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May 4Auckland Council’s Transport Committee has endorsed establishing a technical steering group to investigate access for pedestrians across the Harbour Bridge.
Payment for parental leave to risePaid parental leave payments will increase from 1 July 2011. Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson says the maximum parental leave payment will increase by $17 from $441.62 per week to $458.82 per week. The minimum payment for self-employed parents will also increase from $127.50 per week to $130.00 per week. "The arrival of a new baby is a major event for any family and any increase in financial support at this time is always helpful," Ms Wilkinson says. The maximum rate of paid parental leave is adjusted every year to account for any increase in average weekly earnings. Parents eligible for the scheme are entitled to up to 14 weeks paid leave at a rate calculated on the basis of their average weekly earnings. For more information about Paid Parental Leave and to calculate entitlements go to www.dol.govt.nz/paidparental Bring A Phone To Work Day for StarshipMore than 160 businesses around New Zealand have already registered for Starship’s Bring A Phone To Work Day which is taking place on Thursday, June 9th 2011. Bring A Phone To Work Day invites organisations to ask their staff, clients and contacts to donate as many old mobile phones as they can on one day – June 9th – and then donate these phones to Starship. The Starship Foundation partners with recycling company Folamh to refurbish and on-sell the old phones to developing economies around the world, with proceeds going directly towards the funding of Starship’s National Air Ambulance Service. Any phones beyond repair are recycled through the correct environmental channels. Year-round the Starship National Air Ambulance Service flies top medical experts to life-threatening emergencies around the country. These vary from complications arising from normal childhood illnesses such as the flu to accidents (drowning, car crashes, sporting injuries); as well as children suffering from heart conditions, seizures and meningitis. Starship’s specialists stabilise the children and allow them to be brought safely to Starship where they can receive the care they need. The Foundation is committed to providing $1.5 million annually to the service. Bring A Phone To Work Day is the Starship Foundation’s way of celebrating World Environment Day in June, where organisations and individuals all over the world roll up their sleeves to help the planet. “By asking organisations to donate their old mobile phones, not only will they help the environment, but they will help provide a vital service to critically ill and injured children around New Zealand as well,” says Starship Foundation CEO Brad Clark. Some of the first businesses to register to take part in Bring A Phone to Work Day were Air New Zealand, Barfoot & Thompson, EB Games, Giltrap Skoda, Mercury Energy and Merino Kids. Bring A Phone To Work Day is an initiative within Starship’s ongoing Mobile Phone Appeal. Since the campaign launched just over two years ago, donated phones from around New Zealand have now helped raise more than $1 million for Starship. More than 270,000 phones have been donated in that time. “No matter how many employees in an organisation, Bring a Phone to Work Day is an excellent way to foster teamwork and a practical way for staff to feel a sense of pride in belonging to an organisation that actively supports the environment and helps protect New Zealand’s most precious treasure – our children,” says Mr Clark. Organisations interested in taking part in Bring A Phone To Work Day should visit www.starship.org.nz/phone for more information. Regional summit on June 1Auckland's community organisations will have another chance to network and influence social policy by taking part in the second Auckland Regional Communities Summit on 1 June. Co-hosted by Auckland Council and the Auckland Community Development Alliance (ACDA), the summit provides an opportunity for community groups to act local, work regional and work together. Mayor Len Brown says the summit is also a great forum for the council and its communities to work together to enhance community development and social wellbeing. "These organisations are working at the coal face of community development and wellbeing and have valuable insight to guide us as we look to find new ways to work together to build a strong, inclusive and vibrant city." That insight and grassroots knowledge also provides valuable feedback to the Auckland Social Policy Forum, which brings Auckland Council and community leaders together with the government to work on social issues collaboratively. Two areas in particular the forum is keen to hear from the community on are youth employment and community empowerment. The first summit in December attracted more than 300 people and attendees at this month's event will hear about some of the feedback and actions that have come out of that inaugural summit. "With such a rich diversity of Auckland communities it was important that they were able to engage with the new Auckland Council in a meaningful and purposeful way and we see these summits as one of a range of ways that communities can achieve that," says ACDA co-spokesman Ray Tuala, of C.A.R.E Waitakere Trust. "It has also helped us to network with other groups across the region to see how we can support each other more and explore how we can create stronger communities through working together." The summit will feature a series of workshops, stories from the community about some of the ways they are working together locally and regionally. Len Brown and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse will also attend the summit and take part in a workshop as well being interviewed on stage. What: Auckland Regional Communities SummitWhen: Wednesday, 1 June. 12pm-4pmWhere: Mount Smart Stadium, East Lounge. Access via Gate C.Next census to be held in March 2013The next New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings will be held in March 2013, Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson announced today. The 2011 Census was postponed after Christchurch’s 22 February earthquake. "The 2011 Census could not have been successfully completed given the national state of emergency and the probable impact on census results," Mr Williamson said. "The census provides critical information for the Government and is a goldmine for researchers, councils, community groups and iwi trying to plan.” There are major benefits to holding a census in 2013, including being able to revise the electoral boundaries and hold a Māori electoral option ahead of a 2014 General Election. Population data can also be updated. Mr Williamson said the Government and Statistics NZ had considered holding the census in March 2012, however it was agreed the time period was too short to ensure the census could be planned accurately. "Statistics New Zealand will now begin planning and work on the 2013 Census," Mr Williamson said. Elephants triumphAuckland Council's Strategy and Finance Committee has voted to approve Auckland Zoo's proposal to acquire two young female Asian elephants. The vote came after reassurances that the acquisition would come at zero cost to ratepayers and that animal welfare and conservation would remain primary considerations for the Zoo. The Mayor says the decision is an important step as the new Auckland implements its strategy to become an events capital and a destination rather than a gateway. "It's also great news for Auckland's children," says Len Brown. "Few of us get the chance to see these majestic animals in the wild and it's great to be able to experience these wonderful creatures up close in a world class zoo environment." Strategy and Finance Chair Penny Webster says it's important to note that Aucklanders will able to benefit from two extra elephants without any negative impact on rates. "We're pleased that the council has listened to our proposal which confirms the animal welfare conservation and financial safeguards associated with accepting the gift of these elephants," says Regional Facilities Auckland Chairman Sir Don McKinnon. Auckland Zoo's Director, Jonathan Wilcken says the way is now clear for the Zoo to find a family for Burma. "The focus for the Zoo now is to find two suitable young elephants from abroad that will be compatible with Burma," says Mr Wilcken. "The process of bringing them here is likely to be lengthy and could take several months." "Once the right pair are found, they will have to undergo a quarantine programme in their country of origin. Then, accompanied by a small team of elephant specialists, they'll be sent by air to the island of Niue for further medical checks and quarantine procedures before coming to Auckland." On arrival at Auckland Zoo, the new elephants will be gradually introduced to Burma, allowing her to establish herself as the head of the group. Mr Wilcken said that leading zoos like Auckland Zoo that have elephants, work together to actively help protect and conserve Asian elephants in the wild. "Auckland Zoo supports habitat protection in Sumatra's Bukit Tigapuluh National Park where the elephant population has increased from an estimated 40 to 140 elephants." The two new young elephants are likely to arrive at Auckland Zoo in the second half of next year. Sarah Ulmer appointed Cycle Trail ambassadorPrime Minister John Key today announced that Olympic Gold medallist Sarah Ulmer has signed up as an ambassador for Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail project (NZCT). Mr Key told delegates and media at tourism conference TRENZ in Queenstown that he was delighted Ms Ulmer would front the promotion of the NZCT project. “Sarah Ulmer’s sporting achievements and her passion for cycling, fitness and health make her an inspiring ambassador for the Cycle Trail. “We already have one Great Ride open - the St James Cycle Trail - and 17 others are due to be opened in the near future. It is important to build the Cycle Trail brand to a point where both domestic and international visitors feel inspired to experience these Great Rides,” says Mr Key. Sarah Ulmer is one of New Zealand’s most recognised sports personalities. She became the first New Zealander to win an Olympic cycling gold when she won the women’s individual pursuit in Athens in 2004. She also won the pursuit gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and 2002. Ms Ulmer says the NZCT will offer a wonderful range of cycling experiences for visitors to enjoy. “Supporting this project brings together my own passion for cycling with my strong desire to encourage people from all walks of like to get out, get active and explore the outstanding range of cycling experiences New Zealand has to offer. “There is something pretty special and unique about exploring a country on two wheels and having access to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery,” says Ms Ulmer. Ngāti Manuhiri signs treaty settlementThe Crown has signed a Deed of Settlement for all historical Treaty claims with Ngāti Manuhiri, Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson announced. The deed was signed at a ceremony at Omaha Marae in Pakiri, Leigh, on Saturday May 21. The claims of Ngāti Manuhiri relate to the loss of land and the actions of the Crown, covering the eastern coastline from Whangaparoa/Orewa to Mangawhai, including Hauturu/Little Barrier Island. Ngāti Manuhiri has around 1200 members. The settlement includes commercial and financial redress worth $9 million, as well as the return of six culturally significant sites including 1.2 hectares of land on Little Barrier Island. Little Barrier Island is of high cultural significance for Ngāti Manuhiri and was a permanent home for whānau until 1896 when the Crown passed legislation to compulsorily acquire the Island. It then forcibly evicted the residents. “The Crown recognises the iconic importance of Little Barrier Island to Ngāti Manuhiri,” Mr Finlayson said. “The reserve will be transferred to Ngāti Manuhiri on settlement. Ngāti Manuhiri will then gift back the reserve to the people of New Zealand, retaining 1.2 hectares for cultural purposes.” The island’s status as a nature reserve will continue. On 2 March 2011, Ngāti Manuhiri and the Crown initialled the deed of settlement. In their ratification of the settlement over the past two months, the Ngāti Manuhiri community voted overwhelmingly in support of the settlement. Mr Finlayson said today’s signing was an important milestone for the Tāmaki Makaurau region and the country. “Resolving historical claims in Tāmaki Makaurau is beneficial for the long term benefit of Auckland and New Zealand as a whole. The Auckland region represents around a third of outstanding historical Treaty claims, and so resolving claims in this area is an important part of our goal of settling historical Treaty claims in a just and durable fashion by 2014.” “This settlement will help the Ngāti Manuhiri hapū realise long-term economic and cultural benefits for their people," Mr Finlayson said. Legislation will be introduced into Parliament to give effect to the settlement. Hui-a-iwi - Kaipara rahui on agendaThe Hapu of Ngati Whatua are holding a hui at Waikaretu Marae at Pouto on Sunday 29 May, starting at 10am to discuss the placement of a rahui over the area at the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour to stop the placement of 200 water powered turbines by Crest Energy. Three public meetings have recently been held at Dargaville, Wellsford and Helensville to discuss the concerns relating to the Crest Energy Project. The consensus of all three meetings was to stop Crest Energy placing any turbines in the mouth of the Kaipara. Many people stated that they would be part of a flotilla to achieve this. Members from other iwi around the motu have pledged their support to stop the Crest Energy Project. Maori and Pakeha will be working together in their hundreds and eventually thousands to protect the Kaipara for future generations. A Ngati Whatua spokesperson says everyone who is concerned about looking after the Kaipara is welcome to attend this hui, but those attending are asked to be mindful that the hapu of Ngati Whatua wish to uphold its Mana and kaitiakitanga over the Kaipara. Waipoua National Park investigatedThe Director-General of Conservation Al Morrison is investigating the establishment of a national park based on the Waipoua Forest in Northland. Land included in the investigation includes the Waipoua Forest (part of Northland Conservation Park), the Waipoua Sanctuary Area, the Gorrie, Katui, Marlborough Road and Trounson Kauri Park Scenic Reserves and the Maitahi Wetland Scientific Reserve. A public discussion document is being released today, marking the start of a two-month public consultation on the proposal. Mr Morrison said a national park at Waipoua had been talked about for more than a century, and he warmly invited anyone with an interest in this forest to participate in this public consultation. Public consultation is an integral part of the investigation process required by Section 8 of the National Parks Act 1980. The purpose of an investigation is to help the New Zealand Conservation Authority to assess whether the proposed area possesses outstanding scenic, ecological and landscape qualities. It also looks at the pros and cons of the proposal, including the social, economic and other impacts of making the area a national park. The discussion document introduces the areas under investigation, the criteria for assessment of their values, and the likely impacts on the communities surrounding them. Waipoua is largest remaining area of old-growth kauri forest, and has exceptional diversity of vegetation and species including numerous threatened species. It also includes ecological sequences from the coast to the heights of the Mataraua Plateau. Waipoua and the Trounson Kauri Park are well known for their groves of giant kauri including the iconic Tane Mahuta. The Maitahi Wetland is a rare example of gumland shrubland and swamp. Waipoua Forest is the ancestral home of Te Roroa. Te Roroa Manawhenua Trust Board spokesperson Moengaroa Murray, noted that the previous investigation for a national park centred on the kauri forests of Northland foundered because the time was not right, with Treaty settlements incomplete. In 2008 Te Roroa settled its historical Treaty of Waitangi claims with the Crown which has provided a platform for the current investigation. Part of the discussion document outlines Te Roroa’s history, views and aspirations for the park. All of the land in this national park investigation is within the rohe (area) of Te Roroa. Public feedback on the proposal will inform the report to the New Zealand Conservation Authority, which then recommends to the Minister of Conservation whether or not a national park should be established. A series of workshops and hui to inform people about the proposal and encourage feedback will be held around Northland over the next two months 2011. Submissions close on 18 July 2011. It is fitting that the investigation is being carried out during the United Nations 2011 Year of the Forest, which recognises the importance of forests to the communities which live in and around them. Rate rise less than forecastAuckland Council rates increases will be lower than originally proposed. The projected rates increase resulting from the Government’s amalgamation of Auckland Council would have been 9.3 per cent. However, Mayor Len Brown set a target maximum rates increase of 4.9 per cent. “The Auckland Council is focused on reducing the impact of rates on families,” says Len Brown. “The updated budget now has a base rates increase of 3.7 per cent, approximately one third of the previously projected increase. This was achieved through $81 million of efficiencies and savings, without compromising services to the community. “With these savings and efficiencies, the council has scope to further to invest in local communities across Auckland in partnership with the local boards. It also gives us capacity to progress our vision of turning Auckland into the world’s most liveable city. “My focus has always been to achieve affordable rates increases close to the rate of inflation, at the same time as continuing to invest in our communities and achieve balance and growth.” The Strategy and Finance Committee will meet next week to set funding priorities while working to keep rates as low as possible. It will deliberate on the various proposals that have come through the submission process and determine which to include. “The Auckland Council has delivered strong leadership in keeping rates affordable and driving efficiencies in the organisation,” says Strategy and Finance Committee Chair Penny Webster. “Our long-term focus is to set sustainable levels of rates alongside continuing to invest in the future of our region.” “We have reduced the cost of business-as-usual, meaning resources can be freed up for other investments. The Auckland Council’s total budget now comes to more than $3 billion, including more than $780 million in capital projects right around the region.” The governing body will sign off Auckland Council’s final Annual Plan in June. Watercare directors appointedAuckland Council has announced the appointment of two directors to the board of Watercare. Catherine Harland’s career includes private sector and local government elected roles. Her governance roles have included serving on a number of trusts and on the board of a small healthcare provider, in addition to committee roles as an elected member. Ms Harland was involved in the early processes leading to the establishment of Metrowater as a council commercial entity and its initial development as governance structures evolved. Tony Lanigan has developed a governance portfolio, including serving on boards of public, private and not-for-profit entities including the New Zealand Transport Agency. Dr Lanigan's engineering qualifications and background are combined with strong general management experience in New Zealand and overseas. His interest in Watercare stems from his engineering background and an avid interest in its contribution to the Auckland region, the role it plays now and in the future. The interview panel included Auckland Council Chief Executive Doug McKay and Watercare Chair Ross Keenan as well as councillors Richard Northey and Penny Webster. The panel was in full agreement on the appointments. Auckland Mayor Len Brown says he was impressed with the number and calibre of the applicants. “It is gratifying that so many people want to contribute to the service of the region and the success of the council and its CCOs,” he says. “I am very happy with the panel’s selection.” The panel members noted that both applicants demonstrated a depth and breadth of knowledge in their individual presentations, providing thorough responses to the panel inquiries on future issues facing both Watercare and the Auckland Council. The panel advised that both applicants clearly communicated a lateral approach to innovation and offered ideas on issues facing the water industry. Both expressed a commitment to an open relationship between Watercare and Auckland Council. Views on Give Way sought
Public consultation is now underway on the proposed changes to the give way rule. New freedom camping laws announcedThe Government is introducing new laws and policy to better manage freedom camping. “Freedom camping is an important part of our tourism industry and lifestyle, but we cannot tolerate irresponsible campers spoiling our most iconic areas with human waste and litter,” Environment Minister and Acting Conservation Minister Nick Smith said at the he Motor Caravan Association’s Annual General Meeting in Kaiteriteri, Nelson. “The number of freedom campers has doubled over the past decade to 110,000 international visitors and more than 40,000 New Zealanders. The existing system where each of our 67 districts has its own bylaws is not working for the responsible freedom camper wanting to do the right thing or for councils wanting to protect their local environment.” A new Freedom Camping Bill will be introduced to Parliament this month that will enable councils to determine where camping is allowed, where it is restricted to campervans with self-containment, and where it is prohibited. The Department of Conservation will be able to make similar rules on the reserves it manages. There will be nationally consistent signage and practical enforcement provisions. A website will be provided outlining where people can and cannot camp nationally. "We need some national consistency because most freedom campers are unaware of what district they are in one day to the next, but we also want to protect the rights of local communities to decide where freedom camping is to be allowed. We also want to encourage self-contained campervans by having restricted areas that don't have toilets, as the most serious problems arise from freedom camping without sanitary facilities,” Dr Smith said. The new law will provide for a $200 instant fine for illegal camping that may be imposed on the camper or the vehicle. New regulations will require campervan hire companies to record and disclose details so fines can be enforced. Fines up to $10,000 may be imposed by courts on a successful prosecution for illegally discharging a campervan's sewage. “We will be working hard with councils to ensure these new freedom camping measures are in place for the 85,000 visitors expected for Rugby World Cup 2011, so as to protect the environment and our clean, green tourism brand,” Dr Smith said. Maggie Barry selected for North ShoreMaggie Barry has won the National Party's pre-selection for the seat of North Shore in the upcoming General Election. “The level of interest in this selection underscores the enthusiasm within the Party in election year," Electorate Chair Lorraine Campbell says. “As an electorate, we pay tribute to Defence Minister Wayne Mapp for his service to our community and wish him well for his future endeavours." Barry says she is looking forward to the opportunity of fighting for the privilege to represent the people of North Shore. “For our community, this election is about maintaining the North Shore’s strong, consistent voice in the National Government," she says. “I sense the community understands National’s plan to grow the economy, to start living within our means as a country, deliver enduring jobs, and build the critical infrastructure to future proof New Zealand and our region." Barry’s entry into politics follows a 30-year career in broadcasting, best known for her television roles on One News and Maggie’s Garden Show. As a Chair of the New Zealand Book Council, Patron of Hospice New Zealand, and Member of the Institute of Directors until 2010, Barry’s candidacy for the North Shore Seat adds to a history of service to the community and business stretching as long as her broadcasting career. Barry is mother to teenager Jo and enjoys the strong support of her partner Grant Kerr. Barry has vouched to move into the electorate if elected. “The family and I would be very proud to call the North Shore home. Worthy walls wantedKeep New Zealand Beautiful is inviting school students to enter a competition which combines history, art, social studies and geography studies. They have launched its “Wall Worthy” mural competition and hope to see many entries from schools before July 15 2011. The main idea is to get students submitting ideas/designs on what makes their community “Wall Worthy”. A Keep NZ Beautiful spokesperson say that rather than the usual graffiti vandalism which defaces property and diminishes community pride, KNZB is trying hard to eliminate this by inspiring students to think about what they’re proudest about in their community and what sets it apart from anywhere else in the country. A winning mural design from each region will be selected during Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week (20-27 August) and then brought to life by students in their own community with paint from Resene. KNZB also has great prizes from Panasonic along the way for designs and ideas which stand out amongst the crowd. For everything you need to know about Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s “Wall Worthy” competition visit www.knzb.org.nz today and get your students onboard because we want a nation inspired to Keep New Zealand Beautiful! Additional disqualification costsNew road safety legislation passed in Parliament last week will require all suspended or disqualified drivers to pay a fee to have their licences reinstated before driving again. The change comes into force from today (10 May). Previously offenders who had been suspended or disqualified for less than 12 months, and whose licence had not expired, could simply return to driving once their suspension or disqualification period ended. However, changes included in the Land Transport (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Act mean that anyone who has been disqualified by the Courts or suspended for any reason (other than a 28-day suspension) will need to apply to have their licence reinstated before they can legally return to driving. The New Zealand Transport Agency’s General Manager Access and Use, Ian Gordon, says it’s important that suspended and disqualified drivers understand that until they have had their licence reinstated they will be unlicensed and are not legally entitled to drive. “Driving while unlicensed is a serious offence carrying fines of up to $1000. It also carries the risk of having your vehicle impounded,” Mr Gordon said. The licence reinstatement fee of $66.40 covers the costs incurred by the NZTA when a driver is suspended or disqualified. These costs include administration of the demerit point system, reissuing driver licences, providing temporary licences while the photo licence is being arranged and answering related enquiries. “It’s a matter of fairness that the drivers with suspensions and disqualifications who have incurred these costs should be the ones who pay for them, instead of the costs being passed on to all other drivers,” Mr Gordon said. Drivers seeking the reinstatement of their licence will need to apply at a NZTA driver licensing agent. They will have to provide evidence of identity and address, complete an eye check, have their photograph taken, provide an updated signature and pay the reinstatement fee Further details and Q&A’s on the law change are available from www.nzta.govt.nz. Take the pressure downSt John is encouraging people to have free blood pressure checks on Saturday 14 May. The free checks are available right around the country and are part of the Stroke Foundation’s national campaign to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. St John Medical Director Tony Smith says St John is pleased to be supporting the campaign, and will be providing checks right around the country. “This is a good opportunity for people to have a quick, painless check,” he says. “We’re all so busy with families, work, sport and other activities that it can be hard to make the time for something as simple as a blood pressure check, and yet it could end up saving our lives. It’s easy for high blood pressure to go undetected.” “St John is committed to helping the community to stay healthy, and we’d really encourage you to come along for a free test.” Information about blood pressure and other risk factors for stroke will be provided during the check, and people with raised blood pressure will be referred to their GPs for medical advice and treatment. “The big thing is to know what your blood pressure should be, have it checked regularly, and remember that the lower your blood pressure the less likely you are to have a stroke,” says Dr Smith. Blood Pressure testing locations - Saturday 14 May 2011 St John Northern Region testing locations:
A fresh start for fresh waterEnvironment Minister Nick Smith and Agriculture Minister David Carter today announced the Government's fresh water policy package saying improved water management is needed to grow the economy while better caring for our rivers, lakes and aquifers.“This balanced package is about getting the right rules and funding in place to support irrigation development and economic growth, while ensuring protection of the environment,” the Ministers said. The package comprises
Mr Carter said New Zealand's abundant fresh water resources were a real competitive advantage for our primary and tourism industries. “These steps are about improving the management of water to support a growing economy and the great Kiwi lifestyle of swimming, boating and fishing.” Budget 2011: New fresh water clean-up fundEnvironment Minister Nick Smith today announced the establishment of a new contestable fund to help councils and communities clean-up nationally significant water bodies polluted by poor historic management.“We have a number of significant rivers and lakes that require major clean-up investments where it is beyond the capacity of councils alone to meet the cost. A pre-condition for the Government’s funding support is councils having effective rules in place to prevent ongoing pollution. This is about the Government using both a carrot and stick approach to improving freshwater management,” Dr Smith said. “This initiative brings together a number of existing one-off clean-ups in Waikato, Rotorua and Taupo into the Fresh Start for Fresh Water Programme as well as reprioritised funding in the Budget for the new contestable clean-up fund of $7.5 million per year for 2011/12 and 2012/13. The total investment, incorporating existing commitments, is $26.2 million in 2011/12, $23.7 million in 2012/13, and including out years involves $264.8 million. “This Fresh Start for Fresh Water Clean-up Fund is about the Government providing a more consistent framework for supporting existing river and lake clean-ups and providing new funding that enables all regions a fair opportunity tosecure Government financial support. “This initiative was specifically proposed by the Land and Water Forum’s Fresh Start for Freshwater Report support by 58 representative water stakeholders and endorsed at 18 public meetings throughout New Zealand.” The Government will be inviting applications for the new fund in June with an expectation of new projects being approved by August. Civil Defence - Albany tornado updateMore than 200 properties have been inspected by Auckland Council building inspectors. Civil Defence is working with organisations and agencies to support the residents impacted by the tornado. If people require welfare assistance or information about buildings or properties damaged by the tornado they can call 0800 463 010. Auckland Council Staff are assessing the affected areas and working to ensure debris material is removed as quickly and safely as possible from public areas. The southern end of the Albany Mega Centre remains closed. Motorist should expect some disruption to travel within the vicinity of the Albany Mega Centre. Auckland Council building inspectors have now completed the assessment of the commercial properties at the mall and Albany Mega Centre. The status of the 5 damaged commercial buildings (as of today at 11:20am): · Westfield Albany – minor structural damage to one wing of the centre – 50% open · Albany Mega Centre – 90% is operating and functioning normally · Placemakers – demolition continuing – surrounding car park closed · Farmers – not open · Pack’ n Save – open Sectors of Albany mall re-openNorth Shore Police say that 50 per cent of the Westfield Mall in Albany is now open for regular retail trading. Ninety per cent of the Albany Mega Centre is reported to be operating and functioning normally. Most of the Northern sector of the Mall reopened about noon. Significant damage was sustained to sectors of the Westfield Mall, Pak N Save, and other commercial locations as a result of the tornado that tore through the area yesterday. Members of the public are urged not to enter the areas that remain closed and sealed. There are signs in place at the southern end of the Albany Mega Centre which will remain inaccessible. Some disruption to motorists can be expected. In suburban Birkenhead, there is still a police presence. Council contractors are working on some of the residential properties damaged by the tornado. Police say they will continue to be highly visible over the next 24 hours in all suburbs and areas affected by the tornado. Step towards a Harbour Bridge pathwayAuckland Council’s Transport Committee has endorsed establishing a technical steering group to investigate access for pedestrians across the Harbour Bridge. The proposed members of the Auckland Harbour Bridge Pathway Technical Steering Group are the council, Auckland Transport, New Zealand Transport Agency, Waterfront Auckland and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development. It would also include the Pathway Group, a team of Auckland professionals who have developed a proposal for a pathway on the bridge. The group recently released a report into the feasibility and funding of a pathway attached under the southbound bridge clip-on. The Mayor, through his Letter of Expectation and subsequently the Auckland Transport Draft Statement of Intent, established the initiative as a strategic priority. Auckland Council Transport Committee Chair Mike Lee backs the move. “Cycling and walking across the bridge has long been sought by Aucklanders and the magnificent views this would provide would also create a popular visitor attraction,” says Cr Lee. “A Harbour Bridge that also carries walkers and cyclists would add more value to the existing Harbour Bridge.” Len Brown says “A pathway would be a boost to tourism as well as provide an important alternative transport option between the North Shore and of the rest of Auckland.” A key issue for the steering group to investigate is whether the bridge can physically and structurally accommodate a safe pathway. Funding is also an issue with the Pathway Group investigating alternatives including a toll. Online security goes wantingA new survey into New Zealanders’ attitudes of cyber and online security behaviour shows that Kiwis are taking unnecessary risks with not only their home computers, but with protection of their financial and personal information. Two of New Zealand’s leading online safety specialists, NetSafe and AVG (AU/NZ) have today released the results of a Cyber Security Survey. The survey is the first of its kind undertaken in this country to quantify New Zealanders’ perceptions of online safety and their use of protection mechanisms for their online activities. More than 87 percent of the respondents in the NetSafe AVG New Zealand Cyber Security Survey* believed they had adequate protection from online threats, yet only half had installed a combination of current, automatically updated anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and anti-spam software to provide vital security against criminals and insidious malware attack. The online world is no place for a “she’ll be right” attitude, says Martin Cocker, Executive Director NetSafe New Zealand. “While the vast majority of Kiwis are using their computers for an increasing variety of activities including online banking, buying goods and services, paying bills and checking emails, only a small percentage of respondents could describe how they were protecting those activities.” Whilst concern about online threats was generally high, the survey revealed high levels of concern about online child predators (72 percent) and lower levels for identity theft, Online Scams, and Computer Security. This highlights the gap between perception and reality and the urgent need for well promoted education programs to spell out the increasing threat from not only online predators but also cyber criminals who have financial gain as their objective. Cocker said: “The threat from sexual predators is real and we must remain vigilant in the protection of children online. However, we are seeing much greater numbers of people being harmed by crimes that fall under the ‘online security’ category”. “We go to a lot of trouble to secure physical assets like our houses, cars and cash, but take far less care securing important personal information, passwords and credit card numbers. As we increasingly live our lives online, these are the assets we must learn to protect. “ Nearly 30 percent of those surveyed encountered a problem with online security, with issues ranging from computer malware to having details hacked, or being a victim of fraudulent credit card transactions. Lloyd Borrett, Security Evangelist at AVG (AU/NZ) says cyber criminals are increasingly sophisticated. “In the US last year more than 2.5 million households had to replace their computers after they were infected with viruses and spyware. Identity theft continues to rise because of how easily cyber thieves can steal it, sell it, and get away with it. “Hackers go where the money is and follow the path of least resistance. We need to defend ourselves as users and as businesses against these cyber criminals. “Despite this, I believe we can make the Internet a safer place. My advice is for people to get smart about Internet security and pass it on. With each new user that gets serious about online security, the Web gets a little bit safer and stronger as a whole,” says Borrett. Accurate knowledge of online security risks and solutions was quite limited among the respondents. Barriers to having adequate computer security also included perceived issues such as cost, time to implement and impact on Internet speed. With the survey revealing that most people look to their friends for information, they are leaving themselves open to the rapid introduction of new forms of online attack and criminal activity. “It’s frustrating to see so many people fall victim to the bad guys on the Internet,” says Cocker. “We recommend people have a look at sites such as The Orb (www.theorb.org.nz) which provides an opportunity to report cybercrime and includes advice for keeping safe online. And take advantage of the many free, easy to use security products available, such as those offered by AVG and others, which have no impact on the speed of your systems.” Borrett gives a final piece of advice, “Don’t forget, online safety doesn’t just apply to your PC or laptop — today’s smartphones and tablets are computers in your pocket, containing crucial personal information, and they need securing just as much as traditional computers.” |
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