Latest news with #Hulse
Otago Daily Times
08-06-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Little dairy intensification since changes: papers
If dairy effluent discharge permits are used as a proxy for dairy farms in Canterbury authorised prior to January 1 this year, the numbers of new conversions and dairy farm expansions are less than 1%. In the same week the government released consultation papers on changes to freshwater regulations, statistics show there has been little dairy intensification throughout Glenavy and South Canterbury over the five months since the previous government's regulations ended. The National Environmental Standards for Freshwater temporary agricultural intensification regulations controlling the conversion of land to dairy farmland expired on January 1 this year. Since then, the government introduced restrictions on plan changes that would have given effect to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, meaning consent was no longer needed for a change in land use to dairying. Responding to questions from the Oamaru Mail, Environment Canterbury (ECan) regulatory implementation general manager Paul Hulse said while the council no longer processed applications for "dairy conversions", since January 1, four consents had been granted to discharge dairy effluent on farms that were not previously operating as dairy farms. "If dairy effluent discharge permits are used as a proxy for dairy farms in Canterbury authorised prior to January 1, 2025, the numbers of new conversions and dairy farm expansions are less than 1%," he said. However, the council still recognised a problem in farming contributing to declining water health in the area. "As a regulator, our role is to manage the region's natural resources sustainably. "We need to follow the consenting process set by the RMA and the direction of our own plans established through public consultation. "Our science work gives us a picture of the kinds of plans, regulations and restrictions we need to put in place. "These in turn tell us the kind of consent conditions, compliance and land management work that is required," Mr Hulse said. "Our plans and regulations are shaped by long-term trends. "Currently, our science is telling us that nitrate concentrations are high and getting worse in some parts of Waitaha/Canterbury. "We know that intensive farming is contributing to this. "This is vital information for guiding our on-the-ground action now and setting new regulations." A replacement National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management now under consultation gives new national directions on managing water quality, but a spokesperson for Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard confirmed to the Oamaru Mail that the freshwater package did not include anything to replace the expired intensification regulations. "So consenting requirements for dairy conversions or dairy extensions will continue be managed by regional councils," the spokesperson said.
Press and Journal
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Press and Journal
Uber boss slams council for having Aberdeen taxi rival 'representing the industry' in trade talks over Street Knowledge Test
An Uber boss has slammed the council after being shut out of talks on the industry's future – with an Aberdeen taxi rival 'representing the trade' in discussions over the city's shortages. The ride-hailing firm's head of cities, Matthew Freckelton, recently spoke out at a taxi industry conference over what he felt were major hurdles in the Granite City. He claimed that a recent survey on taxi shortages carried out by an independent firm was 'misleading', as he fumed that his firm was never told about it taking place. Mr Freckelton questioned how fair it is that he is represented by arguably his biggest opponent at trade meetings with the council. Russell McLeod, managing director of Rainbow City Taxis, serves as industry spokesman. It all comes amid Uber's fight to have the city's controversial street knowledge test scrapped – which they say hinders their chances of operating a thriving fleet in Aberdeen by challenging would-be-drivers with perplexing questions. During the Private Hire and Taxi Monthly Expo this month in Milton Keynes, Mr Freckelton took questions from the crowd during a Q&A session. One of those to grill the Uber boss was Aberdeen taxi driver Luke Hulse, who took issue with Uber lobbying to bin the knowledge test – which the firm blames for only having three drivers in the city. The contentious exam has a pass rate of 'between 15-30%, depending on the information that has come out'. Edinburgh and Glasgow do not have a street knowledge test. Uber say this proves it should be ditched. In response to Mr Hulse, Mr Freckelton said: 'We think that [the street knowledge test] is not in line with Scottish Government 'best practice' guidance. 'That states that, if you are to have a street knowledge test, it should not create unnecessary barriers to entry – which we think it does.' Mr Freckelton noted that he has had 'lots of new drivers come to our office' wanting to work for Uber, who are subsequently met with difficult hoops to jump through before they can get behind the wheel. 'How much more complicated is Aberdeen to navigate around compared to Edinburgh and Glasgow?' he pondered aloud to the audience. The Uber boss also hit out at a recent survey which found that there was 'no unmet demand' when it came to taxi drivers in Aberdeen. The independent Licensed Vehicle Surveys and Assessment (LVSA) body came to Aberdeen for a few days in November to look into the city's taxi issues. The probe focussed on whether Aberdeen has 'significant unmet demand' for taxis… In other words, whether people often struggle to get a cab home from the centre. Workers fixed cameras to lampposts at city ranks, watched and counted the amount of time customers had to wait before being picked up. They also asked various businesses, services and residents about their experiences. In the end, LVSA concluded that there is not a significant problem in Aberdeen. But the California-based firm totally disagree with the results. Responding to Mr Hulse's comments about the survey, Mr Freckelton stated sternly: 'You're wrong. Significantly wrong. 'I know from our own data that we have a significant amount of unmet demand.' The group's head of cities claims that in the run up to the survey, Uber 'were not told or consulted' about it. 'I have emails between the chair and deputy chair licensing expressing, almost begging, to be able to find a way to provide this data, and I was not furnished with this data,' he added. 'In our opinion, that was a misleading report.' Continuing, Mr Freckelton told the Expo crowd he has issues with how his firm is represented during talks between the industry and the local authority. Uber is currently prevented from attending trade group meetings with the council – as only one booking office licence holder is allowed to go. The current representative is Russell McLeod of Rainbow City Taxis – one of Uber's strongest opponents in Aberdeen. 'I have expressed the perfectly reasonable point of view that it is unreasonable for a competitor of mine to represent my interests in front of licensing officials and councillors,' Mr Freckelton said. 'Yes we want a good, strong working relationship with all our regulators and we had to engage legal counsel to express those views more firmly towards Aberdeen City Council. 'That is the relationship that we want with the council.' Speaking to The Press and Journal following Mr Freckelton's remarks, the Rainbow City Taxis boss was quick to give his version of events. He said that whilst he has 'never been against Uber' in Aberdeen, they should still have to 'play by the same rules as we do'. Mr McLeod said: 'It was an independent survey done by an independent company. Whether I agree with it or not, that is what they found. 'I definitely agree with the findings of the survey. The survey did not suit Uber's narrative, and that's the be all and end all. 'It didn't suit their argument, so therefore they want to diss it.' With regards to being the sole booking office representative, the taxi firm chief highlighted how there are still six others who fight for drivers in the group. Mr McLeod told The P&J: 'We've managed for I don't know how many years now [with one booking office representative]. 'ComCab don't have a representative there and never have, they seem to be quite happy that a booking office representative is there to look after their interests.' Aberdeen City Council was approached for comment.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What are schools doing to save vulnerable students?
Editor's note: This story is part of 'Hard Times,' a special report by The Republican on the challenge of healing from civic trauma. In struggling neighborhoods across the city of Springfield, children grow up in 'survival mode.' 'You can't address trauma without understanding the history of urban poverty — segregation, neglect and marginalization,' said Yolanda D. Johnson, chief of student services for the Springfield public schools. Life in survival mode wears students down, making it hard to learn. 'But we want our students to thrive,' Johnson said. In Springfield's schools, 85% of students are from low-income families, nearly double the state average, and 89% have high needs. In struggling neighborhoods, children grow up in 'survival mode,' Johnson said, which wears them down, making it hard to learn. 'But we want our students to thrive.' To do that, educators must acknowledge trauma as a reality, said Yveline Hulse, a school adjustment counselor in Springfield. She follows the four Rs: Realize trauma exists, recognize students' specific experiences, respond appropriately and build resiliency. 'We have to create islands of competency for our children to succeed,' she said. It all starts with relationships. 'Poverty does not mean you can't learn,' Johnson said. The challenge is how schools interpret students' struggles. Damion Dallas, a school adjustment counselor, says the key is trust. 'Square one is establishing a relationship,' he said. 'So many kids don't have a safe outlet to communicate their concerns.' In Springfield, that means implementing a 'primary person model' — ensuring each student has a trusted adult in school. 'Research shows that increasing belonging reduces anxiety and trauma symptoms,' Johnson said. Teachers need to step in early, not just when things go wrong. 'If you know your students, you should know their triggers,' Hulse said. 'We have to be present, ask how we can help, and respond before issues escalate.' At the end of the day, what happens in the classroom is what really counts. 'It's one thing to have a trauma-informed district,' Hulse said, 'but what happens in the classroom every day makes the biggest difference.' For a child experiencing trauma, the classroom can feel like a howling wind tunnel — overwhelming, chaotic and impossible to focus in. 'Trauma takes up operating bandwidth they can't put into impulse control,' said Tim Oaks, a trauma therapist who works at the Northampton Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute. As a result, students may be misinterpreted as disruptive when, in reality, they are struggling to regulate their emotions. The Massachusetts Department of Education urges schools to become trauma-sensitive — training staff to identify trauma, adjust teaching methods and connect students with mental health resources. It's all about keeping things on an even keel. 'Predictability helps students feel more secure — reducing transitions and providing advance notice can make a significant difference,' Oaks said. While public schools strive to implement trauma-sensitive practices, alternative programs like The Care Center in Holyoke have created deeply supportive spaces that transform lives. The center sits in a neighborhood struggling with poverty, where violence and trauma are part of daily life. Yet inside its renovated red brick mansion, the school provides a supportive environment where young mothers and low-income women thrive — often in ways they never have before. Each year, approximately 100 students enroll in The Care Center's college preparatory program, while an additional 50 take part-time college courses at partnering institutions. Seventy-five percent of its graduates enroll in college, far above the national average for high school equivalency earners. Additionally, 95% of its college students are the first in their families to attend college. 'Our goal is to create an environment where our students feel emotionally and physically safe,' said Executive Director Oona Cook. 'We pay very close attention to what might be triggering for our students and address it immediately.' The center's staff members approach each student as an individual, addressing their specific academic and emotional needs. 'Our small classrooms give us the opportunity to really build close relationships,' Cook said. Classes sometimes have as few as 10 students. The school promotes a 'culture of resilience.' 'It's not just about where you came from,' Cook said. 'It's also about what you've endured and the changes you're able to make moving forward.' Outside the classroom, students do hands-on art, visit museums and take part in activities like rowing, yoga and pickleball. Most importantly, students learn they belong in school. 'I was talking to one student yesterday who started in our high school program,' Cook said. 'The first day she came here, she felt like her daughter, who was in our daycare, had 10 new aunties. When she walked in the door, she felt like part of a family.' That same student is now in the center's microcollege, and her mother has applied to start next semester. Seeing families succeed, Cook said, is inspiring. 'There's the transformation of the student, and because our students are also young mothers, there's the transformation happening for their children,' Cook said. 'But it doesn't stop there. It extends to their parents, siblings, and partners. It changes their community.' Read the original article on MassLive.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Residents Push Back On Council Plan To Replace Takapuna Golf Course With Stormwater Reservoir
Press Release – Takapuna Golf Course Hundreds of Takapuna residents are preparing to challenge Auckland Council's plan to turn one of the city's busiest golf courses into a stormwater reservoir, citing a lack of consultation, environmental concerns and the loss of irreplaceable green space. The group, which includes Takapuna and Hillcrest locals and technical experts from across the North Shore, has announced a public meeting this month in a bid to halt the proposed redevelopment of the Takapuna Golf Course into what they describe as 'a fenced-off concrete basin disguised as a wetland.' Local residents group spokesperson Emma Hulse says the proposed removal of the century-old golf course caught many locals by surprise. 'Most of us only found out about this through a newspaper article; there was no formal notice or meaningful engagement from the council. When we attended the initial community meeting, there was no flood modelling, no water flow planning, and no clear answers, just vague promises and a concept sketch of troughs filled with water. Residents walked away confused and very concerned.' Hulse, who formed a local community group in response, says many families are alarmed not only by the scale of the proposed works but also by the rapid timeline, with excavation suggested to begin as early as October this year. 'There's a real sense that this is being pushed through without transparency. Residents were told this wouldn't happen until 2027, but the Council's own documents obtained through an Official Information Request mention digging starting later this year. That's deeply concerning,' she says. The Takapuna Golf Course and driving range is NZ's most visited public course, drawing over 220,000 visits annually and serving as a key entry-level facility for golfers of all ages and backgrounds. Locals say the space is also used daily for walking, birdwatching, and recreation by non-golfers, particularly as urban intensification in the area reduces access to open space. 'It's not just about golf, it's about community. I walk the course most evenings. It's full of young families, retirees and teens on the driving range. It's green, it's accessible, and it's safe. 'We're not opposed to better flood protection, this is necessary, but there are smarter, proven alternatives that don't destroy one of the last major green spaces in our area.' The community group has aligned itself with the golf course's operators, who have presented an alternative design integrating stormwater detention within the current fairways preserving both the flood protection function and the recreational use. Hulse says the alternative model created by an international golf course architect offers a commercially viable lease arrangement that would save the council millions in maintenance costs. 'From my understanding, the Council's plan would see the proposed wetlands left without ongoing upkeep and we have asked who will manage this waterlogged site?' Residents also raised concerns about public safety, pests, and water quality issues if wetlands are left unmanaged including mosquitoes, rats, and rubbish build-up. 'The public meeting will be held at Takapuna Golf Course on May 7, at 7 pm, with more than 200 expected to attend.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Residents Push Back On Council Plan To Replace Takapuna Golf Course With Stormwater Reservoir
Hundreds of Takapuna residents are preparing to challenge Auckland Council's plan to turn one of the city's busiest golf courses into a stormwater reservoir, citing a lack of consultation, environmental concerns and the loss of irreplaceable green space. The group, which includes Takapuna and Hillcrest locals and technical experts from across the North Shore, has announced a public meeting this month in a bid to halt the proposed redevelopment of the Takapuna Golf Course into what they describe as 'a fenced-off concrete basin disguised as a wetland.' Local residents group spokesperson Emma Hulse says the proposed removal of the century-old golf course caught many locals by surprise. 'Most of us only found out about this through a newspaper article; there was no formal notice or meaningful engagement from the council. When we attended the initial community meeting, there was no flood modelling, no water flow planning, and no clear answers, just vague promises and a concept sketch of troughs filled with water. Residents walked away confused and very concerned.' Hulse, who formed a local community group in response, says many families are alarmed not only by the scale of the proposed works but also by the rapid timeline, with excavation suggested to begin as early as October this year. 'There's a real sense that this is being pushed through without transparency. Residents were told this wouldn't happen until 2027, but the Council's own documents obtained through an Official Information Request mention digging starting later this year. That's deeply concerning,' she says. The Takapuna Golf Course and driving range is NZ's most visited public course, drawing over 220,000 visits annually and serving as a key entry-level facility for golfers of all ages and backgrounds. Locals say the space is also used daily for walking, birdwatching, and recreation by non-golfers, particularly as urban intensification in the area reduces access to open space. 'It's not just about golf, it's about community. I walk the course most evenings. It's full of young families, retirees and teens on the driving range. It's green, it's accessible, and it's safe. 'We're not opposed to better flood protection, this is necessary, but there are smarter, proven alternatives that don't destroy one of the last major green spaces in our area.' The community group has aligned itself with the golf course's operators, who have presented an alternative design integrating stormwater detention within the current fairways preserving both the flood protection function and the recreational use. Hulse says the alternative model created by an international golf course architect offers a commercially viable lease arrangement that would save the council millions in maintenance costs. 'From my understanding, the Council's plan would see the proposed wetlands left without ongoing upkeep and we have asked who will manage this waterlogged site?' Residents also raised concerns about public safety, pests, and water quality issues if wetlands are left unmanaged including mosquitoes, rats, and rubbish build-up. 'The public meeting will be held at Takapuna Golf Course on May 7, at 7 pm, with more than 200 expected to attend.
