Latest news with #HeatherTaylor
BBC News
13-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Expert gives tips to keep plants alive in heatwave
Heatwaves can be tough in the UK for gardens and third heatwave of the summer is set to grip the UK this weekend and some gardeners may be starting to think about how best to keep their plants Taylor, aka "the plant doctor", from Hudsons Plant Centre in Duffield, Derbyshire, has shared her best tips to stop your plants wilting or drying up over the next few days."Water, water, water," said Ms Taylor. It may seem a simple suggestion, but Ms Taylor said it's the most important advice she can give."Make sure you don't water during the middle of the day, which is usually when heat is at its height," she 57-year-old said to either water your plants first thing in the morning or last thing at Taylor also said the technique of watering can be the difference between life and death for your plant."That's one of the first things we tell staff here, you water the soil and not the leaves as the roots need it most," said Ms should grow down, not up, but if watered in sunlight, the roots will travel upwards in search of the evaporating Taylor said mulch, either stones or well-rotted compost, can also help keep moisture within the soil. "Well-rotted compost or farmyard manure will feed the ground and really help when it eventually rains," she said. Recycle your water Hosepipe bans were introduced in some areas of Derbyshire on households with or without a hosepipe ban, Ms Taylor's next piece of advice is to water your plants with as much recycled water as you can. She said: "If you are having a bath or you are washing up the dishes, keep that water and let it cool before you use it on your plants."Water butts are also useful. "They can be attached to the house, downpipe, sheds, greenhouses or anything like that." Grass looking dry? "Don't worry about your grass," added Ms Taylor."If your grass is dry and parched, a bit of rain and it will be the first thing that will bounce back, don't worry about it, it will be fine." Know your plant Knowing your plants is important, and a quick internet search can help you understand their needs and you know if your plants like direct sunlight or prefer shade? Do they like humid or dry conditions? Ms Taylor explained: "Right plant, right place, don't put a shade-loving plant in full sun."For example, tropical plants such as rubber plants, kentia, ficus and some ferns, prefer Mediterranean plants, such as thyme and lavender and other herbs, prefer dry air. Weekend away? "If you have plants in pots, place saucers underneath them, fill it with water and hope for the best," said Ms also recommended moving your potted plants to more shaded areas before you you have lots of plants in the ground, then Ms Taylor said make sure you "give them a big water before you go away or even ask your neighbours to give them a water for added: "Gardening is a great thing for community and meeting people, so I encourage you to knock on your neighbour's door and see if they can help you out."
The Spinoff
30-06-2025
- General
- The Spinoff
A once-in-a-generation chance to transform early learning
For too long, postcode, income and circumstance have been getting in the way of accessing quality early learning. The ECE funding review is a rare chance to design a system that works not just for the average family, but for every family, writes Heather Taylor of Barnados Aotearoa. New Zealand stands at a crossroads. From one road, we see the one in three children under five without access to an early childhood education service. For some families, that is a choice, but for many it isn't. Barriers like cost, transport, housing insecurity and stigma keep the door firmly shut. Another road reveals the pressure the sector is under – in 2023 alone, 170 early learning services closed their doors. Right now our government is attempting to build a new road. The regulatory review of early childhood education (ECE) is complete, and the government has recently announced a ministerial advisory group to undertake a full review of the ECE funding system. This new road is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the future of the system that underpins quality ECE for our tamariki. It is especially important for those most at risk to have a new road to travel so they don't get left behind. At Barnardos Aotearoa, alongside other sector leaders, we've long advocated for this review. Through our services, we've seen how postcode, incomeand circumstance get in the way of accessing quality early learning. The cost of attendance, limited availability and systemic inequities have created barriers that far too many families cannot overcome. Barnardos is one of a few organisations in Aotearoa that combines early learning and social services. Through our integrated model, we've seen the positive impact of breaking down barriers – with fee exemptions for families doing it tough, transport support for those without any or those short on time, nutritious meals and on-site Barnardos social workers through Te Korowai Mokopuna, Barnardos' wraparound approach to ECE. But we're not alone. There are other providers across the motu also working tirelessly to reach families who might otherwise be left out, but this type of support service for our families comes at a cost and is currently not part of the ECE funding model. This is an opportunity to rebuild early childhood education, not just as a workforce solution, but as an equity investment – one that strengthens families, communities and the future of our country. With the right vision, leadership and investment, this review could spark a fairer system that truly supports every child in their first 2,000 days. Done well, early learning is one of the most powerful services we have to disrupt intergenerational disadvantage. The Dunedin Study – one of the world's most comprehensive longitudinal studies – has shown us that early investment in children's wellbeing pays lifelong dividends. ECE is about more than childcare. It's safe, nurturing spaces where children develop the social, emotional and cognitive foundations they'll need to thrive. The ministerial advisory group has been tasked with one of the most significant responsibilities in a generation: to reimagine how government investment can improve quality educational outcomes, increase affordability and access for families, and ensure services are sustainable, accessible for all and fit for the future. Sadly, the politics surrounding the review are creating division. But this review is too important to let it pull us apart. At its heart, early learning is about people – children, whānau and the kaiako who show up every day with commitment and heart. This is our chance to build something better, but only if we work together – kotahitanga. Now more than ever, we must lead with compassion, listen generously, and focus on what unites us: a shared belief in the power of quality early learning to change lives. It's time for a grown-up conversation about what our tamariki truly need. The world has changed dramatically since the ECE regulations were first written. Built over two decades ago and patched ever since, it's no longer fit for purpose. It's confusing, inequitable and disconnected from the reality of delivering quality ECE. Meanwhile, New Zealand ranks among the least affordable countries in the OECD for early learning. It's time for a reset. That's why this funding review matters. It's a rare chance to design a system that works not just for the average family, but for every family. We believe the review must do four things: We are at a critical junction. One road keeps us in a system that fails too many children and strains the services supporting them. The other leads toward a future where early learning is truly accessible, equitable, and valued. The direction we take now will shape the lives of our tamariki and our communities – for generations to come. And standing at the edge of that intersection are thousands of children and whānau waiting to see where we're headed. Let's take the road that clears the way for every child to thrive. Because when all our tamariki thrive, so does our society. And all our futures look brighter for it.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Barnardos Welcomes The Beginning Of ECE Sector Review Changes And Remains Committed To Ensuring Teacher-led ECE Thrives
Barnardos Aotearoa is encouraged that Cabinet has listened, heard, and agreed to 15 changes to modernise and simplify Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulations following on from the Sector Review findings last year identifying out-of-date rules, unnecessary compliance costs and duplication of auditing. 'It's encouraging to see the review progressing and the recommendations considered by Cabinet in such a short time. This gives us hope that tamariki are being put first, and that they will be able to access a greater quality of early care and education in Aotearoa,' says Heather Taylor, Barnardos Aotearoa Chief Operating Officer. 'We look forward to understanding the details behind the implementation of these recommendations, and we will prioritise working in partnership with the Ministry of Education to progress these into meaningful actions to make a tangible difference to long-standing community providers like Barnardos Aotearoa.' Barnardos remains committed to teacher-led ECE and we are concerned Review Recommendations 9 and 10 could potentially dilute qualified teaching workforce and undermine the quality of education tamariki deserve. 'We believe that if you want children to be school-ready, you must put teachers in front of tamariki. At Barnardos Early Learning, our home-based visiting teachers, centre managers and management are all qualified teachers – we know this has positive impacts for learning outcomes of all the tamariki we serve and builds strong foundations for the future.' This is about investing in tamariki, and therefore the future our Aotearoa. We know the first 2,000 days of as child's life is crucial in their brain development and positively impacts on their life trajectory. These reforms must not come at the cost of quality teaching practice, or the safety and wellbeing of children. Barnardos invites the Ministry of Education to engage meaningfully with the sector as the legislative and regulatory changes proceed. Barnardos wants to be part of the change that will enhance the safety, access, and integrity of teacher-led ECE in Aotearoa for all tamariki and whānau. As a not-for-profit provider of early learning for over 55 years, Barnardos creates barrier-free access to quality early learning and brighter futures for tamariki. We are proud to have been advocating to Government for change and improvement of regulations supporting both the education and the protection of tamariki, while also ensuring the ongoing viability of ECE service provision. About Barnardos Barnardos Aotearoa is New Zealand's leading national children's charity, working across child and family social services, early childhood education, and systemic advocacy for children and young people. Barnardos tackles the hard stuff; family poverty and income inequality, family violence and abuse, mental health and wellbeing, equal access to early childhood education, and lack of the basics such as safe and healthy housing. At Barnardos, thriving tamariki, whānau, and communities are at the heart of our work. We believe in the strength and resilience of tamariki and rangatahi, even when faced with profound challenges. Our values prioritise relationships, partnerships, and collaboration, and we are dedicated to creating sustainable, long-term change for children and young people across Aotearoa.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Osisko Announces Release of 2024 Sustainability Report
MONTRÉAL, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (the 'Company' or 'Osisko') (OR: TSX & NYSE) is pleased to announce the publication of its 2024 Sustainability Report, Growing Responsibly (the 'Report'). All monetary amounts included in this release are expressed in United States dollars. The Report marks the fifth edition of Growing Responsibly and highlights Osisko's Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG') initiatives and key performance metrics for 2024. Heather Taylor, Vice President, Sustainability and Communications of Osisko commented: 'In this fifth edition of Growing Responsibly, Osisko is proud to highlight the continued evolution of its sustainability practices. In 2024, we advanced key initiatives across our climate strategy, community investments, governance, and employee engagement. From implementing our 2024–2027 climate change strategy and completing Osisko's first CDP disclosure, to achieving our Board gender diversity target and enhancing ESG related due diligence, our efforts reflect a shared commitment to responsible growth. We are especially proud to have earned the Great Place to Work certification and to have launched an employee donation matching program to further support the communities where we live and work. As always, our goal is to ensure that long-term value creation goes hand in hand with best practices in governance, social responsibility and environmental stewardship.' The following are select report highlights: Environmental Stewardship: Implementation of 2024-2027 climate strategy Completed inaugural disclosure to CDP climate change survey Purchased and retired carbon credits to offset Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions related to employee travel and commuting Supporting our Employees and Communities: Contributed over $361,000 towards community investments Introduced an internal donation matching policy Awarded Great Place to Work® certification Enhanced employee feedback and engagement mechanisms Excellence in Governance and Oversight: Achieved target of 40% female representation on the Company's Board of Directors Embedded ESG related considerations formally into advanced staged due diligence Refreshed Osisko's materiality assessment to reflect evolving disclosure standards Maintained leading positions with ESG rating agencies 'ESG Industry Top-Rated' and 'ESG Regional Top-Rated' by Sustainalytics, 'AA' rated by MSCI and 'Prime' rated by ISS For more information on Osisko's sustainability related initiatives please visit the website at: About Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd Osisko is an intermediate precious metal royalty company focused on the Americas that commenced activities in June 2014. Osisko holds a North American focused portfolio of over 185 royalties, streams and precious metal offtakes. Osisko's portfolio is anchored by its cornerstone asset, a 3-5% net smelter return royalty on the Canadian Malartic Complex, one of Canada's largest gold mines. Osisko's head office is located at 1100 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Suite 300, Montréal, Québec, H3B 2S2. For further information, please contact Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd: Grant MoentingVice President, Capital MarketsTel: (514) 940-0670 x116Cell: (365) 275-1954Email: gmoenting@ Heather TaylorVice President, Sustainability and CommunicationsTel: (514) 940-0670 x105Email: htaylor@ statements contained in this press release may be deemed 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are statements other than statements of historical fact, that address, without limitation, future events, the continued implementation of the climate change strategy, the ability to further support communities and to ensure that long-term value creation. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words 'expects', 'plans', 'anticipates', 'believes', 'intends', 'estimates', 'projects', 'potential', 'scheduled' and similar expressions or variations (including negative variations), or that events or conditions 'will', 'would', 'may', 'could' or 'should' occur. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, most of which are beyond the control of Osisko, and actual results may accordingly differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, without limitation, (i) with respect to properties in which Osisko holds a royalty, stream or other interest; risks related to: (a) the operators of the properties, (b) timely development, permitting, construction, commencement of production, ramp-up (including operating and technical challenges), (c) differences in rate and timing of production from resource estimates or production forecasts by operators, (d) differences in conversion rate from resources to reserves and ability to replace resources, (e) the unfavorable outcome of any challenges or litigation relating title, permit or license, (f) hazards and uncertainty associated with the business of exploring, development and mining including, but not limited to unusual or unexpected geological and metallurgical conditions, slope failures or cave-ins, flooding and other natural disasters or civil unrest or other uninsured risks, (ii) with respect to other external factors: (a) fluctuations in the prices of the commodities that drive royalties, streams, offtakes and investments held by Osisko, (b) a trade war or new tariff barriers, (c) fluctuations in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, (d) regulatory changes by national and local governments, including permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies, regulations and political or economic developments in any of the countries where properties in which Osisko holds a royalty, stream or other interest are located or through which they are held, (e) continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, and (f) responses of relevant governments to infectious diseases outbreaks and the effectiveness of such response and the potential impact of such outbreaks on Osisko's business, operations and financial condition; (iii) with respect to internal factors: (a) business opportunities that may or not become available to, or are pursued by Osisko, (b) the integration of acquired assets or (c) the determination of Osisko's PFIC status (d) that preliminary financial information may be subject to quarter end adjustments, (e) Osisko's ability to deliver on its climate strategy, (f) that Osisko's efforts in maintaining carbon neutrality will be achieved and that efforts toward reducing carbon emission will be successful, (g) the availability of funds to finance community investments. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: (I) the absence of significant change in Osisko's ongoing income and assets relating to determination of its PFIC status, (II) Osisko's continued commitment toward improving sustainability goals, (III) the continued validity of science and climate hypothesis relating to climate change, (IV) the absence of material changes to the regulatory framework relating to climate and climate related disclosure, (V) the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended and, with respect to properties in which Osisko holds a royalty, stream or other interest, (VI) the ongoing operation of the properties by the owners or operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice and with public disclosure (including forecast of production), (VII) the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the owners or operators of such underlying properties (including expectations for the development of underlying properties that are not yet in production), (VIII) no adverse development in respect of any significant property, (IX) that statements and estimates relating to mineral reserves and resources by owners and operators are accurate and (X) the implementation of an adequate plan for integration of acquired assets. For additional information on risks, uncertainties and assumptions, please refer to the most recent Annual Information Form of Osisko filed on SEDAR+ at and EDGAR at which also provides additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Osisko cautions that the foregoing list of risk and uncertainties is not exhaustive. Investors and others should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Osisko believes that the assumptions reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be accurate as actual results and prospective events could materially differ from those anticipated such the forward-looking statements and such forward-looking statements included in this press release are not guarantee of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Osisko undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable law.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
10 Things To Buy From Dollar Tree After Getting Your Tax Refund
You got the extra cash from your tax refund, and it's a few thousand short of taking that Caribbean vacation you've been planning. So what's next? If you're like most Americans, you'll spend this extra money on bills or groceries or drop it into your savings. Be Aware: Learn More: One place you can save money and stretch even the smallest refund into a mini splurge is at your local Dollar Tree. Pick up these must-haves that won't hurt your wallet, and grab a few of their best new items while you're at it. Treat yourself to chocolate from the Landmark Confections brand. Favorites include the peanut butter cups, pecan caramel clusters and double-dipped chocolate-covered peanuts. At this price, you can't go wrong. Trending Now: Find Out: Celebrate the upcoming graduate in your family with all the party décor you could want at affordable prices. Try This: Feeling crafty? These rolls come in prints like geometric, plaid and many more colors and designs. Perfect for the car or home, these mini storage solutions come in gray, blue or black and are perfect for everything from cosmetics to, well, gathering itemized receipts for next year's taxes — too soon? Stocking up on basics with your refund means you won't run out of the things you use every day, like this super deal on Crest 3D White toothpaste, which runs $4 to $6 at big-box retailers like Target and Walmart. See More: While laundry detergent can be cheaper in bigger packages, having a small bottle (these measure at 10 ounces) to grab for a quick trip to the laundromat or while doing a load with your own washer and dryer set is not a bad idea. Breakfast on the go, please, with a hint of nostalgia. These come in strawberry flavor with eight bars packed into every box. Reusable cloths and microfiber towels are always a good buy, and Dollar Tree even carries Scotch-Brite brand scrubbing pads, if you're ready to tackle the inside of your oven. For You: You can shop for a wide variety of shapes and styles in glass vases without exhausting the entirety of your refund. Buying multiples allows you to keep making stunning table arrangements and centerpieces to celebrate every milestone. Spend time outdoors as the weather warms up by getting a whole bunch of new planters, pots, super cute ladies' gardening gloves and even grow kits to sprout herbs and veggies. Some stores sell seeds as well. No matter how big or small your refund is, there's something fun or useful waiting at Dollar Tree. And whatever you don't spend, make sure to drop into your vacation savings account Heather Taylor contributed to the reporting for this article. Editor's note: Prices and availability are accurate as of April 2, 2025, and are subject to change. More From GOBankingRates 10 Best Spring Items To Buy at Costco Before They Sell Out 4 Things You Should Do if You Want To Retire Early 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? This article originally appeared on 10 Things To Buy From Dollar Tree After Getting Your Tax Refund
