Latest news with #Rodwell
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Aid from North Otago to Tonga welcomed
The North Otago community has rallied to brighten the future for many in Tonga as the Pasifika Safe Shelter Trust (PSST) provides much needed farming and school equipment and supplies. The volcanic eruption in 2022 had a devastating impact on the Tongan community, leaving thousands of people without homes and basic supplies or essential services. The eruption triggered a tsunami and deposited thick layers of ash, impacting infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and access to clean water and healthcare. Over the last three years, the PSST has partnered with the Pacific Island people and local Pasifika and community groups in a combined relief effort to provide necessary tractors, farming and hospital equipment. PSST chairman Peter Rodwell said a recent trip to Tonga with manager Jim Grieve to see their supplied aid first-hand was "very successful in all spheres". "The residents were thrilled as they get no government support and they had very little equipment," he said. Tractors and ploughs had been provided by PSST and distributed to separate islands on Niua, Vavau, Ha'apai, Eua and Tongatapu. Mr Rodwell said those who could not afford tractors were now able to plough their land and rebuild their crops. The Oamaru Hospital and IDEA services North Otago donated several wheelchairs and commode chairs, a lifting frame, mat and harnesses which were given by PSST to the Alonga Disability Centre. Mr Rodwell said another objective of their trip was to rebuild relationships with various Tongan government ministries. They met Minister for Agriculture Dr Siosiua Moala Halavatau, New Zealand deputy high commissioner to Tonga Leitu Sa and Minister of Revenue and Customs Mateni Tapueluelu. Mr Tapueluelu invited the men to request an ongoing exemption of import duties and consumption taxes as PSST were now in the "most trusted" group of organisations, Mr Rodwell said. "It was an excellent meeting ... this will make clearance of our containers of donations to Tonga much smoother," he said. Hand farming and gardening implements donated by the Lions clubs were given to many "happy villagers", he said. Part of their trip was to also assess any damage to the PSST storage shed based on the island, check ongoing progress with the solar-powered water pumping station at Houma Village supported by various locals in Oamaru, and assist with any maintenance of the provided tractors or equipment. "The small Kubota L2000 with a Gallagher rototiller on the back has a broken steering mechanism, but we have been lucky enough to find a new replacement part so we hope that it too will be back operational," Mr Rodwell said. Mr Rodwell said spectacles collected and graded by Cromwell Lions Club had been distributed. "The complex ones by the Opthalmology Dept at Vaiola Hospital were much sought after". PSST made donations of second-hand clothing to the Salvation Army in Tonga largely for children affected by the disaster. Two "very full" containers of educational material and equipment sent to Ha'apai and Vava'u High Schools arrived safely, Mr Rodman said. Mr Rodwell thanked Waitaki Boys' High School, St Kevin's College, Oamaru Intermediate, Kakanui, Papakaio, Weston, Totara and Glenavy primary schools for donated furniture, curriculum and library books. "Photos of the senior students putting the desks back together were exciting, the principals expressed extreme gratitude," he said. On Atata Si'i, a new village built on Tongatapu opposite the island of Atata, PSST also distributed soft toys, balls, sports equipment and musical instruments to some "very happy" children. Due to ongoing tsunami risk the residents were no longer allowed to stay on the island but the Tongan government had supplied two moderate-sized boats for them to visit the island each day, attend their crops, plantations, and to fish, Mr Rodman said. Bicycles distributed by PSST to the island of Nomuka and managed by the village official were in "hot demand" by the children, Mr Rodwell said. Items for emergency-preparedness containers and the Salvation Army in Tonga are still required. For more information on how to donate contact Jim Grieve 021 263 3629 or Peter Rodwell 021 682 810.
West Australian
01-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Live sheep export ban transition advocate to meet WA Agriculture Minister within weeks
WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis is set to meet the Federally-appointed live sheep export ban transition advocate within weeks after accusations the State Government had 'walked away' from the industry. Shadow agriculture minister Lachlan Hunter came out swinging last month after it was revealed Ms Jarvis had not met the WA-based advocate, Dr Chris Rodwell, since his appointment to the role five months ago. Dr Rodwell, a former CSIRO staffer, was picked by the Federal Government to facilitate two-way communication between the Commonwealth and farmers affected by Labor's plan to ban live sheep exports. A spokeswoman for Ms Jarvis said the Cook Government had been 'clear and consistent from the start' in its lack of support for the Federal Government's planned live sheep export ban and a meeting with Dr Rodwell had been in Ms Jarvis' diary 'for some time'. She declined to reveal what date and where the meeting would take place, but said it would be 'within weeks'. 'We understand the Transition Advocate has met, and is meeting, with a range of stakeholders and industry representatives, including the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as part of their role,' the spokeswoman said. 'Minister Jarvis has an upcoming meeting with the transition advocate, which has been scheduled for some time.' Dr Rodwell was appointed as the transition advocate for the Federal Government in January, taking on a role described as Australia's 'most unpopular job' by industry leaders and the Opposition. Ms Jarvis' spokeswoman said the State Government had gone in to bat for WA farmers affected by the ban, netting an additional $32.7 million in Federal funding for the transition package after lobbing to have it increased from $107m to $139.7m. 'This additional funding was announced in October and as part of this announcement, the Federal Government committed $43.5m for WA to support processing capacity grants and community wellbeing,' she said. 'A process is under way to contract providers for the $1.5m community wellbeing program, with announcement expected in August. 'Program guidelines for the Commonwealth Government's $40m processing capacity program are being developed by Rural Business Development Corporation in partnership with the Commonwealth.' The live sheep export ban is set to come into effect in mid-2028. Mr Hunter, who is the Central Wheatbelt MLA, said the State Government's lack of engagement with Dr Rodwell demonstrated it had walked away from the industry. 'It's shocking that the Agriculture Minster has not bothered to meet with Dr Rodwell after nearly five months,' he said. 'It confirms what we've long suspected — WA Labor has walked away from our sheep producers, exporters, and regional communities. 'No State-led plan. No advocacy. No care. 'WA is the home of Australia's live sheep trade — and Labor has thrown it under the bus.' Ms Jarvis' spokeswoman said while the State Government opposed the end of live sheep export, 'the Federal legislation has passed'. 'Even the member for Central Wheatbelt acknowledged this ... in the Legislative Assembly, stating 'to be fair, the Federal Government won the election and has a mandate to end the live sheep trade. It took that to the people and people spoke',' she said. 'The Cook Government will continue to work with industry and advocate on their behalf for certainty and sustainable future here in WA for meat processing, WA sheep meat and wool producers.' A spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry confirmed Dr Rodwell was scheduled to meet Ms Jarvis regarding the phase-out transition. 'Dr Rodwell has met with a number of State Government representatives and will initiate further meetings as required,' she said.
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
‘There might be some issues' – Championship club could be forced to leave beloved 27,111-seater stadium for third time
The club were forced to move away from the site in the mid-1980s CAPITAL LOSS 'There might be some issues' – Championship club could be forced to leave beloved 27,111-seater stadium for third time Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHARLTON ATHLETIC managing director Jim Rodwell has not ruled out the club leaving The Valley. The Addicks are back in the Championship for the first time since 2020 next season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Nathan Jones led Charlton back to the Championship last season Credit: PA 2 The club remain uncertain on the future of their home at The Valley Credit: PA Nathan Jones masterminded a charge up the League One table after Christmas, eventually beating Leyton Orient in the playoff final. But Charlton continue to be dogged by questions over the future of their South London ground. The Valley is under the control of the club's former owner Roland Duchatelet. He sold the club six years ago but retained ownership of the 27,111-seat stadium and the club's training ground. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL 'NO DREAMS' Championship side release video warning of extinction if new ground not built A 15-year lease was signed by the club in 2021, with 11 years remaining before it expires. The EFL require clubs to have at least ten years left on a stadium lease. Charlton director Rodwell admits talks are ongoing with Duchatelet over an extension. But he did not rule out the possibility that the club could eventually have to leave the site - home to the club for most of their 106-year existence. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He told talkSPORT: "Yes, Mr Duchatelet, or his company, do still own the stadium and training ground. "We've made no secret of the fact we would like to buy the stadium or enter into a longer term lease on the right terms. EFL club release 'gorgeous work of art' kit and even rival fans want to buy it "Those conversations are ongoing. We have a considerable period of time left. I know fans like certainty and so do businessmen. 'It's always a possibility [we will have to move]. I think the desire would be to stay at The Valley. "It's a brilliant ground and great atmosphere. It's fit for purpose." He added: "Our [lease] is getting down to [ten years], so there might be some issues there." Charlton left The Valley between 1923 and 1924 for nearby Catford. They played at the now-demolished Mount Stadium, before a proposed merger with Catford Southend FC fell through. Charlton left the Valley again in 1985 after the ground fell into disrepair and the club's debts spiralled. They ground-shared with Crystal Palace before a triumphant return to a completely renovated stadium in December 1992. Rodwell continued: "What is The Valley actually worth? It's worth a lot to Charlton but probably not a lot to a developer. "What else could you stick on there? "I'm always a great believer that commercial reality would hit home. "There's always a deal to be done there. Talks are ongoing. They have been conducted in the right spirit."
The Irish Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘There might be some issues' – Championship club could be forced to leave beloved 27,111-seater stadium for third time
CHARLTON ATHLETIC managing director Jim Rodwell has not ruled out the club leaving The Valley. The Addicks are back in the Championship for the first time since 2020 next season. Advertisement 2 Nathan Jones led Charlton back to the Championship last season Credit: PA 2 The club remain uncertain on the future of their home at The Valley Credit: PA But Charlton continue to be dogged by questions The Valley is under the control of the club's former owner Roland Duchatelet. He sold the club six years ago but retained ownership of the 27,111-seat stadium and the club's training ground. Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL A 15-year lease was signed by the club in 2021, with 11 years remaining before it expires. The EFL require clubs to have at least ten years left on a stadium lease. Charlton director Rodwell admits talks are ongoing with Duchatelet over an extension. But he did not rule out the possibility that the club could eventually have to leave the site - home to the club for most of their 106-year existence. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He told "We've made no secret of the fact we would like to buy the stadium or enter into a longer term lease on the right terms. EFL club release 'gorgeous work of art' kit and even rival fans want to buy it "Those conversations are ongoing. We have a considerable period of time left. I know fans like certainty and so do businessmen. Advertisement 'It's always a possibility [we will have to move]. I think the desire would be to stay at The Valley. "It's a brilliant ground and great atmosphere. It's fit for purpose." He added: "Our [lease] is getting down to [ten years], so there might be some issues there." Charlton left The Valley between 1923 and 1924 for nearby Catford. Advertisement They played at the now-demolished Mount Stadium, before a proposed merger with Catford Southend FC fell through. Charlton left the Valley again in 1985 after the ground fell into disrepair and the club's debts spiralled. They ground-shared with Rodwell continued: "What is The Valley actually worth? It's worth a lot to Charlton but probably not a lot to a developer. Advertisement "What else could you stick on there? "I'm always a great believer that commercial reality would hit home. "There's always a deal to be done there. Talks are ongoing. They have been conducted in the right spirit."
Sydney Morning Herald
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I won't leave because of DCE': Rising Roosters half commits future
'No, definitely none of that,' he said. 'It's an awesome club, I'm lucky to be there for a couple more years. I'll take all the time I need.' Rodwell and his father aren't the only talented footballers in the family. Older brother Tom, who turns 24 in September, has been a standout for the Roosters' NSW Cup side. The winger has scored a league-best 15 tries and is second for line breaks (13) and third for post-contact metres (669). The pair have long harboured an ambition to play together in the NRL. 'Definitely, playing with your brother or against him, it's pretty cool,' Rodwell said. 'But to be together, even just playing a couple of [NSW] Cup games with him, it's been awesome. We definitely debrief after the game when we're eating dinner.' Rodwell won't be the only talented playmaker on show on Thursday night. His halves partner, Mitch Woods, has been touted as the long-term Canterbury No.7 long before Lachlan Galvin arrived at the club. NSW under-19s coach Josh Jackson, who was also Woods' coach when the Bulldogs won the Jersey Flegg competition last year, believes he has a promising future. 'He's a great, hard-working kid,' Jackson said. 'No ego, humble, very keen to learn. Very impressive. Loading 'He's a great communicator, one of the strengths of his game is getting a team around the park. He's got a great running game as well, he's definitely a run threat.' Asked what his progression to first grade looks like given the club also has Galvin, Matt Burton, Toby Sexton and fellow young gun Cassius Tia on its books, Jackson said: 'That's above my pay grade. 'I'm sure the club won't want to rush Mitch, they will let him develop and get ready for that. I'm sure the ones above me will look after that.'
