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    • Kāpiti Coast District Council Chief Executive’s Pay Rise Sparks Controversy
      • The recent $50,500 pay rise for the Kāpiti Coast District Council Chief Executive, Darren Edwards, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the council’s spending priorities. The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has criticized the decision, citing the council’s history of questionable financial decisions and the burden it places on ratepayers. The pay rise, which brings […]

    • Forty rural schools get free satellite broadband connection
      • Kaiako/tuamki (principal) Reno Skipper of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngaringaomatariki, a remote school northwest of Wellsford, describes the free Starlink satellite connection received via the Ministry of Education’s Satellite for Schools programme as being “life changing” for teachers and students. “Even in the space of two months, it’s made a huge difference to how […]

    • The Deloitte Centre Officially Opens in Auckland’s Commercial Bay
      • The Deloitte Centre, at One Queen Street, has officially opened its doors in the heart of Commercial Bay, Auckland. The opening ceremony included a dawn blessing by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and a ribbon-cutting led by Anne Urlwin, Chair of Precinct Properties New Zealand. When fully leased, the building is expected to attract approximately 1,500 people […]

    • Auckland’s Light Rail Project Cancelled, National Focuses on Alternative Transport Plans
      • The New Zealand Government, led by the National Party, has officially cancelled the Auckland Light Rail project. This move, aligning with National’s pre-election promises, pivots focus towards alternative transportation projects in Auckland. Transport Minister Simeon Brown confirmed the cancellation, citing financial considerations and project feasibility. The light rail project, initially pegged at $15 billion, faced […]

    • Trail Linking Queenstown and Cromwell Begins Construction
      • Construction of the Kawarau Gorge Trail, a major development in New Zealand’s cycling and hiking infrastructure, is underway, linking Queenstown and Cromwell through a 32-kilometre route. This trail promises to be a significant addition to the region’s outdoor activities, offering breathtaking views and a unique experience through the Kawarau Gorge. The commencement of the trail […]

    • Air New Zealand Chooses All-Electric ALIA Aircraft to Spearhead Sustainability Efforts
      • In a significant move towards sustainability, Air New Zealand has announced the selection of BETA Technologies’ ALIA CTOL (Conventional Take-Off and Landing) as its first all-electric next-generation aircraft. This decision is part of the airline’s “Mission Next Gen Aircraft” program, which aims to introduce commercial flights using next-generation aircraft by 2026. Designed by electric aerospace […]

    • Air New Zealand Tops Global Rankings as World’s Safest Airline
      • Air New Zealand has been recognized as the world’s safest airline by Airlineratings.com. It’s a significant achievement that underscores the carrier’s long-standing commitment to safety and operational excellence. This accolade places Air New Zealand at the forefront of global aviation safety, reflecting its dedication to maintaining the highest standards for its passengers and crew. The […]

    • New Era of Hospitality: Auckland’s Luxury Hotels Expand Offerings
      • Auckland’s hospitality landscape is evolving with the addition of new luxury accommodations, enhancing the city’s appeal as a premium destination. The Pullman Auckland Airport, which opened its doors in December 2023, represents a significant joint venture between Tainui Group Holdings and Auckland Airport. This luxurious hotel offers a blend of comfort and convenience, catering to […]

    • Warriors Eye Historic NRL Game in Las Vegas
      • The New Zealand Warriors, a team known for their resilience and passionate fanbase, are in preliminary discussions to play a groundbreaking match in Las Vegas in 2025. This potential game, part of the NRL’s American venture, would mark a significant moment for the club and the league. In 2024, the NRL will embark on its […]

    • Asbestos Cladding in New Zealand Homes: A Cautionary Tale for DIY Renovators
      • For a substantial period of New Zealand’s building history, asbestos was a common material used in the construction of homes. While it offered durability and fire resistance, we now understand the significant health risks posed by asbestos, especially during renovations where the material can be disturbed. Historically, wood was the predominant material used for the […]

    • Rising Serious Injury Rates in New Zealand Over Two Decades
      • Over the past two decades, New Zealand has seen a significant increase in the number of serious injuries, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health, Mortality Collection and National Minimum Dataset, and Stats NZ. This long-form article examines the trends and statistics from 2000 to 2022 regarding fatal, serious non-fatal, and combined […]

    • 2023 Marked a Significant Uptick in International Travel for New Zealanders
      • As the world opened up in 2023, New Zealanders seized the opportunity to travel abroad in numbers not seen in the previous year. Statistics New Zealand reported an unprecedented rise in New Zealand-resident traveller arrivals, with figures reaching 2.48 million by the end of September 2023—an increase of 1.66 million compared to the same period […]

    • Auckland Hotels Set to Cash In on New Year’s Eve Revellers
      • Auckland, New Zealand – As the calendar flips closer to 31 December, Auckland’s hotels are bracing for a deluge of revellers, eager to ring in the New Year amidst the city’s vibrant festivities. With a surge in bookings and an air of anticipation, the hospitality sector is set to reap significant benefits. Auckland’s reputation as […]

    • Royals put spotlight on mental health at iconic Wellington cafe
      • Maranui cafe – the location of the morning tea held by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle   Mental health and youth leadership was the focus for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they visited the Capital this week. The royal couple  shared morning tea with advocates in the mental health sector at the iconic Maranui cafe in Lyall Bay. Melissa Lama outside Maranui cafe after meeting The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Melissa Lama was one of the select few to discuss the topic with the royals. Melissa is a founder of the Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation Trust which focuses on breeding hope while connecting those to the necessary services. Being invited to talk with the royals was a ‘pinch me’ moment for Melissa whose work derives from her own experiences with mental health. “I just didn’t see any other opportunity after being a young mum and so I had a moment when I sat there (today) and I kind of felt really emotional.” Melissa, who is from Christchurch and studying at Otago University, said the Duke and Duchess were authentic people who cared. “When she asked to introduce yourself I said I’m just a young mum, a Pacific young mum and she goes ‘you’re not just a mum’.” In Pacific culture, Melissa says they are raised to speak only when they are told which has made it hard for her and others to feel comfortable talking about societal issues including mental health. “She just said don’t ever doubt what you have to share. “When Harry walked past he was so sweet and put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘just keep up the good work and just keep talking’.” Andrew Slater CEO of the National Telehealth service was also inside Maranui cafe which he described as a genuine meeting. Andrew says The Duke and Duchess bringing attention to issues such as mental health is helping conversation around a topic that is sometimes seen as taboo. “I think some of the messages and reframing that they’ve done over the last few days is going to help communities respond differently and improve acceptance and reduce stigma.” Mental health was the focus of many of the events the royals attended during their four day visit to New Zealand. The post Royals put spotlight on mental health at iconic Wellington cafe appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • Anxious moments as armed police board bus
      •   Passengers onboard the number one bus from Island Bay got more than they paid for this morning when armed police jumped onboard , searching for a suspected robber. Mount Cook resident Andrew Lawler says it was like being in a movie. He says when the bus pulled over several police officers with their guns were drawn jumped on and searched the bus. Everyone was stunned and silent while at the same time looking around to see who the police were looking for. “I guess it’s a little bit scary being in a closed space with somebody that might have a weapon, “But you could see everyone was very scared,” he says. Police say they are looking for a man following a robbery in Berhampore around 7 this morning. They say inquiries are continuing and they can’t confirm if a weapon was involved. The post Anxious moments as armed police board bus appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • Blind patrons catered for at Nutcracker performances
      • Ballet for the blind was such a success the first time that the Royal New Zealand Ballet is doing it again . Trained audio describers will provide live narration for blind audiences during the performance of the Nutcracker, currently showing in Wellington. Pascale Parenteau, education and community manager for the ballet says she became aware of issues around accessible theatre when representing ballet at Arts for All, a network devoted to increasing access to the arts. Many disabled patrons can’t access the physical space of a venue while others with visual impairments may not get the full picture because of gaps between dialogue where action is taking place. “Dance is one of the biggest challenges because it is totally visual,” Ms Parenteau says She contacted Nicola Owen of Audio Described Aotearoa who took up the challenge. They started with last year’s Romeo and Juliet. “You can’t go wrong with Shakespeare, and most people are familiar with the story.” Parenteau says. Feedback on last year’s audio description was positive and tickets are selling out for this year’s Nutcracker. But the audio commentary goes beyond describing toe shoes and tutus. Ms Owen says pre-performance tours and workshops give the blind patrons the opportunity to touch the costumes and stage props. They even learn some dance moves. “Blind patrons can come and learn a little bit about how to do an Arabesque, pirouette, or plie and all those ballet terms. “So, when we use them in our script, they know what that entails.” Ms Parenteau says her goal is to make ballet something blind patrons will want to attend.   To hear more, listen to the soundcloud link:   The post Blind patrons catered for at Nutcracker performances appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • LISTEN: New Zealanders like their internet without limits
      • Kiwi’s internet usage is through the roof showing we are watching an excessive amount of Game of Thrones. Broadband connections with unlimited data caps make up over 70 percent of all broadband connections in New Zealand for 2018 says Stats NZ. Laura O’Leary Unlimited data plans are becoming cheaper and more available nationwide and that’s leading people to switch to unlimited data in their homes and businesses. She says New Zealanders used 280 million gigabytes of broadband in June this year, which is over 150 gigabytes per broadband connection a month.   The post LISTEN: New Zealanders like their internet without limits appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • LISTEN: Summer months bringing hot and harsh conditions
      • With a dry few months ahead there’s the possibility of an increased fire risk says NIWA. El Niño is already on its way bringing cold, windy and dry conditions with a low chance of rain. NIWA predicts the the El Niño conditions will remain until Autumn next year, and may even stick around until June. NIWA’s principal scientist Chris Brandolino says that the summer weather may bring some problems for farmers because soil moisture levels are already below normal for this time of year. The post LISTEN: Summer months bringing hot and harsh conditions appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • Alcohol ads thrown off the bus in Auckland
      • In a new effort to reduce alcohol abuse Auckland’s public transport services will stop advertising alcohol from the first of October. Alcohol Healthwatch cooperated with Auckland Transport to ban all alcohol advertisement on their services Executive Director of Alcohol Healthwatch Dr Nicki Jackson says she hopes they can influence teenagers to pick up better drinking habits She says, they’re working closely with other cities pushing them to follow Auckland’s decision.   The post Alcohol ads thrown off the bus in Auckland appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • PHOTO ESSAY: Mooncake feast for Chinese festival
      • Hundreds gathered for mooncake to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Salvation Army Chinese Church. Co-ordinator Swee Chan says the Mooncake Festival is to celebrate being with family. “During this time, the moon is especially round and big. To Chinese, the roundness represents unity.” Chinese tea was available throughout the night, in addition to the pot luck dinner and mooncake dessert. Before this, it is believed to have come from Chinese legends and folk tales, such as Han Chinese revolting against the Yuan Dynasty, where secret messages were sent out on mooncakes. The event is now one of the biggest in China, next to Chinese New Year. “For children it’s a lovely time because we have all those lanterns, all sorts of shapes and sizes. It’s the only time of the year we’re allowed to play with candles and fire, it’s really fun as kids.” Swee Chan and her husband Wai Phang have been organising this event at the church for the past six years, after moving to New Zealand as migrants in 1996 from Malaysia. “We didn’t have many people come initially, we didn’t know how to do it, but slowly we got the hang of it. “We learned that people just came, they ate and they left. So that’s why we try to put in a few more games because people are interested to have a laugh or two.” They had a kitchen team of about 6 who helped to prepare the pot luck food and Chinese tea. “Previously we didn’t even have the money for mooncakes, but this year we made our own. It is not a traditional mooncake, we didn’t use traditional ingredients.” Some spent around two hours to make the cakes. “The traditional one takes skill to make, but we haven’t poisoned anyone yet,” laughs Swee Chan. She hopes that this year’s success will encourage more to the Chinese Church, which is a branch of the Hutt City Salvation Army where Chinese church goers meet every week. “Most of the Chinese are very suspicious about going into a church. They’ve never been into one, or heard good things about it, so that becomes very difficult. “We just try to do it for people who are so lonely, for people who don’t really have family. This festival is a time where you call home.” The post PHOTO ESSAY: Mooncake feast for Chinese festival appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • LISTEN: Blind community puts government on notice
      • A petition presented to parliament this week is calling for government departments to do better when dealing with the visually impaired. The man behind the petition Jonathan Mosen, was spurred into action after encountering difficulties filling in this year’s census. He says he had trouble when his screen reading software could not read the online census code. Mr Mosen who’s an IT professional, contacted Statistics New Zealand to get them to text the code, but they declined quoting security concerns. He says his petition acknowledges the problems faced by members of the blind community and others frightened by the process.   The post LISTEN: Blind community puts government on notice appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • Te reo books for teens hard to find
      • There is a hole in the market when it comes to books in te reo for teen readers. Kilbirnie Childrens Bookshop manager Lucy Bailey says the majority of te reo Maori books are younger children’s picture books, or in full te reo catering for experienced te reo speakers. She says young adults who may want an easier read are not catered for. Lucy Bailey says there’s not a lot of new material coming through, but many are just translations of existing books.    The post Te reo books for teens hard to find appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • Blind people find learning te reo Maori challenging using speech technology
      • Blind people are using special speech software to read computer and smart phone screens. These voices are the same ones heard in GPS systems. This text to speech technology speaks many languages, but te reo  Māori  isn’t one of them.   The post Blind people find learning te reo Maori challenging using speech technology appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • New clips will keep recycle bins closed in windy Wellington
      • Taking out the rubbish can be a challenge in windy Wellington. Wheelie bins often blow over, scattering plastics and papers around the neighbourhood. Wellington City Council is coming to the rescue with new bin clips. Team leader for rubbish and recycling, Tony Webster, says Porirua has these clips to keep their bins closed, and Wellington is getting them soon. LISTEN: The post New clips will keep recycle bins closed in windy Wellington appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • Victoria University celebrates Maori Language Week
      • Learning Langage Centre staff, Ballint Koller and Benjamin Swale show off the Te Reo Maori window. Victoria University students are celebrating te reo  Māori by writing on walls. The Language Learning Centre, Te Putahi Reo, offers resources to students and the general public in over 70 languages. During Maori language week, the centre created a fun way of learning a Maori word a day.       The post Victoria University celebrates Maori Language Week appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • Pipi Mā range expanding to compliment reo journey
      • Pipi Mā is continuing to expand their products to pursue their goal of normalising te reo Māori. The four Māori speaking dolls were released in 2016 and over two years have grown to include a Kura range of school bags and lunch bags and the second season of their children’s cartoon series. The second cartoon is introducing new characters which sales manager Trudy James (Ngapuhi, Tainui) says have new phrases that support tamariki on their reo journey. She says the vision of the company is to have everyone correctly pronounce Kia Ora with confidence leading to the introduction of the new characters.   The post Pipi Mā range expanding to compliment reo journey appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • AI proves powerful in te reo Māori learners
      • Artificial intelligence is helping people use te reo Māori in an everyday context. Startup company ReoBot is a Facebook Messenger chatbot which leads conversation in te reo Māori. Co-founder Jason Lovell (Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Ngāi Tahu) was on his own reo journey when he discovered how he could extend his learning outside of the classroom. He says the biggest obstacle of learning Māori was being able to utilise it in everyday situations but says AI will bring the normalisation of te reo Māori closer.   The post AI proves powerful in te reo Māori learners appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • Machine learning teaches humans in Te Reo app
      • When learning a language, it can be difficult to find the right words for things you see around the house. Spark has a solution in the form of an app that hit the App store last week. NICO HENDRICKS gives the app a trial run.  The post Machine learning teaches humans in Te Reo app appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • Worksafe weaves basket of safety with te reo app
      • If you’ve been inspired by Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Maori Language week) to speak more te reo in the workplace, there’s an app to help you out. Te Kete Maruiti is an information app helping users learn tikanga (customs and protocol), and waiata (greetings and farewells). The app also help create a mihi, a greeting that tells listeners about the speaker’s heritage and tangata whenua. Pieri Munro from Worksafe, who oversaw the app development, says its name describes its purpose.  The post Worksafe weaves basket of safety with te reo app appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

    • Otaki reverend on 72 years with Māori church
      • Rangiātea Church in Otaki. The church is a replica of the building that burnt down in 1995. Reverend Georgia Aroha Hapeta sits in a pew at the back of Rangiātea Church and looks up at the historic building. The roof is painted with Mangopare patterns and the deep red floor leads to an altar where a golden cross stands. This cross is the meaning of Georgia’s life. She has spent the past 72 years of her life at Rangiātea Church in Otaki. The church altar where visitors can kneel down and pray. Since the age of five, Georgia has been attending the church which opened in 1851. “What aren’t my roles?” Laughs the deacon from Ngāti Koroki. She explains she can do everything in the church, except for marry couples or consecrate the Holy Communion. But growing up, she never knew how important her role in the church would become. “I never ever thought I would have a collar. That wasn’t even my aim, it was just to be part of looking after God’s people and the church,” says Georgia. Part of her duties included moving to Wellington, where Georgia worked with the late Sir Kingi Ihaka from the Wellington Māori Pastorate. “He was very well known down there,” she says. She stayed in Wainuiomata for about a year until her first marriage broke up. “When my marriage broke, I moved back home with my two daughters. And I wondered if I should move to Australia, so I did. I left my children and lived in Melbourne,” explains Georgia. “The thing is, this is when the air strike happened and I suddenly felt so home sick because I knew there was no way of getting home. Kingi Ihaka was the one who put me on the first plane back to New Zealand.” Georgia describes Kingi as one of the kindest people she’s met. “He was a wonderful man. He expected excellence. He suffered no fools. He was a truly wonderful man. I’ve been so lucky to have time with so many wonderful ministers in my life.” But Georgia isn’t the only one in her family who has had a go at running the church. Georgia’s second husband, who has since passed away, was Catholic when the two met. The bible rest is carved in Māori patterns. They moved to Levin when they were married in 1972, but Georgia took him to the Otaki church every weekend. “The way I was brought up, I was taught that if you weren’t confirmed into the church, you weren’t allowed to take Holy Communion,” explains Georgia. “It troubled me. I thought it was wonderful he wanted to take communion, but I felt as if we were breaking the church law.” So she decided to take him to their minister at the time. “When the minister asked how he felt taking communion, he said ‘I feel wonderful. I feel at peace.’ And right then and there, he decided to be confirmed into Rangiātea.” Georgia’s husband became more involved with the church, and by the 1990’s, he was a minister himself. “Our lives have been really intertwined in the church for as long as I can remember,” Georgia smiles.   Hats and scarves no longer needed She also recalls services from as early as the 1940s, where women had to wear hats or scarves inside the church. “We hated them, all the different coloured berets our mother used to have,” laughs Georgia. The rules were set out of Māoridom and total respect for the church. “It was totally different to what it is now. We have a lot of freedom now.” Nowadays, Georgia says she only expects around seven people in the church for a Sunday service. Each kneeler is unique. They are made by individuals from the Rangiātea Embroidery Guild. The theme was “all things bright and beautiful.” “The only time we ever really have a full church is when there’s a Tangi. “People come and say goodbye to you, but they don’t come and say hello to you when you’re alive. It’s funny how the world works.” But Georgia still values the word as much as she did 72 years ago. “You want people to be real with you. I come to church to get a message to help me through the rest of the week. “I could stay at home too, but it’s just so lovely to share with people with a like mind.” She believes the people who visit the church each week turn up with something on their mind. A wooden waka is displayed in a glass box. This is one of the only pieces that survived the 1995 fire. It was staying in a nearby marae, and nearly returned to the church the same night of the fire. It was only last minute they decided to keep it at the marae for one more night. “A lot of them come because they’ve got something that’s troubling them, and they come to try and share here. I think they go away feeling as if they’ve been fed.” Rangiātea faced huge issues when it was destroyed by a fire in 1995 by three arsonists, two who have since died. It took a good eight years and $3 million for it to be built back into the church Georgia and I sit in today. “I love this church so much. I treat it like my home. If it burnt down again, I would never want it to be rebuilt,” Georgia says. “When it was rebuilt, all the standards with it were still alive. But I think a lot of our standards to a great degree have slipped. I hope and pray that that doesn’t happen again.” However the fire isn’t the only problem the church has faced. Earlier in the year, Rangiātea had their donations box stolen as well as their surveillance cameras tampered with. The cameras cost $6500 to fix, and they are still seeking help to fund the replacements. “This church is just so precious. I don’t think the significance of what we have is appreciated. It’s not appreciated in the true sense that it was in the old days.” This November will be the 15-year anniversary of the church being reopened since the fire. Georgia feels she is at home in Otaki. “I don’t want a big service when I die. I can still love Rangiātea without having a big service. My service has been to God my entire life.” She has had a long time to reflect on what life has brought her these last 77 years. “In the last week, I’ve realised that I am so lucky. My life is near perfect, because I’ve realised that kindness can do wonderful things.” And her advice to the world? “If you want to live a beautiful life, the answer is kindness. You have the ability to make someone feel that life is wonderful. And that is Georgia Aroha Hapeta for today.”   The post Otaki reverend on 72 years with Māori church appeared first on NewsWire.co.nz.

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