NewzIntel.com

Blog

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – Consent granted for 172-hectare Bream Bay solar farm

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    Independent hearings commissioners have granted an application by Meridian Energy Limited (MEL) to build a multi-million dollar 172-hectare solar farm across three sites at Marsden Pt, Ruakākā.
    The company had applied to the Northland Regional Council for resource consents for earthworks, associated stormwater diversion and discharges and vegetation clearance for the farm. (Land use consent for the solar farm was granted by the Whangarei District Council in February this year.)
    The application also proposed the creation, enhancement and restoration of 18.86ha of wetland across the three sites to offset the permanent removal of 17.06ha of wetlands.
    The application was lodged in September last year and publicly notified in March, attracting 12 submissions; two in support and 10 opposed. It was heard by commissioners David Hill (Chair) and Sheila Taylor over two days in Whangarei last month. (Subs: August 05 and 06).
    In their recently released decision granting the requested consents for 35 years, the commissioners said MEL had been looking for an opportunity to establish a solar farm in Northland to improve the resilience of both regional and national energy supply.
    “This culminated in the purchase of three sites at Marsden Point, and the consenting and construction of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on the northern-most site (corner Rama Road and SH15) as the first stage of the Ruakākā Energy Park.”
    Two hundred thousand solar panels would be installed to construct the 100-150MW farm which would produce 150-200GWh of electricity annually.
    In their decision the commissioners said the national and regional electricity generation benefits were not disputed.
    They found that “after having regard to the actual and potential effects on the environment of allowing the proposed activity, and taking into account the relevant statutory provisions, we find that consent for the proposed activities should be granted…”.
    “The adverse effects of the activity, when considered in the round and with the mitigation proposed and positive effects accounted for, will be minor.”
    The commissioners said the activity of the specified infrastructure was not contrary to the objectives and policies of the relevant plans.
    “The proposed activity is broadly consistent with the provisions of the relevant statutory documents and, with the conditions imposed, will avoid, remedy or mitigate as required the adverse effects that might otherwise be created.”
    The commissioners’ decision is now subject to appeal for 15 working days.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Development – Fast-track panel approves consent for new Queenstown hotel – EPA

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    An independent panel has approved resource consent, subject to conditions, to construct a hotel on Man Street, Queenstown.
    The Queenstown Hotel (NZ) Limited Partnership applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020. The project involves constructing a multi-storey hotel with 185 guest rooms at 12 Man Street.
    The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.
    The decision comes 148 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
    The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel convenor, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panel he appoints.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Govt turns back on social housing, prepares to axe 300 Kāinga Ora workers – PSA

    Source: PSA

    – A net 321 roles in housing delivery teams proposed to go
    – Kāinga Ora confirms housing builds falling from 4800 a year to 1600
    Kāinga Ora is proposing to cut a net 321 roles in the teams which play a key role in delivering social housing for thousands of New Zealanders as it significantly slows the building of new houses.
    Staff were informed of the proposed change today making crystal clear the Government’s plans to downsize the state’s role in providing housing for low-income families. Kāinga Ora told staff that the ‘Government has asked us to deliver housing in lower volumes’.
    “We feel for all those dedicated workers who are impacted by this proposal – they have been doing great work for a great purpose which this government is failing to value in its ideological obsession with outsourcing a key state function,” said Duane Leo National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This is a sad day for the proud tradition of the State building houses for those who depend on the government to provide a secure and healthy roof over their heads.”
    People who look likely to lose their jobs are those critical to the planning, design and construction of social houses, like architects, technical advisors, project coordinators, urban designers, spatial planners, and quality assurance experts. They work across the country with a third in Auckland and represent around 10% of Kāinga Ora’s workforce.
    “Kāinga Ora has done an extraordinary job in its short life in boosting the construction of social houses with nearly 5000 built last year alone. Staff should take credit for their efforts in providing modern homes for those who need them most.”
    A host of Kāinga Ora developments are now on hold as the Government shifts back to a focus on community-provided social housing. This follows a so-called independent review by former Prime Minister Sir Bill English and significant cuts in funding in Budget 2024.
    Duane Leo said; “The Government has made much of the fact that the demand for emergency housing is falling as some families shift to private rentals and into social housing. Many of those social houses were built by the previous government.
    “The confirmation of Kāinga Ora’s much reduced role will only mean uncertainty in the future for these families as the supply of social housing provided by the State falls.
    “Once again we see the Government’s misplaced priorities laid bare – it would rather give a helping hand to landlords than a helping hand to those who need it most.”
    Background – previous PSA statements on Kāinga Ora cuts
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace – Camera roll-out a win for the ocean, now needed for full fleet

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace says the continued roll out of cameras on boats announced today is a win for ocean health and environmentalists, who have been campaigning for greater fishing industry accountability for decades – but says it now must also extend to the full fishing fleet.
    Oceans & Fisheries Minister Shane Jones, who has repeatedly opposed the cameras on boats programme, takes campaign donations from the industry, and positioned himself as a “champion of industry”, has today announced that cameras will continue to be fitted to the remaining inshore commercial fishing fleet.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa executive director Dr. Russel Norman says, “Cameras on boats are our eyes at sea, helping to keep the fishing industry accountable, and giving us a clear picture of how commercial fishing impacts the ocean. We know that when cameras go on boats, reported captures of marine life like dolphins and seabirds increase.”
    The rollout of cameras on the first 127 boats led to a seven-fold increase in industry reports of dolphin capture, a 3.5 times increase in reports of killing albatrosses and an almost 50% increase in the reported volume of fish dumping.
    Says Dr Norman: “The initial rollout to 127 vessels led to new regulations to protect seabirds from being killed by commercial fishing boats.
    “Cameras work, and help protect ocean biodiversity. Getting them rolled out on boats is the result of decades of campaigning and public pressure. This announcement today shows that environmental NGOs like Greenpece can win even when faced with a Government and Minister engaged in an all out War On Nature.”
    But Dr. Norman says that the camera programme must now be rolled out to the full fleet, including deep sea bottom trawling boats, whose large weighted nets catch and kill marine life, including fur seals, dolphins and coral. A report released last year, showed that commercial fishers pulled up nearly 200 tonnes of coral over a 13 year period with 99% of that ‘bycatch’ caused by bottom trawling.
    Greenpeace is also concerned that the announcement included changes to fish dumping regulations, whereby commercial fishing companies would no longer be required to land all the sea creatures they kill in their nets.
    “The current discard rules provide strong incentives for fishing companies to minimise the sea creatures killed by their operations, because they have to land them rather than dump them overboard.”Catching and killing and then discarding fish, sharks, rays and so much more is wasteful and damaging to the marine ecosystem. If the fishing industry catches these animals, they should not be allowed to just dump them.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Renewable Energy – Ruakākā Solar Farm gains planning consent – Meridian

    Source: Meridian Energy

    Meridian Energy has been granted resource consent to build a 120 MW solar farm in Tai Tokerau Northland.

    With up to 250,000 solar panels, the Ruakākā Solar Farm, south of Whangārei, will be capable of producing 150 to 200 GWh of electricity per year – enough to power more than half the homes in Northland.

    Meridian’s Head of Renewable Development, Rebecca Knott, says the project will boost resilience for the region by reducing Northland’s reliance on electricity generated from other parts of the country.

    “With the bulk of New Zealand’s electricity generation coming from the lower South Island and North Island, south of Auckland, we’re proud to be developing such significant generation capacity in Tai Tokerau. This region is blessed with phenomenal natural resources, and we’re looking forward to delivering a fantastic new project that takes full advantage of that.”

    The solar farm is Stage 2 of Meridian’s Ruakākā Energy Park, which includes a 100 MW battery energy storage system that is at an advanced stage of construction and due for completion in early 2025.

    “The Ruakākā Energy Park is one of a number of renewable energy developments Meridian has underway to improve the security of electricity supply and help create a low carbon future for all Kiwis,” says Rebecca Knott.

    “We’re committed to increasing the amount of renewable electricity we generate and store so that we can help meet New Zealand’s growing demand for clean energy. That commitment is backed by a $3 billion investment through to 2030, and a number of excellent projects already in or approaching the planning process. Solar farms and batteries, alongside our hydro stations and wind farms, are part of the solution to strengthening and growing our electricity system, building resilience for tough years and reducing the cost of electricity for homes and businesses.”

    Subject to the appeal period and final investment decision by the Meridian Board, expected by the end of the year, construction of the Ruakākā Solar Farm will get underway in early 2025. It is expected to be completed in late 2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government grants ACEREZ transmission operator’s licence for Central-West Orana REZ

    Source: New South Wales Environment and Heritage

    ACEREZ, a consortium of Acciona Concesiones, Cobra and Endeavour Energy, was selected by the Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) as the preferred network operator to deliver the Central-West Orana REZ transmission system, following a rigorous competitive tender.

    The NSW Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe granted the licence, which will enable ACEREZ to design, construct, own and operate the Central-West Orana REZ transmission system, which will connect renewable energy projects within the REZ to the existing Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong load centres.

    When operational, the Central-West Orana REZ transmission system will unlock 4.5 gigawatts of network capacity, allowing generation and storage projects to connect at scale. This is expected to deliver $3 billion in net benefits for NSW energy consumers, drive $20 billion in regional investment and support 5000 jobs during peak construction.

    The Central-West Orana REZ is a vital component in the government’s roadmap to powering the state with affordable, clean and reliable energy.

    The decision follows the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) recommendation to the NSW Minister for Energy on ACEREZ’s application for the licence, published in its final report.

    In granting the licence, the Minister included several licence conditions, some unique to ACEREZ, which were recommended by IPART and developed in response to public consultation, including consultation with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, EnergyCo and ACEREZ. These are intended to support safe and reliable operation of the Central-West Orana REZ transmission system. An important condition to support social licence is a requirement for ACEREZ to become a member of an external dispute resolution scheme.

    A copy of the ACEREZ transmission operator’s licence, along with IPARTs final recommendation report, are available on the IPART website.

    Background:

    Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap

    The Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is NSW’s pathway to powering the state with affordable, clean and reliable energy for everyone. It sets out how we are transitioning the electricity network to one that will keep the lights on and put downward pressure on energy prices for years to come. The Roadmap will support the delivery of at least 12 gigawatts of new renewable energy generation and 2 gigawatts of long-duration storage by 2030.

    Energy Corporation of NSW

    EnergyCo leads the design, delivery and coordination of Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and priority transmission in a way that benefits consumers, investors and regional communities. This includes the new transmission lines infrastructure required to connect generation projects within each Renewable Energy Zone with the electricity grid.

    Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal

    IPART is an appointed regulator under the Roadmap to help NSW electricity consumers get safe and reliable services at a fair price. Alongside its regular duties, IPART is responsible for undertaking performance audits of the entities delivering the Roadmap and prepares an annual report on the exercise of Roadmap functions by the Consumer Trustee, the Financial Trustee, the Infrastructure Planner and the Regulator.

    Going forward, IPART is also responsible for monitoring for compliance by ACEREZ with the transmission licence in the Central-West Orana REZ.

    ACEREZ

    ACEREZ, a consortium comprising Acciona Concesiones, Cobra and Endeavour Energy, was selected by EnergyCo as the preferred network operator to deliver the Central-West Orana REZ transmission system. following a competitive tender process. EnergyCo entered into a commitment deed with ACEREZ in December 2023.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Result of tender of People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on September 25, 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Result of tender of People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on September 25, 2024
    Result of tender of People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on September 25, 2024
    *******************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:     Result of the tender of the People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on September 25, 2024: 

    Tender Result

    *************************************************************************

    Tender Date
    :
    September 25, 2024

    Bills available for Tender
    :
    Six-Month RMB Bills

    Issuer
    :
    The People’s Bank of China

    Issue Number
    :
    BCHKFP24016

    Issue Date
    :
    September 27, 2024

    Maturity Date
    :
    March 28, 2025 (or the closest coupon payment date)

    Application Amount
    :
    RMB 59,301 million

    Issue Amount
    :
    RMB 25,000 million

    Average accepted Coupon Rate
    :
    1.45 per cent

    Highest accepted Coupon Rate(Bills’ Coupon)
    :
    1.55 per cent

    Lowest accepted Coupon Rate
    :
    1.00 per cent

    Allocation Ratio (At Highest accepted Coupon Rate)
    :
    Approximately 71.67 per cent

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 12:47

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director Rachel Rossi Delivers Opening Remarks at the World Affairs Council’s “From Local to Global: Justice Reform & Community Engagement in the United States and Ukraine”

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

    Thank you, Fraser, for that kind introduction and thank you to the World Affairs Council for organizing this panel. A big thank you to Jared Kimball and our colleagues with the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) for inviting the Office for Access to Justice to partner in this engagement.

    It is an honor to be here in the company of distinguished representatives from Ukraine and Seattle – to learn about their respective community prosecution efforts and to think more deeply about the prosecutor’s role in ensuring equal access to justice for all.

    I must first acknowledge and applaud the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office for its pursuit of community driven approaches to prosecution – especially during such a complex and devastating time.

    Roman Shpyrka is here with us from the Office of Ukraine’s Prosecutor General with a number of his colleagues. Roman – thank you and your team for being here and for all you are doing in the face of unimaginable challenges. We are honored to stand with you as Ukraine plans for a future grounded in the rule of law.

    While our circumstances are quite different, through our collaboration we have seen that that community driven approaches to prosecution align with the mission of equal access to justice for all.

    Achieving “access to justice” requires that all communities can equally access public safety and the promise of justice. This requires equal enforcement of laws, but it also requires us to intentionally dismantle barriers many continue to face, to accelerate innovative strategies and to safeguard the integrity of our legal systems, so that justice doesn’t depend on income, status, who you are or where you live. This, in turn, promotes trust in the rule of law.

    This is the mission of the Office for Access to Justice. As a stand-alone federal office, we are housed within the Justice Department – the United States’ leading federal prosecuting agency – because closing access to justice gaps for all is central to the pursuit of justice.

    Attorney General Merrick B. Garland underscored the importance of our mission in quoting former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy who stated, quote “It must be our purpose … to insure that the department over which I preside is more than a Department of Prosecution and is in fact the Department of Justice.” Attorney General Garland further stated: “We are responsible not only for enforcing the law, but for upholding the Rule of Law. We are responsible for protecting civil rights and pursuing justice for all Americans.”

    As prosecutors stand at the forefront of this pursuit of access to justice, community prosecution strategies incorporate a multi-dimensional approach.

    First, this mission requires consistent engagement with the community. We’ll soon hear more about prosecutorial strategies to engage and collaborate with community members and community-based organizations in a variety of innovative ways.

    And it is with this commitment that our office is working to ensure engagement advances culturally responsive approaches, including for communities that don’t speak or write English. Through our Language Access Program, we have partnered with 38 United States Attorneys’ Offices and 24 other Justice Department offices to translate public-facing materials, include webpages, complaint forms and more.

    We’ve also launched the Access DOJ initiative, to make the Justice Department’s programs and services more efficient and accessible. And we lead the Federal Government Pro Bono Program, assisting federal prosecutors and government employees across the country to engage with communities by volunteering to provide pro bono legal help.

    Prosecutors can also support access to justice by supporting access to counsel for the accused. A robust public defense function helps to ensure the integrity of convictions and that due process rights are protected – central elements to the pursuit of justice. Just last year, our office launched a Public Defense Resource Hub for professionals providing public defense services and related organizations. And we recently partnered with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to conduct a first-of-its-kind comprehensive review of access to counsel in federal pretrial facilities.

    Prosecutors can further pursue equal access to justice through the development of and support for innovative approaches to ensuring justice. For example, our office is supporting leaders across the country who are moving away from the reliance on fines and fees to promote economic justice. We recently published a spotlight report to uplift promising practices across the country, including those lead by prosecutors, to reduce these economic burdens faced by low-income communities.

    And over the last year, our office, led by my colleagues Jarvis Idowu, Jesse Bernstein and Lauren Lambert, has joined OPDAT to support the exchange of knowledge by organizing virtual sessions with Ukraine and U.S. prosecutors and experts from around the country to uplift a variety of innovative prosecutorial strategies.

    Topics have included youth justice, trauma-informed victims and witness engagement, community-based alternatives and partnerships, diversion programs and specialty courts, bail and pretrial detention, restorative justice, data-driven strategies and working with internally displaced persons and the veteran community.

    This week, we’re thrilled to learn more about the innovations driven by the King County Prosecutor’s Office — like their focus on access to justice for those struggling with addiction through LEAD, a community-driven partnership to direct people engaged in low-level drug activity into evidence-based, intensive wrap-around services.

    Finally, prosecutors pursue access to justice through efforts like this one today, to share best practices and engage with our partners at home and abroad. Our office proudly supports U.S. implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, focused on access to justice. We serve as the U.S. authority on access to justice internationally, like at the U.N. Crime Commission and the Cross Border Crime Forum, centering the importance of access to justice as we tackle complex cross-border criminal issues and pursue strengthened democracy and rule of law globally.

    Prosecutors carry a heavy burden and awesome privilege to pursue public safety. They regularly stand with those experiencing our society’s worst violence, trauma and unimaginable harm. They lead the charge to safeguard the integrity of the criminal justice process, advance community collaboration, uphold civil rights, protect due process and pursue the promise of access to justice for all. And in Ukraine today, it is undeniable that this burden has only become more complex and difficult.

    We’re impressed by the dedication of our colleagues, both here in Seattle and abroad in Ukraine to these principles. The Office for Access to Justice looks forward to continued collaboration as we stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this critical mission. Together, we can increase community trust and strengthen the rule of law. I’ll now turn it over to our moderator, and former King County Prosecuting Attorney, Dan Satterburg.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: PLA launches intercontinental ballistic missile to high seas in Pacific Ocean

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into the high seas in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday morning, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
    The missile fell into expected sea areas, the ministry said, adding that this was a routine arrangement in the annual training plan and relevant countries had been notified in advance.
    The launch tested weaponry performance and military training effectiveness and achieved desired goals, the ministry noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese research ship harassed by Philippine vessels in South China Sea

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A Chinese research ship was approached and harassed by a military speed-gunboat and a coastguard vessel of the Philippines while conducting scientific research in the South China Sea on Tuesday.
    According to personnel aboard the Chinese ship, a speed-gunboat from the Philippine side approached and zigzagged around the Chinese ship Haiyang Dizhi 12, or Ocean Geology 12 in English, in the early morning, disrupting its normal research operations.
    Subsequently, vessel No. 4411 of the Philippine coastguard crossed in front of the Chinese research vessel and passed through with malicious intent, violating international rules on averting maritime collisions and gravely hampering the safety of the Chinese vessel and its operation.
    According to the captain of the Chinese research ship, this was the second time that the Philippine side had harassed China’s research vessels since the start of the scientific research mission.
    Previously, a Philippine vessel with the number 298 painted on its side deliberately covered the name on its bow, turned off its lighting and automatic identification system, and passed in front of the Chinese research vessel about 300 meters away at a high speed during nighttime, the captain said, noting that the Philippine vessel neither steered to make way nor answered radio communication from the Chinese vessel, posing a serious threat to the latter’s safety of navigation.
    The Chinese scientific research mission carried out by the ship is based on peaceful purposes and aimed at enriching humankind’s scientific knowledge of the ocean, said the chief scientist of this mission, adding that the methods and tools used in the mission are scientific and appropriate.
    The mission comply with the general principles outlined in article 240 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regarding the conduct of marine scientific research, and are both legitimate and legal, the chief scientist said.
    Ding Duo, a researcher with the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, noted that China’s marine scientific exploration activities in relevant waters are based on China’s territorial sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao and its corresponding maritime rights. China’s relevant activities are exercising the rights of coastal countries granted by international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, said Ding.
    China welcomes scientific research institutions of other countries in the South China Sea to conduct joint maritime scientific research activities with China, promote practical maritime cooperation in various fields, and create favorable conditions for peace and stability in the South China Sea, as well as regional development and prosperity, Ding added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Construction of core array of China’s FAST telescope begins

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The construction of the Core Array of China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) started Wednesday, highlighting China’s growing potential in global radio astronomy research.
    As a proposed extension of FAST, the Core Array integrates 24 secondary 40-meter antennas implanted within 5 kilometers of the FAST site, said Jiang Peng, deputy director of the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
    The Chinese-designed array will combine the unprecedented sensitivity of FAST with a high angular resolution, thereby exceeding the capabilities at similar frequencies of next-generation arrays in the world.
    The FAST Core Array is estimated to be completed and put into operation in 2027. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sweet journey for EIT graduate turned business owner | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    2 hours ago

    Courtney Booth has achieved success with her own business since graduating from EIT.

    EIT graduate Courtney Booth has transformed her love for food into a flourishing business with Cuteneys Cakes

    The 29-year-old always had a love for food, nurtured by baking alongside her mum in her hometown of Napier.

    After finishing Year 12 at Tamatea High School, she followed her passion for cooking and enrolled at EIT to study the NZ Certificate in Cookery in 2013.

    “I always knew that I wanted to be a chef, so when I left high school, I knew that I wanted to go to EIT,”

    “But back when I studied, patisserie wasn’t really a thing. It was just like six months on the end of the cookery course and then it wasn’t until 2016 they created a course purely for patisserie. So, I ended up doing it in the second year that it ever ran.”

    During her two-year cookery programme, she worked at Mint Restaurant on Marine Parade.

    “I ended up working there for eight years as a chef. Started off as just a sous chef and then by the end of it, I was doing the head chef role.”

    In 2017, Courtney returned to EIT, this time to study patisserie, and graduated as the top student.

    While working full-time between two jobs, Courtney began making cakes for friends and family, slowly building a reputation on social media.

    “I was doing that for about three years, and then it wasn’t until COVID-19 that I started to think maybe I should look at doing cakes full time. We had just bought our house after the second lockdown, and we converted my garage into a commercial kitchen.”

    “I just jumped into the role full-time doing desserts on top of cakes and it just blew up. It was mostly word of mouth and through social media, and then I started on Uber Eats and Deliver Easy.”

    Her “little kitchen at home got too small” and about a year ago, she opened a storefront on Dalton Street in Napier. It was at this point that she brought on full-time baker and long-time friend Dana MacDonald.

    “Dana used to tutor at EIT and we have been on each other’s radars for many years. She was the one that actually judged my final patisserie dish at EIT. But I always fangirled over her because she worked at Elephant Hill and Malo and all these different fancy places as the pastry chef.”

    “She’s just like another me. We’re the exact same. It’s great to have somebody with the same skill set and I can just leave her to it.”

    Courtney admits every week is “just getting busier and busier”.

    Reflecting on her EIT experience, Courtney praises the institution for equipping her with the skills and confidence to pursue her ambitions.

    “EIT was really good for me, especially the patisserie course. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in food.”

    Looking ahead, Courtney has even bigger plans for her business, potentially opening another location in Hastings or expanding her current operation with a dedicated prep kitchen.

    EIT Professional Chef Tutor Mark Caves said: “We love it when our graduates progress their career into senior roles or to open their own businesses.”

    “Courtney came to us at a young age with passion and a desire to learn the craft of cooking. It has been amazing to watch Courtney be able to stay in Hawke’s Bay, progress her career under talented local chefs and fulfil her dream like many others who have trained in our world class facilities, and under our experienced tutors.”

    “It is also encouraging to know that anyone who progresses through our range of culinary programmes from introduction to food and beverage at level 3, advanced cookery at Level 4, and Level 5 advanced diploma in cookery or patisserie, can go out into the industry with the knowledge skills and confidence to fulfil their career ambitions, whether it is a food truck, head chef or your very own patisserie shop like Courtney!”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts News – New exhibition at Adam Art Gallery represents an innovative moment for museum practice in Aotearoa

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington / Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery

    Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery launches its spring season with Vaiei Tupuna (heritage of our ancestors). This exhibition of contemporary tapa from across Moana Nui brings together newly commissioned responses to taonga from the collections of Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection and The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with key historic works. Realised in collaboration with Te Papa, Vaiei Tupuna asserts the enduring wairua (spirit) of tapa’s past, present and future practitioners.

    This exhibition articulates a special moment in museum practice in Aotearoa. In late 2023, a delegation from Te Papa travelled to Tahiti with a recently acquired rare book, a 1787 tapa sampler collated by Alexander Shaw. Eleven tapa makers were invited to Tahiti to engage with the sampler and make works in response as part of a wananga titled ‘Ahu: Ngā Wairua o Hina(Tapa: The Spirit of Hina). These responses are on display for the very first time as part of Vaiei Tupuna.

    Another commission premiering in Vaiei Tupuna is new work by ‘Uhila Moe Langi Nai in response to a 24-metre long ngatu tāhina (Tongan Tapa), on display at Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery in 2023. Nai found in the ngatu a kupesi pattern inherited from her grandmother. A contemporary revisioning of the kupesi patterns used in the ngatu, Nai conceives of her new work, Hala Kafa, as an iteration of the original gift of the ngatu to the University Art Collection in 1999.

    Hina, the atua of tapa making, is also present in Vaiei Tupuna in a collaborative work by Pauline Reynolds and Sue Pearson. Hina Sings… includes an immersive experience of poetry, song and moving image projected onto a screen of ‘ahufafa tapa. The exhibition both opens and closes with the 1785 portrait of Poeatua, one of the first images of an Indigenous woman of Moana Nui to circulate in Europe. Poeatua’s presence here represents a commitment to rereading the past, restoring knowledge, honouring our tūpuna, and speaking their names.

    Exhibition details

    Vaiei Tupuna

    Cora-Allan, Dalani Tanahy, Doron Semu, Hinatea Colombani, Liviana Qaranivalu, Nikau Hindin, Pauline Reynolds, Sarah Vaki, Sue Pearson, Sulieti Fieme’a Burros, Tui Emma Gillies, ‘Uhila Moe Langi Nai.

    Curated by Isaac Te Awa, Nalani Wilson-Hokowhitu, Rosalie Koko, Rebecca Rice, Sophie Thorn

    Dates: 05.10.24 – 15.12.24

    Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery in collaboration with Te Papa                      

    Opening hours:
    Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery
    Tuesday–Sunday 11 am–5 pm

    FREE ENTRY

    Group visits are welcome. If your group is larger than five people and you would like a tour or introduction to the shows, contact the gallery administrator Ann Gale on ann.gale@vuw.ac.nz or 04-463 5229.

    Address

    Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
    Gate 3, Kelburn Parade
    Wellington 6140
    adamartgallery.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Lifestyle and Health – Daylight Savings: More Daylight, More Opportunities to Exercise!

    Source: Exercise NZ

    As daylight saving time begins in Aotearoa on Sunday, 29th September, many people worry about the potential disruption to their routines. While some studies indicate that the time shift can negatively affect exercise habits, ExerciseNZ urges Kiwis to see it as an opportunity. With longer daylight hours, there’s more time to stay active and enhance overall well-being.

    Previous research has shown that the shift to daylight savings can disrupt sleep and exercise routines, with some people finding it difficult to adjust to the new schedule. A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing highlights that these disruptions to our body clock can lower motivation and energy levels for exercise, particularly in the first few weeks. The study suggests that during this initial period, organisations should provide extra support to consumers to help them stay active throughout the transition phase.

    Rather than seeing daylight saving as a setback, ExerciseNZ views it as an ideal opportunity to reset and embrace new routines. The extended daylight hours offer the perfect chance to enjoy outdoor activities, reconnect with nature, or take advantage of later gym sessions—all proven to boost both physical and mental well-being. Reflecting this seasonal shift, spring in Aotearoa typically brings a surge in gym memberships—rising by up to 20%, according to ExerciseNZ’s 2023 research—as people gear up for the more active summer months ahead.

    In line with global health guidelines, daylight savings also offers Kiwis a timely opportunity to align their exercise habits with public health recommendations. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week to maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases (or 75 minutes of moderate to intense activity for those who prefer higher intensity). With longer daylight and warmer days, there’s more flexibility to fit outdoor activities or gym sessions into daily routines. Whether it’s enjoying the outdoors after work or school or taking advantage of the extended hours to hit the gym, the warmer season makes it easier to stay active to reap the holistic benefits of physical activity and exercise well into the evening. Therefore, heading into daylight savings, ExerciseNZ would like to offer these three tips.

    Utilise Extended Daylight for Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the longer daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities.  It’s also a great time to enjoy a new activity, like joining the gym or starting a yoga class.

    Adjust Slowly to New Routines: While the shift to daylight savings may disrupt sleep and exercise habits, focus on gradually adjusting your routine to maintain motivation and energy levels during the transition.

    Engage in Local Fitness Initiatives: Engage in community activities which are designed to help people stay active and make the most of the extra daylight hours.

    ExerciseNZ encourages everyone to use the shift to daylight savings as motivation to revamp their fitness routine, try new activities, and enjoy the outdoors. More daylight means more chances to prioritise your health. Daylight savings doesn’t have to disrupt your activity goals. Instead, let it remind us of the power of physical activity and how we can make the most of the changing seasons.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Seeds planted for $16.7 million agriculture precinct

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government is continuing to invest in the nation’s future as an agritech powerhouse, investing $16.7 million into the Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct.

    Once complete, the precinct will be a world-leading hub of research, innovation, incubation and production, working to advance sustainable and resilient food systems.

    It will create new education pathways for future students as well as collaborative opportunities with other agricultural institutions.

    The approximately $30 million project is jointly funded with Western Sydney University, and is an election commitment being delivered under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

    Western Sydney University has estimated the construction phase will create 150 direct jobs and up to an additional 240 jobs in the precinct’s day-to-day operations.

    Delivered in two stages, the Commonwealth’s contribution is for stage 1 of the roughly 50-hectare precinct on the Hawkesbury campus. 

    Planning for the precinct is well underway with construction due to commence in April 2025, and stage 1 of the precinct expected to open to students from late 2025 with Stage 2 to follow.

    For more information on the Priority Community Infrastructure Program visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.  

    Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “Agriculture makes up around13% of Australia’s export economy and 55% of its land mass. 

    “With growing demand for sustainable, resilient food systems, the Agri Tech Precinct will help keep Australia at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture sector.

    “This is a smart, long-term investment in both the economy of Western Sydney, and the future of agriculture across Australia.

    “Our commitment to this project is another example of our investment in infrastructure that will deliver benefits for all Australians for generations.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:

    “This is an important investment in the WSU Hawkesbury campus in Richmond.

    “The Hawkesbury is the heart of peri-urban farming in NSW, with a rich tradition in food production and land management, and this initiative opens up opportunities for 21st Century agri-tech.

    “Not only will the Agri Tech Precinct play a growing role in the future of agriculture in Australia, but it will create hundreds of exciting new jobs plus new higher education opportunities in the Hawkesbury and Western Sydney.  

    “I’m proud to have this election commitment become a reality and look forward to seeing the results of the investment in the WSU Richmond campus over many years to come.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins:

    “Innovation is at the heart of growing the agriculture sector’s productivity. The new Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct will bring students, researchers, businesses and industry together to develop and use new technology and methods to continue Australian agriculture’s competitiveness and success, which is why our Government is backing it.

    “Agriculture is increasingly drawing on technology and scientific advances to manage resource use, monitor production and target pests and diseases. 

    “I am excited by the prospects of bringing our best minds and technology together in the Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct. Collaboration can encourage innovation and attract investment and will be crucial to growing the jobs Australian agriculture needs into the future.”

    Quotes attributable to Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO:

    “Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct is a multi-million dollar investment in the future of sustainable agriculture production. 

    “The precinct will draw on the University’s expertise and research innovation ecosystem, with a focus on challenges faced by communities globally, to be advanced in genuine partnership with industry, government and community.

    “Offering exceptional work-integrated learning opportunities for students in agriculture and food production, it will create much-needed career pathways and a future jobs pipeline for Australia’s agricultural sector. 

    “Critically, the precinct will also create skilled jobs for Western Sydney and capitalise on the proximity to Sydney’s premier international airport at Badgery’s Creek – strengthening our opportunity to rapidly-export fresh, high-yield produce to the rest of the world. 

    “Our Hawkesbury campus has a long history of agricultural education and cutting-edge research. We are delighted this facility continues that proud tradition, cementing Western Sydney’s position as a world-leading hub for agricultural research and innovation.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon Business and SK Shieldus team up to bolster cybersecurity offerings

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon Business and SK Shieldus team up to bolster cybersecurity offerings

    SEOUL – Verizon Business and SK Shieldus have agreed to collaborate to deliver cybersecurity solutions to South Korean and Asian enterprises operating on a global scale. This strategic relationship will leverage Verizon Business’ extensive global reach and SK Shieldus’ deep-rooted expertise to provide comprehensive, world-class protection addressing the unique needs of Asian businesses.

    By combining their strengths in real-time threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and managed security services, Verizon Business and SK Shieldus aim to empower enterprises to confidently navigate the complex global threat landscape, safeguarding their operations and assets worldwide.

    Verizon Business works with 99% of Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide and offers a suite of management and data security services. The company operates nine Security Operations Centers, six forensics labs and one of the largest IP networks in the world, monitoring 61 billion security events annually. In addition, Verizon’s investigative response team boasts more than 400 security experts and conducted 500+ IT investigations in 2023.

    “South Korea boasts one of the largest and most advanced economies in the world, and SK Shieldus has developed world-class cyber security capabilities in this market. We’re pleased to be working with them to enable businesses to further navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with confidence and resilience,” said Robert Le Busque, Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific at Verizon Business Group.

    Headquartered in South Korea, SK Shieldus is South Korea’s largest security services provider with a comprehensive suite of offerings, including physical security, security monitoring, consulting, system integration, solution supply, and operations. SK Shieldus was formed in 2021 following the merger of SK Infosec and ADT Caps. As a result, this integrated security provider, with physical and cybersecurity capabilities, has positioned itself as an industry leader by offering comprehensive security services. These services include security monitoring, consulting, system integration (SI), security solution supply, and security operations. With a customer base of over 1,800 across public, financial, and corporate sectors, including affiliates of the SK Group.

    SK Shieldus Chief Executive Officer, Dr. W.P. Hong stated that ‘Verizon is one of the world’s biggest technology providers with strong cyber capabilities. With the synergies and our capabilities in the Korea market, we will further strengthen cyber security capabilities for our customers in the market. As No.1 cyber security provider in Korea, we will utilise this collaboration to service our clients in Asia and globally’.

    To learn more about Verizon Business’ cybersecurity portfolio, visit https://www.verizon.com/business/en-sg/products/security/ .

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – GlobalData outlines strategies adopted by businesses to minimize the impact of inflation

    Source: GlobalData

    Inflation remains a significant concern for economies globally, with some experiencing moderation while others facing persistently elevated levels. This disparity has led companies to reevaluate their strategies to mitigate inflation’s effects. Companies across industries are taking decisive steps to deal with the pressure emerging out of these challenges, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Company Filing Analytics Database reveals the various action plans of companies to tackle inflation or minimize its impact on margins in their respective filing documents.

    Misa Singh, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While some companies are seen to be keen on covering inflation with pricing actions, some are focused on cost management. Meanwhile, some companies are considering reducing the pressure on their lower-end customers as inflation begins to ease.”

    Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc believes that inflation is beginning to ease and interest rates are expected to be lowered in the coming months. The company hopes this will lessen some pressure on the lower-end customers. The Canada-based Convenience store company is also working to provide customers with value and ease inside stores and on forecourts.

    Darden Restaurants Inc revealed its attempt to minimize the annual effects of inflation through appropriate planning, operating practices, and menu price increases. The filing documents reveal that some of the impacts of the inflation have been offset by menu price increases and other adjustments made during the year.

    Bio-Techne Corp discussed its plan to fund all new investments with productivity initiatives and cover inflation with pricing actions. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co expects the pricing to remain competitive, which might impact the company’s financial results. The information technology company plans to mitigate the impact of these dynamics through disciplined cost management.

    Haier Smart Home Co Ltd revealed in its latest report that the company strengthened its supply chain and distribution network, enhanced its high-end product lineup, and increased price indices to achieve 9.9% revenues growth in South Asia, 12.4% in Southeast Asia and 26.8% in Middle East & Africa in the first half this year.

    Singh concludes: “As businesses navigate these pressures and try to maintain profitability it requires a careful balance between cost management, market development, and portfolio diversification. Companies will need to stay agile to adapt to the ongoing economic uncertainties and the evolving inflationary landscape.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Lomonosov Cluster Plays Leading Role in Import Substitution Development

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The need for import substitution has become one of the drivers for the development of Moscow production. Work in this direction was discussed by in his blog Sergei Sobyanin.

    “Our comprehensive business support system is designed to provide all necessary assistance to new developments and production of domestic products. The leading role in this matter is given to

    cluster “Lomonosov”, the operator of which is Moscow Innovation Cluster“, the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    The new building of the scientific valley of the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov has allowed to unite the most promising innovations of the capital. All necessary conditions for the operation of high-tech productions have been created here.

    More than 60 companies have become residents of the cluster since 2023. They develop high-tech solutions for the medical, space, oil and gas, food and other industries.

    More than two thousand people are employed in production. The enterprises’ revenues exceeded 11 billion rubles last year. They have access to support from the entire innovation ecosystem of the capital, including the “Academy of Innovators” – one of the most successful projects of the capital Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, which helps develop projects from an idea to a startup.

    Powerful controllers, efficient filters and software for pharmaceuticals

    The developments of the residents of the Lomonosov cluster successfully compete with both domestic and foreign analogues.

    For example, the company “Adaptto” produces controllers – electronic devices for controlling the electric drive of vehicles. Compact and functional devices are two to four times more powerful than similar imported devices. They are used in all types of electric transport (in land, air, water transport), as well as in industry (fans, elevators).

    The company plans to complete new developments in the near future. These include a three-in-one unit (controller, inverter, gearbox) for electric vehicles and hybrid power plants.

    “Pharmaceutical and microelectronic production requires a particularly clean air environment – there literally shouldn’t be a speck of dust in the room,” noted Sergei Sobyanin.

    Aerolife specialists have developed a fundamentally new type of filters. Innovative filters allow achieving the highest level of purification according to class U15. Air is purified by 99.9995 percent with a size of polluting particles greater than 0.1 micrometer. The products have no analogues in Russia, and imported ones are inferior in such characteristics as dust capacity and energy efficiency.

    Aerolife systems are used at microprocessor manufacturing plants in Zelenograd, in the development of new drugs at institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in the production of vaccines at the N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology (NRCEM), and at more than 20 pharmaceutical companies.

    Serial production of new filters has been launched in the Mosgormash technology park. This year, the company plans to triple its capacity.

    The Simurg computing platform, created by Simurgpharm, is the first drug development software in Russia. It can be used to analyze and predict preclinical and clinical data during drug planning and testing.

    The use of such mathematical models is a mandatory condition for registering new drugs. The platform is registered in the register of domestic software. It was tested jointly with specialists from the companies “Alpharma”, “Biocad” and others and is actively used in educational programs of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov and the Scientific and Technological University “Sirius”.

    Wireless communications, seismological equipment and protective coatings

    INWAVE (OOO Microwave Electronics) is a leading domestic manufacturer of control and measuring equipment, wireless communications and antenna systems. Wireless communications solutions include broadband access, radio relay and satellite communications.

    “The company’s technologies are successfully used in the development and production of various radio-electronic products, such as onboard equipment for space systems. Over the past year, with the support of the city, the company has increased its production capacity and is also planning to improve the line of control and measuring equipment, introducing new technologies and materials, which will improve the characteristics and reliability of the products,” the Mayor of Moscow said.

    The Split company produces a hardware and software complex using SplitMultiSeis technology. The system helps to conduct high-quality seismic research on land and at sea. It is used to solve engineering and geological problems, for example, when developing offshore fields or in transition zones. With the help of the complex, more than 100 projects have been implemented in the Arctic seas of Russia, the Black, Caspian, Baltic, Japanese seas, Onega and Ladoga lakes, Lake Baikal and others.

    OOO TSZP develops and implements technologies for surfacing and spraying multifunctional protective coatings from metals, ceramics and metal ceramics. Such coatings allow to extend the service life of products by three to four times, reduce the costs of major repairs by 30 percent and increase the interval between repairs of equipment, as well as provide a sufficient reserve of time for technical re-equipment of enterprises.

    “Innovative technologies for repair and strengthening of hot gas path elements of turbines from General Electric, Siemens, Ansaldo and others, which have successfully replaced foreign analogues, play a major role in import substitution. Over the past year alone, about 300 gas turbine parts have been restored for Moscow enterprises, and five research projects have been conducted to create import-substituting technologies,” wrote Sergei Sobyanin.

    The company’s customers include enterprises in the energy, oil, gas, oil refining, metallurgy, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing and other industries.

    Sergei Sobyanin: The Lomonosov Cluster has united the best innovators of the capital

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11748050/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing

    Source: Green Party

    Proposed cuts to Kāinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis.

    “The Government is undermining public housing and intentionally aggravating the housing crisis to benefit a privileged few at the expense of everyone else,” says the Green Party’s Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul. 

    “Housing is a human right. Public housing has always been an important safety net for some of the most marginalised people in our communities. Public housing can help to insulate against the uncertainty and unaffordability of private rental housing and ensure that people don’t fall through the cracks and into homelessness and poverty.

    “However, this Government would rather treat housing as a business opportunity, rather than the human right that all people rely upon. They have delayed over 300 public housing projects around the country so that house prices and rents continue to rise, and landlords continue to cash in on people’s need to survive.

    “The current Government has shown little interest or ambition in building public housing. Kāinga Ora has been clear that these cuts are a result of them planning to build less housing at a time where more than 20,000 people across the country are waiting for a public home to become available.

    “These cuts will do nothing to bolster our public housing stock and address Aotearoa’s severe shortage of homes. This is a significant step backwards. 

    “As a country we must rise to the challenge of addressing the housing crisis which has left so many New Zealanders struggling for a place to live. It requires commitment to public housing as a means to end homelessness and guarantee everyone a warm and secure place to live.

    “The Government must commit to an ambitious public housing programme. We have demonstrated how it would be possible to clear the public housing waitlist by building 35,000 new healthy, affordable, public houses over the next five years.

    “The Government must commit to building more homes, not just lining the pockets of landlords,” says Tamatha Paul. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Progress on Crown Minerals is a step toward prosperity

    Source: ACT Party

    The first reading-passage of the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill is a step toward prosperity, says ACT Energy and Resources spokesman Simon Court.

    The Bill delivers on ACT coalition commitments to repeal the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration and promote the use of Crown minerals.

    “Taking full advantage of the mineral resources at our disposal will boost foreign investment, create high-paying jobs, and offer hope to young people looking to remain in New Zealand for work and family,” says Mr Court.

    “Restoring oil and gas exploration is a crucial step to deliver energy security. A high-wage economy depends on affordable and reliable energy. We came far too close to blackouts this winter, and ACT is determined to restore energy security so homes stay heated and factories keep running.

    “We support oil and gas exploration so the Greens can have jet fuel for the planes they fly to Parliament. We support mining for the minerals in iPhones so Greenpeace can livestream their protests. Above all, we support harnessing the untapped wealth beneath our feet so New Zealanders can prosper and enjoy happier, warmer lives.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Former model loving studying at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    3 mins ago

    Shona Clarke, 24, is currently enrolled in the NZ Certificate of Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4).

    A former model, who moved to Hawke’s Bay from South Africa to be close to family, is loving studying at EIT.

    Shona Clarke, 24, who appears in this year’s EIT brand campaign,  is currently enrolled in the NZ Certificate of Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4), and hopes to study for the Bachelor of Nursing next year.

    Having arrived in Hawke’s Bay from Durban at the beginning of the year, Shona decided to follow her brother, Austin, to  EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus. Austin is currently pursuing the Bachelor of Business (Accounting). Having always had an interest in health and science, Shona enrolled in the NZ Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) programme, which she completed in June.

    She says that she found the programme “amazing”, especially placements at Graceland Rest home in Hastings and at Kōwhai Specialist School.

    “I absolutely loved it. I got to work at Graceland, which was phenomenal, but I found the love that I had for children when I did my five-week placement at Kōwhai.”

    “And then I started meeting people in the industry, and that’s how I got involved in the holiday programme at the Havelock North High School Special Needs Unit. I think I’d go into that field for sure if I wasn’t so set on the fact that I wanted to be a nurse.”

    It has been a long and varied journey for Shona who went to school in Durban, South Africa.

    “I actually came out of school and went straight into working. And six years later, I’ve decided that I’m going to study something.”

    “After school I did modelling full-time and I worked with Suncoast Casino for four years, part of their marketing team. I also modelled in Dubai for a year.”

    Some of her modelling work included brand work for Bonds, a photo shoot for Dubai Tourism and a shoot imitating Margot Robbie before the release of the Barbie movie.

    Studying at EIT is a far cry from an international modelling career, but Shona says it was a simple choice for her.

    “It was my career until my family moved here. And then I thought: ‘I’m going to move over with my family because I’m family oriented. I just want to be with them’. And then when I moved over, I said, I’m going to change my career path.

    She says that it was an easy decision to study at EIT

    And now in the Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4) programme, Shona is glad that she made the choice.

    “ I’m absolutely loving it, because of all the science-based parts of it.”

    “That is what I think I will enjoy most about nursing, is learning about the human body, learning about how everything works, how to treat everything. It’s very interesting. I’m thoroughly enjoying it, and getting really good marks.”

    Shona says returning to study after having worked full-time for so long took some adjustment.

    “I think I fitted in quite easily with the people, but the going from working full-time, having independence, and having my own life, to going back to full-time studying, working part-time, not being fully independent, that’s a big change for me.”

    For now Shona is focused on finishing the programme and hopefully starting the Bachelor of Nursing, which she will apply for later this year.

    She is hoping to have a long career in nursing and is interested in paediatrics, surgical or even oncology, because she has had family members who have had cancer.

    As for EIT, Shona has no hesitation in recommending it as a place to study.

    “I know I’m an international student, but the support that I have felt from EIT has been amazing. And I felt so included in everything that I’ve been a part of so far, from the photoshoot for the billboards to meeting new people.”

    Les Blair, EIT Health and Wellbeing Team Leader and Verena Lyons, EIT Health and Wellbeing Team Member, say that “Shona has been an enthusiastic, bubbly student who formed positive relationships with everybody.”

    “She made the most of every opportunity offered to her and we wish her well in her study journey.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, Galloway Street, Hamilton East

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    One person has died following a crash involving one vehicle at the intersection of Galloway Street and Albert Street, Hamilton East.

    Emergency services responded around 12:15pm.

    One person was located deceased at the scene.

    The Serious Crash Unit was advised.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Timor-Leste Portuguese to English –

    Presidency of the Council of Ministers

    Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
    ……………………………………………. ……………………………………………. …………………….

    Press release

    Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 25 September 2024

    The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in office, Adérito Hugo da Costa, and by the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, which sets the vacancies for the promotion of personnel integrated in the General Regime of Public Administration Careers for the year 2024.

    Of the total of 817 vacancies for promotion established by this Government Resolution, 47 are for the category of Senior Technician – Grade A, 122 for Senior Technician – Grade B, 188 for Professional Technician – Grade C, 234 for Professional Technician – Grade D, 149 for Administrative Technician – Grade E and 77 for Assistant – Grade F.

    Vacancies for promotion are set annually by the Government, based on a proposal from the Civil Service Commission, up to a limit of ten percent of the total staff in each category or professional group.

    *****

    An initial assessment was made of the initiative to create a seniority-based promotion system for civil servants, also presented by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Civil Service Commission, concerning. This initiative aims to ensure career progression for those who, for various reasons, have not been able to obtain merit-based promotions in recent years, based on criteria such as seniority, performance, age, professional training, work in remote areas, good behaviour and attendance.

    *****

    The Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina de Sousa Carvalho, made a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the gender equality policy and the recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The Third Phase of the Maubisse Declaration (2023-2028) was also presented, which follows on from the previous phases, focusing on the economic empowerment of rural women and people with disabilities. This phase is aligned with the priorities of the IX Constitutional Government and the recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

    The main commitments of this phase are organised into three areas: Social Capital, which covers social protection, inclusive education and health care, with a focus on preventing gender-based violence and improving maternal health care; Infrastructure, which promotes access to safe and accessible markets, the development of roads, sanitation and adapted public buildings, with a focus on inclusive public transport; and Economy, which prioritises agricultural development, female entrepreneurship and access to credit for rural women, strengthening their participation in sectors such as tourism and agriculture. Monitoring mechanisms are also being strengthened to ensure the implementation of these commitments. Implementation is led by several key government institutions, including relevant ministries and the National Bank of Commerce of Timor-Leste (BNCTL), which ensure the effective implementation of the planned measures.

    *****

    In order to resolve the payment of existing debts to hospitals abroad and ensure the continuity of health services, the Council of Ministers decided to instruct the Minister of Health to carry out a detailed survey of debts and payment deadlines, as well as the funds available to meet these commitments. The Minister of Health must establish prioritization criteria for payments, based on the urgency of the services, risks to public health and impact on hospital operations.

    Among other measures, the Council of Ministers also instructed the Minister of Health to start negotiations with hospitals for debt restructuring and to propose to the Ministry of Finance a budgetary reinforcement for the health sector. The implementation of these measures will be monitored by a working group created specifically for this purpose, which will be required to report regularly to the Council of Ministers on the progress made in regularizing hospital debts. ENDS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for posting and sharing terrorist content online after Counter Terrorism investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A 21-year-old man has been jailed for posting and sharing terrorist content online, as a result of a proactive Met Police Counter Terrorism investigation.

    An investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command exposed how Ayoub Nacir, 21 (26.07.03) of south-west London, was posting terrorist material on various social media accounts and platforms during the course of 2022 and 2023.

    Nacir was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 24 September, to six years and nine months’ imprisonment.

    Acting Commander Gareth Rees, of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “We’re aware of the significant impact that spreading online terrorist material can have on vulnerable individuals may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism. The work that went into this investigation shows how seriously we take online terrorism, and we will continue to identify those individuals who spread this material online”.

    Online material promoting terrorism or extremism can be reported anonymously via www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

    When officers became aware that Nacir was distributing terrorist-related material online, it led to his arrest and seizure of electronic devices in October, 2023 at his home in south-west London. Officers examined Nacir’s devices, and they found that he had not only shared material that was promoting the terrorist group Daesh, but he also had documents that were likely to be useful to someone committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

    In particular, detectives found he was in possession of documents containing instructions on how to make poisonous or noxious substances capable of endangering health, as well as other files containing practical guidance and advice for people interested in potentially preparing and carrying out terrorist acts.

    Nacir was charged on 27 October, 2023 with five counts of dissemination of a terrorist publication, contrary to section 2 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006, which related to videos he shared. He was also charged with five counts of possession of a document or record for terrorist purposes, contrary to section 58 TACT 2000, which related to various digital documents and files found on his devices.

    Nacir pleaded guilty to eight of the ten counts and was sentenced as above on Tuesday, 24 September. Two counts of dissemination of terrorist publication, will lie on file.

    + Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at www.gov.uk/act or call police direct on 0800 789 321.

    In an emergency, dial 999.

    Visit the ACT Early website – www.actearly.uk – to find out how you can seek help and support for anyone who you suspect may be being radicalised.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: BGHL (EUR): NAV(s)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                          BOUSSARD & GAVAUDAN HOLDING LIMITED

    Ordinary Shares

    The Directors of Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited would like to announce the following information for the Company.

    Close of business 24 Sep 2024.

    Estimated NAV

      Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Estimated NAV €    28.5679 £    25.6374
    Estimated MTD return     -0.53 %     -0.36 %
    Estimated YTD return      3.70 %      4.34 %
    Estimated ITD return    185.68 %    156.37 %

    NAV and returns are calculated net of management and performance fees

    Market information

    Euro Shares Amsterdam (AEX) London (LSE)
    Market Close €    27.40 N/A
    Premium/discount to estimated NAV     -4.09 % N/A
         
    Sterling Shares Amsterdam (AEX) London (LSE)
    Market Close N/A GBX 2,360.00
    Premium/discount to estimated NAV N/A     -7.95 %

    Transactions in own securities purchased into treasury

    Ordinary Shares Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Number of shares N/A N/A
    Average Price N/A N/A
    Range of Price N/A N/A

                                               

    Liquidity Enhancement Agreement Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Number of shares N/A N/A
    Average Price N/A N/A

    BGHL Capital

    BGHL Ordinary Shares Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Shares Outstanding   12,299,516      123,090
    Held in treasury N/A N/A
    Shares Issued   12,299,516      123,090

    Estimated BG Fund NAV

    Class B Euro Shares (estimated) €   258.1153
    Class GBP A Shares (estimated) £   137.3552

    The Class B Euro Shares of BG Fund are not subject to investment manager fees, as the Investment Manager receives management fees and performance fees in respect of its role as Investment Manager of BGHL.

    For further information please contact:

    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP.
    Emmanuel Gavaudan +44 (0) 20 3751 5389 Email : info@bgam-uk.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has received the necessary approval of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and the States of Guernsey Policy Council. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Fund ICAV has been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sampo plc’s share buybacks 24 September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sampo plc, stock exchange release, 25 September 2024 at 8:30 am EEST

    Sampo plc’s share buybacks 24 September 2024

    On 24 September 2024, Sampo plc (business code 0142213-3, LEI 743700UF3RL386WIDA22) has acquired its own A shares (ISIN code FI4000552500) as follows:                

    Sampo plc’s share buybacks Aggregated daily volume (in number of shares) Daily weighted average price of the purchased shares* Market (MIC Code)
      3,541 41.49 AQEU        
      43,470 41.45 CEUX
      1,127 41.51 TQEX
      43,087 41.46 XHEL
    TOTAL 91,225 41.46  

    *rounded to two decimals                

    On 17 June 2024, Sampo announced a share buyback programme of up to a maximum of EUR 400 million in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052. On 16 September 2024, the Board of Directors of Sampo plc resolved to increase the share buyback programme to EUR 475 million. The programme, which started on 18 June 2024, is based on the authorisation granted by Sampo’s Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2024.

    After the disclosed transactions, the company owns in total 7,312,345 Sampo A shares representing 1.33 per cent of the total number of shares in Sampo plc, taking the issuance of shares on 16 September 2024 into account.

    Details of each transaction are included as an appendix of this announcement.

    On behalf of Sampo plc,
    Morgan Stanley

    For further information, please contact:

    Sami Taipalus
    Head of Investor Relations
    tel. +358 10 516 0030

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki
    Nasdaq Stockholm
    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    London Stock Exchange
    The principal media
    FIN-FSA
    DEN-FSA
    www.sampo.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BGHL (GBP): NAV(s)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                          BOUSSARD & GAVAUDAN HOLDING LIMITED

    Ordinary Shares

    The Directors of Boussard & Gavaudan Holding Limited would like to announce the following information for the Company.

    Close of business 24 Sep 2024.

    Estimated NAV

      Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Estimated NAV €    28.5679 £    25.6374
    Estimated MTD return     -0.53 %     -0.36 %
    Estimated YTD return      3.70 %      4.34 %
    Estimated ITD return    185.68 %    156.37 %

    NAV and returns are calculated net of management and performance fees

    Market information

    Euro Shares Amsterdam (AEX) London (LSE)
    Market Close €    27.40 N/A
    Premium/discount to estimated NAV     -4.09 % N/A
         
    Sterling Shares Amsterdam (AEX) London (LSE)
    Market Close N/A GBX 2,360.00
    Premium/discount to estimated NAV N/A     -7.95 %

    Transactions in own securities purchased into treasury

    Ordinary Shares Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Number of shares N/A N/A
    Average Price N/A N/A
    Range of Price N/A N/A

                                               

    Liquidity Enhancement Agreement Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Number of shares N/A N/A
    Average Price N/A N/A

    BGHL Capital

    BGHL Ordinary Shares Euro Shares Sterling Shares
    Shares Outstanding   12,299,516      123,090
    Held in treasury N/A N/A
    Shares Issued   12,299,516      123,090

    Estimated BG Fund NAV

    Class B Euro Shares (estimated) €   258.1153
    Class GBP A Shares (estimated) £   137.3552

    The Class B Euro Shares of BG Fund are not subject to investment manager fees, as the Investment Manager receives management fees and performance fees in respect of its role as Investment Manager of BGHL.

    For further information please contact:

    Boussard & Gavaudan Investment Management, LLP.
    Emmanuel Gavaudan +44 (0) 20 3751 5389 Email : info@bgam-uk.com

    The Company is established as a closed-ended investment company domiciled in Guernsey. The Company has received the necessary approval of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and the States of Guernsey Policy Council. The Company is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme pursuant to article 2:73 in conjunction with 2:66 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). The shares of the Company (the “Shares”) are listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The Shares are also listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s main market for listed securities.

    This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of the securities referred to in this announcement in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

    Neither the Company nor BG Fund ICAV has been, and neither will be, registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition the securities referenced in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Consequently any such securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise transferred within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US persons except in accordance with the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and under circumstances which will not require the issuer of such securities to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of any securities will be made in the United States.

    You should always bear in mind that:

    • all investment is subject to risk;
    • results in the past are no guarantee of future results;
    • the investment performance of BGHL may go down as well as up. You may not get back all of your original investment; and
    • if you are in any doubt about the contents of this communication or if you consider making an investment decision, you are advised to seek expert financial advice.

    This communication is for information purposes only and the information contained in this communication should not be relied upon as a substitute for financial or other professional advice.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Issue of Confederation bonds on 9th October 2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Finance

    Bern, 25.09.2024 – Optional auction date will be maintained.

    The Federal Finance Administration will maintain the optional issue date on 9th October 2024. On 8th October it will announce as usual which Confederation bond will be issued.

    Address for enquiries

    Michael Girod, Communications, Federal Finance Administration, tél. +41 58 465 41 41, kommunikation@efv.admin.ch

    Publisher

    Federal Finance Administration
    http://www.efv.admin.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest made, drugs seized, Southland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detectice Sergeant Mark McCloy, Southern District Organised Crime: 

    Firearms, drugs and items consistent with drug supply have been stripped from a Winton address and a man charged following the execution of a search warrant.

    Detectives from the Southland Organised Crime Group arrested a 28-year-old man and discovered an array of firearms and the Class B drug, MDMA, on Monday 23 September.

    Three firearms which were not being handled in accordance with the firearms licensing regulations, $1,860 dollars in cash, 4.8 grams of MDMA, and items consistent with drug supply were seized.

    The man’s firearms licence has been revoked.

    A 28-year-old man has been remanded in custody due to reappear in the Invercargill District Court, Monday 28 October, on eight drug supply and driving related charges.

    This operation was designed to disrupt one of the sources of illicit drugs in our community. It was concerning to locate firearms being improperly and dangerously held.

    Holding a firearms licence is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly, it is important firearms are kept in safe and secure storage and firearms licence holders are held to a high standard.

    We will continue our work to disrupt unlawful activity in an effort to help our community feel and be safe.

    If you see any suspicious or unlawful activity please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Police, either via 111 if it’s happening now or 105 if it’s after the fact.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS meets Spanish business leaders

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Continuing his visit to Madrid, Spain, Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday spoke at a business lunch, met Spanish officials and visited local enterprises.

    Delivering a keynote speech at a lunch with about 150 leaders from Spain’s business, financial, and innovation and technology sectors, Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong has restored its global connections following the COVID-19 pandemic, and is eager to deepen co-operation with Spain to deliver mutual benefits.

    With the advantages brought by “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is solidifying its role as a super-connector, and welcomes Spanish enterprises to use the city as a springboard to tap into the vast markets of the Greater Bay Area, the Mainland, and Asia more broadly, he said.

    He added that through its mutual access schemes with the Mainland’s capital markets, Hong Kong provides a channel through which Spanish companies can easily attract funds.

    Furthermore, as Hong Kong’s green standards are compatible with those of the European Union, green projects in Europe can leverage Hong Kong as a fund-raising platform. Mr Chan elaborated that Hong Kong can also collaborate with Spain’s tech ecosystem across key sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, and new energy and new materials.

    In the afternoon, the finance chief met Spanish Secretary of State for Trade Amparo López Senovilla and briefed her on economic developments in Hong Kong. The two officials also held in-depth exchanges on the promotion of economic and trade co-operation and mutual investment.

    Additionally, Mr Chan led a delegation of Hong Kong tech startups on a visit to IMPACT, a Spanish startup accelerator, for an exchange of views on entrepreneurial strategies in the innovation and technology sector. He and the delegation also visited the Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica to learn about its development strategies in 5G telecommunications, the Internet of Things and Web3.0.

    The Financial Secretary was due to continue his stay in Madrid this morning before heading to London in the afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –