Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China introduces new measures to facilitate travel, residency for HK, Macao, Taiwan residents on mainland
BEIJING, March 20 — China’s central government announced Thursday that two new measures aimed at facilitating travel and residency for residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan on the mainland took effect on Thursday.
Under the new policy, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents who lose, damage, or forget to carry their travel permits can apply for a temporary electronic permit valid for seven days, allowing them to board flights and trains within mainland cities, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said.
The NIA has also launched a verification service linking travel and residence permits.
Individuals can request proof of their permit association via the NIA’s online platform or obtain an official paper document from any immigration office at or above the county level nationwide.
Government agencies and businesses serving Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents can integrate their systems with the NIA’s authentication platform for automatic verification.
The NIA has already implemented over 40 service measures for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents across 10 sectors, including transportation, finance and telecommunications, benefiting those residents through free real-time verification services.
The administration pledged to further enhance immigration policies, expand service accessibility, and offer more tailored support to facilitate the life and development of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents on the mainland.
Museum leaders from China, the United States and Canada gathered Wednesday at the Field Museum in downtown Chicago to seek more exchanges and cooperation.
Under the theme of “Now/Next: Make an Impact Together,” leaders from more than 20 museums in China, the United States and Canada exchanged views on topics such as “Museum Collaboration during the New Globalization Era: Opportunities and Challenges,” “Exhibiting Asian Art and Culture in the East and West,” “Research and Exhibiting the Art and Archaeology Collections: Collaborations between Museums and Academia” and “AI, the New Digital Age: Reshaping the Future of Museums” at the Pritzker China-U.S. Museum Leadership Forum.
The Pritzker Art Collaborative and the Chinese Museums Association, the U.S. and Chinese sponsors of the forum, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the forum, aiming to further promote exchanges among the museums in the two countries.
In his welcome and opening speech, David Pritzker, director and chief curator of the Pritzker Art Collaborative, said the aim of hosting the forum is to build trust and collaboration, as “the best way to build trust is to have shared experience.”
The Pritzker Art collaborative was originally created to collaborate with the Dunhuang Academy. “During that time we became very close with a number of museums around China and also with the Chinese Museums Association,” Pritzker said.
By signing the MOU, “we would like to organize more events to bring museum directors in the U.S. and in China together to speak, to share, to get to know one another,” Pritzker said. “The Pritzker Art collaborative can be a bridge to try to make it happen.”
“Museums are windows for the learning of civilizations,” said Chinese Consul General Wang Baodong in Chicago in his opening remarks. “The forum is a highlight of the China-U.S. cultural dialogue.”
“We firmly believe that the improvement and development of China-U.S. relations are the common wishes of the people of the two countries,” wang said.
A program has been funded jointly by the China Museums Association and the Tencent Foundation to bring Chinese museum professionals to the United States for fellowships from six months to one year.
Douglas Dillon, chairman of the Department of Asian Art of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, expressed the hope that U.S. museum professionals may go to China in the future to get a better understanding of Chinese museums.
“Chinese museums are developing very fast, in the way they display and the method they restore relics. There are lots that we can learn,” Dillon said.
Under the night sky, luminous lions leap and dance to the rhythm, performing spectacular moves and drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
These luminous lions are the creation of Li Zujie, a post-95 intangible cultural heritage inheritor. Through his efforts, the luminous lions have evolved through three design iterations, not only becoming a viral sensation in China but also finding their way to more than 20 countries and regions worldwide, including Malaysia and Singapore.
Li was born into a family engaged in lion dance for generations in Suixi county, Zhanjiang city, south China’s Guangdong Province, known as the “hometown of Chinese lion dance.”
With a long history, the Suixi-style lion dance, as a branch of the Guangdong lion dance, was included in the first batch of China’s national intangible cultural heritage list as early as 2006.
Li’s father is a national-level representative inheritor of the Guangdong lion dance, while his mother is a representative inheritor of the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Suixi lion head crafting techniques.
Under his parents’ guidance, Li developed a keen interest in lion dance from an early age.
Li vividly recalled every milestone in his lion dance journey—from the early days of practicing basic skills, to performing as a drummer in his third grade of primary school and finally taking up the lion head for a performance in sixth grade. Each improvement filled him with pride and kindled his hope of adding new highlights to the Suixi lion dance.
“During winter and summer breaks, I would help my parents with crafting tasks, like installing the lions’ eyes and headdresses,” Li said. His parents’ hands-on instruction in bamboo framing and parameter adjustments quickly honed his crafting skills.
“Perhaps it was learning lion dance and crafting techniques from such a young age that made me develop a habit of studying the characteristics of different teams’ lion heads and equipment,” Li said. In 2007, at just 12 years old, he was struck by foreign teams using illuminated decorations on their drums during a competition. This sparked his ambition to innovate with lion heads.
A nighttime performance in 2013 prompted Li to develop luminous lions. “The venue was quite dark, making it difficult for the audience to see our movements clearly. I wondered if attaching light strips to the lion would dramatically enhance the atmosphere and visual appeal of evening performances.”
Li wasted no time putting his idea into practice. While studying in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong, he would go to markets to select materials and learn technical skills after class.
His hard work paid off. After about six months of experimentation, the first-generation luminous lion prototype was successfully developed.
By customizing higher-quality LED strips, larger-capacity batteries, and optimizing circuit placement to accommodate dance movements, Li’s team improved the performance of the second-generation luminous lions.
In recent years, Li and his luminous lions have graced over 20 major galas and events, including the Chinese TV show “Charm China” in 2017, the opening ceremony of the 4th Annual International Jackie Chan Action Movie Week in 2018, and the 2020 Spring Festival Gala at the sub-venue in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
After the second-generation luminous lions gained fame, Li received a flood of orders and constant performance invitations. Yet he didn’t rest on his laurels. After three years of refinement, he incorporated digital control and programmable lighting technology, enabling the third-generation luminous lions to change colors in sync with music and movement patterns.
Beyond preserving lion dance traditions and crafting lion heads, Li has leveraged short videos and e-commerce platforms to further spread the Suixi lion dance.
In March 2018, Li posted his first short video about the Suixi lion dance on the popular short video platform Douyin. To date, his account on the platform has posted over 1,000 videos featuring training and performance clips, lion head crafting processes, and related cultural and creative products, attracting more than 200,000 followers. One video featuring breathtaking lion dance moves garnered over 210,000 likes on Douyin alone, with total views exceeding 100 million across different platforms.
Online popularity has boosted offline performances and sales. “Since we started producing short videos, we’ve received dozens of performance invitations through online channels, and many people have placed orders for luminous lions after seeing our videos,” Li said.
Today, Li’s family factory sells over 10,000 lion dance-related products annually, reaching more than 20 countries and regions worldwide. Last year alone, the factory sold over 400 luminous lions. In addition, miniature lion dance-themed cultural products become best sellers in Li’s online store.
In recent years, Li and his team have actively promoted lion dance through school programs, educational tours, and training classes.
“Currently, our team has introduced lion dance to three schools, teaching over 100 students. Whenever possible, I make sure to teach in person,” he said.
Li has contributed wholeheartedly to the preservation of lion dance. “The lion dance industry is no longer just about making a living like in the past. As new-generation inheritors, we should focus more on how to expand the reach of Chinese traditional culture,” Li noted.
Dunedin Police have conducted a number of searches in Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula area for 65-year-old Penelope, known as Penny, who was last seen on 1 March.
At this stage, no new search areas have been identified, and the active search has been paused while a review and evaluation of the search is conducted.
Police have been in contact with Penny’s family and continue to update them and provide them with support.
Although the search has been paused, we remain poised to reactivate the search in any areas of interest as they are identified or if any fresh information or credible sightings of Penny are reported.
If you have seen Penny, or have any information on her whereabouts and have yet to contact us, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Brent, Professor and Chair in Sustainable Energy Systems, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
A national energy strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand was meant to be ready at the end of last year. As it stands, we’re still waiting for a cohesive, all-encompassing plan to meet the country’s energy demand today and in the future.
One would expect such a plan to first focus on reducing energy demand through improved energy efficiency across all sectors.
We have conducted life-cycle assessments of several renewable electricity generation technologies, including wind and solar, that the country is investing in now. We found the carbon and energy footprints are quite small and favourably complement our current portfolio of renewable electricity generation assets.
Many researchers believe these scenarios are an underestimate. One study suggests the power generation capacity will potentially need to increase threefold over this period. Other modelling efforts project current capacity will need to increase 13 times, especially if we want to decarbonise all sectors and export energy carriers such as hydrogen.
This is, of course, because we want all new generation to come from renewable resources, with much lower capacity factors (the percentage of the year they deliver power) associated with their variability.
The latest World Energy Outlook published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that wind and solar, primarily photovoltaic panels, are quickly taking over as the primary renewable technologies.
This is also true in Aotearoa New Zealand. An updated version of the generation investment survey, commissioned by the Electricity Authority, shows most of the committed and actively pursued projects (to be commissioned by 2030) are solar photovoltaic and onshore wind farms.
Offshore wind projects are on the horizon, too, but have been facing challenges such as proposed seabed mining in the same area and a lack of price stabilisation measures typical in other jurisdictions. New legislation aims to address some of these challenges.
Distributed solar power (small-scale systems to power homes, buildings and communities) has seen near-exponential growth. Our analysis indicates wind (onshore and offshore) and distributed solar will make an almost equal contribution to power generation by 2050, with a slightly larger share by utility-scale solar.
Cradle-to-grave analyses
The main goal is to maintain a stable grid with secure and affordable electricity supply. But there are other sustainability considerations associated with what happens at the end of renewable technologies’ use and where their components come from.
The challenges in securing these metals in a sustainable manner include environmental and social impacts associated with the mining and processing of the materials and the manufacturing of different components that need to be transported for implementation here. There are also operating and maintenance requirements, including the replacement of components, and the dismantling of the assets in a responsible manner.
The usual metrics are energy inputs and carbon emissions because they describe the efficiency of these technologies. They are considered a first proxy of whether a technology is appropriate for a given context.
Beyond that, we used the following specific metrics, as summarised in the table below:
GWP: global warming potential (carbon emissions during a technology’s life cycle per energy unit delivered).
CPBT: carbon payback time (how long a technology needs to be operational before its life cycle emissions equal the avoided emissions, either using the grid and its associated emissions or conventional natural gas turbines).
CED: cumulative energy demand over the life cycle of a technology.
EPBT: energy payback time (how long a technology needs to be operational before the electricity it generates equals the CED).
EROI: energy return on investment (the amount of usable energy delivered from an energy source compared to the energy required to extract, process and distribute that source, essentially quantifying the “profit” from energy production).
There is much debate about the minimum energy return on investment that makes an energy source acceptable. A value of more than ten is generally viewed as positive.
Life cycle assessment metrics of wind and solar power in Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, CC BY-SA
For all technologies we assessed, the overall greenhouse gas emissions are lower than the grid emissions factor. Because of New Zealand’s already low-emissions grid, the carbon payback time is around three to seven years for utility-scale generation. But for small-scale, distributed generation it can be up to 13 years. If the displacement of gas turbines is considered, the payback is halved.
Energy return on investment is above ten for all technologies, but utility-scale generation is better than distributed solar, with values of between 30 and 75.
To put this into perspective, the energy return on investment for hydropower, if operated for 100 years, is reported to be 110. Utility-scale wind and solar being commissioned now have an operational life of 30 years but are typically expected to be refurbished.
This means their energy return on investment is becoming comparable to hydropower.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
In 1998, shortly after arriving for work, a Tennessee high-school teacher reported a “gasoline-like smell” and feeling dizzy. Soon after, many students and staff began reporting symptoms of chemical poisoning. Some 38 people had such extreme symptoms they were kept in hospital overnight.
How could staff and students of this United States high school have had such extreme reactions without being exposed to a toxic agent?
The answer is the “nocebo effect”.
What is the nocebo effect?
Most people have heard of the placebo effect, where a fake treatment can improve someone’s health because they believe it will help them.
The nocebo effect is the opposite. It occurs when someone expects a negative outcome from a harmless treatment or situation, and this triggers worse health.
The staff and students at the Tennessee high school believed they had been exposed to a toxic gas leak and expected symptoms. These negative expectations caused them to feel sick even though there was no gas leak.
How is this relevant today?
When a doctor prescribes you a new medicine, they need to warn about possible side effects, as part of you giving your informed consent.
But knowing the side effects can cause you to expect them, and therefore lead you to experience more side effects.
A large-scale review found nearly 73% of people in drug trials given a placebo and told about possible side-effects reported side effects despite taking no active treatment – an example of the nocebo effect.
Placebo and nocebo effects can also affect the efficacy of real medical treatments.
For example, in one study, participants who were led to expect a powerful painkiller would give them
strong pain relief reported roughly twice as much pain relief compared to those who received the same drug without being told it was a painkiller. However, when participants were led to expect the same painkiller would worsen their pain, they had no pain relief – as if they hadn’t received the drug at all.
Knowing the side effects can cause you to expect side effects and therefore experience more side effects. SpeedKingz/Shutterstock
How do nocebo effects develop?
We already know that simply warning people about possible side effects can make them more likely. We also know that past experiences with treatments shape what we expect and experience. If we have experienced pain from a treatment in the past, this can cause us to expect and experience more pain when we receive that treatment again.
Now there’s growing evidence nocebo effects can also be transmitted socially between peers. In other words, we can “catch” them from other people like a cold, except the transmission happens simply by observing others.
Negative expectations can spread from person to person, as shown in one experiment. Observing someone experience more pain in response to a treatment made the observer feel more pain in response to the same treatment when it was their turn, even though the treatment the observer experienced was fake.
Social media amplifies this, carrying personal tales of woe much further than once possible, regardless of the accuracy.
For example, a tweet by singer Nicki Minaj in 2021 claimed “the vaccine” (presumably the COVID vaccine) gave her cousin’s friend swollen testicles and made him “impotent”. This went out to her millions of followers, and generated more than 100,000 likes. It was debunked days later.
One study found that negative stories about COVID vaccine side effects – especially from friends or social media – were linked to stronger expectations of having those same symptoms. These expectations, in turn, predicted the actual side effects people reported after vaccination.
An Australian study found this effect was amplified among individuals who already worried a lot about side effects, felt anxious or stressed, or looked primarily to social media (instead of mainstream sources) for health information.
If you hear about COVID vaccine side effects on social media, you’re more likely to expect side effects and report you have them. Jo Panuwat D/Shutterstock
The effects can be serious
For individuals, nocebo effects can lead to unnecessary suffering with genuine pain and discomfort. Unpleasant side effects can also contribute to people not continuing their treatment as prescribed or abandoning it altogether.
On a broader public health level, the nocebo effect can make it hard to evaluate the safety of new technologies and public health interventions. For example, health concerns have surfaced around the safety of electromagnetic fields from wireless signals and 5G towers, supposedly causing a range of physical symptoms like headache and insomnia.
When unfounded negative information takes hold, people suffer genuine health effects, businesses face pushback, and the wider community may grow suspicious of technologies that are generally considered safe based on available evidence.
What can we do about it?
Individuals can reduce their likelihood of experiencing nocebo-driven symptoms by seeking reliable information from credible medical sources or reputable health organisations instead of relying on social media.
But even the way side effect information is communicated contributes to the nocebo effect. So health professionals may be able to help by framing discussions of potential side effects in a more positive way and – when appropriate – emphasising that most patients experience no problems.
Negative expectations can physically hurt us, and thanks to social media, they can spread widely, fast. However, by staying informed, being mindful of our own beliefs, and insisting on thoughtful communication from health professionals and public health campaigns, we can keep the nocebo effect in check.
Ben Colagiuri receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Cosette Saunders does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
▲ Samsung Electronics’ new Bespoke AI product lineup
On March 26, Samsung Electronics will hold “Welcome to Bespoke AI” in Seoul, Korea, where it will unveil its latest home appliance lineup and strategy for the year, under the theme of “Home Living Made Simple.”
JH Han, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics, will take the stage as the keynote speaker, introducing Samsung’s vision and strategy for the “AI Home” as well as a wide range of new Bespoke AI products for the global market.
Ahead of the upcoming event, Samsung released a teaser video. The video features a smartphone, a refrigerator and a washing machine connected to SmartThings, highlighting the convenience of Samsung’s AI Home, where AI-connected devices work together seamlessly.
More information about these new products can be found on Samsung Newsroom and Samsung.com starting March 26.
▲ Samsung Electronics unveiled a teaser video ahead of the ‘Welcome to Bespoke AI’ event.
To introduce the Galaxy S25 series to the world, Samsung Electronics launched a series of bold and immersive marketing campaigns across key markets — each designed to showcase the flagship lineup’s AI-powered next-generation capabilities. From an interactive watercraft experience in Australia and a metro station rebrand in Chile to a laser show in Malaysia and an esports tournament in India, these activations brought the Galaxy S25 experience directly to consumers through dynamic and engaging events.
Samsung Newsroom explores some of the standout campaigns that marked the arrival of the Galaxy S25 series worldwide.
[Australia] Elevating Morning Commutes With the Galaxy Go Fleet
In Australia, Samsung launched the Galaxy Go Fleet — a fleet of custom-branded watercraft that transformed daily commutes across Sydney Harbour and the Brisbane River into an interactive Galaxy S25 experience. Passengers on board had the opportunity to test key Galaxy AI features, including Now Brief and Audio Eraser, and experienced firsthand how the Galaxy S25 series helps them start and navigate their day with ease.
[Peru] Introducing the Galaxy AI Train on Lima Metro’s Line 1
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Samsung Perú (@samsungpe)
Samsung Peru became the first tech company in Peru to rebrand a metro train by introducing the Galaxy AI Train on Lima Metro’s Line 1, a key transportation route serving over 500,000 passengers daily. In celebration of the Galaxy S25 series launch, passengers received exclusive metro cards and promotional goods — further enriching their unique transportation experience.
[Chile] Transforming Tobalaba Metro Station and Illuminating Santiago’s Night Sky
Samsung Chile made its mark in Santiago with two high-profile activations to celebrate the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. Tobalaba Metro Station, one of the city’s busiest transit hubs, was officially renamed “Galaxy AI” — immersing daily commuters in the Galaxy S25 experience.
The celebrations continued with a spectacular drone light show where over 300 drones illuminated Santiago’s night sky with stunning visual arrangements alluding to Galaxy AI and the Galaxy S25 series. The synchronized performance mesmerized spectators, turning the city skyline into a dazzling tribute to Samsung’s latest mobile innovations.
[United States] Bringing Stunt Action to the Oscars With Galaxy AI
In the U.S., Samsung celebrated the Galaxy S25 Ultra during the 2025 Oscars with two high-energy ads featuring stunt performers — developed in collaboration with Disney Advertising, ArtClass Content, Empire Stunts, Kimmelot, Maximum Effort, More Media and Really Original. The campaign highlighted the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s advanced AI-powered video-editing capabilities such as Audio Eraser, a feature that removes unwanted background noise. By demonstrating how Galaxy AI enhances both professional filmmaking and everyday content creation, the initiative put stunt professionals in the spotlight — recognizing their contributions to the industry while showcasing Samsung’s state-of-the-art mobile technology.
[United Kingdom] Celebrating Everyday Moments With a Personal Touch
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Samsung UK (@samsunguk)
Samsung U.K. embraced a more personal approach by highlighting how the Galaxy S25 Ultra enhances daily life. Through engaging social media content created in collaboration with Anaïs Gallagher and Molly Moorish-Gallagher, Samsung demonstrated the Auto Trim feature, which allows users to effortlessly edit their favorite video clips and even generate highlight reels. Additionally, the campaign illustrated how the Galaxy S25 Ultra, through the Now Brief feature, integrates itself into users’ bedtime routines by providing personalized updates and content — thereby helping them wind down more easily after a busy evening.
[Malaysia] Lighting Up Kuala Lumpur With Fireworks and Laser Beams
Samsung Malaysia celebrated the arrival of the Galaxy S25 series with spectacular fireworks and a laser show over the Merdeka 118 tower. In addition, Samsung hosted the Edit & Win contest — inviting participants to creatively edit a fireworks image using Galaxy AI’s many tools for a chance to win a Galaxy S25 Ultra.
[Brazil] Capturing São Paulo From the Sky With the Galaxy S25 Ultra
In Brazil, Samsung launched a unique experience at Sampa Sky, São Paulo’s highest observation deck accessible to the public. Suspended 150 meters above ground level, visitors had the opportunity to capture breathtaking views of the city skyline with unparalleled clarity and detail using the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200MP main camera and AI-enhanced 100x space zoom. The campaign also showcased Galaxy AI’s advanced editing tools, demonstrating how users can seamlessly refine and enhance their shots.
[Italy] Pushing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to the Limit in the Dolomites
Samsung Italy hosted the Galaxy Wintercamp in the Dolomites where nine athletes and creators spent three days pushing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to its limits in extreme alpine conditions. Participants used Now Brief to optimize their planning and employed the device’s 200MP camera and AI-enhanced photography tools to capture breathtaking ski descents, tricks and ice performances.
[India] Taking Center Stage at the #PlayGalaxy Cup
In India, Samsung hosted the third edition of the #PlayGalaxy Cup — one of the biggest esports events in the country. The tournament saw India’s top gamers compete against one another using the Galaxy S25 Ultra, allowing them to experience the device’s advanced display, next-level processing power and AI-driven gaming enhancements firsthand. Streamed live, the competition demonstrated how the Galaxy S25 series is designed to meet the demands of high-intensity gameplay while delivering a smooth, immersive experience.
[Thailand] Bringing Star Power to the Launch in Bangkok
Samsung Thailand celebrated the Galaxy S25 series launch with the Galaxy S25 | Here AI am Music Fest, a high-energy event featuring celebrities, influencers and fan activities. Attendees enjoyed interactive games with #TeamGalaxy stars and tested the latest Galaxy AI features. The night culminated in a blue carpet walk and an AI-powered concert where Galaxy AI helped curate the show with a blend of music, technology and entertainment.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced the first recipient from its Hydrogen Headstart Program, with $814 million in funding allocated under round 1 to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ (CIP) 1,500 MW Murchison Green Hydrogen Project in Western Australia.
ARENA CEO, Darren Miller said Australia has immense potential when it comes to hydrogen projects, however, many projects face challenges due to the current gap between the market price for renewable hydrogen and production costs.
“At the time it was announced, Hydrogen Headstart was the largest government investment in Australia’s developing renewable hydrogen industry. ARENA’s support will help Australia’s first large-scale projects get to financial close and deliver on Australia’s promise as a provider of clean energy to decarbonise industry in Australia and globally,” Mr Miller said.
“The Hydrogen Headstart Program commits funding to bridge the current commercial gap in the form of a production credit, meaning funding is only provided once projects are constructed and operational.”
“Enabling hydrogen projects through Hydrogen Headstart is essential to ensure our economic prosperity as the world transitions to cleaner forms of energy especially in hard to abate sectors such as ammonia, iron and alumina.”
“CIP’s Murchison project is an example of how we can leverage Australia’s high quality solar and wind resources to produce low-cost renewable hydrogen and ammonia at scale, increasing export opportunities and embedding Australia as a key enabler of global decarbonisation,” Mr Miller said.
Hydrogen Headstart recipient Murchison must now satisfy a number of development conditions and achieve commercial operations before the funding is released. Funding under the program is paid based on production volumes over a 10-year operating period.
To date, ARENA has provided over $370 million to 65 renewable hydrogen projects from early-stage research to deployment projects.
According to analysis by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Australia’s hydrogen industry could unlock over $50 billion in additional private sector investment and create up to 16,000 new jobs by 2030.
Murchison Green Hydrogen CEO, Shohan Seneviratne said: “CIP is honoured to receive Hydrogen Headstart funding, which reinforces our shared vision with the Australian Government to establish a leading green hydrogen industry in Australia. We are committed to contributing to Australia’s green hydrogen ambitions by creating local jobs, supporting skills development and sharing project benefits with local communities, including First Nations.”
“We appreciate the support from the Australian Government, Minister Bowen, and ARENA and commend their leadership, vision and collaboration to make Murchison and the Australian hydrogen industry a reality.”
Further information concerning Hydrogen Headstart Round 1 outcomes will be announced in due course.
Murchison Green Hydrogen project summary:
The Murchison Green Hydrogen project is being developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners through its Energy Transition Fund I (ETF I), with the project team based locally in Perth. Murchison involves large-scale production of renewable hydrogen and ammonia in the Mid West of Western Australia. The project will be located approximately 15 km north of the coastal town of Kalbarri and will include up to 1.5 GW of electrolysis and 3,600 tonnes per day of Haber-Bosch ammonia production capacity. The facility will operate completely off-grid, powered by approximately 1.2 GW of solar photovoltaic and approximately 1.7 GW of onshore wind new build generation with a 600 MW /1,200 MWh battery energy storage system and water sustainably sourced through a new desalination facility. Renewable ammonia is expected to be exported to support global decarbonisation.
CIP’s ETF I is the world’s largest dedicated renewable hydrogen fund with approximately AUD 5 billion available for investment in decarbonising hard-to-abate industries such as steel-making, co-firing, chemical production, agriculture and transportation.
There is wide public support for the Government’s work to strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity protections, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “The Ministry for Primary Industries recently completed public consultation on proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act and the submissions show that people understand the importance of having a strong biosecurity system and improving it. “It is vital this legislation is fit for purpose to manage increasing pressures from trade, travel, online purchasing, and climate change.” Proposed amendments include higher fines for passengers bringing in undeclared high-risk goods, greater flexibility around importing requirements, and fairer cost-sharing for biosecurity responses. The consultation, which ran from 19 September to 13 December, attracted 137 submissions. “I am very pleased with the level of engagement. The submissions were high quality and showed broad support for modernising the Act.” “There was particularly strong support for introducing new infringement offences, including additional penalties for travellers carrying high-risk goods. “I acknowledge there was less support for some of the proposals, including greater cost-sharing with industry for biosecurity responses and changes to compensation eligibility. “The need for further engagement with Government Industry Agreement (GIA) partners, iwi and Treaty partners, regional councils, importers, aviation and maritime sector bodies, and other interest groups to refine policy recommendations was received loud and clear.” Following further consultation with submitters to refine the proposals, the Ministry for Primary Industries expects to provide final policy recommendations later this year. A report summarising the submissions is available on the MPI website here Proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act | NZ Government
Last updated 4 November 2020 Last updated 4 November 2020
Print
Share
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has released the approval process for new Managed Apprenticeships. The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has released the approval process for new Managed Apprenticeships.
Update: Following the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE), changes have been made to apprenticeships. For current information see New Zealand Apprenticeships.
The new process was put in place after the Ministry of Education revised the definition of Managed Apprenticeships in June 2020 including new criteria. The 13 criteria are detailed in the application form, which can be found on the Student Achievement Component level 3 and above (SAC3+) Fund Finder page on the TEC’s website. The criteria include the requirement that learners must be in employment for the duration of their training and there must be a tripartite training agreement that governs the relationship between the TEO, the learner and their employer. Managed Apprenticeships must also provide an entry point into an occupation for learners. While apprenticeships are being supported and promoted through a number of initiatives, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) does not want providers to increase the number of Managed Apprenticeships they are delivering in 2020 and planned for 2021, beyond the number they have already committed to. Providers have advised TEC of the expected number of Managed Apprenticeships that will be delivered during 2020. We expect this number will not be exceeded in 2021. Delivering beyond these volumes is subject to performance consequences. If your organisation thinks you will deliver beyond these volumes in the future, we encourage you to discuss this delivery with your Relationship Manager or Advisor to avoid being penalised later on. Transition period “We are currently in a transition period due to the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE),” says TEC chief executive Tim Fowler. “We are actively working with transitional Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) and providers, on a successful transition to the new structure for industry, employers and learners,” he adds. During this time, Mr Fowler says it is important to maintain current arrangements, without dramatic change, while new delivery approaches and funding is implemented. Two RoVE projects in particular will have impacts on future Managed Apprenticeships funding arrangements. These are the Unified Funding System (UFS) and the transitional ITO transition project. These projects are at the start of their operational design and the TEC will inform relevant TEOs of changes as they are made. Changes to future Managed Apprenticeships funding arrangements might include different funding rates for Managed Apprenticeships, as well as changes to data collection and reporting requirements. For any questions please contact us on 0800 601 301 or email customer service. Find out more at the following links: SAC3+ Fund Finder page Performance consequences Unified Funding System Transitional ITO projects
It’s been revealed that the Government is secretly trying to bring back a ‘one-size fits all’ standardised test – a decision that has shocked school principals.
“It looks like Erica Stanford is trying to bring back a method of testing that has failed students before,” Labour education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.
“This sort of under the table decision-making without thorough consultation with schools is concerning. Quietly expanding it to Year 9s and 10s also raises the question – what evidence is she basing these decisions on?
“I also share the Principals Federation President’s concern that an offshore provider may not meet the needs of our curriculum and children.
“Having our tamariki undergo standardised testing from a young age only fuels anxiety and stress for students and parents. It pits students against each other and only reinforces in children who don’t have the same out-of-school support that they’re not clever, or are behind other students.
“This comes as the Government also proposes to cut resource teachers in literacy and Māori and has made a major botch-up of a school lunch programme. I urge the Minister not to pile on further pressure or reinforce negative beliefs in students who are already struggling.
“Any new testing must be transparent; schools should be consulted, and the failed experiment of national standards should remain in the past,” Willow-Jean Prime said.
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
SINGAPORE (Feb. 3, 2025) United States Marine Corps (USMC) Capt. Antonio J. Milord, ground ammunition officer assigned to Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73), received his new collar devices reflecting his promotion from Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) 3 to the rank of Capt. during his promotion ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, February 3, 2025.
The Winchester, Virginia native operates as one of two marines stationed in COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73, where he works as the lead ammunition logistics officer for Marine forces in the Indo-Pacific region. He develops logistical plans by coordinating shipments of ammunition and explosives while managing inventory levels to ensure the USMC’s ordnance inventory in the region is properly maintained at all times.
This promotion has been a long-term goal for the former CWO 3 since his first enlistment into the USMC as a Private First Class.
“I was always inspired by Chief Warrant Officers in my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) when I worked with them,” said Milord. “They were very intelligent and very smart, so I always found that was the path that I wanted to go for, being a very technical specialist.”
Following his selection into the CWO program, Milord wasted little time in further developing himself as a subject matter expert in his field. In 2023, he was named Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command’s Marine Corps Ammunition Officer of the Year for calendar year 2022.
“I am only the second Marine officer to have accomplished this feat, as I originally won the Ammunition NCO of the Year award 10 years ago in 2012 as a Sergeant,” said Milord.
The two-time award-winning Marine recalls the moment in his early career how he solidified his pursuit for the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program.
“For LDO, I remember there was a Lt. Col. in my MOS, who was the top guy at the time, and I remember him talking to all of the Marines. He said, ‘Hey, I remember when I started as a Private First Class and then started coming up through the ranks.’” Milord recollected. “I thought that was a sort of a “rags to riches” story. I thought that was really motivating and a defining point for me wanting to get to that level.”
After executing on the myriad of mission objectives he had set for himself as a junior NCO, Milord shares the next milestones he has now set his scope on as a junior commissioned officer in the USMC.
“It means a lot to finally reach that goal that you’ve been working towards the entire time. The other goals along the way mean a lot but there are always goals on the horizon,” said Milord. “I’m doing Command and Staff College, which is a higher-level military P.M.E. (Professional Military Education), and Major (O-4) is the next promotion and the next higher billet, so that’s what I’m focused on right now.”
When asked for what advice he would impart on a junior NCO seeking to emulate his journey, Milord shared the guidance which helped him stay on his path throughout the years.
“If you really want it, you won’t allow anything to stop you or prevent you from achieving your goals,” said Milord. “It’s never an easy path but you have to want it and excel at it.”
COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters.
For more information on Sailors and Marines like Milord serving in Singapore, visit https://www.clwp.navy.mil/
Dementia is a growing health problem, affecting more than 55 million people around the world.
In Australia, an estimated 433,300 people are living with dementia. This figure is projected to rise to 812,500 by 2054.
Dementia refers to brain disorders that are not a normal part of ageing. These disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, cause a decline in cognitive function and changes in mood, memory, thinking and behaviour. Ultimately they affect a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks.
While dementia care at home has traditionally been associated with older spouses or middle-aged children, it seems an increasing number of young adults in their 20s and 30s, and even teenagers, are stepping into this role to care for grandparents, parents or other loved ones.
In Australia, 3 million people (11.9% of the population) are carers. This includes 391,300 under 25 – a sharp rise from 235,300 in 2018.
How many young carers are specifically caring for a loved one with dementia is unclear, and something we need more data on. Young dementia carers remain largely invisible, with minimal recognition or support.
Unique challenges and the burden of responsibility
Unlike older carers, who may have more financial stability and free time, young carers often must balance caregiving with university, early-career pressures, and personal development, including maintaining social relationships, pursuing hobbies, and prioritising mental welling.
In Australia, where 51% of men and 43% of women aged 20–24 still live with their parents, many young carers will have limited experience in managing a household independently.
They’re often thrust into complex responsibilities such as cooking, housework, managing the family budget, coordinating medical appointments and administering medications.
Beyond that, they may need to provide physical care such as lifting or helping their loved one move around, and personal care such as dressing, washing, and helping with toileting.
Young carers often must balance caregiving with other responsibilities. Iris Wang/Unsplash
All this can leave young carers feeling unprepared, overwhelmed and isolated.
This lack of targeted support is likely to heighten feelings of isolation, as the young person’s friends struggle to relate to the emotional and practical burdens young carers face.
The demanding nature of caregiving, combined with the difficulty of sharing these experiences with peers, means young dementia carers can become disconnected socially.
Research shows young carers are 35% more likely to report mental health issues than their non-caregiving peers. These can include depression, anxiety and burnout.
Again, we don’t have data on mental health outcomes among young dementia carers specifically. But in Australia, 75% of dementia carers reported being affected physically or emotionally by their caring role. Some 41% felt weary or lacked energy, and 31% felt worried or depressed.
Also, there are negative stereotypes about ageing – that people turn forgetful, frail, and need constant care. For young carers whose loved ones have dementia, these stereotypes can be reinforced by their experience. This could shape young carers’ perceptions of their own future health and wellbeing and increase anxiety about ageing.
Caregiving may also affect physical health. Research suggests carers often sacrifice healthy habits such as exercise and a balanced diet. What’s more, carers report symptoms including poor sleep, fatigue, headaches and back pain due to the physical demands of caregiving.
Caring for a parent – a role reversal
This emotional burden is particularly acute for those caring for a parent. These young carers are likely to experience the progressive loss of parental support, while simultaneously assuming the demanding role of caregiver.
A significant portion of young dementia carers support parents with young-onset dementia, a form of dementia diagnosed before age 65. These young carers face the shock of a diagnosis that defies typical expectations of ageing.
This means young carers may have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves – a concern spousal carers don’t have. This fear can fuel health anxiety, alter life planning, and create a pervasive sense of vulnerability.
A significant portion of young dementia carers support parents with young-onset dementia. VisualProduction/Shutterstock
How we can better support young dementia carers
Despite their growing numbers, young dementia carers remain largely overlooked in research, policy and support services. This is partly due to the challenges in engaging this demographic in research, as these young people juggle busy lives balancing caregiving with education and work.
Many young carers also don’t self-identify as carers, hindering their access to support and resources. This could be because of the stigmatising label, or a feeling they’re not doing enough to qualify as a carer. It could even be because of cultural norms which can frame caregiving as a family obligation, rather than a distinct role.
Nonetheless, young dementia carers require targeted support beyond generic caregiving resources.
This support might include specialised peer networks, educational programs, and practical skills training. Tailored programs and resources should ideally be co-designed with young dementia carers to ensure they meet their unique needs and preferences.
With dementia cases in Australia and elsewhere projected to increase, the demand for informal carers – including young adults – will continue to grow.
Without intervention, these young carers risk burnout, social isolation, and long-term health consequences. We must ensure flexible, age-appropriate support for this often invisible group. Investing in young dementia carers is not just a moral imperative – it’s a crucial step toward a sustainable, compassionate care system for the future.
Dementia Australia offers a national helpline, information sessions, and a peer-to-peer connection platform for carers.
The Young Carers Network, run by Carers Australia, offers mental health resources, financial guidance, and respite care information, plus bursaries young carers can apply for to reduce financial pressure.
Katya is a co-founder of Y-Care of Dementia, a support network for Australians in their 20s and 30s who are caring for someone living with dementia.
Serena Sabatini does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
3 minutes ago
EIT Tairāwhiti’s 2025 Valedictorian, Heather Glover (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti), never expected to be in the spotlight.
The 30-year-old recently completed her Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and is now eight weeks into her teaching career at Mangapapa School.
Despite preferring to stay behind the scenes, she is embracing this moment of recognition.
“It’s truly an honour, and I am incredibly grateful to my tutors for recognising something I didn’t have the confidence to see in myself.”
Originally from Tolaga Bay, Heather discovered her passion for teaching while working at Te Pūtake Whakatupuranga Kōhanga Reo for several years.
“My passion for teaching was sparked by a remarkable woman who created a structured routine with care and consistency. More than the learning itself, it was the foundational elements—routine, structure, and a diverse curriculum—that laid the groundwork for success.”
EIT student Heather Glover (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti) is the Valedictorian at the Tairāwhiti Campus graduation ceremony at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne on Friday.
EIT Tairāwhiti proved to be the perfect place to study. The combination of face-to-face learning, hands-on experience in schools, and a strong support system helped her thrive. Throughout her degree, she worked in both rural and local schools, gaining experience with students from new entrants to Year 8.
“The mix of on-campus learning and practical placements gave me the ideal environment to succeed.” Balancing study with motherhood was one of her biggest challenges, but EIT’s supportive environment made it possible.
“EIT made it possible for me to achieve my goals. One tutor, in particular, was there for me in my first year before I took a break to have my son, and she was still there when I graduated. That kind of support made all the difference.”
Now teaching Year 2 students, Heather is adjusting to the challenges and joys of being a new educator.
“The support from the school staff has been incredible. Teachers provide helpful resources, thoughtful advice, and valuable information that make each day a bit smoother. There’s been so much new learning—not just for my students, but for me as well.”
As she prepares for her valedictory speech, Heather admits the process has been both exciting and daunting. While she is still shaping the final version, she knows her speech will be centred around gratitude and the collective journey of all graduates.
“Every day brings something new for my speech, and as the ceremony approaches, I think I’ll surprise myself with what I end up saying. But at its core, it will be about the people who helped me get here. Completing assignments and attending classes took personal effort, but my achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support I received. My speech will celebrate not just my own journey, but the collective contributions of every graduate and those who helped us reach this point.”
Her partner, son, parents, and siblings will be there to witness the milestone with her.
Heather believes achievements are often recognised through certificates and speeches, but the foundation behind them deserves acknowledgment too.
“We’re often recognised for our achievements with a piece of paper or a speech, but what’s often overlooked is the foundation we’ve built and carried with us through life. That deserves its own recognition. For me, that foundation is te ao Māori—a culture rooted in kotahitanga, whanaungatanga, and aroha. It’s the world my mother nurtured us in, and now, I’m fortunate enough to share that same world with my own family and the students I teach.”
Primary Education Lecturers Storm Dunn, Megan Kanz and Emma McFadyen say they will proudly watch and listen to Heather as she delivers her valedictory speech.
“She has never lost sight of the end goal of becoming a teacher and steps out to make a difference for young people in Tairāwhiti having genuinely worked hard to achieve the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) degree.”
Increases in water charges for Auckland consumers this year will be halved under the Watercare Charter which has now been passed into law, Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. The charter is part of the financial arrangement for Watercare developed last year by Auckland Council with the support of the Government under Local Water Done Well. “Last year, the Government quickly progressed legislation to restore local control of water assets, overturning Labour’s Three Water reforms which were expensive and creating problems across the country. This included putting in place preliminary arrangements for the transition to safe, resilient, reliable, environmentally sound, and customer responsive water services at the least cost,” Mr Watts says. “The charter will help keep Auckland’s water services affordable, saving households about $899 million over four years while ensuring improved service quality and record infrastructure investment averaging $1.3 billion a year to unlock housing growth in Auckland. “By easing this financial pressure, Aucklanders can keep more money in their household budgets, allowing them to spend it on other essential expenses such as groceries and healthcare.” Under Auckland Council’s draft 2024-2034 long-term plan (LTP), Watercare charges for drinking water and wastewater connected residential consumers would have risen by an average of 14.6 percent on 1 July 2025. Under the charter, the increase will be 7.2 percent. This follows last year’s increase, also of 7.2 percent compared with the 25.8 percent increase proposed in the draft LTP for 1 July 2024. Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says the Government is committed to delivering affordable water charges for Aucklanders through the Local Water Done Well solution for Watercare, while ensuring that there is ongoing investment in critical infrastructure maintenance and growth. “The high cost of living remains a top concern for Aucklanders, and our Government is committed to reducing unnecessary charges and taxes to provide relief. The Government’s Local Water Done Well solution for Watercare has prevented large increases in Aucklanders’ water rates while ensuring we keep investing in the water infrastructure our city will need,” Mr Brown says. Mr Watts says the charter will ensure Watercare faces incentives to invest in replacing and upgrading assets, improve efficiency, and provide water services at a quality that reflects consumer expectations. Importantly, it means that the benefits of efficiency improvement will be shared with consumers,” Mr Watts says “The Commission’s regulatory oversight of Watercare means greater transparency and accountability regarding water and wastewater network performance, customer service, and cost to consumers. “Infrastructure is vital for our cities to thrive, and because this Government listened and worked with Auckland Council, we delivered a solution that ensures Watercare has the flexibility and revenue certainty to fund future water infrastructure projects. “This approach also frees up Auckland Council’s own balance sheet to support it to invest in other critical infrastructure, supporting growth across the city.”
A new independent review function will enable individuals and organisations to seek an expert independent review of specified civil aviation regulatory decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Director of Civil Aviation, Acting Transport Minister James Meager has announced today. “Today we are making it easier and more affordable for New Zealanders to challenge decisions that have a significant impact on their livelihoods, such as cancelling or suspending a pilot’s licence,” Mr Meager says. “Until now, people have had to go to the courts to appeal a decision, a costly and time-consuming process. Being able to have decisions reviewed independently will now mean those people won’t incur these costs and delays, and they’ll have the opportunity for a quick, cost-effective determination so they can get on with delivering growth for New Zealand.” The new review function will focus on the most impactful decisions that primarily relate to aviation documents. This includes granting or suspending pilot licences, air operator’s certificates, airworthiness certificates or maintenance engineer’s licences. It will also include decisions on individual exemptions from civil aviation regulations or rules. The function will not review medical certification decisions, as these are already covered by the existing medical convener process. Application fees for reviews, which will partially recover the costs for the new independent review function, are set at $1,000 (excl. GST) for individuals and $1,500 (excl. GST) in any other case (such as for organisations). “In comparison, I’ve heard that it can cost in excess of $300,000 to take an appeal through the District Court and it can take 3 to 4 years before there is a hearing. “I will soon be announcing the appointment of the independent reviewers who will be carrying out these reviews.” The independent review function will become operational on 5 April 2025 when the Civil Aviation Act 2023 comes into force.
E tū is calling for a Special Conference to be held online on Thursday, 26 June 2025, at 6:00 PM.
Purpose of the Special Conference
E tū is required under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 to register a new set of rules. The National Executive established a Constitutional subcommittee in late 2023 to review and draft a new Constitution. This draft was subsequently approved by the National Executive.
The goal of this review is to ensure compliance with legislative requirements while maintaining the existing powers and obligations under our current rules. Notable changes required by law include:
A register of interests for governance members,
Inclusion of a National General Meeting, and
A disputes-resolution process.
To finalise the adoption of these new rules, E tū will hold a special conference on 26 June 2025, where delegates will vote on the draft constitution.
Who is eligible to attend?
Only delegates who attended the 2024 E tū Conference are eligible to participate in this special conference. This includes:
Delegates who were physically present at the 2024 Conference.
Delegates who were elected but were unable to attend the 2024 Conference.
Eligible delegates will be contacted by email with more information, including the links to attend the online Special Conference, closer to the time.
“It’s official: the economy is growing,” says ACT Leader David Seymour in response to new gross domestic product figures from Stats NZ showing 0.7 percent growth in the three months to December.
“Firms, farms, and families have made tough sacrifices in a cost-of-living crisis, but now they’re starting to see the fruits of their efforts. Inflation is under control, interest rates are getting lower.
“The economy returned to growth last year and is growing further. The Government must keep saving so there’s more for everyone to spend.
“As households have more money to spend, and businesses gain confidence to invest and employ, we’ll see more growth, better paying jobs, and more reasons for the next generation to build families and careers in New Zealand.
“With ACT in Government, we’re doing our part to speed along the recovery, cutting waste in Wellington and stripping back red tape that stops Kiwis from being productive. Let’s stay the course.”
The importance of sharing meals is recognised across cultures, from the Jewish Shabbat meal to the fast-breaking Iftar meals during Ramadan. The known link between food and social relationships is ancient. The English word companion, the French copain (friend) and the Italian compagno (partner) come from the Latin cum and pānis – literally “with-bread”. The Chinese term for companion/partner (伙伴) stems from a similar term (火伴) which literally translates to “fire mate”, a reference to sharing meals over a campfire.
But how important is eating together to our happiness? This is the question that I and my co-authors answer in the World Happiness Report 2025. In our new data and analysis we looked at the link between how often people share meals and whether they feel good about their lives and experience positive emotions. We also documented that there was a massive difference between countries and regions when it came to how often people shared meals.
Comparing the statistics from the 2022-23 Gallup World Poll about sharing meals with standard measures of wellbeing, we found a significant, positive relationship in almost all regions. Not only do countries where meal sharing is more common tend to report higher levels of wellbeing, but this is true even when comparing people who live in the same country.
The Gallup poll asked more than 150,000 people from 142 countries and territories how many lunches and dinners they shared with someone they know during the past week. The scores varied widely between regions.
Latin Americans share approximately two-third of their meals, with residents of Paraguay, Ecuador and Colombia reporting an average of more than ten shared meals per week. At the bottom of the scale, there are relatively low levels of meal sharing in south and east Asian countries – in particular India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan and South Korea, where people share less than one meal out of three, on average.
While there is an association between sharing meals and wellbeing pretty much everywhere, this association is stronger in some regions than others. For instance, for a person who always dines alone in North America, Australia and New Zealand, the wellbeing benefit of starting to share most of their meals (eight or more times a week) in the life evaluation scale is big (the life evaluation scale is how people judge their life, with zero being the worst possible life and 10 being the best). This boost is equivalent to the effect of doubling their income.
However, in Latin America, the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa, this effect is half as great and is essentially nil in south-east Asia. The reasons for this difference is as yet unclear.
For social scientists, the frequency of sharing meals offers an indicator for social connectedness (the ways that people interact with and relate to one another). Unlike measures that capture people’s subjective feelings about social wellbeing, the number of shared meals gives us a concrete measure on which to base our analysis.
While interpretations of friendship or perceptions of closeness may change over time or between countries, the number of meals shared with others does not.
Meal sharing by region and age:
Of course, those who share more meals can differ in many other aspects, but even when we take into account characteristics such as gender, age, income, living alone and people’s ability to meet basic needs for food, the relationship between sharing meals and wellbeing still holds strong.
While the global data we used was only introduced in 2022, some countries have collected information on meal sharing for longer. In the United States, where the American Time Use Survey has been running for more than 20 years, we find clear evidence that with every passing year, Americans are dining alone more often, particularly young adults.
Today, 18 to 24-year-olds in the US are 90% more likely to eat every meal alone on a given day than they were in 2003. We also find that Americans who eat at least one meal with others report higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress, pain and sadness on that day.
How meals sharing is linked to emotions in the US:
From our data, we can’t tell how much of a wellbeing boost sharing an extra meal
creates, and to what extent people share more meals because they are already happy, but it is reasonable to assume that it is not just the latter. This would reflect previous research which has shown the importance of social capital (networks of social connections which are conducive to a well-functioning society) and the positive benefits of in-person interactions.
In a world where loneliness is increasingly recognised as a public health issue, rethinking how we gather around the table, and how often, could provide practical solutions to reduce social isolation and raise wellbeing.
Institutions where people routinely eat their meals together can play a critical role on this front. The other side of the coin is the surge in working from home, which could raise levels of solitude.
So, if you don’t have plans for lunch tomorrow, maybe this is the good moment to message someone you would like to spend more time with.
Alberto Prati is affiliated with the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford and the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics.
TJA chair Glenn Barclay said the findings aligned with a recent petition organised by Tax Justice Aotearoa in which 13,000 people called on Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis to say NO to corporate tax cuts, in response to their earlier suggestions New Zealand’s corporate tax rates were too high.
“These signatures were collected in little over three weeks which is an indication of the level of public opposition to corporate tax cuts,” Mr Barclay said.
“Corporate tax cuts will do little to boost the economy but will instead end up costing us a lot of money – with a 1 percentage point reduction in corporate tax equal to $650m.
“$650m is nearly the same as Te Whatu Ora’s deficit and is the equivalent of 1,187 hospital bed nights a year.
“$650m would more than fully fund the School Lunch Programme over two years, or could be used to employ up to 6,300 nurses
“It is also enough to maintain benefits’ link to wages for four years,” Mr Barclay said.
“This is money we need when important public services, such as healthcare and school lunches, are under pressure.
“We also welcome the strong support for a capital gains tax and a wealth tax in this survey, which aligns with surveys we conducted in 2023.
“We strongly call on the government not to introduce cuts to corporate taxes in this year’s budget.”
Undeterred by a painful back injury and the wait for a second hip replacement, she’s the face of fitness at her Kāinga Ora apartment complex in central Auckland. In the year since she moved in, Ripeka has established a fitness routine averaging three hours a day – and her neighbours are following her lead.
As well as leading weekly Boxfit sessions, Ripeka invites other tenants to join her for fitness classes and weight training at the gym next door, and to accompany her to the city pool where she swims four days a week.
“I take the young ones under my wing,” says Ripeka. “I see potential in them, and I want to encourage them to enjoy a healthy life. There’s no pressure though, I just let them know that they’re welcome to join me when they feel ready.
“I’ve always been into fitness, it’s so good for your wellbeing. And a bit of support and encouragement can help people to make big changes. One of the young people was having issues with alcohol when he arrived, and he’s quit drinking now.”
Te Mātāwai is the first and largest single site supported housing complex built by Kāinga Ora. Tenants have access to 24/7 onsite support and are empowered to build connections and to participate in their community.
Ripeka moved into Te Mātāwai, after a stay in emergency housing nearby. She’d become homeless during the pandemic when her husband William had become unwell with dementia, and she was on crutches after injuring her hip.
“I was so grateful to be able to move in here. When I was offered a place, I said, ‘Wherever you put me, I’ll be happy’ – and I am. The apartments are beautiful, and I love being so close to the gym and the pool and the bus stops. I can take a bus to visit my husband at his rest home.”
One of Ripeka’s favourite times is the weekly hikoi/walk to a mystery location. Tenants join the hikoi leader to explore destinations such as maunga/mountains and museums.
“We go to beautiful places and learn about the history.”
Ripeka also likes to join working crews to host special events such as Matariki, cooking for 200 people over two days.
“There was a lot of planning and preparation involved, and it felt great to be part of a team giving back.”
Community Development Manager Dayne Smith says Whaea Ripeka is a “massive” asset to the Te Mātāwai community.
“She’s a leader and a role model. She encourages and inspires others to make healthier choices through physical fitness, a healthy diet and making social connections. She joins most of the activities on offer, leads a Breakfast Club and Boxfit sessions, and she’s helped us plan and deliver Matariki and Christmas events. We’re so lucky to have her in our community.”
Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
The ACCC has marked a further milestone in the transition steps towards the new merger regime with the release of the draft merger assessment guidelines for consultation.
The merger assessment guidelines outline the analytical framework the ACCC will apply when assessing notified acquisitions under the new regime, reflecting best practice for competition assessments.
While the new regime will not be compulsory until 1 January 2026, the guidelines provide early draft guidance.
“The merger assessment guidelines are intended to help the community, including merger parties and their advisers, understand how the ACCC will assess acquisitions under the new regime,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.
“This combined with the increased transparency that will be available for all decisions and the reasons for the decisions, will provide greater predictability regarding the ACCC’s analysis and decision making.”
“While the ‘substantial lessening of competition’ legal test has not changed, the legislation has clarified that it does include creating, strengthening or entrenching a substantial degree of market power. This reflects the economic link between a lessening of competition and an increase in market power, which is recognised in the jurisprudence and supports the approach to merger assessment set out in the guidelines,” Dr Williams said.
“Another change is that the cumulative effect on competition resulting from serial acquisitions over the preceding three years can now be taken into account in the ACCC’s decision on whether to approve an acquisition.”
The ACCC is seeking feedback on the merger assessment guidelines from businesses and their advisers, consumers and other interested members of the community.
The guidelines are available to download from the ACCC’s consultation hub which also sets out the details for making a submission.
The consultation will run from 20 March to 17 April 2025.
Anyone interested in merger reform updates can subscribe for updates on the ACCC website here: Merger reform.
Background
On 10 December 2024, the Australian Parliament passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Act 2024. The ACCC welcomed the new legislation.
Under the new regime, all transactions above a prescribed threshold must be notified to the ACCC.
The ACCC issued a Statement of Goals in October 2024 to outline its approach to implementing the new regime and to reduce uncertainty during the transition. This included a commitment to release merger assessment guidelines and merger process guidelines for public consultation by the end of Q1 2025.
The guidelines will replace the 2008 Merger Guidelines and reflect changes resulting from the new merger regime as well as updating them to align with current best practice for competition assessments.
The ACCC recently released Transition guidance to assist businesses navigate the transitional period leading up to the new merger control regime commencing on 1 January 2026.
The ACCC will also be releasing merger process guidelines by the end of March and these will be available on the ACCC website at Consultations on merger regime changes.
‘Serial acquisitions’ refers to acquisitions where a number of smaller transactions occur over time that cumulatively end up causing serious harm to competition.
PM: Barrow a blueprint for positive impact of defence spending across the country
Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today.
Keir Starmer joins Vanguard Class submarine crew returning home from nuclear deterrent patrol to thank them for their silent service
Comes as he visits Barrow to lay the keel of the next generation Dreadnought submarine, the next generation of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
Prime Minister announces His Majesty The King will confer the ‘Royal’ title to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security
New £28 million funding package for T-Levels set to benefit Furness College in Barrow to support submarine builders of the future.
Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today.
It comes as he announces the King has agreed to confer the ‘Royal’ title to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security as home of nuclear submarine building in the UK.
The visit follows the Prime Minister secretly joining submariners returning home to loved ones a few days ago, hearing firsthand the ‘hot’ debrief of their long operational tour keeping the UK and NATO Allies safe.
The Prime Minister boarded the boat as it returned to UK waters, known as ‘a Day Zero’, to thank submariners for their months of silent service deep under water. He is the first Prime Minister to join a Day Zero since 2013.
The Prime Minister also met families waiting for their relatives to return from sea, many of which had experienced significant life milestones while their loved ones were on deployment, including four submariners who returned home to newborn children.
Since 1969, the nuclear deterrent has been the cornerstone of UK security and continuously delivered by the Royal Navy – with at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine patrolling the seas undetected at all times.
The keel for the first nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine was laid in Barrow in 1959, before its launch in 1960. Two years later, the UK declared its nuclear capability to NATO.
And this afternoon, the Prime Minister will lay the keel to the first boat of the next generation nuclear armed submarines, knowns as the Dreadnought class.
Dreadnought will deliver the next generation of our nuclear deterrent, to protect our people and allies from the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life for decades to come.
It is also expected to support more than 30,000 jobs across the country, from the heart of BAE Systems in Barrow, to small and medium enterprises up and down the country.
Barrow will also play a vital role in delivering the AUKUS programme – a joint endeavour between Australia, the United States and the UK – with the first SSN-AUKUS attack submarines being built at the BAE Systems site.
Last month, the Prime Minister announced that this government will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.
That will equate to an extra £13.4 billion on defence, allowing this government to go further than ever to make sure the benefit of that investment is felt in British people’s pockets.
The Barrow submarine workforce alone has grown by more than 1000 people in the past six months, with those working in the defence nuclear sector earning approximately 20% above the national average wage.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
When I say that our Plan for Change is delivering security for working people and renewal for our country, there is no better blueprint than Barrow.
Defence spending here is supporting highly skilled jobs, driving opportunities for young people and delivering world class capabilities to keep us all safe, but it’s also crucially putting money in the pockets of hardworking people.
This week, I saw firsthand the sacrifice our submariners are making every day to keep our country safe, but I know they are only able to do that because of the support of the town of Barrow.
Each and every person living and working in Barrow is contributing to our nation’s defence, whether that is building our world-class submarine programme, or supporting the workforce here through vital public services or proud family businesses.
The Prime Minister will also announce that His Majesty the King has agreed to confer the title ‘Royal’ to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s undue role in guaranteeing the nation’s security.
The title is a recognition of the dedication and commitment of the people of Barrow in delivering the submarines that protect the nation, now and for decades to come. His Majesty hopes to visit the town in due course to mark the town’s proud heritage and prosperous future.
As part of recognising that contribution, and ensuring the community is able to continue delivering the nuclear deterrent for generations to come, new funding to support the wider community will be announced by the Prime Minister.
That will include a new £28 million funding package for T-Levels, delivered by providers across England including Furness College in Barrow.
The funding will help to equip and inspire students to be the next generation of submarine builders, with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, and leading to skilled employment, apprenticeships, or higher education both in the defence sector and beyond.
This is on top of the Barrow Transformation Fund, a £200 million government package to strengthen the local economy, support sustainable growth and boost opportunities for the people of Barrow.
As part of that fund, a £5 million pot to invest in schools to boost aspiration and support the needs of the young people of Barrow will also be opened.
The funding priorities will be co-designed with representative leaders from across Barrow’s schools, ensuring the money is spent by the people who know best about how to improve the future of young people in the town.
The fund also delivers on the government’s commitment to ensure those on the frontline of public services are empowered in decision making.
A further £5 million will be provided for grants to community and voluntary organisations to allow local people to improve their local area.
Defence Secretary John Healey said:
Today’s keel laying is a demonstration of our government delivering for defence and fulfilling our first duty: to keep the British people safe.
Our triple lock pledge for Britain’s nuclear deterrent will see all four Dreadnought-class submarines built in Royal Barrow – a generational commitment that is transforming this town. This is one of the most complex projects ever undertaken in this country, representing the very best of British engineering.
Our commitment to the nuclear deterrent is unshakeable – it is the ultimate guarantor of our national security and the security of our NATO allies. And this national endeavour is also an engine for jobs and growth in Barrow and beyond.
Released by: Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western New South Wales
The NSW Government is continuing its commitment to rebuild the state’s manufacturing industry with the launch of an $800,000 pilot program aimed at boosting productivity, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness.
The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program will provide small-to-medium-sized manufacturers across regional NSW with funding to undertake audits by professional consultants that will identify ways to re-organise their manufacturing operations.
Lean manufacturing is an internationally recognised business management process that revolves around the principles of continuous improvement, waste elimination, and a customer-centric approach.
It focuses on creating products more efficiently by eliminating unnecessary steps, saving time and using fewer materials in the production process. This approach helps businesses produce goods with fewer resources, without compromising on quality.
More efficient processes mean production lines manufacture fewer products with defects, which in turn reduces operating costs related to providing returns and waste disposal.
For example, a regional food manufacturer might reorganise production lines to improve efficiency, implement preventative maintenance to reduce equipment breakdowns and implement just-in-time inventory management to reduce excess stock and waste.
The audits, undertaken as part of the program, will offer tailored recommendations to help businesses identify inefficiencies, streamline operations, reduce waste and increase productivity, while also highlighting training opportunities for staff.
Several major companies have successfully implemented lean manufacturing to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity over the past decades including Toyota, Ford Motor Company, Boeing, General Electric and Nike.
Many regional NSW companies such as the Bega Group in Bega, Donaldson Australia on the Central Coast, Belmore Engineering at Tamworth, Flavourtech in Griffith and Tyree Transformers at Braemar have also successfully used lean manufacturing principles.
Manufacturing is a key driver of the NSW economy, contributing nearly 30 per cent of Australia’s total manufacturing output.
In regional NSW, the sector generates $32 billion in sales and employs 84,000 workers, reinforcing the need for continued support to strengthen and future-proof the industry.
Industry research by Binder Dijker Otte (BDO) suggests that adopting lean manufacturing can boost small-to-medium-sized businesses’ profit margins by up to three times, depending on their size and turnover.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development designed the pilot program following in-depth industry consultation, which highlighted the need for more support in adopting lean manufacturing principles to ensure regional manufacturers remain globally competitive.
The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting manufacturing industries across the state as they navigate rising costs and market challenges.
Expressions of interest for the audits are now open to eligible manufacturers and will close at 4pm on Monday 31 March 2025, with funding allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty, said:
“The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program is an important part of our ongoing support for regional manufacturers across the state, helping them overcome the challenges posed by rising supply chain, energy and labour costs.
“This program is an important step towards ensuring the long-term success of our regional manufacturers.
“We know that by supporting regional businesses to improve their operations, we’re strengthening the entire economy of regional NSW, creating more local jobs and enhancing the long-term sustainability of our regions.”
Minister for Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“NSW manufacturing fell in nine out of 12 years under the previous Liberal-National Government, and the Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program is a prime example of how the Minns Labor Government is working to rebuild local manufacturing right across the state.
“Support for local manufacturing is also an integral part of the Minns Labor Government’s recently released Industry Policy.
“Central to the Industry Policy are three new local manufacturing targets, which demonstrate a real commitment to supporting local manufacturing to promote a dynamic, sustainable, and diversified economy.”
HunterNet Chief Executive Officer Ivan Waterfield said:
“Lean manufacturing plays a crucial role in the future of the NSW manufacturing sector. By focusing on eliminating waste and improving efficiency, it helps manufacturers reduce costs and enhance productivity.
“In a time of scarce resources, a strong Lean culture helps manufacturing companies improve their efficiency and their P&L.
“The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program by the NSW Government is a significant step towards supporting regional manufacturers in becoming more competitive on a global scale and is something that HunterNet fully supports and endorses.”
Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture
20 March 2025
Who does this notice affect?
All importers and customs brokers who lodge imported cargo eligible under the Highly Compliant Importer Project (HCIP).
Background
The highly compliant importer project (HCIP), implemented in July 2018, is an initiative to reduce intervention for compliant importers and ensure departmental resources are focused on high-risk priorities. The following import industry advice notices have been published in relation to the…
