Latest news with #Extraordinary
RNZ News
06-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
New card lets employees save on public transport
Extraordinary founder Steven Zinsli and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. Photo: Supplied Public transport fares got a hike last week - largely as a result of a government direction to regional councils to increase the private share of the service delivery costs. One company though, has been working through a way to save commuters money - by using their pre-tax income. Fintech business Extraordinary - which was formally known as HealthNow - has used a Fringe Benefit Tax ruling from the IRD to set up a platform that lets employers offer their workers the ability to pay for public transport through their pre-taxed pay. Previously FBT rules meant employer-subsidised transport came with tax penalties. Extraordinary founder Steven Zinsli joins Kathryn to explain how it works - and how much employees could save.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Community Champions Honoured At Citizens And Environmental Awards
Press Release – Kaipara District Council Held annually, the awards recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and voluntary service that enriches the lives of Kaipara residents, as well as groups working to preserve and restore the districts unique environment. Exceptional individuals and organisations have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to the Kaipara community at the 2025 Citizens and Environmental Awards. Held annually, the awards recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and voluntary service that enriches the lives of Kaipara residents, as well as groups working to preserve and restore the district's unique environment. Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson led the ceremony, celebrating both long-serving community champions and inspiring new residents. 'These awards celebrate the very best of Kaipara, people who serve selflessly, lead with humility, and care deeply for our community and environment. They inspire us all to be better neighbours, volunteers, and citizens'. 2025 Citizen Awards Jacqui O'Connor – Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Since moving to Mangawhai in 2022, Jacqui has become a pillar of the community through Heart Place Hospital, a charity providing accessible wellness services for frontline workers, carers, and families. Known for her compassion and tireless efforts, she is recognised for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Ann Lupton – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Ann has dedicated 18 years to the Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club. While recently retiring from her role as treasurer, she remains an active member and has been instrumental in the success of events such as Krank Up Days, school outreach, and ongoing club communications. Chris Fife – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award With over four decades of voluntary service, Chris has been a key figure in the rugby community. His leadership spans local clubs to regional boards, and he continues to support youth and emergency services through his role as an Ambassador for the Northland Emergency Services Trust. Gary Dallas – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Gary is a well-respected contributor to the Paparoa community, known for his hands-on support of numerous projects. As a trustee and Property Manager for the Paparoa County Depot Trust, and a member of the Paparoa Medical Society, Gary has also played a central role in establishing and maintaining local health and fitness facilities. Joyce Martin – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Joyce has dedicated decades to service through community and faith-based organisations. Her contributions include 10 years with Girls Brigade, 12 years volunteering with the Citizens Advice Bureau, and 15 years of service with the Methodist Church in various supportive roles. Kenny Finlayson – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Kenny has been at the forefront of many community improvement projects, from helping build the Maungatūroto wharf to enhancing public spaces and accessibility in the area. He currently chairs Kaipara Harbour Care and serves as Treasurer of the Paparoa Golf Club. Jim Wintle (posthumous recognition) – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Jim's legacy in Mangawhai continues to be felt across the community. He co-founded the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, chaired the Mangawhai Community Trust, and helped develop the Mangawhai Historical Village. His leadership also extended to establishing community patrols and advocating for local heritage. Jim was posthumously awarded the 2025 Honorary Mayoral Award for his extraordinary service to Kaipara. 2025 Environmental Awards Ian and Heidi Baker – Environmental Action in the Community New Mangawhai residents Ian and Heidi Baker established the Mangawhai Community Clean Up, a volunteer initiative organising monthly events to maintain the natural beauty of both the village and the Heads. Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) – Environmental Action in the Community KMR has made a significant impact in just over three years, working with nearly 900 landowners to restore 640,000 hectares of land surrounding the Kaipara Harbour. Their work includes expert advice, environmental grants, and land restoration planning. Sustainable Kaipara – Environmental Action in the Community, Education, and Business/Industry Originally formed as Plastic Free Mangawhai, Sustainable Kaipara has led local waste minimisation efforts since 2016. Their community initiatives include composting workshops, beach clean-ups, and clothing swap events. They also run education programmes in schools across the district to instil sustainable practices in younger generations. For more information about the Kaipara District Council Citizens and Environmental Awards, visit
Business Wire
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
MaaT Pharma Presents the Results of its Annual Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting
LYON, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: MaaT Pharma (EURONEXT: MAAT – the 'Company'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company and a leader in the development of Microbiome Ecosystem Therapies ™ (MET) dedicated to enhancing survival for patients with cancer through immune modulation, today presents the results of its Annual and Extraordinary General Meeting held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 9:30 am CET at the Company's office and broadcasted live (replay available here). The quorum reached by the shareholders present, representing, or voting remotely, was above 73% of voting shares. Shareholders overwhelmingly approved most of the resolutions put forward by the Board of Directors by a majority of over 99% (with the exception of the 29th and 34th resolutions approved by nearly 69% of voters). The following resolutions were approved: Approval of the financial statements for fiscal year 2024; The compensation policy for corporate officers (Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Directors) and the compensation paid or awarded during 2024 fiscal year – details of the votes on the said resolution is available on the Company's website here; Financial resolutions, notably delegations of authority to the Board of Directors to carry out capital increases in various situations; Delegation of authority to the Board of Directors to decide on any merger, demerger or partial contribution of assets (29th resolution). Only one resolution was rejected: Delegation of authority to the Board of Directors to carry out a capital increase through the issue of shares or securities giving access to the capital, reserved for members of a company savings plan, with the cancellation of preferential subscription rights in their favor (36th resolution). Shareholders also approved the renewal of the terms of office for current directors Mr. Jean-Marie Lefèvre, Mrs. Dorothée Burkel, Mrs. Nadia Kamal, Mr. Claude Bertrand, Mr. Hervé Affagard, Mr. Jean Volatier, Seventure Partners, and the appointment of a representative from Bpifrance Investissement as a director. It is also noted that the presidency of Mr. Karim Dabbagh came to an end at the close of the Annual Shareholders' Meeting on June 20, 2025, as his mandate is reaching its term. The Board and the Company thank Mr. Dabbagh for his contribution and his service as Chairman and wishes him every success in his future endeavors. Following the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors meeting that took place on June 24 th, 2025, appointed Mr. Jean-Marie Lefèvre as Chairman of the Board for the duration of his term of office, which he had previously led for 5 years between 2018-2023. In accordance with the approval of resolutions 19 and 20, the Company also announces that the Board of Directors has decided to maintain the liquidity contract signed with Kepler Cheuvreux for the liquidity of the Company's shares listed on Euronext Paris. Information on this contract is available in the Company's Universal Registration Document (French only). The full minutes of the Annual General Meeting and the results of the votes, resolution by resolution, will be made available shortly on the Company's website in the Investors/Shareholder Meetings' section. About MaaT Pharma MaaT Pharma is a leading, late-stage clinical company focused on developing innovative gut microbiome-driven therapies to modulate the immune system and enhance cancer patient survival. Supported by a talented team committed to making a difference for patients worldwide, the Company was founded in 2014 and is based in Lyon, France. As a pioneer, MaaT Pharma is leading the way in bringing the first microbiome-driven immunomodulator in oncology. Using its proprietary pooling and co-cultivation technologies, MaaT Pharma develops high diversity, standardized drug candidates, aiming at extending life of cancer patients. MaaT Pharma has been listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: MAAT) since 2021. Forward-looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Company's control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by, or including words such as 'target,' 'believe,' 'expect,' 'aim', 'intend,' 'may,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'plan,' 'project,' 'will,' 'can have,' 'likely,' 'should,' 'would,' 'could' and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that could cause the Company's actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Qatar Tribune
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Events witnessed in region will escalate tensions and affect security and stability: GCC
RIYADH: GCC General Secretariat stressed that the events witnessed in the region today, including the direct targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States of America, will escalate tensions and affect security and stability in the region. GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said in a statement that the Cooperation Council affirms the contents of the statement issued by the 48th Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council regarding developments in the region, and the GCC's condemnation of everything that threatens the security and stability of the region. He also emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire, for all parties to exert joint efforts to de-escalate tensions, adopt diplomacy as an effective means of resolving conflicts, and exercise the highest levels of self-restraint to spare the region and its people the dangers of war.
Buzz Feed
22-06-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
The Hidden Dark Side Of Gifted Programs Revealed
I don't remember precisely when I first heard the word 'gifted,' but it must have been in early elementary school. I do remember being pulled out of my first-grade class and led to the fifth-grade classroom, where a teacher told me to choose a chapter book that was 'more at my level.' I appreciated the chance to choose from all sorts of new books, but it marked an early example of what would eventually be both a privilege and a curse: my foray into being 'set apart' academically from my fellow classmates. By the time I reached middle school, the gifted and talented program in my district had taken wing. The timing makes sense: In 1998, many American schools were provided with official K-12 standards for so-called 'gifted education' by the National Association of Gifted Children. While the NAGC first promoted advanced academic programming in the 1950s, its work in the late '80s and '90s represented a more structured approach to educating students who were found to be gifted. K-12 gifted education standards were preceded by the passage of the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Act in 1988, which secured funding to 'orchestrate a coordinated program of scientifically based research, demonstration projects, innovative strategies, and similar activities that build and enhance the ability of elementary and secondary schools to meet the special educational needs of gifted and talented students.' In those early days, my experience with Gifted & Talented (or G/T, as we fondly called it) was almost entirely positive. Our G/T class was tucked away in a windowless classroom whose walls we decorated with silly drawings and posters. Several of my close friends were also in the program, and there was nothing better than getting to hang out with them for an hour or two per day while working on our largely self-assigned curriculum. Our teacher was warm and encouraging, always pushing each of us to incorporate our individual interests and skills into projects. In fact, nearly all the teachers I worked with in G/T were engaged educators who genuinely wanted their students to thrive. I'm forever grateful for their personal guidance, regardless of my later reflections on the program. In so many ways, G/T was a safe place at school — a place where I could be my true (weird) self and engage in more self-directed learning. But there was a troubling flip side to the G/T experience that took me years to unpack. From what I could gather, most students qualified for the program based on standardized test scores. While the NAGC defines gifted pupils as 'those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in top 10% or rarer) in one or more domains,' it seems inevitable that many kids would be excluded from gifted education for factors beyond their control. In her 2016 book Engaging and Challenging Gifted Students: Tips for Supporting Extraordinary Minds in Your Classroom, Jenny Grant Rankin, Ph.D., outlines gaps in gifted education. Nonwhite students, socioeconomically disadvantaged kids, girls, and those classified as English language learners are disproportionately excluded from gifted and talented programming, Rankin reports. She also cites a 2016 study by Jason A. Grissom and Christopher Redding that found that Black students were 50% less likely to be considered for gifted and talented programs than their white counterparts, even when both groups recorded similar standardized test scores. What's more, students of color were less likely to be labeled gifted when their teachers were white. In G/T, I learned quickly that much of my self-esteem came from academic praise and approval from adults. The 'gifted' label seeped into everything I did and was a stumbling block at times — if I struggled to master a concept in math class or didn't understand a question on a social studies test, I'd avoid asking for help. After all, I was gifted. I shouldn't need help with anything, right? It felt like my so-called 'natural' giftedness should pre-qualify me to succeed in any endeavor, which led me to prematurely give up on new hobbies later in life when I didn't immediately feel like a master. And when a project in a non-G/T class earned anything less than an A, I often found myself in tears and seeking reassurance from my family and friends that I was 'still smart.' The question of 'potential' was another overwhelming aspect of G/T. Gifted kids at my school were encouraged to pursue all sorts of fields — with the unspoken message that no matter what we pursued, we were expected to be excellent. Most of us went on to take as many Advanced Placement classes in high school as our schedules would allow, driven by the sense that we simply had to be high achievers. Academic excellence would translate directly to excellence in career and life in general, many of us thought. It wasn't until college that I first experienced the lingering impacts of the gifted education experience. Suddenly, I was a very small fish in the massive pond that is the University of Michigan. I wasn't the 'smart kid' anymore— I was one of thousands of 'smart kids,' all of whom had ambitions on par with or beyond my own. College instructors rarely offered direct praise, and the occasional B in a class became commonplace. When I couldn't maintain perfection, I felt like I was failing the version of myself I was supposed to become. Unsurprisingly, college was also when my mental health took its first major nosedive. Alongside a handful of personal issues, my sudden sense of academic invisibility had triggered a crisis. My path felt unclear. Wasn't I supposed to get to college, breeze through with perfect grades, and immediately jump into an impressive career? When graduation rolled around, I got a dose of validation by heading off on a Fulbright teaching grant to Malaysia, but my life beyond that looked so blurry. It took a long time to admit that I didn't want to go to grad school, which felt shameful. Without academic validation or 'high achievement' on the table, would I be untethered forever? In the decade since, I've drawn connections between my most plaguing anxieties and my early education. It's taken practice to feel more comfortable with accepting professional criticism or admitting when I'm not sure how to do something at work. I see how my G/T years merged self-worth with accolades and grades, and I feel sad for the younger version of myself — along with other 'formerly gifted' peers — who internalized so many false measures of success. At times, adulthood feels like an ongoing battle to remind myself that I'm a valuable, worthy person, regardless of outward achievements. I'm not alone: In recent years, the 'formerly gifted kid' trope has become something of a meme, with TikTokers cracking dark jokes about their lingering sense of anxiety, perfectionism and perceived failure to live up to parents' and teachers' expectations. It's funny because it's true. Data shows that while gifted programs can result in better long-term academic outcomes and college success for some students, these benefits still reflect inequities. A 2021 study by Grissom and Redding found that small associations existed between participation in gifted programming and long-term achievement in math and reading, but there was no evidence to support a correlation between gifted kids and their general engagement with school. Most glaringly, even these small positive associations were skewed toward higher-income white pupils, with low-income or Black gifted students excluded from long-term academic gains. What's more, this research doesn't begin to explore gifted education's extended impact on social and emotional development for all participants. I don't regret my time as a gifted kid, but I do wish G/T had offered more care for students' mental health and more inclusivity for children who didn't fit the program's relatively narrow mold of exceptionalism. I wish I could unlearn the idea that outward praise equals true success, and measure excellence in the form of learning for learning's sake. Above all, I wish we'd had an environment where every single student was reminded how smart and talented they were, and given the tools to explore their gifts — no matter what form they took.
