Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Tourism – Triple adventure swing launches in Queenstown

Source: AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand  

The South Island's first three-person adventure swing opened at the iconic Queenstown home of AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand (AJHBNZ) today.

AJHBNZ co-founder Henry van Asch and Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods were the first riders of the anticipated Kawarau Swing at the official launch today. Located at the original home of bungy – the Kawarau Bridge – the Kawarau Swing has been designed as a milder, family-friendly alternative to the world-renowned, adrenalin-fuelled bungy jump. The swing is the latest addition to AJHBNZ, which has been operating for almost 37 years.

AJHBNZ CEO David Mitchell says the new swing offers single, tandem, or three-person rides and is an inclusive and accessible option for all thrill-seekers.

“We’re very excited to be launching another safe and exhilarating experience at the Kawarau Bungy Centre,” he says. “The Kawarau Swing is a fantastic, family-friendly experience that complements our bungy and zipline activities to elevate the overall guest experience. It’s been years in the making, and we’re excited to see this great innovation come to fruition at the original home of bungy.”

The Kawarau Swing launches from a dedicated platform on the Kawarau Bridge viewing deck, and the retractable floor means no self-initiated ‘step off’ is required. It then sends guests swinging 43 metres above the Kawarau River, before a smooth winch return to the swing deck.

Van Asch says the experience is perfect for those wanting to try an adrenaline activity but aren’t ready for the intensity of a bungy jump.

“The Kawarau Swing hits that sweet spot between the full-on adrenaline rush of a bungy and the pure joy of a zipride,” he says. “It will enhance Queenstown’s adventure tourism offering – we expect it to be very popular with visiting families, couples and groups. The swing was designed with families and couples in mind, and anyone from the age of eight can ride it. It’s also a fun activity for spectators, who can watch every bit of the action from the viewing platform.”

After three years of planning, design and engineering, the Kawarau Swing has undergone rigorous testing, peer reviews, weight tests and independent inspections before opening today. AJHBNZ staff are continuously trained at the highest level to adhere to the company’s impeccable safety standards.

“Safety is number one with all of our experiences and has been since we opened in 1988,” van Asch adds. “Our stringent safety systems have been part of the process every step of the way for the Kawarau Swing. Now it’s ready for people to come out here and enjoy it.”

About AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand  
Ever since it was launched with a buzz by AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch back in 1988, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has been in the business of fuelling people with courage and adrenaline. The world’s first commercial bungy operation opened at the Kawarau Bridge in November 1988 and AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has remained committed to levelling up the exhilaration across Aotearoa, with bungy, zipride, swing, catapult, skywalk, skyjump and bridge climb across Queenstown, Taupō and Auckland.

Posted on

Advocacy – Prime Minister urged to demand Israel allow New Zealand humanitarian supplies through to the starving people of Gaza – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

PSNA is urging Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to stand up to Israel and demand it allow the tens of millions in New Zealand aid to get through to the starving people of Gaza.

Despite the ceasefire the head of the World Health Organisation said today the hunger crisis in Gaza is “catastrophic”. 

Meanwhile 41 aid organisations have said Israel is “arbitrarily” rejecting aid shipments into famine-struck Gaza where the UN says a quarter of Gaza’s population is starving.

 

“Our aid is being blocked by Israel” says PSNA Co-Chair John Minto. “New Zealand has paid over $40 million on aid for Gaza but Israel is refusing to let it through to the starving population.”

“The government’s commitment of food and medical supplies is just window-dressing if we don’t insist it gets through.”

 

“Israel’s cruelty and depravity is plain to see but not a peep from our government. What’s so hard about standing up for basic human decency?”

 

Meanwhile the International Court of Justice this week reiterated its call for Israel to abide by international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

 

In its advisory opinion the court said as the occupying power Israel is required to 'ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory [OPT] has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services' and 'to respect the prohibition on the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare'.


Israel has refused to do either.

 

“Mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza hasn’t moved the government.” says Minto

 

“All we have are limp platitudes such as Foreign Minister Peters made 11 days ago urging 'the immediate influx of food, fuel and basic supplies into Gaza'.“

 

“Cowardice in the face of Israel’s brutality is endemic within the Foreign Minister’s office.”

 

“A New Zealand parliamentary delegation needs to travel to Gaza without delay to directly monitor what’s happening and confront Israel’s depraved behaviour.”

 

Luxon should speak out now and ask the Foreign Affairs Select Committee to immediately organise a delegation to Gaza.

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

Posted on

Weather News – A weekend breather before Monday’s storm – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Friday 24th – Monday 27th October – A weekend breather before Monday's storm.

  • Widespread wild weather on Thursday
  • Settled weekend for many
  • Further severe weather expected on Monday (Labour Day)

After a wet and wild week, holidaymakers will be glad to hear that settled conditions are forecast for much of the country as we head into the long weekend. The respite doesn’t last long, unfortunately, with another widespread severe weather event shaping up on Monday.
 
Thursday brought extreme weather to a number of places around the country, causing damage to infrastructure and properties, widespread power cuts, flooding and road closures. Urban areas in Wellington, southern Wairarapa, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland were slammed by gusts of 130-160km/h, while mountainous parts of southern Marlborough and Canterbury reached over 200km/h at their peak. Canterbury High Country saw the highest 24-hour rainfall accumulations, with several stations receiving over 200mm – Mueller Hut takes the cake with a whopping 245mm in 15 hours of rain (midnight to 3pm).
Wind and rain weren’t the only extreme conditions on Thursday, though, with temperature records in the North Island also toppling. Hastings hit 32.1°C at 3:30pm, smashing the record for the warmest October temperature recorded in the North Island, while Kaikoura and Whangārei both observed their highest October temperature on record, reaching 31.8°C and 26.3°C respectively.
 
Thankfully for those looking to get out and about this weekend, the outlook is sunnier for many parts of the country over the next few days. While Southland and the South Island’s west coast continue to see bands of rain sweeping through, the east coasts of both islands have a dry weekend on the cards, and the rest of the North Island should still see the sun between passing showers.
Westerly winds start to pick up on Sunday, with Central Hawke’s Bay and the Tararua District looking most likely to be affected by gales at this stage. MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino advises, “With warm, dry weather and strong winds forecast for the east coast of the country, it’s important to keep an eye on fire risk conditions when planning your activities for the weekend – open air fires, including fireworks and sky lanterns, are currently banned in Wellington, Canterbury, Marlborough and Hawke's Bay, and even mowing your lawn carries a risk of sparking a fire when conditions are right.”
 
It's also a busy weekend for events around the motu, with the Coastal Classic yacht race from Auckland to Russell having kicked off under sunny skies and a southwesterly breeze on Friday morning, and all eyes on Tauranga’s forecast for Sunday as the Black Caps take on England in the first ODI of the season in Aotearoa.
“Cricket fans will be pleased to hear that we should finally get a match finished, with any morning showers clearing out by the time the game gets underway,” Martino says.
 
We can’t get too comfortable, though, with another widespread severe weather event piling in on Monday for the end of the long weekend. Much of the country could see localised heavy rain, and areas from Northland all the way to Marlborough are at risk of severe northwest gales. Snow is also expected to reach unseasonably low levels for parts of Canterbury and Otago on Monday night, with possible impacts on travel and further stress on an electricity grid still playing catch-up after this week’s severe weather.
Martino suggests, “Holidaymakers planning to travel home on Monday should keep an eye on MetService’s Severe Weather Outlook for a heads-up of what’s on the way, as well as any Warnings and Watches that are issued closer to the time, and be prepared to adjust plans to avoid the worst of the weather.”

Posted on

Health – ProCare launches Le Va’s Pacific cultural training module for primary care

Source: ProCare

Leading healthcare provider, ProCare is proud to announce the launch of Le Va's Engaging Pasifika for ProCare. It's a free online Pacific cultural learning module developed with Le Va to support primary care teams in delivering culturally responsive care for Pacific patients.

Tailored specifically for practices within ProCare’s Network, the module is the first of its kind to be offered by a primary health organisation (PHO). It provides practical guidance on promoting culturally responsive health and building meaningful connections with patients – equipping GPs, nurses, and practice teams with the tools to offer inclusive, comprehensive care.

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare, says “ProCare serves the largest Pacific population in Aotearoa – about 85,000 people – building cultural competency across primary care is a key part of our commitment to improving community health. We’re proud to work alongside Le Va who offer tools like Engaging Pasifika that support our practices and Pacific patients.”

The launch was marked with a special celebration at Le Va’s Manukau office.

Viv Pole, Head of Pacific Health, says “It was wonderful to celebrate the launch alongside Le Va, after months of collaboration to create a programme that truly serves our primary care community. Together we’ve built something that will help drive inclusive care in a practical and impactful way.”

Norwell adds, “The launch of Le Va's Engaging Pasifika for ProCare reflects a shared commitment from both ProCare and Le Va to create meaningful change for Pacific communities. We’re grateful to Le Va for their hard work in developing the tool and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for both practices and patients.”

This milestone enhances ProCare's work in supporting Pacific health, including the release in 2022 of an equity guide for general practice and the Tala-Moana phone app – a free tool designed to strengthen cultural competency and support the workforce with seven Pacific languages for everyday use.

About ProCare

ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, tele-health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz  

Posted on

Exercise NZ – Play Week 2025: Exercise & Embrace the Joy of Play

Source: Exercise NZ

As Play Week 2025 draws to a close, Exercise New Zealand is reminding Aotearoa, and the whole exercise industry, that movement isn't just a task, it's a joy.

Play lives everywhere, in the backyard, along the footpath, and in the gentle rhythm of our children's laughter and family conversations. Yet if we want to deepen our ability to engage in play alongside our tamariki and whānau, the support of gyms, studios and exercise professionals is a powerful ally. In fact, recent consumer research from the exercise industry here in Aotearoa shows that 98% of New Zealanders recognise that being physically active matters. Whether it's a brisk walk, a swim, a one-on-one session with a trainer, or time with a structured exercise provider, it all counts as movement – and at its heart, it's play.

Active Play For All Ages

Research backs the importance of active play. For example, a recent study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity on active outdoor play shows that play‑based movement supports not only physical benefits (stronger bones, improved motor skills) but also mental, social and emotional benefits for all ages. 

Additional work published in the Journal of Exercise Science  & Fitness  highlights that while playful movement is a powerful way to build confidence, problem-solving skills, and social connection, rising screen time, not only amongst younger generations, is increasingly limiting opportunities for active play. This trend isn't limited to Aotearoa, it's being observed globally.

For the exercise industry here in Aotearoa, this moment calls for a shift in how we value and promote movement – looking beyond sets, reps, and gym floors. It means embracing playful, accessible forms of activity that can happen anywhere: indoors or outdoors, in groups or solo, structured or spontaneous. This mindset is essential if we're to support the full spectrum of wellbeing across all ages and stages.

While we can't directly control screen time in people's homes, we can influence how play is prioritised in the spaces we design, the programmes we run, and the conversations we lead. Play is not only vital for health – it's also fun, liberating, and deeply human.

Unique Role Of The Exercise Industry

ExerciseNZ believes gyms, studios, and exercise professionals have a unique role to play: not just as providers of structured exercise, but as champions of joyful movement. To bring this to life, providers can:

  • Add playful elements to group classes (music, games, challenges).
  • Create low-pressure entry points like (fun session, free trials, themed events.
  • Design environments that invite curiosity and exploration, not just intensity

“Movement should be a right, not a luxury, and initiatives like Play Week are the perfect entry‑point”.

Posted on

Northland News – Hull checks to resume soon

Source: Northland Regional Council

Hull checks to resume soon – Divers are about to begin checking more than 2000 boat hulls around Te Taitokerau as the Northland Regional Council (NRC) begins its annual summer hunt for unwanted marine pests.
Kaeden Leonard, the council’s Biosecurity Manager – Marine, says a combination of contractors and NRC scientific divers will check hulls right around the region.
The annual programme typically runs from November to May and will see both local and visiting vessels targeted, from small recreational vessels to large commercial vessels.
“Summer is the peak boat movement period in Northland, and this work is part of an ongoing search targeting unwanted pests threatening the region’s marine environment.”
Mr Leonard says last summer (2024-2025), Northland Regional Council’s marine biosecurity team inspected 2310 vessel hulls across 14 locations.
“While the majority of vessel owners showed strong compliance with biofouling rules when relocating between harbours, unfortunately, a number of vessels were still found carrying listed marine pests including Sabella spallanzanii (Mediterranean fanworm) in areas where those species are not known to be present.”
“Our team works closely with these vessel owners to ensure risks are mitigated quickly,” Mr Leonard says. “This often means hauling the vessel out of the water for cleaning at the owner’s expense.”
Mr Leonard says the regional council remains very appreciative of the steps so many boaties are already taking to keep their boat hulls clean and similarly the great support it gets from Northland’s marina operators.
He says given there are some harbours in Northland that are free from Mediterranean fanworm (including Tutukākā and Mangōnui Harbours) – and active removal is underway in others, including Mangawhai Harbour – it is especially important for vessel owners to be vigilant about keeping their hulls clean.
“This is particularly the case when leaving areas where Mediterranean fanworm is well-established, including Whangārei, Whangaroa and Ōpua.
The hull surveys begin as authorities celebrate successful work to eliminate Mediterranean fanworm from Mangōnui Harbour, which has been achieved with co-funding assistance from Biosecurity New Zealand.
Mr Leonard says five years ago a vessel was found there that was heavily infested with fanworm. A small number of individual fanworms were also located and removed from the seafloor under the vessel.
The council has worked with Biosecurity New Zealand – which funded 50 percent of ongoing surveillance of the harbour over the past five years – and according to best-practice guidelines, it’s now possible to say the pest has been eliminated there.
Mr Leonard says as well as rules covering transportation of marine pests, council has rules limiting the amount of ‘biofouling’ (build-up of microorganisms, algae, plants and pests) vessels can be carrying when they enter new spots.
He says before relocating to another area, a vessel must only have light fouling’ meaning no more than small patches (up to 100mm in diameter) of visible fouling, totalling less than five percent of the hull and ‘niche’ areas like the base of the keel, and inside intakes and bow thrusters. A slime layer and/or barnacles are ok.
“Vessel hulls are the most common way for marine pests to hitch a ride, and our Marine Pathway Management Plan (MPMP) aims to manage this issue.”
Under the plan, any vessel entering Northland waters or moving from one harbour to another must have no more than ‘light fouling’, defined as a slime layer and/or barnacles and a few patches of macrofouling.
“Marine pests can hitchhike and hide amongst boat fouling, so preventing the movement of infested vessels is the best way to stop the spread of marine invaders,” Mr Leonard says.
Mr Leonard says it’s always worth bearing in mind that marine pests found on vessels have often been concealed in niche areas. “These areas require special attention when applying antifouling or during a ‘lift and wash’ period and we strongly recommend double-checking these niche areas before your vessel goes back in the water.”
“Another thing to remember is that there are designated areas in which you can clean your vessel hull, and hulls may only be cleaned in the water if they have light fouling or barnacles.”
He says people illegally cleaning hulls can be fined $750 and any vessel that requires scrubbing should be removed by a lift and wash.
“If a marine pest is found on your vessel hull, please contact Northland Regional Council immediately on (0800) 002 004.
Mr Leonard says authorities are keen to ensure vessels are free of marine pests before owners start travelling to new areas with the onset of warmer summer weather.
“Vessel owners are asked to be extra vigilant and clean anchors and topside equipment like cray pots and ropes when moving to new areas, especially after visiting known infected areas.”
Meanwhile, among a range of unwanted marine nasties the NRC divers will be checking for on vessel hulls, other artificial structures and the seafloor are a number already known to be in New Zealand.
These include exotic Caulerpa seaweed, Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii), Asian date mussel (Arcuatula senhousia), Australian droplet tunicate (Eudistoma elongatum), clubbed tunicate (Styela clava) and little bottles sea squirt (Clavelina oblonga).
Other unwanted species not known to be here yet, but which divers will also be vigilant for, include northern Pacific seastar (Asterias amurensis), European green crab (Carcinus maenas), Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and Asian clam (Potamocorbula amurensis).
Boat owners keen to know if their boat has been inspected – and the results – are welcome to email marinebiosecurity@nrc.govt.nz
“Email your vessel name and mooring/berth location and if yours is one of the 2000-plus hulls inspected in the survey you’ll be notified.”
Posted on

Gaza – Dire living conditions in Gaza continue to impact people’s health despite ceasefire – MSF

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

Diseases directly linked to poor living conditions account for 70 per cent of all of MSF’s outpatient consultations in our healthcare centres in southern Gaza in 2025.

Jerusalem, 24 October 2025 – More than one million people are still being forced to survive on a tiny patch of land, and in dangerous living conditions, in southern Gaza, Palestine. This displacement, along with the massive destruction of civilian infrastructure and the health system by Israeli forces, is creating the perfect storm for disease and illness to spread, warns Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Israeli authorities should immediately allow a massive scale up of humanitarian assistance to flow freely into Gaza.

Despite the ceasefire, people in Gaza continue to endure extreme suffering, as Israel’s two-year-long genocidal campaign has left them traumatised, injured, and dangerously exposed to the elements as winter approaches. Without immediate improvements to water, sanitation, shelter, and nutrition, more people will die from entirely preventable causes.

“In southern Gaza, families who have been forced to flee repeatedly are crammed into a sea of makeshift tents, packed into the few remaining schools, or sleeping in the open amid rubble, piles of garbage, animal waste, and overflowing sewage.” says Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. “It's utterly unacceptable.”

As the temperature drops, people’s fragile living conditions will heighten their exposure to extreme weather. This, combined with people’s exhaustion, will further heighten health risks.

MSF medical data from 2025 shows that diseases directly linked to poor living conditions, such as skin, eye, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections, as well as generalised aches and pains, account for 70 per cent of all outpatient consultations in our healthcare centres in southern Gaza.

“Malnutrition, inadequate sanitation, and poor living conditions are taking a devastating toll on people’s health — they’re especially getting sick because of the conditions they’re forced to live in,” says Adi Nadimpalli, MSF medical coordinator.

The collapse of the water and sanitation system — a direct result of targeted destruction and the systematic blockages on reconstruction materials imposed by Israeli authorities — has triggered a surge in waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhoeal illnesses, since the first week of April 2025. Over the past two years, MSF teams have treated more than 78,000 cases of diarrhoea, including over 24,000 cases since April of this year. Many families are unable to acquire or safely prepare food, and limited access to clean water is worsening the situation.

From October 2024 to September 2025, MSF teams at Nasser hospital, in Khan Younis, screened pregnant women for malnutrition, with 1,366 being diagnosed. In Gaza, many mothers are struggling to safely feed their babies — some are so malnourished that they are unable to produce enough breast milk, while ready-to-use infant formula is in short supply. Finding clean water and sterile materials to prepare milk is nearly impossible, and even boiling water has become a challenge, with most families lacking access to cooking gas and resorting to burning scarce and expensive wood.

Recovery from trauma is also compromised by these harsh living conditions. The lack of mobility aids, such as crutches and wheelchairs, makes it extremely difficult for thousands of people with amputations or disabilities to move around tents, access latrines, or reach clinics.

“We see many people with large open wounds, burns, or external fixators who are living in tents without proper hygiene, waste management, or climate control,” says Nadimpalli. “Infections that would normally be preventable are now common, leading to worsening health conditions and repeated hospitalisations.”

Since May — with a sharper increase from mid-August — MSF teams have observed a significant rise in respiratory tract infections, which are typically more common during the winter months. According to the Ministry of Health, acute respiratory infections now account for 67 per cent of total morbidity.

MSF has also witnessed an increase in skin diseases, including scabies, lice, and other infectious and non-infectious conditions, since mid-August.

The Israeli authorities must immediately allow a massive scale up of unimpeded humanitarian assistance into Gaza, so that people’s suffering and vulnerability to the elements can be addressed.

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation.  MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières  working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

Posted on

Government Cuts – Proposed cuts to specialist prevention ACC staff will cause more sexual violence and injuries – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is criticising a new proposal from ACC that would mean a major overhaul of its Injury Prevention team.
The proposal includes a loss of seven roles, including specialist Māori and sexual violence prevention roles.
“We strongly oppose cutting specialist prevention workers at ACC, it will cause harm and cost us all more in the long run,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
“It is much better to focus on injury and harm prevention. This proposal would see the loss of injury and harm prevention experts that ACC itself knows are critical in preventing harm and injuries.”
“New Zealand has a problem with sexual violence and ACC will have less ability to target prevention measures with the loss of these specialist roles.”
Currently, the Injury Prevention team is split into four portfolios: Targeted (falls, roads and sport); Treatment Safety; Workplace; and Strategic (which covers family and sexual violence).
Under the new proposal, the portfolios would be slashed, and specialist roles would be filled with generalist workers.
“As ACC states in their own consultation document, this team has delivered fantastic value to New Zealand communities, only to be cut to save money in the short-term.
“It doesn’t make any sense – our communities will miss out, and the cost of the harm will still fall on ACC’s bottom line.”
Staff consultation on the proposed changes close on 28 October, the PSA will be making a submission opposing this.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
Posted on

Northland News – Environmental Leaders Fund grants allocated

Source: Northland Regional Council

Twenty-two Northland schools and early childhood centres are to share in $42,000 of Northland Regional Council Environmental Leaders Funding for projects ranging from a food forest to water conservation efforts.
Council Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Gibbard says the Environmental Leaders Fund (ELF) aims to support schools and early childhood centres (ECC) with projects that increase their students' knowledge and passion for the environment.
He says as Northland responds and adapts to a changing climate, the funded projects will help to build climate resilience in the region’s schools and surrounding communities.
“Schools and ECC can apply for up to $3000 each (excluding GST) in categories including exploring alternative energy and sustainable transport, improving biodiversity, supporting a circular economy and reducing waste, protecting and preserving water and growing kai.”
In total 29 eligible schools and ECCs had applied for $81,156 in ELF grants, roughly twice the funding available this year-.
Successful applicants, the district they’re based in, their project name and the GST-inclusive (subs: crrct inclusive) amounts granted are:
  • Aranga school (Kaipara); Aranga Tanga, $2266
  • BestStart Pipiwai Rd (Whangārei); Sustainable Nurturing and Growth, $600
  • Broadwood Area School (Far North); Rotokakahi River and Broadwood Picnic Area Restoration Group, $2937.31
  • Harinui Early Childhood Learning Centre (Far North); Water conservation project, $1100
  • Hurupaki School (Whangārei); Hurupaki School Growing Futures Project, $3000
  • Kaipara Kids Early Learning Centre (Kaipara); All about wai, $2600
  • Maungaturoto Primary School (Kaipara); School Seedlings, $1376.24
  • Mission Place Kindergarten (Far North); Ko wai ko au, ko au ko wai – I am water, water is me. Water is life. Protecting and Preserving Water, $2000
  • Morningside School (Whangārei); Garden to Table / Maara ki te tepu, $1000
  • Pakaraka School (Far North); Ikura Kura, $2300
  • Pouto School (Kaipara); Pātaka Kai o te Kura o Pouto, $2000
  • Pukenui School (Far North); Pukenui Maunga Restoration, $2000
Posted on

Transporting New Zealand’s Green Fleet Self-Assessment tool launched today

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand are introducing an online tool aimed at reducing road freight emissions at an Auckland event today.
The Green Fleet Self-Assessment Tool is now live and freely available on Transporting New Zealand’s website. It outlines how fuel-efficient driver training and technologies, vehicle procurement standards, route planning, carbon reporting and setting reduction targets among other strategies can help businesses and their customers meet sustainability goals.
“This tool allows businesses to identify what progress they’ve already made and what steps to take next,” says Chief Executive of Transporting New Zealand, Dom Kalasih.
“We know that freight customers are increasingly aware of the emissions impact of transport and that all areas of the supply chain have a responsibility to make a difference. It’s great that there are already many innovative operators taking huge strides in this area and paving the way for others.”
The tool is being launched at a Road Freight Decarbonisation Update where the audience of industry stakeholders will hear more about initiatives such as Low Emission Freight Certification and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund.
Several MPs will be in attendance including Labour’s Deborah Russell, National’s Dan Bidois, Greens’ Julie Anne Genter and ACT’s Cameron Luxton.
“It’ll be great to have a range of transport, energy and climate spokespeople from across the political spectrum joining us today. The road freight sector needs to know what policies and commitments we can expect in this space from key parties ahead of next year’s election,” says Transporting New Zealand’s Head of Policy and Advocacy, Billy Clemens.
The event is being held at TR Group’s premises, New Zealand’s largest heavy commercial rental and lease company that has been an industry leader in decarbonisation with 60 zero-emission heavy vehicles already running. TR Group’s use of low and zero emission vehicles alongside other strategies – including preventative maintenance plans, retread tyres, and the use of recycled materials – means the company has prevented more than 1.2 million kg of CO2 from being emitted.
“At TR Group we’ve learned first-hand that lowering emissions requires equal parts commitment, collaboration and innovation. We’re pleased to share what we’ve learned from operating one of the country’s largest zero-emission heavy-vehicle fleets and to support the launch of a tool that helps operators make informed, realistic decisions on their own decarbonisation pathway,” says Managing Director, Andrew Carpenter.
Transporting New Zealand worked with member company KAM Transport to create a short video explaining the tool’s purpose.
KAM Transport are the first company of their kind to be endowed with the Toitū Enviromark Gold certification. This has been accomplished through fuel-efficient driver training, route optimisation, backloading and other strategies that don’t require alternative fuels.
“In many cases reducing emissions goes hand in hand with reducing fuel costs. It’s a win-win situation,” says Kalasih.
“We hope that operators use this tool and share any useful information they get out of it with their staff, drivers, and with their customers.”
The Green Fleet Self-Assessment Tool can be accessed here: https://www.transporting.nz/green-fleet-self-assessment
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.