Category Archives: New Zealand

Olivia OMalley is a former press secretary to New Zealands Leader of the Opposition and longtime Conservative staffer. She currently works in public affairs.

It is probably true that New Zealand has too many politicians. Five million people, 78 councils one for every 65,000 people and a local election every three years. Add to that 120 MPs for a country one-thirteenth of the size of the UK and it would be easy for voters to feel they were awash with representatives. Yet New Zealanders seem unfazed by this.

So unfazed, that two weeks into the voting period for the latest local elections, turnout in Auckland has not yet passed 20 per cent.

Auckland is New Zealands largest city, with just over a third of New Zealanders calling it home. The choice of Mayor of Auckland is hugely consequential, in the same way Sadiq Khans political decisions have a real impact on the lives of Londoners.

Its a story that is repeated up and down New Zealand. Rates the equivalent of council tax are high and rising, roads are potholed and controversial government reforms to the management of water are in the works. None of which sounds entirely dissimilar to the issues facing local government in the UK.

But as the voting period draws to a close this Saturday, politicians at all levels have started talking about low voter turnout.

The Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has said she has concerns that people arent exercising their right to vote, saying a conversation is needed around the way people vote in local elections, while Auckland mayoral candidates Wayne Brown and Efeso Collins have called for online voting. Chris Luxon, the Opposition leader, has been less vocal most likely because the National Party does not put forward candidates in local elections. Instead, centre-right candidates tend to join groupings of like-minded councillors or stand as independents.

It is important to underline just how easy it is to vote in New Zealand. Unlike the UK, where voting takes place near universally on a Thursday, both local and general elections offer voters the chance to cast their vote up to three weeks in advance. Local elections are conducted by postal vote, so a trip to a polling booth isnt even required. Elections are always held on a Saturday.

Short of introducing online voting, there are few things to make the process more convenient.

But does it even matter?

Politicians love to talk about voter turnout because higher turnout, coupled with a higher share of the vote, lends itself to greater public legitimacy. Such arguments were proffered in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, with some ardent Remainers rushing to point out that just 37 per cent of those eligible voted to leave the EU (conveniently ignoring that even fewer voted to remain).

Declining voter turnouts have been a feature of Western democracies for decades, and few countries have consistently arrested the decline. Only Australia, where voting is compulsory, has maintained turnout rates above 90 per cent.

Low voter turnout is not, in itself, a bad thing.

For pundits in Westminster and in Wellington, politics is what makes the world go round. Its hard for those in the bubble to imagine life without it.

But for most people, that simply isnt the case. Though its natural to assume that if people arent voting, its an indicator something is wrong, the primary reason people choose not to vote is that it is simply not a priority.

This ability to put politics aside and deprioritise it is fundamentally good. Not caring about politics is a luxury usually reserved for people in well-run democracies.

If the National Party were to stand candidates in local elections, it is possible there would be higher engagement. Local races could serve as a proxy for national politics, in the same way that races between the Conservatives and Labour in the UK are often seen as signs of the way the wind is blowing. Unless and until that happens, however, it is likely that local politics will remain as it currently is: working well enough that few are exercised enough to vote.

None of this is to say local government is not important. But for voters in New Zealand, between local and general elections going to the polls two years out of every three, the fact that the vast majority of people do not feel they need to vote their local politicians out is probably a positive.

Read the original:

Olivia OMalley: Voter turnout in New Zealands local elections is low. Which may be a good thing. Here's why. - ConservativeHome

Having just about every role under her New Zealand Police belt over 35 years - most recently spending eight years as an Area Commander - she is excited to be the Director of the International Women in Policing Conference 2023.

With COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed and people able to gather in large numbers again, the theme will be Refresh, Renew and Refocus.

Wendy is delighted to have been recommended for the event management job by her District Commander, Superintendent Jill Rogers.

For me personally, this is an amazingly positive role where were able to showcase new Zealands Police and women on an international scale.

For a population of just five million people, we punch well above our weight in many areas, including diversity, sport, and innovation. We were the first country to give women the vote.

Wendy will be drawing upon her wide knowledge of policing. In 2000, she was part of the special operations planning team when New Zealand hosted both an APEC summit and the Americas Cup.

Wendy says New Zealand is unique and has lots to offer.

We cant compete by offering massive venues, but we can compete by using our culture, hospitality, ethos, and authenticity. Thats what makes us different.

Planning is under way to put on quite a show for visitors.

Working with our established partner Ngti Whtua, we will be having a spectacular pwhiri," says Wendy. We have also co-designed an event logo (right), which has a koru.

Instead of translating into Mori the English words assigned to the conference themes, Ngti Whtua has gifted Te Huinga Mreikura which means gathering of great women.

We at New Zealand Police feel very privileged that Ngti Whtua have provided us with such a gift."

Executive members of New Zealand Police are being lined up to attend the event, which promises to provide attendees with a good feed.

We cant invite people from around the world and serve them sausage rolls," says Wendy. "Well be catering properly.

The International Association of Women Police was established in the United States in 1915 to promote women going into Police, and supporting them in that space.

New Zealand was chosen to host the event following a successful bid led by Detective Inspector Annie Ryan and retired Detective Sergeant Dorothy McPhail.

This is a golden opportunity to celebrate women from diverse backgrounds, countries and life experiences, says Wendy.

Its a time to promote women and law enforcement and Police, in terms of providing training, support and learnings.

Its not just about police stories, its about wellness and opportunities for people, and they can take those stories back to their countries, workgroups and families.

As part of the conference, everyday Aucklanders will experience the visual splendour of flag bearers and officers in their finest uniforms in a Parade of Nations, with more than 60 jurisdictions being represented.

As well as workshops and inspirational speakers, therell be opportunities for networking in a safe and supportive environment where ideas can be shared.

The conference will include a New Zealand night and a special lunch to mark 130 years since suffragettes won the vote in New Zealand.

And stay tuned for information about a Chicago night, which signals the location of the next IWPC.

Originally posted here:

'A gathering of great women' | New Zealand Police - New Zealand Police

Taika Waititi found fame when he directedThor: Ragnarokback in 2017. The director is also known for the terrible sequel Thor: Love and Thunder(2022) and the BAFTA-nominated Jojo Rabbit(2019). He appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2019 wherein they talked about the poor skills of Taika Waititi at pitching movies and his screwup that may have cost himJojo Rabbit.

During an interview in 2019, Jimmy Kimmel Live saw Taika Waititi sitting down on the guest chair and ready for an interview. During their talks, the Jojo Rabbitdirector revealed that he is from New Zealand, and the New Zealish people are not good at pitching things. The director went on to reveal his hilarious realization that he would be perfect to portray the role of Hitler in Jojo Rabbit(2019)and how his poor skills at pitching almost lost him his movie.

Based on your interests: Ive been asking everyone: Eternals Star Barry Keoghan Desperate to Star in Taika Waititis Star Wars Film, Fans Ask If He Hasnt Yet Watched Thor: Love and Thunder

Im from New Zealand, were useless at pitching, said Taika Waititi. He also went on to reveal that he had already given the role of Hitler to himself beforeJojo Rabbit.Taika revealed the hilarious situations that he had to face while portraying the role of Adolf Hitler alongside directing the movie.

You might also like to read: 90% of all movies are pretty bad: Taika Waititi Saying He Doesnt Have to Make Good Movies All The Time Aged Like Milk as Thor: Love and Thunder fails to Impress Fans

During the shoot of the movie, Taika Waititi revealed that he would be all dressed up as Adolf Hitler with the iconic mustache and would be talking (more like ordering) to other cast members and teams to allow a smooth shooting of the film. And during one of his talks with a crewmate, the director realized the outfit he was in and later politely told himonly if he wishes to.

The interview went on to reveal more humorous situations that theThor: Love and Thunderdirector had found himself into. Taika Waititi has been facing severe backlash for the poor performance of Thor: Love and Thunderand the cringe-level comedy that the film has become famous for. The director will be releasing Next Goal Winsin 2023 which will be a Drama/Sports film.

Thor: Love and Thunderis available to stream on Disney+.

Suggested reading: Like he might be really Spider-Man: Andrew Garfield Became The Truly Friendly Neighborhood Spidey By Saving Jimmy Kimmel From a Flying Spear During the Emmys 2022

Source: YouTube

Read the original here:

Im from New Zealand. Were terrible at pitching: Taika Waititi Admitted He Sucks at Pitching Movies, Almost Lost Jojo Rabbit Because He Screwed Up -...

Sam Stubbs is chief executive of KiwiSaver fund Simplicity and a regular opinion contributor to Stuff.

OPINION: Is Air NZ to New York a flight too far?

The desire for Air New Zealand to fly to New York is understandable. After all, its the Big Apple, and flying nonstop from Auckland is a dream come true for many tourists and business travellers.

Its prestigious for Air New Zealand too, so much so that it has tagged the flights NZ1 and NZ2.

READ MORE:* The world's longest flights: How does Air New Zealand's new Auckland to New York route stack up? * Grounded Qantas Dreamliners to take off for Antarctica * Farewell, jumbo: Qantas announces final flights for last 747

The flights are popular, particularly in premium economy and business class. For many, paying the extra is worth it to avoid a stopover in traditionally grim American airports.

But flying direct to New York is proving to be a big stretch for Air New Zealand.

Because it takes 16 hours to fly there, and almost 18 hours to fly back, the extra fuel required means fewer passengers, baggage and freight.

unsplash

Air New Zealands premium route is good, but it needs some polish.

The first two weeks of the service have been very problematic.

The maiden flight had to offload baggage. Passengers and baggage were offloaded on the return flight.

One flight looked like it would have to stop for refuelling, flying up replacement pilots and crew to Nadi just in case.

Another had to offload passengers and pay them to fly home another way.

All these disruptions have been in the name of safety, and Air New Zealand has a near-perfect record on that front. But none were as advertised.

The first couple of weeks should have been a public relations triumph for Air New Zealand, but have ended up more of an embarrassment.

So far it seems tough for them to seamlessly operate the New York flights in a way that pleases passengers and in a way that offers space to freight customers.

Given all the problems are related to the basic rules of flying, they arent teething problems that will go away easily.

It could get even worse.

Any long delays at departure could mean a stop in Nadi or Rarotonga to change crew due to time limitations.

This requires a new crew to be flown up from Auckland and is a major inconvenience for passengers. It could be a frequent occurrence with the severe New York winter weather.

Why all these issues? The problem may be the 787-900 aircraft Air New Zealand uses.

Interestingly, Qantas has removed its 787s from some ultra-long-haul flights, finding the aircraft isnt as capable as they hoped it would be.

Our exporters have already suffered due to the limited 787 carrying capacity. Air New Zealand flights to and from Chicago had valuable fresh produce offloaded to save weight.

Cargo capacity to New York seems very limited, if any at all. This feels like a wasted opportunity for producers of high-value produce, meat and seafood.

LAWRENCE SMITH/Stuff

Simplicity's chief executive Sam Stubbs says the first two weeks of Air New Zealands New York service have been very problematic.

Air New Zealands selection of the 787 was no doubt a rigorous process. It has proven a very capable plane on standard long-haul routes.

But there is always a risk when buying new aircraft that the reality doesnt quite live up to the promise. This appears to be the case with flights as far as New York.

Nothing in the announced capabilities of the new 787-10s, which Air New Zealand takes delivery of in 2024-25, is any more encouraging.

So are Air New Zealand 787s just the wrong aircraft for ultra-long-haul flights? Do they need to change aircraft, so that passengers dont have to?

Time will tell, but the signs are not encouraging.

Air New Zealands choice of JFK as its New York destination airport is a strange one too.

While it is New Yorks most prestigious airport, JFK is not the hub airport for its Star Alliance partner, United Airlines.

That means passengers wishing to fly on to Europe or within America are either stranded at JFK, or have to transit to Newark to catch a Star Alliance connecting flight.

The irony is that Air New Zealand initially announced Newark as its destination airport, which makes much more sense to me.

Was the decision to use JFK a prestige vs practical decision, and the wrong one? Time will tell.

Sungmi Kim/Stuff

Air New Zealand v Qantas on the Auckland to New York route.

Another problem has just arisen from across the Tasman, with Qantas announcing a competing flight to New York, via Auckland.

This is a big deal, as it opens up serious competition on a route that Air New Zealand was hoping it would have to itself.

While Air New Zealand is likely to be making money on the New York route right now, the arrival of Qantas may severely dent the long-term profits it was hoping for.

Because Qantas passengers will be able to easily connect with its One World partner airlines at JFK, it may be a more attractive option for passengers from Auckland transiting through New York.

While they are starting their service with a 787 similar to Air New Zealand, Qantas are configuring their aircraft with fewer seats, which should mean their service is more reliable.

Qantas has the option to upgrade to the newly ordered A350-1000 from 2025, once passenger and freight volumes rise.

If Qantas uses these on the Auckland-New York route, our exporters of high-value products might relish using this service, at the expensive of anything offered by Air New Zealand.

Flying to New York has also given Qantas impetus to upgrade their lounge in Auckland, which will make them more competitive vs Air New Zealand across the Tasman.

So in spite of the All Blacks just winning the Bledisloe, Qantas may have just outmanoeuvred us - and on our own turf.

Nevertheless, competition is a good thing for consumers, and Kiwis may soon be able to choose how they fly directly to New York. If flying to New York makes commercial sense for both airlines, everybody wins.

But millions of us own shares in Air New Zealand via our KiwiSaver schemes. If Air New Zealand has made the wrong commercial decision by flying to New York, we may be poorer for it.

I love Air New Zealand. The KiwiSaver fund I work for owns many Air New Zealand shares.

But their flagship New York flight has been a nonstop (or not) service. Is it simply a flight too far?

The jury is out. Sadly, our bags have been too.

Go here to read the rest:

Is Air New Zealand to New York a flight too far? - Stuff

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) are proud to announce Canterbury of New Zealand as their official apparel partner through 2025.

As the QRU celebrates its 140th anniversary next year, the partnership will see two historic Rugby brands re-connect, with Canterbury and Queensland Rugby sharing a history that spans almost 50-years.

Australias premium Rugby apparel provider, Canterbury has been involved in some of the Queensland Reds most memorable milestones, including Queenslands comprehensive 41-7 win over New South Wales in the 1982 Centenary match and the clubs Super 10 Championships in 1994 and 1995.

Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said: Were thrilled to again partner with Canterbury of New Zealand.

When you think Rugby apparel, you think Canterbury, and many of our most cherished Queensland Rugby memories are intertwined with their iconic logo.

As a globally respected and recognised brand, their commitment to high-quality apparel will not only benefit our players on the field, but also our fans and members in the stands.

Canterbury of New Zealand General Manager ANZ, Luke Doddrell said: Over our significant history, Canterbury of New Zealand has been privileged to play a part in some incredible Queensland Rugby moments.

For the 2023 season and beyond, were excited to partner with our friends again to recreate and celebrate more of these moments to come.

Were proud to be a part of the Queensland Reds quest for success, knowing our hard wearing and high-quality kit will deliver when needed most.

Canterbury of New Zealand is known for its hard working and wearing, versatile activewear.

A benchmark for the sporting landscape for over 118 years, their clothing is seen as a badge of honour for anyone who pulls on the iconic CCC logo.

Canterbury is committed to making stylish, crafted products that are built to last, making it the perfect kit solution for both on-and-off the field.

With its long standing, rich heritage of being an official partner to some of the worlds legendary sporting teams including the All Blacks, the British & Irish Lions, Ireland Rugby and the Blackcaps, New Zealands national cricket team the Queensland Reds are once again proud to call Canterbury of New Zealand our official apparel partner.

Details of the Queensland Reds 2023 replica range by Canterbury of New Zealand will be made available in the coming months.

Content & Images from Queensland Reds Rugby

Visit link:

Canterbury of New Zealand to return as official apparel partner of Queensland Rugby - Huge Rugby News

Mickey, Goofy, Minnie Mouse and all your favourite Disney characters are heading this way on a cruise ship! Yes, the much-vaunted Disney Cruise Lines (DCL) finally hits local waters in October 2023 and Stuff Travel got a sneak peek on what to expect at the Sydney Opera House last month.

Heres what we learnt: well be getting Disneys Wonder down under a mid-sized ship that can accommodate 2400 guests and has undergone many refurbishments since its debut in 1999. Wonder cruisers remark that the ship offers a more intimate atmosphere than some of its newer sister ships. Design wise its interiors reflect Art Nouveau touches that recall the grand transatlantic ocean liners of the past.

Thomas Mazloum, Disney president of new and signature experiences, believes that on these limited-time sailings the ship is the destination and the presence of a raft of Disney stars, along with their mates from Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars, presents a huge selling point for families that other cruise lines cant compete with.

Mazloum had flown in especially for the launch announcement and is a big fan of this part of the world. He describes DCLs arrival down under as a match made in heaven and says that its strategy for expansion had gained impetus over Covid. The enforced downtime DCL endured (along with all other cruise lines) Mazloum describes as a time of opportunity.

READ MORE:* Watch: Disney's new cruise ship gets first taste of water * Disney Wish cruise behind-the-scenes: Star Wars space for adults a long time coming * Sneak peek at Disney's new ship

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Wonder can accommodate 2400 guests.

We thought, hey, are there other things we should be looking at now? We started to think beyond the shores where weve been very successful. We wanted to bring Disney, with its grand culture of storytelling to where the people live.

Mazloum also had numerous business acquaintances urging him to bring DCL down under.

We noticed that Australians and New Zealanders have a real affinity for Disney and we figured this is the perfect time to bring DCL to this part of the world, especially after the tough times Covid has wrought people need some joy in their lives.

That means families wanting a sprinkle of that Disney magic can now get it at a fraction of the cost of a long-haul theme park visit.

So, we thought, lets make the ship the destination and immerse people in all the things they love about Disney and the stories we tell. Its really about tapping into peoples emotions, their hearts and minds.

Mazloum reckons DCL which has five ships operating at the moment and three more on the way has cracked the code on family holidays with its unique mix of experiences that appeal to the whole family.

Onboard weve created an environment for kids, adults, groups, even singles, which means everyone can have a great time.

Matt Stroshane./Supplied

Disney Wonder sets sail down under in 2023.

Usually on a holiday someone has to make a little bit of a compromise; what makes us unique is that weve created an environment where everybody is allowed to have a great time, whether its in the kids clubs, the Broadway-style shows or the adult-only venues; each person can go and enjoy those experiences and then they can come together for dinner. Each person decides how much they want to immerse themselves in our stories.

But why only short cruises?

Because we wanted to bring this magic to as many people as possible and we wanted to make it as simple as we can for our guests. So, two, three or four days, while the kids are out of school, thats the sweet spot for us on these inaugural cruises and judging by the massive response weve had so far, it seems we got it right.

Mazloum points out the imaginative dining (breakfast waffles in the shape of Mickey Mouse), Broadway-style entertainment and those unforgettable character interactions as key to DCLs continued success.

Theres also as much ice cream and soda as the kids can tuck into! But Disney understands that keeping the grown-ups happy is what gets the return bookings. Palos adults-only Italian restaurant comes highly recommended for a special date night and theres also 24-hour room service on board.

Disney Cruise Line

The Cove Cafe is exclusive to adult guests 18 years of age and older and offers speciality coffees and drinks.

Further, part of the ship, called after hours, is set aside solely for adults; alternatively the whole family can enjoy pizza from Pinocchios by the pool or experience Tianas Place a New Orleans-styled supper club serving lots of southern classics that draws inspiration from the Disney film The Princess and the Frog. Theres also Animators Palate, an interactive dining experience that celebrates Disney animation.

One thing to be aware of is that Disney implements rotational dining on all its cruises, even these short Australasian ones. This means all guests experience each of the three themed dining venues while on board. Each evening, your party and servers will rotate to a different restaurant.

As you rotate, the same wait staff who know your preferences serve you each night while you get to experience the unique atmosphere of each dining venue. There are buffet and snack options available for breakfast and lunch.

While prices for Disney cruises are a little steeper than other comparable lines DCL fans contend that the quality of the food, service and one-of-a-kind themed entertainment is more than worth the extra outlay. After all, who can resist the pull of Disney, the brand that appeals to the kid in us all?

Disney Cruise Line

Sailings range from two to six nights.

As our interview time winds down I ask Mazloum about his favourite moment on a DCL cruise.

When you look at our ships, the classic design, the long funnels, the painted bow, thats all specially designed. When you see the ship the emotion starts, not just when you step on board. Then, as it departs, the ships horn plays When You Wish Upon A Star and on every cruise and I say this very sincerely thats my favourite moment.

Thatll also be sweet music to the thousands of Kiwi cruisers whore looking forward to experiencing some of that Disney Magic at Sea.

The sailings aboard the Disney Wonder range from two to six nights and will depart from four home ports: Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Australia in October 2023. Bookings are open now, starting at $3233 for a three-night cruise from Auckland for two adults. See: disneycruise.disney.go.com

The writer was hosted in Sydney for the DCL launch event.

View original post here:

What to expect on Disney Cruise Line's maiden voyage in New Zealand and Australia - Stuff

A new four-person flying taxi that could cost Kiwis as little as $3 per kilometre to use has been revealed.

Wisk Aero has released a prototype of its aircraft that will rise like a helicopter and fly like a plane.

Air New Zealands CEO Greg Foran was recently in California checking out the new four-seater aircraft which has only just been revealed to the public.

Wisk, which tested earlier versions of the aircraft in New Zealand, has confirmed its new look sixth-generation model will be the one that goes into production. Its the worlds first self-flying all-electric vertical and take-off aircraft that can fit four people.

READ MORE:* Electric self-flying taxi on display, as Christchurch shows off future of air travel* Air NZ's coolest planes* The flying taxi being tested in New Zealand

Wisk

The new four-person air taxi is designed by Wisk Aero.

Wisk has previously revealed to Stuff Travel that at least one New Zealand city is amongst the first 20 on its radar, and it expects to be flying here within "five to 10 years but it wont reveal finer details.

The sixth-generation model cruises at around 120 knots (222kph) and has a range of 144 kilometres, with reserves. Itll fly at an altitude of 2500 to 4000 feet (762 to 1219 metres).

Wisk said it had a price target of USD$3 per passenger, per mile. Thats the equivalent to roughly NZD$3 per kilometre.

Testing of earlier Wisk models took place in Canterbury over recent years, with Stuff Travel witnessing a test flight at Tekapo Airport in 2019. The company has partnered with the New Zealand Government to progress its trials, and with Air New Zealand which may eventually introduce them to its fleet.

More than 1500 test flights have so far taken place both in New Zealand and at its base in the United States.

Flight testing in New Zealand has wrapped up for now, and the focus here has moved to an "Airspace Integration Trial Programme.

Wisk

Wisk hopes to have the aircraft in service in five to 10 years.

Wisk said its pilotless aircraft will be one of the safest systems in aviation and is being designed to exceed todays rigorous aviation safety standards of a one-in-a-billion chance of an accident.

The company said the plane has fully redundant systems, and no single point of failure.

Each flight will be overseen by a multi-vehicle supervisor, who can intervene if needed.

Wisk has an impressive list of partners, including Nasa and Boeing - which recently announced it was investing NZ$790 million (US$450m) in the company.

Visit link:

Air taxi could be flying the skies in New Zealand within '5 to 10 years' - Stuff

The heads of New Zealand's biggest six media organisations submitted to a parliamentary Select Committee on Thursday, and every single one had concerns about the Government's mega media merger.

It's a plan to merge TVNZ and RNZ into one company. The rest of the sector, one after another, voiced concerns it will create a behemoth able to undercut advertising prices and poach key talent with over-inflated salaries.

"It gives it a scale and size that no other local commercial operator could ever in their wildest dreams compete with," said MediaWorks chief executive Cam Wallace.

"[It's] a flawed process and it risks seriously destabilising the already fragile media landscape," said Shayne Currie, managing editor at NZME.

"It really makes it a very serious threat to our viability and the viability of the rest of the industry," said Sinead Boucher, the chief executive of Stuff.

The new entity - known as Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media or ANZPM - is getting a monster cut of NZ on Air funding, funding that used to be contestable, available to all media outlets.

Warner Brothers Discovery - which owns Three and Newshub - has suggested any profits should be reinvested into NZ on Air.

"We suggest that a portion of the commercial surpluses that the new entity makes is reinvested back into a contestable fund the ANZPM cannot access," said Glen Kyne, the senior vice president and head of networks, Japan, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands.

Among the media bosses, and breaking up all the Zoom gloom, was a non-media submitter who offered a quick musical interlude.

"The children of New Zealand need to have their voices heard," sang Claudia Gunn.

MPs heard the voices of the to-be merged state broadcasters loud and clear. Both argue there is not explicit enough editorial independence.

"The Bill does require strengthening to safeguard, champion and prioritise the entity's independence and integrity," said RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson.

TVNZ is concerned the way the Bill is written gives far too much power to the responsible minister.

"The last time that power existed was in the 1970s under the Muldoon Government. I think we would all agree that that is probably not the greatest place we want to be thinking about," said Simon Power, TVNZ chief executive.

At a time when there is global growing distrust in media due to, among other things, disinformation around government funding and influence, protecting editorial independence and quelling even any perception of government overreach is absolutely paramount.

Read the original here:

New Zealand's media bosses tell MPs proposed TVNZ-RNZ merger riddled with problems - Newshub

Bangladesh take on Pakistan in the first match of the Tri-series in Christchurch on October 7 involving New Zealand as the third team. This tri-series is the final international assignment for all three teams before they depart for Australia for the T20 World Cup. Shakib Al Hasan is back in the side to lead Bangladesh in the series. Babar Azam will lead Pakistan and Kane Williamson will lead the Kiwis. Shakib as per his national selector Habibul Bashar will bat at number four in the series.

The series will be played from October 7 to October 14 with all three teams playing against each other twice with the final on October 14. Pakistan are heading into this series after playing a seven-match bilateral series against England at home which they lost. Bangladesh won a T20I series 2-0 against UAE. New Zealand lost to Australia 0-3 in an ODI series which also worked as a good dress rehearsal for the Kiwis.

Bangladesh batting coach Jamie Siddons said this is ideal preparation for the Tigers before starting their T20 World Cup campaign. The conditions in New Zealand will be close to the conditions the players will get in Australia.

We cant ask for any better (preparation-wise ahead of the T20 World Cup) finalist last World Cup [New Zealand] and Pakistan is obviously on the up. And if we can challenge them, we are getting ready for the World Cup, Siddons told reporters on Tuesday.

We came out of 40 degrees and so its nice to be in some cool weather, at least for the Aussie guys in the group, but conditions are very similar looking at the wicket over there and the indoor centre really nice. Hagley (Oval) would play a lot like Australia, I think early season Australia is pretty similar to what it is here, he further said.

The New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022 will witness seven T20I matches in total with the games starting at 3 pm and 7 pm local time (7.30 pm & 11.30 pm IST). The second and third T20I will be starting at 7.30 pm IST. All the other matches will start at 7.30 pm IST.

In India

Amazon Prime Video has the right to broadcast New Zealand home matches in India. The New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022 will be live-streamed on Fan Code in India.

In Pakistan

In Pakistan, PTV Sports will present the live streaming of the New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022 to viewers. The live streaming will be available on the ARY ZAP app and website.

In the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the live telecast of the New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022 will be shown on Sky Sports Network.

In Australia

In Australia, Fox Sports will present the live telecast of the New Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022.

In Bangladesh

TheNew Zealand T20I Tri-Series 2022 will be broadcasted live on Gazi TV.

In New Zealand

In New Zealand, SKY NZ will present the live telecast of the series.

In USA and Canada

In USA and Canada, Williow TV will present the live telecast of the series.

In the Caribbean

In the Caribbean islands, Flow Sports will present the live telecast of the series.

In South Africa

In South Africa, Super Sports will present the live telecast of the series.

Also Read: IND vs SA ODI Live, Squad, 2022, Schedule, Venue, Tickets Booking, Live Score. Live Stream, ODI, India ODI Squad, Scorecard, Tickets Delhi, Venue, Live Telecast Channel.

Here is the original post:

BAN vs PAK Live Streaming Details- When And Where To Watch New Zealand Tri Series Live In Your Country? New Zealand Tri-Series 2022, 1st T20I -...

A South Westland businessman has made it his mission to bring recycling to some of the remotest places in New Zealand.

Rainer Oehmig is unapologetically pushy when it comes to recycling.

Its a big effort for me, its 80% of my labour costs but only 5% of my profits but it has to be done, he said.

I push people into recycling. Its still a good thing to do. Somebody has to.

READ MORE:* Good foundations: The challenge of recycling beauty products* Hamilton's mountain of lockdown recycling waste* Coronavirus: Big increase in rubbish and glass recycling during Covid-19 lockdown

With no council recycling collections in South Westland, Oehmig wanted to stop residents and businesses from putting recyclables into landfill.

Oehmig moved to New Zealand about 20 years ago after falling in love with the West Coast on several previous trips.

He moved to Okarito, a small settlement in South Westland, where he opened a backpackers hostel and was shocked at the lack of recycling compared to his native Germany.

I kept asking: whats happening with recycling? So I decided to start doing it. It was great. I still love it, he said.

Supplied

Rainer Oehmig of South Westland Rubbish Removal with glass destined for recycling in Auckland.

With no background in waste management, he took knowledge from working with Wnaka Wastebusters and was the first to do glass recycling on the West Coast with the help of $140,000 of funding from the Ministry for the Environment.

They said it couldnt be done. I had to buy 1500 wheelie bins for my customers.

Its still carbon-positive shipping the glass to Auckland. It is more energy efficient to make a recycled glass product than create a new one.

Oehmig is contracted to run a recycling drop-off transfer station for the Westland District Council in Franz Josef and runs his own company, South Westland Rubbish Removal.

He built a big shed and bought a baler to sort all the recycling in house and trucks the bails to Christchurch. The glass is then transported from Christchurch to Auckland. The cardboard and plastic is recycled in Christchurch.

Supplied

Oehmig sorts and bales plastic and cardboard for recycling in Christchurch.

We use freight companies and send it over on back loads. Before Covid I used to ship 250 tonnes of cardboard, 60 to 80 tonnes of plastic and 400 tonnes of glass.

He said 95% of his business came from tourism operators in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

He had offered a free recycling collection for residents, but had to stop since Covid wiped out about 70% of his business when hotels, motels, cafes and backpacker businesses shut their doors in the absence of international tourists.

I had seven employees now I am down to two. I had three trucks, now I only have one. Its been really tough.

The refuse collection subsidises the recycling side of the business.

Supplied

Oehmig sends baled cardboard by truck to Christchurch for recycling.

Oehmig said the markets for recyclables were constantly changing, which made things difficult.

At times it feels like we are losing ground we thought we had it sorted, but there is always the next challenge. One day we can recycle something and the next day we cant. Its very much a moving target in many ways.

Some people couldnt care less which makes it hard. If I wasnt really passionate about doing it I would have stopped by now.

One of his proudest achievements was bringing recycling to isolated rural communities.

I get recycling from Haast, one of the most remote places in New Zealand. If it can be done down there it can be done all over the show.

The rest is here:

Bringing recyling to one of New Zealand's remotest places - Stuff