News for New Zealand

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Save NZ's landlines; Comments due in 2 days
New Zealand Created: 30 Jan 2018
A bill is pending in New Zealand's Parliament that would allow that country's landline provider, Chorus, to abandon its entire copper network. The portion of the bill deregulating copper is here: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2017/0293/latest/DLM7393574.html
It would allow Chorus to dismantle its copper network in all areas served by fiber optics. New Zealand is in process of laying fiber optics virtually everywhere. All residents of New Zealand will be forced to have either VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) or wireless for their phone service if this passes.

Comments from the public are being accepted now, and are due by Feb. 2 New Zealand time, which is Feb. 1 in most of the rest of the world. What happens in New Zealand will affect the rest of the world.

Comments on this bill, from anywhere in the world, should be submitted here:

https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/52SCED_SCF_BILL_74818/telecommunications-new-regulatory-framework-amendment

Arthur Firstenberg
Source: Cellphone Task Force, Arthur Firstenberg (via email), 30 Jan 2018

Queenstown community to hear wifi concerns
New Zealand Created: 14 Oct 2015
Nelson lawyer Sue Grey will speak in Queenstown on the possible health effects of the widespread use of technology, including wifi, in our community.
Grey speaks at Queenstown Memorial Centre from 7pm on November 3. Entry is $5, cash only.

She was invited by a small group of concerned Queenstown parents, spokeswoman Lucy Emerson said.
"With Wi-Fi being almost everywhere and being used by children from an increasingly early age...there is a need for public awareness about what we are using and how we are using it."
Grey has a background in science, environmental management and environmental and public rights law and became involved in radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF EMR) issues in 2008 when a 22m cell tower was proposed 5m from the sandpit at the playcentre her children attended.
Since then she has developed expertise on related topics including cellphones, encouraging safer use of technology in schools and raising public awareness over the effects of RF EMR.
The main problem in New Zealand was that the current NZ Standard, which dictated the Government's approach to these type of radiation issues protected only against the "heating" effects of RF EMR such as instant death, burns and electric shocks, she said.
"It offers no protection for the longer term 'biological effects' on our cells, cell membranes, DNA and stress and other hormones."
In May 2011 the World Health Organisation and the International Agency for Research on Cancer classed RF EMR as a possible carcinogen. Many European states have imposed restrictions or issued warnings around the use of wifi use in schools, libraries and other public places.
It had also been shown about three to 10 percent of the population were electrosensitive and suffered allergic type reactions to various frequencies of RF EMR causing headaches, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds, difficulty concentrating, memory loss and a sense of confusion and a foggy brain, she says.
Safer ways of using RF EMR including limiting the use of cellphones or using the speaker/headphone so it is away from the head, use a hardwired phone instead of cordless, reject smart meters, use hard wired ethernet instead of wifi whenever possible and turning phones and computers to "flight mode" with wireless off except when it is needed, she said.

The MInistry of Health advises that wifi signals won't harm your health and wifi in schools does not pose a health risk to children or staff.
·
Grey speaks at Queenstown Memorial Centre from 7pm on November 3. Entry is $5, cash only.

Click here to view the source article.
Source: Robert Riedlinger/Agnes Ingvarsdottir

New Zealand boy dies after battle with brain cancer: Wi-Fi and wirelessly connected iPod likely culprits
New Zealand Created: 10 Jun 2014
A 10-year-old New Zealand boy, Ethan Wyman, died recently after an 11-month long battle with brain cancer. He attended Te Horo junior school along the Kapiti Coast of New Zealand. His death prompted his parents to petition the school that Ethan attended to disable their Wi-Fi system because of their suspicion that Wi-Fi is to blame for Ethan's death.
Damon Wyman, Ethan's father, said that his son was diagnosed with two brain tumors three months after the boy was given an iPod equipped with Wi-Fi. The parents later found out that Ethan had been sleeping with the device under his pillow. At the diagnosis, doctors estimated the tumors to be the approximate age of the length of time that Ethan had had his iPod.

Mr. Wyman did not say whether he believed that the Wi-Fi signals from Ethan's school and iPod were responsible for Ethan's death, but he stated that "it seemed like a bit of a coincidence." He said that having Wi-Fi in a classroom is potentially exposing a full room of children to the same risks.

The New Zealand Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health have stated that research shows that Wi-Fi is safe to use and poses no human health risks. However, other studies done recently by Safe Wireless Technology New Zealand (SWTNZ) have shown that Wi-Fi radiation may be associated with cancer and other health problems such as nausea, headaches, tingling and burning sensations, fatigue, heart palpitations and digestive problems. However, the New Zealand government has chosen to ignore the findings.

Children and EMF/RFR
Because children's bodies are still developing, they have rapid cellular replication and growth rates which makes them particularly vulnerable to DNA damage, according to Devra Davis, PhD, MPH, president of Environmental Health Trust. This makes them particularly susceptible to wireless radiation, much more so than adults who have denser tissue and bone structures. Exposure to EMF radiation fields damages DNA and impairs natural cellular repair functions, which over time can lead to the formation of cancer.

This critically important information about risks has been slow to become available to the public due to the fact that powerful entities in wireless industries have a vested interest in having the public believe that EMF/RFR radiation, which is invisible and cannot be heard, tasted or touched, is harmless. This of course is untrue, and recent studies are beginning to shed light upon the real facts.

Another thing to keep in mind is that radiation output standards are set based on testing adults, not children. This means that we are taking part in a mass experiment by exposing younger people to chronic, 24/7, always-on radiation for which proper tests have never even been properly conducted. This is a sure recipe for a long-term health disaster and may be what it will ultimately take for the public to wake up to the real-life risks of wireless non-thermal radiation.

EMF/RFR linked to multiple cancers
In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is composed of 27 scientists from 14 countries, concluded that wireless and cell phone radiation is a class 2B "possible carcinogen." Other items in this same category include pesticide DDT, lead, gas engine exhaust, burning coal and chemicals used in dry cleaning, among others. The children's health expert panel explained that there are nine types of cancer linked to EMF/RFR radiation:

Glioma (brain cancer)
Salivary gland cancer (parotid gland in cheek)
Leukemia
Thyroid cancer
Eye cancer
Acoustic neuroma
Meningloma
Testicular cancer
Breast cancer

These findings suggest that very careful precautions should be taken when interacting with wireless technology. Children and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to the risks and should avoid wireless signals and avoid using cellular phones except in emergencies.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/043542_wi-fi_emf_radiation_new_zealand_boy.html#ixzz34ED0VGF0
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Natural News: by: Zach C. Miller

Just 30 minutes of mobile use a day could triple cancer risk
New Zealand Created: 15 May 2014
Just 30 minutes of mobile use a day could triple cancer risk
Using a mobile phone for more than half an hour a day over five years can triple the risk of developing certain types of brain cancer, a French study suggests.

Researchers found that people who used mobiles for 15 hours per month on average had a two to three times greater risk of developing glioma and meningioma - the main types of brain tumour - compared with those who used their phone rarely.

The findings, by researchers at Bordeaux University, supported other international studies, suggesting a "higher threat of a brain tumour observed solely among heavier [mobile phone] users".

While a string of studies have failed to find conclusive proof of a link between mobile use and cancer, several have suggested intensive, long-term use can raise the likelihood of contracting gliomas.

Isabelle Baldi, one of the scientists who led the French research, published in the British journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, said: "Our study is part of that trend, but the results have to be confirmed."

Researchers examined 253 cases of glioma and 194 cases of meningioma reported in four French departments, or counties, between 2004 and 2006.

These patients were compared with 892 controls, or healthy individuals.

The comparison found a higher risk among those who used their phone intensively, especially those who used it for their work, such as in the sales industry. The duration of use in this category ranged from between two and 10 years, averaging at five years.

There were, however, unexplained anomalies. In contrast with previous research, the study found that cancer occurred on the opposite side of the brain to where the phone was habitually used, rather than on the same side.

"It is difficult to define a level of risk, if any, especially as mobile phone technology is constantly evolving," the study conceded.

"The rapid evolution of technology has led to a considerable increase in the use of mobile phones and a parallel decrease of [radiowave intensity] emitted by the phones.

"Studies taking account of these recent developments and allowing the observation of potential long-term effects will be needed."

In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer warned that radiofrequency fields used by mobile phones were possibly carcinogenic.

The largest study to date on the risks of mobile phone use, the 2010 Interphone study, found no raised risk of brain tumours among those who regularly used mobiles.

** UK readers: Please take note that these news were published in the "Paper" editions of The UK Daily Telegraph and in the Daily Mail, but were NOT available in their On-line editions, WHY NOT??.
Agnes
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Agnes Ingvarsdottir

Geomagnetic Storms Can Trigger Stroke
New Zealand Created: 23 Apr 2014
Background and Purpose—Although the research linking cardiovascular disorders to geomagnetic activity is accumulating, robust evidence for the impact of geomagnetic activity on stroke occurrence is limited and controversial.

Methods—We used a time-stratified case-crossover study design to analyze individual participant and daily geomagnetic activity (as measured by Ap Index) data from several large population-based stroke incidence studies (with information on 11 453 patients with stroke collected during 16 031 764 person-years of observation) in New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, France, and Sweden conducted between 1981 and 2004. Hazard ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results—Overall, geomagnetic storms (Ap Index 60+) were associated with 19% increase in the risk of stroke occurrence (95% CI, 11%–27%). The triggering effect of geomagnetic storms was most evident across the combined group of all strokes in those aged <65 years, increasing stroke risk by >50%: moderate geomagnetic storms (60–99 Ap Index) were associated with a 27% (95% CI, 8%–48%) increased risk of stroke occurrence, strong geomagnetic storms (100–149 Ap Index) with a 52% (95% CI, 19%–92%) increased risk, and severe/extreme geomagnetic storms (Ap Index 150+) with a 52% (95% CI, 19%–94%) increased risk (test for trend, P<2×10&#8722;16).

Conclusions—Geomagnetic storms are associated with increased risk of stroke and should be considered along with other established risk factors. Our findings provide a framework to advance stroke prevention through future investigation of the contribution of geomagnetic factors to the risk of stroke occurrence and pathogenesis.
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Stroke Journal / American Heart Association, Feigin et al., 22 Apr 2014

Dads win battle against Wi-Fi in school
New Zealand Created: 31 Dec 2013
Two fathers have won a battle to have wifi removed from their local school amid fears it could be dangerous.

View the news video via the source link below...
Click here to view the source article.
Source: TV NZ, 29 Dec 2013

WiFi detrimental to health, study suggests
New Zealand Created: 7 Dec 2013
Many people can't imagine getting by without WiFi, but one group says it's coming at a cost more detrimental than people realize.

Safe Wireless Technology New Zealand says research confirms the negative health effects of electromagnetic radiation from WiFi, but that the Government is choosing to ignore it.

The radiation has the potential to cause headaches, nausea and even cancer SWTNZ chairman Greg Kasper told TV ONE's Breakfast.

"If you get too much of this stuff it's really bad for you," he said.

Overseas research has shown that a person who uses a mobile phone for a year increases their chances of getting brain cancer by 70%, according to the SWTNZ.

"There's so much research and there's so much scientific evidence now that does more than just suggest that there is a real problem, and people are getting these problems," Mr Kasper said.

Many governments around the world are putting money into researching the issue further, and Mr Kasper said New Zealand should do the same.

"When you look at what's potentially happening to our kids out there... They're being bombarded by all this stuff - iPads, iPhones, wireless technology, WiFi in schools..."

"We do want the Government to put some money into some independent research."

Minister for Communications and Information Technology did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(go to source link below for video report...)
Click here to view the source article.
Source: TV NZ, 02 Dec 2013

The relationship between adolescents' well-being and their wireless phone use: a cross-sectional study
New Zealand Created: 23 Oct 2013
Abstract
Background: The exposure of young people to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) has increased rapidly in recent years with their increased use of cellphones and use of cordless phones and WiFi. We sought to ascertain associations between New Zealand early-adolescents' subjective well-being and self-reported use of, or exposure to, wireless telephone and internet technology.

Methods

In this cross-sectional survey, participants completed questionnaires in class about their cellphone and cordless phone use, their self-reported well-being, and possible confounding information such as whether they had had influenza recently or had a television in the bedroom. Parental questionnaires provided data on whether they had WiFi at home and cordless phone ownership and model. Data were analysed with Ordinal Logistic Regression adjusting for common confounders. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results

The number and duration of cellphone and cordless phone calls were associated with increased risk of headaches (>6 cellphone calls over 10 minutes weekly, adjusted OR 2.4, CI 1.2-4.8; >15 minutes cordless use daily adjusted OR 1.74, CI 1.1-2.9)). Texting and extended use of wireless phones was related to having a painful 'texting' thumb). Using a wired cellphone headset was associated with tinnitus (adjusted OR 1.8, CI 1.0-3.3), while wireless headsets were associated with headache (adjusted OR 2.2, CI 1.1-4.5), feeling down/depressed (adjusted OR 2.0, CI 1.1-3.8), and waking in the night (adjusted OR 2.4, CI 1.2-4.8). Several cordless phone frequencies bands were related to tinnitus, feeling down/depressed and sleepiness at school, while the last of these was also related to modulation. Waking nightly was less likely for those with WiFi at home (adjusted OR 0.7, CI 0.4-0.99). Being woken at night by a cellphone was strongly related to tiredness at school (OR 4.1, CI 2.2-7.7).

Conclusions

There were more statistically significant associations (36%) than could be expected by chance (5%). Several were dose-dependent relationships. To safeguard young people's well-being, we suggest limiting their use of cellphones and cordless phones to less than 15 minutes daily, and employing a speaker-phone device for longer daily use. We recommend parental measures are taken to prevent young people being woken by their cellphones.
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Environmental Health, Redmayne et al., 22 Oct 2013

Dr David Black in an interview from “Is Your Cell Phone Killing You?”
New Zealand Created: 30 Oct 2012
Below is a link to a clip by David Black, President of the Bioelectromagnetics Society (with the help of the US Air Force) and consulting expert for ICNIRP.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK-hx5Y-FyQ&feature=youtu.be
The documentary, “Is Your Cell Phone Killing You?” was produced for TV3 in New Zealand. What is happening in New Zealand is part of a global phenomenon. Worldwide, we are being exposed to increasing amounts of electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) from a growing number of sources, such as cell phones, Wi-fi, and cell phone masts. Like most government health authorities throughout the world, New Zealand’s Ministry of Health insists that there are no potential health risks and that citizens are protected by current safety standards.
However many scientists and health professionals are now warning that our long term exposure to EMR at levels well below the existing safety standards could result in a global public health crisis – a crisis because we are all exposed.
Compelling scientific research is linking electro-magnetic radiation to a host of serious health problems – ranging from depression, miscarriage to Alzheimer’s and cancer.
In May 2011, the World Health Organisation announced that cell phone radiation could possibly cause cancer. A review of the latest scientific studies prompted them to revise their previous stance that cell phones posed no long term health risk.
An increasing number of government health ministries around the world recommend that children’s exposure to cell phone radiation should be drastically reduced.
“Is Your cell Phone Killing You?” investigates whether the electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones, cell and broadcast towers, Wi-fi and powerlines could be hazardous to our health.
This documentary features compelling interviews with international and New Zealand scientists and experts, health professionals, concerned citizens and people who claim that everyday exposure to electro-magnetic radiation is making them sick. “Is Your Cell Phone Killing You”? critically examines one of the most important scientific debates of the 21st century.
“This documentary broaches the potential risk of cell phones with dramatic effect”

The Dominion Post – Wellington, New Zealand
“Have watched the production. Brilliant. Well done. Very thoughtprovoking. You got the balance right. Can’t wait for it to be aired.”

Brian Stein, Chairman, UK Radiation Research
“I loved it, really good job. This documentary puts the whole EMR issue in perspective. The evidence for harm from mobile phones is strong and gets stronger each day, and “Is Your Cell Phone Killing You?” presents that evidence and raises other issues such as exposure to power lines and children’s exposure in a balanced and thought provoking fashion.”

David O. Carpenter, M.D Director, Institute for Health and the Environment University at Albany, New York
“Is Your Cell Phone Killing You?” is documentary filming at it’s best! Thank you so much for it.

Olle Johansson, assoc. prof.
Department of Neuroscience
Karolinska Institute
Sweden
“Is Your Cell Phone Killing You?’ presents a large amount of very interesting information about the dangers of cell phone radiation and the health effects of electro magnetic radiation. This fast moving documentary should be mandatory viewing for anyone who uses a cell phone”.

Martin Weatherall
Co Director
The WEEP Initiative.
“Is Your Cell Phone Killing You?” is an unflinching look at the issue of health effects from cell phones and other EMF radiation sources we are all exposed to. Shot in New Zealand, the film is relevant to every community in the world, for we all share the same biology and similar legal and political systems when it comes to how the industry propagated this harmful technology onto an unknowing public. Refreshingly free of industry bias, even though it asks the question, the film leaves no doubt at the end that “Yes indeed, your cell phone may be killing you!” For anyone who uses a cell phone or lives in an area where there are cell towers, antennas or power lines and has ever doubted the relationship between EM radiation and health effects, this film is a must see!!!

Elizabeth Barris, Director, American Association For Cell Phone Safety & Documentary Filmmaker
“This is one of the outstanding TV documentaries produced recently, which used expertise to advantage describing the difficult position we are in today”.

Duke Hawe. New Zealand viewer

Review by Don Maisch at EMFacts Consultancy
Excellent New Zealand TV3 Documentary

http://isyourcellphonekillingyou.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK-hx5Y-FyQ&feature=youtu.be
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Iris Atzmon/Agnes Ingvarsdottir

A new Study and Survey into whether your blood type is a factor for how badly you get hit by EHS
New Zealand Created: 20 Jun 2012
About this study
Is blood type a factor?
Is there a biological factor that means some people suffer the effects of electromagnetic radiation worse than others?

Medicines mean a better quality of life in many areas

The proteins in our DNA are different, the proteins in our blood are different, and yet we live in one world with the same set of rules. Understanding what makes us different is the first step to finding cures of diseases or deficiencies needing further research.

Electrohypersensitivity (EHS) is increasingly affecting more people in today’s technological age. While many people with the power to do something about it are still arguing whether or not it exists; funding is not given to research those affected.

The idea behind this questionnaire is to do an initial study of a possible link between the blood type and those suffering because of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR). The theory being that the Rh factor (Antigens/proteins) found on the surface of RH Positive red blood cells provides an extra layer of protection RH negative people do not have. All biological cells are affected by EMR but why some are affected so much worse than others is unknown. Could RH negative people be more affected by EHS than RH positive people?

Put your blood type in the questionnaire and we will see. The study is anonymous and you can select to receive the end results of the study if you like, however you will need to provide an email address if you do.

If a conclusive result comes from this initial questionnaire it could lead to a study by a prominent scientist. It would be fantastic to get your data, no matter what your RH factor is, but you must know your blood type to participate.

Who can do the questionnaire?
Answer: Anyone suffering from the ill effects of Electromagnetic Radiation!

Because Electrohypersensitivity is not recognized in many countries this questionnaire is for anyone that knows they are negatively affected by Electromagnetic radiation from cell phone towers, WIFI, cell phones, electrical gadgets and even Radio frequencies. This is not a fool proof controlled study but more a wind vein to show us which way the wind is blowing. We will get an idea which way to head based on the feedback from these questions.
Please fill out the questionaire at the link.
http://www.ehsbloodtype.com/
Click here to view the source article.
Source: Agnes Ingvarsdottir.

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