Latest news with #Jarvie
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Council has ‘obligations to protect' endemic species
Regional endemics to Otago include the flightless Cromwell chafer beetle. Photo: Peter McIntosh Otago is home to 360 species found nowhere else in the world, a new report says. Otago Regional Council biodiversity senior scientist Scott Jarvie said as many as 88% of those regionally endemic species were identified as having heightened risks of extinction. The council had "statutory obligations to protect" those species, Dr Jarvie said. The list of species endemic to the region should be treated as preliminary, but his report would provide evidence to support biodiversity management across Otago, he said. Regional endemics to Otago include the recently described Otago shag. Photo: Oscar Thomas While digital record-keeping had enabled the creation of such an extensive list, a lack of information "about almost all the species" was identified as an issue. There were "lesser known taxonomic groups" such as fungi, freshwater invertebrates and spiders not included in the present list. And of the 360 species identified as endemic to the region, only 194, or about 54%, had been assessed nationally for their threat status. Otago was home to 25 nationally critical species, 15 nationally endangered species and six nationally vulnerable species, he said. Regional endemics to Otago include the nine non-migratory galaxiids. Photo: DOC "Well-known regional endemics to Otago include the flightless Cromwell chafer beetle, the large-bodied and spectacularly coloured Otago skink, the nine non-migratory galaxiids, and recently described Otago shag," Dr Jarvie said. The most numerous species group of "regional endemics" was invertebrates, with 302 species, he said. Indigenous vascular plants followed with 40 species. There were nine regionally endemic freshwater fish, six reptiles found nowhere else on the planet and two bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) — as well as the Otago shag. The fossil record and archaeological midden analysis found the large shags were once spread widely along the east coast of the South Island but after human arrival they became restricted to rocky cliffs and islands off Otago's coast. Regional endemics to Otago include the spectacularly coloured Otago skink. Photo: Carey Knox "Endemic species often have specialised adaptations that allow them to survive only in unique habitats. "Such specialisations often make them susceptible to the effects of environmental disturbances." The regionally endemic species list would soon be cross-referenced with a recently completed Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for terrestrial organisms, he said. Councillors will consider the report at today's science and resilience committee meeting.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
WorkSafe Changes A Welcome Step Towards Modern, Supportive Regulation
Press Release – EMA The changes – including a new letter of expectations, a restructured funding model, and a legislative rewrite of the regulators core purpose – represent a significant shift in the approach to health and safety regulation in New Zealand. The change in focus for WorkSafe New Zealand is long overdue and should assist employers in keeping workers safer while having fewer concerns about being punished, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). The changes – including a new letter of expectations, a restructured funding model, and a legislative rewrite of the regulator's core purpose – represent a significant shift in the approach to health and safety regulation in New Zealand. The EMA has long advocated for a more balanced, collaborative model that fosters partnership and practical support for employers and workers. 'Hello, what can we do to help?' may be the new greeting from a WorkSafe inspector, says EMA Manager of Employment Relations & Safety Paul Jarvie. 'These reforms will help modernise WorkSafe into a regulator that promotes compliance through education rather than fear,' he says. 'This is a welcome and necessary change. For years, businesses – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises – have felt they were being policed rather than supported. 'We've heard consistently from our members that the culture of enforcement-first created a climate of fear and concealment, rather than clarity and cooperation. This meant businesses were reluctant to call in WorkSafe for assistance because they were worried about simply being fined without getting the help or guidance they originally sought to avoid or manage a potential risk in the workplace. 'That feedback has come through strongly from our members for many years and Minister van Velden heard the concerns during her roadshow events with small to medium businesses last year. The EMA has been calling for a shift towards an enabling, advisory-based regulator – and it's pleasing to see the government respond.' The announcement includes a redefinition of WorkSafe's role, with a greater emphasis on early engagement, targeted guidance, and clear, consistent advice. Updating and streamlining more than 50 guidance documents and re-prioritising critical risk areas are among the first steps being taken. 'Cleaning up of WorkSafe advice documents is long overdue and must continue,' Jarvie says. 'Clear expectations, consistent advice, and a shared goal of risk reduction should be the foundation of our health and safety system. New Zealand workplaces are safer when employers and regulators work in partnership.' The EMA also supports the move to involve industries more directly in developing Approved Codes of Practice, with WorkSafe providing guidance and oversight. 'Industry knows its risks best,' says Jarvie. 'Empowering businesses to help shape the standards they work to – with proper regulatory oversight – is a smart, pragmatic approach that will deliver better compliance and ultimately, better outcomes for workers.' The EMA assisted the Minister 's review roadshow and found strong support from our members for these changes. The EMA is actively involved in supporting our members to meet and surpass their health and safety obligations through our comprehensive training programme. The EMA looks forward to continuing to work with the government, WorkSafe, Unions and other key stakeholders to ensure the transition achieves its intended purpose: a modern, fit-for-purpose regulator focused on outcomes, not bureaucracy.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
WorkSafe Changes A Welcome Step Towards Modern, Supportive Regulation
The change in focus for WorkSafe New Zealand is long overdue and should assist employers in keeping workers safer while having fewer concerns about being punished, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). The changes - including a new letter of expectations, a restructured funding model, and a legislative rewrite of the regulator's core purpose - represent a significant shift in the approach to health and safety regulation in New Zealand. The EMA has long advocated for a more balanced, collaborative model that fosters partnership and practical support for employers and workers. 'Hello, what can we do to help?' may be the new greeting from a WorkSafe inspector, says EMA Manager of Employment Relations & Safety Paul Jarvie. "These reforms will help modernise WorkSafe into a regulator that promotes compliance through education rather than fear," he says. "This is a welcome and necessary change. For years, businesses - particularly small and medium-sized enterprises - have felt they were being policed rather than supported. "We've heard consistently from our members that the culture of enforcement-first created a climate of fear and concealment, rather than clarity and cooperation. This meant businesses were reluctant to call in WorkSafe for assistance because they were worried about simply being fined without getting the help or guidance they originally sought to avoid or manage a potential risk in the workplace. "That feedback has come through strongly from our members for many years and Minister van Velden heard the concerns during her roadshow events with small to medium businesses last year. The EMA has been calling for a shift towards an enabling, advisory-based regulator - and it's pleasing to see the government respond." The announcement includes a redefinition of WorkSafe's role, with a greater emphasis on early engagement, targeted guidance, and clear, consistent advice. Updating and streamlining more than 50 guidance documents and re-prioritising critical risk areas are among the first steps being taken. "Cleaning up of WorkSafe advice documents is long overdue and must continue," Jarvie says. "Clear expectations, consistent advice, and a shared goal of risk reduction should be the foundation of our health and safety system. New Zealand workplaces are safer when employers and regulators work in partnership." The EMA also supports the move to involve industries more directly in developing Approved Codes of Practice, with WorkSafe providing guidance and oversight. "Industry knows its risks best," says Jarvie. "Empowering businesses to help shape the standards they work to - with proper regulatory oversight - is a smart, pragmatic approach that will deliver better compliance and ultimately, better outcomes for workers." The EMA assisted the Minister 's review roadshow and found strong support from our members for these changes. The EMA is actively involved in supporting our members to meet and surpass their health and safety obligations through our comprehensive training programme. The EMA looks forward to continuing to work with the government, WorkSafe, Unions and other key stakeholders to ensure the transition achieves its intended purpose: a modern, fit-for-purpose regulator focused on outcomes, not bureaucracy.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alberta Energy Regulator penalizes Tamarack Valley Energy Ltd. for contraventions
CALGARY, AB, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has issued an administrative penalty to Tamarack Valley Energy Ltd. for contravening the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules. A copy of the decision is on the AER's Compliance Dashboard. Following an investigation by the AER, it was determined that between May 11, 2022, and August 8, 2022, at Tamarack's facilities near Jarvie, Alta., Tamarack contravened section 12.030(2) of the Oil and Gas Conservation Rules. The company failed to keep original recordings of production measurements, which are essential to verify production data and for accurate volumetric reporting. Consequently, a $25 500 administrative penalty was imposed on Tamarack. An administrative penalty is one of many compliance and enforcement tools the AER can use when companies do not comply with the regulatory requirements. For more information on the AER's investigation enforcement processes, please see the Investigations webpage on the Alberta Energy Regulator The AER provides for the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of energy and mineral resources in Alberta through our regulatory activities. For more information visit Contact Email: media@ | Media line: 1-855-474-6356 Connect with AER X | LinkedIn| Facebook CONTACT: AER Media Alberta Energy Regulator 1-855-297-474-6356 media@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
