“This is a bureaucratic way to take money from taxpayers and give to the big polluters without much environmental benefit, Green Party Climate Change Spokesperson said today.

With the support of the Maori Party, the Government has proposed sweeping changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme. These include an extension of free allocations to industry and agriculture all the way out to 2050.

“We will be committed to big handouts to big polluters for the next 40 years, in exchange for a few small concessions in the short term.

“The Maori Party used to say that the polluter should pay and now they say that polluters should get paid − when will they stand up for what they believe in?”

“There are better ways than the proposed scheme to help low-income households − like a home insulation scheme or better buses and trains,” Ms Fitzsimons said.

—
This article was first published at JKHanok.com
The article can be re-published on your site as long as this message remains intact.

This work by JK Hanok Press Release Center is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
—

The rugby legend, who was recently awarded a knighthood, is among 29 players who will receive their first test cap on Friday (11.09.09) at an All Blacks capping ceremony – the final of six ceremonies being held in New Zealand this year.

The event will take place on the eve of what could be the decisive Tri Nations test match between the All Blacks and Springboks at Waikato Stadium on Saturday (12.09.09).

1957 Sydney test
Sir Colin, better known as ‘Pinetree’, will receive the test cap he earned when he first took the field for the All Blacks against Australia in Sydney in 1957.

Meads played 133 games for the All Blacks, including 55 tests. He captained the All Blacks 11 times, including leading the team in four tests.

Sir Colin’s brother Stan Meads will be among the other 28 All Blacks acknowledged at the Hamilton ceremony.

Stan and Colin first honed their skills in the backyard of their Te Kuiti home, in the Waikato. Stan played 30 games including 15 tests, for the All Blacks.

All Blacks honoured
Another famous rugby playing brother, Ian Clarke, will also be honoured at the ceremony.

Clarke, brother of All Blacks fullback and kicking legend Don Clarke – one of five brothers to play for Waikato – played 83 times in the black jersey, and captained the team on 12 occasions. He passed away in 1997.

In addition to the Meads brothers, who both played at lock, a number of other All Black second rowers will be acknowledged in Hamilton, including Mark Cooksley, Steve Gordon and Buck Anderson.

Cooksley, who was one of the tallest All Blacks, debuted against the World XV together with number 8 Arran Pene, who will also be capped.

Thirteen of the newly-capped players will be acknowledged again at Saturday’s test match at Waikato Stadium, when they will form a guard of honour to welcome the teams to the field.

All Blacks to be capped:

NB: * denotes deceased players (a family member will collect the cap).

* Keith Arnold* – 14.06.47 / NZ v Australia (Brisbane)
* John McLean* – 14.06.47 / NZ v Australia (Brisbane)
* Hugh McLaren* – 6.09.52 / NZ v Australia (Christchurch)
* Ian Clarke* – 19.12.53 / NZ v Wales (Cardiff)
* Ronald Hemi* – 19.12.53 / NZ v Wales (Cardiff)
* Colin Loader – 9.01.54 / NZ v Ireland (Dublin)
* Mark Irwin – 20.08.55 / NZ v Australia (Wellington)
* Sir Colin Meads – 25.05.57 / NZ v Australia (Sydney)
* Ernest Pickering – 6.09.58 / NZ v Australia (Christchurch)
* Ronald Horsley* – 23.07.60 / NZ v South Africa (Cape Town)
* Stanley Meads – 22.07.61 / NZ v France (Auckland)
* Thomas Heeps* – 26.05.62 / NZ v Australia (Brisbane)
* Anthony Steel – 16.07.66 / NZ v British & Irish Lions (Dunedin)
* Alan McNaughton – 26.06.71 / NZ v British & Irish Lions (Dunedin)
* Graham Whiting – 19.08.72 / NZ v Australia (Wellington)
* Christopher Fawcett – 14.08.76 / NZ v South Africa (Bloemfontein)
* Perry Harris – 4.09.76 / NZ v South Africa (Cape Town)
* Murray Taylor – 7.07.79 / NZ v France (Christchurch)
* John Fleming – 10.11.79 / NZ v Scotland (Edinburgh)
* Geoffrey Hines – 12.07.80 / Australia (Sydney)
* Bruce Smith – 16.06.84 / NZ v France (Christchurch)
* Brent Anderson – 9.08.86 / NZ v Australia (Wellington)
* Mark Cooksley – 18.04.92 / NZ v World XV (Christchurch)
* Arran Pene – 18.04.92 / NZ v World XV (Christchurch)
* Matthew Cooper – 6.06.92 / NZ v Ireland (Wellington)
* Steve Gordon – 20.11.93 / NZ v Scotland (Edinburgh)
* Mark Allen – 31.07.93 / NZ v Samoa (Auckland)
* Scott McLeod – 7.06.96 / NZ v Samoa (Napier)
* Adrian Cashmore – 22.06.96 / NZ v Scotland (Auckland)

Background: All Blacks test caps

A player’s first appearance in a test match for the All Blacks has traditionally been rewarded with a test cap.

However, along with international rugby itself, the capping tradition was interrupted by World War II, and was not re-introduced until June 1997.

In December 2008, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) announced it would hold a series of events in 2009, 2010 and, if necessary, 2011, to cap more than 400 former All Blacks who did not receive their caps during that period.

—
This article was first published at JKHanok.com
The article can be re-published on your site as long as this message remains intact.

This work by JK Hanok Press Release Center is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
—

Nicquel Rhoden, from Brisbane, beat more than 300 applicants to win the ‘Entirely World Famous’ competition run by New Zealand travel company, Entirely Kiwi.

The gimmick designed to help market New Zealand to the world attracted applications from all around the globe.

Personality plus
The dream role involves travelling New Zealand to meet with clients and promoting the country “through any means possible”.

Vanessa Forsyth, director of Entirely Kiwi, the Wellington company behind the job, said Rhoden had been chosen because of her personality.

“We chose Nicquel because she’s bubbly, vivacious and incredibly personable,” Forsyth said.

The competition required applicants to make a video explaining why they were the best person for the job, and then attract fans on a website blog.

Contestants were judged on their popularity, sense of humour and “ability to brag”.

Tourism degree
Rhoden, who is finishing a tourism degree at the University of Queensland, won free flights and accommodation for three months, transport, a daily food allowance, spending money and a camera. Her trip is scheduled to start in February.

Picking an Australian winner had caused some controversy among New Zealanders, said Forsyth, but Rhoden said she was “not at all surprised” to hear there had been a backlash.

“That’s exactly how it was in Australia when a Briton won our top job, so I kind of expected it if the New Zealander didn’t win,” Rhoden said.

“The most important thing is that I think I’m able to promote New Zealand just as well as a local could because I totally love the country.”

—
This article was first published at JKHanok.com
The article can be re-published on your site as long as this message remains intact.

This work by JK Hanok Press Release Center is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
—

Kia Ora, Namaste and Greetings.

Rotorua Deepawali Festival 2009 will be held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Saturday, 7th November 2009. Like last year, we invite the Rotorua public (and out of town visitors) to come in big numbers to participate, celebrate, enjoy and bless this cultural tradition.

“This festival is unique in a sense as it is Smoke-free, Alcohol-free and Meat-free festival” said Dr Guna Magesan, Festival coordinator. Entry to the festival is also FREE.

This festival is truly becoming Rotorua Festival as majority of available tickets have been reserved by Rotorua public (non-Indian community), even before the media release. Only 67 tickets are left.

Deepawali (Festival of Lights) is a well known Hindu festival celebrated by Indian community all over the world. New Zealand Parliament also celebrates this festival annually.

In 2008, for the first time in its history, the Hindu community took an initiative to organise a Rotorua-wide community-focused Deepawali Festival at the Rotorua Convention Centre. This gave Rotorua public an opportunity to participate and celebrate this cultural tradition. Although it was the first year and that too an Election Day, more than 300 people were on waiting list. We thank media who played a key role in promoting this festival, charitable funding agencies for sponsoring the event and community organisations & businesses for supporting the festival.

Rotorua Deepawali Festival 2009 is proudly sponsored by Rotorua Trust, First Sovereign, The Lion Foundation, Asia NZ Foundation, Creative Communities NZ Rotorua Scheme, The Southern Trust, and COGS; and supported by Hindu Council of New Zealand, Rotorua District Council, Settlement Support NZ, Rotorua Ethnic Council, Rotorua Indian community, Rotorua Fiji Indian Association Inc. and other community organisations; Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotorua Public Library, RAVE and many businesses.

“It is good to see so many community organizations, charitable funding agencies and businesses are behind this festival” said Dr Meeta Patel, secretary of the festival organising committee.

As part of our regular learning and understanding of Maori culture, there will be a special powhiri at Apumoana Marae for out of town visitors on the same day.

We look forward to seeing your family and friends at the Rotorua Deepawali Festival 2009 on Saturday, 7 November 2009 at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre.

Rotorua Deepawali Festival 2009

7th November 2009
Rotorua Energy Events Centre, Rotorua
PROGRAMME

PART 1: OPENING CEREMONY & WORKSHOPS: 10.00A.M. – 4.00 P.M.
10.00 am: Official opening ceremony
Welcome; Lighting of the lamp; Karakia & blessing; blessings by local politicians, funding agencies and community leaders; Vote of thanks
(Attended by the Mayor, Councillors, invited guests, funding agencies & general public)
10.30 am: Opening of stalls selling
Delicious Indian vegetarian food; spices; Indian clothing and jewellery
11.00 am: Beginning of Workshops and demonstration
Rangoli (ancient Indian art); Henna (Temporary tattoo);
Yoga and Meditation; Bollywood dance; Indian music (tabla);
Indian bridal make-up; Belly dancing;
Indian cooking (Roti making);
How to wear a sari for women (and turban for men);
Kite making; etc.
2.30 pm Documentary on India Tourism & Exhibition on Indian science.
3.00 pm Workshops continue

3.00 pm Powhiri at Apumoana Marae for out of town visitors

PART 2: CULTURAL PERFORMANCE: 6.30 P.M. – 8.30 P.M.
6.30 pm: Welcome; Karakia (Maori & Hindu prayers)
A spectacular Indian cultural show of
Indian folk dances (Bangra, Garba etc);
Indian classical dances (Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Odissi)
Indian classical music (Sitar, Tabla)
Indian contemporary dances
Yoga demonstration
(Cultural performance is by artists from Auckland & Hamilton, and local artists).

PART 3: FIREWORKS DISPLAY: 8.45 P.M. – 9.45 P.M.
8.45 pm: Drum Beats by Samblasta
9.00 pm: Fire Dance
9.20 pm: Spectacular Fireworks Display
9.45 pm: Festival concludes
10.00 pm: Visitors will stay at Apumoana Marae

—
This article was first published at JKHanok.com
The article can be re-published on your site as long as this message remains intact.

This work by JK Hanok Press Release Center is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
—

The New Zealand Defence Force has made real progress solving the people number worries that have dominated its performance in recent years, its latest Annual Report reveals.

The report shows that as at 30 June 2009, NZDF’s Regular Force numbers were at a ten year high, while attrition – the rate at which people were leaving the organisation – was at a 10-year low. At the end of the reporting period there were a total of 14,612 regular force, reservists and civilians in the Defence Force – up by 723 on 2008. Regular Force numbers were at 9,702, up by 424.

The Chief of Defence Force Lt Gen Jerry Mateparae draws special attention to this turnaround in his overview in the Annual Report: “Recruitment and retention have been critical issues for the NZDF as we have sustained overseas deployments and prepared for future operations,” he says. “With the tighter economic conditions in New Zealand, combined with innovative recruitment and retention strategies that the NZDF has implemented, growing the NZDF is looking more promising.

“Fewer people are choosing to leave the NZDF. This assists us in addressing relative inexperience levels, which remain low in certain operational and technical trades, and it is recognised that it will take time before these levels can be fully restored.”

Total personnel numbers have increased in all three Services (Navy, Army and Air Force). Initiatives have included the introduction of the new military remuneration system in 2008 that linked military pay to equivalent professions in the wider community, use of reserves, lateral recruitment and reviewing trade structures.

Lt Gen Mateparae also makes mention of the progress of major equipment upgrades across the three Services. Notable successes during the year have included the delivery of the inshore patrol vessels for the Navy, the completion of the upgrade for the Air Forces two Boeing 757 transport aircraft, and the acquisition of night vision equipment, new weapons sights and communications equipment for the Army. Nonetheless, some delays have been frustrating.

“Overall, the modernisation of the NZDF’s equipment is a huge step forward for the Services,” he says.

Lt Gen Mateparae draws special attention to the level of overseas commitments the NZDF has sustained over the past year, at a higher level than was planned for, and during a period of planned “restoration” for the Defence Force. Major missions continued in the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Afghanistan, the Sinai, and Antarctica.

“The contribution that the NZDF is making to New Zealand’s strategic interests and foreign policy goals is reflected in our high operational tempo.”

ENDS

Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz

—
This article was first published at JKHanok.com
The article can be re-published on your site as long as this message remains intact.

This work by JK Hanok Press Release Center is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
—

Cathay Pacific Airways has announced the launch of a code-share service with Air Pacific, placing its “CX” code on the Fijian carrier’s new twice-weekly flight between Hong Kong and Nadi in Fiji which commences operations on 3 December 2009.

This is the first time scheduled services have been operated between Hong Kong and Fiji, and Cathay Pacific aims to use its extensive international network to feed passengers through the Hong Kong hub to the island nation in the South West Pacific. The bulk of the traffic is expected to be holidaymakers heading to enjoy the many attractions of this well-established tourist destination.

Air Pacific currently serves 25 destinations using a modern fleet of Boeing 747, 767 and 737 aircraft and offering travel in two classes – Tabua Class (Business) and Pacific Voyager. Its network currently covers the islands of the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, plus destinations in the United States and Canada.

Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Development Ian Shiu said: “We are pleased to be able to join together with Air Pacific for this new service between Hong Kong and Fiji. Cathay Pacific is committed to building Hong Kong’s status as a premium international aviation hub. Through this new code-share we aim to draw travellers from Hong Kong and various parts of our network – including China, North and Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Europe – to travel onwards to Fiji, at the same time attracting visitors from Fiji to Hong Kong and connecting them to the rest of the world.”

Air Pacific Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer John Campbell said: “Preparations for the 3 December launch of Air Pacific flights to Hong Kong are well underway and we welcome Cathay Pacific Airways as our code-share partner on this new service. Cathay Pacific is recognised as a successful carrier with high standards of service and a strong international network. The airline’s marketing and sales strength will certainly benefit the service and Fiji.”

Details of the code-share service are as follows:

Flight No. Days of operation Routing Departure time Arrival time
FJ318/CX6901 Thu, Sat HKG-NAN 1705 0705+1
FJ317/CX6900 Thu, Sat NAN-HKG 0855 1510

Cathay Pacific continues to work to build its network and further enhance Hong Kong’s hub status whenever the opportunity arises. The airline launches another new destination in October when it begins a new four-times-weekly service to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

ends

Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz

—
This article was first published at JKHanok.com
The article can be re-published on your site as long as this message remains intact.

This work by JK Hanok Press Release Center is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
—

“The best approach is to ensure our units are interoperable and to work with Australia where we have shared aims such as in the peacekeeping mission in Timor Leste. This is the current situation; there is no good reason to change it,” said Mr Locke.

Yesterday, Prime Ministers Key and Rudd announced that the two countries will consider developing a joint military contingent.

“The Greens are worried that a joint force would hitch New Zealand to Australia’s more interventionist approach to world politics,” said Mr Locke.

“Australia has been much more willing to commit to unjust wars, like that in Iraq, at the bidding of the Untied States.

“Through its membership in ANZUS, Australia has also been accommodating of America’s nuclear policies.

“New Zealand’s bold anti-nuclear stance could be compromised if our armed forces become too closely intertwined with Australia’s.

“Currently, New Zealand has a better image in the Pacific than Australia. Our forces are seen as less brash and more understanding of Pacific ways. It would be a pity to lose this.

“We already work successfully with Australia. We don’t need to set up a joint task force, in which Australia would inevitably have the dominant role,” said Mr Locke.

—
This article was first published at JKHanok.com
The article can be re-published on your site as long as this message remains intact.

This work by JK Hanok Press Release Center is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
—

A meeting of residents and ratepayer yesterday expressed concern about drilling rigs in the hills near the town as the Newmont gold mining company looks for more gold on the Coromandel
Peninsula.

“Locals are adamant that they don’t want mining near their seaside community and beach,” Ms Delahunty said. “They’re understandably worried about all aspects of the potential mining project from the impact on the local environment to the effect on property values and they see gold mining as incompatible with the values that bring people to live and holiday in the region.”

Rising gold prices were increasing mining pressure on many areas of the world where multi-nationals had already made a mess and the Hauraki/Coromandel area was no exception, she noted.

“Newmont want to expand out of Waihi by drilling at Onemana. The people at Onemana haven’t
had the chance to object because Newmont took over exploration licences belonging to Heritage Mining and most locals didn’t know this had happened until it was too late.

“The last thing this community wants is an endless stream of trucks driving from a gold mine in their catchment to the Waihi processing plant.”

The Coromandel was worth more than gold to the country and mining companies would be actively challenged, Ms Delahunty said.

—
This article was first published at JKHanok.com
The article can be re-published on your site as long as this message remains intact.

This work by JK Hanok Press Release Center is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
—

“The majority of submitters to the Auckland Governance Committee, Maori and Pakeha alike, endorsed appropriate Maori representation, but instead we’re getting weak excuses and false promises,” said Sue Bradford, Green Party Auckland Issues Spokesperson tonight.

“I would love to be proved wrong, but it is extremely unlikely that Pita Sharples and Rodney Hide will come up with an adequate solution any time in the near future.

“Maori will now have to take a back seat in this new era of centralised power.”

The Royal Commission on Auckland Governance, after two years and $3 million in consultation, recommended two elected councillors from the Maori roll and a further seat reserved for mana whenua. Despite overwhelming support from submitters, all three seats are to be scrapped.

“The Treaty of Waitangi is meant to be a partnership, not a one-sided affair. It is clear that the National Party, under pressure from the extreme right, doesn’t want to play fair,” Ms Bradford said.

“With the divisive Rodney Hide calling the shots, we are now on a path to representative failure with the Super-City.

“The Green Party will continue to vote against the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill, which entrenches the historic sidelining of Maori from the political process in Auckland, against the will of the people,” Ms Bradford said.

—
This article was first published at JKHanok.com
The article can be re-published on your site as long as this message remains intact.

This work by JK Hanok Press Release Center is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
—

“MMP has delivered representative democracy to New Zealand. It is a modern, fair system which is under attack from small, right wing groups that want to see a return to the 1980s,” said Green Party Co-Leader Metiria Turei.

“People can be proud of our current democracy. More women are represented in Parliament and it has increased representation for Maori, Asian and Pasifika communities. It allows a wide range of views to be heard in Parliament.”

The Government has indicated that it is likely a referendum on MMP will be held on or before the next election.

“MMP works. It has delivered Kiwibank, paid parental leave and home insulation. These types of initiatives would not have happened without MMP.

“The Government needs to review, with full public consultation, how MMP is working before it spends millions of dollars on a referendum. A good independent review would help New Zealand voters make an informed decision about what voting system is best.

“MMP helps to keep Government honest. New Zealanders deserve a modern democratic system that is fair for everyone,” said Mrs Turei.

For more information on MMP visit: http://www.elections.org.nz/voting/mmp/

—
This article was first published at JKHanok.com
The article can be re-published on your site as long as this message remains intact.

This work by JK Hanok Press Release Center is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
—