Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Porirua invited to get behind Clean Up Week

Source: Porirua City Council

Porirua City is getting behind National Clean Up Week this year by organising a litter collection event and making clean up kits available for residents to use.
The annual week-long event, happening this year from 19-25 September, is organised by Keep New Zealand Beautiful with the aim to encourage people to pick up litter in their community and raise awareness of litter in Aotearoa.
For those keen to lend a hand, a Harbour Clean Up event will be held at the Harbour’s Edge on Monday 22 September, from 9am-12pm.
Attendees will have the chance to collect litter around the harbourside. There will also be a free sausage sizzle, play items, spot prizes and a chance to do some planting.
The event is timed during the school holidays, so whānau are welcome to come along and burn off some energy.
For those who are unable to make the event but want to do their bit to collect litter, free clean up kits will be available to pick up from any Porirua library during Clean Up Week.
Each kit comes with two orange Council rubbish bags and a pair of gloves. Once you’ve finished your clean up and tied the rubbish bag securely, place it by any public rubbish bin in Porirua and it will be collected.
An audit completed by Keep New Zealand Beautiful in 2022 revealed that Porirua sat third in the Wellington region for having the most litter – at close to 1kg of litter per 1000 square metres.
“When litter is not disposed of properly, it can collect in our streets, parks, beaches, and waterways, contaminating soil and water services,” says Council City Services Manager David Stone.
“We are working hard to revitalise our beautiful harbour and waterways, and each time litter blows into the water it takes us back yet another step.”
Find out more about the upcoming event on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2183261492171495
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Wellington Chamber of Commerce welcomes sensible steps for business

Source: Wellington Chamber of Commerce

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the Government’s announcement of updates to the Commerce Act, released as part of its Going for Growth agenda.
Acting Chief Executive Amanda Wood says the changes provide a helpful step toward greater clarity and certainty for businesses.
“Clearer rules and oversight give local businesses more confidence to plan for growth while maintaining integrity and public trust.
“Certainty in how businesses can work together is important for supporting collaboration and innovation. Today’s announcement, which the Chamber hosted, is a useful development in that direction.”
Ms Wood noted that while the changes are not transformational on their own, they contribute to an environment where businesses can operate with greater confidence and focus on growth.
“We will continue to follow today's changes closely and look forward to seeing how these changes deliver for local business.
“These updates align with our broader priority of ensuring Wellington businesses have the right policy settings to thrive.”
Notes:
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce represents 1000 members across the Wellington region providing advice, training, support, and advocates for policies that reflect the interests of the business community.
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University Research – Most kids told of their biological origins – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Almost all parents (86%) tell their donor-conceived children about their origins, with single parent (89%) and same-sex parents (96%) the most likely to do so.

Four out of five parents tell their donor-conceived children about their biological origins, according to new research out of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

The researchers surveyed 374 parents of children aged from seven to 18 years, and conceived through donor eggs, embryos or sperm, asking whether they had told their children they were donor-conceived. See Fertility and Sterility. (ref. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028225017984?dgcid=coauthor )

“We were pleased to find that 86 percent of parents had shared this information with their children, although think there could be a responder bias, where people who hadn’t shared this information with their children may have been less likely to respond to the survey,” says Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Cindy Farquhar CNZM, who is also clinical director of Fertility Plus at National Women’s Hospital.

The survey was sent out to 1,300 parents who had used clinics for conception and captured the first cohort of donor-conceived children who could legally find out the identity of their donor, under the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology (HART) Act 2004, at the age of 18. For background, see Value of disclosing donor conception explored (June 2024).

When people use fertility clinics, they are advised to share with their children from an early age that they were born with the assistance of a sperm, egg or embryo donor. The survey aimed to find out how many did so and why or why not.

International research associates early disclosure with the child being better able to integrate donor conception into their sense of identity. They are also less likely to feel stigmatised and distressed.

Lead author Dr Karyn Anderson, a doctoral candidate, says that heterosexual couples were less likely to share this information with their children, with 82 percent disclosing, whereas for same sex couples or single women disclosure rates were higher.

“Even so, not all single and same-sex parents disclosed, it wasn’t 100 percent,” says Anderson.

Of 94 single-parent respondents, 84 (89 percent) had shared their children’s donor conception origins with them and of 54 same-sex couples, 52 (96 percent) had told their child or children.
Most parents shared the information with their children when they were under ten years old, which accords with international recommendations, according to the paper published in Fertility & Sterility.

The survey found parents shared information with their children at all ages, although more than half did so before their children were ten and the average was just under seven years old. Children with whom information was shared later didn’t necessarily react more negatively than those told earlier.

Around half of respondents said they were in contact with the donors.

The researchers held a hui to share the results and discuss the issues of donor conception in New Zealand with people who were donor-conceived, as well as researchers and fertility clinics.

“Some people told beautiful stories about meeting their donors. Other people were angry they hadn’t been told of their donor conception origins as children,” Farquhar says.

The team is now conducting a series of interviews with parents who took part in the survey to get a deeper understanding of how they are building families.

The researchers are recommending that clinics follow up with parents after they have had their children, offering support with how to disclose and with linking with donors or same-donor siblings and their families.

For people who would like to find out the identity of a donor, they should contact the clinic where they received the donor sperm, egg or embryo.

Read the study: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028225017984?dgcid=coauthor

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Northland Regional Council news briefs – 16 September 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

WORLD CAR FREE DAY – MONDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
Northland Regional Council is celebrating World Car Free Day again, by offering free bus travel on their Buslink and CityLink services on Monday 22 September.
In Whangārei, CityLink bus rides will be free all day. Northland Regional Council, Whangārei District Council and Northland Road Safety are coming together this year to bring giveaways and surprises to the city centre and offer residents a chance to experience a city that moves differently.
Not all BusLink services around the region run on a Monday, but the Far North Link will be free to all passengers on the Mangonui – Kaitaia service and will have giveaways for people catching the bus.
Car Free Day doesn’t just mean catching the bus, you could walk, cycle or scoot to work or to the shops, or car-pool with friends or whānau. Choosing active or public transport supports physical wellbeing and a more sustainable future.
Buslink.co.nz or follow CityLink Whangārei on Facebook.
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Child Fund – Over 12.7m people now need humanitarian support in Ukraine

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

12.7 million people in Ukraine, 36% of the population, now require humanitarian assistance just to meet their basic needs, reported by the United Nations.
“About 6.5 million of them are women and girls – that’s bigger than the population of New Zealand,” says ChildFund New Zealand CEO, Josie Pagani.
Critical infrastructure such as schools and water systems continue to be targeted by Russian bombs, increasing the humanitarian need.
“Thousands of children should be returning to school this month. But after 800 missiles and drones were launched on 7 September, schools are less safe than ever.”
“Many classrooms across the country have been destroyed, so students rely on remote learning. Even this is compromised because of constant power cuts. Trauma makes learning difficult, so counselling services are also a priority.”
Winter adds another challenge as sub-zero temperatures loom. Families urgently need heating, insulation and warm clothing.
“These children will be the generation that rebuilds Ukraine – its teachers, leaders, builders and entrepreneurs. We cannot allow them to go without an education today,” says Josie Pagani.
ChildFund’s partner WeWorld has been active in Ukraine since 2022, delivering emergency relief and providing long-term recovery for children. This includes providing hygiene kits, repairing water and sanitation systems, and offering education and psychosocial support.
“In the coming months, we hope to reach 27,500 people with life-saving assistance – but this is only possible with help from generous supporters in places like New Zealand.”
Every donation to ChildFund New Zealand’s Emergency Response Fund provides life-saving support for children like those in Ukraine, facing wars and disaster.
“We must give children the chance to survive and to keep learning, even in the middle of a war.”
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Environment – "Tough on crime" Government lets repeat pesticide offenders off the hook

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is calling the Government’s “tough on crime” rhetoric a complete sham after official documents reveal companies repeatedly breaking food safety laws are escaping prosecution.
Documents released to Greenpeace show that since 2021, four companies were caught selling food with illegally high levels of pesticide residues on multiple occasions. Yet, in the past nine years, the Government has not prosecuted a single company for pesticide residue breaches.
Greenpeace spokesperson Gen Toop said: “Every New Zealander has a right to safe, healthy food, but this shocking enforcement failure means that illegally high levels of hazardous chemicals are ending up on our plates.
“Even after uncovering repeated breaches of pesticide residue laws by multiple companies, the Government has failed to take a single prosecution in almost ten years.
“These documents expose the Government’s two-tiered justice system: it's tough on crime for ordinary people, but soft on crime for powerful agribusiness,” says Toop.
Food safety regulations in Aotearoa prohibit the sale of food with pesticide residues above what’s known as the maximum residue limit (MRL). New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is the Government agency responsible for monitoring and enforcing these rules.
In the documents, NZFS claims “in serious cases, enforced compliance action can, and is taken”. Greenpeace says companies have committed serious breaches in the last nine years and still evaded prosecution.
In 2022/23 NZFS found food with the organophosphate, methamidophos on it at levels thirty times above the legal limit. Methamidophos is so toxic it was banned in New Zealand last year.
“This Government’s “tough on crime” rhetoric is a complete sham. Instead of cracking down on companies that use agrichemicals illegally, the Government is letting serious offences and repeat offenders off the hook entirely.”
ACT party Ministers David Seymour and Andrew Hoggard have announced the Government is planning to “cut red tape” in hazardous chemical management in New Zealand. An open letter opposing the plan has garnered over 26,000 signatures
“This Government is putting the profits of chemical corporations and agribusiness ahead of the health of people and our environment. They need to do a complete 180 on this approach, start actually cracking down on illegal pesticide use, and strengthen, not weaken, our chemical laws.”
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Earth Sciences NZ and SPREP Formalise Partnership for Pacific Climate and Environmental Resilience

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Earth Sciences New Zealand and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in their decades-long collaboration on environmental science and resilience in the Pacific.
This first formal agreement between the two organisations establishes a framework for deeper cooperation in climate science and resilience, ecosystem protection, environmental monitoring, and integration of Indigenous knowledge in natural resource management-all areas central to the region’s priorities and future under Pacific Island Forum Leaders’ 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The MOU enables joint planning and execution of projects, capacity-building initiatives, and shared research efforts that will support sustainable development and environmental resilience across Pacific Island countries and territories.
SPREP Director General Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra welcomed the agreement, noting that “This recommitment of our existing partnership, which has stood the test of time and covers the whole area of the work that SPREP does, has untapped potential which will allow us to venture into newer areas of joint work. The timing is perfect for both institutions, seeing SPREP has established the new Climate Science and Information Programme, whilst Earth Sciences New Zealand has gone through a restructure – strategic moves which strengthen confidence among our partners and the countries we serve. “
“Formalising our partnership with SPREP allows us to better align our strengths and resources to meet the urgent environmental challenges facing the Pacific,” said Connon Andrews, Manager of the Pacific Centre at Earth Sciences NZ. “Together, we can deliver more coordinated, impactful science and services to support Pacific communities.”
The MOU outlines mechanisms for joint work planning, regular strategic meetings, and collaboration across a wide range of activity areas, including regional initiatives such as the Weather Ready Pacific programme, the Pacific Climate Change Science and Services Research Roadmap, and the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Centre Network, and the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service.
The MOU will guide collaboration over the next five years, with a shared commitment to integrity, sustainability, and the values of both organisations.
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Reasonable confidence despite uncertainty – BusinessNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

Future investment intentions indicate a reasonable level of business confidence, BusinessNZ says.
BusinessNZ’s 2025 Business Sentiment Survey shows uncertainty is a key challenge for businesses, but also shows companies planning more investment than last year.
The survey of 130 businesses shows 68% intend to authorise the same or more capital expenditure as last year compared with 61% in 2024; and fewer expect to invest less (25%) compared with 2024 (33%).
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said investment intentions were a good indicator of business confidence and the 2025 results pointed to gradual improvement in the economy.
Asked about their top concerns affecting business confidence, the largest number cited uncertainty stemming from reversals of government policies following elections. This differs from the top concerns in 2024, which were interest rates and profitability challenges.
Companies involved in exporting were asked about their level of confidence in being able to export at the same rate as in recent years in the light of recent US tariff decisions. 73% were confident or neutral, while 27% said they were not confident.
The survey also indicated business views on the level of corporate tax, relevant skill levels of employees, ease of recruitment, and quality of roading for business needs.
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Business Canterbury releases Council Candidate To-Do-List

Source: Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury has today released a to-do-list for incoming councillors across the region, as voting papers start getting delivered and returned for this year’s Local Government elections.
Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “Canterbury is at a pivotal time in its growth story.”
“Sustaining our success as a region will take bold and coordinated leadership from our local councils.
“At present, and as a general rule, businesses view their councils as passive at best at championing growth. The prevailing sentiment is often that councils are not necessarily doing anything wrong, but not really ‘out there gunning for businesses’ to succeed either.
“Our to-do-list sets out some of the steps council candidates should think about as they close out the campaign period – and take into the job when those who are successful take their places at council tables across the region.
We are asking candidates to:
– Invest ahead of demand
– Back innovation
– Advance our competitive advantage in affordable housing and lifestyle
– Demand more from procurement
– Get rates under control
– Spend where the impact is greatest first
– Review levels of asset ownership
– Speed up consenting
Plus, more in the document linked below.
“The business community want councils to focus on the basics and ensuring that every dollar spent in their operating and capital budgets deliver real, tangible value, with resources directed toward the areas of highest growth impact first.
“It is consistent, sustainable growth that delivers strong community outcomes across the region, and councils have a significant role to play in enabling it.
“It is also clear that businesses want to see councils sharpening up internally. This means operating efficiently, streamlining processes, and removing unnecessary bureaucracy that slows progress and hampers business confidence.
“We need all councils to take up the role of being a champion for growth seriously, rather than seeing their role as enforcers. Some of our councils are already a long way toward making this a default mindset, and the resulting uplift in business confidence and investment speaks for itself.”
The document and to-do-list can be found on Business Canterbury’s website.
Separate to Local Government Elections, Business Canterbury has been leading a piece of work over the last year with the Canterbury Mayoral Forum to create a ‘Canterbury Ambition’ for the region which ensures we have a collective private sector led ambition that is enabled by local government. Those selected at the next local government elections will play a crucial role in realising this ambition and ensuring we keep the momentum we have as a region right now. We are looking forward to announcing further details of this work in the coming months.
About Business Canterbury
Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.
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Education – Southern Cross and Ara launch major support package for nursing students

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury has secured a significant share of a nationwide nursing education investment, with more than $218,000 in support earmarked for ākonga (students) through a new partnership with Southern Cross Health Trust.
Dr Michael Shone, Dean of Faculty – Health, Science and Sustainability at Ara, said the initiative was a transformative moment for nursing education in Canterbury.
“This is a game-changer – not just for the scholarship recipients, but for every Bachelor of Nursing ākonga walking through our doors next year. Southern Cross Health Trust’s investment will ease financial pressure, boost wellbeing and help set them up for success. We’re deeply grateful for their commitment to our learners and our community,” he said.
Nine Ara Bachelor of Nursing students will receive Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships worth up to $30,740 each – injecting $92,200 directly into students’ hands in 2026.
Each scholarship package includes up to $5,000 per year toward fees, $500 per week during placements, a $500 annual wellbeing allowance, and $240 for their final Nursing Council exam.
Beyond financial support, recipients will gain priority clinical placements in Southern Cross hospitals, access to mentorships with experienced nurses and opportunities for part-time roles and extension learning.
Southern Cross Health Trust is also funding a comprehensive student support package for Ara’s entire bachelor nursing cohort, including a $300 voucher for uniforms and shoes for first-year students (valued at $126,000) and a starter kit for students featuring a branded nurses watch, tote bag, pen and notebook (valued at $24,000).
Together, these initiatives represent a $218,220 investment in the future of nursing in Canterbury.
Southern Cross Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer Monica Goldwater said the programme reflected the organisation’s ongoing commitment to New Zealand’s nurses.
“We know that highly skilled, supported nurses are at the heart of great healthcare,” she said. “Through these scholarships, we’re investing in the ongoing education and development of our nurses, and in doing so, we’re helping ensure New Zealanders can continue to access exceptional care now and into the future.”
The Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme was first launched in partnership with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2025. Now in its second year, the programme has expanded to include six tertiary providers across Aotearoa, with more than 50 scholarships to be awarded in 2026.
Ara’s allocation – nine scholarships and support for more than 800 students – represents one of the largest regional investments in the programme to date.
All first year Bachelor of Nursing Students at AUT, University of Waikato, Western Institute of Technology, Whitireia – WelTec, Ara, and Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) will also receive a $300 uniform and shoe voucher and, where access to vaccines is not already provided, be eligible for a funded flu vaccine courtesy of Southern Cross wellness partners.
In total, Southern Cross Health Trust is investing more than $1 million into supporting New Zealand nursing students in 2026.
Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Cross Healthcare CEO Chris White said the organisation was proud to be growing its investment in the Nursing Scholarship Programme.
“Increasing the number of scholarships and geographical spread of the programme reflects our commitment to supporting New Zealand’s future nursing workforce.”
Applications for the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships open Monday 15 September. Find out more at: https://www.ara.ac.nz/southern-cross