Latest news with #TeWhanganui-a-Tara

RNZ News
05-07-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Key Wellington areas identified as vital to survival of native bird species
Wellington City Council urban ecology manager Daniela Biaggio. Photo: Supplied/Wellington City Council Wellington is lucky to have nearly 40 species of native birds living along its urban coastline, but with more than half of these under threat, their nesting habitats must be looked after, says an ecologist. An annual bird survey of 55km of Te Whanganui-a-Tara coastline from Petone Beach to Oteranga Bay has identified four key areas essential for the survival of indigenous coastal bird populations. Wellington City Council urban ecology manager Daniela Biaggio said the survey also showed the capital was "a vital refuge" to 37 native bird species, "which is pretty amazing for the national capital". However, 20 of those species were classified as threatened or at risk. "It's really important to balance our urban life with caring for these taonga species." The four key areas identified by the survey are Oruaiti Reserve on the Miramar Peninsula, Taputeranga Motu in Island Bay, Wellington's south coast and the southern end of Wellington's international airport runway. Biaggio said they supported rare breeding colonies and critical nesting habitats for species like the spotted shag and banded dotterel. "For example, Taputeranga [motu in Island Bay] is one of the key breeding area for matuku moana - the reef heron," she added. "Twenty percent of the region's reef heron population breeds on that small island, so these places are really, really important places for us to care for our birds." Biaggio said the survey did more than identify habitats. "How we care for coastal birds goes beyond these key areas. Lots of things that we wouldn't normally think of as important can provide habitats. "Old infrastructure, such as piers and marinas, can also be strongholds for perching places for breeding birds." Locals and visitors could help protect the region's unique biodiversity by understanding and respecting the city's natural spaces, she added. "Whether you're visiting for a scenic view, on a fishing trip or just enjoying the coast, taking care to minimise disturbance to these bird habitats goes a long way to preserving Wellington's coastal bird populations for generations to come. "Human disturbance from off-road vehicles, fishing and other activities threatens sensitive breeding grounds, especially for ground-nesting birds. "The last remaining important breeding areas for our native coastal manu are areas with limited access, ruggedness and remoteness which tells us that with a bit more care in how we share the coast with this taonga species we may be rewarded and encounter them more often." The four key essential areas are: Submissions are now open on Tātou ki Uta - the council's draft Coastal Reserves Management Plan until 5 August. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.


Scoop
05-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Āpōpō Welcomes ‘Built To Last' Report As Mandate To Strengthen Aotearoa's Infrastructure Asset Management System
Press Release – Apopo The reports emphasis on sustainability, stewardship, equity, and system reform aligns directly with pps purpose: to enhance the capability of asset management professionals for Aotearoa New Zealand through education, accreditation, guidance, … Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington – Āpōpō – Infrastructure Asset Management Professionals, Aotearoa New Zealand's lead association for asset management professionals, welcomes the Built to Last report released by the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP as a timely and compelling call to invest in the long-term resilience of the nation's infrastructure. The report's emphasis on sustainability, stewardship, equity, and system reform aligns directly with Āpōpō's purpose: to enhance the capability of asset management professionals for Aotearoa New Zealand through education, accreditation, guidance, and thought leadership. Supporting a Future-Ready Workforce Āpōpō strongly endorses all seven recommendations made in the report – particularly Recommendation 4: Increase Asset Management Workforce Capability. With 99% of infrastructure already in place (Te Waihanga 2024), and future investment expected to prioritise maintenance and renewal, effective asset management is more critical than ever. Skilled knowledgeable professionals are needed now and in the future to take responsibility for delivering that effective asset management. New Zealand does not have sufficient capability in asset management to ensure we are realising all the economic, environmental, social and cultural value from our past current and future investments in infrastructure. 'Meeting these challenges requires more than money – it requires a shift to long-term, integrated thinking to deliver the competency and capacity in asset management that we require,' says Murray Pugh, Āpōpō Chief Executive. 'Asset management must be recognised as an essential discipline that safeguards intergenerational wellbeing, and this must be supported by formal education and certification pathways to ensure credible practitioners are added to the profession.' Āpōpō is already leading this shift. Through nationally recognised learning pathways, credentials, and technical guidance, the organisation is upskilling professionals across central and local government, the private sector, and community organisations. Its Professional Practice Accreditation Scheme – aligned with the Global Certification Scheme (GCS) of the World Partners in Asset Management – (WPiAM), offers recognition for practitioners at two levels: Asset Management Associate (AMA) and Asset Management Chartered Professional (AMCP). Underpinned by Āpōpō's Competency Framework, which integrates international standards (GFMAM) and ISO, the Pou Herenga model of culturally grounded practice, this scheme is building a skilled, knowledgeable, and ethical asset management workforce for the future. Strengthening Organisations and System Leadership Āpōpō is preparing an Organisational Accreditation programme to help lift asset management maturity at a system level. The initiative will recognise public and private infrastructure asset owning organisations for demonstrating excellence in asset governance, planning, continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and value realisation. Additionally, Āpōpō co-convenes with Te Waihanga – New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, the Central Government Asset Management Community of Practice. This collaboration provides a platform for asset owning agencies to share challenges and coordinate efforts for better outcomes. Embedding Long-Termism and Te ao Māori Values The HCF and WSP report highlights the tension between short-term political cycles and the long-term nature of infrastructure decisions. Āpōpō advocates for systems thinking, where infrastructure planning and asset management are grounded in wellbeing, resilience, and intergenerational equity. Āpōpō's work draws on global frameworks and adapts them to Aotearoa's unique context. Te ao Māori principles are woven throughout guidance and professional standards (such as the next generation authoritative Āpōpō Guide and the Infrastructure Valuation and Depreciation Guidelines), reinforcing stewardship and interconnectedness for delivering value that benefits all communities. The 2024 Āpōpō Supreme Award for Asset Management Excellence went to Nelson City Council for its Kaupapa Māori Asset Management Framework – an iwi-led, values-driven approach that exemplifies the future of asset management in Aotearoa. Built to Last recognises this project as a national exemplar. Professionalising the System Āpōpō calls on central government to take immediate action to support the professionalisation of the sector: Recognise Āpōpō's accreditation schemes within the public sector capability framework. Invest in professional development and an education-to-employment talent pipeline. Support organisational accreditation to lift asset management maturity and embed continuous improvement. Partner with professional bodies to co-develop national guidance, build communities of practice, and align with public value. Building a Resilient Future Built to Last affirms what asset management professionals have long known: our infrastructure future depends on people, capability, and culture. 'We thank the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP for their leadership in advancing this critical conversation,' says Murray Pugh. 'The time to act is now – together, we can support competent and capable asset management professionals to deliver enduring public value from our infrastructure assets.'


Scoop
05-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Āpōpō Welcomes ‘Built To Last' Report As Mandate To Strengthen Aotearoa's Infrastructure Asset Management System
Press Release – Apopo The reports emphasis on sustainability, stewardship, equity, and system reform aligns directly with pps purpose: to enhance the capability of asset management professionals for Aotearoa New Zealand through education, accreditation, guidance, … Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington – Āpōpō – Infrastructure Asset Management Professionals, Aotearoa New Zealand's lead association for asset management professionals, welcomes the Built to Last report released by the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP as a timely and compelling call to invest in the long-term resilience of the nation's infrastructure. The report's emphasis on sustainability, stewardship, equity, and system reform aligns directly with Āpōpō's purpose: to enhance the capability of asset management professionals for Aotearoa New Zealand through education, accreditation, guidance, and thought leadership. Supporting a Future-Ready Workforce Āpōpō strongly endorses all seven recommendations made in the report – particularly Recommendation 4: Increase Asset Management Workforce Capability. With 99% of infrastructure already in place (Te Waihanga 2024), and future investment expected to prioritise maintenance and renewal, effective asset management is more critical than ever. Skilled knowledgeable professionals are needed now and in the future to take responsibility for delivering that effective asset management. New Zealand does not have sufficient capability in asset management to ensure we are realising all the economic, environmental, social and cultural value from our past current and future investments in infrastructure. 'Meeting these challenges requires more than money – it requires a shift to long-term, integrated thinking to deliver the competency and capacity in asset management that we require,' says Murray Pugh, Āpōpō Chief Executive. 'Asset management must be recognised as an essential discipline that safeguards intergenerational wellbeing, and this must be supported by formal education and certification pathways to ensure credible practitioners are added to the profession.' Āpōpō is already leading this shift. Through nationally recognised learning pathways, credentials, and technical guidance, the organisation is upskilling professionals across central and local government, the private sector, and community organisations. Its Professional Practice Accreditation Scheme – aligned with the Global Certification Scheme (GCS) of the World Partners in Asset Management – (WPiAM), offers recognition for practitioners at two levels: Asset Management Associate (AMA) and Asset Management Chartered Professional (AMCP). Underpinned by Āpōpō's Competency Framework, which integrates international standards (GFMAM) and ISO, the Pou Herenga model of culturally grounded practice, this scheme is building a skilled, knowledgeable, and ethical asset management workforce for the future. Strengthening Organisations and System Leadership Āpōpō is preparing an Organisational Accreditation programme to help lift asset management maturity at a system level. The initiative will recognise public and private infrastructure asset owning organisations for demonstrating excellence in asset governance, planning, continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and value realisation. Additionally, Āpōpō co-convenes with Te Waihanga – New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, the Central Government Asset Management Community of Practice. This collaboration provides a platform for asset owning agencies to share challenges and coordinate efforts for better outcomes. Embedding Long-Termism and Te ao Māori Values The HCF and WSP report highlights the tension between short-term political cycles and the long-term nature of infrastructure decisions. Āpōpō advocates for systems thinking, where infrastructure planning and asset management are grounded in wellbeing, resilience, and intergenerational equity. Āpōpō's work draws on global frameworks and adapts them to Aotearoa's unique context. Te ao Māori principles are woven throughout guidance and professional standards (such as the next generation authoritative Āpōpō Guide and the Infrastructure Valuation and Depreciation Guidelines), reinforcing stewardship and interconnectedness for delivering value that benefits all communities. The 2024 Āpōpō Supreme Award for Asset Management Excellence went to Nelson City Council for its Kaupapa Māori Asset Management Framework – an iwi-led, values-driven approach that exemplifies the future of asset management in Aotearoa. Built to Last recognises this project as a national exemplar. Professionalising the System Āpōpō calls on central government to take immediate action to support the professionalisation of the sector: Recognise Āpōpō's accreditation schemes within the public sector capability framework. Invest in professional development and an education-to-employment talent pipeline. Support organisational accreditation to lift asset management maturity and embed continuous improvement. Partner with professional bodies to co-develop national guidance, build communities of practice, and align with public value. Building a Resilient Future Built to Last affirms what asset management professionals have long known: our infrastructure future depends on people, capability, and culture. 'We thank the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP for their leadership in advancing this critical conversation,' says Murray Pugh. 'The time to act is now – together, we can support competent and capable asset management professionals to deliver enduring public value from our infrastructure assets.'


Scoop
05-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Āpōpō Welcomes ‘Built To Last' Report As Mandate To Strengthen Aotearoa's Infrastructure Asset Management System
Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington – Āpōpō - Infrastructure Asset Management Professionals, Aotearoa New Zealand's lead association for asset management professionals, welcomes the Built to Last report released by the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP as a timely and compelling call to invest in the long-term resilience of the nation's infrastructure. The report's emphasis on sustainability, stewardship, equity, and system reform aligns directly with Āpōpō's purpose: to enhance the capability of asset management professionals for Aotearoa New Zealand through education, accreditation, guidance, and thought leadership. Supporting a Future-Ready Workforce Āpōpō strongly endorses all seven recommendations made in the report - particularly Recommendation 4: Increase Asset Management Workforce Capability. With 99% of infrastructure already in place (Te Waihanga 2024), and future investment expected to prioritise maintenance and renewal, effective asset management is more critical than ever. Skilled knowledgeable professionals are needed now and in the future to take responsibility for delivering that effective asset management. New Zealand does not have sufficient capability in asset management to ensure we are realising all the economic, environmental, social and cultural value from our past current and future investments in infrastructure. "Meeting these challenges requires more than money - it requires a shift to long-term, integrated thinking to deliver the competency and capacity in asset management that we require," says Murray Pugh, Āpōpō Chief Executive. "Asset management must be recognised as an essential discipline that safeguards intergenerational wellbeing, and this must be supported by formal education and certification pathways to ensure credible practitioners are added to the profession." Āpōpō is already leading this shift. Through nationally recognised learning pathways, credentials, and technical guidance, the organisation is upskilling professionals across central and local government, the private sector, and community organisations. Its Professional Practice Accreditation Scheme - aligned with the Global Certification Scheme (GCS) of the World Partners in Asset Management – (WPiAM), offers recognition for practitioners at two levels: Asset Management Associate (AMA) and Asset Management Chartered Professional (AMCP). Underpinned by Āpōpō's Competency Framework, which integrates international standards (GFMAM) and ISO, the Pou Herenga model of culturally grounded practice, this scheme is building a skilled, knowledgeable, and ethical asset management workforce for the future. Strengthening Organisations and System Leadership Āpōpō is preparing an Organisational Accreditation programme to help lift asset management maturity at a system level. The initiative will recognise public and private infrastructure asset owning organisations for demonstrating excellence in asset governance, planning, continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and value realisation. Additionally, Āpōpō co-convenes with Te Waihanga – New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, the Central Government Asset Management Community of Practice. This collaboration provides a platform for asset owning agencies to share challenges and coordinate efforts for better outcomes. Embedding Long-Termism and Te ao Māori Values The HCF and WSP report highlights the tension between short-term political cycles and the long-term nature of infrastructure decisions. Āpōpō advocates for systems thinking, where infrastructure planning and asset management are grounded in wellbeing, resilience, and intergenerational equity. Āpōpō's work draws on global frameworks and adapts them to Aotearoa's unique context. Te ao Māori principles are woven throughout guidance and professional standards (such as the next generation authoritative Āpōpō Guide and the Infrastructure Valuation and Depreciation Guidelines), reinforcing stewardship and interconnectedness for delivering value that benefits all communities. The 2024 Āpōpō Supreme Award for Asset Management Excellence went to Nelson City Council for its Kaupapa Māori Asset Management Framework - an iwi-led, values-driven approach that exemplifies the future of asset management in Aotearoa. Built to Last recognises this project as a national exemplar. Professionalising the System Āpōpō calls on central government to take immediate action to support the professionalisation of the sector: Recognise Āpōpō's accreditation schemes within the public sector capability framework. Invest in professional development and an education-to-employment talent pipeline. Support organisational accreditation to lift asset management maturity and embed continuous improvement. Partner with professional bodies to co-develop national guidance, build communities of practice, and align with public value. Building a Resilient Future Built to Last affirms what asset management professionals have long known: our infrastructure future depends on people, capability, and culture. 'We thank the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP for their leadership in advancing this critical conversation,' says Murray Pugh. 'The time to act is now - together, we can support competent and capable asset management professionals to deliver enduring public value from our infrastructure assets.'