off
allocation of NZ Units (the main trading unit under the ETS).
A related paper outlines proposals for the way this allocation will
be calculated, and asks whether a minimum amount of quota
should be owned before a person is eligible for an allocation of
NZUs, and if so, what that minimum amount should be.
Submissions close on 26.April 2010. They go to fishing@climatechange.govt.nz or
to Draft Fishing Allocation Plan Submissions, MfE, PO Box 10362, Wellington 6143.
The paper is at http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/climate/draft-fishing-allocation-
plan-consultation/draft-fishing-allocation-plan-consultation.pdf
Other Ministry of Fisheries Consultations
These cover (closing dates are in brackets):
• Patagonian toothfish into QMS? Presents Ministry of
Fisheries' (MFish) initial proposals for introducing
Patagonian toothfish into NZ’s Quota Management System
on 1 October 2010 (16 April 2010);
• Management of Attached Bladder Kelp: presents MFish’s
initial position on the proposed management controls for
attached bladder kelp in certain areas for the fishing year
beginning 1 October 2010 (15 April 2010).
Submissions on these two go to T Steel, Ministry of Fisheries, PO Box 1020,
Wellington 6140, email tracey.steel@fish.govt.nz. More is at
http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Consultations/
Select Committee Inquiry: Clinical
Trials
The Health select committee is seeking views on clinical trials of
medicines and medical devices. Trials are beneficial but also
have potential downsides, for example for a patient who is in the
control group or experiences side effects.
Submissions close on 16 April 2010. Two copies go to Committee Secretariat,
Health, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. More is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-
NZ/PB/SC/BusSum/7/1/5/00DBSCH_INQ_9752_1-Inquiry-into-improving-New-
Zealand-s-environment.htm
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 6
OAG’s Rest Homes Report
Public submissions are now being invited on the Report from the
Controller and Auditor-General on the effectiveness of
arrangements to check the standard of services provided by rest
homes.
Submissions close on 16 April 2010 The report is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-
NZ/PB/SC/MakeSub/9/f/b/49SCHE_SCF_00DBSCH_OTH_9740_1-Report-from-
the-Controller-and-Auditor.htm
OZ-NZ Food Standards Treaty
You views are sought on an “International treaty examination of
the Exchange of Letters Constituting an Amendment to the
Agreement between the Government of NZ and the Government
of Australia Concerning a Joint Food Standards System”.
**Submissions close on 15 April 2010. Two copies go to the Foreign Affairs Defence
and Trade Committee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. More is at
http://www.parliament.nz/en-
NZ/PB/SC/MakeSub/6/e/7/49SCFDT_SCF_00DBSCH_ITR_9783_1-International-
treaty-examination-of.htm
Financial Service Provider Acts:
Amendments…
The intention of the Financial Service Providers (Pre-
Implementation Adjustments) Bill is to make amendments to the
Financial Advisers Act 2008 and to the Financial Service
Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Act 2008, so
these Acts can work better.
Submissions close on 15 April 2010. Two copies go to the Commerce Committee,
Parliament Buildings Wellington. The Bill is at http://www.parliament.nz/en-
NZ/PB/SC/MakeSub/d/3/d/49SCCO_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL9712_1-Financial-
Service-Providers-Pre-Implementation.htm
…& Financial Advisers Code
Coming
A draft financial advisers code published by the Securities
Commission for comment, sets the minimum standards of
competence, knowledge and skills, ethical behaviour, and client
care which authorised financial advisers will have to meet.
Submissions close on 7 May 2010. They go to
consultation@financialadvisercode.govt.nz. More is at http://www.sec-
com.govt.nz/new/releases/2010/310310.shtml
Young People & Employment
The Department of Labour (DoL) is seeking feedback on:
• a draft “My First Job” online resource has been
developed as a one-stop-shop set of information for people
who want information about children and young people in
employment; and
• a research summary about School Children in Paid
Employment in NZ: DoL is interested in whether this covers
the main current information gaps.
7 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
Submissions close on 19 April 2010. They go to ERConsultation@dol.govt.nz or to
Children and Young Persons Consultation, Workplace Policy Group, Department of
Labour, PO Box 3705, Wellington. More is at http://dol.govt.nz/myfirstjob and at
http://www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/myfirstjob/School-Children-in-Employment-
Research-Summary-abridged.asp
NZX Listing Rules
In April 2009 NZX Limited made changes to its Listing Rules that
were designed to enable listed issuers to react quickly to difficult
market conditions, in particular capital raising. In a planned
review, the Securities Commission is seeking views on the use of
these amendments by listed issuers since April 2009.
Submissions close on 16 April 2010. They go to C Holland, Securities Commission,
PO Box 1179, Wellington 6011, email chris.holland@seccom.govt.nz
ERMA NZ Consultations
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA NZ) is
consulting on (closing dates are in brackets):
• proposals for aligning NZ legislation with changes that
have been made to the Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants - which lists certain
chemicals as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and sets
out how they should be managed (submissions go to J Clark
by 21 April 2010);
• proposals to amend the Hazardous Substances (Tank
Wagons and Transportable Containers) Regulations
2004. These regulations set out requirements for the design,
construction, testing, and operation of road and rail tank
wagons and transportable containers in NZ (submissions go
to S Smith by 20 April 2010); and
• proposals for improving the Hazardous Substances
(Compressed Gases) Regulations 2004 (submissions go
to S Smith by 21 April 2010).
Discussion papers on all three are at http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/consultations/
ERMA’s applications consultations
• ERMA200351 to import Falcon as an agricultural
fungicide for the control of foliar diseases of wheat and
barley (17 May 2010);
• ERMA200347: to import Primo Maxx containing
trinexapac-ethyl for use as a plant growth regulator on
amenity turf for the inhibition of grass growth (17 May 2010);
• ERMA200344: to import or manufacture CU-BOR Wood
Preservative as a paste product containing copper and
borate compounds for use as a wood preservative (14 May
2010);
• ERMA200321: to import AMISTAR OPTI as a fungicide for
the control of Early and Late Blight in potatoes (14 May
2010);
• ERMA200143: to vary certain provisions relating to child
resistant packaging (CRP) and specific packaging
requirements of certain substances as a condition of the
group standards (14 May 2010);
• ERMA200343: to import NOR004 as a topical anthelmintic
intended for use in cattle (13 May 2010);
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
• ERMA200328 To import or manufacture SUNNY Plant
Growth Regulator, containing uniconazole-p, as a
management tool for growers to achieve improved size and
shape of avocados (13 May 2010);
• ERMA200367: to import PNZL-TC1310 as an oral
veterinary medicine for use in dogs (Category C - 12 May
2010); and
• ERMA200348: to import or manufacture Instrata
containing chlorothalonil, propiconazole and fludioxonil
for use as a fungicide mixture on amenity turf for the control
of foliar diseases(12 May 2010).
Address for all ERMA submissions is ERMA NZ, PO Box 131, Wellington 6140,
email submissions@ermanz.govt.nz. More is at
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/consultations/consult-apps.html
Electricity Commission
Consultations
These are (closing dates are in brackets):
• amendments to the advanced metering infrastructure
guidelines: in these, recommendations about the
introduction of new technology for metering are set out (30
April 2010);
• wind forecasting and market integration: in a paper, the
Commission has analysed the pros and cons of centralised
and decentralised approaches to wind generation
forecasting and has come out in favour of the existing
decentralised arrangements(26 April 2010); and
• further consultation: proposed amendments to parts E
and J of the Rules and consequential amendments to
parts A and H of the Rules: (19 April 2010).
You can make a submission via the accompanying discussion papers or you can
send one to L DuFall, Electricity Commission, PO Box 10041, Wellington. More,
including links to discussion papers, is at
http://www.electricitycommission.govt.nz/consultation
IRD Consultations
• Meaning of "anything occurring on liquidation" when a
company requests removal from the register of
companies. Submissions close on 23 April 2010. More is at
http://www.ird.govt.nz/resources/2/1/21406b8041c34242902
ef14fc1b24342/xpb0045.rtf
• Recording Inland Revenue interviews. Submissions close
on 30 April 2010. Submissions go to Team Manager,
Technical Services, Office of the Chief Tax Counsel,
National Office, Inland Revenue Department, PO Box 2198,
Wellington. More is at
http://www.ird.govt.nz/resources/d/a/da139f8041b460bd977
8b7f4197bd277/ed0117.rtf
Turkey Meat Import Standard
Biosecurity NZ has developed a draft turkey meat import health
standard for meat from the European Union, and your views are
sought.
Comments are due by 21 April 2010, and go to M Chan, Border Standards
Directorate, Biosecurity NZ, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2526,
Wellington, email Mey.Chan@maf.govt.nz. More is at
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Rural
Greenhouse Gas Research
Centre Open
A new Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (AGGRC)
was recently opened in Palmerston North. Through the centre
AgResearch, Fonterra, Plant and Food Research, DairyNZ,
Landcare Research, Massey and Lincoln universities, Niwa, the
Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium and Scion scientists will
work together on ways to reduce emissions from farms,
particularly pastoral properties.
AGGRC will receive $5 million a year in government funding for
the next ten years.
Meat & Wool now Beef & Lamb
Meat & Wool NZ has announced its intention to rename itself
Beef and Lamb NZ Ltd following a farmer vote rejecting
investment in the wool sector in the referendum held last year.
Hadda Beetle in Auckland
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry says that eradication of
newly found pest the Hadda beetle is not feasible. Investigations
have found the beetle is widespread across central Auckland
and the maturity of the beetles indicates that it may have been in
NZ since 2006. The Hadda beetle is a pest that affects crops
such as potatoes, tomatoes, and aubergines.
Root Weevil Evil
Clover Root Weevil (CRW) is now widespread in the country.
AgResearch scientists confirmed CRW’s presence at several
sites around Gore, discoveries which have Environment
Southland concerned about the impact on the region’s
agricultural sector. The annual cost of CRW to the national
economy has been estimated at around $1 billion.
Find out more at http://www.agresearch.co.nz/CRW/
Maori Land Project Brings
Benefits
The Maori Freehold Land Registration (MFLR) Project has been
finalised, with about 99% of the total inventory of Maori freehold
land - a total of 27,000 Maori land blocks – now being registered
with Land Information NZ (LINZ).
The project dealt with inconsistencies between the Land Transfer
registry and the Maori Land Court registry, and created equal
recognition and quality of title for Maori freehold land in the same
way as general land. The move will improve access by Maori
land owners to economic development initiatives requiring a
formal Certificate of Title.
More on the Maori Freehold Land Registration Project is at
http://www2.justice.govt.nz/maorilandcourt/registration-project.htm
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 8
Rai Valley Water Quality Project
Stock crossings and other land-based activities such as forestry,
have a significant impact on fresh water quality in rural areas. In
the dairying and forestry area of Rai Valley in the upper South
Island, the Rai Valley branch of Rural Women New Zealand, the
Marlborough District Council, Landcare Trust, the area school,
and local farmers and community have halted the decline in the
Rai River’s water quality brought on by these activities.
Throughout the valleys, culverts and bridges have replaced
traditional cow crossings.
The Rai River largely remains a healthy waterway supporting an
internationally renowned trout fishery, eels and other native fish.
The water quality project has also resulted in the publication of a
book: "The Rai, Your Place, Our Home, Our River".
Enterprising Rural Woman Award:
Update
This award represents an outstanding opportunity for all entrants
to showcase their businesses and gain recognition for their
achievements. Entries have now closed, and the judges are now
in the process of choosing a North and South Island winner, as
well as a Supreme Enterprising Rural Woman Award Winner.
The award will be presented at Rural Women New Zealand’s
national conference in Oamaru in May.
UK Rural Services Network’s
Focus
A United Kingdom (UK) Rural Services Network Manifesto
launched earlier this year focuses on ten key themes. These are:
delivering growth to rural economies and communities;
safeguarding rural schools; health and social care in rural areas;
robust flood defences; affordable rural housing; the digital future
in rural communities; safe, reliable and affordable transport
solutions; service provision in rural areas; safeguarding and
expanding rural proofing; and overcoming rural fuel poverty.
The manifesto is at
http://www.rsnonline.org.uk/images/files/ruralservicesmanifesto2010.pdf
Country Schools: Stories Invited
Te Ara, NZ’s online encyclopaedia has invited country pupils,
past and present, to send in their stories about their school
experiences to add to a new entry on the website about country
schooling.
The local school, with one or two teachers and all the kids from
around, is a unique part of NZ’s heritage. A century ago there
were over 2,000 of them; today there are about 750.
Stories can be submitted online (http://www.teara.govt.nz/my-story) or sent to: Te
Ara, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, P O Box 5364, Wellington. The Te Ara
section on country schools is at http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/country-schooling
9 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
Environment
Kiwis Green Values
According to a long-running ShapeNZ survey benchmarking
NZers’ views on environmental issues:
• belief that climate change is a problem to be dealt with now
or urgently remains high at 65% but has fallen from 76% in
2008 (-11%);
• people are continuing to take personal actions because of
environmental concerns in about the same numbers as last
year;
• more people are going to meetings, signing petitions, or
donating money or time to organisations addressing
environmental concerns;
• a fall in fuel prices since 2008, combined with the recession,
has seen fewer switch to more environmentally friendly cars
in the past year; and
• concern remains high, though it has fallen slightly, on major
environmental issues, like the management and sources of
energy, maintaining reliable water supplies, keeping rivers
clean, and waste management.
Similar ShapeNZ surveys were conducted for the NZ Business
Council for Sustainable Development in 2007 and 2008.
The survey report is at www.nzbcsd.org.nz
All About Conservation
The Department of Conservation’s briefing to the incoming
Minister (BIM) from its chief executive covers issues relating to
(amongst others) cuts to the Ministry’s funding ($13.5 million per
year), Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act (relating to mining
on conservation land), repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act,
the Coastal Policy Statement, afforestation matters, Treaty of
Waitangi settlement negotiations, Wai 262 Treaty claim
(concerning indigenous flora and fauna), proposals for tax
deductions for farmers for biodiversity conservation, a number of
Resource Management Act Amendments, and Aquaculture.
The Conservation BIM is at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/Conservation%20BIM%20March%202010.
pdf
Companies: Roadmap for
Sustainability
The US non-profit agency, Ceres, has published a report to help
companies get sustainability “into their DNA” in order to
successfully compete in today's changing business landscape.
"The 21st Century Corporation: The Ceres Roadmap for
Sustainability" makes the business case for why companies
should be rethinking their corporate structures, processes and
performance, while also offering advice and case studies of how
some companies are putting these practices to work.
Read and download the report at http://www.ceres.org/ceresroadmap
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524

“Ethical Eating” Goes Mainstream
According to a new US-based study, two-thirds of consumers
prefer local produce, while three-quarters say they're willing to
pay more for responsibly farmed food. Researchers say the
boom in ethical eating is the product of increased environmental
awareness and a belief that humanely raised, locally farmed
produce is healthier and better-tasting (in other words, a mix of
altruism and pragmatism).
Read article at
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3ic7094b13c12aa2acce
e332d6e783f70e
Global Deforestation Declining
The rate of deforestation has slowed over the last 10 years (the
first time a slowdown has been recorded), but each year an area
roughly the size of Costa Rica is still destroyed, according to a
comprehensive forest review released by the United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Between 2000 and 2010, some 13 million hectares of forests
were converted annually to other uses, such as agriculture, or
lost through natural causes, down from 16 million hectares per
year during the 1990s, according to the assessment which
surveyed 233 countries and areas. On the other hand, ambitious
tree planting programmes in countries such as China, India, the
United States and Viet Nam – combined with natural expansion
of forests in some regions – have added more than 7 million
hectares of new forests annually.
More is at http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/40893/icode/
New Wind Farm Noise Standard
Standards NZ has published Acoustics – Wind farm noise NZS
6808:2010, which provides ways of assessing, measuring, and
limiting noise from wind turbines. It:
• addresses issues such as combined effects from multiple
wind farms;
• includes model consent conditions designed to make sure
the Standard is used correctly;
• includes a tougher noise limit that can be used if justified by
special local circumstances; and
• includes recommended noise limits that are consistent with
World Health Organisation guidelines and international
practice.
NZ’s 11 wind farms have an installed capacity of 497.3
megawatts and generate over 3% of our electricity. Wind Energy
is expected to be supplying up to 20% of NZ’s electricity within
20 years.
More is at
http://www.standards.co.nz/services/publications/Wind+farm+noise+revised+acousti
cs+Standard+now+available.htm
New Bird: New Name
A bird not known to exist until 1997 has at last got its own
scientific name. The critically-endangered Campbell Island snipe
has been named Coenocorypha aucklandica perseverance after
Captain Frederick Hasselburgh’s sealing brig “Perseverance”.
Captain Hasselburgh discovered sub-antarctic Campbell Island
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
in 1810 – and the Perseverance is believed to have brought
Norway rats to the island when it was wrecked in 1828. The rats
nearly wiped out the Campbell Island snipe.
No one knew the bird existed until a small population was found
on 19 ha Jacquemart Island, off Campbell Island, by a survey
team in 1997.
A Chocolate-Powered Racecar
Fuelled by leftover chocolate and with components made from
carrots, potato starch and flax, the world's first sustainable
Formula 3 racing car has a top speed of 135 miles per hour and
can go from zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds.
The 2.0-litre BMW engine has been converted to diesel from
gasoline and configured to run on fuel derived from waste from
chocolate factories or other plant-based oils. Among the car's
other unique features is a radiator that converts ozone back to
oxygen.
More is at http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6282JZ20100309
Tourism
International Travel & Migration
Permanent and long-term (PLT) arrivals outnumbered departures
by 2,600 in February 2010, down from 3,600 in February 2009,
Statistics NZ said recently. This decrease in the net migration
gain was mainly due to 1,200 fewer arrivals of non-NZ citizens,
which included fewer arrivals on work and student permits (each
down 400). At the same time, there were 400 more departures of
non-NZ citizens. However, departures of NZ citizens continued to
decrease, down 600 compared with February 2009. This
decrease included 400 fewer PLT departures to Australia.
The annual net migration gain was 21,600 in the February 2010
year, up from 6,200 in the February 2009 year, but down from
the 22,600 recorded in the January 2010 year. The January year
figure was the highest net migration gain since the May 2004
year (24,000).
More is at
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/population/Migration/IntTravelAndMigratio
n_MRFeb10.aspx
Accommodation Survey: January
2010
The Accommodation Survey records guests staying in hotels,
motels, backpackers, and holiday parks in NZ each month.
Latest survey results from Statistics NZ show that overnight
stays in commercial accommodation were up 4% in January
2010 compared with the previous January. At 4.4 million, guest
night numbers were the highest recorded since the survey began
in July 1996 (January is traditionally the peak month for guest
nights). In January 2010, international guest nights were 8%
higher and domestic guest nights were 2% higher than in
January 2009.
More is at
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/tourism/accommodation/Accommodation-
Survey_MRJan10.aspx
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 10
Auckland Hotel Prices Down
Auckland has emerged as the third least expensive city for hotel
accommodation among 77 major cities worldwide, according to
the latest global Hotel Price Index from Hotels.com®. Auckland
dropped 24%, from US$120 in 2008 to US$91 in 2009.
Across the Tasman, Sydney room rates fell by 18% over the
year, recording an average rate of US$131, and Melbourne fell
by 3%, down to an average rate of US$107.
Hotel prices globally fell 14%, due to the effect of the global
financial crisis. In fact, the average price of a hotel room across
the world was cheaper in 2009 than it was in 2004, when the
Hotel Price Index began.
More at http://www.hotels.com
Global Travel to Rebound?
The UN World Tourism Organisation forecasts a growth of 3 to
4% in international tourism in2010, possibly higher in emerging
regions, such as Asia. The rise follows a 4% drop in tourism in
2009 and a loss in earnings of 6%.
More at
www.unwto.org/media/news/en/press_det.php?id=5751&idioma=E">UNWTO
NZ-Israel Working Holidays
Up to 200 young kiwis (aged between 18 and 30) will be able to
spend a year in Israel following the signing of a reciprocal
Working Holiday Scheme. The Scheme will be put in place once
each country has completed necessary domestic processes.
Health & Welfare
Get Your Flu Jab Now
The Ministry of Health predicts the flu season in NZ will come
early this year and the pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) virus will be
the dominant strain. The prediction is based on the Northern
Hemisphere’s experience where their 2009/2010 winter flu
season began several weeks earlier. The good news is that the
2010 seasonal influenza vaccine, available from your doctor
now, includes protection against three types of flu, including
H1N1 (swine flu).
Vaccinations are free from March to the end of June for most
pregnant women; people with an ongoing health condition (like
asthma, diabetes, a heart or lung condition, or significantly
overweight people); people aged 65 years or over; and young
children (aged 6 months to 5 years).
People who don’t qualify for the free flu vaccine can get it
through their general practice for a small charge. Many
employers also offer free immunisation to their employees.
For free advice about flu call 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863). More is at
www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz
11 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
National Depression Initiative:
Journal…
“The Journal”, a self-management programme for people with
depression, will be launched in mid-June 2010. It will be fronted
by John Kirwan alongside three mental health professionals, Dr
Lyndy Matthews, Dr Simon Hatcher, and Dr Elliot Bell.
The programme is based on a form of cognitive behaviour
therapy (problem solving therapy) which has been demonstrated
to be effective in helping people with mild to moderate
depression and anxiety. The programme may also be helpful for
people in recovery from experience of depression, or as a
complementary activity to clinical treatment.
More is at www.depression.org.nz, and at
http://www.ndi.org.nz/index.php?q=content/journal-3
…& New Suicide Prevention
Resource
A new community resource could assist hapu and iwi and Maori
community groups to respond to mental illness in ways that
support a reduction in suicide and suicide attempts. It includes
information about how suicide is viewed by Maori and also lists
community services, other organisations, and resources that are
available to help with prevention, and with helping people
bereaved by a suicide.
Copies are available from info@spinz.org.nz, or www.mentalhealth.org.nz or tel
freephone 0800 628 2684
More In Elective Surgery
The largest ever annual increase in waiting list patients receiving
elective surgery was in 2009, according to recently-released
official figures. A total of 134,763 patients had elective surgery in
2009 - more than 12,000 more than in 2008.
Adolescent CanTeen Service
The Ministry of Health and CanTeen has launched the
Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Service Specification for
adolescent and young people, who have specific needs when it
comes to cancer treatment. There will be a two-year transition
period before the specification becomes mandatory during which
time patients and health professionals can give feedback.
More is at http://www.canteen.org.nz/about/news-and-media/ministry-announces-
teen-cancer-service
Grandparents’ Challenges & New
Roles
A new Families Commission report says most grandparents are
faring well, but a small number are struggling. The Commission’s
Changing Roles research (based on a survey of 1200 people)
paints an intricate picture of grandparents’ lives, views, and
needs.
The report says some grandparents who need more support.
One of these groups is a subset of migrant grandparents living in
a new country away from their social networks, frustrated by
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
language and cultural challenges. Another group is the growing
number of grandparents raising their grandchildren.
The report is at http://www.nzfamilies.org.nz/research/grandparents/changing-roles
Train Your Brain
Alzheimers NZ says that to get your brain active and help
prevent dementia, you can train your brain, by:
• doing crosswords, Sudoku and brain teasers and playing
card games - all can lessen your risk of developing dementia
and keep your brain sharp!;
• being social: studies show socially active people are less
likely to get dementia;
• getting fit: exercise is not only good for your body, but for
your brain too. It has been proven to better both your
cognitive function and your mental health; and
• eating well: snack on “brain foods” such as omegas 3 and 6.
These include fish, nuts, vegetables, olive oil, and garlic.
Alzheimers NZ’s local organisations also provide support and education: call 0800
004 001
Food Sensitivity Rates Study
A recent study, of more than 4,500 adults from 13 Western
countries, found that nations varied in the rate of people who
were sensitive to at least one food -- ranging from about 25% of
those in Portland, Oregon, to just under 8% of those in
Reykjavik, Iceland. However, countries tended to be similar in
the specific culprit foods. When it came to the types of foods
behind people's sensitivities, hazelnuts, peaches, shrimp, wheat
and apples emerged as the most common. At the other end of
the spectrum, fish, eggs and cow's milk were the least common
causes of sensitivity.
More is at http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62B45220100312
Kiwis & Natural Disasters:
Plans…
Recent statistics– the NZ General Social Survey 2008 fact sheet
on preparedness for natural disasters – show that just 15% of
households are well prepared for a natural disaster with enough
food and water stored to last three days and an emergency plan.
This country is vulnerable to unpredictable natural disasters such
as earthquakes and tsunami, as well as weather related
emergencies – and people won’t always get a warning.
The fact sheet is available at:
http://www.stats.govt.nz/Publications/SocialConditions/natural-disaster-preparation-
at-home-factsheet
…& Storing Water for
Emergencies
The Government site Get Ready Get Through offers the
following advice for making families have enough clean water
after a disaster:
• put aside at least three litres of clean drinking water per
person, per day;
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
• put aside other water for washing and cooking food for every
meal, washing dishes and utensils after every meal; washing
yourself (a litre per day for each person), and drinking water;
• to store enough drinking water for three days, prepare six
large, plastic soft drink bottles of water per person, including
children. Add extra for pets. Wash bottles thoroughly in hot
water. Fill each bottle with tap water. Add five drops per
litre/half a teaspoon per 10 litres of household bleach (e.g.,
Janola) to the water. Make sure the water overflows and that
there are no air gaps and place the lids on tightly (do not
drink for at least 30 minutes after disinfecting). Label each
bottle with dates showing when the bottles were filled and
when they need to be refilled. Put the water in storage in two
different areas away from sunlight where there is not likely to
be flooding. Check the bottles every 12 months (e.g., at the
beginning or end of daylight saving). If the water is not clear,
throw it out and refill clean bottles with clean water and
bleach;
• you can also fill plastic ice cream containers with water, and
cover and label tem and keep them in the freezer. These
can help keep food cool if the power is off and can also be
used for drinking. If you can, keep a supply of ice cubes and
fruit juices, too;
• take water for cooking, dishes, washing yourself from the hot
water cylinder, header tank and toilet cistern (cistern water is
only safe to use if no chemical toilet cleanser is present);
• keep some water in a bowl with disinfectant added for
handwashing, but change it frequently; and
• if it’s raining collect rain water by either placing a clean
container outside or by disconnecting the down pipe from
the roof and filling a container. Boil water for three minutes
before drinking or disinfect with household bleach (1/2
teaspoon to 10 litres). Reserve one clean utensil to use as a
dipper.
More is at http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-
7H442M?OpenDocument
More $ for Disability Equipment
The Government is budgeting an extra $7 million immediately
and another $20 million over the next two years to reduce
waiting times and meet spiralling costs for equipment (including
hearing aids) and modification services for disabled people.
As part of the changes working people are going to be asked to
contribute more towards their hearing aids.
More is at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/27+million+extra+disability+equipment+and+mo
difications
Capadex & Paradex to Go
On 1 August 2010, the consents to distribute medicines
containing dextropropoxyphene (Capadex and Paradex) in NZ
will be revoked. Medsafe announced last month that a statutory
review of the safety and efficacy of these medicines found that
the risks of their use outweighed any possible benefit.
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 12
Study: Maori Palliative Care
Needs
University of Waikato researchers are beginning a three-year
study which examines dying, death and bereavement among
Maori of dying, death and bereavement among contemporary
Maori. The Kia Ngawari study aims to increase knowledge and
understanding of Maori palliative needs, both within the
healthcare system and among whanau. A recent press release
by the university highlights how the study “will also help identify
the gaps in help available from formal and informal services,
such as the health care system, rest homes, funeral services and
Maori support systems”.
A related press release is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1003/S00061.htm
Cranes Code: Uplifting Tale
A new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for the cranes
industry has been developed. This features several new
developments, including:
• unit standards for training in the industry;
• truck loader cranes being brought under the code; and
• clarifying the requirements around design verification.
The Code is on the Department of Labour website at
http://www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/10.shtml
Businesses and Chemicals
The Department of Labour (DoL) and ERMA NZ have developed
a guide to help businesses keep themselves and others safe.
“Chemical Safety in the Workplace” is a hands-on workbook
which applies to a wide range of industries from panel beating
and electroplating, to timber treatments and warehousing. When
completed, the workbook provides a full list of the chemicals
stored and used in the workplace, including where they are
located, how much is being held, what risks they pose - and,
where controls are lacking, what corrective action needs to be
taken.
More than 100,000 hazardous substances are used in over
150,000 workplaces in this country. Many of these chemicals are
common and used so often they’re taken for granted. But
exposure to some of these, including LPG, petrol, solvents and
ammonia, can cause harm if not handled correctly.
Download a copy of the workbook at http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/hs-
workb.html, tel DoL Freephone on 0800 20 90 20, or call ERMANZ on 0800 376 234
Portion Size & “Last Supper”
Paintings
Two US researchers analyzed the food and plate sizes in 52 of
the most famous paintings of the Last Supper and found that the
portion sizes in the paintings have increased dramatically over
the past millennium, from years 1000 to 2000. Findings
published in April's International Journal of Obesity show that
over that 1,000-year period, the main course size increased by
69%, plate size 66%, and loaves of bread 23%. The biggest
increases in size came after 1500.
13 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
More is at http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2010-03-23-
lastsupper23_ST_N.htm
Education/Training
BIMs: All About Tertiary
Education:
The Briefings to the Incoming Minister (BIM)from the Ministry of
Education, the Tertiary Education Commission and the NZ
Qualifications Authority (NZQA) have been released. They
include an Initial Briefing - Main report and Attachments; a table
of upcoming reports; the Ministry’s output plan; the role of the
Ministry of Education; the role of government agencies; NZQA’s
main report and appendices; an overview of tertiary legislation
and governance; and the TEC main report and appendices.
Links to all are at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister+releases+tertiary+education+briefings
Tertiary Education:
Performance/Funding?
From 2012, tertiary education institutions will receive some of
their funding based on how well they perform academically this
year. Educational performance will be measured using indicators
such as: qualification completion, successful course completion,
and student progression to further study.
National Standards Advisory
Group
The terms of reference for this independent group were released
recently. The Advisory Group will give the Minister of Education
“free and frank advice on the implementation of National
Standards.” This is in addition to the three-year monitoring and
evaluation programme being run by the Ministry.
The terms of reference for the Advisory Group can be found at
http://www.minedu.govt.nz/theMinistry/EducationInitiatives/NationalStandards/TOR.
aspx
OECD Review of School
Assessment
NZ is to be part of an Organisation of Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD) international review of evaluation and
assessment in schools. An OECD team will visit later in the year
to analyse our systems, including the National Standards
recently introduced into primary and intermediate schools (NZ’s
implementation of National Standards is unique and has many
countries interested). The review will examine the effectiveness
of NZ’s evaluation and assessment policies, and how the
standards contribute.
The information, gathered from NZ and eight other countries, will
be brought together in an OECD report which be shared with
other nations to help lift student achievement.
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Profiling Maori School Achievers
Four University of Auckland researchers have carried out a pilot
study profiling Maori students who are doing well in school.
Five common themes were identified in the study as influential to
Maori students succeeding at school: role models and quality
relationships; valuing education; a supportive environment;
discipline and self-motivation; and strong links with te ao Maori
(Maori worldview).
The pilot involved interviews with students, their parents,
teachers, and the principal. Participants were selected by the
school based on academic, social and leadership abilities. The
researchers plan to launch a larger study later this year involving
all eight secondary schools and wharekura (Maori medium
secondary schools) in Rotorua.
More is at
http://www.education.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/about/news/news/template/news_it
em.jsp?cid=252060
Likelihood of Studying at Tertiary
Level
This study considers the likelihood of studying at bachelors level
in a population of NZ school leavers 17 to 21 years-of-age,
starting their tertiary studies for the first time between 2005 and
2008. Findings include:
• the likelihood of studying at bachelors level depended on
how well the student performed at school, their ethnic group,
the socio-economic status (decile) of the last school they
attended, and whether or not they progressed directly to
tertiary education after leaving school;
• for European and Asian students who gained UE and who
progressed directly to tertiary study, school decile had little
or no influence on the likelihood of studying at bachelors
level; but
• for Maori and Pasifika students who gained UE and who
progressed directly to tertiary study, those from lower-decile
schools with mid to higher achievement scores had
significantly lower likelihoods of studying at bachelors level
than similar students from higher-decile schools.
The report can be read on the Ministry of Education website at
http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/74148/Schl-
leavers-progres-bachelorsFINAL-26032010.pdf
Asia Topics in Secondary
Schools
Only one third of secondary school heads of department say
they have included some Asia-specific topics in their teaching
programmes over the past two years, says a new Asia NZ
Foundation report. But that figure drops to less than a quarter
(21%) for secondary school programmes that include Asia-
specific topics or projects lasting more than a single period of
study. This is despite widespread acknowledgement by schools
heads of department that Asia is important or very important to
NZ. There is concern that Asia content in secondary schools is
far too low for NZ to engage effectively with the Asian region.
For a copy of the Asia in Secondary Schools report, visit www.asianz.org.nz.
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Researchers Seeking Feisty
Littlies
The Triple P Research Group at The University of Auckland’s
Faculty of Education is holding two-hour discussion groups in
Auckland for parents with three- to five-year-olds who are
struggling with issues such as fighting or aggression, their child
refusing to go to bed, not sleeping in their own bed, or getting out
of bed during the night. The discussion group will deal with
parents’ concerns, then will obtain information about ways to
better manage the behaviours.
To volunteer contact the research team on (09) 623 8899 ext. 83042 or email
tprg@auckland.ac.nz. For more information on Triple P visit www.triplep.net. More
is at
http://www.education.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/news/template/news_item.jsp?cid=
256890
Employment
More Skilled Job Ads
The Department of Labour's Jobs Online shows advertisements
for skilled jobs increased by 4.6% over the last three months,
and the total number of job vacancies advertised increased by
6.6% in the same period. Skilled vacancies have increased most
in the service sector particularly in jobs associated with
hospitality, IT, and marketing. The information, along with other
economic indicators, shows firms are still taking a cautious
approach to employment and investment and this is likely to
show measured increases in employment in the short to medium
term.
The Jobs Online monthly report is at
http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/jol/report/index.asp
Labour Productivity Down in 2009
Labour productivity fell 1.5% in the year to March 2009, Statistics
NZ said recently. The decline was driven by the fall in output –
that is, real GDP – of 2.2%, with workforce hours falling 0.7%. It
has not significantly affected the long-term trend, with labour
productivity growing by 1.9% annually since 1978.
The output decline in the March 2009 year was due to falls in the
manufacturing and construction sectors. The labour market
weakened during this time with the unemployment rate
increasing to 5.0 % by the March 2009 quarter, and firms
reporting that finding staff was easier than it had been for more
than 30 years.
More is at
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/work_income_and_spending/Employmen
t/ProductivityStatistics_MR7809.aspx
Another Kind of Productivity?
A recent article makes the case for the following five rules to
govern how “knowledge workers” should think about productivity:
• it’s normal for your productivity to vary wildly from day to
day;
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 14
• working more hours actually means getting less done;
• working harder means getting less done;
• procrastination can be good for you; and
• happiness is the ultimate productivity enhancer.
A knowledge worker is anyone who works for a living developing
or using knowledge, planning, acquiring, searching, analysing,
organizing, storing, programming, distributing, ad marketing. It
also includes those in the information technology fields, such as
programmers, systems analysts, technical writers, academic
professionals, researchers, etc
The article is at http://positivesharing.com/2010/02/5-new-rules-of-productivity/
(readers’ comments are interesting, too)
Recognised Seasonal Employer
Scheme: Report
An evaluation of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE)
scheme, which allows for the temporary entry of workers to NZ to
work in the horticulture and viticulture industries, was recently
released by the Department of Labour (DoL). The report,
covering the period 2007 to 2009 shows productivity gains
reported in the scheme's second season together with
improvements in harvest quality. Other findings include:
• employers in the horticulture and viticulture sectors have
greater access to a reliable, stable, seasonal workforce; and
• Pacific workers and three Pacific states have benefited
economically from participation in the RSE policy along with
skill development for workers.
The research findings are at www.dol.govt.nz/publications/research/rse-
summary/rse-summary_01.asp
Employment Guide for SMEs
A “Big 6” series of guides and checklists has been published to
help employers in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)
with some of the most common problems they encounter in
running a business.
The big six are: health and safety, hiring new employees, pay,
holidays and leave, performance management, and ending
employment relationships.
The Big 6 is at www.dol.govt.nz/big6
Gender Income Gap Starts Early
A recent study by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs has revealed
that only one year after entering employment an income gap of
up to 6% develops between men and women with a bachelor’s
qualification or above. The study examined differences in income
between male and female graduates one and five years after
entering employment following completion of a level 7
(bachelor’s degree) or higher qualification by looking at income
data from Inland Revenue.
The study findings have established a clear difference in income
between men and women who graduate within the same fields of
study after five years, varying from just 1% for graduates in
society and culture to 20% for graduates in management and
commerce.
15 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
Download “Indicators for Change: tracking the progress of NZ women (2009)” from:
www.mwa.govt.nz/news-and-pubs/publications/indicators-for-change-2009-1
Housing/Building
House Building Made Easier
Aspiring home owners will now find it quicker and cheaper to
build a simple home thanks to a new guide for streamlined
consenting. For the first time all the information needed to design
a simple house, including compliance requirements and building
standards, has been brought together in one place. The “Simple
House Acceptable Solution” is a guide to building innovative,
affordable and easily consentable homes. Without compromising
safety or quality it provides a framework for architects, designers
and builders to develop affordable housing.
The document is available at www.dbh.govt.nz/simple-house-acceptable-solution
Consents for New Homes Rise
The number of new housing units authorised (excluding
apartments) rose 10% in February 2010. This follows a 1.0%
increase in January 2010 and brings the number of housing units
authorised to its highest level since May 2008. When the volatile
apartment category is included, the number of new housing units
authorised rose 5.9%.
For the year ended February 2010, the value of consents issued
for residential buildings fell $471 million (8.2%), while the value
for non-residential buildings fell $266 million (5.8%), compared
with the year ended February 2009.
More is at
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/industry_sectors/Construction/BuildingCo
nsentsIssued_MRFeb10.aspx
Six New Community Housing
Projects
Six community housing organisations have been successful in
securing government funding to build or acquire 45 new
properties throughout NZ for families and individuals in need.
They are
• Wellington Housing Trust ($1 m for rental accommodation);
• Monte Cecilia Housing Trust, Auckland ($1.27 million for
emergency/transitional housing);
• Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust ($0.5 million
for home ownership);
• Community Refuge of Trust, Auckland ($1 million for
housing for people on low income with mental illness);
• Habitat for Humanity, Nelson ($0.18 million for housing for
people on low income); and
• VisionWest Community Trust, Auckland ($2 million for rental
housing for families on low income).
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524

Energy
Saving Energy on Farms
Electricity savings of up to 9% is possible on farms according to
the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). Last
year, EECA worked with the country’s largest dairy operation,
government-owned Landcorp Farming, to carry out energy audits
and put the recommendations into practice on 21 of its 27 dairy
farms. The project (a case study) involved temporary smart
meters on each farm to record energy use, followed by detailed
recommendations. Landcorp opted for actions with a payback of
five years or less, focusing on:
• heat recovery from refrigeration systems to generate hot
water for use in the milking shed;
• variable speed drives - devices on vacuum pumps and farm
supply pumps to ensure they don't work harder than
needed; and
• insulation on hot water pipes and cylinders.
Download the case study at http://www.eecabusiness.govt.nz/sites/all/files/landcorp-
milkshed-case-study-feb-2010.pdf
Renewable Energy Generation in
2009
Renewable generation accounted for 73% of electricity
generation in NZ in 2009, the most since 2004. The high levels
were mainly due to well-stocked hydro lakes and increased
geothermal and wind generation. The increase in renewable
generation comes at the expense of thermal generation which in
2009, recorded the lowest electricity generation emissions since
2002, and down 2% on 2008.
For the December quarter, electricity emissions dropped as
much as 21 percent over the previous quarter in line with
seasonal variations.
More is in the latest NZ Energy Quarterly at www.med.govt.nz/energy/nzeq
Electricity Smart Meters: Update
Following recommendations in an Electricity Commission report,
the roll-out of smart meters will not be regulated. The
Commission did not think the benefits of regulation outweighed
the costs. However, it did recommend regulating some of the
standards relating to smart meters through electricity industry
rules.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment recently
called for electricity companies to only install smart meters which
had “'home area network” (HAN) capability already installed.
HAN technology is not yet fully developed, and "smart
appliances" (which “talk”' to the electricity meter) are not likely to
be readily available for another 10 years. Therefore, consumers
could end up paying for a technology they would not benefit from
for some time - one that could possibly become obsolete and
have to be replaced (at additional cost) during that time.
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
The Electricity Commission report is at:
http://www.electricitycommission.govt.nz/opdev/retail/ami/index.html
Go Kupe!
The $1.3 billion Kupe Gas Project in Taranaki has been officially
opened. Its current daily production is approximately 0.07
petajoules gas (which could power at least 300,000 average
homes over a year), 300 tonnes of LPG per day, and 7,500
barrels of light crude/day.
The gas produced will meet approximately 15% of NZ's annual
gas demand and about half of NZ's LPG demand for the next 15
to 20 years.
All processed natural gas has been contracted to Genesis
Energy for domestic electricity generation at the Huntly Power
Station. LPG is primarily supplied to the domestic market. All
light crude is exported to refineries in Australia and the South
Pacific.
The joint venture (between owner-operator Origin Energy
Resources Kupe Limited, NZ Oil and Gas, Genesis Energy, and
Mitsui E&P Australia) estimates royalty payments to the Crown
will be around $306 million over the life of the project.
Tauhara Geothermal Power
Station Inquiry
Contact Energy's proposal for a geothermal power station in the
Tauhara steam field near Taupo has been referred to an
independent Board of Inquiry. The proposal is for a geothermal
station that would be able to provide power to all homes in a
region the size of greater Wellington. Consents are being sought
to build and operate the 240MW power station, steam-field
activities; switch-yard activities; transmission line activities; and
associated discharges, water abstraction, well-drilling, stream-
crossings, and earthworks.
Information about the application and the board of inquiry are at
www.epa.govt.nz/applications/tauhara-ii/
Transport & Travel
Safer Journeys :Road Safety
Strategy…
A ten-year strategy designed to reduce the number of people
killed and seriously injured on our roads over the next decade
was recently released. The strategy – “Safer Journeys” – takes a
system-wide approach by looking at the safety of roads, road
users, vehicles and speed. This approach is world best practice,
but a first for NZ.
The top priorities for action in the strategy are: young drivers;
alcohol- and drug impaired drivers; motorcycling; roads and
roadsides; and safer speeds (these areas were chosen as
priorities because they are problem areas where real gains can
be made).
The Safer Journeys strategy, Questions and Answers, and a table of first actions
are available at www.saferjourneys.govt.nz
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 16

… Young Drivers …
Young drivers make up 14.5% of NZ's population and 16% of all
licensed drivers, but in 2008 they were involved in around 38%
of all serious injury crashes. And between 2000 and 2008 the
number of people killed or seriously injured in a crash where a
young driver was at fault has increased by about 17%.
A package of measures aimed at improving the safety of young
drivers was taken to Cabinet this month. The actions in it include:
• raising the driving age to 16;
• tightening up the restricted licence test to encourage novice
drivers do around 120 hours of supervised practice, before
driving solo;
• improving the road safety education available to young
people and increasing access to it; and
• investigating vehicle power restrictions for young drivers.
… & Repeat Drink Drivers
In 2008, alcohol and drugs contributed to 31% of fatal crashes
and 21% of serious injury crashes. These crashes resulted in
119 deaths, 582 serious injuries and 1,726 minor injuries. It is
estimated that the social cost of crashes where alcohol/drugs
were a factor was $841 million in 2008.
In April Cabinet will discuss a package of measures designed to
combat drink driving, particularly repeat offending. Actions in it
include:
• compulsory alcohol interlocks and a zero drink drive limit for
recidivist drink drivers;
• a zero drink drive limit for drivers under 20;
• review the traffic offences and penalties for repeat offenders
and drink driving causing death and serious injury; and
• either lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
from BAC 0.08 to 0.05, or conducting NZ-specific research
on the level of risk posed by drivers with a BAC between
0.05 and 0.08.
Legislation will be in place by the end of 2010.
Servicing NZ’s Highways – New
System?
A new way of classifying highways based on the volume of traffic
they carry and the function they perform is being developed by
the NZ Transport Agency and the Ministry of Transport. Advice
from stakeholders will be taken into account when the final
highway categories are decided on.
Once the system is developed the levels of service for the
different highway categories will be developed depending on
their function, their form and the area they travel through.
AA’s Fuel Consumption Tests
Does driving with a load or with air-conditioning on really use
more petrol? Keen to find the truth, the AA’s technical advice
team took three cars on the road to test the effects of air-
conditioning, weight, driving style and tyre pressures on fuel use.
The test confirmed that driving with low tyre pressure uses over
7% more fuel; driving with air-conditioning off reduces fuel use by
17 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
more than 8%; and poor driving style can use up to 20% more
fuel.
For more information read the full fuel test story online at www.aadirections.co.nz or
in “AA Directions” Autumn 2010, out now
Car Market Figures
February 2010’s new car registration were up 13% compared to
the same month a year ago. Year to date, sales of new cars are
up 9% overall. Used import registrations of 6761 units were also
up sharply (by 46%) over a year ago.
More at http://www.mta.org.nz/n1567.html
Security Aviation Charge Drops
The aviation security charge paid by out-bound airlines has been
reduced by $5 per passenger to $10.00 per departing
international traveller, while the charge for domestic travellers will
drop slightly from $4.66 to $4.35 (including GST). This is
because there has an excess of $35 million gathered from
international security charges, and $6.5 million from domestic
charges.
Rule Changes in Force
Changes to Land Transport, Maritime and Marine Protection
Rules came into force on 1 April. The new and amended rules
aim to achieve good standards of safety while reducing
compliance costs as much as possible.
The new rules are at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/traction-engines-2010-
index.html http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/steering-systems-2001-
index.html http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/work-time-and-logbooks-2007-
index.html and http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/dangerous-goods-2005-
index.html
Justice/The Law
Knife Possession Laws Report
A report on knife possession laws was recently released. This
shows that the penalties for knife possession offences are in line
with similar offences, that police arrests for the offence of
“possession of a knife in a public place” has remained relatively
stable over the past decade, and that the apprehension rate for
the more serious offence of “possession of an offensive weapon”
(an estimated 19% of which involve knives) has been increasing.
The report is at http://www.justice.govt.nz/publications/global-publications/k/knife-
possession/Publication
Licensing Trustees/Statutory
Supervisors
The aim of the recently-introduced Securities Trustees and
Statutory Supervisors Bill is to protect investors' interests and
enhance market confidence by enabling the Securities
Commission to hold trustees and statutory supervisors
accountable for failing to perform effectively. It would require
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
corporate trustees and certain statutory supervisors to be
licensed, and would make it an offence to act as a trustee or
statutory supervisor without a licence.
It would apply to trustees of debt securities, unit trustees, and
statutory supervisors of certain collective investment schemes
and retirement villages.
More Judges Coming
The following Bills have been passed:
• The Judicature (Judicial Matters) Amendment Bill increases
the maximum limits on the number of Associate Judges of
the High Court from six to nine, and the maximum number of
Judges of the Court of Appeal from nine to ten. It also deals
with remuneration of High Court Judges serving in the
Appeal Court;
• The District Courts (District Court Judges) Amendment Bill
increases the limit on the maximum number of judges who
can be appointed District Court Judges (includes
Environment Court Judges); and
• The Judicial Conduct Commissioner and Judicial Conduct
Panel (Deputy Commissioner and Disposal of Complaints)
Amendment Bill enables the appointment of a Deputy
Commissioner to carry out the duties of the Commissioner
when the Commissioner is unavailable.
Digitising Historical Legislation
The Parliamentary Counsel Office, responsible for drafting most
of the government’s legislation, has begun a programme to
digitise historical legislation from 1841 to 2007. The aim is to
provide free online access to all NZ Acts in their original form (as
enacted), whether or not they have subsequently been repealed.
The format will be searchable PDFs.
The NZ Legislation website is at http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ and the
Parliamentary Counsel Office website is at http://www.pco.parliament.govt.nz/
Prisoners & Voting: New Bill
The Electoral (Disqualification of Convicted Prisoners)
Amendment Bill (a Members Bill) has been introduced to
Parliament. It proposes an amendment to section 80(1)(d)(iii) of
the Electoral Act 1993 by removing the right of a person serving
a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than 3 years to be
able to register as an elector. Currently, only a person serving a
sentence of imprisonment for a term of 3 years or more is
disqualified for registration as an elector.
Trans-Tasman Proceedings Bill
A Trans-Tasman Proceedings Bill recently introduced into
Parliament would put into place a 2008 treaty between the NZ
and Australian governments, making it easier to resolve legal
disputes with connections on both sides of the Tasman.
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Parliament
Voting Referendum Bill
Introduced
A Bill setting the format of the 2011 referendum on the Mixed
Member Proportional Representation (MMP) voting system has
been introduced to Parliament. It covers:
• the questions to be asked of voters: firstly, whether they
wish to retain the present MMP voting system, and
secondly, what alternative voting system they would prefer
out of First-Past-the-Post, Preferential Vote, Single
Transferable Vote and Supplementary Member - regardless
of how they voted in the first question;
• the conduct of the referendum, including rules around
advertising; and
• a review of MMP to be held by the new Electoral
Commission if more than 50% of voters opt to retain MMP.
The review will seek public opinion on MMP and report to
the Minister of Justice on whether any changes to the MMP
voting system are necessary or desirable.
If a majority of voters opts for a change to the voting system, the
Government will hold a second binding referendum in
conjunction with the 2014 election, asking voters to choose
between MMP and the most preferred alternative.
More is at http://www.justice.govt.nz/policy-and-consultation/electoral/mmp-
referendum/mmp-referendum
Women in the World’s
Parliaments
Indian lawmakers have just approved a Bill that will set aside
one-third of all legislative seats for women. The Bill still needs to
be approved by the lower house of Parliament, but is expected to
pass. India’s women MPs currently make up 10.8% of the total
number, putting it 99th on the list of percentage of women in
world parliaments and congresses. NZ lies 16th with 33.6%.
The “Top 20 “ performers are: Rwanda: 56.3%; Sweden: 46.4%;
South Africa 44.5%; Cuba: 43.2%; Iceland: 42.9%; Netherlands:
42%; Finland: 40%; Norrway: 39.6%; Mozambique: 39.2%;
Angola: 38.6%; Argentina: 38.5%: Belgium: 38%; Denmark:
38%; Costa Rica: 36.8%: 35: 36.6%: Andorra: 35.7%; NZ:
33.6%: Nepal: 33.2%: Germany: 32.8%: The F.Y.R. of
Macedonia: 32.5%: and Ecuador: 32.3%. At the other end of the
scale the following countries have no women MPs: at 139th are
Palau, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Yemen,
Belize, Comoros, Micronesia, Nauru and Oman.
Thanks to the Washington Post
The Offending Email
The Race Relations Commissioner has released a review called
“The Offending Email”. This considers complaints about the
response to an email sent by an MP last year. It says that the NZ
Bill of Rights Act protects freedom of speech, and the limitations
on it in the Human Rights Act relate to words that incite, but not
to words that offend. It also says that MPs and political parties
are accountable to the electorate and the public at large, and
that political parties should have policies and codes of conduct
that do not tolerate offensive comments.
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 18
The review is at http://www.hrc.co.nz/hrc_new/hrc/cms/files/documents/11-Mar-
2010_13-25-39_The_Offending_Email_11Mar.doc.
Public Service/Local
Authorities
Public Service Mergers
The Government has decided to:
• amalgamate the NZ Food Safety Authority back into the
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry;
• amalgamate Archives NZ and the National Library into the
Department of Internal Affairs; and
• amalgamate the Foundation for Research Science and
Technology into the Ministry of Research Science and
Technology.
A relevant Cabinet paper is at http://www.ssc.govt.nz/mog-cab-paper-march-2010
Fewer Public Servants
Latest figures from the State Services Commission show the
number of full-time equivalent staff positions in the core
government administration has fallen 1,480 or 3.8% over the
2009 year (from 38,859 to 37,379).
There has been a net increase of 540 full-time equivalent
positions in agencies that have not been “capped” such as Child,
Youth and Family, Work and Income, and Community Probation
and Psychological Services.
More is at www.ssc.govt.nz/capping-data-to-31dec09
Review of Defence Spending
A “Value for Money” review of Defence spending is be
undertaken before the Defence White Paper has been
completed (completion date is now end of September). The aim
is to manage the links between operating and capital funding,
and to identify resources for the next phase of the Defence Long-
Term Development Plan. Its aim is to examine cost pressures
within the Defence Force, identify efficiencies, and options to
improve cost effectiveness and sustainability, and shift
expenditure from the back office to the front line to ensure that
Defence remains sustainable over time.
Local Authorities & Drinking
Water: Report
The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) recently carried out an
audit of how well local authorities were meeting the forecast
demand for drinking water in their area, by selecting a
representative sample of eight local authorities. The OAG found
that
• in general, all eight local authorities are able to ensure the
security of drinking water supply in their districts at present;
19 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
• three of the eight local authorities were effectively managing
their drinking water supplies, and were well placed to meet
the forecast demand for drinking water;
• three others were adequately managing drinking water,
adequately placed to meet the forecast demand, and had
more to do to improve the accuracy of forecasts and
•
implement strategies;
two were poorly managing, poorly placed to meet the
forecast demand, and had a significant amount of work to do
to improve forecasts and upgrade drinking water supply
systems;
• the local authorities in an adequate or poor position to meet
the forecast demand for drinking water had identified how
they would improve the their management and were
implementing those improvements; and
• generally, the smaller the local authority, the more limited
the forecasting, the bigger the challenges faced, and the
more spending the council had to do (per connection to the
water supply).
The report is at http://www.oag.govt.nz/2010/water/docs/oag-water.pdf
Commission for Environment
Canterbury
The Government is replacing Environment Canterbury’s elected
representatives with appointed commissioners with extra powers
in respect of water take consents and water conservation orders.
A commission chair has already been appointed and a further
four to six commissioners will be named towards the end of April.
Elections will take place in Canterbury when the commissioners
have completed their work but no later than the 2013 local
government elections.
For a copy of the Review Group's report into Environment Canterbury go to
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/rma/investigation-performance-environment-
canterbury/index.html
Local Authority Spending
Local authorities recorded a seasonally adjusted operating deficit
of $20.2 million in the December 2009 quarter, according to
Statistics NZ. The deficit the quarter is $45.4 million smaller than
the September 2009 quarter deficit of $65.6 million.
Operating revenue increased $69.2 million to $1,752.0 million in
the December 2009 quarter, and operating expenditure
increased $23.7 million to $1,772.1 million in the same quarter.
The most significant contributions to the increase came from
depreciation (up $10.8 million) and employee costs (up $8.5
million).
From the December 2008 quarter to the December 2009 quarter,
operating revenue increased by $102.1 million (6.2%) and
operating expenditure increased by $96.0 million (5.7%).
More at
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/government_finance/local_government/L
ocalAuthorityStatistics_MRDec09qtr.aspx
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524

N-F-P Sector
“Time Banking”: Giving & Getting
The basic principle of Time Bank is simple: one hour of your time
is equal to an hour of another person's time. Members of
Timebank are able to offer services or request them, and are
able to spend or gain their time credits with any other member of
the network.
Members may offer anything that involves time: a hobby,
professional skill, a passion or skills such as cooking, caring,
raising children, working bees, listening or civic participation. It
creates opportunities for the elderly to share their skills and
knowledge and have their needs met from within their community
and for those frail or unwell to be supported.
A “community chest” enables people to donate excess credits to
help those unable to offer services.
In Lyttelton local groups and schools are members and many
choose to pay volunteers in time credits. Volunteers may either
use their credits or donate them to the community chest,
doubling the benefit of their contribution. Any materials or goods
required for the trade are accounted for separately, either
purchased by the receiver or arranged by negotiation with the
supplier.
Project Lyttelton piloted NZ's first Time Bank and it has been so
successful that, after three years of operation, over 10% of
Lyttelton households are now members.
More is at www.inspiringcommunities.org.nz/community-news/273-time-banking-
reveals-real-wealth-in-communities
Code of Funding Practice Coming
The Office of the Community and Voluntary Sector has asked
Standards NZ to develop a Code of Funding Practice to guide
the contracting and grant-making of public servants. Online
consultation is due to start in April, and the finished Code will be
published on the Good Practice Funding website.
More is at http://www.ocvs.govt.nz/publications/newsletter/index.html
Social Research: New Centre
Impact Research NZ is a new research centre working with the
social service and wider not-for-profit sector to help answer the
question “what difference are we making?”. The centre will
provide research evidence to help with practice, planning and
policy, particularly focusing on families, older people and people
with disabilities.
For more on Impact Research go to www.impactresearch.org.nz
Charities Commission & Declined
Applications
Decisions by the Charities Commission relating to declined
applications and deregistration actions are now being published
on the Charities Commission website. In doing so it hopes there
will be better understanding of the law that governs decisions to
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
decline applications and deregister organisations, and of what is
meant by “charitable purpose”.
An information sheet called Publication of registration decisions – declines and
deregistrations, with a link to the decisions, is at
http://www.charities.govt.nz/guidance/declines_deregistration.html
Helping Donors Claim Tax Credits
For donors to be able to quickly make a successful claim to
Inland Revenue at the end of the year valid receipts for
donations need to have: the date the receipt is issued; the
donor's full name; the amount donated; confirmation that the
payment was a donation; the signature of an authorised person;
and the official stamp of the donee organisation (not needed if
the receipt is on the organisation's official letterhead) It's a good
idea to make sure the name of your organisation appearing on
your receipts matches the name recorded in Inland Revenue's
list of donee organisations. Including your organisation's IRD
number and/or Charities Commission registration number on the
receipt will also help speed the process up.
More is at http://www.ocvs.govt.nz/documents/work-pragramme/promoting-
generosity/ird-advice-on-donor-receipts.doc
Business
Trade Balance Improves
According to Statistics NZ, this country’s trade balance improved
further in February, rising from a surplus of NZ$269 million to a
surplus of NZ$321 million. Both exports and imports rose over
the month, by 5.3% and 3.8%, respectively, and have appeared
to trend higher in recent months. In the year to February 2010,
exports were down 3.6%, marking the ninth straight monthly
decline. The fall owed mainly to a drop in exports of meat and
edible offal (-11%). Preventing a larger drop in exports, however,
were significant increases in exports of logs and wood (+31%),
aluminium (+40%), and live animals (+125%), which were mainly
thoroughbred colts and fillies for racing, and dairy product
exports.
More is at
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/imports_and_exports/Goods/OverseasMe
rchandiseTrade_MRFeb10.aspx
New Productivity Commission
A Productivity Commission is to be set up to help boost NZ’s
economic performance across the public and private sectors.
Headed by up to four part-time commissioners, its main functions
will include:
• inquiries into productivity-related matters and reporting back
to Ministers;
• one-off reviews of existing regulations;
• reviews of the efficiency and effectiveness of regulatory
agencies;
• regulatory impact analyses of a small number of proposed
new regulations;
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 20
• research into productivity-related matters, to build up its
institutional knowledge; and
• promoting public understanding of productivity-related
issues.
The Commission will be funded through contributions from
reprioritising the existing budgets of 29 Government agencies.
More is at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/productivity+commission+will+focus+higher+gro
wth
Food Innovation Network NZ
The government is to spend up to $21 million to establish a
network of open-access food development facilities across the
country, so small- and medium-sized companies can develop,
test and prove new products (currently it is uneconomic for these
companies to individually develop these facilities).
Called Food Innovation Network NZ, the project will have four
regional hubs in Manukau, Waikato, Palmerston North, and
Canterbury.
The food and beverage sector is responsible for over half of NZ's
export earnings, and directly or indirectly, employs one in five of
the working population.
Kiwi Exports Shift Towards Asia
An export-led recovery is once again helping NZ climb out of a
recession but this time around it is China and emerging Asia
providing a leg up rather than our traditional trading partners in
the Australia, the US, and Japan. The value of our merchandise
exports to China surged by 43% to NZ$3.62 billion in 2009.
China edged out Japan to become our third largest export
market and overtook the US to become our leading partner in the
dairy trade.
More is at http://www.asianz.org.nz/shift-new-zealand-exports-towards-china
Aussies Drinking Our Wine
According to the latest report from Nielsen, NZ wine volume
sales in Australia have gone up 42.3% over the financial year to
2009, and sales value has doubled over the last three years. NZ
wines now represent 8% of the total wine sold through the off-
premise liquor market in Australia. Fuelling this movement is a
core group of Aussie consumers aged in their 30s who are
relatively new to the wine category and their consumption and
level of interest in NZ wines has steadily increased over the past
five years.
The Nielsen report reveals that this group of “thirty-somethings”
who regularly buy NZ wine differ from the general wine buying
population as they are more likely to be in their 30s and less
likely to be aged over 65; likely to live in metro regions –
particularly Sydney; and have a household income over $100K.
CEP Signed with Hong Kong
NZ has signed a closer economic partnership (CEP) with Hong
Kong. The NZ Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership (CEP)
will help NZ businesses expand in the region with some Kiwi
companies taking up further opportunities for trade with Hong
Kong, while others using Hong Kong as an accessway to China.
21 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
The CEP indicates the rising importance of Asia-Pacific
economic relations.
NZ's trade with Hong Kong is currently worth $823 million per
annum. Hong Kong is currently NZ's 9th largest export market.
The CEP further enhances NZ's economic integration in Asia,
following the conclusion of Free Trade Agreements with
Thailand, Singapore, China, ASEAN, and Malaysia.
Free Trade Negotiations Include
US
Negotiations towards Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), an eight-
nation free trade deal which includes the United States are
underway. These focus on extending an existing free trade
agreement between NZ, Singapore, Chile and Brunei to include
the United States, Vietnam, Peru and Australia.
A second round of talks is currently scheduled to take place in
June 2010.
Money Matters
The Big Picture: Infrastructure
Plan
A recently issued 20-year National Infrastructure Plan sets out
the Government's five main communications and transportation
priorities - broadband, electricity transmission, regulatory reform,
roads of national significance and Rugby World Cup 2011.
Three more “emerging priorities” are also considered: reviewing
the electricity market, agricultural irrigation, and better purchase
and management of the Government's physical assets.
The plan objectives are to: improve the Government's planning,
decision-making and management when it comes to
infrastructure systems in order to obtain maximum economic
benefits; give providers of these systems greater certainty about
the Government's plans; make sure that everyone involved in
these systems has a clear sense of what is happening right
across the board; and provide a “high-level snapshot” of public
and private infrastructure systems, and planned investment and
the Government's priorities.
To give an indication of just how big this picture is, here are the
section headings in the plan:
• Infrastructure and Growth: econometric evidence;
microeconomic evidence; international comparisons;
infrastructure and growth conclusions;
• Regulatory Issues: Resource Management Act,
Environmental Protection Authority, other reviews and
legislative changes;
• Financing Infrastructure: the long-term fiscal outlook,
PPPs and fiscal strategy, local government finances,
• Trends: Climate change, Growth trends and scenarios;
• Sectoral Analysis: roads, rail, ports, airports, energy,
electricity, gas, overall energy analysis, telecommunications,
water, drinking water, wastewater/stormwater/flood
protection, rural water, social sectors, primary and
secondary education, health, corrections…
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
The plan is at http://www.infrastructure.govt.nz/plan/mar2010
Minimum Wage Rise, Just
The minimum wage increased to $12.75 from $12.50 per hour on
1 April. The new entrants’ minimum wage and training minimum
wage increased to $10.20 an hour at the same time. Both were
previously $10.00 an hour.
All employees aged 16 years or more must be paid the statutory
minimum wage. Any employee who believes they are being
underpaid can seek information from the Department of Labour
who can then help them to resolve a formal complaint if they
have one.
For more on the minimum wage, visit http://ers.govt.nz/pay/minimum.html
GDP: December 2009 Quarter
NZ's gross domestic product (GDP), the official measure of
economic growth, was up a better-than-expected 0.8 % in the
December 2009 quarter. This rise follows an increase of 0.3% in
the September 2009 quarter and is the third consecutive quarter
of growth in NZ's economy. Strong manufacturing activity
contributed to growth in the December 2009 quarter. This growth
reflects both increased demand and the need to replenish
manufacturing inventories that have recently been run down.
More is at
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/economic_indicators/GDP/GrossDomesti
cProduct_MRDec09qtr.aspx
Food Prices Fall in February
Food prices fell 1.3% in the February 2010 month, following a
2.1% rise in January, Statistics NZ said recently. Four of five
subgroups made downward contributions to the February
decrease: fruit and vegetables (down 3.5% - a lot to do with
seasonally low prices for apples), meat, poultry, and fish (down
2.4%), grocery food (down 0.8%), and non-alcoholic beverages
(down 1.9%). The restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food
subgroup displayed no change.
Although food prices are now 0.7% higher than a year ago, they
are 9.6% higher than two years ago.
More at
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/economic_indicators/prices_indexes/Foo
dPriceIndex_MRFeb10.aspx
Regulation of KiwiSaver
schemes?
Work is being carried out on to determine whether:
• monitoring and reporting systems for default funds should be
extended to all KiwiSaver funds (would involve detailed
quarterly reporting to a monitoring panel, and also require
that one of the trustees of KiwiSaver schemes to be a
trustee corporation);
• KiwiSaver funds should be required to regularly report to
investors and the regulator on the returns, fees and assets
of each fund;
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
• the regulator should have increased supervision of the
trustees of KiwiSaver schemes and hold them accountable
for fulfilling their obligations; and
• further powers for enforcement by regulators are necessary.
New External Reporting Board
An External Reporting Board is to replace the Accounting
Standards Review Board next year. The move will take away the
statutory responsibilities that the Institute of Chartered
Accountants has had in relation to accounting and auditing
standards-setting.
There is international consensus that standards-setting should
be seen to be independent of the interests of the profession.
Many Angel Investors in 2009
More than $50 million was invested by angel investors into 63
young companies in 2009 – a 72% increase on the previous 12
month record of $29 million invested in 2008. Of the $50 million
invested last year, $20 million was into first round investments –
the highest annual dollar value of investment into new
companies - and $30 million comprised follow-on investments.
Since 2006, by region, 54% has been invested in Auckland, 12%
in Christchurch, 11% in Dunedin, 9% in Wellington, and 5% in
Palmerston North. Software and services have received 28% of
the amount invested, followed by pharmaceuticals (23%),
technology, hardware and equipment (13%), and food and
beverage (12%).
More at http://www.nzvif.com/documents/whats-new/YCFIndex-Feb10.pdf
Oz-NZ Double Tax Agreement…
A new Double Tax Agreement between NZ and Australia has
now come into force, bringing in lower withholding tax rates on
certain dividend, interest and royalty payments made between
NZ and Australia. The new withholding tax rates will apply from 1
May 2010, and, for other NZ taxes, the treaty will apply for the
income years beginning 1 April 2010.
The text of the new double tax agreement is available at www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz
…& Two More Tax Treaties
NZ has signed Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs)
with Dominica and with St Vincent and the Grenadines, which
bring the number of TIEAs NZ has entered into to 15. TIEAs are
international treaties that allow tax authorities in the participating
countries to exchange information on civil and criminal matters
with NZ.
The text of the treaties is available at www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz
Internet/ICT
Rural Broadband Plans
The government has finalised its plans for the roll out of high
speed broadband in rural areas and the reform of the
Telecommunications Service Obligations (TSO).
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 22
Some 97% of households will have access to broadband
services of at least 5Mbps; with the remainder reaching at least
1Mbps. A big part of the plan will be connecting fibre directly to
97% of schools across the country and 99.7% of students. The
remaining most remote schools will achieve speeds of at least
10Mbps.
The rural broadband initiative is expected to cost around
$300million, and it is being funded by a $48 million direct
government grant, plus $252 million from a new
Telecommunications Development Levy being set up as part of
the accompanying TSO reforms.
All the original TSO proposals have been agreed, including
changes to the way compensation for Telecom's delivery of local
service is calculated. Changes to the TSO levy will not affect the
TSO obligation, which includes free local calls, and there are no
plans to further loosen the rules around foreign ownership of
Telecom. A new Telecommunications Development Levy is
expected to raise over the next six years:
• $48 million for payments for delivery of TSO services and
upgrades to the emergency calling services system; and
• $252 million for the Rural Broadband Initiative.
The levy cost is expected to be offset by a reduction in Local
Service TSO charges.
More is at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/rural+telecommunications+plans+finalised
Internet & Kiwi Life
The second bi-annual AUT University survey of more than 1200
NZers shows that this country has reached a point where most of
us are using the Internet and there’s no longer such a thing as a
“typical user”. Highlights of the 2010 NZ World Internet Project
are:
• the number of Internet users rose from 79% in 2007 to 83%
in 2009;
• broadband usage jumped to 82% compared with 67% in
2007;
• the proportion of people accessing the Internet via mobile
phones more than doubled from 7% in 2007 to 18% in 2009;
• two thirds of users said the Internet was so important to their
everyday lives that losing access to it would be a problem;
• nearly half of all users are members of social networking
sites and three quarters of these report that Facebook is the
site they use most often;
• Asian NZers had the highest level of Internet use at 97%,
while Maori, Pasifika and Pakeha hovered around the 80%
mark;
• males and females used the Internet equally – more than
80%;
• about half of users post online messages, images or videos,
while one in ten earns income in this way;
• nearly half of users report that the Internet has increased
their contact with other kiwis, and more say it has increased
their overall contact with family and friends; and
• of people with under-18s in their household, around 80%
have rules governing online activities.
23 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
NZ is one of 30 countries involved in the World Internet Project –
a study that enables comparisons of Internet use across
countries.
More is at http://www.aut.ac.nz/research/research-institutes/icdc/projects/world-
internet-project
Top IT Countries
Sweden tops the rankings of The World Economic Forum’s
Global Information Technology Report 2009-2010. Then come
Singapore and Denmark (number one for the last three years).
Switzerland (4), the United States (5) and the other Nordic
countries together with the Canada, Hong Kong and the
Netherlands complete the top 10. NZ is at 19th.
A Networked Readiness Index (NRI) featured in the report
examines how prepared countries are to use ICT effectively in
three main areas: the general business, regulatory and
infrastructure environment for ICT; the readiness of individuals,
businesses and governments to use and benefit from ICT; and
the actual use of the latest information and communication
technologies available.
More is at
http://www.weforum.org/en/initiatives/gcp/Global%20Information%20Technology%2
0Report/index.htm
Voluntary 111 Emergency Call
Code
Telecommunications carriers have been asked to sign up to a
new, legally binding Emergency Calling Code which provides
minimum standards for the industry. The code was developed by
the Telecommunications Carriers' Forum. Mobile network
operators are also being asked to make formal arrangements for
emergency roaming between their networks, using SOS mode.
SOS mode enables mobile phones to use alternative networks
for emergency calling when they are unable to access their own
network for technical reasons.
Social Media & Business
Reputation
Social media continues to gain increased traction, usage and
influence. The 2009 “Managing Reputation” survey, by Senate
Communications and Baseline Consultancy, reveals that 92% of
CEOs now rate their organisation’s reputation as their single
biggest asset, and 80% of them believe it is the biggest risk. The
report notes that a common factor in at least half of the corporate
crises in 2009 was an increasingly large number of people
expressing their opinions online, and those opinions getting
mainstream media coverage.
Yet, the report also says, over 80% of CEOs said online
channels were only a low or average threat to their business. In
contrast, mainstream journalists see online media commentary
as equal to their own coverage in the damage they can cause to
an organisation’s reputation.
See the report at
http://www.senatecommunications.co.nz/files/Reputation_Management_Report-
FINAL.pdf
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
A Handful of Websites
• Complainers will be in heaven. Complaintline, a new website
for disputes resolution and investigation, is at
http://www.complaintline.org.nz/. You can search all the
organisations that deal with complaints – 18 of them,
ranging from the Ombudsman to the Quality Commissioner -
and get the kind of complaints they handle and how to make
them. You can also search a myriad of complaints, and get
the contact details of the agency responsible for handling it.
• Information in response to frequently asked questions about
the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
is at http://www.unesco.org.nz/index.php/priority-areas-
/inclusivity-and-diversity/un-convention-on-the-rights-of-
persons-with-disabilities-faqresource The information
includes responses to questions like: What are human
rights? What is a convention? How does the convention
work?
• A Treasury Briefing on the impact of leaky home repairs on
GST is at
http://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/informationreleases
/leakyhomes. Entitled “Contribution to Government Revenue
of Leaky Buildings Repairs”, it says that “expenditure on
repairing leaky homes is likely to have no impact on overall
GST receipts, because the money the government, councils
and homeowners would spend on repairing leaky homes
would otherwise be spent on other goods and services
elsewhere in the economy and, in turn, these would also be
subject to GST so there is unlikely to be any net increase in
GST.
• Kea NZ, a global network of expatriate NZers, is launching a
website at http://www.passiton.co.nz/. Called “PassItOn” it
will use the Rugby World Cup 2011 to promote NZ abroad.
• An AsiaNZ report on ever closer cooperation between the
region and NZ, and how Kiwi businesses are using Hong
Kong as a springboard to doing business in mainland China
is at http://www.asianz.org.nz/our-work/action-asia-
business/action-asia-insights/cep-hong-kong
• See the 50 most innovative companies in the world,
according to the editors of Technology Review at
http://www.technologyreview.com/companywatch/tr50/
• A New York Times article on how culture can influence
human evolution can be found at
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/science/02evo.html?pa
gewanted=all
• For a video on how online gaming could actually make for a
better world, go to
http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_mak
e_a_better_world.html
• A US article on co-working, i.e., sharing office space, is at
http://www.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2010-03-18-
coworking18_ST_N.htm
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Treaty Matters
Aquaculture Settlement Bill
Passes
The Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement
Amendment Bill gives effect to a Deed of Settlement signed in
May last year with iwi of the South Island and Coromandel for an
early cash payment to meet the Crown's obligations under the
Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004.
The agreement centres on a payment of $97 million in full and
final settlement of all Crown obligations for "pre-commencement
space" or aquaculture space that was approved between 21
September 1992 and 31 December 2004 under the previous
marine farming system.
The agreement covers the vast majority of NZ's current
aquaculture development areas, including the Marlborough
Sounds, Tasman Bay and the Hauraki Gulf, along with the rest of
the South Island.
More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1003/S00383.htm
Te Atiawa/Taranaki Terms of
Negotiation
The 150th anniversary of the start of the Taranaki land wars has
been marked by signing of Terms of Negotiation with two of the
iwi of Taranaki. These set out a process for settling the historical
claims of Te Atiawa and Taranaki iwi under the Treaty of
Waitangi.
The Taranaki land wars, the large-scale confiscation of land that
followed, and the invasion of Parihaka in 1881 and its aftermath
have been acknowledged by the Crown in the Waitangi Tribunal
as an injustice and as breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi.
More is at
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/terms+negotiation+signed+te+atiawa+and+tara
naki+iwi
Arts & Culture
TV Local Content Report
NZ On Air has just released its annual Local Content Report
measuring the amount of local programming on free to air
television. In 2009, local content on the six main free to air
channels reached 11,418 hours. This was a slight decrease
(1.6%) on 2008 figures.
More local programmes screened on Freeview and pay
channels, and NZ programmes last year accounted for 15 of the
Top 20 television programmes.
Read the report at
http://www.nzonair.govt.nz/media/42435/local%20content%202010%20final.pdf
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 24
“Arts For All” Guide/Workshops
A book called “Arts For All: opening doors to disabled people”
provides practical and long-term ways to increase access to the
arts, market arts events to the disabled community and build new
audiences.
Published by Creative NZ in partnership with Arts Access
Aotearoa, it is particularly aimed at mainstream arts
organisations, artists, and venues. Associated workshops will be
held in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin in May
this year.
More is at http://www.lgnz.co.nz/news/pr1268874893.pdf
The Asian Radio Show:
Contributions?
The Asian Radio Show invites all NZers to send in stories worthy
of broadcast on radio. You could be of Asian origin, or, if not,
then you could want to tell something “Asian” related. It could be
quirky, experimental or serious, a love story, an anecdote or a
comment on politics, a travel story, or drama. Five of the best
stories will be broadcast on the show between May and June
2010.
The Asian Radio Show (TARS) is funded by NZ On Air, and
broadcast every Saturday evening at 7.40pm on RadioLive
(100.6FM).
Final date for story delivery is 16 April 2010. Email
theasianradioshow@holycowmedia.com to run ideas, or for technical, script, editing,
delivery, copyright or other queries. Recordings should preferably be in .wav format.
Homegrown Film Competition
Homegrown brings the innovative work of the independent film
and digital media community to the 2010 NZ International Film
Festival. To be eligible for Homegrown selection filmmakers have
to be NZ citizens, permanent residents, or studying at an NZQA
authorised institution.
Submissions close on 14 April, 2010. An entry form is at http://www.mic.org.nz/wp-
content/uploads/2010/03/nzentry2010-1.pdf. For more information contact P Rose,
Homegrown Film Co-ordinator, MIC Toi Rerehiko, email Paul.Rose.MIC@gmail.com
Kiwis’ Favourite Movies
Video Ezy and Flicks.co.nz asked Kiwis to choose their favourite
movie of all time, their favourite NZ movie (also their most hated
movie). Over 10,000 NZers voted and the results are:
• best movie was voted to be “The Shawshank Redemption”,
followed by “Avatar”, then “Pulp Fiction”;
• best NZ film was “Once Were Warriors”, with “The Lord of
the Rings: The Return of the King” in second place, followed
by “Whale Rider” and “Goodbye Pork Pie”.
See the full list of results here: www.flicks.co.nz/features/great-nz-film-poll
25 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
Science/Technology
Crown Research Institutes:
Changes
Cabinet has signed off on recommendations recently made by
the Crown Research Institute (CRI) Taskforce in the first review
of CRI since they were set up in 1992.
The main change will give the eight CRIs more secure, long-term
funding (from around 20% to about 40%). Also, earning
expectations will be tailored for each CRI’s situation. These will
recognise that it is easier for some CRIs to make a commercial
return than for others. The Government’s overall aim is to reduce
the use of competition to drive performance.
Other changes include requiring “greater clarity on the role and
purpose of each CRI”; strengthening CRI board accountability –
including requiring them to have “open annual general
meetings”; putting in place “balanced” performance indicators
that link the outcomes of CRI work with “national benefit”; and
“greater use of expert science panels” to measure scientific
outcomes.
The Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MORST) will
be overseeing the change programme and it is expected to be in
place by 1 July 2010. Meanwhile, the recently announced
merger of the Ministry and the Foundation for Research, Science
and Technology is expected to take place over the next six
months or so.
Tons of Ice on Moon
NASA Scientists say they have detected large water ice deposits
near the moon's north pole in a discovery that makes the moon a
more attractive scientific destination than previously thought.
NASA's Mini-SAR instrument, a lightweight, synthetic aperture
radar, found more than 40 small craters with water ice. The
craters range in size from 1 to 9 miles (2 to15 km) in diameter.
Although the total amount of ice depends on its thickness in each
crater, it's estimated there could be at least 1.3 trillion pounds
(600 million metric tons) of water ice.
General
Seasonal Climate Outlook: April –
June 2010
NIWA says that mean temperatures are very likely to be above
the long-term average in most parts of the country, over the three
months April–June. However, short-term cold snaps will still
occur, especially as we move into winter. Despite recent
dryness, near normal seasonal rainfalls are likely in most places.
Regional predictions for the next three months:
• Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty:
Temperatures are very likely to be above average. Seasonal
rainfall totals are likely to be near normal, while below
normal soil moisture levels are likely. Stream flows are very
likely to be in the below normal range.
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
• Central North Island, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu
and Wellington: Above average seasonal temperatures are
very likely. Rainfall totals are likely to be near normal, while
stream flows and soil moisture levels are equally likely to be
in the near normal or below normal range, for the three
months as a whole.
• Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa: Temperatures
averaged over the three months are very likely to be in the
above average category. Seasonal rainfall totals are
predicted to be near normal, but stream flows and soil
moisture levels are likely to be in the below normal range.
• Nelson, Marlborough, Buller: Seasonal temperatures are
likely to be in the above average range. Rainfalls are likely
to be near normal overall, while stream flows and soil
moisture levels are equally likely to be near normal or below
normal.
• West Coast, Alps and Foothills, Inland Otago,
Southland: Temperatures are very likely to be in the above
average category. Seasonal rainfall, stream flows and soil
moisture levels are likely to be near normal.
Past Decade Warmest on Record
The first decade of the new millennium was the warmest on
record, the United Nations weather monitoring agency has
announced. The 1990s was in turn warmer than the 1980s.
The Southern Hemisphere was particularly warmer than the
long-term average, while the Northern Hemisphere cooled at the
end of 2009 with heavy snowfall in Europe, North America, and
northern Asia.
More is at http://www.wmo.int/pages/mediacentre/press_releases/pr_869_en.html
2009: Year of Inexpensive
Weather
According to “Natural Hazards 2009”, a review of NZ’s major
hazard events, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and low rainfall,
were some of our major events in 2009.
However, for the insurance industry, it was one of the least costly
years for natural disasters with claims only totalling $6.75 million
- compared with $86.27 million the year before.
2009 is described as a year of great escapes, one of the greatest
being the near-miss of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in
Fiordland in July 2009 - NZ’s biggest earthquake in 80 years.
Copies of the Review are available online from www.gns.cri.nz and www.niwa.co.nz
Longer NZ Citizenship
Requirements…
From 21 April all permanent residents who apply for citizenship
must have been in NZ for five years, rather than three years.
People are eligible to qualify for the three-year period only if they
were permanent residents before 21 April 2005, or have had
their successful application for permanent residency accepted by
Immigration NZ before this date.
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Eligible people who want to be considered under the old three-year rule must
ensure that their application is received by the Department of Internal Affairs'
Citizenship Office by 20 April 2010. Applications can be sent by post or delivered to
offices in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. More information, including an
online calculator, is available at www.citizenship.govt.nz
…More Older, Richer
Immigrants…
A new Immigration retirement package is aimed enabling high
income people of retirement age to come and live in NZ. It
includes two categories: Temporary Retirement and Parent
Retirement.
The Parent Retirement Category is for people who are already
seeking to migrate to NZ under the Family Category, who will
invest a minimum of $1 million in NZ over four years. The
Temporary Retirement Category is a two year permit for people
who want to spend some of their retirement in NZ, so long as
they invest $750,000 over two years here, and meet their own
health and welfare costs. Temporary Retirees will be able to
renew their permits as long as they continue to meet criteria
including investment funds, income and health insurance.
Applications of people applying for Parent Retirement Category
will be prioritised according to how much money they can bring
to NZ.
More on the schemes is at
www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/generalinformation/news/retirementpolicie
s.htm
…& New Immigration NZ website
This is designed to connect foreign investors to NZ business
networks quickly and efficiently, so giving migrant investors
greater opportunities to access NZ business networks.
The website is at www.investmentnow.govt.nz
NZ’s Latest Human Rights Report
NZ is required to report periodically on how human rights
obligations are being implemented domestically, and the United
Nations Human Rights Committee recently responded to NZ’s
fifth Periodic Report on Human Rights. It made several
recommendations across a range of issues, and has asked the
Government to respond to three of them within 12 months. They
are the over-representation of Maori in prisons, issues relating to
the Terrorism Suppression Amendment Act, and the review of
the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004.
The committee was more positive about: NZ's self-critical attitude
and constructive engagement with protecting the fundamental
rights of its citizens; and some positive human rights
developments in NZ, including the adoption of several pieces of
legislation. The Government is due to respond to the remaining
recommendations in its sixth periodic report due to be submitted
by 30 March 2015.
More is at http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/hrcs98.htm (scroll down, click
on the NZ flag; scroll across, click “E” for English)
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 26

Top 10 Priorities – Race Relations
According to the Human Rights Commission’s “Tui Tui Tuituia –
Race Relations in 2009”, the top 10 race relations priorities for
2010 should be:
• reviewing the place of the Treaty of Waitangi in NZ’s
constitutional arrangements and the future of the Maori
seats in Parliament;
• government and community action to reduce discrimination
against Asian NZers;
• ensuring the safety of international students, including
effective reporting mechanisms, by the education sector,
police and local government;
• increasing the representation of Maori, Pacific and other
ethnic groups in local government through the 2010 local
body elections;
• ensuring Maori, Pacific and ethnic communities have a voice
in the decisions of the new Auckland super city council;
• ensuring the new Auckland super city council continues the
Treaty of Waitangi relationships, cultural diversity and
settlement support programmes established by the outgoing
Auckland councils;
• reversing the increased racial inequalities that have resulted
from the economic recession, particularly in employment;
• initiating long-term action with specific targets to reduce the
high rate of imprisonment of Maori;
• completing strategies for Maori and Pacific languages, and
developing strategies for NZ Sign Language, community
languages, translation and interpreting services and
languages in schools; and
• developing the 2010 status report on human rights in NZ
and the Action Plan for Human Rights for 2011-2015.
“Tui Tui Tuituia – Race Relations in 2009” is at
http://www.hrc.co.nz/hrc_new/hrc/cms/files/documents/08-Mar-2010_14-17-
15_HRC_RR_Report_2009web.pdf
NZ Chinese Working Life: Study
Lantern festivals, fireworks displays and dragon boat races may
evoke the fun side of life for Asian migrants, but long working
hours and little time for leisure or family is the reality for many
Chinese immigrants to NZ, a new study (“Bamboo Networks:
Chinese employers and employees in Auckland”) has found. This
is from a report on the experiences of recent migrants working in
Auckland's food and retail sector as either employers or
employees.
The report can be found at: http://integrationofimmigrants.massey.ac.nz/
Advancement of Women: One UN
Agency?
The UN is about to start calling for nominations for an Under
Secretary General, to oversee the amalgamation of the UN
agencies that work for women so there is a single UN body with
the mandate and status to campaign for the advancement of
women the world over. NZ lobbied strongly for this at the
Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York earlier
27 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
this month. The agencies are: the Development Fund for Women
(UNIFEM), the Division for the Advancement of Women, the
Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues, and the UN
International Research and Training Institute for the
Advancement of Women.
NZ Sign Language Week
NZ Sign Language (NZSL) Week 2010 is being held from 2-8
May. Deaf Aotearoa says its aims are to: think Sign; raise
awareness of NZSL and promote it as an official language of NZ,
educate all NZers on how NZSL gives access to information and
services to Deaf people, increase the number of people learning
NZSL, encourage people to use it as a natural means of
communication everyday.
Deaf Aotearoa offices throughout the country will organise local
events and promotions.
More is at http://www.nzsign.co.nz/
NZ Community of the Year
Nelson's Victory Village has been named community of the year
in the Kiwibank NZer of the Year awards. Victory Village,
comprising Victory Community Health Centre and Victory
Primary School, is a unique example of a community-based
support group achieving positive health, social and educational
outcomes. After evolving from a number of health and social
services operating randomly out of school meeting rooms in a
disadvantaged area of Nelson, Victory Village and the wider
Victory community have gone on to attract national attention for
the way in which they respond and relate to their community’s
needs and aspirations. This has resulted in a more sustainable
community, with more effective service provision and families
that are more stable and resilient.
More is at
http://www.community.net.nz/communitycentre/news/national/victoryvillage.htm
Final Shape of Auckland
The Local Government Commission recently released its
decisions on Auckland local board numbers, wards and
boundaries. They include:
• 12 wards increased to 13 wards (for electing the 20
councillors) by splitting the proposed 2 - member Orakei-
Maungakiekie Ward into two single member wards (Orakei
and Maungakiekie Wards);
• boundary changes including: all Mt Eden and Kingsland
communities are in Albert-Eden-Roskill Ward; all Glen Eden
is in Waitakere Ward; West Harbour/Hobsonville/Whenuapai
moved to Albany Ward; Otahuhu moved to Manukau Ward;
• the number of boards has increased from 19 to 21;
• the proposed Hibiscus-Albany-East Coast Bays Local Board
is now Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and Upper Harbour
Local Board; and the proposed Waitakere Local Board is
now Henderson-Massey Local Board and Waitakere Ranges
Local Board;
• some changes to membership of boards (all between 5 and
9 members);
• 7 of the 21 board areas have electoral subdivisions;
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
• a separate Wellsford subdivision in Rodney Local Board;
• minor changes to the southern boundary (including all
Kariotahi Beach and Paparimu areas included in Auckland);
and
• the proposed northern boundary is confirmed.
Some Conferences/Events
Rural Women New Zealand’s National
Conference
The Conference is being held in the Oamaru Opera House,
Thames St, Oamaru on 24-26 May 2010. The theme is "Diversity
in Action - Resilient Rural Communities".
For more information go to the Rural Women New Zealand website at
http://www.ruralwiomen.org/NationalConference2010, or email
jemcilraith@xtra.co.nz
2010 Biofuels and Electric Vehicles
Conference
The conference, organised by the Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Authority (EECA), is being held at Te Papa in
Wellington on 21 April. It has a theme of “Growing the Market”,
and features a range of top speakers from Japan, the UK,
Hawaii, Portugal, and NZ.
For more information/to register for the EECA Biofuels and Electric Vehicles
Conference 2010, go to http://www.eeca.govt.nz/biofuels-conference
Agribusiness Conference 2010
This conference runs from 17-20 May 2010. the venue is
Bayview Wairakei Resort, Taupo.
More is at www.agribusinessconference.co.nz
Meat & Wool NZ Beef Expo
This is being held at Manfeild Park, Feilding from 15-18 May
2010.
For more information/registration go to http://www.beefexpo.co.nz/, or call
freephone 0800 233 339
National Refugee Resettlement Forum
This has been organised by the Department of Labour and it is
being held in Wellington on 26 and 27 May 2010.
For more details, including venue and registration, email
koskwa.shoniwa@dol.govt.nz
Irrigated Agriculture – NZ’s Economic
Future
This conference is being held from 26-28 April at the
Christchurch Convention Centre. It main themes are: Water –
Managing NZ’s Greatest Asset; Water Infrastructure – Future
Proofing NZ’s Primary Industry; and Establishing Trust – The
Key to Managing Our Own Destiny.
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
More is at http://www.irrigationnz.co.nz/events/inz-conference/
Prison Fellowship NZ Volunteer
Conferences
The final two of three regional conferences called “The Prisoner,
the Community and You” are being at the Oasis Community
Christian Centre, Napier on 16-17 April, and the Horticultural
Society Hall, South Hagley Park, Christchurch on 7-8 May 2010.
More is at http://www.pfnz.org.nz/regional_conference_2010.htm
NZ Council of Christian Social Services
Conference 2010
Called "Together We Can..", this conference focuses on services
for older people. It is being held at Waipuna Conference Centre,
in Auckland from 22 - 23 April.
More is at http://www.justiceandcompassion.org.nz/site/page.php?page_id=120
KISS: Kids in Safe Seats
This is the name of the Plunket Child Restraint Conference being
held at Auckland’s Crowne Plaza from 22-23 April.
More is at http://www.plunket.org.nz/your-child/small-talk/events/kiss-kids-in-safe-
seats?tot=4
Services for Older People Conference
This is being held at the Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland,
from 22-23 April. It is hosted by the NZ Christian Council of
Social Services and has the theme of Together We Can”.
More is at http://www.nzccss.org.nz/site/page.php?page_id=120
Aotearoa Wave and Tidal Energy
Association Conference
This is being held on 19–20 April, at the Oceania Room, Te
Papa Tongarewa, Wellington.
More is at http://www.awatea.org.nz/2010conference.html
Privacy Forum: The Future of Privacy
As part of Privacy Awareness Week 2010 the Office of the
Privacy Commissioner is hosting a one-day forum on “The
Future of Privacy” on Wednesday, 5 May 2010 at the
Intercontinental, Wellington.
A registration form is at http://www.privacy.org.nz/assets/Files/Forms/PAW-2010-
Registration-Form.doc draft programme
Building Bridges Community Mental
Health/Addictions Conference
This is being held from 14-16 April 2010 at the Wellington
Convention Centre.
More is at www.buildingbridges.co.nz
Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 28
NZ Federation of Disability Information
Centres Training Conference
This Conference will be held in Queenstown on the 17 and 18
May at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort.
More is at http://www.nzfdic.org.nz/
Funding/Awards Opportunities
Student ANZAC Competition
Students in Year 7 and 8 have the chance to win a day with the
Navy, Army or Air Force as part of Operation Anzac Forces — a
design competition launched by the NZ Defence Force (NZDF).
The competition requires students to design a poster showing
NZDF personnel working overseas.
Operation Anzac Forces closes on Anzac Day (25 April) with the winners to be
announced on 10 May. For further information about Operation Anzac Forces visit
www.nzdf.mil.nz
Green Ribbon Awards
Nominations are being called for the 2010 Green Ribbon Awards
(the 20th year of the awards) which honour NZ's environmental
champions. Nominations are open to all individuals, businesses,
community organisations, media, and public sector initiatives
which demonstrate visible results from their commitment to the
environment.
There are six categories covering different environmental
challenges from land to sea and six categories for different
contributions from individuals to large organisations.
Nominations close on 16 April 2010. For more information visit
www.mfe.govt.nz/withyou or email green.ribbon@mfe.govt.nz
Maori Provider Development Scheme
The funding under this scheme is available to regional, national
and Disability Maori health providers providing health and
disability services primarily but not exclusively to Maori.
Applications close on 28 May 2010. More is at
http://www.maorihealth.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexma/maori-provider-development-
scheme, or email MPDSadministrator@moh.govt.nz.
Mental Health Support Workers Training
Grant
This grant covers tuition fees for the National Certificate and
National Diploma in Mental Health Support Work.
Applications close on 30 April 2010. They go to Careerforce (Community Support
Services ITO Ltd).PO Box 25 255, Christchurch. For more information tel 0800 937
877 or email mentalhealth@careerforce.org.nz
Voluntary Bonding Scheme (Health)
Applications by health professionals to the Ministry of Health’s
voluntary bonding scheme are now open. This is an incentive
payment scheme for medical, midwifery, nursing, teaching and
veterinarian graduates who agree to work in hard-to-staff areas.
29 – Rural Bulletin April 2010
More, including registration details is at http://www.moh.govt.nz/bonding
Fulbright Science & Technology Awards
Applications are open for the International Fulbright Science &
Technology Awards enabling promising graduate students to
undertake fully-funded PhD study at top American universities in
fields of science, technology or engineering. Around 40 awards
are offered each year to graduate students around the world who
demonstrate unique aptitude and innovation in scientific fields,
leadership potential and the ability to be a cultural ambassador
for their country. Candidates are nominated by their home
country’s Fulbright Commission and the awards are valued at
over NZ$350,000 each.
The closing date for applications to Fulbright NZ is 3 May 2010. Find out more at
http://www.fulbright.org.nz/awards/nz-ifst.html
Lottery Community Sector Research
Fund
The Lottery Community Sector Research Fund committee
considers applications from community organisations to carry out
research and/or evaluation projects. Community organisations
can either undertake projects independently or in partnership
with a suitable provider.
Applications close on 7 May 2010. More is at http://www.cdgo.govt.nz/available-
grants/downloads.aspx#ApplicationType_1, call 0800 824 824 or email
lcsr@dia.govt.nz
Lottery National Community Committee
These grants are made to create benefits for NZ communities by
encouraging/enabling community self-reliance, capacity building
and stability, or opportunities for social, civil or cultural
participation Funding is available for e.g., developmental or
preventative projects, welfare and support services, or projects
that help improve the well-being of people in the community.
Applications close on 7 May 2010. They go to National Community Committee, C/-
Department of Internal Affairs, PO Box 805, Wellington, 6140. More is at
http://www.cdgo.govt.nz/available-grants/downloads.aspx#ApplicationType_14
Lottery Outdoor Safety Committee
This committee provides dedicated funding for all outdoor safety
activities, distributing funding to major outdoor safety and water
safety groups, and other groups that have outdoor safety or
water safety as their main purpose.
Applications close on 23 April 2010. They go to Outdoor Safety Committee, C/-
Department of Internal Affairs, PO Box 805, Wellington, 6140. More is at
http://www.cdgo.govt.nz/available-grants/downloads.aspx#ApplicationType_15, or
tel freephone 0800 824 824
The Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship (British) is for a year of postgraduate
study at a British centre of Higher Education and is aimed at
graduates with the potential to be future leaders. The
scholarship, which is offered in over 150 countries, is worth
£18,000 and covers airfares, tuition and living expenses. The
candidate will be selected by the British High Commission in
Wellington.
Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524
Completed applications must be submitted by 27 April 2010. To see more go to:
http://www.chevening.com/how-apply
Public Health Leadership Programmes
The first is a residential programme designed for public health
leaders in NZ funded by the Ministry of Health. In 2010, three
courses will be offered in Wellington: two for “new leaders” and
one for “experienced leaders.
The second comes in the form of a series of Leadership for
Maori in Public Health workshops currently underway, with more
to come.
Applications for the first course close on 16 April 2010, and more is at
http://www.publichealthworkforce.org.nz/Public-Health-Leadership-
Programme_182.aspx, More on the second one comes via
http://www.publichealthworkforce.org.nz/
amalgamation of the Southland and Otago DHBs. Dame
Margaret Bazley has been appointed as chair designate of the
new Commission replacing the Environment Canterbury Council.
New appointments to State-Owned-Enterprises include: Dianne
Kidd on AsureQuality, John Dell and Rukumoana Schaafhausen
on Genesis, Traci Houpapa on Landcorp, Mary Devine on
Meridian, Prue Flacks on Mighty River Power, David Willis on NZ
Post, and David Patterson on Solid Energy.
The Electricity Authority Establishment Board, which will set up
the Electricity Authority replacing the Electricity Commission, is
to be chaired by Dr Brent Layton.; and other board members are
Simon Botherway, Miriam Dean, Roger Sowry, Peter Harris, and
David Caygill.
Dr Murray Horn will lead work towards forming a single body for
the NZ wool industry. Trevor Janes has been appointed chair of
Public Trust, and Sue McCormack joins the Public Trust’s board.
The new chair of KiwiRail is John Spencer

Appointments
Phil Heatley has been reinstated as a Cabinet Minister holding
the portfolios of Housing and Fisheries & Aquaculture. NZs next
Ambassador to Indonesia will be career diplomat David Taylor.
Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan has been elected
chair of the International Coordinating Committee of National
Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
Judge Caren Fox is the new Deputy Chief Judge of the Maori
Land Court. The Governor-General has reappointed Justice Paul
Neazor as Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security for a
further three-year term.
The NZ Security Intelligence Service’s Director, Dr Warren
Tucker, has been reappointed for a further two-year term. John
Marshall QC has been appointed as Chief Commissioner of the
Transport Accident Investigation Commission. Geraldine
Glanville has been elected as the new chair of the Royal NZ
Foundation of the Blind Board of Directors. Dr Robin Pratt has
been reappointed as chair of the Testing Laboratory Registration
Council. Diane Robertson has been appointed a member of the
Housing Shareholders’ Advisory Group. Dr Brent Layton is to
chair the new Electricity Authority Establishment Board. Two new
Meat & Wool NZ/Beef & Lamb NZ directors are Kirsten Bryant
(Western North Island) and Anne Munro (Central South Island).
Chris Moller has been appointed as the incoming chair of the NZ
Transport Agency. The Government's review aimed at providing
better value for future Defence spending will be led by Dr
Roderick Deane. Members of the Board of Inquiry that will decide
on the proposed Tauhara II Geothermal Development Project
are: Environment Judge Gordon Whiting, Dr Patrick Browne,
Brian White, Glenice Paine and Jenni Vernon.
The new chief executive officer of the Disabled Persons
Assembly Inc (DPA) is Ross Brereton. Kim Hill has been
appointed to the Advisory Committee on Official Statistics.
Barbara Docherty, has been appointed to the Alcohol Advisory
Council. New panel members on the Human Rights Review
Tribunal are Dr Susan (Huhana) Hickey; Wendy Gilchrist; Selma
Scott; and Moana Sinclair. Leigh Pearson has been appointed to
the Broadcasting Standards Authority. Traci Houpapa has been
elected chair of the Federation of Maori Authorities. AsiaNZ’s
new Young Leaders Network steering committee members for
2010 are Chris Foulkes (Wellington), Alexandra-Jayeun Lee
(Auckland), Esther Hogenhout (Christchurch), Junita Douglass
(Christchurch), and Onnuri Lee (Offshore). Kathryn Platz has
been appointed as National Family/ Whanau advisor to the
Mental Health Commission. Errol Millar is the chair of the new
Southern District Health Board being formed by the

Rural Women New Zealand, enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, 04 473 5524 Rural Bulletin April 2010 - 30
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 Enterprising Rural Woman Award
Rural Women New Zealand is delighted with the quality of entries in its Enterprising
Rural Women Award 2010. Our thanks to Access Homehealth for their support for
the second year in a row and welcome to new sponsor Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

“The entries reflect the resilience of rural women entrepreneurs, who are continuing
to grow their businesses by looking for new markets and new ways of working in these
challenging economic times,” says Rural Women New Zealand national president,
Margaret Chapman.

A recurring theme among the award entries is a passion for making better use of New Zealand’s high quality raw materials,
such as merino wool, and the desire to support and retain onshore manufacturing.

“Many of the entrants have brought new life and work opportunities to rural communities, offering local employment as their
businesses have grown,” says Ms Chapman.

The high calibre of entries is going to make the task of judging very challenging, she says. The award is being judged by
Theresa Gattung of Wool Partners International; Doug Langford, recently retired chairman of Access Homehealth and Margaret
Chapman.

The North and South Island winners will be announced, both of whom will attend the award ceremony at the Rural Women
New Zealand National Conference 2010 in Oamaru on Tuesday 25 May, when the supreme winner will be announced. For
further information go to www.ruralwomen.org.nz.

Helping Dairy Farmers Better Manage Effluent

In March 2010, Telecoms ICT solutions business, Gen-i, in partnership with Harmonic launched the Re:Gen
effluent monitoring solution.

From their research and development programme Farmgate, Harmonic (an ICT R&D company) developed
Re:Gen an effluent monitoring and management system to assist dairy farmers manage effluent and benefit
the environment.

Re:Gen provides farmers with farm-specific information to support their decision whether to irrigate effluent
or not on any given day, and if yes, at what rate. To enable this each farm has a rainfall gauge, pond level
sensor and soil moisture and temperature sensor (optional) installed. These sensors are connected to a
telemetry device which transmits the sensor readings via either cell phone or wireless/internet automatically to the centralized database.

The benefits of Re:Gen cover daily management, better use of nutrients, demonstrable environment management, as well as giving off-
farm managers the ability to view the status of key indicators at any time of day from anywhere in the world.

Harmonic, with Massey University, developed a method of calculating a soil water balance (SWB). SWB is a representation of the amount
of effluent the soil can hold before leaching or direct run-off occurs. The SWB drives the decision tree which generates an irrigation
recommendation for the farmer. The recommendation is texted to the farmer, or if no cell phone coverage is made available on the secured
website dashboard view of their information.

The decision tree has been developed to take into account the capability of the farmer’s irrigator type, so the recommendation is relevant
to the equipment’s capability. It also has the flexibility to incorporate any other farm-specific or region-specific parameters around irrigation,
minimum or maximum application rates, or times of the year when irrigation is not permitted. As well as the daily text, the farmer can also
view all the data collected on their own secure, password protected web view – rainfall, pond level and soil moisture and temperature, are
summarised for the past week and month.

Re:Gen was extensively trialled on eight dairy farms during 2009. The trial was supported by Dairy NZ On-Farm Innovation Fund.

Gen-i is committed to providing integrated technology solutions and services that build a sustainable environment and a prosperous rural
sector

**More information can be found at www.regenerated.co.nz