NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing Market – Cotality First home buyer activity strong, but entering market later

    Source: Cotality

    Cotality-Westpac NZ First Home Buyer Report draws on Cotality’s extensive housing market data, as well as Westpac’s information about borrowers, to offer fresh insight into the purchasing behaviours, property preferences and financial profiles of New Zealand’s first-time home buyers (FHBs).
    The report shows the number of first home buyers has picked up in recent years, accounting for nearly 25% of all property purchases across the country between January and April 2025 — well above the long-term average of 21–22%.
    It also found that the average age of first home buyers in New Zealand is rising, with new data showing Auckland buyers now average 37 years old, 36 in Wellington, and 35 in Christchurch — each around two to three years older than in 2019.
    “This shift partly reflects conscious lifestyle choices — such as travelling, building careers, or starting families — but housing affordability remains a key factor,” said Westpac NZ Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod.
    “Even with prices well below their 2022 peak, getting onto the property ladder still takes time, especially in larger centres like Auckland where prices tend to be higher.”
    Despite this later entry into the market, FHBs are currently getting more bang for their buck.
    More than 75% of FHB purchases so far in 2025 have been standalone houses — the highest share since 2020 — and the median price paid has held steady at $700,000, unchanged from the past two years and lower than 2022’s $719,000.
    “First home buyers may be older, but they’re entering the market with a clear plan and strong decision-making,” said Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson.
    “They’re capitalising on their ability to tap into KiwiSaver, abundant listings, modest price growth and accessible finance to secure better homes in many cases. Making full use of the low-deposit lending allowances at the banks is another support for FHBs.”
    “The big drop in interest rates over the past year has been a key factor that’s helped more New Zealanders into their first home,” said Ranchhod.
    “Fixed mortgage interest rates are now around 170 to 200 bps lower than this time last year. For those buying an averaged priced first home, those lower interest rates could cut their monthly mortgage costs by around $800.”
    Townhouses have made up 18% of FHB purchases to date in 2025, a higher share than among all buyers (15%), while only 2% of FHBs bought apartments and 3% opted for lifestyle blocks — compared to 6% in each category across the wider market.
    The data also confirms that many FHBs are not entering at the bottom rung: while the FHB median price is lower than the overall buyer median of $780,000, it is significantly higher than the lower quartile of $585,000.
     
    Spotlight on the main centres
    Looking at New Zealand’s major cities, FHB activity has been elevated across the board.
    The wider Wellington area leads the way, with FHBs accounting for 36% of purchases so far in 2025 — around 7 percentage points above the area’s long-term average. 
    Hamilton follows closely at 30%, with Dunedin at 28%, Auckland 27%, and Christchurch 26%. Tauranga, while slightly lower at 21%, still sits about 4 points above its historical norm.
    Standalone houses continue to be the dominant purchase type in most main centres.
    In Dunedin, 90% of FHBs have bought standalone homes this year, with Hamilton and Tauranga both close behind at 89%. However, the share is comparatively lower in Auckland (64% vs an average of 67%), Wellington (67% vs 73%), and Christchurch (66% vs 77%) — likely reflecting both greater availability and affordability of smaller dwellings, including townhouses and apartments.
    Price data reinforces the trend that first home buyers are typically entering the market above the lower rungs but below the peak.
    In Auckland, the median FHB price so far in 2025 is $903,000 — $127,000 below the all-buyer median, but $114,000 above the lower quartile. FHB median prices are $767,000 in Tauranga, $740,000 in Wellington, $705,000 in Hamilton, and lower again in Christchurch and Dunedin.
     
    Looking ahead
    Cotality projects that national property sales will increase from 82,000 in 2024 to around 92,000 in 2025, with modest growth in values over the calendar year – perhaps 5% or a bit above. Although FHBs may see their market share edge down later in the year as other buyer groups re-enter the market, the total number of first home purchases is expected to rise.
    “Market conditions continue to favour first home buyers — from abundant listings and pricing power, to accessible finance and the ability to use KiwiSaver towards a deposit,” Davidson said.
    “While challenges remain, the opportunity to buy better for less is firmly within reach. It’s true that paying rent is generally cheaper than a mortgage, and it’s never easy to get that first home. But the security of tenure provided by owner-occupier clearly remains a strong motivation for first home buyers.”
     
    About Cotality
    We accelerate data, insights and workflows across the property ecosystem to enable industry professionals to surpass their ambitions and impact society. With billions of data signals across the life cycle of a property, we unearth hidden risks and transformative opportunities for agents, lenders, insurers, governments and innovators.
     
    About Westpac NZ
    Westpac NZ is one of the country’s biggest banks. As a large New Zealand business and employer, we touch the lives of around 1.5 million customers, 5,000 employees and communities nationwide. Getting more customers into their first homes sooner is a priority for us.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wine Sector – APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING INTERACTIVE WINE MAP

    Source: Appellation Marlborough Wine

    APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING INTERACTIVE WINE MAP

    Digital Platform Revolutionises Understanding of New Zealand’s Premier Wine Region
    Marlborough, New Zealand, May 2025 – Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) today launches its highly anticipated Interactive Wine Map of Marlborough, a cutting-edge digital platform set to transform how wine professionals and enthusiasts experience the region’s diverse terroir. 
    This innovative tool elevates the original Wine Map of Marlborough, created by the Marlborough Wine Map Collective, into an immersive digital experience that brings the region’s unique characteristics to life.
    Developed through a strategic partnership with Marlborough-based geospatial experts MapHQ, the interactive map offers unprecedented insights into the factors that define Marlborough’s world-renowned wines. Users can explore distinct subregions through interactive layers revealing critical terroir elements-topography, rainfall, temperature, and soil composition-all enhanced with photography and expert commentary from leading winemakers and viticulturists.
    Sophie Parker-Thomson MW, Chair of Appellation Marlborough Wine, explains the significance of this digital milestone:
    “The AMW interactive map represents a quantum leap in communicating Marlborough’s diverse wine story. For the first time, we are offering a dynamic, visual exploration of how our distinctive subregions and microclimates stylistically contribute to our wines. It’s an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of what makes the Marlborough wine region, and the AMW certified wines produced here, so exceptional.”
    Rob Besaans, Founder of MapHQ, highlights the technical innovation behind the project: “Partnering with AMW to create this digital platform has been an inspiring journey. Together, we’ve developed a tool that truly showcases the diversity and depth of Marlborough’s wine-growing region.”
    “Users can seamlessly transition between different data visualisations, revealing the complex interplay of factors that influence Marlborough wines.”
    The Interactive Wine Map of Marlborough is now freely accessible on the AMW website, highlighting AMW’s continued innovation and commitment to showcasing the remarkable diversity and quality of Appellation Marlborough wines to global audiences.
    Experience the Interactive Wine Map at www.appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz/map
    ABOUT APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE
    Established in 2018, Appellation Marlborough Wine™ safeguards the integrity, authenticity, and global reputation of Marlborough wines. Wines bearing the AMW certification mark provide guarantees of:
    – Origin – Made exclusively from 100% Marlborough-grown grapes from a delimited viticultural area.
    – Authenticity – Bottled in New Zealand to preserve regional integrity and quality.
    – Quality – Quality parameters such as minimum ripeness levels and certification through an independent blind tasting process to ensure typicity and quality.
    – Sustainability – Produced from vineyards certified by a recognised sustainable viticulture scheme.
    With over fifty-five members, AMW is dedicated to protecting the future of Marlborough’s iconic wine region.
    ABOUT MapHQ
    MapHQ leverages years of geospatial insights and expertise to simplify mapping with an intuitive no-code platform. Our solution transforms complex geographic data into compelling visual experiences, empowering businesses of all sizes to enhance strategy, marketing, and operations through impactful, custom location-based insights.
    For more information, visit www.maphq.app.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Te Roopu Tupeka Kore Launches Powerful New Documentary on Māori Tobacco Control

    Source: Hapai Te Hauora

    Te Roopu Tupeka Kore, the Māori Tobacco Control network, is proud to launch Our Documentary: The Whakapapa of Māori Tobacco Control in Aotearoa New Zealand at Wainuiomata Marae, Lower Hutt, on 30th May 2025, as part of World Smokefree May.
    The collective, made up of Māori organisations and advocates, has long fought to reduce the harm caused by tobacco and its disproportionate impact on Māori communities.
    “Our documentary shares our journey and amplifies the collective voice of Māori in tobacco control,” says Anaru Waa, Interim Chair of Te Roopu Tupeka Kore and recent recipient of the Dame Tariana Turia Award for global leadership in Indigenous tobacco control.
    Dame Tariana Turia, who passed away in January, led the introduction of the world-leading Smokefree 2025 Aotearoa goal during her time in Parliament.
    “That leadership, born from the Māori Affairs Select Committee inquiry into tobacco use-led by Hone Harawira and Dame Tariana-set a global example,” says Waa.
    While 2025 marked the target for a smokefree Aotearoa, Māori continue to face higher rates of nicotine addiction than non-Māori. Despite national progress, smoking-related inequities persist.
    “This documentary isn’t an attack on any one government,” says Waa, “but a call to acknowledge how politics has too often derailed efforts to protect our people from tobacco harm.”
    Told through the voices of Māori tobacco control leaders, the documentary is a snapshot of decades of advocacy, offering a deeper understanding of the movement and the passion driving it.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Experts examine climate impacts on Pacific health – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    The devastating impacts of climate change on health in the Pacific Islands will be discussed at a symposium at the University of Auckland on 5 June.

    Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, a director of the university’s Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the symposium will not only examine the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, but share potential solutions.

    Climate change is driving up temperatures in the islands – and heat is a “silent killer”, says Ng Shiu, a key speaker at the symposium.

    “More than 2000 people died of heat-related conditions in the Pacific Islands between 2000 and 2022. Heat stroke is the main cause of death,” she says.

    While health services can advise people to stay cool and hydrated, poor access to clean drinking water in many Pacific Islands makes that more difficult, Ng Shiu says.

    “What we really need is a better international commitment to reducing greenhouse gases.

    “Pacific people are resilient. We’ve been adapting for years, but our adaptation measures can’t keep up with the rate the climate is changing,” she says.

    Increasingly hot, wet weather is causing spikes of diseases, such as dengue fever, zika, chikungunya, which are spread throughout the Pacific by Aedes mosquitos. In Papua New Guinea, malaria is also a growing risk.

    “Two young people have died from dengue fever in Fiji and Samoa over the past few weeks – one was a 12-year-old boy – and there’s an outbreak in Tonga too.”

    Ng Shiu says one solution to infectious diseases rising as the climate warms is to better integrate health and meteorological surveillance systems.

    She says more funding is needed so weather services can provide warnings to Pacific health services about upcoming periods of wet, hot weather, enabling agencies to fumigate areas where mosquitos breed.

    Funding is also required for research into the mental health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, Ng Shiu says.

    “We’re hearing about children in Fiji who have been traumatised by cyclones destroying their villages, so as soon as they hear strong winds, they run away from school in terror.”

    New Zealand government policies are exacerbating climate change, rather than turning the tide, she says.

    “New Zealand is supposed to be the heart of the Pacific, so they should be doing more to protect it.”

    Speakers at the symposium will include Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Te Whatu Ora Director of Public Health Dr Corina Grey, University of Auckland Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu, and Fred Hollows Foundation NZ chief executive Dr Audrey Aumua.

    Pacific Islands experts travelling to Aotearoa to speak at the event include director of the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research at Fiji National University Associate Professor Donald Wilson and Samoa’s Director General of Health Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma.

    Te Poutoko council chair and former New Zealand Director-General of Health Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield will facilitate a panel discussion at the symposium, featuring University of Auckland Professors Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and Dame Teuila Percival, and Ekeroma, Wilson and Grey.

    Tagata Pasifika director and reporter John Pulu will be MC and Reverend Igasiatama Mokele will offer opening and closing prayers.

    The symposium on Vulnerability to Vitality – Pacific and Global Health responses in a changing climate is on 5 June from 9am to 4pm at Fale Pasifika, 22 Wynyard Street, Auckland.

    The public and media are welcome to attend. Register here: http://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/te-poutoko-ora-a-kiwa-research-symposium-2025-tickets-1235148936719

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Smokefree 2025: A promise gone up in smoke – Asthma Foundation

    Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

    Smokefree 2025 was within reach. Now, it’s a milestone we’re set to miss.
    As the globe marks World Smokefree Day this Saturday, 31 May, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is reminding Kiwis that this was the year New Zealand was meant to become smokefree.
    “Instead, the Government rolled back the clock and stoked the fire, derailing years of public health progress,” Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says.
    Ms Harding says there is little to celebrate and much to be concerned about.
    “We were on track to lead the world in tobacco control, now we appear to be leading the world in vaping.
    “Our previous Smokefree laws were bold, evidence-based, and targeted at protecting future generations, but the repeal of those measures blindsided everyone.”
    The Foundation has been one of the strongest advocates for a smokefree Aotearoa for many years.
    It backed policies that would have phased out tobacco sales for future generations, reduced nicotine levels, and supported drastically cutting the number of retailers.
    Back in 2021, the Foundation celebrated the bold steps taken toward Smokefree 2025, calling it a “significant step forward” in reducing respiratory disease and health inequities, particularly for Māori and Pacific communities.
    Fast forward to today, and the mood has shifted.
    The Foundation has been vocal in its disappointment over the coalition Government’s decision to roll back key Smokefree laws, warning about the implications to the health of New Zealanders and a missed opportunity to lead the world in tobacco control.
    At the same time, the Foundation is deeply concerned by the new approach to achieving Smokefree Aotearoa – simply shifting the problem to vapes.
    “The Government’s strategy seems to be ‘let’s just add vapes to the mix’, which is just another product that has harmful health effects and ensures future generations are nicotine dependent,” said Ms Harding.
    “As we have said previously, that rationale is like letting stoats in to eradicate rabbits – that’s not a solution.
    “We’re not breaking the cycle of nicotine dependency – we’re just redirecting it,” she says.
    “Let’s free Aotearoa from the shackles of big tobacco, who make money on the back of nicotine dependency.”
    The goal shouldn’t just be a smokefree New Zealand – it should be vape-free too, Ms Harding says.
    “Otherwise, we’re just chasing a new kind of addiction – and calling it progress.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NIWA releases Seasonal Climate Outlook – June to August 2025

    Source: NIWA

    Air temperatures are expected to be above average across all New Zealand regions for this winter season, according to NIWA’s Seasonal Climate Outlook for June – August 2025. While cold snaps and frost will occur, they are expected to be less frequent than usual, says NIWA Principal Scientist Chris Brandolino.
    Rainfall totals during the three months ahead are expected to be above normal for the north of the North Island and near normal for the east of the South Island. For all remaining regions of the country, rainfall is forecast to be near normal or above normal.
    Higher than normal atmospheric pressure is expected to the east of the country, leading to north-easterly flow anomalies that may shift to a more north-westerly direction towards the end of the three-month period. Low pressure systems forming north of the country are still expected to affect New Zealand and may lead to heightened risks for heavy rainfall events.
    More – including what it means for where you are: 
    Please see the attached Word or PDF for the full Seasonal Climate Outlook for June – August 2025, including background, summaries, graphs and regional outlooks . 
    The SCO is also available via the NIWA website:  Seasonal Climate Outlook June – August 2025 | NIWA
    Watch the video presentation of the Seasonal Climate Outlook with Principal Scientist – Forecasting and Media, Chris Brandolino for more detailed week-by-week rainfall tr

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Home consents down in the month of April 2025 – Stats NZ media and information release: Building consents issued: April 2025

    Home consents down in the month of April 2025 – media release

    30 May 2025

    There were 2,418 new homes consented in April 2025, down 17 percent compared with April 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    “The drop in number of new homes consented in April 2025 may have been impacted by the timing of Easter weekend and Anzac Day, with people potentially taking time off in between,” economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.

    Of the 2,418 new homes consented, there were:

    • 1,148 stand-alone houses consented (down 15 percent compared with April 2024)
    • 1,270 multi-unit homes consented (down 19 percent).

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): Year ended 2023

    Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): Year ended 2023 – information release

    30 May 2025

    Greenhouse gas emissions statistics include the emissions by gas type for both industries and households, the emissions intensity (emissions in relation to GDP/economic output) for industries, and tourism-related emissions.

    Industry and household emissions estimates use the latest New Zealand Greenhouse Gas Inventory data from the Ministry for the Environment and show updated production-based gross emissions for the years ended December 2007 through to 2023, on a System of Environmental-Economic Accounts (SEEA) basis.

    Key facts

    Year ended December 2023

    • Gross greenhouse gas emissions from New Zealand’s industries and households were 78,778 kilotonnes (kt) of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is a fall of 0.8 percent (612 kt) from 2022.
    • The fall was driven by a 1.0 percent decrease (720 kt) in industry-related emissions.
    • Household emissions increased 1.3 percent (107 kt) due to an increase in household transport emissions.

    Visit our website to read this information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment Issues – Community Corrections staff gearing up for industrial action – PSA

    Source: PSA

    Community Corrections staff – who manage the 26,000 people the Department of Corrections is responsible for outside of prisons – are gearing up to take industrial action.
    Community Corrections staff – including Probation Officers and Electronic Monitoring staff – are frustrated with low pay and ballooning workloads further fuelled by anger over the Government’s rushed changes to the Pay Equity Act, says Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “We will be looking to take industrial action if we do not get an improved offer from Corrections, and the mediation, set down for Wednesday 4 June, fails,” Fitzsimons says.
    Community Corrections staff are 68% female, which falls just agonisingly short of the Government’s new threshold requiring a workforce to be made up of 70% women to take a pay equity claim.
    “Up until the recent reversal, Probation Officers were subject to a five-year long pay equity claim, they were found to be significantly undervalued and their claim was before the Employment Relations Authority to be settled, Fitzsimons says.
    “With the ability to raise a pay equity claim cynically extinguished by the Government, underpaid Community Corrections workers will be expecting to see a significantly improved offer from Corrections,” Fitzsimons says.
    Community Corrections workers include probation officers, programme facilitators, electronic monitoring staff, community work supervisors, bail support officers, administration staff, and many others.
    On any given day, Community Corrections staff work with 70% of the people Correction is responsible for, about 26,000 people living in the community. These people include those: who have been released from prison; who are serving Community-based sentences; who are electronically monitored; and who are on electronic bail.
    PSA union Community Corrections members have been negotiating with Corrections since December and have been offered increases of around 1%, further embedding their low pay, Fitzsimons says.
    The PSA is balloting members on taking three escalating actions – a complete withdrawal of labour for two, then four then eight hours. An indicative poll of Delegates showed unanimous support for industrial action.
    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: Local News – Hutt City Council considers non-binding referendum question on exploring council amalgamation

    Source: Hutt City Council

    Hutt City Council is considering adding a non-binding referendum question to this year’s local election ballot, asking whether the community supports exploring regional amalgamation.
    If approved at a full council meeting next month, the following question will be included in voting papers:
    “Should Hutt City Council work with councils in Wellington, Upper Hutt, Porirua and the Wellington Regional Council to explore the possibility of creating one single council, that combines relevant services and functions regionally, while keeping appropriate local services and decision making local?”
    Mayor Campbell Barry said debate about reorganisation has existed for some time.
    “This question simply asks our residents and ratepayers if they want us to explore things further.
    “I will be putting this forward for council’s consideration in June, and encourage other councils in the Wellington region to do the same.”
    The move comes after Porirua City Council agreed yesterday to include in voting papers the question of whether to explore council amalgamation.
    The referendum is non-binding and it will be up to the future Council to consider the results after the election.
    Voting in the upcoming local elections opens on 9 September and closes at midday on Saturday, 11 October 2025. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – Finalists for Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    Finalists have been named for the sixth Northland Regional Council Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards which recognise individuals, groups and organisations helping to protect and improve Northland’s environment.
    Council Chair Geoff Crawford says the 2025 awards are the first since the transition to a biennial event. (The previous awards were in 2023.)
    Chair Crawford says entering the Environmental Awards helps tell the story of the environmental work happening in Northland and shows that collectively we are making a difference.
    Finalists (in alphabetical order) are:
    • Bay of Islands International Academy
    • Bream Head Conservation Trust Reserve Revegetation
    • Earth Buddies
    • Hokianga Harbor Care Incorporated Society
    • Hurupaki School
    • India Clarke
    • Jill Mortensen
    • Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust
    • Ngā Kaitiaki O Ngā Wai Māori
    • Ngā Kaitiaki o te Ahi
    • Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust – Te Pou Taiao
    • Piroa Conservation Trust
    • Project Island Song
    • Roman Makara
    • Te Kura O Hato Hohepa Te Kamura
    • Te Runanga Nui O Te Aupouri- Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao Team
    • The Love Bittern Project
    • Tū Mai Rā Energy Northland
    • Weed Action Native Habitat Restoration Trust
    • Whangārei Girls’ High School
    Award categories include:
    • Environmental action in the community
    • Environmental action to protect native life
    • Environmental action in water quality improvement
    • Environmental action in education
    • Environmental leadership
    • Youth environmental leader
    • Kaitiakitanga
    • Environmental action in business
    • Environmental action to address climate change
    Chair Crawford says winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Waitangi on Thursday 26 June.
    People interested in learning more about the awards – including previous winners – can visit: awards.nrc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Port of Auckland fee increases cause concern for industry – Transporting NZ

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    National road freight association Transporting New Zealand is voicing strong concerns over the Port of Auckland’s (POAL) announced increases to Vehicle Booking System (VBS) fees, warning these price hikes at the country’s largest import port will have major repercussions for businesses and consumers.
    Trucks have been charged $130 per visit in access fees to the container terminal during peak hours since January 2025. This will increase to $180 in January 2026, $230 by July 2026 and $350 by January 2027. These fees are levied each time a truck accesses the terminal to deliver or collect a container.
    Billy Clemens, Head of Policy & Advocacy at Transporting New Zealand, is questioning the justification for these large increases, noting that POAL’s productivity improvements have been minimal.
    “Our road freight members and their customers haven’t seen an associated increase in Port productivity,” he says.
    “In fact, from financial year 2023 to 2024 POAL’s average truck turnaround time improved by only 1.5 per cent, or 17 seconds. I don’t know of any road freight companies who could hike their prices by 170 per cent over two years following that level of performance.”
    Clemens also challenges POAL’s rationale that higher peak-time fees will incentivise off-peak deliveries.
    “ Traffic data confirms that our members already do their best to avoid peak traffic because it’s a nightmare in Auckland as it is. If they could, they would.”
    “A survey by one of our major North Island members revealed that only 12 per cent of their customers could accept night-time deliveries of containers.”
    Transporting New Zealand is warning that these increased costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers and exporters, making New Zealand goods less competitive on the international stage. All at a time when the Port is already comfortably surpassing its profit targets.
    Productive alternatives 
    Clemens urges POAL and its owner, Auckland Council, to focus on enhancing productivity and performance rather than imposing higher fees on industry stakeholders.
    “One practical option we’ve previously raised with POAL is to lower VBS charges for dual bookings, where a freighter both drops off and picks up containers on the same trip.”
    “If POAL wants to improve productivity, it should also look to its 2024 Annual Report. POAL was comfortably meeting its peak vs off-peak truck target, but failing on crane rate, ship rate, and import dwell time, amongst others.”
    Cargo owners share concern at price increases
    Mike Knowles, chair of the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council, says the time-of-use approach is too simplistic to achieve significant behaviour change as the port is just one part of a complex supply chain.
    The Cargo Owners Council believes it is time for benchmarking of NZ port productivity against their charge structures.
    “We think the time is long overdue for a closer look at arbitrary fee increases that do not result in measurable service or infrastructure improvement – as things stand the ultimate loser here is NZ Inc.”
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand 
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand  is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Campus Program Pre-Application Information Session

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    OVW conducted a pre-application information session for its Fiscal Year 2025 Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus program. During the presentation, OVW staff reviewed this NOFO’s requirements and discussed the program.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photo & Video Chronology — May 28 & 29, 2025 — After Kīlauea Episode 23

    Source: US Geological Survey

    A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist collects high-precision ground positions using a kinematic GPS instrument that measures its vertical and horizontal position. Once processed, these measurements will help scientists determine the thickness of the tephra deposit downwind of the ongoing Halema‘uma‘u eruption at Kīlauea summit. The tephra has primarily been falling in a closed area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, an area that HVO scientists access with permission from, and in coordination with, the National Park Service. USGS photo taken on May 29, 2025, by L. DeSmither. 

    During the pause after episode 23 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption, a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist collects data on the tephra deposits. Buckets are used to collect tephra, and emptied between episodes, to ensure that samples from each episode are isolated to track geochemical changes and determine the amount of tephra that fell at each site. The steak also helps scientists measure the thickness of tephra fall in that area. USGS photo taken by L. DeSmither on May 29, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Low-level fixed-wing flights to image geology of Michigan and Wisconsin

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Most of the surveying is expected to be completed by the late autumn of 2025; however, surveying may continue in the spring and summer of 2026 to avoid adverse weather conditions.

    The Michigan and Wisconsin flights are part of a national effort to map critical mineral resources needed to drive the U.S. economy and national security, searching below ground and in tailings from old mines.  As directed by the Energy Act of 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey has identified 50 critical minerals essential to the U.S. economy and national security, with a supply chain vulnerable to disruption.  The USGS partners on this effort with the Michigan Geological Survey, the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, and many other state geological surveys. 

    “The USGS Earth MRI program’s data for the Upper Peninsula is incredibly valuable. It will significantly enhance our understanding of the U.P.’s complex geology and is crucial for making informed decisions about sustainable land and resource management, and protecting public health in the region,” said Sara Pearson, director of the Michigan Geological Survey.

     Flights will cover areas within Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft Counties in Michigan, as well as Ashland, Florence, Forest, Iron, Marinette, Price, and Vilas Counties in Wisconsin.

    The flights will be based out of various Michigan and Wisconsin airports.  Flights and landing areas could shift with little warning to other parts of the survey area as necessary to minimize ferrying distances and avoid adverse flying conditions.

    The survey will acquire both magnetic and radiometric data across two non-overlapping blocks.  Fixed-wing survey aircraft will collect data along closely spaced flight lines at a nominal elevation of about 300 feet (100 meters). Flight lines will be spaced approximately 500 feet apart in the western survey block and 1,300 feet apart in the eastern survey block.  The magnetic component of the survey detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field that reveal subsurface structures up to a few kilometers deep, or about 10,000 feet. Radiometric sensors measure natural low-level radiation to help map the distribution of potassium, thorium, and uranium near the surface.

    The survey will use aircraft equipped with an elongated “stinger” mounted to the tail extending backward off the aircraft. The scientific instruments on the aircraft are completely passive, with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected.  The data collected will be made freely available to the public on ScienceBase, typically within one year of flight completion. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. The company contracted to fly the survey works with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only.

    The new geophysical data will be processed to develop high-resolution two- and three-dimensional representations of bedrock composition and structure to depths more of approximately 10,000 feet (almost 2 miles) below the surface.   The survey is funded by the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and is designed to meet needs related to mineral resource assessments, regional geologic framework and mapping studies, as well as water resource investigations and surficial mapping studies.  Additionally, the data and maps are important for improving our understanding of parameters for infrastructure and land-use planning, and potential risks of naturally occurring radon.  The MAG and RAD survey is focused on characterizing several major mineral systems, including critical minerals associated with mafic magmatic, volcanogenic seafloor, and porphyry systems.   Data from the survey will significantly improve our understanding of the region’s tectonic history.

    Figure 1:  Fixed-wing survey aircraft with tail stingers and sensors that collect scientific data on geology. (Credit: EON Geosciences Inc.)

    The USGS has contracted with Woolpert and EON Geosciences Inc. to collect data.

    Funding by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has facilitated coverage of such a large area.

    The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS, the Michigan Geological Survey, the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, and other partners, including private companies, academics and state and federal agencies to modernize our understanding of the Nation’s fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources. This effort is known as the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, and it includes airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using LiDAR technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Ed Harbison Welcomes WHINSEC Program Members to Georgia State Capitol

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (May 30, 2025) — Today, Sen. Ed Harbison (D–Columbus) welcomed members of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) to the Georgia State Capitol. The visit highlighted the strong partnership between the state of Georgia and WHINSEC’s international mission to advance leadership, uphold ethics and foster regional cooperation.

    As part of their professional development, WHINSEC participants visited the Capitol to learn more about Georgia’s legislative process and the role of state government in supporting public institutions and international engagement.

    “Georgia is proud to play a vital role in shaping leaders committed to peace, integrity and democratic values. WHINSEC is more than a training institute. It is where the next generation of global leaders is developed,” said Sen. Harbison. “As a veteran and lifelong public servant, I have seen firsthand the importance of investing in programs that enhance security and promote human rights and shared responsibility. WHINSEC reflects the very best of what Georgia has to offer: world-class training, strong civic principles and a deep respect for service. The men and women who pass through this program carry those lessons back to their home countries, strengthening the bonds we share across the Western Hemisphere. I was honored to welcome them to our Capitol and look forward to the positive impact they will make for years to come.”

    WHINSEC, based at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, brings together military, civilian and law enforcement personnel across the Americas for high-level training focused on leadership, ethics and mutual respect. The Capitol visit underscores Georgia’s unique position as a host and a partner in WHINSEC’s efforts to promote regional security and cross-cultural understanding.

    For more information on WHINSEC and its programs, visit WHINSEC’s official website.

    # # # #

    Sen. Ed Harbison serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property. He represents the 15th Senate District, which includes Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor counties, as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at 404.656.0074 or via email at ed.harbison@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle to participate in Portland Rose Festival

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 05/30/2025 05:15 PM EDT

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 13th District PA Detachment Astoria
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Astoria
    Office: (503) 861-6380
    After Hours: (206) 220-7237
    PA Detachment Astoria online newsroom

     

    05/30/2025 04:46 PM EDT

    U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle (WIX 327) will participate in Rose Festival and Fleet Week festivities, June 5-8.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Delivers Remarks on U.S. Steel Deal

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Pittsburgh, PA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqnyP6mUI7w

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Behind the Badge | Meet Joseph

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    From Wall Street to Quantico, the path to becoming a special agent is unique. Our agents are shaped by their previous experiences which help them prepare, prevent, and protect. Joseph’s story is one of many. Do you have what it takes?

    Learn more about the Special Agent journey, visit https://fbijobs.gov/special-agents.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0TtsWVZQ8w

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Beyond the Badge | The Next Generation of FBI Agents

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    America’s FBI is of the people, for the people. Go beyond the badge with real FBI agents doing extraordinary things. We never take our eyes off the mission: Upholding the U.S. Constitution and protecting the American people.

    Apply Today: https://fbijobs.gov/special-agents

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70GliyVuWLc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: How Did the FBI’s Wanted Posters Start?

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    The FBI Most Wanted Posters represent the tradition and legacy of law enforcement for the past 100 years. Today, the Bureau continues this legacy by tackling crimes in new, innovative ways in order to safeguard communities.

    Learn more about what it takes to protect the nation as a special agent. Visit https://fbijobs.gov/special-agents.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7REmfRzzIk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: From First Responder to FBI Special Agent

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    Behind every emergency is a group of dedicated individuals who are ready to help. Using expert skillsets, they are there to mitigate threats, prevent crimes, and keep us all safe. Vast career experiences build great special agents.

    Learn more about the Special Agent journey, visit https://fbijobs.gov/special-agents.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni_54vTxcWQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Behind the Badge | Meet Michelle

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    Lead. Innovate. Protect. These principles can set you up to become an incredible special agent. Our agents bring a wide array of skills that help them drive investigations that keep our communities safe. Set yourself apart.

    Learn more about the Special Agent journey, visit https://fbijobs.gov/special-agents.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waeQgT_zXgk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Statement on SCOTUS Decision to End Humanitarian Parole Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    Washington, D.C. –“This ruling isn’t just a blow to the rights and safety of these legal immigrants—it’s also a direct attack on South Florida’s economy. This reckless measure threatens our economy by failing to allocate funds for training Americans for these jobs. 

    “House Republicans have obstructed essential job skills training, leaving critical industries—healthcare, construction, and hospitality—severely understaffed and vulnerable.

    “Taking away their legal status and work permits will not only devastate families—it will weaken our local economy and disrupt essential services.”

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall and Padilla Introduce Bipartisan Plant Biostimulant Act to Advance Agricultural Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-California) to introduce the Plant Biostimulant Act to establish a standardized process for approving the commercial use of plant biostimulants as alternatives to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Plant biostimulants have demonstrated potential in advancing sustainable practices, including carbon sequestration and water quality enhancement. The legislation would also support research into the benefits of these technologies for soil health.
    “Innovation is the cornerstone of American agriculture, and creating pathways for new agronomic tools like plant biostimulants to be approved for use allows our nation’s farmers to produce more food with fewer crop protection tools and fertilizers,” said Senator Marshall. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation alongside Senator Padilla as we work together to improve soil health.”
    “California’s agriculture industry is essential to our national economy and puts food on the table for families across the country,” said Senator Padilla. “As we make our agriculture sector more sustainable, our evolving practices must be properly implemented to ensure their efficacy and safety.  Oversight and regulatory standards for plant biostimulants, which could replace or reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, are critical to maintain California’s leadership at the forefront of this bio-based agricultural technology.”
    Representatives Jim Baird (R-Indiana-4) and Jimmy Panetta (D-California-20) introduced the House companion bill.
    “Our farmers and ranchers deserve a regulatory process that provides a clear path for their products to go to market, especially as new technologies become available for farmers and producers to improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of our agriculture industry,” said Representative Baird. “Biostimulants have significant potential benefits for producers and their sustainability footprint. Defining these products and creating a consistent process is an important step in giving farmers better access to plant biostimulants and other new technologies to ensure our agriculture sector can thrive.”
    “The lack of a standard regulatory definition or pathway to market for plant biostimulants makes it harder for producers to access this sustainable and effective technology,” said Representative Panetta.” By reintroducing this bipartisan bill, we’re pushing for the clarity and federal coordination needed to encourage the adoption of biostimulants. Increasing access to these products helps our farmers improve crop yields, protect our environment, and maintain U.S. leadership in sustainable agriculture.”
    The Plant Biostimulant Act is endorsed by Agriculture Retailers Association (ARA), American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA), Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA), CropLife America (CLA), The Fertilizer Institute Biostimulant Council, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Humic Products Trade Association (HPTA), International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), Southern Crop Production Association (SCPA), and Western Growers.
    “We thank Senators Marshall and Padilla for championing the Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Russell Taylor, President, Humic Products Trade Association. “This essential bill provides a clear regulatory path for innovative products, including humic substances, that build soil resilience and optimize nutrient use. It delivers the certainty needed to advance science-backed tools for a more sustainable American food supply.
    “I’d like to thank Senators Marshall and Padilla for reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Megan Provost, President of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment. “Plant biostimulants help homeowners, landscape professionals, and golf course superintendents provide healthy greenspaces that benefit us all. This legislation will help to clarify how they are defined and ensure access to these valuable products. We are excited to see bipartisan, bicameral legislation now gaining traction and hope for its inclusion in the upcoming Farm Bill.”
    “I’d like to thank Senators Marshall and Padilla for reintroducing the Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Courses Superintendents Association of America. ”Plant biostimulants help golf course superintendents provide healthy green spaces that benefit everyone.  This legislation will help ensure golf’s access to this valuable product.”
    “The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) thanks Senators Marshall and Padilla for reintroducing this important legislation. This bill provides a critical definition for plant biostimulants, which will help states establish a clear path to market for these important products and technologies, critical to a variety of growers,” said Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute.
    “The reintroduction of the Plant Biostimulant Act in the Senate is a pivotal step forward, and we commend Senators Roger Marshall and Alex Padilla for their leadership,” said Keith Jones, Executive Director of the Biological Products Industry Alliance. “This bipartisan legislation provides much-needed regulatory clarity for plant biostimulants – ensuring a consistent federal definition and a predictable path to market for these innovative tools. By enabling greater investment in U.S. agricultural innovation, it strengthens our global competitiveness and supports long-term sustainability. BPIA stands ready to work with Congress, growers, and partners across the agricultural community to get this bill passed and deliver the solutions our farmers deserve.”
    The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Leaders’ Roundtable Session II: Making 2025 the ‘Tipping Point to Preserve Glaciers’ with 1.5C – Consistent NDCs at COP30 [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection, Mr. Bahodur Sheralizoda,

    Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Good afternoon and welcome to this distinguished group of delegated. It is especially important to see so many Ministers of Environment around the table, to which I belonged when I was Minister of Environment in Nigeria. It is great to see all of you here.

    This morning, we heard the devastating impact of global warming on glaciers and related eco-systems. We all agree that 2025 must be the tipping point – not towards their collapse – but towards preservation.

    We enter the second half of this decisive decade with a sobering truth: the world is not on track to meet the SDGs nor limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

    I saw this first hand flying over the Fedchenko glaciers yesterday, and we also heard this play out with destructive force as a Glacier collapsed in the Swiss Alps last week.

    We are already seeing 1.2 degrees of warming—and with it, record-breaking heatwaves, rising seas, vanishing glaciers, and intensifying storms. The WMO last week projected a 70% chance that the average temperature across the next 5 years will be above 1.5 degrees Celcius.

    Glaciers, which sustain over two billion people with freshwater, are often among the first casualties of a heating planet. Their disappearance is not a distant threat – it is a lived reality for many today from around the world, as we heard this morning.

    And we know that every tenth of a degree matters. The difference between 1.5 and 2 degrees is the difference between preservation and irreversible loss of ecosystems, food systems, water security, and for some, national existence.

    Alarmingly, our mountain ecosystems are warming at twice the global average, triggering the fastest glacier retreat in recorded history.

    And yet, the global response remains deeply inadequate. Despite progress made under the landmark Paris Agreement – signed in hope and grounded in science – temperatures still continue to rise.

    The Paris Agreement still remains our North Star. It reflects a global consensus that we must limit global warming to well below 2 degrees—and we strive for 1.5.

    But whilst we must be honest about the current context – we must also see the opportunities.

    Around the world, we are seeing growing pushback against climate ambition:

    Calls to delay action in the name of economic growth.

    Fossil fuel interests distorting facts and sowing doubt.

    Political cycles undermining long-term commitments.

    In this environment, leadership is not the absence of resistance. It is the ability to act despite it.

    It is time to translate our climate promises into policy—and policy into progress.

    To preserve our glaciers and secure a livable future, I urge world leaders to prioritize three critical areas—each requiring not only technical solutions but sustained political will.

    First, the 2035 NDCs, as we just heard from the Chairman, are our most immediate lever to alter our trajectory. They must represent a radical upgrade in ambition and credibility.

    And so we are calling on all governments – particularly major emitters – to:

    Submit enhanced NDCs aligned with science-based pathways to 1.5 degrees.

    Integrate the guidance from the UAE consensus to triple renewable energy, double energy efficiency, and transition away from fossil fuels

    Include transition roadmaps with policies that support workers and communities.

    And we hope to being able to seize the benefits of the clean energy transition.

    There is no alternative. The cost of inaction is incalculable.

    Second, finance is the foundation of climate action. Without it, ambition will not be achieved.

    We urge governments and financial institutions to:

    Fulfil the New climate finance goal agreed in Baku.

    Mobilize private capital in clean energy and adaptation and de-risking investment for development countries, will be essential.

    Support climate-vulnerable countries—particularly glacier-dependent nations—with grants and concessional finance.

    We also call for a reform of international financial institutions to make access faster, fairer, and more inclusive.

    No country should be denied protection from climate chaos because of lack of liquidity or credit rating.

    And third, preserving glaciers must move from the periphery to the core of global climate strategy.

    I urge to strengthen coordination on sciences, funding, and policy action for glaciers’ preservation.

    Investing in early warning systems, glacial monitoring, and local adaptation strategies in mountainous regions.

    Recognize of indigenous and community-led knowledge in shaping responses.

    The melting of glaciers is not only a symptom – it is a signal and if we fail to act, these warning signs will become tipping points.

    Excellencies,

    We understand the pressures leaders face. The path to 1.5 degrees is narrow. The politics are hard. But the science and economics are unequivocal – and the consequences of delay are intolerable.

    We must be clear-eyed: preserving glaciers is not a niche issue. It is central to global water security, disaster resilience, and planetary stability. It is also about equity, it is about intergenerational justice, and about defending the rights of the most vulnerable.

    Let us reject false choices between economic development and environmental protection. The technologies, the solutions, and the resources do exist. What is needed is the political will to deploy them—urgently and at scale.

    Let 2025 be remembered as the year the world turned the tide.

    Not with declarations alone, but with real decisions.

    Not by defending the status quo, but by defining a new trajectory.

    I believe if we choose to act—with honesty, urgency, and solidarity—then even at this late hour, the story of glacier loss can still be a story of human resilience.

    The ice is melting. The window is closing.

    But the future is still ours to shape.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening Session of the International Conference for Glaciers’ Preservation [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Your Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan,

    Your Excellency, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr.  Shehbaz Sharif,

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Government and the people of the Republic of Tajikistan for convening this High-Level International Conference and championing 2025 as the United Nations declared International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.  

    Mr. President, I thank you for the opportunity to visit the Glaciers in the Pamir mountain range. This was a reality check to how fragile the ecosystem is and needs preservation.

    Your commitment to glaciers – the water towers of the world, holding nearly 70% of Earth’s freshwater – stands as a beacon of hope, towards keeping global momentum, securing our planet’s vital water sources, and raising urgent climate ambition.

    A decade has passed since the world embraced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement, setting out a bold vision for a more just, resilient, and sustainable future.

    In spite of the recent geopolitical tensions and the pushback on multilateralism, this Conference convenes at a pivotal moment—with a decisive call to turn commitments into action, and shape the trajectory of our planet, economies, and the well-being of generations to come.

    The time for ambition is an imperative now, and the stakes have never been higher.

    Allow me to recognize the invaluable contributions of the World Meteorological Organization, UNESCO, the Asian Development Bank, and all other dedicated partners whose collaboration has made this conference – and this growing momentum – possible.

    Your steady dedication to glacier research and monitoring throughout the 2025-2034 Decade of Action on Cryosphere Sciences has been instrumental in raising awareness and advancing scientific knowledge to safeguard our planet’s equilibrium.

    Excellencies, Friends,

    Since 1975, over 9,000 billion tons of ice have disappeared – equivalent to a 25-meter-thick block covering all of Germany.

    In the past six years, glaciers have been retreating at an unprecedented pace, marking the fastest loss in recorded history.

    Between 2022 and 2024 alone, the world witnessed the largest three-year glacier mass loss ever observed – a staggering acceleration of ice melt.

    At current rates, many glaciers may not survive this century, reshaping landscapes, ecosystems, livelihoods and water security on a global scale.

    This is not just a mountain crisis – it is a slow-moving global catastrophe with far-reaching consequences for  planet and people.

    Glacier loss threatens water and food security, biodiversity loss, infrastructure, and the stability and health of communities worldwide.

    Billions of people depend on glaciers for drinking water, irrigation, livelihoods, and energy production, making their preservation essential for human survival and sustainable development.

    Yet those at the frontline of glacier loss – primarily in developing regions – face the greatest injustices.

    With shrinking water resources, vulnerable communities endure worsening poverty, forced migration, and harsh living conditions all while relying on glacier-fed supplies that are rapidly disappearing.

    Melting glaciers also drive sea-level rise, endangering coastal megacities and displacing millions downstream.

    Each millimeter of rising seas puts hundreds of thousands at risk of annual flooding and much more.

    In my own country Nigeria, I witness firsthand the impact of sea level rise in Lagos, which is threatened and in the Niger Delta which as seen unprecedented changes in its ecosystem. And we also see states once not affected by flooding are experiencing them at unprecedented levels.

    Beyond the physical impacts, glacier loss is also an erosion of culture, of history, and identity.

    Communities tied to mountain landscapes face the disappearance of ancestral lands, traditional knowledge, and linguistic heritage, severing connections that have existed for generations.

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    With a third of mountain ice already lost due to climate change, these consequences will only intensify without immediate mitigation measures to keep global temperatures within the 1.5 degrees threshold.

    Let me note at this time 83% of these emissions for this mitigation agenda, are within the hands of 35 countries.

    Stepping up our ambition and scaling up action is imperative, before dwindling water resources destabilize ecosystems and economic disruptions become irreversible.

    Strategies for glacier preservation must enable integrated, inclusive, data-driven and locally grounded adaptation responses that meet the needs of those most vulnerable.

    Investing in adaptation should be recognized as a catalyst of sustainable growth and resilience.

    Yet, adaptation and risk reduction tools cannot succeed without sustained, predictable financing to support resilience-building at every level.

    The upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Seville is an opportunity to make the Clarion Call, for more investment in adaptation a reality.

    This year’s Global Assessment Report on disaster risk reduction informs us that “Resilience Pays”.

    Every dollar spent on resilience enhances early warning systems, safeguards infrastructure, and protects livelihoods from extreme climate events. It reinforces food and water security and strengthens economies against future shocks.

    But we must significantly scale up financing and investments – integrating risk reduction into core policy decisions.

    Failing to invest now, will result in exponentially higher costs – ranging from economic loss, development setbacks to humanitarian crisis.

    As we embark on the Decade for Glaciers’ Preservation, I have three messages:

    First, let us ensure that this conference signals an urgent call to action, uniting multilateral cooperation and strategic global partnerships.

    These partnerships should be engines for the design and delivery of ambitious, economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – as we go to Belem in Brazil later this year. These should not only as climate pledges, but as investment of roadmaps that drive SDG implementation.

    Second, ensure that your national climate plans set measurable adaptation targets across water, infrastructure, energy, and food systems to build resilience, secure financing, and protect livelihoods. These plans need to be linked to national budgets to optimize resource allocations, avert losses, and build institutional capacities to fill gaps in technical expertise but also to create an enabling environment for large scale and urgent investments.

    Third, identify pipelines of market-ready investments, backed by high-quality data and evidence-based tools that forecast returns, demonstrate co-benefits for job creation and economic growth, and unlock new financial services.

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Together, we can galvanize impactful solutions to safeguard the cryosphere, polar regions, and mountain ecosystems.

    Early warning systems could be strengthened with hydro-climatic experts to reinforce datasets that help anticipate water-related risks and ensuring a constant state of preparedness to enable early action.

    Data-driven predicative analytics and AI could also complement skills, while generating baselines that help identify and anticipate fault lines, aligning with the Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All initiative.

    This year’s Fourth Financing for Development Conference presents an opportunity to ensure that development funding is not just allocated, but strategically risk-informed – across all types of shocks-strengthening resilience and safeguarding development gains.

    Let us use other global milestones including – COP30 in Brazil, the Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the Second World Summit on Sustainable Development in Doha, Qatar – to elevate political will and sharpen our focus on glaciers for people, planet and prosperity.

    In conclusion, as we look forward to the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates, I also wish to recognize the co-hosts of the 2023 UN Water Conference – Tajikistan and the Netherlands – for their continued political commitment to the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development 2018–2028.

    Let us act with the urgency that SDG 6 demands by protecting water-related ecosystems.

    The UN – as always – stands ready to ensure that we meet this target. For our communities, for our economies, for our children’s future and those yet born.

    Let our children not know thirst.

    Thank you.

    ***

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Conclude Article IV Discussions and Reach Staff-Level Agreement on the Third Review of the Extended Credit Facility for Ethiopia

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, May 30, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • IMF staff and the Ethiopian authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the third review of the four-year US$3.4 billion Extended Credit Facility arrangement. Once approved by the IMF Executive Board, Ethiopia will gain access to about US$260 million in financing.
    • Ethiopia’s macroeconomic performance has exceeded program expectations, with better-than-forecast results for inflation, export growth, and international reserves.
    • Maintaining reform momentum remains essential for consolidating recent gains, correcting macroeconomics imbalances, restoring external debt sustainability, laying the foundations for high, private sector-led growth, and ensuring the success of Ethiopia’s homegrown reform agenda.

    A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Mr. Alvaro Piris, visited Addis Ababa from April 3 to 17, 2025, to discuss the 2025 Article IV consultation and the third review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). Discussions continued at the Spring Meetings in Washington DC, April 21-28, and subsequently. The ECF arrangement was approved by the IMF Executive Board on July 29, 2024, for a total amount of US$3.4 billion (SDR 2.556 billion). Subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, the third review will make available about US$260 million (SDR191.7 million), bringing total IMF financial support under the ECF arrangement so far to about US$1,849 million (SDR1,406.4 million).

    Today, Mr Piris issued the following statement:

    “The IMF staff team and the Ethiopian authorities have reached staff-level agreement on the third review of Ethiopia’s economic program under the ECF arrangement. The agreement is subject to the approval of IMF management and the Executive Board in the coming weeks. A memorandum of understanding with official creditors is expected to be agreed ahead of the IMF Board’s consideration of the third review.

    “The authorities’ policy actions in the first year of the program have yielded strong results. The transition to a flexible exchange rate regime has proceeded with little disruption. Measures to modernize monetary policy, mobilize domestic revenues, enhance social safety nets, strengthen state-owned enterprises, and anchor financial stability continue to show encouraging results. Macroeconomic indicators have performed better than expected, with substantially better outcomes than forecast for inflation, goods exports, and international reserves.

    “Recent policy action should help deepen the FX market and tackle remaining distortions. While real exchange misalignment has been corrected and FX availability has improved from a year ago, the spread between the official and parallel market widened again in early 2025 and high fees and commissions persist. Actions that are being rolled out to enhance transparency, reduce costs, ease restrictions on current account transactions, and strengthen prudential regulation will help to improve the functioning of the FX market.

    “Maintaining reform momentum will be key to consolidating gains and securing sustainable high growth. Continued tight monetary and financial conditions will be important for managing inflation and exchange rate expectations. Further revenue mobilization is needed to provide sustainable financing for critical development spending. Reforms to improve the business environment, ensure fair taxation practices, encourage foreign direct investment, and facilitate open dialogue with business will be important to secure private sector investment. Efforts to end the remaining elements of financial repression and develop the capital market will help to mobilize savings and support the efficient allocation of capital.

    “The staff team is grateful to the authorities for the excellent policy discussions and their strong commitment to the success of the IMF-supported economic program. The team met with Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia Mamo Mihretu, State Minister of Finance Eyob Tekalign, and other senior officials. Staff also had productive discussions with representatives of banks and businesses that are operating in a range of sectors and representatives of civil society.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on official opening of Blackwater Mine

    Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, has released the following statement in recognition of the official opening of the new Blackwater Mine:

    “I am thrilled to congratulate Artemis Gold Inc. on the grand opening of the Blackwater Mine. This new mine has already created hundreds of good jobs, helping boost the local economy and support small businesses and services in the area. It is a big achievement for the company and for B.C.’s mining industry, showcasing how we can build strong projects that support jobs and communities, while protecting the environment and respecting the land and the people who live here.

    “Our government is proud to support responsible mining projects like this one — projects that put safety, sustainability and partnerships at the Centre. B.C. has some of the highest environmental standards in the world, and Blackwater is a great example of how industry can thrive while meeting those standards.

    “I also want to recognize the work Artemis has done with Indigenous communities. This ongoing collaboration reflects how reconciliation and economic development must go hand in hand.

    “Mining is a big part of B.C.’s economy. It supports approximately 40,000 jobs around the province and is an important driver for our shared future. Right now, there are many critical minerals and mining projects in the works which could bring tens of billions of dollars in investment and create 10,000 direct jobs to the province. We are seeing strong progress throughout the province — at projects like Highland Valley Copper, Red Chris, Eskay Creek, Mt. Milligan, and KSM. These projects show that B.C. is ready to lead in clean and responsible mining.

    “Once again, congratulations Artemis Gold. This is a proud moment for your team, for this region and for all of B.C.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Suburban Chicago Businessman Charged with Swindling Investors Out of $3.6 Million

    Source: US FBI

    CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago businessman has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly swindling investors in his purported refining business out of at least $3.6 million.

    An indictment returned Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges AWAD ODEH, 41, of Palos Hills, Ill., with four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.  Arraignment in federal court has not yet been scheduled.

    According to the indictment, Odeh operated North American Refinery (NAR) in Bridgeview, Ill.  The company was purportedly in the business of precious metals refining.  From 2017 to 2020, Odeh fraudulently obtained funds from multiple investors by falsely representing that they would receive guaranteed annualized returns on their investments of ten to 50%.  Odeh also falsely told victims that in the event NAR defaulted in making payments to investors, he would personally repay the full amount of their investments and their returns, the indictment states.  In support of his fraudulent representations, Odeh allegedly provided investors with false documents that made it appear NAR was financially sound and able to meet its financial commitments.

    In reality, the indictment states that investor funds were not used for NAR’s purported precious metals business.  Odeh instead fraudulently used the funds for personal use and other non-NAR-related purposes, including funding an unrelated car company that Odeh owned and operated in Burr Ridge, Ill., the indictment states.

    The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago, and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Prashant Kolluri.

    The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –