Latest news with #Canterbury-based
Newsroom
4 days ago
- Business
- Newsroom
A win-win-win over medical waste
If you've ever sat in a GP's rooms, a hospital emergency department or ward you've probably watched as a doctor or nurse opens a sterile packet of something, uses it once, then bins it. If you had that material at home you'd probably wash it and use it again – items such as deep vein thrombosis sleeves, patient transfer mattresses and blood pressure cuffs. You wouldn't be the only one wondering about the waste. Now, a Kiwi company has an answer, and is taking more than 50 types of single-use medical devices and giving them a second life. Canterbury-based Medsalv reckons it has so far saved more than half a million devices from landfills across Australia and New Zealand, through more than 90 hospitals. It collects the old devices, remanufactures them by inspecting, cleaning, testing and repackaging; and returns them. Along the way it's saving health care providers a lot of money, and creating jobs, many of them for people with barriers to employment. If the whole country got on board, one estimate suggests it could prevent 1700 tonnes of medical waste going to landfills a year and generate $100m in savings. But Medsalv has spent years banging its head against Pharmac's doors, and has only just got onto a secondary list (non-contracted) for approved suppliers, saving hospitals having to go through a procurement process. In the meantime the company's work has been wholeheartedly embraced by Australia, where Medsalv now has a factory with support and funding from the Victorian state government. Medsalv founder and chief executive Oliver Hunt tells The Detail the process to get in the door with Pharmac has been long and exceptionally difficult. After years of discussions, Pharmac has put the Medsalv's remanufactured medical devices on its new comprehensive list, effective from July 1, but it still hasn't made it onto its main contracted list. 'So, we are on a list, but we are not on a contracted list. So, the products that we've put through don't have a price next to them, and the next step for us is to get a contract with whoever the contracting entity becomes. 'I think it's a step in the right direction, and it's good to show people the value of the products that we're delivering, but there are more steps to happen.' Pharmac says having your hospital medical devices in the Hospital Medical Devices List ensures that Health NZ hospitals can consider your products for use in their facility. Health NZ hospitals can choose which devices they buy from the list without needing to run a primary procurement process. Pharmac also told The Detail contracts for medical devices are generally evergreen, meaning they don't have an end date. And this helps to secure the best deals, with a wide range of suppliers. It says the latest comprehensive list brings greater transparency to what's used and funded in public hospitals. But haematologist Dr Ruth Spearing, a supporter of Oliver Hunt and Medsalv, tells The Detail, Pharmac's model is 'completely wrong'. 'I look at the amount of waste that goes to the landfill, the amount of money that is wasted, it is just horrendous. And anything, any company which can reduce that wastage and reduce its expenditure should be being supported and not blocked in the way that Pharmac has consistently blocked Oliver's company. It's such a shame. 'Pharmac's model is completely wrong in so much as it deals with big international device companies and gives them very long contracts and also gives them contracts with fixed amounts so there's no ability of Health New Zealand to actually become more efficient and decrease purchases because those companies have fixed amounts that they have been contracted to sell by Pharmac to Health New Zealand. 'So, the model is completely wrong. And any way to try to break into that model has been seemingly impossible.' Hunt, a mechanical engineer, founded Medsalv while completing his Master's in engineering management at the University of Canterbury. The social enterprise was his Master's project. He says the reprocessing of used single-use devices is meticulous. Every item is collected after use, then cleaned, tested, and sterilised to internationally recognised standards. If anything doesn't pass inspection, it's binned; broken apart into individual materials and recycled where possible. Hunt says the remanufactured devices come back at a lower cost, 'we provide employment for people facing barriers to employment in the process, there's less emissions, less waste… we create some quite significant benefits for the health system and for the hospitals.' He says it's about using innovation to stretch the health dollar. Dr Spearing says New Zealand needs to be 'supporting these companies, we need to be supporting innovation, and we need to be supporting people like Oliver who are making a difference. It really is a win-win-win company.' Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here. You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
FSU Nominates InternetNZ Board Candidates And Proposes Constitution To Defend Online Speech
Free Speech Union has nominated two candidates to the InternetNZ Council and drafted key constitutional amendments to safeguard free speech online. The internet must remain a free and open space for all New Zealanders, not a platform for ideological gatekeeping, says Jillaine Heather, Council Member of the Free Speech Union. 'These days, speech rights mean little if they don't include online speech. Recent moves by InternetNZ threaten to undermine this core freedom by shifting the organisation away from its essential technical mission. A campaign led by the Free Speech Union has led to a huge influx of InternetNZ memberships, giving individuals voting rights. 'We have nominated Free Speech Union CEO Jonathan Ayling and Canterbury-based lawyer Douglas Brown, who also serves on our Council, for the InternetNZ board election on 31 July. Both candidates are committed to defending an open internet and resisting attempts to expand content moderation powers beyond legal requirements. 'In recent years, InternetNZ declared itself 'institutionally racist' and proposed constitutional changes that could pave the way for greater censorship. We have instead drafted constitutional amendments that keep InternetNZ focused on its vital role managing New Zealand's internet infrastructure – not deciding what speech is acceptable. 'We aren't standing to take over or impose our worldview on InternetNZ – it's the exact opposite. We're working to ensure intellectual diversity and to protect the rights of all Kiwis to participate online, regardless of how popular or controversial their views may be.' Note: InternetNZ's AGM will be held on 31st July. For InternetNZ members, voting starts on 14th July. See nominations here:
Otago Daily Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Christchurch mums take on world LEGO masters
Two Canterbury-based mums in their 40s are competing for the title of LEGO master in the seventh season of an Australian reality show. The duo, Emily Fryer and Sarah Mosley, came in second place in 2022, when they competed in the first season of LEGO Masters NZ. They are now representing Aotearoa among the six international teams facing off against the four Australian teams in LEGO Masters Australia: Grandmasters of the Galaxy , which premieres on Three next Monday. (Spoiler alert: the show has already aired in Australia so avoid searching it up if you want to watch.) Fryer and Mosley, who even 'kit out' in LEGO accessories, became best buds over their obsession which started a long time ago. Mosley told Afternoons she grew up as a 'sickly wee child', so playing LEGO was her only creative outlet. 'Being able to play with my brother, build things, create things, create your own world, that was just such a dream for me.' The mother of two, who now works as a marketing and event coordinator, yoga and fitness instructor, and a dance teacher for preschoolers, says it was her children who got her back into the habit. 'I did go off it for a while, but then with my firstborn, he got a set of LEGO when he was probably about three or four… and then from hence on, it's been like, 'yes, this is your LEGO set. I'll just finish it for you'.' Fryer, originally from the UK, doesn't even remember a time before LEGO. 'I think I've always been actually obsessed with LEGO. 'When I was a child, every Christmas, it's 'where's my LEGO?' And, you know, looking through the catalogues, do you remember the catalogues? And you go through and you look at every page and like, 'oh, I need everything'.' The mother of three, who works as a conservator at the Canterbury Museum, set up a LEGO club with her brother-in-law at her eldest child's school. Mosley, whose son was in the same school, caught wind of the news and wanted to sign up her son but missed the deadline. 'I may have forgiven her, a little bit,' Mosley jokes. 'But now she's running the club and so she knows exactly what it's like,' Fryer laughs. Their relationship blossomed over their love for LEGO. When Fryer sought out someone to join her on her 'dream' show, it was only Mosley who agreed. 'I asked Simon, my brother-in-law, first. He was like, 'no way, who can take time off from work to do that?' 'Then other people read the contract, it's quite a severe contract. So they were like, 'no'… so my mum was like, 'you know what? The only person I think would be crazy enough to go on with you is Sarah'.' Mosley says they had a great time on the New Zealand show which proved to be a 'learning curve' for all involved. 'It was just such a fun experience. At the end of the day, we're two mums that didn't have to pick up LEGO but could play with LEGO as much as we wanted.' Fryer says 'it looked like an explosion of LEGO' on the studio's floors. 'They were like, guys, you can't have any more LEGO from the brick pit until we've put some back or sent some back and we're like, 'but we need every piece',' Mosley says. Now, this Australian series 'takes it to a whole new level', Fryer says. 'I've been watching the Australian one since the beginning and I think this is their best one yet.' Mosley says the contestants and environment on set is 'wholesome'. 'We want to win ourselves, but, of course, we're all gunning for each other. It's just this cool group of [people who are] so different, but everyone is into LEGO. So that's our commonality and it's amazing. 'It's such a crazy experience. We fangirled literally [over] everyone that walked through the door.' 'We do a lot of screaming,' Fryer admits. 'Warning.'
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Sprinter Calls For Volunteers To Help At Special Olympics
Tiaan Whelpton, who graduated from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science, is now a record-breaking professional sprinter and an ambassador for the upcoming Special Olympics New Zealand 2025 National Summer Games. The 25-year-old, who earlier this year broke the record for the fastest 100m time clocked by a Kiwi runner on a New Zealand track, is currently competing in athletics competitions in Europe. But he's keen to encourage people back home – including UC staff and students - to volunteer for the National Summer Games, which will be held in Christchurch from December 10 to 14. The athletes taking part range in age from 14 to their 70s – all with an intellectual disability. 'Sport is obviously a big part of my life and it's a wonderful thing that, in my mind, everyone should be part of. It shouldn't be limited to a certain group of people,' Whelpton says. 'For everyone who wants to come down and volunteer I think it will be a really good time and they'll have the best seats in the house. This could be the pinnacle event for these athletes in their entire lives, so it's only fair to make sure they get all the support they need to make it a real success. I know UC students are really great at volunteering with one in three taking part in some kind of voluntary work.' UC is working alongside Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ) for the summer games, providing accommodation in its halls of residence for over 1300 athletes, coaches and support staff, and hosting a games village on campus. Whelpton has already met some of the Canterbury-based athletes who will be competing in the games, which are held every four years. 'It's pretty cool – there's a whole bunch of different athletes and sports. It's a melting pot of different personalities, so I'm excited to see how it turns out. 'I also think it's amazing that we're holding such a big event in Christchurch. I know it's going to be great fun and I'm looking forward to it.' SONZ Chief Executive Fran Scholey says the support from sports people like Tiaan, and the other ambassadors, helps showcase the incredible achievements of Special Olympics athletes, clubs and team management. 'It's no small feat to prepare for games of this scale and we are incredibly grateful to Tiaan – who is a real advocate for inclusion.' Whelpton is hoping to break the New Zealand men's international record 100m time of 10.08 seconds during his European athletics season. He's already achieved 10.10 seconds, so he's within a tantalising two-one-hundredths of a second of reaching his goal. 'I'm feeling pretty good, we've had some good numbers in the gym and on the track, I've got the New Zealand record to break now. I think I haven't run by best time yet this season, so I'm very excited to get back on the track,' he says. The Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games will draw athletes from 42 clubs across New Zealand. The games, which include opening and closing ceremonies, are being held at sporting facilities across Christchurch, including Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub and the new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre. Over 650 volunteers are needed to help out at the upcoming games, with roles including helping at medal ceremonies, sport management and photography. Visit here to find out more and sign up as a 2025 National Summer Games volunteer.
Otago Daily Times
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Crusaders see off Reds for spot in semis
It wasn't pretty, but the Crusaders have recorded a dominant 32-12 win over the Reds in Christchurch. Friday night's result means the Crusaders can sit back and watch Saturday's games to find out who they'll play in next weekend's semi-finals, while the Reds will be wondering where it all went wrong after such a promising start to the season. A good start would be to look at their scrum, which was smashed to bits by the Crusaders from start to finish in tough conditions in Christchurch thanks to the horrific weather battering the South Island. Crusaders front rowers Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell and Tamaiti Williams. The Crusaders racked up a 5-0 penalty count early in the first half, with three coming off scrums which in turn were converted into excellent field position. Scott Barrett got the home side on the board first with a well-taken yet slightly questionable try from a turnover near the Reds' line. It certainly appeared that the All Blacks captain came in from an offside position but the referee and TMO seemed more preoccupied with whether Barrett grounded the ball, which he did, so the try stood. The only other scoring in the first half, despite a couple of decent Reds linebreaks, was when Tamaiti Williams crashed over in the 27th minute. The Reds really needed to score straight after the break if they were to have any chance, however by that stage the game had regressed into more of a kicking duel. A half break by Christian Lio-Willie out of nowhere set up the try of the match to Noah Hotham, with the halfback regathering his own kick despite the attention of several Reds defenders. From then on, the result was inevitable, and while the Reds were eventually rewarded with a couple of late tries, it was clear that they'd resigned themselves to defeat long before. It wasn't all perfect for the Crusaders, though. Williams' try was his last act before leaving the field with a knee injury, while Ethan Blackadder was yellow-carded for a needless high tackle. Still, the job was done, and the Canterbury-based side now sit one game away from ultimate redemption for last season.
