Farmers rally to keep Alliance Group 100% NZ-owned

Farmers rally to keep Alliance Group 100% NZ-owned

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

Farmers rally to keep Alliance Group 100% NZ-owned

Farmers rally to keep Alliance Group 100% NZ-owned

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

Farmers rally to keep Alliance Group 100% NZ-owned

Farmers rally to keep Alliance Group 100% NZ-owned

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

Failures in Gene Technology Bill Process Leaves NZ's Health and Environment in Jeopardy.

Failures in Gene Technology Bill Process Leaves NZ's Health and Environment in Jeopardy.

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 )

Failures in Gene Technology Bill Process Leaves NZ's Health and Environment in Jeopardy.

Failures in Gene Technology Bill Process Leaves NZ's Health and Environment in Jeopardy.

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 )

Failures in Gene Technology Bill Process Leaves NZ's Health and Environment in Jeopardy.

Failures in Gene Technology Bill Process Leaves NZ's Health and Environment in Jeopardy.

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 )

ERO finds that students are doing better in English and maths as changes start to have an impact, but there is further to go

ERO finds that students are doing better in English and maths as changes start to have an impact, but there is further to go

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 )

ERO finds that students are doing better in English and maths as changes start to have an impact, but there is further to go

ERO finds that students are doing better in English and maths as changes start to have an impact, but there is further to go

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 )

ERO finds that students are doing better in English and maths as changes start to have an impact, but there is further to go

ERO finds that students are doing better in English and maths as changes start to have an impact, but there is further to go

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 )

Quarter of Te Pāti Māori and One in Five ACT Voters Say Violence May Be Needed to 'Fix' New Zealand

Quarter of Te Pāti Māori and One in Five ACT Voters Say Violence May Be Needed to 'Fix' New Zealand

POLITICS A new Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll reveals worrying levels of support for political violence across the political spectrum. One in four Te Pāti Māori voters and one in five ACT voters agree that “New Zealanders may have to resort to violence to get the country back on track.” Younger New Zealanders are far more likely to back political violence — and less likely to have friends with different political views — than older generations. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said: “It’s alarming that so many New Zealanders think violence might be justified to ‘fix’ the country. This isn’t a fringe issue any more; it’s a massive red flag for the health of our democracy.” “Younger people are not only more open to violence, but they’re also less likely to have friends who see the world differently. That kind of political isolation breeds extremism.” “It is frustrating that having had staff receive death threats and direct intimidation, the Police take absolutely no interest. It puts off good people from participating in public affairs - although for some that is the very purpose.  We should not have to wait for a tragedy for the Police to get their act together." "It’s also time for party leaders to take  responsibility and tone down the rhetoric before it escalates further. Democracy depends on debate, not intimidation. Once people stop talking to each other and start seeing violence as an answer, we’re in real trouble.” ( Source )

Quarter of Te Pāti Māori and One in Five ACT Voters Say Violence May Be Needed to 'Fix' New Zealand

Quarter of Te Pāti Māori and One in Five ACT Voters Say Violence May Be Needed to 'Fix' New Zealand

POLITICS A new Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll reveals worrying levels of support for political violence across the political spectrum. One in four Te Pāti Māori voters and one in five ACT voters agree that “New Zealanders may have to resort to violence to get the country back on track.” Younger New Zealanders are far more likely to back political violence — and less likely to have friends with different political views — than older generations. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said: “It’s alarming that so many New Zealanders think violence might be justified to ‘fix’ the country. This isn’t a fringe issue any more; it’s a massive red flag for the health of our democracy.” “Younger people are not only more open to violence, but they’re also less likely to have friends who see the world differently. That kind of political isolation breeds extremism.” “It is frustrating that having had staff receive death threats and direct intimidation, the Police take absolutely no interest. It puts off good people from participating in public affairs - although for some that is the very purpose.  We should not have to wait for a tragedy for the Police to get their act together." "It’s also time for party leaders to take  responsibility and tone down the rhetoric before it escalates further. Democracy depends on debate, not intimidation. Once people stop talking to each other and start seeing violence as an answer, we’re in real trouble.” ( Source )

Quarter of Te Pāti Māori and One in Five ACT Voters Say Violence May Be Needed to 'Fix' New Zealand

Quarter of Te Pāti Māori and One in Five ACT Voters Say Violence May Be Needed to 'Fix' New Zealand

POLITICS A new Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll reveals worrying levels of support for political violence across the political spectrum. One in four Te Pāti Māori voters and one in five ACT voters agree that “New Zealanders may have to resort to violence to get the country back on track.” Younger New Zealanders are far more likely to back political violence — and less likely to have friends with different political views — than older generations. Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said: “It’s alarming that so many New Zealanders think violence might be justified to ‘fix’ the country. This isn’t a fringe issue any more; it’s a massive red flag for the health of our democracy.” “Younger people are not only more open to violence, but they’re also less likely to have friends who see the world differently. That kind of political isolation breeds extremism.” “It is frustrating that having had staff receive death threats and direct intimidation, the Police take absolutely no interest. It puts off good people from participating in public affairs - although for some that is the very purpose.  We should not have to wait for a tragedy for the Police to get their act together." "It’s also time for party leaders to take  responsibility and tone down the rhetoric before it escalates further. Democracy depends on debate, not intimidation. Once people stop talking to each other and start seeing violence as an answer, we’re in real trouble.” ( Source )

New research could improve traffic flow and benefit economy 

New research could improve traffic flow and benefit economy 

TRAFFIC No more waiting at a red light when there are no cars in sight - UC researchers are developing new technology that could cut traffic congestion and reduce the billions of dollars lost to delays each year. Smart Signals, an adaptive traffic signal control that is based on connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), uses live data from these driver-less vehicles – sharing their location, speed and direction – allowing traffic lights to predict when vehicles will arrive at an intersection. Dr Wai Wong, from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), is leading this new research and says the literature suggests about 30% of travel time could be saved when using CAV-based adaptive signal control. While CAVs can detect and share data on their surroundings, most human-driven vehicles remain unobservable, making real-time traffic estimation highly challenging. “The key innovation is considering a more realistic scenario where we have a mixed traffic environment, with CAVs and the conventional human-driven vehicles sharing the same network. The major challenges of this study are finding methods to estimate vehicle numbers and arrival times at intersections using incomplete information and adjusting traffic lights based on these uncertain estimates,” Dr Wong says. He says CAVs use their sensors (like cameras) to detect vehicles around them. When these connected vehicles share that information, it can also be used to estimate the presence and movement of nearby human-driven vehicles. “If we are able to estimate there are 10 cars coming from one side and one car coming from the other, we are going to give more green time to the approach with higher demand,” he says. The benefits go beyond cutting traffic congestion, and include environmental, economic and safety impacts. “A recent report showed the economic loss [of traffic congestion] in Auckland itself is 2.6 billion annually by 2026,” Dr Wong says. “Once we have more adaptive signal control that can be changed according to the demand, road capacity can be increased without the need for new major infrastructure. “With smoother traffic flow you don’t have to stop, which means lower emissions, cleaner air, and less respiratory disease. And because of smoother traffic, there is a lower chance of having a crash as well.” Dr Wong says that as advanced driving systems are being rolled out in countries such as the United States and China, and Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system is now available in Australia and New Zealand, more semi-autonomous vehicles are likely to arrive here soon. He says the system is being designed to work no matter how many CAVs are on the road - from just a few to all of them. “If the penetration rate (of CAVs) is 0, the system just falls back to fixed control or detector-based adaptive signal control, so it won’t do harm to the system. “In 10 to 15 years, if the penetration rate reaches around 20-30%, we should have a very efficient system with less stop-and-go, less traffic, cleaner air and more time for other activities such as more leisure time with family.” ( Source )