Latest news with #Manawanui
ABC News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Samoan villages blindsided by decision not to excavate Manawanui
On the program today Villages in Samoa say they were blindsided by the decision to leave the sunken New Zealand Navy vessel Manawanui where it lies. New Zealand's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister announce they won't be attending Cook Islands Constitution Day celebrations next month. Two Fa'afafine leaders put their hands up to contest the upcoming snap election. Anticipation builds among Pacific islands climate activists ahead of a ruling by the International Court of Justice next week. Torres Strait Islanders lose their class action against the Australian government for failing to protect their communities from the effects of climate change. The PNG Royal PNG Constabulary is organising a special event involving Police bands. And It's semi-finals day at the OFC Women's Nations Cup tournament in Fiji, but the line-up is not quite what the pundits were expecting.
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
$3.2M Confirmed For Rural Health Centre Transformation
A community in the central North Island will get upgraded health facilities thanks to $3.2 million of Government funding. Development group chair Honey Winter said the money would be used to redevelop the existing health facility Waimarino Health in Raetihi into what is being dubbed a 'Wellness Centre'. 'Rural health has unique pressures. We have a shortage of doctors, a pharmacy that's now just a depot, and people tired of repeating their stories to different services. This centre will change that,' Winter said. The Waimarino Wellness Centre would champion wellness rather than sickness, she said. The funding would kick-start Phase One of the long-anticipated refurbishment project. Funding ring-fenced by the Ministry of Health had stalled because of pandemic-related delays and national health reforms. It had now been confirmed following a demand for action in April by Ruapehu district mayor Weston Kirton. Winter said the mayor's advocacy, alongside that of community leaders, brought the project back on track. Following the community call for action, Health Minister Simeon Brown directed Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora to prioritise and accelerate work on the rural health centre. 'Mayor Kirton has been an active champion for our vision and played a crucial role in reigniting momentum with central government,' said Winter. 'He helped get our case in front of the right people - and made sure rural health remained a priority.' Winter said the vision for Waimarino Wellness Centre was for integrated rural wellbeing, grounded in kaupapa Māori and community aspirations. It was identified following local research led by Raetihi resident Lou Brider, including the Manawanui, Manawaroa, Manawaora E! report commissioned by Ngāti Rangi and Healthy Families (Whanganui). 'This is about delivering services that reflect our people's needs – not just clinical care but prevention, education and wraparound support under one roof,' said Winter. 'We're moving from a sickness model to a wellness model.' Two steering groups have been established in partnership with Health New Zealand: one to oversee the building refurbishment and the other to shape a collaborative model of care involving all health and social service providers in the area. 'This won't just be bricks and mortar. It's the foundation for a more cohesive, more sustainable rural health system." Winter said the region had endured significant economic challenges, including the closure of the local mill, seasonal employment instability and declining access to medical care. "We're grateful for this government commitment.' Innovations already underway included investing in nurse practitioners, expanding telehealth access and building stronger networks of community support. The upgraded facility would allow these services to operate in a purpose-built space designed for collaboration, privacy and accessibility. Construction planning was now underway. Community engagement and provider input would continue to shape the next steps, Winter said.
News.com.au
02-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Kembla Grange, Moree Tuesday previews: Ron Leemon's southbound buddies to strike up a double-act
Golden Rose-winning trainer Ron Leemon makes the familiar trip from Warwick Farm to Kembla Grange today with two of his string – born just a week apart and both showing a positive return on investment for connections. The five-year-old duo of Dapper Dancer and Euromaster were selected and purchased by Leemon at Inglis-run auctions in 2021. Euromaster was knocked down to Manawanui's trainer for $20,000 while Dapper Dancer was slightly less, coming in at $18,000. Dapper Dancer's somewhat meagre purchase price was in no way befitting of the occasion of his sale at Riverside, just next door to Leemon's Manning Street digs. The then-colt had the honour and singular distinction of being the last yearling sired by Testa Rossa to be offered at auction. He was in fact one of only three foals from Testa Rossa's 18th and final crop which altogether totalled 1248 foals. On top of that, Dapper Dancer was the last of his dam Joffa Rose's ten foals, all of them designed and bred by Testa Rossa's owner - John Cappellin. While Testa Rossa was able to win 13 of his 28 starts including six Group 1 s, Dapper Dancer's CV is much less glamorous. The chestnut has so far only managed one win and two minors from his 16 starts. That said, he sent out some very positive and obvious signs that a second win was close at hand when a close and closing fourth at Kembla on May 17 over 1200m. His mission on Tuesday is the Dapto Leagues Club Benchmark 64 Handicap (1300m). 'I was very, very happy with his last run,' Leemon said. 'He didn't have much luck. We couldn't get out to the better going which we were hoping for but that's the way it happens. 'He finished off nicely and we've got to go up in trip. 'He's been placed over 1400m and obviously he is fitter now for the first couple of runs. 'He hadn't raced for a while so I had to get him fit. 'The wet won't worry him. I think the ground suits the Testa Rossas.' ðŸ'� Apprentice Leeshelle Small rides her first winner as Dapper Dancer wins at @hawkesburyrc! @RonLeemonRacing @leesmelly11 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 14, 2024 Leemon's second and last runner at Kembla on Tuesday is Euromaster who was foaled on September 11 in 2019, just seven days prior to Dapper Dancer's birth at Vinery Stud (once home to Testa Rossa) A son of Eurozone, Euromaster has finished first or second at six of his 13 starts. And while only one of those was a win, Leemon can't find fault with the bay whose earnings will edge closer to $100,000 if successful in today's Midway Class 1 Handicap (1500m). 'He has only ever put one bad run in for me and that was this time back but there were plenty of excuses that day because he was coming back from a good spell,'' Leemon explained. 'He needed that run badly but apart from that, he's been very consistent and he can handle the wet too.' Euromaster boasts a pedigree that is hard to match given it includes two Derby winners, Universal Prince (AJC) and Blevic (VRC), Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Think It Over and arguably one of the all time greats – Lammtarra. Both of Leemon's duo will be ridden by apprentice Olivia Chambers whose own tally of winners is an impressive 108. 'She's only had two rides for me,'' Leemon says. 'She is a very pleasant young lady. If she gets a few more opportunities, I think she can probably ride winners in town if she gets on the right horses.' â– â– â– â– â– Casey chases the cash with Ode So Much He bred him, owns him and trains him but Scone horseman Simon Casey is keeping his expectations in check ahead of today's long awaited racetrack debut of Ode So Much at Moree. The son of Churchill is giving away race experience to all seven of his rivals in the Racing Mates Country Boosted Maiden Handicap (1200m) but showed enough natural ability in his two trials to garner support among punters. As for Casey, he is cautiously optimistic that the blue-blooded bay can post an early win and pocket the $15,000 first prize at the same time. 'I am definitely happy with his trials but you never know what's in them,'' Casey said 'The horse he ran behind (in his Gunnedah trial) ran on Sunday and didn't fire. I'm more hopeful than confident. 'How many times have you seen a horse win two or three trials and go out at $1.80 and get rolled? 'I am taking him there because I think, in the current climate of competitive racing, it is probably the right place for him and if he comes out and blows them away, then we can always come back to the better quality.' Ode So Much is making his debut at Moree but given his pedigree, it could just as easily have been Newmarket, Chantilly or Santa Anita. That's all down to dam-sires like Dylan Thomas, More Than Ready, Slew O'Gold and the immortal Northern Dancer. Casey's other runner at Moree is perhaps ever better bred, namely Nevermista, who was the tenth foal of bonny mare Vormista. Despite his family ties, Nevermista was knocked down for a mere $10,000 when offered up at the 2021 Inglis Weanling Sale in 2021. 'He's been a work in progress,' Casey said. 'He's got the worst conformation in the world. 'He hits himself if he gets a bump, that's how much clearance he has in his action, but he has ability as was shown when he won at Tamworth. 'He is unfortunately one of those horses where everything has to go his way but on Tuesday he has got the right draw. 'He should get a good run in transit just behind the speed and if he can do that, I would have thought he shouldn't be far away in that field.'
Scoop
27-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Samoan Villagers Still Fearful Of Contaminated Fish Near Manawanui Wreck
Article – RNZ The New Zealand Navy vessel ran aground on the reef off the south coast of Upolu in early October 2024 before catching fire and sinking. Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist People living close to where the Manawanui sank in Samoa are still concerned about fish being poisoned from pollutants, despite the country's Marine Pollution Advisory Committee deeming it safe to collect seafood. Fagailesau Afaaso Junior Saleupu, who lives in Tafitoala village which right next to where the Manawanui sank, said people are still scared to eat fish collected close to the wreck. 'In my village where the Manawanui is grounding, people hardly go for fishing at the moment, the reason why, because they are really suspicious of getting any fish poison,' he said. The Manawanui ran aground on the reef off the south coast of Upolu in early October 2024 before catching fire and sinking. The New Zealand Navy has removed diesel, oil and other pollutants from the ship. Samoa's government has also removed a 20-kilometre squared precautionary zone on 12 February which advised against fishing in the area. Samoa's Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) chairman Fui Tupai Mau Simanu said that it was removed following tests by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, which confirmed it was fine to fish in the area. Fui said an impact assessment had also been carried out by MPAC, while another ongoing independent assessment is happening now which is expected to be completed at the end of June. 'The two reports will be the foundation of the decision making moving forward.' He also said MPAC runs routine monthly tests as part of the monitoring programme. However, Fagailesau said people are still worried and there's not the same number of fish as there was before. 'There are some other sea animals that we always use to make food and sell, until now we never see that again.' Fagailesau said the community is still waiting to hear from the Samoan government on financial compensation. 'From the time that the Manawanui grounding, for our village there's beach fales, all the guests cancel.' Fui said that people who lost income due to the Manawanui sinking would have an opportunity to apply for financial compensation. 'Discussions of compensation are going on at the moment. A separate committee has been appointed by Government to handle this,' he said. There's still a 2km prohibitive area around the Manawanui. Fui said the government is having a community engagement on 10 June.
Scoop
27-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Samoan Villagers Still Fearful Of Contaminated Fish Near Manawanui Wreck
The New Zealand Navy vessel ran aground on the reef off the south coast of Upolu in early October 2024 before catching fire and sinking. Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist People living close to where the Manawanui sank in Samoa are still concerned about fish being poisoned from pollutants, despite the country's Marine Pollution Advisory Committee deeming it safe to collect seafood. Fagailesau Afaaso Junior Saleupu, who lives in Tafitoala village which right next to where the Manawanui sank, said people are still scared to eat fish collected close to the wreck. 'In my village where the Manawanui is grounding, people hardly go for fishing at the moment, the reason why, because they are really suspicious of getting any fish poison,' he said. The Manawanui ran aground on the reef off the south coast of Upolu in early October 2024 before catching fire and sinking. The New Zealand Navy has removed diesel, oil and other pollutants from the ship. Samoa's government has also removed a 20-kilometre squared precautionary zone on 12 February which advised against fishing in the area. Samoa's Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) chairman Fui Tupai Mau Simanu said that it was removed following tests by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, which confirmed it was fine to fish in the area. Fui said an impact assessment had also been carried out by MPAC, while another ongoing independent assessment is happening now which is expected to be completed at the end of June. 'The two reports will be the foundation of the decision making moving forward.' He also said MPAC runs routine monthly tests as part of the monitoring programme. However, Fagailesau said people are still worried and there's not the same number of fish as there was before. 'There are some other sea animals that we always use to make food and sell, until now we never see that again.' Fagailesau said the community is still waiting to hear from the Samoan government on financial compensation. 'From the time that the Manawanui grounding, for our village there's beach fales, all the guests cancel.' Fui said that people who lost income due to the Manawanui sinking would have an opportunity to apply for financial compensation. 'Discussions of compensation are going on at the moment. A separate committee has been appointed by Government to handle this,' he said. There's still a 2km prohibitive area around the Manawanui. Fui said the government is having a community engagement on 10 June.
