World Polio Day
PRESS RELEASE
Rotary members in New Zealand will be among thousands worldwide reaching out during the week commencing on World Polio Day, 24th October 2016, to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio – a vaccine preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today. Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to 26 confirmed as of 19th September 2016. They are in Pakistan 14, Afghanistan 9 and Nigeria 3. To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, experts say a further US $1.5 billion is urgently needed. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralysing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk. World Polio Day is celebrated each year. Initially it was established by Rotary to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease with no cure, but can be prevented through immunisation. The vaccine, given multiple times, almost always protects a child for life. The strategy to eradicate polio is therefore based on preventing infection by immunising every child until transmission stops and the world is polio-free. Rotarians throughout the world have been asked to contribute NZ $75 million in the year to 30 June 2017 toward the initiative. The Ministers’ of Health from G7 countries met in Kobe, Japan in September 2016 and their statement included: “The end to polio is also within reach. Financing polio eradication activities to ensure we have the last global case this year, will require commitments from all stakeholders to reach every child, including in challenging operating environments, with the polio vaccine.” Stuart Batty, Rotary’s PolioPlus National Advocacy Advisor for New Zealand urges the New Zealand Government to reconsider its stated position and urges it to support again the GPEI as it did up to 2010. Further information may be found at www.rnzwcs.org...
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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