Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011

August 2011

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Paddy & CraigBulletin Aotearoa Editors

A Rural Women NZ Production

Subsidies for Aged Residential Care Up ............................. 19Consultation Study of Oz-Kiwi Stroke Victims .......................................... 20

Changes to Rules About Medicines ................................. 20Vulnerable Children: Governments Green Paper .................. 4 & Care of Medicines in Rest Homes ............................... 20New Rules for Incorporated Societies ................................ 4NZ Universal List of Medicines Released ............................ 20 Review of Trust Law ...................................................... 5New Requirements for Teeth Whiteners ............................. 21 & Review of Credit Repossession Laws ............................ 5Developing Cultural Competency in Health ......................... 21Welfare Code: Llamas & Alpacas .......................................... 5Self Help For When Times are Tough ................................. 21Adventure Tourism Review Regulations ................................ 5Skylight: A Resource for Bullies .......................................... 21Regulating Traditional Chinese Medicines ............................. 6Movember: Raising Awareness of Mens Health ................. 22ACC Worker/Business Levy Reductions ................................ 6Synthetic Cannabis Products: 12-Month Ban ...................... 22Raw Milk Regulations ............................................................ 6Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Guidelines .............................. 22Early Childhood Education Taskforces Report ...................... 6Communication Services for People with Disabilities .......... 22Business Green Growth ...................................................... 7Increase in Breastfeeding ................................................... 22More Transparency in Takeover Bids ................................ 7Two Cancer Drugs Funded ................................................. 23 & Transparency & Accountability of Regulation Makers .... 7Health of Older People Strategy: Report .......................... 23Productivity Commission & Freight Costs .............................. 8ACCs Injury Limit & Age Deduction: HRC Action ............... 23Unpackaged Meats: Country of Origin Labelling? .................. 8UN: More Graphic Anti-Smoking Labelling .......................... 23Hedging NZ Electricity Prices ................................................ 8

Ministry of Fisheries Consultations ........................................ 8 Education/TrainingEnvironmental Protection Authority Consultations ................. 9LINZ: The Poplars Tenure Review ......................................... 9 Teacher Mentoring: Guidelines & Workshops ..................... 24

Tenure Review ................................................................... 9 Helping Schools Tackle Autism ........................................... 24PHARMAC Consultation ........................................................ 9 Learn More About Dairy Farming ........................................ 24Department of Conservation Consultations ......................... 10 Password - For New Readers of English .......................... 24Primary Health Providers Working Together: Survey .......... 10 Tertiary Education & Refugee Students: Research ............. 25Maori in Oz: Voting Habits Survey ....................................... 10 UNESCOs Literacy Awards ................................................ 25Participants Wanted for Antidepressants Study ................... 11

EmploymentHelp Trace the Chinese Knotweed Plant ............................. 11Rotorua Government Gardens: A Special Place? ................ 11 Benefits Decrease ............................................................... 26North Canterbury Highway Investigation.............................. 11 Employment Market Grows ................................................. 26

Steady Growth in Online Job Vacancies ............................. 26Rural Skills in Demand Update .............................................. 26Review of Animal Welfare Strategy ..................................... 12 & Soft Skills In Demand ............................................... 26Quad Bike Farm Licence Launched ..................................... 12 Why So Much Frustration at Work? .................................... 27New Online Walking Access Maps ...................................... 12 All about Work in NZ: Four DoL Reports ............................. 27Regional Dairy Effluent Compliance Improving ................ 13 Temporary Visas for Religious Workers .............................. 28 & More Stream Fencing .................................................. 13

Housing/BuildingForestry Exports Up ............................................................. 13Rural Sales Volumes Rise, Prices Ease .............................. 13 Leaky Homes Assistance Now Available ............................ 29No Milk Price Control Inquiry ............................................... 13 June National House Prices Up ....................................... 29Farmers Markets Cooking Demos ...................................... 14 but June Home Consents Down ...................................... 29Ag-Hub: Best of the Best ................................................... 14 Rental Property Supply Surge Eases .................................. 29RWNZ: Adverse Event Activities Funding ............................ 14 More Community Housing Part-funded ............................... 29Reminder: Livestock & Trains Dont Mix .............................. 14Access to EU for NZs Grain-Fed Beef ............................. 15 Energy& More Fonterra Expansion in China ............................... 15 All About NZ Energy ............................................................ 30

Proposed Changes to Electricity Distribution Pricing .......... 30EnvironmentEnergy Management Standard for Business ....................... 31

E-waste Report Released .................................................... 15Making the Boardroom Green .............................................. 15 Transport & TravelAustralias Carbon Credit Plans ........................................... 16 Good News: Road Toll Down .............................................. 31Other Global Environmental Stories .................................... 16 Land Transport Funding Policy Released ........................... 31

Young Drivers: Licensing Changes ................................. 31Tourism & New Young-Driver Training Website ........................... 32

Volcanic Ash Disrupts June Travel ...................................... 17 Electric Vehicles Publicly Available in NZ ........................... 32Domestic Tourism Steady in March Year............................. 17 Trans-Tasman SmartGate Trial........................................... 32Auckland Lifts Guest Nights in May ..................................... 17 Security Cameras for All Taxis ............................................ 32Holiday Parks Awards .......................................................... 18 Nelson Older Drivers Offered Free CarFit ........................ 32

Health Justice/The LawChild Abuse: How Can I Tell .............................................. 18 Debt Collecting Bill Passed ................................................. 33Residents Views of Retirement Village Act ...................... 18 Criminal Procedure (Reform & Modernisation) Bill .............. 33.. & Aged Residential Care Confidence Survey ................... 19 Supporting Children in Court Proceedings .......................... 34Older peoples Home-based Support Services Assessed.... 19

1 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524

Addressing Drivers of Crime: Report ................................. 34 & Watch for Rugby World Cup Scammers ..................... 47Womens Access to Justice ................................................. 34 Re-Mix & Mash-Up Competition .......................................... 47

TUANZ Awards 2011 .......................................................... 48Parliament Tech Withdrawal is Tough ................................................... 48

Structural Separation of Telecom ........................................ 48Democracy - Everyday Concepts ...................................... 35Telecommunications Groups to Merge ............................... 49The Foundations of Democratic Society: .......................... 35

A Handful of Websites ..................................................... 49Popular Control and Political Equality:.............................. 35Free and Fair Elections: ................................................... 35 Treaty MattersPolitical Choice: ................................................................ 35Representative Democracy: ............................................. 35 Deed of Settlement with Rongowhakaata ........................... 50

Human Rights Dimensions of Te Tiriti ................................. 50Public Service/Local Authorities

Arts & CultureLocal Authorities Reduce Operating Deficit ......................... 36The Customs Service: OAG Report ..................................... 36 NZ Post Book Awards ......................................................... 51Govt Investigates Inter-agency Radio System ..................... 36 New NZers: Got a Good Story? .......................................... 51

No More TVNZ Charter ....................................................... 51Not-For-Profits NZ Film Popular in US ........................................................ 51

Self Taught Artists Exhibition.............................................. 52Snapshot of NZs Charitable Sector. .................................... 37Communitymatters: DIAs New Website .............................. 37 Fish & ShipsNeed a Volunteer? ............................................................... 37Local Non-commercial FM Radio Frequencies Available..... 38 Foreign Charter Vessels: Ministerial Inquiry ........................ 52NZ Sign Language: Online Dictionary .................................. 38 Check up on Marine Baddies .............................................. 52Registering Marae as Charities ............................................ 38

Science/TechnologyYouth Mentoring Network: Mentoring Factsheets ................ 38KiwiNet Launched ............................................................... 53Business New Technology Voucher Scheme ..................................... 53

Dairy, Meat Lead Export Increase ....................................... 39 National Research to Minimise Tobacco Use ..................... 53Steady as She Goes for Manufacturing ............................... 39

GeneralBusiness Mentoring Demand High ...................................... 39Social Media Influence on Consumer Buying ...................... 39 Seasonal Climate Outlook: August October 2011 ............ 53Businesses Take Longer to Pay .......................................... 40 NZs Coldest & Hottest Recorded Temperatures ................ 54NZ: Speaking the Customers Language ............................. 40 Shape of an Earthquake Recovery Strategy ....................... 54Tougher Rules for Non-Bank Finance Firms? ...................... 40 Community wellbeing ....................................................... 54Indonesia: Opportunities for Trade ...................................... 40 Culture and heritage ........................................................ 55

Built environment ............................................................. 55Money Matters Economy .......................................................................... 55Economy Grew Strongly Last Quarter ................................. 41 Natural environment ........................................................ 55June Retail Card Spending Up ............................................ 41 Review of Privacy Law: Recommendations ........................ 55Consumers Price Index: June 2011 Quarter .................... 41 Global Wellbeing Study: NZers Doing Well ......................... 56 & Review of Consumers Price Index ............................... 41 Join the Study .................................................................. 56Seasonal Rise in Vegetable Prices ...................................... 42 & Addressing Young Peoples Inequality: Proposals ....... 56Low Income Family Budgets Hard Hit .................................. 42 Ethnic Communities Handbook Expanded .......................... 57NBRs Rich List .................................................................... 42 Rights to an Interpreter Factsheets ..................................... 57Making Financial Statements Meaningful ............................ 42 2011 NZ Supreme Pie Award Winners ............................... 57Review of Govt Super Fund Authority .................................. 43 Tongan Language Week ..................................................... 58Child Support Scheme Consultation Submissions ........... 43 Disability Survey to Follow 2013 Census ............................ 58 & IRD Report on Compliance .......................................... 43 Some Conferences/Events ................................................. 58NZ Cities Attractive for Expats ............................................. 44 2011 Suicide Prevention Information NZ Conference ...... 58Gaming Machine Spend Lifts Again ..................................... 44 Storylines Festival of NZ Children's Writers & Illustrators 58NZ-Samoa: Development Agreement .................................. 44 Live Below the Line Global Poverty Project ................... 58Commerce Commission Gets a Rise ................................... 44 Workplace Culture in a Tiny Country: HRINZ .................. 59

Child Rights Advocacy Training ................................... 59Internet/ICT & Education Advocacy Training .................................. 59

Spring into Spring! AKTESOL Expo 2011 ........................ 59Broadband Services Improving ............................................ 45Partnering with Clients to Make Services Effective, Accountable & Just .......................................................... 59

Some Broadband Terms .................................................. 45NZ Businesses with Websites Profit ................................. 45

Mental Health Law Conferences: Buddle Findlay ............ 59& Small Businesses & Web Investment ........................... 46Raksha Bandhan Hindu Festival ...................................... 60Maori Maps: Finding Tribal Marae .................................... 46NAVIGATE: 2011 NZ Youth Mentoring Conference ........ 60& Mapping Te Reo/Language Services ............................ 46Horticultural Conferences Coming up .............................. 60Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Act.............................. 46Nga Whetu Hei Whai: Charting Pathways for Maori Industry Futures Conference ........................................... 60

Copyright Act Regulations: charging rights holders for processing infringement allegations ................................. 46

IT for Non-technical Leaders Workshops ......................... 60Beware: Cold-calling Computer Virus Scam .................... 47100% Pure NZ Winter Games ......................................... 60

Rural Women NZ, [email protected], 04 473 5524 Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011 - 2

Maori Womens Welfare League 2011 Conference .......... 612011 NZ Diversity Forum .................................................. 61Pacific Islands Forum 2011 .............................................. 61

Some Funding/Awards/Opportunities .................................. 61Kiwibank NZer of the Year Awards 2012 .......................... 61Lottery Grants ................................................................... 61Forum: Managing Energy in Your Business ..................... 61Best of Kiwi Food Showcase ............................................ 62The Nation's Greenest Fingers ......................................... 622011 Water Safety Awards: Entries Open ........................ 62Woman of the Year Award ............................................... 62The first NZSA Asian Short Story Competition ................. 62HRINZ Awards 2011......................................................... 62DOC-CNZ Wild Creations Arts Residency ........................ 62Attitude Awards ................................................................ 63NZ Mental Health Media Grant ......................................... 63Maori Language Awards ................................................... 63Bruce Jesson Awards ....................................................... 63Anzias Open for Pre-Registrations ................................... 63Women on the Land Writing Competition ....................... 63Making a Difference Fund Round Two .......................... 63

Appointments ....................................................................... 64


Consultation Vulnerable Children: Governments Green Paper A Government Green Paper* on vulnerable children who have childhoods that make it unlikely they will thrive, belong, and achieve asks many questions, amongst which are:

what services and programmes government agencies should consider in a review of support for parents and caregivers; whether government agencies have got the balance right in supporting parents, caregivers, family, and whanau to meet their

responsibilities, while also protecting the needs of vulnerable children;

when government agencies should step in and intervene with families and whanau; which barriers need to be removed to allow communities to take responsibility for the wellbeing of their vulnerable children; whether legislation should be used to support a Vulnerable Childrens Action Plan; how the Government might work in partnership with iwi, Maori organisations, and their leaders to deliver services for vulnerable

tamariki and their whanau;

how services can be delivered to hard-to-reach Maori whanau; whether there should be more targeted services for vulnerable children, and if so, where that funding should be taken from; whether spending be reprioritized (if so, where from) to provide more services for younger children and/or services for children

that address problems as they are beginning to surface;

what priority should be given to the families and whanau of those caring for vulnerable children when allocating services that impact on the children they are caring for;

how much monitoring of vulnerable children the Government should allow, and who should be doing that monitoring; how the negative consequences of increased monitoring could be minimised; what information that professionals should be able, or required, to share about vulnerable children; how to improve or promote collaboration between professionals and services; what principles, competencies, or quality standards should be included in the minimum standards for a workforce for children; how frontline services might better connect vulnerable children and their families and whanau with the services they need; and whether early childhood education centres and schools could be better used as sites for delivery of a wider range of services. *A Green Paper is a discussion paper outlining ideas a government wants to test with the public before making decisions.

Submissions close on 28 February 2012. Email them to [email protected], or post them to The Green Paper for Vulnerable Children, PO Box 1556, Wellington, 6012 and at www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz. The Green Paper is at http://www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz/. Hui, fono and community meetings will be advertised in local papers

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New Rules for Incorporated Societies The Law Commission is consulting on the legal structure and rules of incorporated societies. Currently the law relating to these is contained in the Incorporated Societies Act 1908, and the Commission says this Act is in need of major reform. It says it is critical the law under which they operated has the right balance of autonomy, flexibility, and accountability.

The Commission is seeking feedback on a range of issues and options for reform raised in the paper including:

whether all societies should, as a condition of incorporation, be subject to certain minimum governance rules that they cannot vary;


whether a new Act ought to provide a code that makes the obligations of committee members clearer; how the Act should provide for the resolution of disputes between members and their societies; what rules societies ought to be required to have in their constitution, and the nature of those rules; and whether a new Incorporated Societies Act should also replace the ability to incorporate under the Charitable Trusts Act.

Submissions close on 30 September 2011. Submissions can be made online at http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/project/review-incorporated-societies-act-1908?quicktabs_23=submissions#quicktabs-23 The paper is available on the Law Commissions website http://www.lawcom.govt.nz

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Review of Trust Law The Law Commission has released another Issues Paper as part of its review of the law of trusts. This looks at:

the duties that a trustee owes to the people who benefit from the trust, in particular their duty to inform beneficiaries about trust matters;

the duties that should be a requirement, i.e., not be able to be excluded by a trust deed; and whether there should be limits on exemption clauses for failing to carry out the duties. The paper also discusses the appointment, retirement and removal of trustees, and the powers given to a trustee.

Submissions close on 31 August 2011. Make a submission online at http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/project/review-law-trusts?quicktabs_23=submissions#quicktabs-23, email [email protected], or post to Law Commission, PO Box 2590, Wellington 6011. The paper is at http://www.lawcom.govt.nz

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& Review of Credit Repossession Laws The Law Commission is seeking public feedback on NZs credit repossession laws - the rules that apply when consumers default on a credit contract and it has released a paper called Review of the Credit (Repossession) Act 1997.

Among the questions the Commission is asking the public to consider is whether there should be a ban on the repossession of certain basic items, such as childrens belongings and medical necessities; and whether the law should more clearly state that the taking of other items is prohibited, such as passports and eftpos cards.

The closing date for submissions is 19 August 2011. The email address for submissions is [email protected], or you can submit online at http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/project/review-credit-repossession-act-1997?quicktabs_23=submissions#quicktabs-23 The paper is at http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/project/review-credit-repossession-act-1997?quicktabs_23=issues_paper#quicktabs-23

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Welfare Code: Llamas & Alpacas The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) has published a Draft Code of Welfare for Llamas and Alpacas (which are camelids). This covers the welfare of all South American camelids held for both commercial and personal purposes, held for fibre production, kept as companion animals, used as intensively handled packing animals, or kept for any other purpose.

Welfare codes advise owners or persons in charge of animals about minimum standards relating to: stockmanship and animal handling; mustering and droving; restraint; the provision of food, water and shelter; housing facilities; behaviour and health; (in this case) mixing camelids; breeding; emergency slaughter; and pre-transport requirements.

Submissions close on 9 September 2011. Email them to [email protected] or post them to NAWAC Secretary, MAF Animal Welfare Standards, PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140. More is at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult/draft-code-welfare-llamas-and-alpacas

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Adventure Tourism Review Regulations The Department of Labour (DoL) has developed draft regulations for adventure tourism operators. These would require the operator to be registered, after first obtaining a safety audit from an accredited provider. DoL is seeking feedback on the draft and it has produced a questionnaire to help with this.

Submissions close on 9 August 2011. A copy of the questionnaire is at http://www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/adventure-tourism/regulations/hse-adventure-activities-regulations-consultation-questionnaire.rtf. Send completed questionnaires to [email protected], or post it to: D Mulholland, Project Manager, Health and Safety Policy Unit, Department of Labour, PO Box 3705, Wellington. The draft regulations are at http://www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/adventure-tourism/regulations/hse-adventure-activities-regulations-consultation-draft.pdf

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Regulating Traditional Chinese Medicines Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner groups have applied to the Ministry of Health to be regulated under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. Their proposal paper outlines the reasons for regulating a profession, gives a brief background on the profession, and invites comments.

Submissions close on 19 August 2011. A submission booklet is at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/10760/$File/tcm-proposal-submission-booklet.pdf. You can either email your submission to [email protected] or make a hard copy submission and send to: M-L Hannah, Workforce Intelligence and Planning, Health Workforce NZ, National Health Board, Ministry of Health, PO Box 5013, Wellington 6145.The proposal is at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/10760/$File/traditional-chinese-medicine-regulation-proposal.pdf

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ACC Worker/Business Levy Reductions ACC provides cover for personal injuries regardless of where the injury happens. Levy rates are set each year to cover the costs of personal injury claims.

This year ACC is proposing levy reductions for employees from April next year of 17% and employers of 22%. The reduction comes because ACCs annual claim costs reduced by 15%.

The Earners' Account Levy (paid by wage and salary earners) is proposed to decrease from $2.04 to $1.70 (including GST) and the average Work Account Levy (paid by employers and the self employed) is proposed to decrease from $1.47 to $1.15 (excluding GST) per $100 of liable earnings from 1 April 2012. Work levies for individual companies depend on their industry classification and experience rating. There are no reductions in motor vehicle levies (of $334.52 excluding GST).

Final levies for 2012/13 will be determined in September.

Submissions close on 16 August 201. They go to Levy Consultation, ACC, PO Box 242, Wellington 6140, email [email protected]. More is at Levy consultation http://www.acc.co.nz/about-acc/consultation-have-your-say/levy-consultation/index.htm

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Raw Milk Regulations Consultation on the rules by which independent milk processors can access raw milk from Fonterra is now underway.

The review of the raw milk rules covers issues such as how much regulated milk independent processors should have access to, and for how long, and how much milk in total should be made available each year.

It does not cover the farm gate milk price, or the design of regulations around Fonterras Trading Among Farmers proposal (these are being dealt with separately).

Submissions close on 2 September 2011. They go to Regulation & Competition Team, Sector Performance Policy, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140, email [email protected] . A consultation paper is at http://www.maf.govt.nz/news-resources/consultations/review-of-raw-milk-regulations

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Early Childhood Education Taskforces Report The Government is consulting on the recently-released independent Early Childhood Education Taskforce report. The taskforces recommendations cover (amongst other things):

a new funding system that directs spending to preschoolers who will benefit most from participation in early childhood education;

a ratio in licensed centres of one adult to four children for children under two years old, and of one adult to ten children for children aged three to six years;

a percentage of 80% of all early childhood education staff in early childhood education being registered teachers; a new group of officials and sector representatives, which would provide advice on early childhood education for under two-

year-olds and children with special educational needs;

more funding for NZ-based research particularly in respect of under two-year-olds; and governance/management support in Maori immersion and Pasifika language settings, set up with Maori/Pasifika communities.

Submissions close on 8 August 2011. Complete the online questionnaire, or download it and send it to ECE Taskforce Consultation Response, Ministry of Education, PO Box 1666, Wellington 6140, or email completed questionnaires to [email protected]. The report (which makes 65 recommendations) is at http://www.childforum.com/news/367-governments-ece-taskforce-report-now-out.html

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Business Green Growth A Green Growth Advisory Group (made up of people working in business and science) is exploring issues and policy options for greener growth and development in NZ, with the aims of:

helping exporters make the most of a clean, green NZ brand; making smarter use of technology and innovation; and moving businesses to a lower-carbon economy. The group has prepared a discussion paper for comment, and will report to the Government in December 2011.

Submissions close on 20 September 2011. A feedback form is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QY5GQLQ, and a discussion paper is at http://www.med.govt.nz/upload/76889/Green_Growth_Disscussion_Document_30June.pdf. More is at http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/StandardSummary____45925.aspx?epslanguage=EN

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More Transparency in Takeover Bids In the fourth in its series of consultation papers released to improve the Takeovers Code (2001), the Takeovers Panel says it wants more transparency in takeover bids. The panel would like to see law changes that would require prospective buyers to give more information to investors when trying to acquire a company. The panel would also like to see more information disclosed about what a buyer plans to do with a company once it buys it (especially in the case of a partial takeover).

The paper recommends, amongst other things, certain technical changes to bring the Takeovers Act it in line with other legislation and tighten up certain definitions.

Submissions close on 26 August 2011. Submissions should be sent to the Takeovers Panel: by email - [email protected] or posted to Takeovers Panel, P.O. Box 1171, Wellington 6011

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& Transparency & Accountability of Regulation Makers The aims of the Regulatory Standards Bill are to increase the transparency of regulation-making, and the accountability of regulation makers. The Bill would provide a standard for good regulation through a set of principles that all laws and regulations would comply with. It would also require people who propose and create laws and regulations to state whether the regulation is compatible with those principles. A certification process would be monitored via a new role for the courts.

Submissions close on 18 August 2011. You can make your submission online, or send two copies to the Commerce Committee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. The Bill is at http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2011/0277/latest/versions.aspx

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Productivity Commission & Freight Costs The Productivity Commission is calling for submissions on its issues paper about freight costs. Traders crossing NZs borders spend $5 billion a year transporting their goods and the commission aims to have a report to the Government by April 2012 with ways to make those costs cheaper and services easier.

The issues paper is part of a broader inquiry looking at all parts of the international freight supply chain, including regulation, port and airport ownership, customs, technology, and market trends.

The issues paper notes that if transport costs could be trimmed on freight (including meat, wool and dairy) by 10% a year, this could have the effect of boosting annual trade by $1.25 billion a year. It also says every day sliced off transport times for exports and imports could be worth $670 million a year.

Submissions close on 31 August 2011. To make an electronic submission you can: use the online form (but you will need to register on the site see the URL below); upload your submission to their website in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format (again, you have to be registered on the site); or email your submission to [email protected]. More is at http://www.productivity.govt.nz/issues-paper-engagement/315

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Unpackaged Meats: Country of Origin Labelling? Food Standards Australia NZ (FSANZ) is proposing to extend country of origin labelling (which enables a customer to identify the country of origin for a particular item) to unpackaged beef, sheep, and chicken meat. Currently, all packaged foods, including packaged meat, but only some unpackaged foods (pork, fish, fruit, and vegetables) require country of origin labelling.

Submissions close on 29 August 2011. You can email your submission directly to the Standards Management Officer at [email protected] or you can post it to Food Standards Australia NZ, PO Box 7186, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. More is at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/scienceandeducation/newsroom/mediareleases/mediareleases2011/proposaltoextendcoun5217.cfm

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Hedging NZ Electricity Prices This Electricity Authority consultation paper presents and seeks feedback on the Electricity Authoritys proposals aimed at improving the opportunities to use financial hedge contracts* to manage the price risks of movements in NZ electricity prices

Submissions close on 29 August 2011. Email them to [email protected] with Consultation Paper Improving the Opportunities to Hedge NZ Electricity Prices in the subject line. More is at http://www.ea.govt.nz/our-work/consultations/priority-projects/-improving-opportunities-hedge-electricity-prices/

Hedge contract: a financial instrument to manage the risk created by price volatility for a commodity (like electricity or crude oil) on a spot market**. Buyers and sellers of the commodity may enter into long or short-term contracts that set an agreed price for the commodity outside the spot market.

Spot market: a market in which a commodity is bought or sold for immediate delivery or delivery in the very near future Back to top


Ministry of Fisheries Consultations MFish is consulting on(closing dates and address for submissions are in brackets):

its 2011 Review of sustainability measures and management controls for Scampi (SCI 2) in the Wairarapa Region: feedback is sought from stakeholders on these proposals for the 2011/2012 fishing year, which begins 1 October 2011 (12 August 2011 - submissions to K McKelvey, Ministry of Fisheries, PO Box 1020, Wellington 6140, email [email protected]); and

Proposed Ministerial Purpose for Issuing a Special Permit: the special permit would provide for occasions where there is a specific event or opportunity to showcase NZs seafood but a closed season is in place for the fish or shellfish (8 August 2011 - submissions to T Macfarlane, Ministry of Fisheries, PO Box 1020, Wellington 6140, email [email protected]).

More on both is at http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Consultations/default.htm

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Environmental Protection Authority Consultations There are two EPA consultations:

Pheromones group standard: a proposed Group Standard for Straight-chained Lepidopteran Sex Pheromone is now open for consultation. Pheromone-containing products are used for monitoring insect density, to suppress pest populations, or control damage through disrupting the behaviour of pests. The proposed group standard puts restrictions on the emission rate, concentration, and application rate of the pheromone substance from the pheromone-containing product. The device used to deliver the pheromone substance is also restricted; and

an application to import or manufacture Vitis as an insecticide containing the active ingredient emamectin benzoate for the control of leafrollers in apples, pears, avocados, kiwifruit, and grapes.

Submissions on both close on 17 August 2011. You can email them to [email protected], or post them to PO Box 131, Wellington 6140. More is at http://www.epa.govt.nz/consultations/Pages/default.aspx More on the proposed group standard is at Application to import or mahttp://www.epa.govt.nz/about-us/what/have-your-say/Pages/make-submission.aspxnufacture Vitis as an insecticide

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LINZ: The Poplars Tenure Review The Commissioner of Crown Lands has put a preliminary proposal for tenure review (see box below) to Run 351 Ltd as the lessee of The Poplars pastoral lease.

Submissions on the proposal close on 16 September 2011. They go to Darroch Ltd, PO Box 27, Alexandra, email [email protected]. More is at http://www.linz.govt.nz/about-linz/news-publications-and-consultations/news-and-notices/the-poplars-tenure-review-notice-of-preliminary-proposal

Tenure Review Large tracts of the South Island high country are farmed under leases that are perpetually renewable at the discretion of the lessee. Changes in views about the optimal use of the high country resulted in the government instituting a tenure review process in 1989, involving some 20% of the South Island or 10% of the total land area of NZ. Under this process the Crown is negotiating with the owners of South Island pastoral leases to redefine the property rights associated with the leases. As a result of tenure review, the portions of these pastoral estates that have high conservation and/or low farming value are being returning to the Crown under management of the Department of Conservation (DOC), and the portions of the estates that have high value in farming or other uses are transferred to the freehold ownership of the former lessee.

More about tenure review is at http://ips.ac.nz/publications/files/b5d2cc87b3a.pdf

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PHARMAC Consultation PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to fund a new brand of acitretin capsules (Novatretin) from 1 October 2011 through a provisional agreement with Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Submissions close on 9 August 2011. They go to G Williams, Therapeutic Group Manager, PHARMAC, PO Box 10 254, Wellington 6143, email [email protected]. More is at http://www.pharmac.govt.nz/2011/07/25/2011-07-25%20Listing%20Douglas%20Acitretin.pdf

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Department of Conservation Consultations The Department of Conservation (DOC) is currently consulting on:

Conservation Management Strategies for the eleven DOC conservancies covering the country: every 10 years DOC turns to the public to find out what communities believe should be the priorities for conservation over the next decade. The consultation leads to the development of conservation management strategies (CMS) for all the DOC conservancies. The dates when each conservancy will start working on the CMS for its area are: April 2011: Auckland, Waikato, Northland, Canterbury (the earthquake may delay this date), Southland, and Otago; September 2011: Nelson/Marlborough; December 2011: Wellington/Hawke's Bay, East Coast/Bay of Plenty, and Tongariro/Whanganui/Taranaki; and February 2012: Chatham Islands.

To find out more about the discussion groups and submission processes, contact your local DOC office; contact details for each DOC offices are at http://www.doc.govt.nz/footer-links/contact-us/office-by-name/

Draft Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve Management Plan: DOC says management of this reserve is critical to achieving the appropriate experiences for all visitors to it. Public participation in the planning process is therefore very important.

Submissions close on 8 August 2011. You can make a submission online, email one to [email protected], or post one to Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve Management Plan, Tasman District Council, Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050. The draft plan s at http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/getting-involved/consultations/current-consultations/nelson-marlborough/abel-tasman-foreshore-mp/abel-tasman-foreshore-mp.pdf

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Primary Health Providers Working Together: Survey The Health and Disability NGO Working Group is collecting information about the practical ways that different primary health providers work together. It wants to find out more about the kinds of collaboration that really make a difference, and is particularly interested in identifying what helps or promotes co-operation. It is also keen to find out about what gets in the way of collaboration, and how that can be overcome.

The group is asking national, regional and local organisations to take a short ten question online survey to help it gather information about relationships with PHOs, GPs/medical centres, other non-profit health NGOs, non-profits in education, social services, justice, housing, etc and other primary health care providers.

The results of the survey will be available in March 2012.

The survey closes 20 August 2011. To participate go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J8266JF. For more information, or to provide information about a possible case study, tel G Aldridge, on 04 233 0178 or e-mail [email protected]

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Maori in Oz: Voting Habits Survey A survey on the voting habits of the 110,000 or so Maori living in Australia is underway. It aims to find out how, where and why Maori in Australia vote, and whether they are satisfied with these arrangements. The survey, which will run for three months, will also look at Maori attitudes to the electoral system, as NZ approaches a referendum on the voting system.


Overseas votes from Maori in general elections has been increasing in recent elections but was only at a total of 779 valid overseas party votes in the 2008 election.

People are encouraged to distribute the survey link widely in Australia.

The link to the survey is: http://vuw.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6AwjmhsaG5N6ITy

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Participants Wanted for Antidepressants Study Although its likely that kiwis are better able to talk about depression than people in many other countries in the world, finding the right treatment for someone can be a long and difficult process of trialling some of the many antidepressant medications available (this is because different people may respond differently to any particular antidepressant).

Currently, the University of Auckland is partnering in an international study to identify physical and psychological signs that could predict how individuals might respond to a particular treatment for depression. The findings of this research could help doctors to select the right medication for someone, and help them receive the best treatment right away.

The study involves participants making three visits to the University of Auckland based clinic, receiving an assessment by a specialist, and taking an antidepressant medication for eight weeks - at no cost to the participant.

If you believe you have depression, and would be happy to be assessed and receive treatment as part of this study, find out more by visiting www.depression.getparticipants.com

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Help Trace the Chinese Knotweed Plant The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the Waikato Regional Council are calling on Hamilton residents to help them trace any infestations of the invasive weed pest Chinese knotweed - which was recently found on two residential properties close to each other. Chinese knotweed plants grow to 70 cm to 1 metre tall in open ground, but are aggressive climbers that smother trees and other structures. Stems are pinkish in colour and leaves are generally soft textured, serrated edged and 4-16cm long. Chinese knotweed flowers in autumn. Its flowers are cream/pink and grow in clusters at the end of leafed stems.

To report suspected sightings contact MAF on 0800 80 99 66. Full information about Chinese knotweed is at: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/chinese-knotweed Photos of the plant are available on request

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Rotorua Government Gardens: A Special Place? The NZ Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) is seeking feedback on a proposal to register Rotorua Government Gardens Historic Area on its register.

Submissions close on 26 August 2011. They go to [email protected] or to Lower Northern Area Manager, NZ Historic Places Trust, PO Box 13339, Tauranga 3141. More is at http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/~/media/Corporate/Files/Register/RotoruaGovtGardens.ashx

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North Canterbury Highway Investigation The Woodend Corridor Investigation is a consultation on two possible routes SH1 could take through the Pineacres to Pegasus area in North Canterbury to cope with increasing traffic volumes. One of them involves making the existing highway that goes through Woodend four-lane; the other corridor would involve building a new section of highway that runs to the east of Woodend. Feedback is sought on both routes.


Submissions close on 19 August 2011. Use the online form at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/woodend-corridor/submission-form.html, or email [email protected]. More is at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/woodend-corridor/index.html

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Rural Review of Animal Welfare Strategy The Animal Welfare Strategy and Legislation is being reviewed. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) says that while NZ's animal welfare system is amongst the best in the world the boundary between acceptable and unacceptable treatment of animals is always evolving.

The work will involve strengthening and formalising animal welfare systems already in place; looking at the roles and responsibilities of Government and other organisations with animal welfare interests; and developing a shared "NZ Inc" view of animal welfare across all sectors, organisations, and people.

Draft strategy documents and/or option papers are expected to be released for public consultation in the first half of 2012, before a final strategy and proposal for legislative changes is later in the same year.

An advisory group drawn from a range of animal welfare organisations has been convened to act as a sounding board for proposals as they are developed. The public and animal health and welfare organisations, such as vets, animal industry groups, and advocacy groups, will also be consulted.

More is at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/animal-welfare/strategy-legislation-review. A press release is at http://davidcarter.co.nz/index.php?/archives/396-Animal-welfare-strategy-moves-ahead.html

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Quad Bike Farm Licence Launched Farmsafe and Agriculture ITO (AgITO) recently launched the Quad Bike Farm Licence. The licence is gained through practical on-job training that teaches safe quad bike riding practices. The training also teaches people to effectively identify, minimise, and isolate potential bike riding hazards and make safe riding decisions.

AgITO is offering a free approved safety helmet for everybody who signs up and completes the training (for a limited time only, until 30 November 2011). To receive a Quad Bike Farm Licence application pack call AgITO today on 0800 691 111. More is at http://agito.ac.nz/qualifications/quad-bike-farm-licence

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New Online Walking Access Maps People who love the outdoors can now find all publically accessible rivers, mountains, lakes, forests, beaches, and legal roads through a new online mapping system from the NZ Walking Access Commission.

The Walking Access Mapping System (WAMS) uses geographic information system (GIS) technology to allow users to zoom in, using topographic or aerial views, to investigate publically accessible land in any part of NZ. It also offers a Tracks and Access Points view that shows physical tracks and other access points to the outdoors.

The system includes an information tool you can use to view information about different access classifications or identify publically accessible land within up to 3km of any chosen location; and a Draw tool to measure distances between various points, and print maps.

People can also make enquiries directly to the Commission about public access as well.

The mapping system is at www.wams.org.nz. For more information about walking access email [email protected], tel 04 8158 502, or visit http://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/


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Regional Dairy Effluent Compliance Improving The rate of dairy effluent consent compliance in Canterbury has continued to improve over the past year according to preliminary figures from Environment Canterbury. Sixty-five percent of Canterbury dairy farms were fully compliant with their effluent discharge consent or permitted activity conditions, an improvement from 59% compliance in the previous season.

Waikato compliance levels are also improving. Only 12% of properties were significantly non-compliant, compared to 27% the year before. And, 66% of farms were fully compliant with the rules in 2010-11, up from 51% the year before.

And, Otago compliance is improving too. Of the dairy farms visited by Otago Regional Council (ORC), 355 (that is, 91.2%) were found to be compliant with ORCs permitted activity rules and-or their resource consent conditions. Only 8.8% were found to have one or more breaches of the permitted activity rule.

More about the Canterbury results is at http://ecan.govt.nz/news-and-notices/news/pages/Dairyeffluentcompliancecontinuestoimprove.aspx; more about the Waikato results can be found at http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/News-and-events/Media-releases/Waikato-farmers-make-gains-for-environment/; and the Otago results can be found at http://www.orc.govt.nz/News-and-Notices/Media-Releases/Media-Releases---2011/Dairy-farmers-getting-the-message-on-effluent-compliance/

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& More Stream Fencing Horizons Regional Council and the rural community have worked together to improve river and steam quality, achieving almost twice the amount of stream fencing as last year (112km of stream banks compared with 62km). They have also lined up at least another 124km to be fenced in the year ahead.

Farmers who would like advice about managing waterways on their properties should contact Horizons Regional Council on 0508 800 800

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Forestry Exports Up According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), the total value of forestry exports for the year to 31 March 2011 was NZ$4.4 billion, NZ$800 million up on the previous year.

This countrys log exports continue to be dominated by exports to China, which imported 1.7 million cubic metres of NZ logs in the March quarter, up 44.5% on the same time the previous year.

India is also emerging as a major destination for NZ logs, with its demand now approaching that of Korea currently NZs second largest log export market.

For more, see the March 2011 quarter report at http://www.maf.govt.nz/news-resources/statistics-forecasting/forestry/forestry-production-and-trade-publications.aspx

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Rural Sales Volumes Rise, Prices Ease Latest Real Estate Institute of NZ (REINZ) data shows there were 393 farm sales in the three months to end of June 2011, compared with 364 sales in the three months to May 2011 and 302 sales in the three months to June 2010. The average price per hectare for all farms sold is now at its lowest point since July 2004.

Grazing properties accounted for the largest number of sales (53.2%), followed by dairy properties (14.8%), then finishing properties (15.0%) and Horticulture properties (6.1%). More lifestyle properties sold in the three months to June 2011, with average prices remaining at the same level compared to May.

More is at https://www.reinz.co.nz/reinz/index.cfm?1CC3D519-18FE-7E88-4249-4CE523B4D44B&obj_uuid=A0E605A4-941A-8A51-8268-3D5D0CD75D20

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No Milk Price Control Inquiry The Commerce Commission has finished reviewing domestic milk markets, and has concluded that there is no valid basis for a price control inquiry under Part 4 of the Commerce Act at this time. A price control inquiry is undertaken to determine whether the Commission should recommend to the Government that price control should be imposed.

You can view the report on the Commissions website: www.comcom.govt.nz/reports-and-judgements

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Farmers Markets Cooking Demos Outstanding in Their Fields is a national roadshow of free cooking demonstrations that are shortly being held at Farmers Markets. This Farmers Markets NZ (FMNZ) project is part of the REAL NZ Festival, and will showcase the best of Kiwi cuisine during the Rugby World Cup 2011 with the winner of MasterChef 2010. Dates for the roadshow are:

Otago/Southland: Saturday, 10 September (Southern details to come); Sunday, 11 September - Oamaru Farmers' Market; Canterbury: Friday, 16 September - Ohoka Farmers' Market; Saturday, 17 September - Christchurch Farmers' Market;

Sunday, 18 September - AM - Oxford Farmers' Market and then PM - Methven Farmers' Market;

Nelson/Marlborough: Sunday, 4 September Marlborough Farmers Market; Wednesday, 21 September Nelson Farmers Market;

Lower North Island: Saturday, 24 September - Wairarapa Farmers' Market; Sunday, 25 September - Farmers' Market Taranaki; Friday, 30 September - Feilding Farmers' Market; Saturday, 1 October - Whanganui Farmers' Market; Sunday, 2 October - Hastings Farmers' Market;

Central North Island: Saturday, 8 October - Tauranga Farmers' Market; Sunday, 9 October - Hamilton Farmers' Market; Northland: Saturday, 15 October - Parnell Farmers' Market; Sunday, 16 October - Bay of Islands Farmers' Market; and Auckland: Saturday, 22 October - Auckland TBA; Sunday, 23 October - Grey Lynn Farmers Market. Back to top

Ag-Hub: Best of the Best Agriculture web portal for farmers, Ag-Hub, has scooped up the Telecommunications Users Association of NZ (TUANZ) best of the best prize at its 2011 Innovations Awards.

Ag-Hub enables farmers to get lots information from a very wide range of sources and use it in a way thats best for their operation, their management systems, and their production goals.

More is at http://www.aghub.co.nz/content/default.html and you can read a press release at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1107/S00747/ag-hub-is-best-of-the-best.htm

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RWNZ: Adverse Event Activities Funding Rural Women NZ has Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) funding available for activities that support NZers affected by earthquake, drought, or other unforeseen events.

If you are planning an activity or event coming up, or have an idea for one, email [email protected] or tel N Holt 04 473 5524 to discuss the possibility of funding

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Reminder: Livestock & Trains Dont Mix Kiwirail is asking farmers to check their fences and gates alongside the 4000km of rail tracks throughout New Zealand to make sure their animals were secure.

Kiwirails records showed that in the past three months, there have been 16 incidents of livestock on tracks coming into contact with trains. The incidents dont end well for the animals, and often delay services.

Under the law, the onus is on the owners of the livestock, or the person in charge of them, to ensure they do not wander onto the rail lines. When trains are damaged in the incident, costs can be recovered from farmers. Back to top

Access to EU for NZs Grain-Fed Beef The European Union (EU) has agreed to allow NZ access to a quota for grain-fed high quality beef. This country has been approved to join a list of countries able to access an annual quota of 20,000 tonnes tariff-free (going up to 45,000 tonnes in 2012), which is administered by the EU.

More is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/access-european-union-new-zealand-grain-fed-beef

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& More Fonterra Expansion in China Fonterra has signed an agreement with the Government of Yutian County of China to develop a new dairy farm in Yutian County, Hebei Province. The RMB260million (US$40 million) investment is Fonterras third dairy farm in China and is the next step in its strategy in building fresh milk supply for its Chinese customers. Back to top

Environment E-waste Report Released The eDay NZ Trust has released a report highlighting the spiralling electronic waste (e-waste) problem in this country. The report estimates that 2.2 million televisions and 1.5 million home computers, each containing toxic cathode ray tubes, will be dumped in the next few years. The report, titled Ewaste in NZ: five years on, follows from e-Waste in NZ: taking responsibility for end-of-life computers and TVs, which was produced in 2006.

Both reports can be downloaded from www.eday.org.nz/, and there is more at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1107/S00114/new-zealand-faces-an-ewaste-crisis-says-new-report.htm

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Making the Boardroom Green Companies keen to improve their environmental performance should take a look at the characteristics of their board of directors,says new research from the University of Canterbury. The research found that corporate boards play an important role in promoting strong environmental performance. The main findings include that:

companies that had greater board independence, and fewer directors appointed after the CEO, performed better environmentally; and

companies with larger boards, with CEOs of other companies sitting on the board, and with directors with legal expertise, had better environmental performance.


The research findings will be published in the Journal of Management in a paper titled The effect of board characteristics on firm environmental performance.

More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1107/S00485/making-the-boardroom-green.htm

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Australias Carbon Credit Plans Australia has unveiled extensive plans, including a tax on its worst polluters, to reduce its carbon pollution by 5% over the next nine years.

In the largest carbon-reduction scheme outside Europe, the 500 worst polluters will pay $25 for every metric tonne of carbon dioxide they emit from 2012.

Some of this money will be used to help compensate households that will be hit by higher power bills.

The scheme will cover 60% of Australia's carbon pollution apart from exempted agricultural and light vehicle emissions. It could also aid global efforts to fight carbon pollution, which have largely stalled since the US President last year ruled out a federal climate bill this term.

The scheme will cost $4.7bn to implement. Coal miners would be eligible for a $1.4bn compensation package to help the intensive mines adjust to the tax, which would add an average $1.9 per tonne to the cost of mining coal.

Australia, a major coal exporter, relies on coal for 80% of electricity generation, which accounts for 37% of national emissions.

The government would also set up loan guarantees for electricity generators through a new energy security fund, to help the industry refinance loans of between $9bn and $10bn over the next five years.

The scheme will fund the shut-down or partial closure of the dirtiest generators and remove up to 2,000 megawatts of capacity by 2020.

Europe's reduction system, which covers the 27 European Union member states plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, has forced power producers to pay for carbon emissions, driving cuts where power plants were forced to switch to less carbon-emitting natural gas or biomass.

Outside the EU, only NZ currently has a national scheme in operation.

More is at http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2011/07/20117104423651839.html?utm_source=Al+Jazeera+English+List&utm_campaign=132bb43f3d-Newsletter&utm_medium=email

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Other Global Environmental Stories The Role of Forests in Regulating Climate Change a new study published in the journal, Science, has put a figure on the role of forests in regulating carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere. The study found that the world's established forests remove 8.8 billion tons of CO2 from the atmosphere per year. This equates to nearly one third of all annual fossil fuel emissions from humans. Because plants absorb CO2 as part of their metabolism, the greater the forest, the more CO2 is removed, and the impact of global climate change is decreased.

Read more at http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/42933

Renewable Energy Sector Still Going Strong: the renewable energy sector (for example, energy produced from wind or the sun) has continued to perform well says the REN21 Renewables 2011 Global Status Report. The renewable energy sector supplied an estimated 16% of global energy last year. The sector also delivered close to 20% of the worlds electricity production. Global solar power generation doubled last year compared to the previous year, and wind power added the most capacity, said the report.

More is at http://unep.org/newscentre/Default.aspx?DocumentID=2647&ArticleID=8812&l=en

Cleantech Trends in the US: in the last decade, the US has been decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels by investing into clean technologies, including renewable energy and energy efficiency. The top 10 trends are: 1) the US military becoming greener; 2) more employment opportunities available; 3) increase in international cleantech partnerships; 4) more homes becoming energy


efficient; 5) increase in sale of hybrid vehicles; 6) more buildings becoming LEED certified*; 7) recycling initiatives get a boost; 8) exporting clean technologies around the world; 9) more airline companies becoming greener; and 10) hotels become greener. *Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies intended to improve performance in areas such as energy savings etc.

More is at http://blog.cleantechies.com/2011/07/01/top-ten-long-term-trends-of-cleantech-in-the-united-states/

Asia looks to Nuclear Future: continuing economic growth in the region will still be fuelled by nuclear power. Taiwan, South Korea, China, and India remain committed to increasing their nuclear capacity. The demands of the growing consumer economies in Southeast Asia are also likely to lock in the nuclear option.

Read more at http://www.asianz.org.nz/newsroom/regional-matters/asia-nuclear-future

Report Ranks Food by Environmental Impact: according to a new study of 20 popular meat, fish, dairy and vegetable proteins from the US-based Environmental Working Group, lamb, beef, and cheese generate the most greenhouse gases. The Meat Eaters Guide used a cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessment* to determine each food's rank, including the amount of fertilizer used to grow animal feed, as well as data on each food's processing, transportation, and disposal. *A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life from-cradle-to-grave (i.e., from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling).

Read more at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2011/07/meat-eaters-guide.html

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Tourism Volcanic Ash Disrupts June Travel Both visitor arrivals and short-term trips by NZ residents were down in June 2011 when compared with June 2010. This had a lot to do with the ash cloud from the Chilean Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano.

Despite the flight disruptions, more visitors arrived from China and Malaysia. Fewer short-term trips by NZ residents were taken to Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan. But, Kiwis took more short-term trips to Thailand, the Cook Islands, Malaysia, and Fiji.

This country had a net migration* gain of 3,900 in the year ended June 2011, down from 16,500 the previous year. This is below the average annual net migration gain of 12,000 over the last 20 years. The decrease in net migration, compared with 2010, was mainly due to an increase in departures to Australia. *The net migration rate is the difference of immigrants and emigrants of an area in a period of time.

More is at http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/population/Migration/IntTravelAndMigration_MRJun11.aspx

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Domestic Tourism Steady in March Year Figures from the Ministry of Economic Developments latest Domestic Travel Survey show that domestic tourism spending held steady in the year to March 2011. Overall, NZers spent slightly more on domestic travel than the year before, but there was a 6% decrease in spending by international tourists over the same period. In total domestic travellers spent $9.0 billion dollars, the second highest amount recorded, although overnight trips decreased slightly.

More is at www.tourismresearch.govt.nz/dts

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Auckland Lifts Guest Nights in May National guest nights rose 0.9% in May 2011 compared with May 2010. This rise follows falls in each of the five previous months. Although Canterbury continues to show a large drop in guest nights because of earthquakes, in May this was more than offset by a large rise in Auckland.

The trend for the number of guest nights, which presents a longer-term picture, shows a decline in the South Island for the latest 15 months and a moderate rise in the North Island for the latest 12 months. Back to top

Holiday Parks Awards Highlights of the recent Holiday Parks Awards include:

Outstanding Service to the Holiday Park Industry Award: Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park "Creeksyde" owner Erna Spijkerbosch;

AA Spirit of Hospitality Award: the Beachaven Motel and Holiday Park at Waihi Beach; ReserveGroup Award for Innovation: Taupo De Bretts Spa Resort; Jasons SMART Business Award 2011: Taupo De Bretts Spa Resort (for its online initiatives); and Seekom Innovation in Online Marketing Award: Martinborough Holiday Park.

More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1107/S00286/awards-recognise-excellence-in-holiday-parks.htm

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Health Child Abuse: How Can I Tell Child abuse prevention organisation, Child Matters, has launched the booklet How Can I Tell? an educational resource available to the public to help people know what to look for and know what to do if they are worried about a child. This is a practical, easy-to-understand guide that not only educates people about the signs of child abuse, but also provides steps for taking action: Signs of child abuse may be physical or behavioural, so:

learn to recognise the signs; provide a listening ear; offer help; give supportive information; explain that violence is not ok; talk it over with an experienced person; learn more about how to help by contacting Childmatters, Barnados, Plunket, or the Salvation Army or, if necessary , talk over your concerns with Child, Youth and Family.

The free How Can I Tell? booklet is on the home page of Child Matters website http://www.childmatters.org.nz (hard copies can be ordered from the website for $2). Barnados is at 0800 227 627, www.barnados.org.nz ; Plunket is at 0800 933 922, www.plunket.org.nz; the Salvation Army is at 04 384 5649, www.salvationarmy.org.nz, and Child, Youth and Family is at 0508 326 459

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Residents Views of Retirement Village Act According to a recent report from the Retirement Commissioner, some retirement village operators need to improve the way they communicate with their residents, and also need to make sure that potential residents understand exactly what they are signing up for.

The report follows the Commissioners Retirement Villages Act 2003 Monitoring Project asking retirement village residents about how well they understood the Act, and how it works in practice.

It says that often residents move to retirement villages primarily for the security they offer. The Commissioner found that most retirement village operators communicate really well and put in place the Act properly, and their residents are very happy and do feel secure. But, in villages where the Act isnt put into place well, the opposite can be true, with some residents becoming anxious about the future of their villages and how future changes may affect them.

Among other concerns cited by some residents were: fee increases; reductions in services; failure to provide planned amenities; and a lack of consultation over changes in the operation or ownership of the villages.

Main recommendations in the report include:

consultation guidelines for operators and residents need to be developed and put in place; key documents need to be consistent between retirement villages and written in plain English; and an industry standard and best practice for complaints, mediation, and disputes procedures (which includes recording all

complaints) should be developed.

The report is online at www.retirement.org.nz/monitoring

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.. & Aged Residential Care Confidence Survey According to an annual Colmar Brunton survey done for the NZ Aged Care Association (NZACA), 68% of NZers with direct experience of aged residential care facilities rated them as good or very good, with a further 22% rating it as fair. Some 6% of the public regards the services provided by aged care organisations in this country as poor this is down from 8% in 2010.

To see the full survey email [email protected]

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Older peoples Home-based Support Services Assessed The Auditor-General's (OAGs) report Home-based support services for older people says that these services generally appear to be delivered adequately. However, this is a qualified view because the Ministry of Health and DHBs do not have reliable information to confirm an assessment. For example, spending on home-based support services increased by 70% during the four years to 2008/09. However, because of the lack of reliable performance information, OAG is unclear about whether this means simply that more older people received services, or whether they received better services.

OAG says the Ministry and DHBs need to address the current deficiencies in performance information about home-based support services.

The report is available at www.oag.govt.nz/2011/home-based-support/

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Subsidies for Aged Residential Care Up On 1 July the subsidy paid for aged residential care services increased by 9.2% for dementia services and 1.5 % for all other levels of care. The increase in subsidy levels also means that the maximum contribution older people are required to pay towards their residential age care rises.


New rates are online on the Ministry of Health website: www.moh.govt.nz/olderpeople

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Study of Oz-Kiwi Stroke Victims A study of stroke patients from Australia and NZ shows those from the most disadvantaged areas had a 70% higher chance of having a stroke than those in wealthy suburbs. Those living in poorer places also were more likely to have strokes at younger ages on average: 68 compared with 77 for those in wealthier areas. The authors say that effective preventive measures in the more deprived areas of the community could substantially reduce rates of stroke.

An article is at http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/wellbeing/5231625/Poor-at-greater-risk-of-stroke. The article abstract is at http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/195_01_040711/hee11421_fm.html

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Changes to Rules About Medicines The Medicines Regulations 1984 and the Medicines (Standing Order) Regulations 2002 have been amended to:

allow some fluoride toothpastes, anti-dandruff shampoos, and anti-pimple creams sold in supermarkets to no longer be treated as medicines;

include changes to the labelling and advertising requirements for medicines, bringing them into line with those of other countries;

restrict prescribing to doctors, dentists and midwives respective scopes of practice, and remove the ten-day limit on the period of supply for prescription medicines issued by dentists;

create a delegated prescriber under the supervision of an independent prescriber, to allow highly trained health professionals in a collaborative team environment to prescribe within their scope of practice, for a specific group of patients;

allow pharmacists to substitute an alternative brand of a medicine in certain circumstances; update some requirements (e.g., how data sheets are prepared and distributed, and how prescriptions are dispensed); allow the Director General of Health to issue a waiver to permit electronic prescribing in specified situations; and allow the sale of general sale medicines (e.g., cough and cold remedies, travel sickness medicines) via vending machines.

A (little bit) more is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/updated-medicines-regulations-confirmed

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& Care of Medicines in Rest Homes New Medicines Care Guides for Residential Aged Care have been produced for managers, nurses, health care assistants, and other health professionals who work in residential aged care facilities. They cover procedures for managing and storing medicines, keeping records and dealing with adverse reactions, and also provide quick clinical references for common conditions older people in care may have.

The guides are at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/medicines-care-guides-for-residential-aged-care

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NZ Universal List of Medicines Released The NZ Universal List of Medicines (known as the NZULM) provides the health sector with an up-to-date, one-stop-shop of core and commonly used information about medicines (from Medsafe, PHARMAC, and the Pharmacy Guild). Before the NZULM, there were


several lists with information on prescribing and dispensing medicines, and this created room for confusion among doctors and pharmacists.

This release covers medicines used in primary and secondary care. It will be updated on a monthly basis.

Users will usually access the NZULM information through their business or clinical software. They can also use the NZULM website at www.nzulm.org.nz to obtain NZULM information directly

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New Requirements for Teeth Whiteners The Governments Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) now known as the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has set rules around teeth whiteners containing hydrogen peroxide and their use.

The Authoritys decision includes requirements for labelling of over-the-counter) tooth whitening products you would find in a chemist, supermarket, beauty salon, spa, gym, etc.

It also divides tooth-whitening products into three categories and places sale and use restrictions on the highest two of these categories, including requiring dentist supervision of the products posing a higher risk to public safety. Teeth whitening products containing less than 7% hydrogen peroxide will continue to be available to the public and used and sold without restriction. Products containing more than 7% hydrogen peroxide will be subject to some restrictions on their sale and use.

More is at http://www.nzctwa.org.nz/nzctwa.asp?DocumentID=147

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Developing Cultural Competency in Health A paper called "Developing cultural competency* in accordance with the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act indicates that Maori receive fewer referrals, fewer diagnostic tests, and less effective treatment plans from their doctors than do non-Maori patients. *Cultural competence is the ability to interact respectfully and effectively with persons from a background different from ones own.

The paper is at http://www.mauriora.co.nz/file/Bacal_Oct_06.pdf. A Pharmacy Council paper on cultural competence is at http://www.pharmacycouncil.org.nz/cms_show_download.php?id=204

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Self Help For When Times are Tough A new Home and Family Counsellings blog offers general information, geared towards self-help for people in traumatic situations, that helps them find ways to move forward. The initial list of topics for the coming months is: The boredom factor (in time for school holidays); Motivation: where does it come from and where does it go; Bullying; Staying healthy as you get older; Understanding Kiwi culture; Keeping safe from shattering events; Family court changes; Domestic Violence; Reaching across to new NZers; Living cheaply and well; Mindfulness; and Grief.

You can subscribe to the blog at www.homeandfamilycounselling.wordpress.com or via the website www.homeandfamily.org.nz. There is also Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/homeandfamilycounselling

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Skylight: A Resource for Bullies Who Me? is the first NZ booklet designed for 10-17 year olds who have been bullying. This title reflects one teens response made when his teacher gave him a detention for bullying. He didnt think his taunts and threats were bullying.


The booklet aims to help them stop their bullying behaviour by giving them information about what bullying is, its effects on them and others, very practical, everyday steps to take to stop it, and what the positive outcomes can be for them (and others) when they do stop it.

Skylight has also developed information for parents and carers. When The Bully Is Your Child is an 8-page leaflet helping them to understand bullying and giving key ways to help their own child to stop their bullying behaviour.

To obtain copies people can contact Skylight on 0800 299 100. Any parent or professional seeking help about the impact of bullying on children or teens that they know can contact Skylight directly for a personalised support pack again, phone 0800 299 100

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Movember: Raising Awareness of Mens Health During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of mens faces in NZ and around the world. The aim is to raise vital funds and awareness for mens health, specifically prostate cancer and depression. Back to top

Synthetic Cannabis Products: 12-Month Ban Amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill have recently come into force. They remove Kronic and all other synthetic cannabis products from the market for 12 months while the Government works on its detailed response to the Law Commissions recent report (see the June Bulletin Aotearoa for more details of that report).

A press release is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/all-synthetic-cannabis-products-be-banned

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Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Guidelines Quick reference guides for managing type 2 diabetes have been developed by the Ministry of Health and the NZ Guidelines Group. They will help with identifying patients at high risk of diabetes-related complications, managing raised blood pressure effectively, controlling blood sugar levels well, and starting insulin treatment appropriately.

Type 2 diabetes is related to unhealthy weight and is a major cause of illness and early death. The range of complications that may develop with diabetes include heart disease, blindness, foot problems, and kidney disease. More than 200,000 NZ adults have diagnosed diabetes, predominantly type 2, and it has been estimated that around 100,000 have not yet had it diagnosed.

They are at http://www.nzgg.org.nz/practice-tools/diabetes

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Communication Services for People with Disabilities The Deaf, deaf-blind, speech and hearing-impaired community are to get greater access to a range of communication services. New services to be progressively introduced from 1 October 2011 include captioned telephony, which allows people to read live captions of spoken phone conversations. People will also be able to contact the relay contact centre by mobile phone, and use a prepaid calling card to make international calls by Internet relay.

More information is at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/communications-upgrade-hearing-and-speech-impaired-communities

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Increase in Breastfeeding Plunkets latest figures on breastfeeding indicate a steady increase in breastfeeding rates over the last 10 years. Up to the age of 6 weeks 85% of babies are getting some breast milk, a 5% increase over the last 10 years.


Plunket supports the World Health Organisations recommendation that babies are fed only breast milk for the first six months. After six months other foods can be added to a babys diet, but breast milk remains the ideal milk drink for children up to two years and beyond.

For support, information or advice about breastfeeding contact your local Plunket nurse or call PlunketLine 0800 933 922 - 24 hours, 7 days a week. More is at http://www.plunket.org.nz/news-and-research/media-releases/

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Two Cancer Drugs Funded PHARMAC recently approved wider funding for two cancer treatments: rituximab (for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia) now has widened funded access; and docetaxel (used for many different cancers) now has open access.

More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1107/S00147/pharmac-widens-access-to-two-cancer-drugs.htm

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Health of Older People Strategy: Report The HOPE Foundation has released a report on its evaluation of District Health Boards (DHBs) Implementation of the Health of Older People Strategy. A major finding was that none of the DHBs has implemented the Strategy in full, though most have done so in part. According to the Foundation, major factors needing attention include:

institutional boundaries e.g., the need for collaboration between primary and secondary services, the need to deal with patch protection within and between services, and the time thats needed to change attitudes; and

the need to improve: relationships with primary health organisations (PHOs), home-based services, and problems with IT. This report is a follow-up to the Foundations 2008 report on how well DHBs were doing in meeting the Governments policy on the health of older people.

Download the report at http://www.hopefoundation.org.nz/pdf/Sarah%20Hood%20Research%20final%20.pdf . More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1107/S00103/difficulties-for-health-boards-in-dealing-with-the-elderly.htm

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ACCs Injury Limit & Age Deduction: HRC Action The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has accepted the National Foundation for the Deaf combined cases submission that the ACC 6% injury threshold and age deduction scale are discriminatory on the grounds of age and disability.

Under the threshold a person must have a total hearing loss of at least 6% before ACC will take the claim, and if the damage is less than 6% the claim is rejected.

The next step will see the HRC invite ACC to join mediation, and further action would depend on how ACC responded.

More is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1107/S00072/hrc-accepts-case-against-acc-injury-threshold.htm

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UN: More Graphic Anti-Smoking Labelling In its third annual report on the global tobacco epidemic, the United Nations World Health Organisation (WHO) said more than one billion people in 19 countries are now covered by laws requiring large, graphic health warnings on packages of tobacco. This is nearly double the number of two years ago, when only about 547 million people were covered in 16 countries.


More is at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2011/tobacco_20110707/en/index.html and you can downloa

Documents

Bulletin Aotearoa August 2011