News in brief 4 November
Police target seatbelts and drivers using cellphones
New Zealand Police are running a blitz on drivers using cellphones while driving, timed to coincide with the two-year anniversary of the introduction of legislation banning mobile phone use while driving.
The campaign is timed to remind drivers of the need to remain vigilant and not to slip back into the old habit of talking or texting on cellphones while driving.
The latest Police figures show that drivers in most parts of New Zealand have changed their behaviour over the last two years, however, in Tasman Police District, which includes Marlborough, Nelson Bays and the West Coast, the number of drivers caught using cellphones has increased.
From November 2009 until September 2010, offence notices were issued to 223 drivers in this district. In the current year, from November 2010 until September 2011, 269 offences have been detected.
Tasman District acting road policing manager Sergeant Stu Wright said the result was disappointing.
“If we are continuing to catch more drivers using cellphones you’d have to draw the conclusion that drivers in this district haven’t taken the message seriously.
“People need to be aware that the legislation was introduced for their safety. Two years down the track there really is no excuse for failing to comply and police will be taking a very firm line,” Sergeant Wright said.
Although the rules allow the use of hands-free mobile phones, Police recommended that drivers minimise the potential for distraction by switching phones off while driving, or pulling over to make or receive calls.
It is only legal to use a mobile phone to make, receive or end a call when driving if:
• the driver does not have to hold or manipulate the phone to do so (ie phone is completely voice activated), or
• the mobile phone is securely mounted to the vehicle and the driver manipulates the phone infrequently and briefly.
The rule does not allow drivers to create, send or read text messages under any circumstances.
Police will also be checking to ensure all vehicle occupants are wearing safety belts.
“These are two very simple things we can all do to make our journeys safer,” Sergeant Wright said.
Submitted by NZ Police
Top of the South Partnership takes a lead on marine biosecurity
Councils across the Top of the South, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), marine industry and local scientists are working together in a partnership with local iwi to protect the marine environment from unwanted pests, in a pilot programme that will set a template for other regions. A team represented by the Lawless Edge Ltd has been appointed as regional co-ordinators and will adopt a risk reduction strategy in all areas of marine biosecurity.
There have been six incidents in the last 10 years of unwanted marine life entering this region, the worst being Didemnum vexillum, a slimy filter feeder, which was transported from Tauranga on a barge.
Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership coordinator Peter Lawless says this caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs to Marlborough District Council and to marine farmers. Didemnum rapidly fouls and overgrows both structures and shellfish, and has become a significant aquaculture pest, particularly for the cultivation of mussels. It may also have a substantial impact on natural environments.
“Our plan is for Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough to take an original and innovative approach to prevent the introduction and minimise the spread of these damaging marine species,” he says. “Pest organisms like this are typically transported growing on the hulls of poorly maintained boats and may be brought in by rogue vessels that are unchecked, and operate under the radar of regulation.”
MAF is the government agency charged with leadership of the New Zealand biosecurity system, including marine biosecurity, while Regional Councils have an important regional leadership role to play.
“We can’t just leave it up to government agencies,” Mr Lawless says. “All New Zealanders have a role to play and can help by keeping boats clean and keeping an eye out for unusual marine life.”
The fight is now on to stop the entry of marine risk organisms that have arrived in New Zealand but are not established in the Top of the South. These include the Mediterranean fan worm, which is established in Lyttelton and Auckland, the aggressive Asian paddle crab, which is now in Waitemata Harbour, and the tiny but prolific Asian date mussel.
To find out more about these organisms go to www.biosecurity.govt.nz. If you think you have found anything unusual in local waters, get a sample if possible, and report your find to 0800 80 99 66.
More information: Sterling Cathman ph 027 667 6745 <sterlingscience@hotmail.com> or Simon Graves ph 021 105 5860 <simon@gravesnz.com>
