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May 2009

Navy Gets New Ferrari

Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 29/05/2009 - 9:12am

In my capacity as the Associate Minister of Defence, I today represented the New Zealand Government at a Navy Acceptance Ceremony in Whangarei. Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) Taupo was formally handed over to the Royal New Zealand Navy.

The ceremony – held at the BAE Shipyard – followed a whakawhetai (thanksgiving) conducted by Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) kaumatua and local iwi, and took the form of a Division and First Colours ceremony. It was hosted by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Tony Parr MVO and attended by representatives from BAE Systems and the Ministry of Defence.

The last of four Inshore Patrol Vessels built under Project Protector by BAE Systems, the HMNZS Taupo is not the first New Zealand naval vessel of its name – the original Taupo having operated during World War II.

Board Meetings Or Public Meetings?

Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 22/05/2009 - 12:54pm

Earlier this week I received an email about the proposed merger of the Crown Research Institute AgResearch with Lincoln University near Christchurch.

The idea behind the merger was to create a world-class land-based university that would support research, education and a focus on New Zealand's primary industries. According to AgResearch Chair Sam Robinson and Lincoln Chancellor Tom Lambie in March, both organisations supported the proposal in principle as it would create a:

" ... substantially enhanced Lincoln University with a specific and deep focus on land utilisation and associated environmental and social integrity throughout New Zealand."

According to the email I received, however, it appears that not everyone is supportive of the merger and - officials having cast their eye over the proposal - there is some resistance on the basis of cost.

Reinforcing Faith In New Zealand Society

Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 15/05/2009 - 10:43pm

A 'Dominion Post' article caught my eye this week and got me thinking about what it is that sets New Zealanders apart. The article was about Kiwi physiotherapist and former Wellingtonian Damon Newrick - now living in London - who recently received a commendation from police for rescuing a woman from three brutal attackers.

According to the article, Damon was having dinner at his North London flat when he heard a scream. He raced downstairs to find a woman being strangled by three "quite large" men and covered in blood from where her attackers had torn out her earrings.

While onlookers stood idly by, Damon - despite being outnumbered - shouted at the men to leave the woman alone and tackled one of them. He pulled the woman inside his building and held the door closed while the men attempted to kick it in. As the glass began to give way, he pushed the woman up the stairs and prepared for the worst.

Celebrating Innovation - Justin Brown

Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 08/05/2009 - 4:08pm

Employment issues have been a hot topic in the media over recent months ranging from staffing cuts to the Prime Minister's Jobs Summit. This week's Diary is written by guest columnist Justin Brown. Justin has worked in radio for the past 16 years. He is a sports and travel nut, and has also written books - including 'Kiwi Speak' and 'UK on a G-String'. More info on Justin can be found at www.justinbrownbooks.com

Celebrating Innovation - Justin Brown
Having worked for the same company for 10 years I thought my job was pretty safe - like many Kiwis in the past six months, however, I recently got the dreaded tap on the shoulder.

It was nothing to do with my performance, they said, and everything to do with money. With a three and five-year-old to clothe and feed, I initially panicked, but then decided to be proactive. I refused to become a victim of the Great Worldwide Recession.

I wanted to show others that innovation does not die with jobs.

Voluntary Student Union Membership Long Overdue

Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 01/05/2009 - 2:33pm

The Victoria University Students' Association (VUWSA) is in the gun this week following revelations that it declined an invitation from the Wellington City Council to lay a wreath at last Saturday's ANZAC Day celebrations.

According to VUWSA's president, the association has no "official mandate from students" to recognise ANZAC Day - but student magazine 'Salient' has reported that some members of the executive opposed laying a wreath because they believed it would condone war.

In the wake of these revelations, many Victoria University students - past and present - are outraged about the attitude of an organisation that is supposed to represent their views.  VUWSA completely missed the point of ANZAC Day.  In any other setting, an organisation behaving in such a manner would fast find itself bereft of members - but not this student union.