“This week is a time for raising awareness of the serious challenges affecting Albertans who are impacted by eating disorders.
“Eating disorders are not a choice. Eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and others, are a serious psychiatric illness with complex causes. Unfortunately, they’re often misunderstood, unrecognized or left untreated, leading to devastating physical and psychological impacts.
“It’s crucial we talk about eating disorders and ensure Albertans know help is available. This is especially important for teens suffering from eating disorders, who are at even higher risk of health complications because they’re still in the early stages of physical development.
“Alberta’s government has invested in more treatment beds so more people can access the help they need. Albertans can access services for eating disorders that range in intensity from consultations with clinicians providing psychoeducation to inpatient treatment programs with medical and psychiatric services.
“With the right care and support, recovery from eating disorders is possible, leading to a better quality of life. If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, help is available. Call or text 211 Alberta to connect with digital supports and local services in your community or visit the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta online for more information on support and treatment options.”
Related information
Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta
211 Alberta
Related news
Expanding access to youth eating disorder treatment (Apr 5, 2023)
“February is Black History Month – a time to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black Albertans to the history and success of our province.
“From the grit and determination of Alberta’s early Afro-heritage pioneers to the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership of today’s trailblazers, Black Albertans have played a vital role in building and strengthening our communities. Their stories are a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance and commitment to excellence.
“As we celebrate Black History Month, we honour the achievements of those who have shaped Alberta’s story and look ahead with confidence to the contributions yet to come.
“Let us continue to build a province where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and where we uphold the freedoms and principles that make Alberta strong.”
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Amman, 1 February 2025 — During her visit to Jordan today, IOM Director General Amy Pope met with Prince Rashid bin Hassan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), Jordan’s Minister of Interior, Mazen Al-Faraya, the director of the Border Security Directorate, and representatives of the Jordanian Armed Forces to highlight IOM’s critical humanitarian work in Syria and Gaza.
“With vital and continued funding from the United States, IOM is able to work in close partnership with various stakeholders and partners, including the Jordanian government and JHCO, to deliver life-saving assistance to those in urgent need in Gaza and to support displaced Syrians,” she said.
Through close collaboration with the Jordanian government, as well as the support of the United States government and other humanitarian partners, IOM is delivering life-saving assistance to those most in need while facilitating safe voluntary returns for populations displaced by conflict in the region.
The visit began at the Jaber-Nassib border crossing, a key gateway between Jordan and Syria, where the Minister of Interior accompanied DG Pope. They discussed ongoing efforts to support returning Syrians and manage the border effectively.
Minister Al-Faraya stressed the importance of continued international cooperation, stating, “Jordan has demonstrated long-standing solidarity by hosting large numbers of refugees. We remain committed to our humanitarian responsibilities, but stronger international support is essential to sustain these efforts. Jordan has been a meeting point for Syrians and their families coming from all over the world.”
At the Border Security Directorate, DG Pope received a briefing on the Civil-Military Coordination Center’s role in facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid through the Jordanian corridor, commending the coordination efforts to ensure timely delivery to those in need.
DG Pope also visited IOM’s warehouse operations, which are crucial for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. The warehouse contains nearly four million life-saving supplies, including tents, tarps, hygiene kits, and latrines, all ready for immediate dispatch to support displaced communities in Gaza.
In her meeting with HRH Prince Rashid bin Hassan, DG Pope reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between IOM and the JHCO in regional humanitarian efforts.
IOM has been active in Jordan since 1994, working with the government, international partners, and local communities to support migrants, refugees, and host populations. Since October 2023, IOM has utilized its global expertise in emergency response to internal displacement, drawing on its experience from major humanitarian crises in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ukraine to deliver life-saving aid and shelter to displaced people in Gaza, in collaboration with UN and humanitarian partners.
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 1, 2025.
The command’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed in the airstrikes and no civilians were harmed. U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian harm. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa.
U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of this operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the operation will not be released in order to ensure continued operations security.
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Washington, 1 February 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcomes the United States’ commitment to resuming life-saving humanitarian activities. Secretary Rubio’s decision reinforces U.S. leadership in global humanitarian response, bringing stability and structure to complex displacement challenges.
Amid rising demand for return assistance across Latin America and the Caribbean, IOM is expanding efforts to help migrants return home, reintegrate, and rebuild their lives. In Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama, IOM has resumed its regional Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programs, providing urgent support to vulnerable migrants who are unable or unwilling to remain where they are and need help to return home safely and with dignity. Working closely with governments and humanitarian partners, IOM ensures that returns are voluntary, sustainable and managed in a safe, orderly, and dignified manner. Recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in AVR requests, underscoring the program’s crucial role as a lifeline for stranded migrants.
In Haiti, where thousands are returned each week, IOM has long delivered a range of services to returned migrants, including urgent assistance on arrival, temporary shelter, and support to help returnees reintegrate into their communities. These efforts not only address immediate needs but also contribute to stability, security and the creation of alternatives to irregular migration.
IOM remains committed to ensuring returnees have access to reintegration opportunities— both individually and at community level – so they can rebuild their lives in their home country. Over the past decades, IOM has facilitated the voluntary return of more than 1.5 million migrants globally, underscoring its longstanding commitment to sustainable return and reintegration as a cornerstone of sound migration management.
With decades of experience partnering with governments—including the United States as a founding member and its largest donor—IOM remains dedicated to addressing migration challenges through effective, principled, and needs-driven solutions. IOM looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the United States in the months and years ahead.
A new self-registration system is now available for private dock and boathouse owners in the marine area of the shíshálh swiya, offering a simple way to secure temporary authorization for existing structures.
The system ensures that owners can continue to enjoy uninterrupted water access, while the Province and shíshálh Nation work on finalizing the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan (DMP) for the region.
The self-registration system provides a seamless, straightforward process for residents to register their existing docks and boathouses quickly. Upon completion, owners will receive an interim general permission authorization, granting them continued use of their water structures during a transition period in which a review of self-registered docks and boathouses will occur before issuing a 20-year, long-term renewable authorization.
Important information:
Eligibility: The self-registration system is mandatory for all existing private dock and boathouse owners in the marine area of the shíshálh swiya, regardless of whether their structures currently have tenure.
Temporary tenure: The general permission tenure provided upon registration ensures that owners can maintain access to their docks and boathouses during the transition period.
Long-term plans: Over the next three years, these temporary authorizations will be reviewed and eligible structures will be transitioned into long-term, 20-year renewable authorizations in alignment with the final DMP.
Environmental requirements: Starting September 2024, owners will have 10 years to replace Styrofoam flotation systems and float decking with environmentally friendly alternatives such as encapsulated or non-Styrofoam materials and light-penetrating decking options. In cases where Styrofoam is actively breaking apart, dock and boathouse owners will have two years to replace it with encapsulated Styrofoam or a non-Styrofoam flotation system that ensures light penetration through the structure to the sea floor.
The self-registration system is only for existing marine private moorage docks and boathouses in the shíshálh swiya.
Learn More:
For other forms of moorage and information for those who have applications in queue for new structures, visit the Land use – moorage page. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/crown-land-water/crown-land/crown-land-uses/residential-uses/private-moorage
For more information about the registration process, future requirements, and the transition to long-term authorizations, refer to the Existing Dock and Boathouse Owners section in the swiya Fact Sheet: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/natural-resource-use/land-water-use/crown-land/crown-land-uses/regional-initiatives/shishalh-shared-decision-making/factsheet.pdf and the Frequently Asked Questions: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/natural-resource-use/land-water-use/crown-land/crown-land-uses/regional-initiatives/shishalh-shared-decision-making/faqs_dmp.pdf
To start the registration process, visit the Self-Registration System: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/crown-land-water/crown-land/regional-crown-land-initiatives/pender-harbour-project
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont released the following statementin response to the temporary restraining order issued late Friday afternoonby a federal judge in Rhode Island prohibiting the White House from imposing a blanket freeze on federal funding that has been appropriated by Congress until the court rules on a motion for a preliminary injunction:
“This temporary court order is the right decision against an unprecedented, disorganized, and chaotic move to unilaterally cut off funding for healthcare, housing, road and bridge repairs, and so much more. I appreciate Attorney General Tong and the coalition of states that are fighting in court to ensure that the funds appropriated by Congress are delivered as intended under the law.”
The temporary restraining order was issued as part of the lawsuit filed by Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and a coalition of 22 other states.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
February 01, 2025
Musk Repeatedly Attacked FAA Head after Agency Fined SpaceX
“[T]he fact that FAA has no Senate-confirmed Administrator in place to lead the response provides a concrete example of how your self-interest may not be consistent with the public interest.”
Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Elon Musk, Administrator of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), regarding his role in the resignation of the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Michael Whitaker, in the wake of the tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C.
“This resignation—which you called for after the FAA fined your company for safety issues —has left this critical agency without leadership while facing significant challenges, including the tragic midair crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 individuals—including at least six from Massachusetts —on the approach to Washington Reagan National Airport,” wrote Senator Warren.
Despite having a term set to run through 2028, Mr. Whitaker resigned from the agency on January 20, 2025, in the aftermath of a series of public attacks by Musk including calls for, “[Mr. Whitaker] … to resign.”
“You got what you wanted after President Trump was elected,” wrote Senator Warren.
Immediately after inauguration day, the Trump Administration took aim at the FAA and at airline safety, announcing a federal hiring freeze that included air traffic controllers, and disbanding the Aviation Safety Advisory Committee.
“It is not clear what direct or indirect role you played in any of these decisions, but at a moment of crisis, with 67 dead, the FAA is understaffed and was without a Senate-confirmed leader,” continued the senator. “[T]he fact that FAA has no Senate-confirmed Administrator in place to lead the response provides a concrete example of how your self-interest may not be consistent with the public interest.”
Senator Warren pushed Elon Musk for answers regarding his role in decisions made during the Trump transition or after January 20 about the FAA and airline safety, his current role in the Administration, and the ethics rules governing his actions.
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement celebrating Black History Month:
“Black History Month is an opportunity for us all to learn about and celebrate the many and diverse contributions of Black people to our province.
“In 1858, more than 800 Black settlers came north from California to Vancouver Island on the invitation of colonial governor James Douglas. They were promised equality under the law, as well as the right to vote and purchase property. Some settlers formed the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps, an all-Black police force.
“One of the settlers, Mifflin Gibbs, was elected to Victoria council eight years later, becoming the first Black person to hold public office in British Columbia. He was a prominent voice in favour of the colony joining the Canadian Confederation. More than a century later, social worker Rosemary Brown became the first Black woman to be elected to the B.C. legislature. Emery Barnes, a former professional football player with the B.C. Lions, served as the province’s first Black Speaker of the legislative assembly.
“A Black presence has been a constant in the province’s history, including descendants of the original immigrants. From salmon canner John Sullivan Deas to Emma Stark’s contributions as a school teacher to Seraphim Joe Fortes’ celebrated lifesaving to Barbara Howard on the track in the 1930s to Harry Jerome on the track in the 1960s to Eleanor Collins becoming the first Black entertainer in Canada to host her own national television program, the rich and varied achievements of Black British Columbians have helped make the province the place it is today.
“We should all feel pride in these accomplishments, while acknowledging the unjust barriers Black people face in their daily lives. Government is working to build an inclusive province where everyone feels they belong, as we build a more just and equitable society for all. Taking part in Black History Month enriches everyone.”
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said: “Students in B.C. have opportunities to learn about the diverse communities that shape our province, including the accomplishments and challenges of historic and contemporary Black British Columbians. Learning about Black History and other cultural histories helps students appreciate our province’s rich cultural heritage and supports the development of school communities where everyone feels safe, included and represented.”
Jessie Sunner, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, said: “Black History Month is a time to honour pioneers like Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, Harry Jerome, Eleanor Collins and Rosemary Brown, whose legacies continue to inspire us. This month gives us the chance to reflect on the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism. Legislation like the Anti-Racism Act aims to remove systemic barriers to government programs and services that Black communities face in the province. Let’s recommit to amplifying Black voices. As we celebrate the rich history and resilience of B.C.’s Black communities, we strive to build a welcoming province for everyone.”
George Anderson, parliamentary secretary for transit, said: “Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the excellence and contributions of Black individuals like John Sullivan Deas, Rosemary Brown, Justice Selwyn Romilly and June Francis, who have enriched every facet of our society, from culture and innovation to leadership and service. Here in British Columbia, we honour the achievements of those who have broken barriers and inspired progress, while recognizing the work still needed to ensure equal opportunity for all. I carry with me the stories of struggle, perseverance and hope paved by so many. By breaking down systemic barriers, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive and contribute to a more just world.”
Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement on the release of North Carolina native Keith Siegel from Hamas captivity:
“Today, after more than a year in the brutal captivity of Hamas, North Carolina native Keith Siegel is finally free and reunited with his family, including his beloved wife Aviva. This is a moment of great relief and celebration, but we cannot forget about the remaining hostages. I am confident the Trump Administration will continue to work closely with our ally Israel as it seeks to free every remaining hostage. This fragile ceasefire is completely dependent on the behavior of Hamas and we must remain vigilant.”
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, Feb. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global digital asset trading platform Toobit today unveils a newly optimized pricing structure designed to enhance cost efficiency for its users. The updated fee plan significantly reduces overall trading costs while offering even greater discounts for the exchange’s loyal clients.
Spot traders will receive at least a 50% discount on new trades, with higher discounts afforded towards spot makers and the exchange’s VIP traders.
Shown: Lowered fees across all different VIP tiers on Toobit
“Spot trading remains an integral part of Toobit’s architecture,” said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer of Toobit. “While we are undoubtedly proud of our large selection of futures products, trader interest in spot trading has kept us busy behind the scenes, focusing on delivering better and more transparent spot trading conditions for our users.”
As an example, a trader with an average trade size of $5,000 per trade will see a fee change from $10 to just under $4, should they place limit orders. Traders that have attained a higher VIP status from increased trade volumes will also receive a more notable discount.
This change is part of a broader commitment to making trading more accessible to retail traders by the spot and futures exchange, who has over the years delivered faster execution, improved liquidity, and tighter spreads on all its trading instruments.
Traders interested in the full list of Toobit’s fees, including the platform’s fees for its Futures products, can visit its fee structure page at https://www.toobit.com/vip
About Toobit
Toobit is a global crypto exchange dedicated to providing fair and transparent trading experiences. With ample liquidity and market depth, Toobit ensures efficient and secure transactions for traders worldwide and is committed to providing a secure and user-friendly environment for trading a diverse range of digital assets.
Disclaimer: This content is provided by Toobit. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.
POSTING FOR OPEN COMMISSIONER POSITION – WITH WV STATE BAR
The West Virginia State Bar is seeking candidates for the position of Commissioner of the Legislative Claims Commission. The State Bar Board of Governors will nominate three (3) lawyers and will submit these names to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate for appointment to the Claims Commission. The term is for six (6) years. A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience as a licensed attorney is required. A full description of qualifications can be found in W.Va. Code Section 14-2-4 and 14-2-10, and compensation is provided for in W. Va. Code Section 14-2-8. This position involves hearing and deciding claims filed against state agencies and the Crime Victims Compensation Fund. The main offices of the Claims Commission are at the State Capitol with travel to other parts of the state for hearings. Some administrative law, mediation, or other judicial experience would be beneficial.
If you qualify for appointment, and would like to be considered for nomination, please send your resume, with any supporting information and/or letters of reference, to Mary Jane Pickens, Executive Director, The West Virginia State Bar, 2000 Deitrick Blvd., Charleston, WV 25311 or pickensmj@wvbar.org.Nominations must be received by midnight, December 31, 2024.
Attention employers:Are you looking to hire a summer intern/clerk or an entry-level associate? Consider participating in the West Virginia University College of Law’s Spring 2025 On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) Session. Join many of West Virginia’s top private firms and public offices in recruiting talent at the College of Law! To participate, private sector employers must offer paid compensation to summer interns/clerks. While paid employment is always more attractive to students, public sector employers may post volunteer legal intern positions.
To register your participation, please click here to create an account and post your position.
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Brad Grimes, Assistant Director of Career Services for the College of Law, at (304) 293-7750 or at
Location:The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
CLE:Pending
Cost for CLE Program only $175
Cost for Banquet only $195
Cost for Both CLE and Banquet $350
CLICK HERE to REGISTER to attend Live in Person Annual Meeting
ANNUAL MEETING Live VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE:
Cost: $175
CLICK HERE to REGISTER to attend Live Virtual CLE Program
FEDERAL/STATE PUBLIC DEFENDERS, FED/STATE LAW CLERKS, LEGAL AID REGISTRATION:
Cost for CLE Program Only $100
Cost for Banquet Only $195
Cost for Both CLE and Banquet: $295
Cost for Virtual CLE Attendance: $100
CLICK HERE to REGISTER for Public Defenders/Law Clerks/Legal Attendance
Last DaytoRegistertoAttendCLE and Banquet isMarch 24, 2025
Hotel Accommodations:
The State Bar has reserved a selection of rooms, at theGreenbrier Resort,for guests of the Annual Meeting for the evening of April 3, 2025 with an event rate (including applicable taxes and fees).The last day to reserve a room with the event rate is March 2, 2025. Guests that wish to make reservations over the phone may call the resort’s toll free number 855-441-2078, guests will be asked what group they are calling with and should refer to the West Virginia State Bar.
Click Here to reserve a room at the Greenbrier
The School House Hotelhas a limited selection of rooms available to those seeking other hotel arrangements.For pricing and availability please contact 304-536-0999 for reservations, or CLICK HERE to visit online.
Location:The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
CLE:Pending
Cost for CLE Program only $175
Cost for Banquet only $195
Cost for Both CLE and Banquet $350
CLICK HERE to REGISTER to attend Live in Person Annual Meeting
ANNUAL MEETING Live VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE:
Cost: $175
CLICK HERE to REGISTER to attend Live Virtual CLE Program
FEDERAL/STATE PUBLIC DEFENDERS, FED/STATE LAW CLERKS, LEGAL AID REGISTRATION:
Cost for CLE Program Only $100
Cost for Banquet Only $195
Cost for Both CLE and Banquet: $295
Cost for Virtual CLE Attendance: $100
CLICK HERE to REGISTER for Public Defenders/Law Clerks/Legal Attendance
Last DaytoRegistertoAttendCLE and Banquet isMarch 24, 2025
Hotel Accommodations:
The State Bar has reserved a selection of rooms, at theGreenbrier Resort,for guests of the Annual Meeting for the evening of April 3, 2025 with an event rate (including applicable taxes and fees).The last day to reserve a room with the event rate is March 2, 2025. Guests that wish to make reservations over the phone may call the resort’s toll free number 855-441-2078, guests will be asked what group they are calling with and should refer to the West Virginia State Bar.
Click Here to reserve a room at the Greenbrier
The School House Hotelhas a limited selection of rooms available to those seeking other hotel arrangements.For pricing and availability please contact 304-536-0999 for reservations, or CLICK HERE to visit online.
Why has any discussion about Israel, its violations of international law, and the international legal expectations for third party states to hold IDF soldiers accountable not been addressed in Aotearoa New Zealand?
ANALYSIS:By Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa national chair John Minto’s campaign to identify Israeli Defence Force (IDF) soldiers in New Zealand and then call a PSNA number hotline has come under intense criticism from the likes of Winston Peters, Stephen Rainbow, the Jewish Council and NZ media outlets. Accusations of antisemitism have been made.
Despite making it clear that holding IDF soldiers accountable for potential war crimes is his goal, not banning all Israelis or targeting Jewish people, there are many just concerns regarding Minto’s campaign. He is clear that his focus remains on justice, not on creating divisions or fostering discrimination, but he has failed to provide strict criteria to distinguish between individuals directly involved in human rights violations and those who are innocent, or to ground the campaign in legal frameworks and due process.
Any allegations of participation in war crimes should be submitted through proper legal channels, not through the PSNA. Broader advocacy could have been used to address concerns of accountability and to minimise any risk that the campaign could lead to profiling based on religion, ethnicity, or language.
While there are many concerns that need to be addressed with PSNA’s campaign, why has the conversation stopped there? Why has the core issue of this campaign been ignored? Namely, that IDF soldiers who have committed war crimes in Gaza have been allowed into New Zealand?
PSNA’s controversial Gaza “genocide hotline” . . . why has the conversation stopped there? Why has the core issue about war crimes been ignored? Image: PSNA screenshot APR
Why has any discussion about Israel, its violations of international law, and the international legal expectations for third party states to hold IDF soldiers accountable not been addressed? Why is criticism of Israel being conflated with racism, even though many Jewish people oppose Israel’s war crimes, and what about Palestinians, what does this mean for a people experiencing genocide?
Concerns should be discussed but they must not be used to protect possible war criminals and shield Israel’s crimes.
It is true that PSNA’s campaign may possibly target individuals, including targeting individuals solely based on their nationality, religion, or language. This is not acceptable. But it has also uncovered the exceptionally biased, racist, and unjust views towards Palestinians.
Racism against Palestinians ignored Palestinians have been dehumanised by Israel for decades, but real racism against Palestinians is being ignored. As a Christian Palestinian I know all too well what it is like to be targeted.
In fact, it was only recently at a New Zealand First State of the Nation gathering last year that Winston Peter’s followers called me a terrorist for being Palestinian and told me that all Muslims were Hamas lovers and were criminals.
The question that has been ignored in this very public debate is simple: are Israeli soldiers who have participated in war crimes in Aotearoa, if so, why, and what does this mean for the New Zealand Palestinian population and the upholding of international law?
By refusing to address concerns of IDF soldiers the focus is deliberately shifted away from the actual genocide happening in Gaza. If IDF soldiers have engaged in rape, extrajudicial executions, torture, destruction of homes, or killing of civilians, they should be investigated and held accountable.
Countries have a legal and moral duty to prevent war criminals from using their nations as safe havens.
Since 1948, Palestinians have been subjected to systematic oppression, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, violence and now, genocide. From its creation and currently with Israel’s illegal occupation, Palestinian massacres have been frequent and unrelenting.
This includes the execution of my great grandmother on the steps of our Katamon home in Jerusalem. Land has been stolen from Palestinians over the decades, including well over 42 percent of the West Bank. Palestinians have been denied the right to return to their country, the right to justice, accountability, and self-determination.
Living under illegal military law We are still forced to live under illegal military law, face mass arrests and torture, and our history, identity, culture and heritage are targeted.
Almost 10 children lose one or both of their legs every day in Gaza according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNWRA). 2.2 million people are starving because Israel refuses them access to food. 95 percent of Gaza’s population have been forced onto the streets, with only 25 percent of Gaza’s shelters needs being met, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council.
One out of 20 people in Gaza have been injured and 18,000 children have been murdered. 6500 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip were taken hostage by Israel who also stole 2300 bodies from numerous cemeteries. 87,000 tons of explosives have been dropped on all regions in the Gaza Strip.
Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah, a British Palestinian reconstructive surgeon who worked in Al Shifa and Al Ahly Baptist hospital and who is part of Medicine Sans Frontiers, estimates as many as 300,000 Palestinian civilians, most of them children, have been murdered by Israel.
This is because official numbers do not include those bodies that cannot be recognised or are blown to a pulp, those buried under the rubble and those expected to die and have died of disease, starvation and lack of medicine — denied by Israel to those with chronic illnesses.
‘A Genocidal Project’: real death toll closer to 300,000. Video: Democracy Now!
As a signatory to the Geneva Convention, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and UN resolutions, New Zealand is expected to investigate, prosecute and deport any individual accused of these serious crimes. This government has an obligation to deny entry to any individual suspected of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide.
IDF has turned war crimes into entertainment Israel has violated all of these, its IDF soldiers filming themselves committing such atrocities and de-humanising Palestinians over the last 15 months on social media.
IDF soldiers have posted TikTok videos mocking their Palestinian victims, celebrating destruction, and making jokes about killing civilians, displaying a disturbing level of dehumanisation and cruelty. They have filmed themselves looting Palestinian homes, vandalising property, humiliating detainees, and posing with dead bodies.
They have turned war crimes into entertainment while Palestinian families suffer and mourn. Israel has deliberately targeted civilians, bombing schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and even designated safe zones, then lied about their operations, showing complete disregard for human life.
Israel and the IDF’s global reputation among ordinary people are not positive. Out on the streets over 15 months, millions have been demonstrating against Israel. They do not like what its army has done, and rightly so. Many want to see justice and Israel and its army held accountable, something this government has ignored.
Israel’s state forced conscription or imprisonment, enforced military service that contributes to the occupation, ethnic cleansing, systematic oppression of a people, war crimes and genocide is fascism on display. Israel is a totalitarian, apartheid, military state, but this government sees no problems with that.
The UN and human rights organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly condemned Israeli military operations, including the indiscriminate killing of civilians, the use of white phosphorus, and sexual violence by Israeli forces.
While not all IDF soldiers may have committed direct atrocities, those serving in occupied Palestinian territories are complicit in enforcing illegal occupation, which itself is a violation of international law.
Following orders not an excuse The precedent set by international tribunals, such as Nuremberg, establishes that following orders is not an excuse for war crimes — meaning IDF soldiers who have participated in military actions in occupied areas should be subject to scrutiny.
This government has a duty to protect Palestinian communities from further harm, this includes preventing known perpetrators of ethnic cleansing from entering New Zealand. The presence of IDF soldiers in New Zealand is a direct threat to the safety, dignity, and well-being of our communities.
Many Palestinian New Zealanders have lost family members, homes, and entire communities due to the IDF’s actions. Seeing known war criminals walking freely in New Zealand re-traumatises those who have suffered from Israel’s illegal military brutality.
Survivors of ethnic cleansing should not have to live in fear of encountering the very people responsible for their suffering. This was not acceptable after the Second World War, throughout modern history, and is not acceptable now.
IDF soldiers are also trained in brutal tactics, including arbitrary arrests, sexual violence, and the assassination of Palestinian civilians. The presence of war criminals in any society creates a climate of fear and intimidation.
Given their history, there is a concern within New Zealand that these soldiers will engage in racist abuse, Islamophobia, or Zionist hate crimes not only against Palestinians and Arabs, but other communities of colour.
New Zealand society should be scrutinising not just this government’s response to the genocide against Palestinians, but also our political parties.
Moral bankruptcy and xenophobia This moral bankruptcy and neutral stance in the face of genocide and racism has been clearly demonstrated this week in Parliament with both Shane Jones and Peter’s xenophobic remarks, and responses to the PSNA’s campaign.
Winston Peter’s tepid response to Israel’s behaviour and its violations is a staggering display of double standards and hypocrisy. Racism it seems, is clearly selective.
His comments about Mexicans in Parliament this week were xenophobic and violate the principles of responsible governance by promoting discrimination. Peters’ comments that immigrants should be grateful creates a hierarchy of worthiness.
Similarly, Shane Jones calling for Mexicans to go home does not uphold diplomatic and professional standards, reinforces harmful racial stereotypes and discriminates based on one’s nationality. Mexicans, Māori, and Palestinians are not on equal standing as others when it comes to human rights.
Why is there a defence of foreign soldiers who may have participated in genocide or war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories, but then migrants and refugees are attacked?
“John Minto’s call to identify people from Israel . . . is an outrageous show of fascism, racism, and encouragement of violence and vigilantism. New Zealand should never accept this kind of extreme totalitarian behaviour in our country”. Why has Winston Peter’s never condemned the actual racism Palestinians are facing — including ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and apartheid?
Why has he never used such strong language and outrage to condemn Israel’s actions despite evidence of violations of international law? Instead, he directs outrage at a human rights activist who is pointing out the shortcomings of the government’s response to Israels violations.
IDF soldiers’ documented atrocities ignored Peters has completely ignored IDF soldiers’ documented atrocities and distorted the campaign’s purpose for legal accountability to that of violence.
There has been no mention of Palestinian suffering associated with the IDF and Israel, nor has the government been transparent in admitting that there are no security measures in place when it comes to Israel.
For Peters, killing Palestinians in their thousands is not racist but an activist wanting to prevent war criminals from entering New Zealand is?
Recently, Simon Court of the ACT party in response to Minto wrote: “Undisguised antisemitic behaviour is not acceptable . . . military service is compulsory for Israeli citizens . . . any Israeli holidaying, visiting family or doing business in New Zealand could be targeted . . . it is intimidation towards Jewish visitors . . . and should be condemned by parties across Parliament.”
This comment is misleading, and hypocritical.
PSNA’s campaign is not targeting Jewish people, something the Jewish Council has also misrepresented. It is about identifying Israeli soldiers who have actively participated in human rights violations and war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories.
It intentionally blurs the lines between Israeli soldiers and Jewish civilians, as the lines between Palestinian civilians and Hamas have been blurred.
Erases distinction between civilians and a militant group Even MFAT cannot use the word “Palestinian” but identifies us all as “Hamas” on its website. This erases the distinction between civilians and a militant group, and conflates Israeli military personnel with Jewish civilians, which is both deceptive and dangerous.
The MFAT website states the genocide in Gaza is an “Israel-Hamas” conflict, denying the intentional targeting of Palestinian civilians and erasing our humanity.
Israel’s assault has purposely killed thousands of children, women and men, all innocent civilians. Israel has not provided any evidence of any of its claims that it is targeting “Hamas” and has even been caught out lying about the “mass rapes and burned babies”, the tunnels under the hospitals and militants hiding behind Palestinian toddlers and whole generations of families.
Despite this, MFAT had not condemned Israeli war crimes. This is not a just war. It is a genocide against Palestinians which is also being perpetrated in the West Bank. There is no Hamas in the West Bank.
The ACT Party has been silent or outright supportive of Israel’s atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, despite overwhelming evidence of war crimes. If they were truly concerned about targeting individuals as they are with Minto’s campaign, then they would have called for an end to Israel’s assaults against Palestinians, sanctioned Israel for its war crimes, and called for investigations into Israeli soldiers for mass killings, sexual violence and starving the Palestinian people.
What is clear from Court and Seymour (who has also openly supported Israel alongside members of the Zionist Federation), is that Palestinian lives are irrelevant, we should silently accept our genocide, and that we do not deserve justice. That Israeli IDF soldiers should be given impunity and should be able to spend time in New Zealand with no consequences for their crimes.
This is simply xenophobic, dangerous and “not acceptable in a liberal democracy like New Zealand”.
New Zealand cartoonist Malcolm Evans with two of his anti-Zionism placards at yesterday’s “march for the martyrs” in Auckland . . . politicians’ silence on Israel’s war crimes and violations of international law fails to comply with legal norms and expectations. Image: Asia Pacific Report
Erased the voice of Jewish critics ACT, alongside Peters, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Labour leader Chris Hipkins, and the Jewish council have erased the voice of Jewish people who oppose Israel and its crimes and who do not associate being Jewish with being Israeli.
There is a clear distinction, something Alternative Jewish Voices, Jewish Voices for Peace, Holocaust survivors and Dayenu have clearly reiterated. Equating Zionism with Judaism, and identifying Israeli military actions with Jewish identity, is dangerously antisemitic.
By failing to distinguish Judaism from Zionism, politicians and the Jewish Council are in danger of fuelling the false narrative that all Jewish people support Israel’s actions, which ultimately harms Jewish communities by increasing resentment and misunderstanding.
Antisemitism should never be weaponised or used to silence criticism of Israel or justify Israel’s impunity. This is harmful to both Palestinians and Jews.
Seymour’s upcoming tenure as deputy prime minister should also be questioned due to his unwavering support and active defence of a regime committing mass atrocities. This directly contradicts New Zealand’s values of justice and accountability demonstrating a complete disregard for human rights and international law.
His silence on Israel’s war crimes and violations of international law fails to comply with legal norms and expectations. He has positioned himself away from representing all New Zealanders.
While we focus on Minto, let’s be fair and ensure Palestinians are also being protected from discrimination and targeting in New Zealand. Are the Zionist Federation, the New Zealand Jewish Council, and the Holocaust Centre supporting Israel economically or culturally, aiding and abetting its illegal occupation, and do they support the genocide?
Canada investigated funds linked to illegal settlements Canada recently investigated the Jewish National Fund (JNF) of Canada for potentially violating charitable tax laws by funding projects linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which are illegal under international law.
In August 2024, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) revoked the Jewish National Fund of Canada’s (JNF Canada) charitable status after a comprehensive audit revealed significant non-compliance with Canadian tax laws.
On the 31 January 2025, Haaretz reported that Israel had recruited the Jewish National Fund to illegally secretly buy Palestinian land in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. What does that mean for the New Zealand branch of the Jewish National Fund?
None of these organisations should be funnelling resources to illegal settlements or supporting Israel’s war machine. A full investigation into their financial and political activities is necessary to ensure any money coming from New Zealand is not supporting genocide, land theft or apartheid.
The government has already investigated Palestinians sending money to relatives in Gaza, the same needs to be done to organisations supporting Israel. Are any of these groups supporting war crimes under the guise of charity?
While Jewish communities and Palestinians have rallied together and supported each other these last 15 months, we have received no support from the Jewish Council or the Holocaust Centre, who have remained silent or have supported Israel’s actions. Dayenu, and Alternative Jewish voices have vocally opposed Israel’s genocide in Gaza and reached out to us. As Jews dedicated to human rights, justice, and the prevention of genocide because of their own history, they unequivocally condemn Israel’s actions.
Given the Holocaust, you would expect the Holocaust Centre and the Jewish Council to oppose any acts of violence, especially that on such an industrial scale. You would expect them to oppose apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and the dehumanisation of Palestinians as the other Jewish organisations are doing.
Genocide, war crimes must not be normalised War crimes and genocide must never be normalised. Israel must not be shielded and the suffering and dehumanisation of Palestinians supported.
We must ensure that all New Zealanders, whether Jewish, Israeli or Palestinian are not targeted, and are protected from discrimination, racism, violence and dehumanisation. All organisations are subject to scrutiny, but only some have been.
Instead of just focusing on John Minto, the ACT Party, NZ First, National, and Labour should be answering why Israeli soldiers who may have committed atrocities, are allowed into New Zealand in the first place.
Israel and its war criminals should not be treated any differently to any other country.
We must shift the focus back to Israel’s genocide, apartheid, and impunity, while exposing the hypocrisy of those who defend Israel but attack Palestinian solidarity.
Queens District RCMPis investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Pleasant River.
Yesterday, at approximately 1:20 p.m., Queens District RCMP,fire services, and EHS, responded to a reportof a vehicle crash on Hwy. 208 near the 4200 block. RCMP officerslearned that a Mercedes Sprinter van was travelling on the highway when it left the roadway and came to rest in the ditch.
The driver and lone occupant, a 44-year-old man from the Halifax Regional Municipality, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation is ongoing.
Hwy. 208was closed for several hours but has since reopened.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Black History Month:
“Today marks the beginning of Black History Month – an opportunity to honour the culture, resilience, and achievements of Black Canadians.
“In communities across Canada, Black leaders, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, and activists have shaped our country’s history and continue to inspire its future. From the Underground Railroad, which brought freedom seekers to Canada, to trailblazers like Jean Augustine and Lincoln Alexander, Black Canadians have led the way in the fight for justice, innovation, and progress.
“This year’s theme, ‘Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations’, reminds us that the stories of Black Canadians keep being written every day. The advocate pushing for racial equity, the entrepreneur building a thriving business, the artist using their voice to drive change – these contributions continue to shape Canada for the better.
“Black Canadians have faced – and continue to face – too many barriers. That is why, last year, the Government of Canada extended its efforts under the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent until 2028 and welcomed the adoption of a second International Decade, which spans from January 2025 to December 2034. This extension allows us to further invest in Black-led programs, advance racial justice, and create opportunities for Black Canadians.
“To date, we have committed over one billion dollars to Black-focused initiatives, including the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, which has supported over 2,700 projects to grow Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving charities and non-profit organizations. We developed Canada’s Black Justice Strategy to address systemic barriers and injustices by ending the overrepresentation of Black communities in the justice system. Through the Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund, we are supporting Black Canadians to develop more culturally focused knowledge, capacity, and programs to improve mental health in their communities. And through the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund and the Black Entrepreneurship Program, we are helping improve the social and economic outcomes of Black communities and helping Black-owned businesses grow and succeed now and into the future.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage everyone to learn more about Black Canadian history and reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of Black Canadians. Let us recommit to building a country where every Canadian can succeed and have their voices heard.”
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, February 1, 2025/APO Group/ —
African countries have taken bold commitments to implement clean cooking energy solutions to offset the devastating effects of open fire cooking which kills roughly 600,000 women and children annually across the continent.
In energy compacts (apo-opa.co/40Fdx4z) signed during the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, held in Tanzania 27-28 January, 12 African countries signalled their intent to accelerate the pace of access to electricity and clean cooking solutions on the world’s fastest-growing continent, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 (apo-opa.co/40X7qK8).
Commending these countries, Tanzanian President Suluhu Hassan stated in closing remarks: “I understand that the 12 governments have only pioneered, and many others will join us in the future.” Earlier, at the opening speaking about the purpose of the summit she said, “This gathering is a platform to consolidate commitments, announce new partnerships and drive momentum towards the 2030 goal.”
The two-day meeting (apo-opa.co/40GUtCH) was organized by the Government of Tanzania and Mission 300, an unprecedented collaboration between the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group and global partners, to address Africa’s electricity access gap through the use of new technology and innovative financing.
Moderating a special panel on clean cooking on Monday, Rashid Abdallah, Executive Director of the African Energy Commission (AFREC) (apo-opa.co/40Es3JJ), noted that whilst 600 million Africans live without access to electricity, one billion -nearly double the number – were without access to clean cooking, relying on biomass fuels such as wood and charcoal, with severe economic, social and environmental impact. Conservative estimates put the cost of this across the continent to $790 billion a year, he noted.
Abdallah was joined by Dr. Richard Muyungi, Special Envoy to the President of Tanzania, Peter Scott, CEO of Burn Manufacturing (apo-opa.co/40Vxy8b), and Martin Kimani, CEO of M-Gas (apo-opa.co/3CtCZBZ), who each highlighted the significant health, environmental, and economic impacts of relying on polluting fuels for cooking, as well as the innovative approaches being developed to address this crisis.
Muyungi shared Tanzania’s experience in launching a comprehensive National Clean Cooking Strategy, emphasizing the importance of high-level political commitment, coordinated stakeholder engagement, and the integration of private sector participation.
He praised President Hassan’s role as a global champion bringing the issue to the highest level of African governments.
“It is important to elevate it to the highest level… She is the champion of clean cooking,” he said. He stressed: “It’s important that there is a champion who can elevate clean cooking in terms of partnerships and partner with others to address this issue. He added that Tanzania is on track to transition 80 percent of its population to clean cooking technologies by 2034, thanks to the efforts of President Hassan.
Scott, whose company Burn Manufacturing is the largest clean cooking manufacturer in Africa, discussed the diverse range of solutions being deployed across the continent, from fuel-efficient biomass stoves to cutting-edge electric cooking appliances with pay-as-you-go financing models. He stressed the availability of funding for clean cooking projects, pending the approval of carbon credit regulations by governments.
“This is the most exciting time in the history of clean cooking,” Scott declared. “Now, there’s a lot of money standing by to approve carbon credit regulations to allow carbon trading, carbon finance, to grow. “
Kimani’s pioneering pay-as-you-cook LPG model has provided an innovative and affordable solution to enable households to transition to clean cooking. He shared the success of M-Gas in onboarding half a million households in Kenya and Tanzania within just three years, demonstrating the scalability of this approach. “One of the most important considerations is affordability, how do we close that gap?” he asked.
M-Gas has found an answer by installing IOT enabled smart meters which are fixed into gas cylinders without upfront payment.
“We mirror the (pay as you go) environment they can now cook using LPG. With 35 cents they can cook three meals in a day,” he added.
Tanzania pioneers clean cooking and global awareness
Tanzania published its clean cooking strategy in 2024-2034 last year in response to its own challenges – 3,000 people dying annually and the effects of a devastating 400 hectares of deforestation annually from the use of charcoal and firewood.
Championed by President Hassan, the Clean Cooking agenda has embraced everyone and is part of the national agenda, Muyungi said. “This discussion has highlighted the innovative approaches, and the political will required to transform the lives of millions of Africans and secure a sustainable future for the continent.”
In a recognition of national efforts, awards were handed out to winners of a national clean cooking innovation challenge on the first day of the summit. The winners included creators of a biogas production plant and a click gas LPG delivery system.
The African Development Bank Group has pledged $2 billion over 10 years towards clean cooking solutions in Africa. The pledge represents an important contribution to the $4 billion per year needed to allow African families to have access to clean cooking by 2030.
“Why should anybody have to die just for trying to cook a decent meal that is taken for granted in other parts of the world,” African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina asked during a discussion as part of the summit. “Africa must develop with dignity, with pride. Its women, its population must have access to clean energy solutions.”
0:15 5 global risks facing the world – The Global Risks Report 2025, produced by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Marsh McLennan and Zurich Insurance Group, offers a sobering outlook for the future. Nearly two-thirds of surveyed experts anticipate a turbulent decade ahead, with no expectation of calmer times.
2:58 Why women’s health is often ignored – Women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health than men, despite having a longer life expectancy. Nine key conditions account for one-third of this women’s health gap. Seven are conditions that affect women only. They include breast cancer, endometriosis and menopause.
5:40 Protectionism harms global trade – Protectionism involves restricting imports, often by putting tariffs on them to defend industries from foreign competition. In the short term, protectionism can boost domestic economies, creating jobs and swelling government revenues. But it can also reduce consumer choice and lead to trade retaliation from other nations along with a more uncertain global economic environment.
9:27 Most in-demand health career – With nearly 29 million nurses worldwide, nursing is the largest healthcare profession. However, a global shortage persists, with 6 million unfilled positions before the pandemic—89% in low and lower-middle-income countries. This gap impacts both healthcare outcomes and economic growth.
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The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
UN Special Rapporteur to the Occupied Palestinian Territory Francesca Albanese has hailed the formation of The Hague Group, describing it as the “best news” from a coalition of policymakers “in a long time”.
Formed on Friday in the city of its namesake, The Hague Group’s members — Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa — have joined together to “end Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine”.
The groups said in a joint statement that they could not “remain passive in the face of such international crimes” committed by Israel against the Palestinians.
They said they would work to see the “realisation of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine”.
Albanese said on social media: “Let’s make it real. And let’s keep growing.”
“The Hague Group’s formation sends a clear message — no nation is above the law, and no crime will go unanswered,” said the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.
South Africa filed a case before the International Court of Justice alleging genocide in 2023 and an interim ruling in January 2024 said that there was “plausible genocide” and accepted the case for substantive judgment. Since then, 14 countries have joined the proceedings in support of South Africa and Palestine.
Joyful scenes erupted today as buses carrying Palestinian prisoners released under last month’s Gaza ceasefire deal arrived in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. A total of 183 prisoners were due to be freed today.
Three captives — Keith Siegel, Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas– were earlier released in two separate locations in southern and northern Gaza.
Samoan artist Michel Mulipola with his characteristic clutch of protest flags at the “march of the martyrs” in Auckland today . . . latest addition is the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo to acknowledge a brutal war being waged by M23 rebels. Image: David Robie/APR
NZ ‘march of the martyrs’ protest In New Zealand’s largest city Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau today, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters staged a vigil and march for the more than 47,000 Palestinians killed in Israel’s war on Gaza — mostly women and children.
Hamas released three more hostages from Gaza today – a total of 14 since the ceasefire. Image: Al Jazeera screenshot APR
More than 44,500 names of the victims of the genocidal war were spread out on the pavement of Te Komititanga Square in the heart of Auckland and one of the organisers, Dr Abdallah Gouda, said: “It is important to honour the names, they are people, families — they are not just numbers, statistics.”
A canvas with an outline of Palestine flag was also spread out and protesters invited to dip their fingers in black, red and green paint — the colours of the Palestinian flag — and daub the ensign with their collective fingerprints.
This was part of a global campaign to “stamp my imprint” for the return to Palestine.
“Each mark represents solidarity and remembrance for those who have lost their lives in the struggle for justice,” said the campaign.
“As you add your fingerprint, please take a moment to reflect on their sacrifice and the collective desire for peace and freedom.
“This canvas will become a living tribute with each fingerprint contributing to a powerful symbol of unity and support.”
Today’s Palestinian and decolonisation “march of the martyrs” in Auckland. Image: David Robie/APR
The protesters followed with a “march for the martyrs” through central streets of Auckland past the consulate of the United States, main backer and arms supplier to Israel, and beside the city’s iconic harbourside.
A young girl keeps vigil over more than 44,000 names from the 47,000 people killed in Israel’s war on Gaza at today’s pro-Palestinian demonstration in Auckland today. Image: David Robie/APR
UNRWA chief “salutes’ aid staff defying Israeli ban Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reports that the head of the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has hailed staff for continuing to work despite an Israeli ban on their operations coming into force on Thursday.
In a post on social media, Philippe Lazzarini said: “I salute the commitment of UNRWA staff”.
“We remain committed to upholding the humanitarian principles and fulfil our mandate,” Lazzarini said.
He noted that nearly 500,000 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, continued to access healthcare provided by UNRWA.
Since the start of the ceasefire in Gaza, UNRWA has ensured that humanitarian food supplies entering the territory under bombardment have reached more than 600,000 people, he said.
“UNRWA must be allowed to do its work until Palestinian institutions are empowered and capable within a Palestine State,” he added.
Israel passed a law in October that came into effect this week, banning UNRWA from operating on Israeli territory — including in East Jerusalem where its headquarters is located — and prohibiting contact with Israeli authorities.
However, Israel is occupying the Palestinian territories illegally in defiance of many UN resolutions ordering it to leave.
UNRWA has said that it is mandated by the UN General Assembly and is committed to staying open and delivering services to Palestinians despite Israel’s prohibitions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he was portrayed on a banner at the Palestinian “march of the martyrs” in Auckland today . . . he is “wanted” by the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Image: APR
At 9.00 this morning, in the Paul VI Hall, the Jubilee Audience took place in which the Holy Father Francis met with groups of pilgrims and faithful.
In his catechesis, the Pope focused on the theme To hope is to turn around: Mary Magdalene (Reading: Jn 20:14-16).
The Holy Father then greeted the faithful present in the Paul VI Hall and those in connection from the Vatican Basilica.
The Jubilee Audience concluded with the recitation of the Pater Noster and the Apostolic Blessing.
To hope is to turn around: Mary Magdalene
Dear brothers and sisters!
The Jubilee is for people and for the Earth a new beginning; it is a time when everything must be rethought within the dream of God. And we know that the word “conversion” indicates a change of direction. Everything can be seen, at last, from another perspective, and so our steps also go towards new goals. This is how hope, which never disappoints, arises. The Bible tells of this in many ways. And for us too, the experience of faith has been stimulated by encounters with people who have been able to change in life and have, so to speak, entered into God’s dreams. For even though there is much evil in the world, we can distinguish who is different: their greatness, which often coincides with littleness, wins us over.
In the Gospels, the figure of Mary Magdalene stands out above all others for this. Jesus healed her with mercy (cf. Lk 8:2), and she changed: sisters and brothers, mercy changes, mercy changes the heart, and for Mary Magdalene, mercy brought her into God’s dreams and gave new purpose to her journey.
The Gospel of John tells of her encounter with the Risen Jesus in a way that makes us think. It is repeated several times that Mary turned around. The Evangelist chooses his words well! In tears, Mary looks first inside the tomb, then she turns around: the Risen one is not on the side of death, but on the side of life. He can be mistaken for one of the people we encounter every day. Then, when she hears her name spoken, the Gospel says that again Mary turns around. And this is how her hope grows: now she sees the tomb, but not like before. She can dry her tears, because she has heard her own name: only the Master pronounces it in this way. The old world still seems to be there, but it is no more. When we feel that the Holy Spirit is acting in our heart, and we feel that the Lord is calling us by name, do we know how to distinguish the voice of the Master?
Dear brothers and sisters, from Mary Magdalene, whom tradition calls “the apostle of the apostles”, we learn hope. One enters the new world by converting more than once. Our journey is a constant invitation to change perspective. The Risen One takes us into His world, step by step, on the condition that we do not claim to know everything already.
Let us ask ourselves today: do I know how to turn around to see things differently, with a different outlook? Do I have the desire for conversion?
An overconfident ego that is too proud prevents us from recognizing the Risen Jesus. Even when we weep and despair, we turn our back on Him. Instead of looking into the darkness of the past, into the emptiness of a tomb, from Mary Magdalene we learn to turn towards life. There our Master awaits us. There our name is spoken. For in real life there is a place for us, always and everywhere. There is a place for you, for me, for everyone. No one can take it, because it has always been meant for us. It is bad, as they say in the common parlance, it is bad to leave an empty seat: “This place is for me; if I don’t go…”. Everyone can say: I have a place, I am a mission! Think about this: what is my place? What is the mission that the Lord gives us? May this thought help us to take a courageous attitude in life. Thank you.
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Greeting
I address a cordial welcome to the pilgrims present in this Hall and to those linked up from the Vatican Basilica. Today there are many of them and we have to do this in two places, but connected.
I am pleased to welcome the faithful of the dioceses of Capua and Caserta. They have come to Rome, with their pastor Archbishop Pietro Lagnese, also to return the visit I had the joy of making to Caserta on 26 July 2014. I affectionately greet the pastor Giovanni Traettino, a good friend; I greet the priests, the consecrated persons, the pastoral workers, the families and all of you, with a respectful thought for the civil authorities. I wish to reiterate my thanks for the warm welcome you gave me on that occasion. May the memory of that event, full of ecclesial and spiritual significance, revive in everyone the will to deepen the life of faith and always to be witnesses of hope and workers for peace.
My thoughts now turn to the pilgrimage of the diocese of Sulmona-Valva, with Bishop Michele Fusco, and the seminarians of Bergamo. Dear brothers and sisters, I encourage you increasingly to understand and welcome God’s love, the source and motive of our true joy. I also greet the Seminarians of Bergamo and urge them to always place Jesus at the centre of their lives.
My blessing to you all!
Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released the following statement after North Carolina native Keith Siegel was released from Gaza:
“We are overjoyed for Keith Siegel and his loved ones that the long nightmare that began on October 7, 2023 is finally over. Keith is now reunited with his wife and family, fulfilling the prayers of millions across the United States and around the world. Thank you to President Trump for delivering the decisive pressure that brought us to this day. I would also like to thank the U.S. State Department and Intelligence community, as well as the governments of Israel, Egypt, and Qatar for their efforts.
“I remain committed to securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, especially the six Americans. They must not–and will not–be forgotten. I will continue to work to bring the terrorists who committed these acts to justice for their heinous crimes.”
Senator Budd has been working for the release of American hostages since October 2023:
On October 25, 2023, Senator Budd first spoke about the hostage situation in Gaza on the Senate floor, where he announced his intention “to hold all humanitarian aid to Gaza until each and every American hostage is home and is safe.”
On November 6, 2023, Senator Budd met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani in Senator Budd’s Washington, D.C. office. In that meeting, he strongly urged the Qatari government to use their leverage on Hamas leaders currently residing in Doha to immediately release all hostages, and hold those same Hamas leaders accountable once the hostage situation is fully resolved.
On November 26, 2023, Senator Budd reacted to the release of Keith Siegel’s wife, Aviva, saying, “While we are encouraged by the government of Qatar’s efforts to mediate the release of some of the hostages, we renew our call to their government to exert pressure on Hamas leadership to release each and every hostage immediately and unconditionally.”
On November 28, 2023, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and called out Qatar for its continued hosting of Hamas terrorist leaders, saying, “We need to tell our friends in Doha loudly and clearly: Qatar is accepting a significant liability with its pro-Hamas policy.”
On December 13, 2023, Senator Budd sent a holiday message of support to the hostages and their families in a speech on the Senate floor, saying, “I want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.”
On January 10, 2024, Senator Budd returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. The focus of the delegation’s meetings across the region was on securing the release of hostages.
On the trip, Senator Budd and his colleagues toured one of the communities devastated by the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists. He personally spoke with former hostage Aviva Siegel, and met with top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea.
Senator Budd then met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Prime Minister of Qatar, to whom Senator Budd sent a strong message that Qatar must do more to secure the immediate and safe release of all of the hostages.
On January 15, 2024, Senators Budd and Joni Ernst (R-IA) published an op-ed marking the 100th day of captivity for the hostages, writing, “As long as Americans remain captive to these barbaric thugs, the latter is the victor. Allowing Americans to suffer under the yoke of terrorists is a win for evil around the world and a boon for Iran’s proxies.”
On January 25, 2024, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and delivered a sharp message to the government of Qatar: “Our patience has run out. Time is up. Either pressure Hamas leaders to release the hostages now, or expel them from your land. It’s that simple. The United States of America will be watching.”
On March 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis invited the family of Keith Siegel to be their guests at the president’s State of the Union Address. Keith’s sister Lucy and niece Hanna accepted the Senators’ invitation.
On March 15, 2024, Senator Budd joined a joint statement from Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as five other Senators stating, “If Hamas refuses reasonable negotiations, there is no reason for Qatar to continue hosting Hamas’ political office or any of its members in Doha.”
On March 26, 2024, Senator Budd and Senator Ernst issued a joint statement calling on the State of Qatar to immediately expel all members of Hamas’ political office currently residing in Doha.
On April 9, 2024, Senator Budd introduced the ‘Reviewing Qatar’s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act’, which would require the Secretary of State to formally certify that Qatar has expelled or agreed to extradite to the United States any individuals bearing responsibility for the terror attack on October 7, 2023. If the Secretary of State cannot make this certification in good faith, then the President is required to immediately terminate the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally.
On April 10, 2024, Senator Budd attempted to invoke unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the ‘Reviewing Qatar’s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act’, but was blocked. He said, “The time for talking is over, and the time for action is now. If we don’t see action, then Qatar must face consequences. At the end of the day, this bill represents another step towards securing the freedom of our fellow Americans.”
On May 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Ernst returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Iraq, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On the trip, Senators Budd and Ernst received first-hand updates on the state of the hostage negotiations from top U.S. and Israeli officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They also hosted the families of American hostages, including the family of North Carolina native, Keith Siegel.
On July 31, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Hamas’s political leader was killed, saying that it “sends a clear and resounding message to terrorists that those who kill and kidnap Americans will ultimately face justice.”
On September 1, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement condemning the Hamas murder of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin along with five other Israeli hostages, saying, “This is yet another act of cold-blooded barbarism from Hamas terrorists. It must not be excused or downplayed. The U.S. government must leave no stone unturned until all those responsible for Hersh’s kidnapping and murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.”
On October 7, 2024, Senator Budd disclosed that the Biden administration had ignored a bipartisan request from Senator Budd and 11 other Senators to authorize a reward of up to $25 million for information that brings Hamas leaders to justice.
On October 17, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Israeli Defense Forces killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks, saying, “[Sinwar] was a terrorist leader who had American blood on his hands. To the remaining Hamas leaders: release the hostages, renounce terrorism, and recognize Israel’s right to exist. There is no future for Hamas or its ideology.”
On November 8, 2024, Senator Budd joined a letter to the Department of Justice and Department of State requesting an immediate freeze on the assets of Hamas officials living in Qatar, the extradition of several senior Hamas officials currently residing in Qatar, and that Qatar end its hospitality of Hamas’ senior leadership.
On November 8, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after the State of Qatar decided to expel the remaining Hamas terrorist leadership from Doha, calling the move, “welcome, but long overdue.”
On November 22, 2024, Senator Budd, along with Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker and Senator Joni Ernst, released a statement calling on Turkey to extradite the Hamas terrorist leaders who fled there after being expelled from Qatar.
On December 2, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after the Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that U.S.-Israeli citizen Omer Neutra was killed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023 attacks. His body remains in Gaza, saying in-part, “this news is further proof of the true evil of Hamas terrorists. The U.S. government must not relent until all those responsible for Omer’s murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.”
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OpenMind, building the foundation for a world where humans and machines collaborate seamlessly, is set to debut its cutting-edge, open-source intelligent agent framework, OM1, at the upcoming Coinbase AI Hackathon this Saturday.
As the race for the best humanoid robot heats, with global teams integrating autonomous systems across workflows in healthcare, manufacturing, and defense, OpenMind’s launch couldn’t be more timely. At the heart of their innovation is OM1, an open-source operating system for building “thinking machines”—intelligent systems that combine perception, decision-making, and action. It provides developers with a modular, scalable, and transparent framework that simplifies the creation and deployment of intelligent agents that operate across digital, physical, and hybrid environments.
At the heart of OM1 is the idea of modular intelligence, leveraging large language models (LLMs) to enable machines to process and respond to human language. Developers and users can interact directly with the system to debug, improve, or guide its operation. Designed like a system of building blocks, it allows components —perception systems, actuators, and reasoning modules to snap together seamlessly. This modular approach enables unified decision-making, where multiple inputs—such as cameras, voice recognition, and sensors—are fused in a shared decision-making process that outputs behaviors or actions in physical or virtual environments.
OM1 doesn’t just help machines become smart—it enables them to think, adapt, and learn in ways that are fundamentally more flexible and robust than traditional systems. This approach ensures developers can create intelligent agents that are not only smarter but also more capable of solving real-world challenges.
OpenMind is also developing FABRIC, a decentralized communication and coordination layer that enables intelligent agents to interact, negotiate, and collaborate efficiently. Key features include a robust framework for machine-to-machine interaction and data exchange; real-time team formation, adaptation, and dissolution based on task demands; and blockchain-powered auctions and evaluation systems ensure fair and efficient task assignments to the most capable human-machine teams.
OpenMind will showcase OM1 at the Coinbase AI Hackathon this Saturday, offering developers, researchers, and AI enthusiasts an exclusive look into the future of decentralized intelligence and human-machine collaboration, giving everyone an opportunity to help define the next chapter in robotics.
Disclaimer: This content is provided by OpenMind. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.
The Scottish Greens are calling on the UK Government to lift the anti-democratic veto and unblock the Gender Recognition Reform Bill that Holyrood voted overwhelmingly for in 2022.
The call comes at the start of LGBT+ History Month. If enacted, this bill would allow self-identification for trans people, legally recognising their gender if different from their sex assigned at birth. It would give life-affirming autonomy without trans people having to wait years for an intrusive medical diagnosis.
Scottish Greens spokesperson for Equalities Maggie Chapman said:
“The theme of this year’s LGBT+ History Month is Activism and Social Change. I urge the Secretary of State for Scotland and his Labour colleagues at Westminster to live up to these values and undo the unfair and undemocratic veto on gender recognition reform.
“Gender recognition reform was supported by MSPs from all parties, including the Scottish Labour leadership. Upholding the Tory veto undermines the cross-party support that it received and the backing by almost every reputable equalities organisation.
“Most importantly, it highlights the lack of respect offered to some of the most marginalised and frequently targeted communities across Scotland.
“Self-identification is a normal process that is used in countries across the world. Finally allowing it to be implemented would be a small change that would offer more hope and support for trans people.
“What Labour must realise is the precedent that the Tory veto set. It has had real consequences, denying hard-won rights, fanning the flames of a reactionary culture war and paving the way for other rights to be reversed in other areas.”
Ms Chapman added: “LGBT+ History Month is about celebrating the diversity that exists in our communities and the activism and struggle of those who have stood up for equality and against prejudice. It is only right that we recognise that diversity in law too.
“Human rights are non-negotiable and are at the heart of the fairer, greener Scotland that I want us to build.”
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Grigorenko held a meeting with the heads of regulatory authorities
February 1, 2025
Dmitry Grigorenko held a meeting with the heads of regulatory authorities
February 1, 2025
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Dmitry Grigorenko held a meeting with the heads of regulatory authorities
Expanding the forms of remote control and developing a feedback system will become the main areas of improvement in the sphere of control in 2025. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko at a meeting with the heads of control and supervisory bodies.
According to him, thanks to digital technologies, which are increasingly being introduced into the activities of control bodies, direct interaction between the inspector and the entrepreneur is currently not always assumed. In particular, using the Inspector mobile application in 2024, it was possible to carry out events on 43 types of control (for example, fire supervision, construction supervision, technical supervision, health supervision). As part of the pilot project (since May 2024), about 3 thousand remote events were carried out. In 2025, the scope of the mobile application will be extended to a number of other types of control.
“This form of control has a number of advantages. First of all, it saves time and simplifies supervisory procedures. Also, remote formats of control measures using digital solutions eliminate direct contact between the inspector and the entrepreneur. On January 1, a new legislative norm came into force, with which we secured the legal basis for using the Inspector mobile application. We expect that this mechanism will be used in at least 10% of events this year,” said Dmitry Grigorenko.
In addition, it will be possible to appeal 100% of control and supervisory activities through the public services portal in a pre-trial manner. In particular, it is planned to expand the functionality of the service for appealing the results of activities without interacting with the inspector. In 2024, about 36 thousand requests were received through the pre-trial appeal service, most of which are related to petitions to extend the deadlines for the execution of orders issued following inspections. Information received from the business community through this service as feedback is used to further improve the supervisory sphere.
In total, about 390 thousand inspections were carried out in the country in 2024, less than half of which were business inspections. This is four times less than in 2019, when the reform of control and supervisory activities was launched. The most effective inspections are those carried out on the basis of a risk-oriented approach. Their efficiency is about 90%. The most effective agencies in working with risks are Rosselkhoznadzor (efficiency – 94%) and Roszdravnadzor (efficiency – 90%).
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dumped – for the second time – the government’s controversial “Nature Positive” legislation, which had run into strong opposition from the Western Australian Labor government.
Albanese, speaking on The Conversation’s Politics podcast ahead of a fortnight parliamentary sitting starting next week, said there was not enough support for the legislation, which had been on the draft list of bills for next week, circulated by the government.
This is the second time the Prime Minister has pulled back from the legislation. Late last year he also said it did not have enough support, despite Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek believing she had a deal with the Greens and crossbench for its passage.
The legislation would set up a federal Environment Protection Agency, which has riled miners who claim it would add to bureaucracy and delay approvals.
In recent days WA premier Roger Cook, who was instrumental in heading off the legislation last year, has been lobbying the federal government again. WA faces an election on March 8.
In an interview on Saturday, Albanese told The Conversation: “I can’t see that it has a path to success. So at this stage, I can say that we won’t be proceeding with it this term. There simply isn’t a [Senate] majority, as there wasn’t last year.
“The Greens Party on one hand have changed their views”, making another demand during the week, he said. While the Liberals – who began the review of the present Environment Protection Act – “have chosen an obstructionist path,” he said.
Albanese said the government would continue to discuss the issue with stakeholders in the next term of parliament.
“Does the environment and protection act need revision from where it was last century? Quite clearly it does. Everyone says that that’s the case. It’s a matter of working to, in a practical way, a commonsense reform that delivers something that supports industry.
“I want to see faster approvals. We in fact have speeded up approvals substantially.
“But we also want proper sustainability as well.”
Albanese also flagged the government might cut back its legislation to reform rules covering electoral donations and spending in order to get a deal to pass it.
Special Minister of State Don Farrell and the Liberals had been on the brink of a deal in the final week of parliament last year, but negotiations imploded at the eleventh hour.
Albanese told The Conversation he hoped the legislation could still be passed. “I spoke with [Farrell] today, he is consulting with people across the parliament.
“What I would say is that we are looking to get reform through. Now whether that is a bigger, broader reform or whether it needs to be narrowed down, we’ll wait and see.
“But we’re very serious about the reform which would lower the donation declarations, that would put a cap on donations, a cap on expenditure, that would lead to more transparency as well. It’s an important part of supporting our democracy.
“We see overseas and we’ve seen people like Clive Palmer here spend over $100 million on a campaign. That’s a distortion of democracy – if one person can spend that much money to try to influence an election and we don’t find out all of that information till much later on.”
The reforms would not start operating until the next term of parliament.
Albanese said he thought the reform would have “overwhelming support” with the public “and I hope that it receives overwhelming support in the Senate as well”.
Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
There has rightly been much debate and analysis over New Zealand’s decision to review the aid it gives to Kiribati.
It’s a big deal. So much is at stake, especially for the I-Kiribati people who live with many challenges and depend on the $100 million aid projects New Zealand delivers.
It would be clearly unwise for New Zealand to threaten or cut aid to Kiribati — but it has every right to expect better engagement than it has been getting over the past year.
What has been disturbing is the airtime and validation given to a Kiribati politician, newly appointed Minister of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs Ruth Cross Kwansing.
It’s helpful to analyse where this is coming from so let’s make this very clear.
She supports and is currently a minister of a government that in 2022 suspended Chief Justice William Hastings and Justice David Lambourne of the High Court, and justices Peter Blanchard, Rodney Hansen and Paul Heath of the Court of Appeal.
She supports and is part a government that deported Lambourne, who is married to Opposition Leader Tessie Lambourne — and they have I-Kiribati children. (He is Australian but has been in the Kiribati courts since 1995).
She supports and is part of a government that requires all journalists — should they get a visa to go there — to hand over copies of all footage/information collected.
She also benefits from a 220 percent pay rise that her government passed for MPs in 2021.That same year, ministers were gifted cars with China Aid embossed on the side, as well as a laptop from Beijing.
Amidst a gushing post about a president who recently gave this rookie MP a ministerial post, Cross Kwansing wrote of the “media manufactured drama” and “the New Zealand media, in its typical fashion, seized the opportunity to patronise Kiribati, and the familiar whispers about Chinese influence began to circulate”.
These comments shouldn’t come as any surprise as blaming the media is a common tactic of politicians and Cross Kwansing is no different.
Just because the new minister doesn’t like what New Zealand has decided to do doesn’t mean it must be “media manufactured”.
Her comment that “the New Zealand media, in its typical fashion, seized the opportunity to patronise Kiribati” is also ridiculous.
The journalist that broke the story — myself — is half I-Kiribati and incredibly proud of her heritage and the gutsy country that she was born in and grew up in, with family who still live there.
Cross Kwansing has been a member of parliament for less than six months. To not discuss the geopolitical implications with China, given the way the world is evolving and Kiribati’s close ties, would be naive and ignorant.
Pacific leaders frustrated It is not just New Zealand that Maamau has refused to meet. Over the last two years, Pacific Island leaders have spoken of frustration in trying to engage with the president.
Maamau is known to be a pleasant man and enjoyable to converse with. But, for whatever reason, he has chosen not to engage with many leaders or foreign ministers.
Cross Kwansing has helpfully shared that the president announced to his cabinet ministers that he would delegate international engagements to his vice president so he could concentrate “intently on domestic matters”.
Fair enough. Except that Maamau has chosen to hang on to the foreign minister portfolio.
It is quite right that New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters would expect to engage with his Kiribati counterpart — especially given the level of investment and numerous attempts being made, and then a date finally agreed on by Maamau himself.
Six days before Peters was meant to arrive in Kiribati, the island nation’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs told the NZ High Commission there that the president was now “unavailable”. In the diplomatic world, especially given the attempts that had preceded it, that is hugely disrespectful.
There are different strategies the New Zealand government could have chosen to take to deal with this. Peters has had enough and chosen a hardline course that is likely to have negative impacts on New Zealand in the long term, but it’s a risk he obviously thinks is worth taking.
Cross Kwansing has spoken about prioritising cooperation and mutual respect over ego and political posturing. Absolutely right — except that this piece of helpful advice should also be taken by her own government. It works both ways for the sake of the people.
Barbara Dreaver is of Kiribati and Cook Islands descent. She was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2024 for services to investigative journalism and Pacific communities. This TVNZ News column has been republished with permission.