Latest news with #MNZM
Scoop
21-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Consumer And Patient Working Group To Help Pharmac Reset
Patient advocate, Dr Malcolm Mulholland, has been appointed Chair of the new Consumer and Patient Working Group that will help Pharmac reset how it works with consumers. Pharmac has committed to a 12-month reset programme to become a more outward-focussed and transparent organisation. This is in response to multiple external reviews over the last few years which sought transformational change in Pharmac. The new working group, made up of the consumer and patient community, will decide what Pharmac focuses on for the reset programme, taking a hands-on role in the delivery of the work to ensure it reflects consumers' needs, values, and perspectives. Acting Pharmac Chief Executive, Brendan Boyle, said Dr Mulholland was selected by the patient advocacy community to lead the group, and brings a lot of mana to the role. 'We are grateful that Malcolm, and the other nine members of the working group, have offered to partner with us to help us get the Pharmac reset work right.' Dr Mulholland said, 'We've waited a long time for this opportunity. The work that Pharmac does is vitally important for the health of patients and their families, and this is why getting Pharmac to work as well as it can, will be the focus of the working group.' The working group had their first meeting on Monday 21 July at the Pharmac offices in Wellington. They finalised the group's terms of reference, confirmed the approach for the reset programme, and agreed the first set of actions to focus on. The Consumer and Patient Working Group members are: Dr Malcolm Mulholland MNZM – Patient Voice Aotearoa Libby Burgess MNZM – Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition Tim Edmonds – Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ Chris Higgins – Rare Disorders NZ Francesca Holloway – Arthritis NZ Trent Lash – Heartbeats Charitable Trust Gerard Rushton – The Meningitis Foundation Rachel Smalley MNZM – The Medicine Gap Tracy Tierney – Epilepsy NZ
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
David Robie: New Zealand Must Do More For Pacific And Confront Nuclear Powers
The New Zealand government needs to do more for its Pacific Island neighbours and stand up to nuclear powers, a distinguished journalist, media educator and author says. Professor David Robie, a recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), released the latest edition of his book Eyes of Fire: The last voyage of the Rainbow Warrior, which highlights the nuclear legacies of the United States and France. Robie, who has worked in Pacific journalism and academia for 50 years, recounts his experiences aboard the Greenpeace vessel the Rainbow Warrior in 1985, before it was bombed in Auckland Harbour. At the time, New Zealand stood up to nuclear powers, he said. "It was pretty callous [of] the US and French authorities to think they can just carry on nuclear tests in the Pacific, far away from the metropolitan countries, out of the range of most media, and just do what they like," Robie told RNZ Pacific. "It is shocking, really." Speaking to Pacific Waves, Robie said that Aotearoa had forgotten how to stand up for the region. "The real issue in the Pacific is about climate crisis and climate justice. And we're being pushed this way and that by the US [and] by the French. The French want to make a stake in their Indo-Pacific policies as well," he said. "We need to stand up for smaller Pacific countries." Robie believes that New Zealand is failing with its diplomacy in the region. He accused the coalition government of being "too timid" and "afraid of offending President Donald Trump" to make a stand on the nuclear issue. However, a spokesperson for New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Pacific that New Zealand's "overarching to work with Pacific partners to achieve a secure, stable, and prosperous region that preserves Pacific sovereignty and agency". The spokesperson said that through its foreign policy reset, New Zealand was committed to "comprehensive relationships" with Pacific Island countries. "New Zealand's identity, prosperity and security are intertwined with the Pacific through deep cultural, people, historical, security, and economic linkages." The New Zealand government commits almost 60 percent of its development funding to the region. The spokesperson said that the Pacific was becoming increasingly contested and complex. "New Zealand has been clear with all of our partners that it is important that engagement in the Pacific takes place in a manner which advances Pacific priorities, is consistent with established regional practices, and supportive of Pacific regional institutions." They added that New Zealand's main focus remains on the Pacific, "where we will be working with partners including the United States, Australia, Japan and in Europe to more intensively leverage greater support for the region. "We will maintain the high tempo of political engagement across the Pacific to ensure alignment between our programme and New Zealand and partner priorities. And we will work more strategically with Pacific Governments to strengthen their systems, so they can better deliver the services their people need," the spokesperson said. But former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, writing in the preface of Robie's book, said: "New Zealand needs to re-emphasise the principles and values which drove its nuclear-free legislation and its advocacy for a nuclear-free South Pacific and global nuclear disarmament." Robie added that looking back 40 years to the 1980s, there was a strong sense of pride in being from Aotearoa, the small country which set an example around the world. "We took nuclear powers," Robie said. "And the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior was symbolic of that struggle, in a way, but it was a struggle that most New Zealanders felt a part of, and we were very proud of that [anti-nuclear] role that we took. Over the years, it has sort of been forgotten". 'Look at history' France conducted 193 nuclear tests over three decades until 1996 in French Polynesia. Until 2009, France claimed that its tests were clean and caused no harm, but in 2010, under the stewardship of Defence Minister Herve Morin, a compensation law was passed. From 1946 to 1962, 67 nuclear bombs were detonated in the Marshall Islands by the US. In 2024, then-US deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell, while responding to a question from RNZ Pacific about America's nuclear legacy, said: "Washington has attempted to address it constructively with massive resources and a sustained commitment." However, Robie said that was not good enough and labelled the destruction left behind by the US, and France, as "outrageous". "It is political speak; politicians trying to cover their backs and so on. If you look at history, [the response] is nowhere near good enough, both by the US and the French.
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
History Maker Hall Joined By Defending Champion Peters On NZ Paralympic Team For Milano Cortina 2026
Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM was today selected for a record-equalling sixth Paralympic Games alongside defending Men's Downhill Sitting champion Paralympian #188 Corey Peters MNZM on the NZ Paralympic Team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games (6-15 March 2026). Hall is set to match the landmark achievement of fellow Kiwis – Paralympian #4 Graham Condon QSM and Paralympian #148 Michael Johnson MNZM as a six-time Paralympian. The 37-year-old Dunedin-born Para athlete is the first New Zealand Para athlete to appear at six Paralympic Winter Games. Making his debut appearance at Torino 2006, Hall, who was born with spina bifida, claimed a gold medal in the Men's Slalom Standing at Vancouver 2010 before he regained the title eight years later at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, where he also snared a bronze medal in the Men's Super Combined Standing. At the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games he added more gloss to his outstanding CV, winning bronze medals in the Men's Super Combined Standing and Men's Slalom Standing disciplines. Selected for both the Men's Slalom Standing and the Men's Giant Slalom Standing at Milano Cortina 2026, Hall said: 'Winning selection for my sixth Paralympic Winter Games is an immense honour that reflects both my dedication to the sport but also more importantly the unwavering support of my family, friends, Snowsports NZ, HPSNZ and Paralympics New Zealand. 'Each Paralympic experience provides a unique platform to challenge myself, inspire others, and demonstrate the remarkable capabilities of what is possible when living with a disability or not. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to my teammates, coaches, and all those who have supported me throughout this journey. Together we will continue to strive to push boundaries and redefine the possibilities within the world of adaptive and para winter sport.' Joining Hall on the NZ Paralympic Team is Peters, who will make his fourth Paralympic Winter Games appearance at Milano Cortina 2026. Raised in New Plymouth, the 41-year-old sit skier claimed a silver medal in the Men's Giant Slalom Sitting discipline on his Paralympic debut in Sochi 2014. Four years later at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games he added a bronze medal in the Men's Downhill Sitting, before producing 'the run of his life' to claim a stunning Men's Downhill Sitting gold medal at Beijing 2022 and silver in the Men's Super-G Sitting. Peters, who sustained a crushed spinal cord competing in a motocross event 16 years ago, took a year out from the sport following the birth of his daughter, Valentina, in 2022 and spent a further 12 months on the sidelines after sustaining a dislocated shoulder in a training accident in Chile in mid-2023. However, the experienced Kiwi made a successful return to the podium during the 2024-25 World Cup campaign suggesting he is in shape to mount a strong medal challenge at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Selected for the Men's Downhill Sitting, Men's Super-G Sitting and Men's Giant Slalom Sitting for Milano Cortina 2026, Peters said: 'Being selected for my fourth Paralympic Games is more than an honour — it's a testament to years of resilience, growth, and unwavering passion. Every Games tells a different story, and this one is about legacy. It's about representing not just my country, but every challenge I've faced and every person who believed in me. I carry all of that with pride, and I'm ready to give it everything I've got.' PNZ CEO Greg Warnecke said: 'Adam and Corey have been stalwarts of the NZ Paralympic Team for many years now and to select them once again says so much about their ongoing success on the slopes and incredible longevity. Both Para alpine skiing legends have consistently delivered on the biggest stage banking an incredible nine Paralympic Winter Games medals between them. We look forward to seeing how the duo fare at Milano Cortina 2026, competing once again against the global elite.' A second selection announcement for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, should it be required, will be made in February 2026.
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
A Voice At The Table: Refugee Panel Completes Successful First Term
Press Release – University of Auckland Recently named in the Kings Birthday Honours, human rights lawyer Rez Gardi MNZM, the project director for the NZRAP Secretariat and the co-director of the Universitys Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies, says its a privilege to welcome the newly … Giving people from refugee backgrounds an official voice on issues that affect them has been the focus of the inaugural New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel, now into its second term. Resettlement and integration, cultural and social inclusion, mental health support, youth education, legal and immigration processes, community safety and developing leadership in refugee communities are just some of the areas the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel (NZRAP) has been involved with since forming in 2022. And now six new members from around New Zealand will be joining the panel for its second term. Recently named in the King's Birthday Honours, human rights lawyer Rez Gardi MNZM, the project director for the NZRAP Secretariat and the co-director of the University's Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies, says it's a privilege to welcome the newly appointed members. 'Their appointments reflect the calibre, depth, and diversity of leadership within refugee-background communities across Aotearoa.' Gardi says the panel plays a vital role in ensuring the perspectives and expertise of those with lived experience of forced displacement are not only heard but embedded in government policy and practice. 'We look forward to supporting the panel as it builds on the foundations laid by its inaugural cohort.' Highlights of the panel's first term include: developing a working definition of 'meaningful refugee participation', now adopted by the NZ government; playing a leading role in the National Refugee Resettlement Forum, alongside Immigration New Zealand; and co-drafting pledges made by the government at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, where panel members attended international conferences. Retiring panel member Somali-born Ayan Said says serving on the panel is about ensuring refugee participation is not just symbolic but changes the system for the better. 'The NZRAP is where experience meets expertise. Meaningful refugee participation is not a favour it's a fundamental right that strengthens policies and empowers communities. True participation means moving beyond tokenism to build trust, share power, and co-create change.' A former refugee from Syria, Rabia Talal Almbaid, another member now stepping down, says it's been an incredible honour to serve on the panel and a 'defining highlight' of his career, but the panel is in good hands. 'The newly appointed members bring remarkable talent, experiences, and insight into the space. We are excited to see them carry the work forward, as there is more work to do.' The acting national manager of Refugee and Migrant Support, Sarah Ward, says the panel's second term will build on the strong foundations laid by its inaugural members. 'We're proud to support the NZRAP as part of our ongoing commitment to meaningful refugee participation and to New Zealand's world-class refugee resettlement programme,' she says. 'We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing panel members for their leadership and dedication and warmly welcome the new members and look forward to the important mahi ahead.' The six new members were selected through an open nationwide process that attracted applications from across the country. Newly appointed members 1 July 2025: Sara Ahmad – Hamilton Nimo Ahmed – Whangārei Liaquat Ali Changezi – Hamilton Nada Haroura – Dunedin Beth Ketema – Auckland Abrar Saleh – Auckland Continuing members (since March 2024): Jane Smith – Christchurch Jose Tombe – Wellington The New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel is a collaboration between Immigration New Zealand and the Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, supported by refugee-led organisations, academics, and civil society.
NZ Herald
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Herald
Driver demerit point system needs to be timely to work
Over 90% of drivers who had received demerit points reported incurring them for exceeding the speed limit, but they had not reoffended. Life is full of surprises. Some pleasant, some unpleasant but almost always causing an emotional charge. A pleasant one came for us last week when viewing the list of royal honours to discover that my younger brother Norm had been awarded an MNZM for services to agriculture. Norm is a
