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Awards – Jamie-Lee Rahiri wins L’Oréal–UNESCO science award – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Championing Māori health equity and cultural safety in surgery has seen Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri named 2025 L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Fellow.

A strong focus on health equity and cultural safety in surgery has seen Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) named the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Fellow for Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025.

Rahiri has had a stellar rise as an early-career clinical researcher at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, focused on understanding and addressing health inequities among Māori.

Currently a third-year general surgery trainee at North Shore Hospital, the senior research fellow has been recognised for improving surgical care for Māori patients and inspiring the next generation of wāhine Māori into surgery.

“My research seeks to embed equity, and improve the cultural safety and effectiveness of surgical care pathways in Aotearoa,” Rahiri says.

Earlier, Rahiri worked with South Auckland communities to improve outcomes for Māori patients after bariatric surgery.

Now, training to become a surgeon herself, is another way of leading culturally safe surgical care for whānau Māori.

“One of the projects that I'm leading right now, that's quite exciting, is centred on weight-loss outcomes after surgery. This is an area in Aotearoa, unfortunately, that is still growing in the sense that it urgently needs compassion, surgical excellence and equity embedded within its delivery,” says Rahiri.

Rahiri is the only New Zealander and one of four across Australasia to win the regional section of the prestigious international awards.

The win comes hot on the tail of her winning the John Corboy Medal, the highest honour for a surgical trainee from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Rahiri’s PhD, Exploring Māori Experiences of Bariatric Surgery, uses a kaupapa Māori approach to redesign surgical pathways, ensuring care is equitable and culturally safe.

In 2024, she won an early career excellence award from the University of Auckland.

Rahiri is the founder of Te Piringa Kōtuku – a Kaupapa Māori Surgical and Primary Health Research Institute and a pioneer of initiatives including Te Poka Pū – National Māori Surgical Interest Group to support and advance Māori into surgery.

“This Fellowship is not just recognition of my work – it acknowledges the communities, mentors, and whānau who have shaped me,” says Rahiri. “As a doctor, researcher, and mother of three daughters, I want my girls to know they can stand tall in any space they choose. And it reminds me that the work to transform surgery for Aotearoa is only just beginning.”

The L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship programme, now in its eighteenth year in Australia and New Zealand, champions equality and visibility of women in STEMM. Each Fellow receives $25,000 to further their research, with flexibility to use the funding in ways that matter most to them.

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences deputy dean Professor Matire Harwood, who received the same fellowship in 2017, says she’s over the moon that Jamie-Lee has received the award, which will help her continue to create meaningful medical outcomes for Māori.

“She’s an amazing researcher and clinician who always gives to her community, as well as an amazing mum and partner,” Harwood says.

Alex Davison, chief executive officer at L’Oréal Australia & New Zealand, says:

“This Fellowship is more than an award; it’s an intergenerational commitment to help women overcome systemic barriers, build leadership skills, and inspire the next generation of scientists.

“With the recent international expansion of Foundation L’Oréal’s For Girls in Science programme and the rollout of UNESCO’s ‘Imagine a World with More Women in Science’ campaign, we’re seeing increased global demand for initiatives that elevate female voices in science.

“This is echoed through government policy. These programmes work together, recognising young girls inspired by science today who become the Fellows of tomorrow, and we are proud to echo these sentiments through our For Women in Science programme.”

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Subnational population projections: 2023(base)–2053 – Stats NZ information release


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Economic snapshot: June 2025 quarter – Stats NZ news story


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Amnesty International – $9000 youth award available for best human rights idea

Source: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

25 September 2025 – The Gary Ware Legacy Award is a funding programme from Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, designed to empower young people with a passion for protecting and promoting human rights. The award has been offered annually since 2020 and is available for people under the age of 25 in Aotearoa New Zealand. Applications are currently open at amnesty.org.nz/award, with a deadline of 31 October.
The award is given to a person or group with passion, an idea and a plan for changing the world for the better. Previous winners have used the money to make a documentary about human trafficking in Aotearoa, support young people across the country who have refugee backgrounds, run an art exhibition about the displacement of Banaban communities for phosphate mining, help Uyghur people who have fled to Türkiye, and more.
Gary Ware was a passionate human rights advocate who inspired generations of young people to get involved in the work of Amnesty International during his lifetime. As a real lover of music, he organised concerts and events to raise money and awareness for human rights over the years, as well as serving multiple terms on the Amnesty International Board. The Ware family has gifted this award as a beautiful lasting legacy of Gary’s life.
Gary’s granddaughter Neve Kortegast said, “This legacy award is really special to me, as my grandfather was a passionate activist with a big heart. I’m really excited to be on the judging panel this year and to see the creativity, passion and ideas of Aotearoa’s rangatahi.
“Gary, or Grand Gary as he was known to me, was a man who was incredibly dedicated to his community, the environment and world in whatever way he could be. He took pride in empowering others and supporting them to make a positive difference. This award serves as a piece of the everlasting and impacting legacy he left behind with us. I hope the winners of this award will feel the love and support of Gary and go on to make a positive impact of their own.”
Joshua Taefu, 20, is a Board Member of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. He said, “Youth are stakeholders of tomorrow, but can make just as big a difference today. The world needs young voices, passion and ideas more than ever.
“You don’t have to be a human rights expert to apply for the Gary Ware Legacy Award. Everyone has the ability to make a difference. We're looking for people who want to use their unique passions, perspectives, and experiences to help others.
“Change can come from anywhere, but has to start somewhere. This award is not only a kickstart to the new ideas and initiatives that can make a difference, but an investment into the next generation of change-makers, activists and leaders.”

In previous years, the winners have received up to $4500. But this year, in honour of Amnesty International’s 60 th anniversary of human rights work in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Ware family are offering $9000. The award is facilitated by the Acorn Foundation.
Individuals or teams can apply through the Amnesty International website ( amnesty.org.nz/award) using three different methods – written, video or visual/slides. The winner will be announced on International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
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First Responders – Large vegetation fires in Canterbury last week caused by strong winds that fanned embers from burn piles

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking the public to be vigilant after embers from burn piles caused large vegetation fires last week.

Fire and Emergency Community Risk Manager Dean Harker says investigations into two vegetation fires, which broke out last Wednesday at Southbridge and Springfield, are now complete.

“The fires were caused when embers from burn piles were whipped up and spread by the strong winds,” he says.

The fires burnt through 42 hectares, and one destroyed two utility sheds.

“In windy conditions embers from burn piles can travel up to 200 metres.

“That is why it is so important to check the forecast a week before your planned burn. If you’re in any doubt, then hold off.

“It’s also important to make sure you have suitable means to contain and extinguish the fire if needed, for example a water hose, water sprayer, shovel and dirt to smother, or a mechanical digger on site.”

Dean says old fires which haven’t been fully extinguished can also reignite and escape.

“If you’ve been burning vegetation any time over the last few months or so, it’s important to check the fire is completely extinguished.

“If there’s hot ash, and it’s safe to do so, dig into it, spread it out and pour water over it.”

Always go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires or undertaking activities that could cause sparks.
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Appointments – New leadership for Gibbston Valley Wines

Source: Gibbston Valley Wines

Gibbston Valley Wines has today announced the departure of its long-standing Chief Executive Officer, Greg Hunt.

After two decades with the leading wine brand, restaurant, luxury lodge and spa owned by Phil Griffith and family, Hunt has concluded his role at Gibbston Valley to spend more time with family, following the arrival of his first grandchild.

“I have been at Gibbston Valley Wines for over 20 years, working on various projects,” Hunt says. “That’s a lot of driving over the Crown Range, from Wānaka – something that I will not miss. I have very much enjoyed my time at Gibbston Valley and working closely with Phil and the Griffith family. I look forward to watching the progress at Gibbston Valley Wines, as well as on the Station, and wish them all the best.”

Hunt was involved with establishing the Summer Concert Series with Greenstone Entertainment, delivery of the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, and the initial vision of the Gibbston Valley Resort project, which includes the luxury residential neighbourhoods, and the soon-to-be-opened Gibbston Valley Golf Course and Clubhouse.

The family-owned wine brand has gone from strength to strength over the years, winning many accolades. The Gibbston Valley Winery won ‘Riedel Vineyard of the Year’ in the 2023 Aotearoa NZ Organic Wine Awards, and more recently, the World Spa Awards have recognised Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa as ‘New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa’ for the sixth consecutive year.

Cristina Griffith – who had been serving as Gibbston Valley’s Chief Financial Officer since 2022 following her time with public accounting firm PwC – has stepped up to serve as Managing Director across all Gibbston Valley entities.
 
“Greg has been an integral part of the success and growth of Gibbston Valley over the past 20 years, and we would like to thank him for his true passion and dedication,” she says. “While they’re certainly big shoes to fill, I am excited to lead the business into its next chapter – one that honours our legacy while embracing innovation, sustainability and continued excellence in everything we do.”
 
As Phil’s daughter, Cristina is well accustomed to the inner workings of the highly successful family business, as is her brother, Alex Griffith, who has been serving as a director of the company for the past 10 years, following his time living in Queenstown and working with the Gibbston Valley marketing team.
 
Together, they represent the next generation of leadership, and the continuation of the Griffith family’s long-term commitment to stewardship of the land, celebration of the wine, and the curation of experiences in the Gibbston Valley.

About Gibbston Valley
Gibbston Valley is Queenstown’s leading wine and experience destination. The award-winning Gibbston Valley Wines is a premium organic wine brand, and its Cellar Door and Wine Cave are among the Southern Lakes’ top visitor experiences. The Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa offers luxury accommodation and a renowned day spa, named ‘New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa’ for six consecutive years. The soon-to-open Gibbston Valley Golf Course and Clubhouse will further enhance the curated wine and hospitality destination, set in the heart of the beautiful Gibbston Valley.  www.gibbstonvalley.com

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Greenpeace – Luxon Govt joins Trump’s Climate Stupidity Club – Russel Norman

Source: Greenpeace

The announcement today that the Luxon Government is opening up all of New Zealand to oil and gas exploration shows that the Government has joined Trump’s Climate Stupidity Club.
Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director Russel Norman says, “We have just seen Donald Trump embarrass himself at the United Nations by claiming that climate change is not real, while the world watched with a mixture of ridicule and horror. With this decision on oil and gas exploration, Shane Jones and Christopher Luxon have signed up to Trump’s Climate Stupidity Club.
“Well I’ve got news for Shane Jones: climate change is real, paracetamol does not cause autism, fossil fuels need to be phased out, and renewables are much cheaper than fossil fuels. Jones might worship Trump’s inane ramblings but New Zealand needs to base its energy policy on reality, not MAGA dogma.
“In the midst of a wave of deindustrialisation, resulting from a failure to develop a proper energy strategy, the Government is playing Trumpian culture wars by blowing the horn of fossil fuels that will never solve our energy challenges.
“Fossil fuels are a climate disaster, and require massive taxpayer-funded subsidies. The Government spent $300 million cleaning up the Tui oil field, and has offered up another $200 million for gas exploration.
“Its time to bring back the Gas Transition Plan and the NZ Battery Project that Luxon abandoned in 2023,” says Norman. “It’s time to dump Trans Tasman Resources’ seabed mining project, which has seen two international offshore wind generation companies leave New Zealand. It’s time to embrace a rapid rollout of solar, storage and energy efficiency.
“To bring back oil exploration now is like trying to bring back the fax machine. Fossil fuels are outdated, expensive, and are driving climate chaos. The Government should be building clean, affordable renewable energy, not dragging us backwards.”
“Gas is already the most expensive form of electricity generation,” says Norman. “This is a giant leap backwards that will cost households and the climate dearly.”
“Shane Jones and Christopher Luxon can try to lure Big Oil back – but people power kicked every single international oil giant exploring for new oil and gas out before, and we will do it again. We will defend nature.”
More than thirty thousand people have signed a Greenpeace open letter pledging to resist the oil and gas industry should they return to explore for new oil and gas in New Zealand.
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Environment – Real solutions NOT toxic pollution: Day of action against incinerators

Source: Zero Waste Aotearoa

Zero Waste Aotearoa will call on the Ministry for the Environment to embrace real solutions to waste and climate change, not toxic pollution from incineration as part of an international day of action on Tuesday 30 September.

“We have to create the kind of future we want right now, where we redesign, reuse, and repair items, and recycle and compost – not burn valuable resources and pollute the environment,” said Dorte Wray, general manager of Zero Waste Aotearoa.

“Attacks on the Waste Minimisation Fund at both central and local government level have been noticed. These are unacceptable. These funds must be used for waste minimisation at the top of the zero waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Repair) not for underwriting dodgy waste-to-energy schemes that do not address the sources of waste.”

The day of action includes two events.

Outside Ministry for the Environment

We will be showcasing real solutions outside the Ministry for the Environment at 8 Willis Street, Wellington, at 12 noon on Tuesday, 30 September. We will be showing what solutions can deliver meaningful impacts for waste and climate change while also providing employment and strengthening community resilience.

Online Webinar

We will be hosting an online webinar to discuss waste-to-energy incineration and the alternatives we have available right now on Tuesday, 30 September 7:30pm on zoom.

Speakers are

Dale-Maree Morgan, Waipā District Council Māori Ward Councillor, will talk about the Te Awamutu incinerator, the community opposition, the Board of Inquiry hearing and the outcome

Sue Coutts, Zero Waste Aotearoa, will discuss new waste-to-energy technologies and practices we are hearing about (like feeding hard-to-recycle plastics into the cement kiln) and why these are not real solutions

Giulio Laura, Site Manager at Tāmaki Zero Waste Hub, will speak about the work that Tāmaki Zero Waste is doing, about how to conceptualise waste differently and how to move beyond throwing things away.

The webinar is free and open to the public. Registration is essential: https://tinyurl.com/ynbmjt6c

The events are part of a global day of action organised by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), an umbrella organisation representing communities across the globe committed to a world where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped.

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Weather News – Showers, westerlies, and kōwhai in bloom – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 25th – Monday 29th September – The first week of the spring school holidays comes to an end and showers continue as fast-moving fronts pass over today (Thursday) and Friday. 

These fronts build a line of heavy showers, with the risk of thunderstorms for the South Island, and hail about Canterbury and North Otago today. Snow is also expected to affect some mountain roads.

MetService has issued Strong Wind Watches for the following areas on Friday, where localised gusts of 100km/h are also possible:

Canterbury High Country about and north of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Grey District, and Westland District north of the Glaciers.
Wellington and Wairarapa.

MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley details “During spring, fronts line up like waves in the sea. There will be blustery northwesterly winds and decent showers, especially for western parts, as each one rolls through. As winds strengthen, the swell will also pick up, so keep a close eye on the marine forecast if you’re looking to take the boat out.”

On Saturday the All Blacks face Australia at Eden Park for the first Bledisloe Cup test. While it looks like a sunny morning, fans might want to keep a raincoat on hand for the line of showers that will move across Auckland during the afternoon and evening, with possible thunderstorms and strong wind gusts.

On Sunday the clocks spring forward for Daylight Saving, and another burst of rain with strong northwesterly winds moves over the South Island.  

Michael continues “Sunday looks to be a great set up for warmer temperatures in eastern regions thanks to the Foehn effect. This happens when rain falls on the West Coast and Southern Alps, it releases heat, the warm dry air then descends on the Canterbury Plains. This Foehn wind mirrors what occurs in the Alps of Europe.”

Christchurch and Kaikōura are forecast to have a maximum temperature of 21°C on Sunday. Napier and Hastings are expected to get to 24 °C.

There is a glimmer of hope for parents hoping to send the kids outside early next week as the weather settles briefly under a ridge of high pressure.

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First Responders – Saving lives this Daylight Saving – check you have working smoke alarms in the right places

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

When the clocks spring forward this weekend make that a reminder to check your smoke alarms are working and in the right places.

“Working smoke alarms give you the best chance to survive a fire,” Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Community Education Manager Tom Ronaldson says.
“Fire moves fast. You have less than three minutes before a fire is unsurvivable,” he says.
“When you are sleeping, you are unable to smell smoke. Working smoke alarms will wake you and allow you to get out and stay out.”
Last year 17 people tragically lost their lives in house fires, the highest number since 2014.
In many of these incidents there were smoke alarms in the home, but they were either not working or not in the right places.
“We’re asking you to make sure you have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living room and hallway,” Tom says.
“This will give you the earliest possible warning of a fire and ensure you and your whānau are able to get out.
“It is important you test your smoke alarms regularly and give them a clean with the vacuum cleaner or duster. To test smoke alarms, push the button and wait till you hear the beep.
“If your smoke alarms don’t beep, replace them straight away.”
Tom Ronaldson says while you are checking your smoke alarms this weekend, take a few minutes to talk to your household about your three-step escape plan.
“To create a three-step escape plan, check you have working smoke alarms in the right places, identify your first and second escape routes from each room and agree on a safe meeting place,” he says.
“Practicing your three-step escape plan is a great way to entertain your tamariki these school holidays, and to make sure they know how to get out in an emergency.”
It’s also a good time to check in on vulnerable whānau, friends or neighbours. People over sixty were the largest group represented in last year’s fatal fires.
“Ensure they have working smoke alarms and can get out of their home safely in a fire,” Tom Ronaldson says.
For more information head to www.fireandemergency.nz/home-fire-safety.