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RNZ News
3 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
The powerful women behind a social media ban campaign
Founding member of B416, Malindi MacLean Photo: Sharon Brettkelly A year ago, a group of rich-lister mums met with other high fliers from all walks of life and political hues with one thing in mind. Many were strangers to each other but the thing that united them was the push to bring in a law to get under-16-year-olds off social media . Such is the power of the group B416 and their cause that politicians from all corners came along to their launch last month, including ACT's David Seymour - who doesn't support a social media ban. It took place just days after National's Catherine Wedd put forward her Social Media Age-Restricted Users Bill, a private members bill. Since the launch, the move has faced criticism of moral panic, overreach and that a ban will risk the lives of vulnerable young people. But B416, which is co-chaired by entrepreneur Cecilia Robinson and includes multi-millionaire toy maker Anna Mowbray, says it is time to listen to parents who want to protect their children from social media harm. Founding member Malindi MacLean, who heads Outward Bound, says a lot of the criticism is from people who are not parents. "It's really important to keep [in mind] the lived experience of parents. They are day in, day out experiencing the impact of social media addiction, or addictive behaviours of their children. "A parent who has just been dealing with their teenager who is self harming or has sextortion or dealing with cyber bullying ... it's not something that you can argue with." The Social Media Age-Restricted Users Bill is in the biscuit tin at Parliament, which means it may never see the light of day before the next election. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins Those arguing against a potential law that would force social media giants to use age verification measures on under-16s include retired district court judge David Harvey; youth mental health activist Jazz Thornton, Victoria University media lecturer Alex Beattie and the online counselling service Youthline. Judge Harvey says the proposed bill is flawed and could get the government in trouble with freedom of expression laws. There's also a risk that it will exclude the likes of YouTube, he says. Thornton believes a blanket ban will cause harm to the most vulnerable children and even lead to deaths; while Beattie argues social media can be a good communication tool for children and parents, and is not an addiction like smoking. MacLean says she welcomes the debate but her group wants progress. Hence the extensive billboard and social media campaign. She says the time and resources put into the campaign would be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. But the influential group has tapped into many communities for contributions and support. "That just shows the appetite for change. The other thing is we've had a lot of support from organisations pro bono because most of them are human beings who also understand the issues." Wedd's private members bill is in the biscuit tin at Parliament, which means it may never see the light of day before the next election. That's not good enough for B416, which wants to see a policy by the end of the year, following Australia's world first law and trials of the age-verification technology already underway. Tech expert Danu Abeysuriya of digital firm Rush tells The Detail how the technology could work and why it is important for New Zealand to follow Australia and others. "We are a small nation and we don't represent a lot of revenue for large tech companies like Google, Facebook or X or Twitter. They focus on social media and to those companies our ad revenue is relatively small. CEO of digital firm Rush, Danu Abeysuriya Photo: Sharon Brettkelly "Whatever we have to do we should still attempt to be practical otherwise we risk being alienated from those platforms. The balancing act is aligning what we do with what the rest of the world does." Abeysuriya says there are a number of age verification options but one of the simplest would be a digital token that could be bought from the Warehouse or the local petrol station or even the child's school. Other technology could be used to put children off using social media, such as slowing down internet traffic. In this case the government would mandate Internet Service Providers such as One NZ to run traffic at half-speed in specific time periods. "It creates a bit of friction," says Abeysuriya. "If the TikTok video loads really slowly the kids might not watch the TikTok video, they might do something else like read a book." He says the solutions are ideas and nothing will be perfect. "The bravery to move is the thing that needs to happen here." Check out how to listen to and fol low The Detail here . You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter .
1News
29-05-2025
- Business
- 1News
Auckland millionaires absent from controversial helipad hearing
Multi-millionaire couple Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams have not taken up the chance to personally convince a hearing that they should be granted a suburban helipad. Thursday was the final day for the applicants to satisfy the panel of independent commissioners that their application meets the demands and conditions of a helicopter pad at their Rawene Ave property in Westmere, Auckland. The resource consent application hearing was adjourned on Thursday, with the couple absent from the hearing. Anna Mowbray of Zuru Toys and the job platform Zeil, and former All-Black Ali Williams' contentious application hearing has gone ahead this month at the Auckland Town Hall, without their physical presence throughout. During the hearing, a panel of independent commissioners heard expert evidence and submissions from those opposing and supporting the application. ADVERTISEMENT The hearing was not yet officially closed, RNZ understood this could take another week with the panel now deliberating whether they required further information. The independent panel would then have a 15 working day window to announce a decision, meaning the couple would have to wait until later next month to hear an outcome. The applicants' lawyer, Chris Simmons, asked the panel not to let their absence influence their decision making. "I'll take a moment just to encourage the panel not to read anything into the applicants' physical absence from the hearing," he said. "They are absolutely invested in this application, they've been involved and, in fact, I think that they've observed online, every minute of proceedings. "The applicants have adopted a comprehensive approach to consultation and undertaken a thorough examination of potential adverse effects that been identified," the lawyer said. According to Auckland Council, out of 1397 written submissions made on the application, a majority — 1227, or 87% — opposed the helipad. One hundred and eight were supportive, and 12 were neutral. ADVERTISEMENT
RNZ News
29-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Auckland millionaires fail to attend controversial helipad hearing in person
The Rawene Avenue property where the helipad might be built. Photo: RNZ/Maia Ingoe Multi-millionaire couple Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams have not taken up the chance to personally convince a hearing that they should be granted a suburban helipad. Thursday was the final day for the applicants to satisfy the panel of independent commissioners that their application meets the demands and conditions of a helicopter pad at their Rawene Avenue property in Westmere, Auckland. The resource consent application hearing was adjourned on Thursday, with the couple absent from the hearing. Anna Mowbray of Zuru Toys and the job platform Zeil, and former All-Black Ali Williams' contentious application hearing has gone ahead this month at the Auckland Town Hall, without their physical presence throughout. During the hearing, a panel of independent commissioners have heard expert evidence and submissions from those opposing and supporting the application. The hearing is not yet officially closed, RNZ understands this could take another week with the panel now deliberating whether they require further information. The independent panel will then have a 15 working day window to announce a decision, meaning the couple will have to wait until later next month to hear an outcome. The applicants' lawyer, Chris Simmons, asked the panel not to let their absence influence their decision making. "I'll take a moment just to encourage the panel not to read anything into the applicants' physical absence from the hearing," he said. "They are absolutely invested in this application, they've been involved and in fact, I think that they've observed online, every minute of proceedings. "The applicants have adopted a comprehensive approach to consultation and undertaken a thorough examination of potential adverse effects that been identified," the lawyer said. According to Auckland Council, out of 1397 written submissions made on the application, a majority - 1227, or 87 percent - opposed the helipad . One hundred and eight were supportive, and 12 were neutral. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Sky NZ Originals Teams Up With Reality TV Legend Dame Julie Christie & Auckland FC For An All-Access Series
Press Release – Sky New Zealand All access, all action, all drama – Forever Auckland FC! Sky New Zealand Originals has teamed up with Aotearoa's doyen of reality TV, Dame Julie Christie and her team at NHNZ Worldwide and Auckland FC for Forever Auckland FC, an unprecedented all-access eight-part docuseries taking viewers behind the scenes of A-League football phenomenon, Auckland FC. Airing on Sky Open, Sky Sport and Neon later this year in the build-up to Auckland FC's second season, nothing is off-limits in this revealing and entertaining insight into the birth of Aotearoa's new headline-grabbing sporting franchise. Forever Auckland FC will capture all the high stakes drama and passion from long before the first kick off, including the team's recent history-making Premier's Plate victory right through to the forthcoming conclusion of its maiden season. When entrepreneur Anna Mowbray teamed up with a former All Black, an American billionaire, a multimillionaire shoe entrepreneur, an NBA star and two football legends to buy into her dream of establishing an Auckland based football team to compete in the Trans-Tasman A-League competition, none of them could have predicted the meteoric rise that their bold new franchise would take in its very first year. One season in and it's already been a rollercoaster ride! Forever Auckland FC is packed with compelling characters who tell their own chapter of this real-life Ted Lasso story, giving viewers insights into the owners' and players' private and professional lives, cut-throat decisions made in both the changing sheds and the boardroom, and the beating heart of Auckland FC, the team's dedicated fan club, The Port. Sky New Zealand Originals Senior Commissioner Nick Ward says, ' Forever Auckland FC is documentary making at its finest, with larger-than-life characters, unprecedented access and all the excitement of high stakes competitive sports. The popularity of football in New Zealand continues to soar, as demonstrated by Auckland FC's quickly garnered fanbase, and this series feels like the perfect way for Sky – New Zealand's official A-League broadcaster – to celebrate a landmark year of the sport in Aotearoa.' Producer Dame Julie Christie DNZM of NHNZ Worldwide says, 'Documentaries often claim to be 'all-access' but I don't believe New Zealand sport has seen access like this. It's remarkable. From three months before their first A-League game, we have had unrestricted behind-the-scenes access to the club, management, owners, the dressing sheds and the players. Head coach Steve Corica has worn a radio mic throughout the season and therefore we have 'warts 'n' all' insight that is unprecedented. And it wasn't all about the joy of winning, there were tough times too, and our cameras were there through all of it.' Auckland FC investor Anna Mowbray says, 'I believe sports fans have been waiting for this sort of insight into the blood, sweat and tears that go into a start-up and success story. It's happy, sad, funny, gritty. We wanted to do it for our fans.' Majority Auckland FC owner Bill Foley says, 'You can see what I did with the Vegas Golden Knights ice hockey team, you see what I've done with AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, and we're here to win. We're not here for a hobby, we are here to bring a real team to Auckland, and we want to win.' Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker says, 'From day one, Auckland FC set out to have a deep and real connection to the Auckland community and to the fans. We wanted to do everything we could to show how much we appreciated their loyalty. They deserve to know the true story of Auckland FC, a story they are very much part of, so we welcomed the cameras into the club to capture that, for our community. Having cameras and microphones around all the time does mean that sometimes you feel exposed, but it is worth it for the fans.' About Sky New Zealand Originals Sky New Zealand Originalscommissions world-class scripted and non-scripted content with a distinctively New Zealand perspective. We work closely with local funding partners and international collaborators and financiers to support the local production sector by backing a range of producers, both new and established, to tell brave, bold, and beautiful New Zealand stories. About Sky Sky is New Zealand's leading entertainment company and home to the best and broadest choice in live sport, movies, shows, documentaries, and news. Sky offers a suite of viewing choices to suit every New Zealander, whether it's through the Sky Box and companion app Sky Go for premium direct-to-home customers, its streaming services Sky Sport Now for sport and Neon for movies and entertainment, or free-to-air on Sky Open.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Sky NZ Originals Teams Up With Reality TV Legend Dame Julie Christie & Auckland FC For An All-Access Series
Sky New Zealand Originals has teamed up with Aotearoa's doyen of reality TV, Dame Julie Christie and her team at NHNZ Worldwide and Auckland FC for Forever Auckland FC, an unprecedented all-access eight-part docuseries taking viewers behind the scenes of A-League football phenomenon, Auckland FC. Airing on Sky Open, Sky Sport and Neon later this year in the build-up to Auckland FC's second season, nothing is off-limits in this revealing and entertaining insight into the birth of Aotearoa's new headline-grabbing sporting franchise. Forever Auckland FC will capture all the high stakes drama and passion from long before the first kick off, including the team's recent history-making Premier's Plate victory right through to the forthcoming conclusion of its maiden season. When entrepreneur Anna Mowbray teamed up with a former All Black, an American billionaire, a multimillionaire shoe entrepreneur, an NBA star and two football legends to buy into her dream of establishing an Auckland based football team to compete in the Trans-Tasman A-League competition, none of them could have predicted the meteoric rise that their bold new franchise would take in its very first year. One season in and it's already been a rollercoaster ride! Forever Auckland FC is packed with compelling characters who tell their own chapter of this real-life Ted Lasso story, giving viewers insights into the owners' and players' private and professional lives, cut-throat decisions made in both the changing sheds and the boardroom, and the beating heart of Auckland FC, the team's dedicated fan club, The Port. Sky New Zealand Originals Senior Commissioner Nick Ward says, ' Forever Auckland FC is documentary making at its finest, with larger-than-life characters, unprecedented access and all the excitement of high stakes competitive sports. The popularity of football in New Zealand continues to soar, as demonstrated by Auckland FC's quickly garnered fanbase, and this series feels like the perfect way for Sky – New Zealand's official A-League broadcaster – to celebrate a landmark year of the sport in Aotearoa.' Producer Dame Julie Christie DNZM of NHNZ Worldwide says, 'Documentaries often claim to be 'all-access' but I don't believe New Zealand sport has seen access like this. It's remarkable. From three months before their first A-League game, we have had unrestricted behind-the-scenes access to the club, management, owners, the dressing sheds and the players. Head coach Steve Corica has worn a radio mic throughout the season and therefore we have 'warts 'n' all' insight that is unprecedented. And it wasn't all about the joy of winning, there were tough times too, and our cameras were there through all of it.' Auckland FC investor Anna Mowbray says, 'I believe sports fans have been waiting for this sort of insight into the blood, sweat and tears that go into a start-up and success story. It's happy, sad, funny, gritty. We wanted to do it for our fans.' Majority Auckland FC owner Bill Foley says, 'You can see what I did with the Vegas Golden Knights ice hockey team, you see what I've done with AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, and we're here to win. We're not here for a hobby, we are here to bring a real team to Auckland, and we want to win.' Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker says, 'From day one, Auckland FC set out to have a deep and real connection to the Auckland community and to the fans. We wanted to do everything we could to show how much we appreciated their loyalty. They deserve to know the true story of Auckland FC, a story they are very much part of, so we welcomed the cameras into the club to capture that, for our community. Having cameras and microphones around all the time does mean that sometimes you feel exposed, but it is worth it for the fans.' About Sky New Zealand Originals Sky New Zealand Originalscommissions world-class scripted and non-scripted content with a distinctively New Zealand perspective. We work closely with local funding partners and international collaborators and financiers to support the local production sector by backing a range of producers, both new and established, to tell brave, bold, and beautiful New Zealand stories. About Sky Sky is New Zealand's leading entertainment company and home to the best and broadest choice in live sport, movies, shows, documentaries, and news. Sky offers a suite of viewing choices to suit every New Zealander, whether it's through the Sky Box and companion app Sky Go for premium direct-to-home customers, its streaming services Sky Sport Now for sport and Neon for movies and entertainment, or free-to-air on Sky Open.
