Save The City-to-Sea Bridge
'We disagree with the Council's decision to demolish this iconic bridge because we believe it was made in haste, and the people of Wellington were not properly consulted,' says Stuart Niven, Spokesperson for the Save the City-to-Sea Bridge group. More >>
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Scoop
a day ago
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Majority Of 53 Climate Change Actions ‘On Track'
A report to ORC Councillors concluded that most of 53 actions in ORC's Climate Strategy are on track, with progress across multiple work programmes in the organisation. The report summarises the progress of actions of the ORC's Climate Strategy and its effectiveness in coordinating and highlighting the climate-related work across ORC – covering the six months since it was adopted by ORC, in December 2024. Actions include those which will drive a reduction of the organisation's carbon emissions, several that will deliver better environmental monitoring, and others that will lead to the region adapting to a changing climate. ORC's Manager Strategy, Hilary Lennox, says of the 53 actions identified in the Climate Strategy, six have been completed and 43 are 'on track', while four actions are 'off track', the latter mainly awaiting the outcome of central government policy reform. 'The 2024 Climate Strategy reiterates that climate is a strong role in all the mahi of ORC,' Ms Lennox says. A theme in the Climate Strategy is focusing on the ORC's greenhouse gas emissions. These include emissions from the council's car fleet and those produced from Otago's public transport services. She notes with the formal Climate Strategy having only begun six months ago, the first comprehensive assessment of ORC's carbon emissions is currently underway and is expected to be finalised and to go before Council later this year. The emissions inventory will provide a foundation for the ORC's emission reduction plan to be developed. Underway . . . the latest addition to Orbus' electrified bus fleet in Dunedin: ORC files Several actions focus on ensuring the environmental monitoring network is tuned to detect changes in the environment that are predicted to occur in future, which in some cases will involve including additional climate monitoring parameters, Ms Lennox says. 'Our monitoring programme informs assessments of climate-related impacts around Otago, which includes things like changes in groundwater, coastal and river morphology, airborne particulates and sea-level rise,' she says. The ORC has legislative requirements in adapting to a changing climate, which includes work on flood protection schemes and other climate change hazard mitigations. 'A highlight from the actions is the collaborative and community-facing work being carried out in climate adaptation, which includes projects and programmes such as South Dunedin Futures and around Glenorchy's Head of the Lake project, both of which have reached significant milestones during the reporting period,' Ms Lennox says. The 53 actions cover numerous directorates within ORC, including Strategy, Science, Policy and Planning, Natural Hazards, Engineering, Environmental Implementation, Environmental Monitoring, Compliance, Emergency Management/Civil Defence, Transport, Fleet and Facilities, Finance, Communications and Marketing, and Partnerships and Engagement. Climate change touches on a myriad of risks, from wildfires and alluvial fans, erosion and groundwater levels and assets such as ORC's flood banks and through to emergency management, she says. Ms Lennox says the 2024 Climate Strategy has informed several ORC work programmes, including development of the Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035; the draft Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy; climate change considerations for the Regional Pest Management Plan and in the ongoing development of the Integrated Catchment Management plans. Of the four actions that are 'off track', Ms Lennox says they include exploring ways to decarbonise the Total Mobility scheme, developing a public and active transport connectivity strategy and notifying the Regional Land and Water Plan. 'These illustrate the impact central government direction can have on these matters at the regional council level,' she says. 'Having a Climate Strategy has increased the ORC's credibility, with the organisation well placed to continue building public perception of the ORC as a regional leader on climate action, and also as a trusted source of information regarding our climate future,' she says. This leadership is reflected in ORC's engagement with peers from Otago's numerous territorial authorities, members of the Zero Carbon Alliance, and with peers nationally, Ms Lennox says. There has been the expansion and refresh of the Zero Carbon Alliance; ORC working with other councils to determine how to ensure the next Otago Climate Change Risk Assessment meets the needs of the region; and preparing a submission on Dunedin City Council's 9 Year Plan to express support for climate related work which would act as a multiplier for ORC's own work. During the lifespan of the 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan, $650,000 has been set aside for implementation of the 2024 Climate Strategy. The annual report on the implementation and effectiveness of the 2024 Climate Strategy will go before Council on Wednesday, 25 June, to be noted. The full annual report is now available online within the meeting Agenda.
Scoop
a day ago
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Ukraine: Security Council Hears Of Escalating Attacks, Diplomatic Developments
20 June 2025 'As we are facing renewed escalation on the ground and crisis elsewhere, it is critical to maintain focused attention on the urgent need for peace in Ukraine,' said UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča – one of two senior officials briefing the ambassadors. In the three weeks since the Council last met on Ukraine, Russia has carried out unrelenting large-scale attacks on cities and towns, resulting in a significant rise in civilian casualties. Deadly Kyiv attack A combined drone and missile attack on the capital Kyiv overnight on 16-17 June was one of the deadliest there in a year. At least 28 civilians were killed and more than 130 injured. Many others are still reported missing under the rubble of the 35 apartments destroyed that night. Attacks also reportedly occurred in Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv and Kyiv provinces that same night, with two civilians reportedly killed and scores injured in Odesa. 'These levels of death and destruction risk dimming hope for an immediate ceasefire and threaten to undermine prospects for a lasting peace,' he said. 'Dramatic increase' in casualties Data from the UN human rights office, OHCHR, reveals that at least 13,438 civilians, including 713 children, have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Another 33,270 civilians have been injured, including over 2,000 children. The number of civilian casualties in the first five months of this year alone totaled 5,144 – nearly 50 per cent higher than in the same period in 2024. Of this number, 859 were killed and 4,285 injured. 'This dramatic increase is a result of intensified use of long-range weapons, both missiles and loitering munitions, against cities across Ukraine,' said Mr. Jenča. Ukrainian authorities report that between 1 and 17 June, Russian forces launched at least 3,340 long-range drones, including loitering munitions and decoy drones, and 135 missiles into the country. This compares to 544 long-range munitions launched during the whole of June 2024. Attacks reported in Russia Escalating violence also continues to be reported in Russian regions that border Ukraine, though at a far lower level. In the Kursk region, a woman died in hospital a day after being injured in a Ukrainian drone attack while a man was killed, and five others injured, in a strike on a recreational centre. The UN was not able to verify these reports. 'Let me once again unequivocally state – attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law, wherever they occur,' said Mr. Jenča, reiterating the UN's condemnation. Diplomatic developments welcomed Meanwhile, 'important diplomatic developments have taken place on the challenging path towards a lasting peace in Ukraine.' Ukrainian and Russian delegations held their second face-to-face meeting in Istanbul on 2 June. They reportedly exchanged written memoranda outlining their respective visions for a ceasefire and parameters for a future peace settlement. The sides also reached agreement for the large-scale exchange of prisoners of war, mortal remains and civilian detainees. Swaps have been carried out since then, with the latest round taking place earlier on Friday. The mortal remains of 6,057 Ukrainian and 78 Russian servicepersons also have been returned as of 16 June. 'We welcome the continuation of all meaningful diplomatic efforts, including the recent talks in Istanbul. We urge the sides to make tangible progress towards a ceasefire and a lasting settlement through continued talks,' said Mr. Jenča. In the face of escalation, he called for redoubling efforts 'to ensure that the fragile diplomatic process is not only sustained but becomes irreversible.' Civilians bear the brunt In the meantime, civilians continue to bear the severe consequences of the war, said Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). 'As the war continues, millions of lives are impacted every day. Essential services are disrupted, and vulnerabilities are deepening for nearly 13 million people in need of assistance,' she said. Roughly 3.7 million people are displaced inside Ukraine, including 60,000 newly displaced from frontline regions since January alone. Almost six million citizens are now refugees, mainly in Europe. Amid the intensifying hostilities, the Government continues to order the mandatory evacuation of families with children from front-line villages, she said. However, for some people in these locations 'attacks are so frequent that evacuations themselves become a risky prospect.' Humanitarians at risk Ms. Wosornu noted that humanitarians also face growing threats. This year, two aid workers have been killed and 24 injured while delivering assistance, and some 68 incidents of violence impacting relief personnel, assets and facilities have been recorded. She said that 'despite an operating environment beset by multiple risks and challenges,' humanitarians remain committed and engaged, and their operations continue. Between January and May, they reached some 3.4 million people with life-saving aid, including food, water, medicines, health services and livelihood support. Humanitarians are seeking $2.6 billion for Ukraine this year, and $816 million, has been secured, she said, stressing the importance importance of 'timely financial support'. End the war Ms. Wosornu concluded her remarks by renewing earlier calls for the Council to take urgent, collective action in three areas, including protecting civilians and ensuring safe humanitarian access to all in need. Ambassadors were also urged to ensure sustained financial support as 'declining funding trends' threaten aid efforts. Her final request was an appeal to 'end this war, and until then, ensure that humanitarian concerns are a central part of discussions on a pause in fighting or longer-term agreement.'
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
Explainer: Local elections - what they are, when they are and how they work
Candidate nominations for the local elections open on 4 July. Photo: Supplied / LDR Explainer - Fiery debates, sensational promises and an onslaught of grinning politicians. It's time again for local elections. Nominations open on 4 July, but there's already dozens of people putting their hands up for councils across Aotearoa. So what do you need to know ahead of the 11 October local election? Well, from playgrounds to cycle lanes, roaming pets to stinky rubbish, local authorities are responsible for planning and managing your city, town or district. Councillors decide on rates and spending priorities, including funds for libraries, local roads, recycling, pest control and events. Councils can also set rules, from inner-city booze bans to dog control. The elections are your chance to vote for the people who make decisions affecting your back yard. Elections are held for the regional, city and district councils. You can also vote for the mayor while some residents vote for local and community boards. You must be 18 years or older, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and have lived in Aotearoa continuously for 12 months or more at some time in your life. If you're overseas, homeless or in prison, you may still be able to vote. Check all the criteria here . If you are registered to vote in Parliamentary elections, you are automatically enrolled. To enrol or check your details, visit the Votelocal website. You can change your details here too. If you enrol after 1 August, you will need to cast a "special vote". If you're of Māori descent, you can decide which electoral roll you want to be on. If you're on the Māori Roll and your local authority has a Māori ward or constituency, you'll vote for a candidate in the Māori ward. You can change your roll type at any time except in the three months before local elections. You will receive a voting document in the mail so that you can vote by post. Some regions will also have orange boxes set up in public places to cast your vote. Councils will release these details closer to the election. Local elections are on Saturday, 11 October, but you don't have to wait until then to vote. Voting papers need to be posted back by 7 October or an orange ballot box by midday, 11 October . Voting papers will be delivered in September. Photo: RNZ / Eveline Harvey Some people also get two votes , such as those who pay rates on two properties. You'll need to check with your council. Tauranga City Council won't hold an election. The city returned to democratic elections last year after farewelling its Commission. The council will have an unusual four-year term, with the next local election in 2028. But Tauranga residents can still vote for their regional council. Tauranga City Council held its election in 2024. Councils are normally elected for three years, but Tauranga's council gets a four-year term. Photo: RNZ / Libby Kirkby-McLeod Unhappy with the current bunch running your region? You could try for a seat at the council or local board table. Candidate nominations are open from 4 July until 1 August . You must have nominations from two people - and you can't nominate yourself. People who nominate candidates must be over 18 years old and enrolled to vote in the area the candidate is planning to stand. Candidates must be New Zealand citizens who are over 18 years old and enrolled to vote. Councils run the local elections and will provide information on the candidates. Typically councils are legally obliged to publish their candidate lists after nominations close. Look out for local debates, news stories and pamphlet drops. Once the election draws closer, the billboards and door knocks will begin. It's worth doing your research on candidates as disinformation can be circulated during election times. Progress results will start coming in from noon on 11 October. Declaration of results will be released from 16-22 October. 4 July: Candidate nominations open and roll opens 1 August, midday: Candidate nominations close and roll closes 6 August: Public notice of candidates' names 9-22 September: Voting documents delivered 7 October: Last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes must be returned to council's ballot boxes. 11 October: Election day - voting closes midday, followed by progress results 16-22 October: Declaration of results October/November 2025: Elected members' sworn in LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
