The Soil & Health Association has serious concerns about another GE food line being approved in New Zealand – this time for six food lines derived from potatoes.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the organisation that controls food approvals for New Zealand and Australia, is calling for submissions on an application to permit GE potatoes for human consumption. The potatoes have been genetically engineered to reduce bruising, to reduce acrylamide formed during cooking, and to protect the potatoes from a type of blight.

Soil & Health is concerned about the growing number of genetically engineered foods approved for sale in New Zealand and the long-term and cumulative health effects of consuming them. While New Zealand does not grow any GE crops or animals, there are many imported GE ingredients in food for sale here.

“Since 2000 FSANZ has approved every single application for GE food lines, and there are now a staggering 71 different GE food lines approved for sale in New Zealand,” says Soil & Health chair Marion Thomson.

“An estimated 70% or more of processed non-organic foods for sale in New Zealand contain genetically engineered ingredients, but consumers have no idea because our labelling laws mean that almost all GE ingredients don’t have to be listed on the packaging.”

“In addition to human food, New Zealand imports large quantities of animal feed that is almost certainly genetically engineered, but again, not labelled as such,” says Marion Thomson.

While a FSANZ safety assessment on the GE potato application has not identified any public health and safety issues, previous FSANZ assessments have been shown to be incomplete, with an absence of biological studies on the impacts of the foods when eaten. Further, assessments have largely been reliant on industry assurances of safety, with no independent science to back up industry assertions.

“One of the main concerns about eating GE foods is that many have been grown with dangerous levels of pesticides,” says Thomson. “Many GE crops are designed to be resistant to pesticides. These crops are designated ‘safe’ for human consumption by FSANZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries, despite not having undergone adequate safety tests independent of the companies developing them.”

The best way to avoid consuming GE foods is to grow, buy and eat certified organic food, says Soil & Health.

The GE potatoes application is open for submissions from the public until 5 pm on Friday 7 July.

This article was sourced from Scoop Politics.

Data released today by the Real Estate Institute of NZ (REINZ) shows there were 392 fewer lifestyle property sales (-15.8%) for the three months ended June 2017 than for the three months ended June 2016. Overall, there were 2,088 lifestyle property sales in the three months ended June 2017, compared to 2,304 lifestyle property sales for the three months ended May 2017 (-9.4%), and 2,480 lifestyle property sales for the three months ended June 2016.

8,520 lifestyle properties were sold in the year to June 2017, 447 (-5.0%) fewer than were sold in the year to June 2016. The value of lifestyle properties sold was $6.63 billion for the year to June 2017.

The median price for all lifestyle properties sold in the three months to June 2017 was $601,250 and was $21,250 higher compared to the three months ended June 2016 (+3.7%).

Brian Peacocke, Rural Spokesman, at REINZ says: “Whilst sales volumes for the three months ending June 2017 were solid, the data released confirms a distinct easing for the month of June compared to the previous month and a continuation of the trend from the peak in sales volumes 12 months ago. Apart from a sound 9% increase in Northland and a solid performance on the West Coast, all other regions experienced a decrease in sales numbers during the month of June.

“The onset of winter may explain the reduction to a degree, but reports from around the country indicate a shortage of listings with the resulting tendency of some vendors to remain fixed on price unless a reasonable opportunity to progress to another property is available. Given the affordability presented by the current level of interest rates, the trends that emerge within the market over the next few months will be interesting,” he concludes.

Four regions recorded an increase in sales compared to June 2016. Wellington recorded the largest increase in sales (+24 sales) in the three months to June 2017 compared to June 2016, West Coast had an increase of 20 sales, and Manawatu/Wanganui saw an increase of 12 sales. Compared to May 2017, two regions recorded an increase in sales.

The national median price for lifestyle blocks rose by $21,250 (+3.7%) for the three months to June 2017 compared to the three months to June 2016. New record median prices were recorded in Nelson at $692,500 and Waikato at $687,500.

The median price for lifestyle blocks in Auckland fell by $130,500 (-10.1%) from $1,286,500 for the three months June 2016 to $1,156,000 for the three months to June 2017. Over the same period, the median price rose by 32.6% in Waikato to $687,500, and fell by 3.1% to $630,000 for Canterbury.

The median number of days to sell for lifestyle properties improved by three days in the three months to June 2017 compared to the three months to June 2016 to sit at 54 days. Compared to the three months ended May 2017 the median number of days to sell eased by five days. Gisborne recorded the shortest number of days to sell in June 2017 at 18 days, followed by Waikato at 46 days and Auckland at 47 days. West Coast recorded the longest number of days to sell at 152 days, followed by Nelson at 77 days and Otago at 75 days.

This article was originally sourced from Scoop Business. 

Property Institute of New Zealand Chief Executive Ashley Church has urged caution around expectations of an ‘economic bonanza’ fuelled by the hosting of the next Americas Cup regatta which is expected to take place in 2021.

Mr Church says that he absolutely supports Government and Council investment in the next Americas Cup Challenge – but says that expectations of short term economic gain are already being hyped to unrealistic proportions that are almost certain to end with disappointment.

Mr Church, who was the CEO of the Newmarket Business Association during the staging of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, says that event provided some valuable lessons around what to expect from an international event.

“Around 133,000 people visited New Zealand to follow the Rugby World Cup and spent, between them, $387 million while they were here – yet there was almost no economic impact on activity in the hospitality and accommodation sectors outside the main CBD in Auckland”.

Mr Church says that this was probably due to something called ‘displacement’ where New Zealanders and international visitors who are not interested in an event will ‘defer’ their travel plans so as not to be caught up in activities associated with that event. This means that revenue and activity associated with the event ‘replaces’ activity which would otherwise have taken place, rather than adding to it.

However, Mr Church says that an immediate economic spinoff should not be the only reason that Government and Council should consider investing in the Americas Cup. He says that there are three compelling reasons in favour of Government and Council support – and that all of these provided for a longer term payoff from the event.

“In the same way that the last Americas Cup, in Auckland, led to the development of the stunning Auckland Viaduct - hosting the event in 2021 will provide a major impetus to the development of new infrastructure on Auckland’s waterfront. Like the viaduct – this will last for generations”.

“The event will also provide an opportunity to showcase the innovation, creativity and business nous of kiwis – particularly in the tech sector. The demographic of people interested in the Americas Cup includes high nett wealth individuals and the cup provides leverage to gain access to them”.

However, Mr Church says that the main rationale for investing in the Cup is because of the way that it effects us as a country.

“Most importantly – we should invest in the Americas Cup because of the way it makes us feel about ourselves as a country. A nation that aspires to growth and success needs to invest in things that help us to see our potential and challenges us to do even better (across a wide range of endeavours). This is easily the greatest legacy of the Cup win and will stay with us for years."

This article was sourced from Scoop Business. 

Dr Helen Beattie, known to many in the veterinary profession as a valued colleague and leader, has been appointed New Zealand Veterinary Association's Chief Veterinary Officer.

Dr Beattie was selected from an outstanding field of professionals. She brings an unparalleled breadth of experience and skill that is vital to this key leadership role.

Helen is currently on the leadership team of the Otago SPCA where she is Director of Animal Welfare and a warranted Animal Welfare Inspector. This arms her with the necessary thorough understanding of the Animal Welfare Act needed for this role.

She also serves in a volunteer capacity as President of the highly successful NZVA special interest branch for Companion Animal Veterinarians and is a member of the executive board of the New Zealand Companion Animal Council and the New Zealand Companion Animal Trust.

NZVA CEO Mark Ward says Dr Beattie has a significant role to play on behalf of veterinarians across our nation.

"We are fortunate to have selected a professional with nationally recognised companion animal credentials as well as a broad understanding of the challenges facing New Zealand's rural sector," Mr Ward says.

"Most importantly, Helen brings the empathy for and deep understanding of our profession that we have enjoyed with her predecessor Dr Callum Irvine".

"I am confident that with Helen on board as NZVA Chief Veterinary Officer, we will consolidate and grow the critical position of veterinary technical and policy leadership, and stakeholder support achieved by Dr Irvine."

This media release was sourced directly from NZVA and written by Emily McKewen.

Bauer Media Group have named experienced media executive Paul Dykzeul as chief executive officer of Bauer Media Australia and New Zealand.

Dykzeul is currently CEO of Bauer Media New Zealand and has significant media experience across Australasia, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, the UK and South Africa.

Andreas Schoo, executive board member of Bauer Media Group said: “I’m delighted Paul will be leading Bauer across Australia and New Zealand. Having worked extensively across both markets he understands the challenges and opportunities which exist for multi-platform magazine brands in this evolving environment. For the past nine years, he has built a strong and innovative media business and is ideally placed to bring that thinking to Bauer Media Australia.”

He replaces Nick Chan who has left the company. Schoo added: “I want to thank Nick for the work he has done in helping to position the business for future growth and wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

Dykzeul has been CEO of Bauer Media New Zealand (formerly ACP Magazines) since 2007, returning home after spending 11 years in Sydney. During his time in Australia he held roles as director of international business and publisher for ACP. Prior to that he was managing director of Murdoch Magazines before moving to Pacific Magazines in 2000 where he held the position of director of international licensing and operations, and publisher.

Leading a team of 300 people he has grown Bauer Media’s New Zealand operation which publishes many of the country’s most iconic magazine brands from popular culture through to special interest and premium current affairs. It is also one of the fastest growing digital publishers and is highly awarded across advertising, content and digital.

This article was originally sourced from Magazine Publishers Association.

Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief appointed as UFBA Chief Executive Officer

Wellington, Friday 7 July 2017 – Chief Fire Officer of Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade, Bill Butzbach, has been chosen to head the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA)—the advocacy organisation that represents 12,000 firefighters, with 80% being volunteers.

With a 41 year career spanning senior strategic roles in the sector along with firefighting experience in urban, rural, volunteer and paid areas, Bill has a unique perspective on the issues facing New Zealand’s fire and emergency services and firefighters—both volunteer and paid.

UFBA Chair Rick Braddock says Bill is the ideal person to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer now that Fire and Emergency New Zealand has launched.

“As well as providing a broader mandate for emergency services work, a key purpose of the new legislation is to provide additional support for our volunteers to ensure people feel safe and secure in their local communities,” Mr Braddock says.

“With a person of Bill’s calibre as Chief Executive Officer and with our close working relationship with the Forest and Rural Fire Association (FRFANZ), the UFBA continues to be in a strong position to provide one united voice for all our members to influence decisions that affect our fire and emergency services.”

Bill joined the UFBA Board as an appointed director in 2013 and again in 2015. After the Government released a Fire Services Review Discussion Document in May 2015, which set out options to review and reform the structure and funding of rural and urban fire services, he helped advocate for UFBA members and to produce the UFBA Fire Services Review Submission and the joint UFBA/FRFANZ submission on the Bill.

Most recently Bill has worked with the FENZ Project Team on the co-design of a range of better support for all volunteers to recognise, respect and promote their contributions including volunteer engagement with the organisation, dispute resolution and advocacy and support services.

“Bill has long-standing relationships with our members around the country—urban, rural, volunteer, paid, industry and defence—and has a deep understanding of their needs and the challenges they face,” Mr Braddock says.

“Bill is committed to ensuring the UFBA achieves its strategic goals, meets its vision of safe sustainable communities and that it continues as a robust, professional and innovative advocacy organisation.”

Bill, who will continue in his volunteer role at Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade, is expected to take up his new position within the next few weeks. He takes over from George Verry who announced his decision to step down after nine years as CEO once Fire and Emergency New Zealand was launched.

Mr Braddock says George Verry's contribution to the UFBA and helping to guide the organisation and its membership through the new legislation process has been invaluable.

This article was originally sourced from Scoop Independent News. 

Why do some non-profit and association leaders succeed in changing the world, while others struggle to point to their impact? What links the eradication of smallpox, the housing of 100,000 chronically homeless individuals, or the remarkable reduction of the incidence of malaria?

Successful leaders share a laser-like focus on their goals. They deliberately identify and target their efforts in their sweet spot — the intersection between what they’re good at, what the world needs, and what works. Yet most leaders lack focus. The number of nonprofit and associations globally is growing at an incredible pace, but as the number of organisations grows, so does the competition for members and funding. As a result, many organisations are chasing resources by tweaking and adding to their core activities. The result is colloquially known as “mission creep”— organisations trying to be everything to everyone. Yet research suggests that the more goals individuals or organisations pursue, the less likely they are to achieve them, leaving leaders overwhelmed, underfunded, and unfulfilled. There is a better way. Learn the secrets of leaders who change the world, and learn how you too can find your focus and increase your impact.

These workshops will take place in Sydney on 23 August and Melbourne on 24 August. Click below to register: 

Sydney 23 August

Melbourne 24 August

In this special AuSAE Workshop you will learn the 7 steps to taking control and:

• How and why missions get out of control
• How to test whether you are inadvertently sabotaging your impact potential and what to do about it
• To identify:
• Your unique assets — the skills and capabilities that set your organization apart
• Gaps in your sector that are not being met — and those you can meet
• A shortlist of powerful, spine-tingling goals to galvanize your team
• How to craft a narrative that helps you attract and engage a loyal member base. 

This year the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will be held in Toronto, Canada. This is the largest gathering of Association Professionals in the world with over 5000 delegates expected to attend.

The meeting, August 12-15 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario. With a theme of “what inspires” this year’s program promises to deliver opportunities to gain valuable ideas to help manage your association more effectively, build fellowship, and learn about current trends within the industry with international colleagues.

AuSAE is hosting a delegation to the meeting and has access to a special registration rate. Registration as part of the AuSAE delegation will provide you with a US$500 discount off the normal registration fee. For further details and to register, click here.  

To register for the event and join the AuSAE delegation please email Toni Brearley toni@ausae.org.au for the unique delegation code. 

Enterprise Care, you are invited to participate in the 2017 Not for Profit Remuneration Survey. Data collected will be used to produce the 2017/2018 Not for Profit Remuneration Report.

This valued Report is the major source of salary and benefits data for the NFP sector in Australia. The Report ensures that your organisation's salaries and remuneration packages are competitive. It is widely used to benchmark salaries and to conduct annual performance and remuneration reviews.

The Survey is open from now until Tuesday 1 August 2017.

Enterprise Care respects and upholds your rights to privacy protection under the Privacy Legislation. Aggregated responses only are used and no identifiable information is disclosed. Your trust is one of Enterprise Care's most important considerations.

• All CEOs, Board members, managers and staff of NFPs throughout Australia are encouraged to contribute to benefit both themselves and the NFP sector.
• All respondents automatically go into a prize draw (first name drawn) with the first prize of $500 to be donated to the charity of your choice. Next three names will each receive a movie voucher valued at $50.
• All respondents will be offered to purchase the 2017/2018 NFP Remuneration Report for $99 (RRP $286).

Click here to participate in the Survey.

If you have multiple staff members with the same job function and level, please contact Enterprise Care who will assist you with including this information in the Survey.

Any questions in relation to the Survey, please telephone Enterprise Care on (03) 8862 6315.

An association which aims to grow and support the local blockchain community has been launched, and hosts its first event this week.

The Blockchain Association of Australia – registered as a not for profit incorporated association last month – meets for the first time at RMIT in Melbourne tomorrow night.

The association is led by Chami Akmeemana, director of blockchain software firm ConsenSys, with a board including Michael Hendricks from ME Bank and Paul Xuereb of AustralianSuper.

Akmeemana was behind a regtech hackathon in Melbourne earlier this year.

“The primary objective is to uplift the blockchain ecosystem and community and to address the critical skills gap in Australia with respect to blockchain technology. The association aims to educate, develop and empower the blockchain community of Australia and connect with both global leaders and best practice,” the group said.

Steven Marshall, leader of the South Australian state Liberal Party, and Dr Liming Zhu, research director, software and computational systems at Data61 sit on the group’s advisory board.

The association has set out a bold set of ‘critical success factors’ in its charter. By its third year the group believes blockchain will become “second nature” to industry, with the focus switching from the technology itself to the blockchain’s “transformational nature”.

Year three will also see a Blockchain company with a market valuation greater than AUD $150m, the association predicts.

The group hopes to host regular meet-ups, community hackathons and training programs. Details of the associations inaugural meeting can be found here.

The Blockchain Association of Australia is the third blockchain industry advocacy organisation to be set up in Australia, after the Blockchain Centre which launched in 2014 and the Australian Digital Currency Commerce Association (ADCCA) founded in the same year.

This article was originally sourced from CIO.