Latest news with #StuartAnderson
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Ministry for Primary Industries to review controls for tomato virus
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus. Photo: Tomatoes NZ Ministry for Primary Industries says it will review its current controls after Australia changed its strategy to deal with a highly contagious virus affecting tomatoes, capsicums and chillies. Across the Tasman , biosecurity experts and industry representatives have declared tomato brown rugose virus not technically feasible to eradicate and moved to a management strategy. 'Tomato virus' was first detected in South Australia last August and has also been found on a farm in Victoria. It is not harmful to humans but infected fruit can ripen irregularly or be deformed. It can also reduce crop yields by 70 percent. Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson said MPI had controls in place that were "working well for New Zealand and prevented any issues for our tomato growers after the discovery of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) at sites in South Australia last August". He said a ban on all Australian tomato imports remained in place, even though only Australian tomatoes from Queensland, an area free from the virus, were imported here. "We made the decision to suspend imports from all Australian states out of an abundance of caution. As part of the actions we took, tomato and capsicum seeds from Australia require testing for the virus prior to arrival in New Zealand, a requirement already in place for other countries where the virus is present. That requirement remains. "Although Australia has announced they will no longer be pursuing eradication, all of the controls that have been in place to limit spread of the virus remain." There was nothing to suggest the virus was here but MPI's chief biosecurity officer would conduct a review of what Australia has in place to manage the risk, and New Zealand's import rules "to ensure that our settings remain reasonable", he said. "New Zealand imports Australian capsicums from Queensland. ToBRFV has not been reported in any parts of Australia in capsicums and has not been detected in Queensland. We are closely monitoring the situation in Australia and if there is any significant change in distribution, or which crops it is affecting, we will review the current import rules. "We continue to work closely with New Zealand's tomato sector. We have asked New Zealand industry representatives to assist by sharing any information they have that may inform our decision-making. We also meet regularly with Australian officials to maintain a continued understanding of the situation." MPI said growers should continue to check their biosecurity practices. "As always... be vigilant and contact us on our pests and diseases hotline (0800 80 99 66) if [you] notice problems with [your] tomatoes". Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
28-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Bay Of Islands Boat Anchoring Ban Unlikely To Expand Despite Caulerpa Spread
A Bay of Islands boat anchoring ban is unlikely to be extended in spite of exotic invasive caulerpa now being found outside its 1058 hectare restricted area. The equivalent of 1525 rugby fields around the eastern Bay of Islands mainland at Te Rāwhiti is currently locked up to boat anchoring, most fishing and kaimoana gathering under a Government controlled area notice (CAN). But invasive exotic caulerpa has now spread north to infest the iconic picture postcard and international drawcard Ipipiri Islands for the first time - across the equivalent of 180 rugby fields (24ha) outside the current anchoring ban area. At least six of the Bay of Islands tourist hotspot Ipipiri islands seven main islands - of Urupukapuka, Moturua, Motukiekie, Poroporo, Okahu and Waewaetorea Islands, and some areas in between now have confirmed caulerpa. Moturohia or Roberton Island has been previously surveyed. Caulerpa was not found at the time of the survey. Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson said there was no current plan to increase the Bay of Islands CAN because of the seaweed pest's new locations. His comment comes in spite of the Ipipiri islands being among New Zealand's most popular local and international boating anchorages. Boating has been identified as a major cause of spread for exotic invasive caulerpa. 'The detections of further sites in the Bay of Islands outside the CAN area are obviously disappointing, but unfortunately not unexpected. We are dealing with a challenging pest that readily spreads on vessels and in water currents,' Anderson said. 'For this reason, our current management approach continues to be containing spread while focusing on developing the new treatment approaches. This work continues at pace.' Anderson's comments come four months ahead of a review of the Bay of Islands' existing CAN, which expires in September. It has been in place since May 2023. He said there were no plans to remove the existing CAN at that time, given the pest was now also found beyond its borders. He said local preference since the areas of new caulerpa infestation had been found around the Ipipiri Islands was for a more regional approach, rather than piecemeal extension of the existing CAN. 'The preferred approach has instead been on surveillance of anchorages and removal of small patches where possible to slow the spread – along with continued education of boaties on how they can avoid moving it,' Anderson said The Bay of Islands has one of four CANs in New Zealand, with 12,860ha shut for a mix of anchoring, some fishing and kaimoana gathering – along with Aotea/Great Barrier Island (10,060ha closed), Waiheke Island (1150ha closed) and Ahuahu Great Mercury Island (592ha closed). Anderson said the Bay of Islands' Te Rāwhiti CAN review would be done at the same time as New Zealand's three others, to ensure the most appropriate measures were in place. He said advice was being prepared for Biosecurity New Zealand's chief technical officer who made CAN decisions. 'Criteria are followed when assessing the case for implementing and updating CANs. These include the size of the infestation, location value (cultural/economic/amenity) and volume of vessel traffic. A number of the new Ipipiri Islands locations have been identified as high value boating anchorages. 'In the case of the Bay of Islands, the existing CAN contains the largest known areas of exotic caulerpa. Other confirmed areas in Northland are generally small patches.' Ministry for Primary Industries figures provided to Local Democracy Reporting show there are now 16.65ha, or the equivalent of almost 24 rugby fields, of caulerpa confirmed at Urupukapuka Island with infestations including in Urupukapuka Bay where hundreds camp annually, Entico/Otaia Bay, Cable Bay and its northern boundary with Waewatorea Channel. Urupukapuka island's Otehei Bay tourism epicentre is scheduled for survey before the end of the month. There are also about 123 rugby field equivalents of caulerpa between Moturua and Motukiekie Islands, with separately a further 32 rugby fields around Motukiekie Island. Poroporo Island has the equivalent of about one rugby field of caulerpa. Waewaetorea and Okahu Islands' caulerpa presence is scheduled to be checked before the end of the month. Anderson said the exact area of caulerpa inside the Bay of Islands CAN could not currently be estimated. This was due to varying densities of the invasive seaweed across its area. It was also because caulerpa growth was dynamic. He said there had been a noticeable reduction in Omākiwi Cove caulerpa since recent storms. CANS were only one way of preventing caulerpa spread. Boaties and fishers also played their part, Anderson said. Boaties travelling within and between major traditional boating spots including Northland and Aotea/Great Barrier Island are regularly flouting anchoring ban rules
Daily Record
22-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP urges women impacted by State Pension age changes to get help finding work
The DWP explains how there is tailored employment support for older workers to retrain or learn new skills. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging older people who can work, including women who have been impacted by changes to their State Pension age, to get help from dedicated services offered by Job centres to help them retrain for employment, build confidence or learn new skills. In a written response to Conservative MP Stuart Anderson, who asked DWP what steps it is taking to 'support women impacted by increases to the State Pension Age' in his constituency of South Shropshire, Minister for Employment Alison McGovern MP, explained how the DWP currently offers 'employment support for eligible customers of all ages'. The DWP Minister explained: 'The Government seeks to support people who can work, by helping them to retain, return to or progress in employment. That is why the Government is reforming employment support to ensure it helps everyone who needs it. 'DWP currently offers employment support for eligible customers of all ages, through the network of Jobcentres across the UK, and through contracted employment programmes.' Ms McGovern continued: 'A dedicated offer for older workers seeks to provide tailored support for those affected by low confidence, menopause, health and disability or caring pressures, and out of date skills or qualifications. 'Through Midlife reviews, delivered in Jobcentres across the UK, and online, we support older people to assess their health, finances and skills.' She added: 'We have also appointed a Menopause Employment Ambassador who will work closely with employers across the country to improve workplace support for women experiencing menopause and wider women's health issues.' Earlier this year, Pensions Minister Torsten Bell urged all low-income pensioners and 1950s-born women - so-called WASPI women (Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign) - to check if they are eligible for an annual income boost worth £4,300, on average. His response came after Labour MP Euan Stainbank asked the DWP what assessment it has made of the 'effectiveness of Pension Credit at tackling financial hardship among older people' including 'women born in the 1950s that were impacted by changes to the State Pension age'. In a written response, Mr Bell explained to the Falkirk MP how Pension Credit was introduced specifically to help address pensioner poverty, providing a 'vital safety net for low-income pensioners by guaranteeing a minimum level of income'. Over the 2025/26 financial year, the means-tested benefit can provide a weekly income boost to single pensioners with a total weekly income below £227.10 and couples with a combined income of less than £346.00. Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support. The DWP recently confirmed that nearly 78 per cent of all new claims for Pension Credit are processed - from initial application to award decision letter - within the target timeframe of 50 working days (10 weeks). This means older people on a low income making a new claim this month, could receive their first payment and any arrears by July. It's crucial for all older people - single, married or cohabiting - to make sure they are claiming all the additional financial support they are entitled to this year to help boost their income and offset the ongoing cost of living crisis. Below is everything you need to know about the benefit. Pension Credit in a nutshell When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. Pension Credit tops up: your weekly income to £227.10 if you're single your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs. What counts as income Your income includes: State Pension other pensions earnings from employment and self-employment most social security benefits - for example, Carer's Allowance What does not count as income Not all benefits are counted as income. For example, the following are not counted: Adult Disability Payment Attendance Allowance DWP Christmas Bonus Child Benefit Disability Living Allowance Pension Age Disability Payment Personal Independence Payment social fund payments like Winter Fuel Allowance Housing Benefit Council Tax Reduction Your savings If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit. If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week. How to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on here. How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
BBC News
04-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Ludlow school pulls out of year 10 work experience scheme
A Shropshire secondary school has pulled out of a long-standing work experience scheme for year 10 Church of England School says it is becoming increasingly challenging to find employers, organise the placements and make sure pupils stay Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson has written to the school asking it to Pete Addis, from Ludlow, said his son is missing out on a valuable experience. Ludlow C.E. School has written to parents telling them that it is not running the work experience programme this year for a range of reasons. It said in recent years there have been incidents which have led to safeguarding concerns regarding Ludlow students and their location during the school school also cited the administration of the programme as another reason for its withdrawal. It said compliance and health and safety checks are a challenge. The quality of workplace experiences is the third reason. It said it is increasingly difficult to secure placements in the local area which offer a suitable, high-quality experience. Mr Addis said his son was looking forward to taking part in the work experience said: "It teaches you the responsibility of getting up for work, going to work, meeting people, building relationships... and can be a step in the right direction for maybe the career they want to do".Mr Addis, who runs a refrigeration business, said he had offered to take a work experience pupil, but got no response from the also asked the school if he could give his own son a work placement, but was told that it would be unauthorised and he surmised he would get a fine. Mr Addis contacted his MP, the Conservative member for South Shropshire, Stuart Anderson. In reply, Mr Anderson said he had written to the headteacher Mark Burton asking him to "reconsider the decision to cancel work experience for year 10 pupils". Half of all year 10 pupils in England miss out The Key Group, a school management software company, has carried out work experience research on 146,947 pupils in 756 said their analysis showed 78% of schools had work experience programmes, but only 49% of pupils had taken part in author Nicola West Jones said: "It can be really empowering for pupils at risk of being out of education, employment or training (Neet) once they leave school, especially if they come from homes where worklessness is endemic." Farm shop pauses work experience scheme Battlefield farm shop, butchery and cafe in Shrewsbury has taken many work experience pupils in the past, but said it had paused the scheme for economic and administration and director Jeremy Jagger said they were being careful as the administration of the scheme had become more onerous. "We're also keeping the staffing tighter to protect workers, but not ruling out taking pupils in the future. He said some students go on to become part-time workers which is valuable.A spokesperson for the school said: "There is no link to the removal of work experience and Mr Burton [the headteacher] leaving. The decision to not run work experience this year was made very early on."They also said that, "we intend to keep the policy under review for next year." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
09-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Shropshire MP keeping an eye on River Onny wastewater pipe plan
An MP has said he will monitor plans for a four-mile (6.4km) wastewater pipe "very closely".Severn Trent Water has proposed building the pipe from Bishop's Castle to the River said the pipe had been designed to transfer water that had been through a "full treatment process" and would not contain untreated many people who live in the area, including South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson, are concerned and an online petition has received more than 8,000 signatures. Speaking ahead of a public meeting on Monday, Anderson said he would not support anything that reduced the quality of the bathing water in "exemplary" areas that had Atlantic salmon."I know the Environment Agency (EA) has said that is a stipulation, so I am monitoring it very closely," he said. He said he also wanted to know to what extent the water in the pipe would be treated, and why the pipe was EA has previously said it put the proposal together in consultation with Natural England to support the Clun's designation as a Special Area of from Severn Trent, the EA, Natural England and Shropshire Council will be speaking at the public meeting, due to be held at the Community College in Bishop's Castle at 19:30 asked people to book in advance because of a high demand for places. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
