A ceasefire along the frontier between Afghanistan and Pakistan was holding yesterday, officials on both sides said, after dozens of troops and civilians were killed in cross-border clashes. In Spin Boldak, a flashpoint on the Afghan side, an AFP journalist saw shops reopening and residents returning to homes they had fled during the fighting. The 48-hour truce, which expires tonight, was aimed at allowing time to “find a positive solution ... through constructive dialogue”, Pakistan said. Whether the temporary truce would be extended now depended on Afghanistan’s response, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. “If, in 48 hours, they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them,” Sharif told his cabinet, reiterating that Pakistani Taliban militants should be eliminated and that Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks. Pakistan is facing a resurgence of attacks against its security forces on its western border with Afghanistan, led by the Pakistani Taliban and its affiliates. Spin Boldak’s health director said 40 civilians were killed and 170 wounded on Wednesday, while the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported at least 37 killed and 425 wounded in several provinces impacted by the clashes. “Our houses were bombed, a child was wounded. I heard the plane myself,” Abdul Zahir, a 46-year-old resident, told AFP. “It’s terrifying.” Hundreds of residents and Taliban officials attended the funeral of seven members of the same family in Spin Boldak, an AFP journalist saw. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants who plan frequent assaults from Afghan soil – a charge the Taliban Government denies. Pakistani border officials told AFP yesterday that “no violence was reported overnight, and the ceasefire remains in effect”. A senior security official in Peshawar said: “Additional paramilitary troops have been deployed to counter potential ... militant activity that could jeopardise the ceasefire.” Blasts were reported in the Afghan capital, Kabul, shortly before the truce was announced, as well as in the southern province of Kandahar, where the Afghan Taliban’s shadowy supreme leader lives. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk welcomed the truce and urged both sides to prevent further harm to civilians and “commit to a lasting ceasefire”. ‘Precision strikes’ The first explosions that struck Afghanistan last week – blamed by the Taliban on Pakistan – occurred while Afghanistan’s top diplomat was on an unprecedented visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival. Taliban authorities then launched an offensive at the border, prompting Pakistan to vow a strong response of its own. Exchanges of fire from Saturday killed dozens of people, with renewed violence on Wednesday also causing civilian casualties, according to Afghanistan. The Taliban Government officially blamed Wednesday’s blasts in Kabul on the explosion of an oil tanker and a generator. However, Pakistani security sources said its military targeted an armed group with “precision strikes” in Kabul, as well as hitting Afghan Taliban bases in Kandahar. There were blackouts overnight and into yesterday in some areas of Kabul, caused by electricity cables damaged in the explosions, AFP journalists in the city said. The journalists saw municipal workers carrying out repairs in one neighbourhood, where the road was charred and apartment windows had been blown out. At least five people were killed and 35 wounded in Wednesday’s explosions, an Italian agency that runs a hospital in the city said. “We started receiving ambulances filled with wounded people,” said Dejan Panic, of Emergency. Ten people were in critical condition, with injuries including shrapnel wounds, blunt trauma and burns. - Agence France-Presse

• Newstalk ZB
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 26 dakika

A ceasefire along the frontier between Afghanistan and Pakistan was holding yesterday, officials on both sides said, after dozens of troops and civilians were killed in cross-border clashes. In Spin Boldak, a flashpoint on the Afghan side, an AFP journalist saw shops reopening and residents returning to homes they had fled during the fighting. The 48-hour truce, which expires tonight, was aimed at allowing time to “find a positive solution ... through constructive dialogue”, Pakistan said. Whether the temporary truce would be extended now depended on Afghanistan’s response, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. “If, in 48 hours, they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them,” Sharif told his cabinet, reiterating that Pakistani Taliban militants should be eliminated and that Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks. Pakistan is facing a resurgence of attacks against its security forces on its western border with Afghanistan, led by the Pakistani Taliban and its affiliates. Spin Boldak’s health director said 40 civilians were killed and 170 wounded on Wednesday, while the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported at least 37 killed and 425 wounded in several provinces impacted by the clashes. “Our houses were bombed, a child was wounded. I heard the plane myself,” Abdul Zahir, a 46-year-old resident, told AFP. “It’s terrifying.” Hundreds of residents and Taliban officials attended the funeral of seven members of the same family in Spin Boldak, an AFP journalist saw. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants who plan frequent assaults from Afghan soil – a charge the Taliban Government denies. Pakistani border officials told AFP yesterday that “no violence was reported overnight, and the ceasefire remains in effect”. A senior security official in Peshawar said: “Additional paramilitary troops have been deployed to counter potential ... militant activity that could jeopardise the ceasefire.” Blasts were reported in the Afghan capital, Kabul, shortly before the truce was announced, as well as in the southern province of Kandahar, where the Afghan Taliban’s shadowy supreme leader lives. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk welcomed the truce and urged both sides to prevent further harm to civilians and “commit to a lasting ceasefire”. ‘Precision strikes’ The first explosions that struck Afghanistan last week – blamed by the Taliban on Pakistan – occurred while Afghanistan’s top diplomat was on an unprecedented visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival. Taliban authorities then launched an offensive at the border, prompting Pakistan to vow a strong response of its own. Exchanges of fire from Saturday killed dozens of people, with renewed violence on Wednesday also causing civilian casualties, according to Afghanistan. The Taliban Government officially blamed Wednesday’s blasts in Kabul on the explosion of an oil tanker and a generator. However, Pakistani security sources said its military targeted an armed group with “precision strikes” in Kabul, as well as hitting Afghan Taliban bases in Kandahar. There were blackouts overnight and into yesterday in some areas of Kabul, caused by electricity cables damaged in the explosions, AFP journalists in the city said. The journalists saw municipal workers carrying out repairs in one neighbourhood, where the road was charred and apartment windows had been blown out. At least five people were killed and 35 wounded in Wednesday’s explosions, an Italian agency that runs a hospital in the city said. “We started receiving ambulances filled with wounded people,” said Dejan Panic, of Emergency. Ten people were in critical condition, with injuries including shrapnel wounds, blunt trauma and burns. - Agence France-Presse

• Newstalk ZB
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 26 dakika

A ceasefire along the frontier between Afghanistan and Pakistan was holding yesterday, officials on both sides said, after dozens of troops and civilians were killed in cross-border clashes. In Spin Boldak, a flashpoint on the Afghan side, an AFP journalist saw shops reopening and residents returning to homes they had fled during the fighting. The 48-hour truce, which expires tonight, was aimed at allowing time to “find a positive solution ... through constructive dialogue”, Pakistan said. Whether the temporary truce would be extended now depended on Afghanistan’s response, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. “If, in 48 hours, they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them,” Sharif told his cabinet, reiterating that Pakistani Taliban militants should be eliminated and that Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks. Pakistan is facing a resurgence of attacks against its security forces on its western border with Afghanistan, led by the Pakistani Taliban and its affiliates. Spin Boldak’s health director said 40 civilians were killed and 170 wounded on Wednesday, while the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported at least 37 killed and 425 wounded in several provinces impacted by the clashes. “Our houses were bombed, a child was wounded. I heard the plane myself,” Abdul Zahir, a 46-year-old resident, told AFP. “It’s terrifying.” Hundreds of residents and Taliban officials attended the funeral of seven members of the same family in Spin Boldak, an AFP journalist saw. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants who plan frequent assaults from Afghan soil – a charge the Taliban Government denies. Pakistani border officials told AFP yesterday that “no violence was reported overnight, and the ceasefire remains in effect”. A senior security official in Peshawar said: “Additional paramilitary troops have been deployed to counter potential ... militant activity that could jeopardise the ceasefire.” Blasts were reported in the Afghan capital, Kabul, shortly before the truce was announced, as well as in the southern province of Kandahar, where the Afghan Taliban’s shadowy supreme leader lives. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk welcomed the truce and urged both sides to prevent further harm to civilians and “commit to a lasting ceasefire”. ‘Precision strikes’ The first explosions that struck Afghanistan last week – blamed by the Taliban on Pakistan – occurred while Afghanistan’s top diplomat was on an unprecedented visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival. Taliban authorities then launched an offensive at the border, prompting Pakistan to vow a strong response of its own. Exchanges of fire from Saturday killed dozens of people, with renewed violence on Wednesday also causing civilian casualties, according to Afghanistan. The Taliban Government officially blamed Wednesday’s blasts in Kabul on the explosion of an oil tanker and a generator. However, Pakistani security sources said its military targeted an armed group with “precision strikes” in Kabul, as well as hitting Afghan Taliban bases in Kandahar. There were blackouts overnight and into yesterday in some areas of Kabul, caused by electricity cables damaged in the explosions, AFP journalists in the city said. The journalists saw municipal workers carrying out repairs in one neighbourhood, where the road was charred and apartment windows had been blown out. At least five people were killed and 35 wounded in Wednesday’s explosions, an Italian agency that runs a hospital in the city said. “We started receiving ambulances filled with wounded people,” said Dejan Panic, of Emergency. Ten people were in critical condition, with injuries including shrapnel wounds, blunt trauma and burns. - Agence France-Presse

• Newstalk ZB
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 26 dakika

A ceasefire along the frontier between Afghanistan and Pakistan was holding yesterday, officials on both sides said, after dozens of troops and civilians were killed in cross-border clashes. In Spin Boldak, a flashpoint on the Afghan side, an AFP journalist saw shops reopening and residents returning to homes they had fled during the fighting. The 48-hour truce, which expires tonight, was aimed at allowing time to “find a positive solution ... through constructive dialogue”, Pakistan said. Whether the temporary truce would be extended now depended on Afghanistan’s response, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. “If, in 48 hours, they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them,” Sharif told his cabinet, reiterating that Pakistani Taliban militants should be eliminated and that Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks. Pakistan is facing a resurgence of attacks against its security forces on its western border with Afghanistan, led by the Pakistani Taliban and its affiliates. Spin Boldak’s health director said 40 civilians were killed and 170 wounded on Wednesday, while the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported at least 37 killed and 425 wounded in several provinces impacted by the clashes. “Our houses were bombed, a child was wounded. I heard the plane myself,” Abdul Zahir, a 46-year-old resident, told AFP. “It’s terrifying.” Hundreds of residents and Taliban officials attended the funeral of seven members of the same family in Spin Boldak, an AFP journalist saw. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants who plan frequent assaults from Afghan soil – a charge the Taliban Government denies. Pakistani border officials told AFP yesterday that “no violence was reported overnight, and the ceasefire remains in effect”. A senior security official in Peshawar said: “Additional paramilitary troops have been deployed to counter potential ... militant activity that could jeopardise the ceasefire.” Blasts were reported in the Afghan capital, Kabul, shortly before the truce was announced, as well as in the southern province of Kandahar, where the Afghan Taliban’s shadowy supreme leader lives. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk welcomed the truce and urged both sides to prevent further harm to civilians and “commit to a lasting ceasefire”. ‘Precision strikes’ The first explosions that struck Afghanistan last week – blamed by the Taliban on Pakistan – occurred while Afghanistan’s top diplomat was on an unprecedented visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival. Taliban authorities then launched an offensive at the border, prompting Pakistan to vow a strong response of its own. Exchanges of fire from Saturday killed dozens of people, with renewed violence on Wednesday also causing civilian casualties, according to Afghanistan. The Taliban Government officially blamed Wednesday’s blasts in Kabul on the explosion of an oil tanker and a generator. However, Pakistani security sources said its military targeted an armed group with “precision strikes” in Kabul, as well as hitting Afghan Taliban bases in Kandahar. There were blackouts overnight and into yesterday in some areas of Kabul, caused by electricity cables damaged in the explosions, AFP journalists in the city said. The journalists saw municipal workers carrying out repairs in one neighbourhood, where the road was charred and apartment windows had been blown out. At least five people were killed and 35 wounded in Wednesday’s explosions, an Italian agency that runs a hospital in the city said. “We started receiving ambulances filled with wounded people,” said Dejan Panic, of Emergency. Ten people were in critical condition, with injuries including shrapnel wounds, blunt trauma and burns. - Agence France-Presse

• Newstalk ZB
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 26 dakika

A ceasefire along the frontier between Afghanistan and Pakistan was holding yesterday, officials on both sides said, after dozens of troops and civilians were killed in cross-border clashes. In Spin Boldak, a flashpoint on the Afghan side, an AFP journalist saw shops reopening and residents returning to homes they had fled during the fighting. The 48-hour truce, which expires tonight, was aimed at allowing time to “find a positive solution ... through constructive dialogue”, Pakistan said. Whether the temporary truce would be extended now depended on Afghanistan’s response, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. “If, in 48 hours, they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them,” Sharif told his cabinet, reiterating that Pakistani Taliban militants should be eliminated and that Afghan territory should not be used to plot attacks. Pakistan is facing a resurgence of attacks against its security forces on its western border with Afghanistan, led by the Pakistani Taliban and its affiliates. Spin Boldak’s health director said 40 civilians were killed and 170 wounded on Wednesday, while the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported at least 37 killed and 425 wounded in several provinces impacted by the clashes. “Our houses were bombed, a child was wounded. I heard the plane myself,” Abdul Zahir, a 46-year-old resident, told AFP. “It’s terrifying.” Hundreds of residents and Taliban officials attended the funeral of seven members of the same family in Spin Boldak, an AFP journalist saw. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants who plan frequent assaults from Afghan soil – a charge the Taliban Government denies. Pakistani border officials told AFP yesterday that “no violence was reported overnight, and the ceasefire remains in effect”. A senior security official in Peshawar said: “Additional paramilitary troops have been deployed to counter potential ... militant activity that could jeopardise the ceasefire.” Blasts were reported in the Afghan capital, Kabul, shortly before the truce was announced, as well as in the southern province of Kandahar, where the Afghan Taliban’s shadowy supreme leader lives. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk welcomed the truce and urged both sides to prevent further harm to civilians and “commit to a lasting ceasefire”. ‘Precision strikes’ The first explosions that struck Afghanistan last week – blamed by the Taliban on Pakistan – occurred while Afghanistan’s top diplomat was on an unprecedented visit to India, Pakistan’s longtime rival. Taliban authorities then launched an offensive at the border, prompting Pakistan to vow a strong response of its own. Exchanges of fire from Saturday killed dozens of people, with renewed violence on Wednesday also causing civilian casualties, according to Afghanistan. The Taliban Government officially blamed Wednesday’s blasts in Kabul on the explosion of an oil tanker and a generator. However, Pakistani security sources said its military targeted an armed group with “precision strikes” in Kabul, as well as hitting Afghan Taliban bases in Kandahar. There were blackouts overnight and into yesterday in some areas of Kabul, caused by electricity cables damaged in the explosions, AFP journalists in the city said. The journalists saw municipal workers carrying out repairs in one neighbourhood, where the road was charred and apartment windows had been blown out. At least five people were killed and 35 wounded in Wednesday’s explosions, an Italian agency that runs a hospital in the city said. “We started receiving ambulances filled with wounded people,” said Dejan Panic, of Emergency. Ten people were in critical condition, with injuries including shrapnel wounds, blunt trauma and burns. - Agence France-Presse

• Newstalk ZB
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 26 dakika

Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit much of the South Island over the weekend, but it should be mostly fine in the north with a few showers.

• RNZ
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 29 dakika

NZ First leader Winston Peters Photo: RNZ By Russell Palmer of RNZ  NZ First leader Winston Peters has threatened the prospect of more regulation for Fonterra if the dairy giant presses ahead with plans to sell its iconic brands to French company Lactalis.

• Otago Daily Times
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 30 dakika

A group of Kiwi farmers are urging Alliance farmer-shareholders to vote against a deal that would see the red meat co-operative sell approximately $270 million in shares to Ireland's Dawn Meats. The farmers say they have secured credible alternatives to prevent the sale and keep Alliance 100% New Zealand-farmer owned. They are calling on the Alliance board to consider their proposals. The group's alternative plan involves capital contributions from shareholders, som asset-rationalisation and debt repayments via profits. The plan would also make use of the ability to offset $191 million of tax-losses against future profits, which they say is an opportunity that would be given away in a majority sale. Speaking for the group, agribusiness leader Jeff Grant says that on the back of recent restructuring, Alliance Group Limited (AGL) has achieved a significant turnaround and return to profitability. "In this 'non-peak' year, AGL generated a profit of circa $20 million, a $90 million turnaround versus last year, and profit is projected at $75 million last year," Grant says. Read More: Dawn Meats lifts Alliance investment to $270 million Alliance farmer-shareholders urged to vote on $250m partnership with Dawn Meats Alliance Group faces crucial vote on Dawn Meats deal "The question farmers need to ask themselves before they vote is, why would we sell this critical asset at a time when red meat prices have never been better and global demand for our world-class protein is exploding?” Meanwhile, former Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman and Alliance shareholder Andrew Morrison says the group "has gone above and beyond to secure credible options, and we're now in a stronger position to be putting these forward to the board and fellow shareholders". He says there are "critical benefits" to Alliance's processing infrastructure remaining New Zealand-owned. "Shareholders have repeatedly expressed concern to the Alliance Board that we were not given the same opportunities, or access to the same information as Dawn Meats, to explore alternatives that could retain full ownership," Morrison says. He argues that farmers need to vote against the Dawn Meats proposal because if it goes through "there's no coming back". "There is a better way, the numbers prove it: Now is not the time to sell out, it's the time to invest in our business and the right people, to guarantee our best possible future," Morrison says. "Let's get on with making this work." #alliance #DAWN_MEATS

• Rural News
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 36 dakika

A group of Kiwi farmers are urging Alliance farmer-shareholders to vote against a deal that would see the red meat co-operative sell approximately $270 million in shares to Ireland's Dawn Meats. The farmers say they have secured credible alternatives to prevent the sale and keep Alliance 100% New Zealand-farmer owned. They are calling on the Alliance board to consider their proposals. The group's alternative plan involves capital contributions from shareholders, som asset-rationalisation and debt repayments via profits. The plan would also make use of the ability to offset $191 million of tax-losses against future profits, which they say is an opportunity that would be given away in a majority sale. Speaking for the group, agribusiness leader Jeff Grant says that on the back of recent restructuring, Alliance Group Limited (AGL) has achieved a significant turnaround and return to profitability. "In this 'non-peak' year, AGL generated a profit of circa $20 million, a $90 million turnaround versus last year, and profit is projected at $75 million last year," Grant says. Read More: Dawn Meats lifts Alliance investment to $270 million Alliance farmer-shareholders urged to vote on $250m partnership with Dawn Meats Alliance Group faces crucial vote on Dawn Meats deal "The question farmers need to ask themselves before they vote is, why would we sell this critical asset at a time when red meat prices have never been better and global demand for our world-class protein is exploding?” Meanwhile, former Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman and Alliance shareholder Andrew Morrison says the group "has gone above and beyond to secure credible options, and we're now in a stronger position to be putting these forward to the board and fellow shareholders". He says there are "critical benefits" to Alliance's processing infrastructure remaining New Zealand-owned. "Shareholders have repeatedly expressed concern to the Alliance Board that we were not given the same opportunities, or access to the same information as Dawn Meats, to explore alternatives that could retain full ownership," Morrison says. He argues that farmers need to vote against the Dawn Meats proposal because if it goes through "there's no coming back". "There is a better way, the numbers prove it: Now is not the time to sell out, it's the time to invest in our business and the right people, to guarantee our best possible future," Morrison says. "Let's get on with making this work." #alliance #DAWN_MEATS

• Rural News
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 36 dakika

A group of Kiwi farmers are urging Alliance farmer-shareholders to vote against a deal that would see the red meat co-operative sell approximately $270 million in shares to Ireland's Dawn Meats. The farmers say they have secured credible alternatives to prevent the sale and keep Alliance 100% New Zealand-farmer owned. They are calling on the Alliance board to consider their proposals. The group's alternative plan involves capital contributions from shareholders, som asset-rationalisation and debt repayments via profits. The plan would also make use of the ability to offset $191 million of tax-losses against future profits, which they say is an opportunity that would be given away in a majority sale. Speaking for the group, agribusiness leader Jeff Grant says that on the back of recent restructuring, Alliance Group Limited (AGL) has achieved a significant turnaround and return to profitability. "In this 'non-peak' year, AGL generated a profit of circa $20 million, a $90 million turnaround versus last year, and profit is projected at $75 million last year," Grant says. Read More: Dawn Meats lifts Alliance investment to $270 million Alliance farmer-shareholders urged to vote on $250m partnership with Dawn Meats Alliance Group faces crucial vote on Dawn Meats deal "The question farmers need to ask themselves before they vote is, why would we sell this critical asset at a time when red meat prices have never been better and global demand for our world-class protein is exploding?” Meanwhile, former Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman and Alliance shareholder Andrew Morrison says the group "has gone above and beyond to secure credible options, and we're now in a stronger position to be putting these forward to the board and fellow shareholders". He says there are "critical benefits" to Alliance's processing infrastructure remaining New Zealand-owned. "Shareholders have repeatedly expressed concern to the Alliance Board that we were not given the same opportunities, or access to the same information as Dawn Meats, to explore alternatives that could retain full ownership," Morrison says. He argues that farmers need to vote against the Dawn Meats proposal because if it goes through "there's no coming back". "There is a better way, the numbers prove it: Now is not the time to sell out, it's the time to invest in our business and the right people, to guarantee our best possible future," Morrison says. "Let's get on with making this work." #alliance #DAWN_MEATS

• Rural News
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 36 dakika

HEALTH The recently released Health Select Committee report to the Gene Technology Bill shows fundamental flaws by not addressing health and environmental issues, showing the process has been hijacked to favour the interests of the biotechnology industry. [1] The Select Committee's proposed amendments are perplexing. The process around the Gene Technology Bill has misled the country by pretending to consult with the public.  Of the 14,745 considered submissions 14,321 opposed the Bill and another 1.4% made recommendations for changes. “This report shows the depth of Biotech collusion and is a public disgrace.” said Claire Bleakley, GE-Free NZ president. "The Select Committee should have called for a halt to the Bill but instead the report shows they ignored the 97.1% of submitters opposing the Bill and let the 1.2% of the GE industry voices dominate the process." The reports rejection and refusal to address the concerns of the many submitters on the precautionary principle, liability and contamination shows that National's intent is only to open up New Zealand to the most permissive regulatory regime at whatever risk to our economy. "The Health Select Committee report does not protect the future of New Zealand's health and environment and shows that the pretence at consultation was a farce,” said Bleakley, “The tweaked recommendations are only a poor veneer to hide the conflict of interests underneath.” The Select committee did not take into consideration the failures of New Zealand’s 20 GE field trials and will allow these failures to persist through exemptions without any regulatory oversight.  [2] Of the differing opinions from the Health Committee members, the Greens raise strong and excellent matters have been omitted. It, however, shows that in this protracted process all parties including New Zealand First have failed to moderate this extreme Bill. "New Zealand First must live up to public statements on the need for adequate safeguards to the safety of the economy, health and environment and stop this Bill proceeding," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-Free NZ. “The legislation needs to address matters of the precautionary principle, protecting regional economic benefits and exports of non-GMO products, case by case risk analysis and liability on users for contamination. It also needed to incorporate ethical considerations and reverse the loss of sovereignty created by 'equivalent' mandatory approvals of decisions overseas.” This Bill has not changed for the better and must be voted out at the second reading. References: [1] The Gene Technology Bill: Official Report to the Health Committee May 2025 https://selectcommittees.parliament.nz/view/SelectCommitteeReport/b36e72ab-a9ef-48cb-3a8a-08de07841f04 [2]  MBIE OIA Field Trial Reply (point 4) https://www.gefree.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Response-letter.pdf ( Source )

• İnfonews
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 36 dakika

HEALTH The recently released Health Select Committee report to the Gene Technology Bill shows fundamental flaws by not addressing health and environmental issues, showing the process has been hijacked to favour the interests of the biotechnology industry. [1] The Select Committee's proposed amendments are perplexing. The process around the Gene Technology Bill has misled the country by pretending to consult with the public.  Of the 14,745 considered submissions 14,321 opposed the Bill and another 1.4% made recommendations for changes. “This report shows the depth of Biotech collusion and is a public disgrace.” said Claire Bleakley, GE-Free NZ president. "The Select Committee should have called for a halt to the Bill but instead the report shows they ignored the 97.1% of submitters opposing the Bill and let the 1.2% of the GE industry voices dominate the process." The reports rejection and refusal to address the concerns of the many submitters on the precautionary principle, liability and contamination shows that National's intent is only to open up New Zealand to the most permissive regulatory regime at whatever risk to our economy. "The Health Select Committee report does not protect the future of New Zealand's health and environment and shows that the pretence at consultation was a farce,” said Bleakley, “The tweaked recommendations are only a poor veneer to hide the conflict of interests underneath.” The Select committee did not take into consideration the failures of New Zealand’s 20 GE field trials and will allow these failures to persist through exemptions without any regulatory oversight.  [2] Of the differing opinions from the Health Committee members, the Greens raise strong and excellent matters have been omitted. It, however, shows that in this protracted process all parties including New Zealand First have failed to moderate this extreme Bill. "New Zealand First must live up to public statements on the need for adequate safeguards to the safety of the economy, health and environment and stop this Bill proceeding," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-Free NZ. “The legislation needs to address matters of the precautionary principle, protecting regional economic benefits and exports of non-GMO products, case by case risk analysis and liability on users for contamination. It also needed to incorporate ethical considerations and reverse the loss of sovereignty created by 'equivalent' mandatory approvals of decisions overseas.” This Bill has not changed for the better and must be voted out at the second reading. References: [1] The Gene Technology Bill: Official Report to the Health Committee May 2025 https://selectcommittees.parliament.nz/view/SelectCommitteeReport/b36e72ab-a9ef-48cb-3a8a-08de07841f04 [2]  MBIE OIA Field Trial Reply (point 4) https://www.gefree.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Response-letter.pdf ( Source )

• İnfonews
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 36 dakika

HEALTH The recently released Health Select Committee report to the Gene Technology Bill shows fundamental flaws by not addressing health and environmental issues, showing the process has been hijacked to favour the interests of the biotechnology industry. [1] The Select Committee's proposed amendments are perplexing. The process around the Gene Technology Bill has misled the country by pretending to consult with the public.  Of the 14,745 considered submissions 14,321 opposed the Bill and another 1.4% made recommendations for changes. “This report shows the depth of Biotech collusion and is a public disgrace.” said Claire Bleakley, GE-Free NZ president. "The Select Committee should have called for a halt to the Bill but instead the report shows they ignored the 97.1% of submitters opposing the Bill and let the 1.2% of the GE industry voices dominate the process." The reports rejection and refusal to address the concerns of the many submitters on the precautionary principle, liability and contamination shows that National's intent is only to open up New Zealand to the most permissive regulatory regime at whatever risk to our economy. "The Health Select Committee report does not protect the future of New Zealand's health and environment and shows that the pretence at consultation was a farce,” said Bleakley, “The tweaked recommendations are only a poor veneer to hide the conflict of interests underneath.” The Select committee did not take into consideration the failures of New Zealand’s 20 GE field trials and will allow these failures to persist through exemptions without any regulatory oversight.  [2] Of the differing opinions from the Health Committee members, the Greens raise strong and excellent matters have been omitted. It, however, shows that in this protracted process all parties including New Zealand First have failed to moderate this extreme Bill. "New Zealand First must live up to public statements on the need for adequate safeguards to the safety of the economy, health and environment and stop this Bill proceeding," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-Free NZ. “The legislation needs to address matters of the precautionary principle, protecting regional economic benefits and exports of non-GMO products, case by case risk analysis and liability on users for contamination. It also needed to incorporate ethical considerations and reverse the loss of sovereignty created by 'equivalent' mandatory approvals of decisions overseas.” This Bill has not changed for the better and must be voted out at the second reading. References: [1] The Gene Technology Bill: Official Report to the Health Committee May 2025 https://selectcommittees.parliament.nz/view/SelectCommitteeReport/b36e72ab-a9ef-48cb-3a8a-08de07841f04 [2]  MBIE OIA Field Trial Reply (point 4) https://www.gefree.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Response-letter.pdf ( Source )

• İnfonews
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 36 dakika

EDUCATION Education Review Office’s (ERO) independent review has found that changes to how English and maths are taught in primary school are showing promising results for both English and maths. "English and maths are critical for our students’ futures and for a long time we’ve been concerned that too many students are not where they need to be," says Ruth Shinoda, Head of ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre. "The good news is there are promising signs this is changing. Not only are tests of new entrants’ English showing rapid progress from Term 1 to Term 3 this year, but also most primary school teachers report students’ English and maths have both improved compared to last year. Parents also agree, with three-quarters reporting improved progress in their child’s English and maths," Ms Shinoda says. Encouragingly, teachers also report students are now more engaged in learning English and maths, and nine out of ten students report enjoying learning English and maths. Teachers told ERO that the new approaches are improving attention and behaviour in the classroom. "ERO has found these promising signs are due to the hard work schools across the country to change what they teach, how they teach, and how much they teach English and maths," Ms Shinoda says. ERO found that more than 8 out of 10 teachers have already changed how they are teaching English and maths. "School leaders and teachers have put in a lot of time and effort," says Ms Shinoda. "Encouragingly, a third of teachers report they have increased the time spent on reading, writing and maths and this is even greater in schools in lower socio-economic communities, where we’re finding almost half of teachers have increased the class time spent on maths." Parents have also been key to the improvement. "What has also been great to see is how parents are also supporting their children, with nine out of ten parents helping their child at home with reading and writing" says Ms Shinoda. ERO has found teachers have been well supported to make these changes with training and resources that make a difference. For example, when teachers have accessed resources for maths they’re nearly four times more likely to change their practice. There is further to go. ERO is recommending three things that need addressing. There needs to be more support for teaching the more complex maths, including for parents to help their children at home. There needs to also be more support for small and isolated schools that find making the changes harder. And finally, we need to support to teachers be able to help students catch up and extend them. ( Source )

• İnfonews
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 37 dakika

EDUCATION Education Review Office’s (ERO) independent review has found that changes to how English and maths are taught in primary school are showing promising results for both English and maths. "English and maths are critical for our students’ futures and for a long time we’ve been concerned that too many students are not where they need to be," says Ruth Shinoda, Head of ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre. "The good news is there are promising signs this is changing. Not only are tests of new entrants’ English showing rapid progress from Term 1 to Term 3 this year, but also most primary school teachers report students’ English and maths have both improved compared to last year. Parents also agree, with three-quarters reporting improved progress in their child’s English and maths," Ms Shinoda says. Encouragingly, teachers also report students are now more engaged in learning English and maths, and nine out of ten students report enjoying learning English and maths. Teachers told ERO that the new approaches are improving attention and behaviour in the classroom. "ERO has found these promising signs are due to the hard work schools across the country to change what they teach, how they teach, and how much they teach English and maths," Ms Shinoda says. ERO found that more than 8 out of 10 teachers have already changed how they are teaching English and maths. "School leaders and teachers have put in a lot of time and effort," says Ms Shinoda. "Encouragingly, a third of teachers report they have increased the time spent on reading, writing and maths and this is even greater in schools in lower socio-economic communities, where we’re finding almost half of teachers have increased the class time spent on maths." Parents have also been key to the improvement. "What has also been great to see is how parents are also supporting their children, with nine out of ten parents helping their child at home with reading and writing" says Ms Shinoda. ERO has found teachers have been well supported to make these changes with training and resources that make a difference. For example, when teachers have accessed resources for maths they’re nearly four times more likely to change their practice. There is further to go. ERO is recommending three things that need addressing. There needs to be more support for teaching the more complex maths, including for parents to help their children at home. There needs to also be more support for small and isolated schools that find making the changes harder. And finally, we need to support to teachers be able to help students catch up and extend them. ( Source )

• İnfonews
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 37 dakika

EDUCATION Education Review Office’s (ERO) independent review has found that changes to how English and maths are taught in primary school are showing promising results for both English and maths. "English and maths are critical for our students’ futures and for a long time we’ve been concerned that too many students are not where they need to be," says Ruth Shinoda, Head of ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre. "The good news is there are promising signs this is changing. Not only are tests of new entrants’ English showing rapid progress from Term 1 to Term 3 this year, but also most primary school teachers report students’ English and maths have both improved compared to last year. Parents also agree, with three-quarters reporting improved progress in their child’s English and maths," Ms Shinoda says. Encouragingly, teachers also report students are now more engaged in learning English and maths, and nine out of ten students report enjoying learning English and maths. Teachers told ERO that the new approaches are improving attention and behaviour in the classroom. "ERO has found these promising signs are due to the hard work schools across the country to change what they teach, how they teach, and how much they teach English and maths," Ms Shinoda says. ERO found that more than 8 out of 10 teachers have already changed how they are teaching English and maths. "School leaders and teachers have put in a lot of time and effort," says Ms Shinoda. "Encouragingly, a third of teachers report they have increased the time spent on reading, writing and maths and this is even greater in schools in lower socio-economic communities, where we’re finding almost half of teachers have increased the class time spent on maths." Parents have also been key to the improvement. "What has also been great to see is how parents are also supporting their children, with nine out of ten parents helping their child at home with reading and writing" says Ms Shinoda. ERO has found teachers have been well supported to make these changes with training and resources that make a difference. For example, when teachers have accessed resources for maths they’re nearly four times more likely to change their practice. There is further to go. ERO is recommending three things that need addressing. There needs to be more support for teaching the more complex maths, including for parents to help their children at home. There needs to also be more support for small and isolated schools that find making the changes harder. And finally, we need to support to teachers be able to help students catch up and extend them. ( Source )

• İnfonews
• 2 gün, 5 saat, 37 dakika