NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Draft TD on early stage investor tax offset scheme

    Source: Australian Department of Revenue

    We’ve published a draft tax determination (TD) on the early stage investor tax offset scheme we alerted you to in December 2024.

    Our view in the draft determination is that the anti-avoidance provisions in the tax law can apply to this scheme, potentially cancelling any tax benefit obtained by participants.

    This will apply to those who are involved in the scheme before, during or after the final determination is published. Participants in this scheme may have to pay back the offset claimed. Potentially penalties and interest may also be applied.

    The draft determination is currently open for consultation and feedback will help ensure our guidance is clear for small businesses.

    Feedback is due by 28 March. For more information on how and where to send your feedback, see the draft determination.

    Advice on tax schemes

    We’re continuing to warn the community about the risks of getting involved in tax schemes, particularly those spreading online – like this one. Online schemes are on the rise, enticing honest people who don’t fully understand what the consequences are.

    If you are offered this scheme, you should reject it and report it to the ATO. If you have already invested, contact us for help. If you proactively approach the ATO, you may be eligible for a reduction in any penalties.

    For more information visit Tax schemes.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Lodging your NFP self-review return through a tax agent

    Source: Australian Department of Revenue

    Non-charitable not-for-profits (NFPs) with an active Australian business number (ABN) that self-assess as income tax exempt are due to lodge their 2023–24 self-review return by 31 March 2025.

    One of the ways to lodge an NFP self-review return is through your NFP’s registered tax agent.

    If you’re engaging a new tax agent or changing your tax agent to lodge your NFP self-review return, you must nominate them as your NFP’s tax agent.

    This is an added layer of protection to ensure you have control over who accesses your organisation’s information and performs tasks on your behalf. While this step must be completed by you, your tax agent can assist you through the process if you need help.

    How to nominate your agent

    Here is a breakdown of what is required to nominate your tax agent:

    1. Set up your digital ID, such as myID
    2. Link your digital ID to your NFPs ABN
    3. Log into Online services for businessExternal Link
    4. Nominate your authorised agent in Online services for business
    5. Let your agent know you have nominated them.

    Before you can complete steps 1 and 2, you must make sure you are the principal authorityExternal Link for your NFP. This is also known as the associate for your NFP.

    For more detail about these steps visit How to nominate your registered agent, which includes a downloadable PDF guide with screenshots. You can also see Agent nomination for more information.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update on critical incident investigation in Ōrere Point

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    To be attributed to Assistant Commissioner Jill Rogers:

    Police are continuing with a critical incident investigation surrounding the events leading up to a man dying after being taken into Police custody in Ōrere Point on 2 March.

    Today, Police are in a position to release some further information as those enquiries continue.

    This was an incredibly fast-moving and volatile incident which unfolded over a short period of time.

    We would like to acknowledge the impact that yesterday’s events will have had on the community and our thoughts are with everyone involved.

    We are providing support to staff involved in this incident and there are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation and a policy, practice, and procedure investigation.

    As is standard procedure, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified, along with WorkSafe.

    Clarification around Sunday’s events:

    Police can advise that the vehicle sighted in Papakura on Sunday afternoon was a vehicle of interest in an aggravated robbery at a Takapuna bar on Saturday night.

    That investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been laid as yet.

    In an earlier release, Police advised the passenger of the vehicle challenged Police staff with a samurai sword.

    We can now confirm this was in fact a metal pole.

    Officers have then deployed taser and pepper spray however the man has continued to resist arrest and an officer has suffered a serious hand injury after being bitten by the man.

    A Police dog was then deployed, and the man was eventually taken into custody but has quickly become unresponsive.

    Medical assistance was rendered immediately and a medical helicopter was dispatched, however he was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

    Injuries to Police officer:

    A Police officer suffered a serious hand injury after being bitten by the passenger of the vehicle.

    We are continuing to support this officer after they underwent medical treatment at Middlemore Hospital and have since been discharged.

    Further information around the deceased man:

    Until the next of kin notifications have been carried out, further details regarding the deceased are unable to be released.

    A post mortem examination will be carried out in the coming days, to establish the cause of death, and Police will make enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.

    Footage at Ōrere Point:

    Police are aware members of the public may have filmed the incident at Ōrere Point yesterday afternoon.

    Given the man has yet to be formally identified, and next of kin not yet notified, we would encourage people not to share footage.

    This is for the family’s sake, and there is a critical incident investigation underway.

    Police ask anyone with footage to contact Police to assist with the investigation.

    If you have footage please update Police online or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250302/2478 or cite ‘Operation Fielder’.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: I’m a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what people can expect from a health response after a sexual assault

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mary Louise Stewart, Senior Career Medical Officer, Northern Sydney Local Health District; PhD Candidate, University of Sydney

    fizkes/Shutterstock

    An estimated one in five women and one in 16 men in Australia have experienced sexual violence.

    After such a traumatic experience, it’s understandable many are unsure if they want to report it to the police. In fact, less than 10% of Australian women who experience sexual assault ever make a police report.

    In Australia there is no time limit on reporting sexual assault to police. However, there are tight time frames for collecting forensic evidence, which can sometimes be an important part of the police investigation, whether it’s commenced at the time or later.

    This means the decision of whether or not to undergo a medical forensic examination needs to be made quite quickly after an assault.

    I work as a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what you can expect if you present for a medical forensic examination after a sexual assault.

    A team of specialists

    There are about 100 sexual assault services throughout Australia providing 24-hour care. As with other areas of health care, there are extra challenges in regional and rural areas, where there are often further distances to travel and staff shortages.

    Sexual assault services in Australia are free regardless of Medicare status. To find your nearest service you can call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Full Stop Australia (1800 385 578) who can also provide immediate telephone counselling support.

    It’s important to call the local sexual assault service before turning up. They can provide the victim-survivor with information and advice to prevent delays and make the process as helpful as possible.

    The consultation usually occurs in a hospital emergency department which has a designated forensic suite, or in a specialised forensic service.

    The victim-survivor is seen by a doctor or nurse trained in medical and forensic care. There’s a sexual assault counsellor, crisis worker or social worker present to support the patient and offer counselling advice. This is called an “integrated response” with medical and psychosocial staff working together.

    In most cases the victim-survivor can have their own support person present too.

    Depending on what the victim-survivor wants, the doctor or nurse will take a history of the assault to guide any medical care which may be needed (such as emergency contraception) and to guide the examination.

    Sexual assault services are always very aware of giving victim-survivors a choice about having a medical forensic examination. If a person presents to a sexual assault service, they can receive counselling and medical care without undergoing a forensic examination if they do not wish to.

    Sexual assault services are inclusive of all genders.

    Collecting forensic samples

    Samples collected during a medical forensic examination can sometimes identify the perpetrator’s DNA or intoxicating substances (alcohol or drugs that might be relevant to the investigation). The window of opportunity to collect these samples can be as short as 12 hours, or up to 5–7 days, depending on the nature of the sexual assault.

    In most of Australia, an adult who has experienced a recent sexual assault can be offered a medical forensic examination without making a report to police.

    Depending on the state or territory, the forensic samples can usually be stored for 3 to 12 months (up to 100 years in Tasmania). This allows the victim-survivor time to decide if they want to release them to police for processing.

    The doctor or nurse will collect the samples using a sexual assault investigation kit, or a “rape kit”.

    Collecting these samples might involve taking swabs to try to detect DNA from external and internal genital areas and anywhere there may have been DNA transfer. This can be from skin cells, where the perpetrator touched the victim-survivor, or from bodily fluids including semen or saliva.

    The doctor or nurse carrying out the examination do their best to minimise re-traumatisation, by providing the victim-survivor information, choices and control at every step of the process.

    The victim-survivor can usually have a support person with them.
    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    How about STIs and pregnancy?

    During the consultation, the doctor or nurse will address any concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, if applicable.

    In most cases the risk of STIs is small. But follow-up testing at 1–2 weeks for infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and at 6–12 weeks for infections such as syphilis and HIV, is usually recommended.

    Emergency contraception (sometimes called the “morning after pill”) can be provided to prevent pregnancy. It can be taken up to five days after sexual assault (but the sooner the better) with follow-up pregnancy testing recommended at 2–3 weeks.

    Things have improved over time

    When I was a junior doctor in the late 90s, taking forensic swabs was usually the responsibility of the busy obstetrics and gynaecology trainee in the emergency department, who was often managing multiple patients and had little training in forensics. There was also usually no supportive counsellor.

    Anecdotally, both the doctor and the patient were traumatised by this experience. Research shows that when specialised, integrated services are not provided, victim-survivors’ feelings of powerlessness are magnified.

    But the way we carry out medical forensic examinations after sexual assault in Australia has improved over the years.

    With patient-centred practices, and designated forensic and counselling staff, the experience for the patient is thought to be empowering rather than re-traumatising.

    Our research

    In new research published in the Australian Journal of General Practice, my colleagues and I explored the experience of the medical forensic examination from the victim-survivor’s perspective.

    We surveyed 291 patients presenting to a sexual assault service in New South Wales (where I work) over four years.

    Some 75% of patients reported the examination was reassuring and another 20% reported it was OK. Only 2% reported that it was traumatising. The majority (98%) said they would recommend a friend present to a sexual assault service if they were in a similar situation.

    While patients spoke positively about the care they received, many commented that the sexual assault service was not visible enough. They didn’t know how to find it or even that it existed.

    We know many victim-survivors don’t present to a sexual assault service or undergo a medical forensic examination after a sexual assault. So we need to do more to increase the visibility of these services.

    The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

    Mary Louise Stewart receives funding from the Ramsay Research and Education Grant and from the University of Sydney via the Postgraduate Research Support Scheme. Mary Louise Stewart works as a medical forensic examiner where her research is being undertaken.

    – ref. I’m a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what people can expect from a health response after a sexual assault – https://theconversation.com/im-a-medical-forensic-examiner-heres-what-people-can-expect-from-a-health-response-after-a-sexual-assault-244404

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: North Coast cattle treated for tick fever

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    3 Mar 2025

    NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) have reminded producers to be alert following the confirmation of tick fever on two North Coast cattle properties.

    North Coast LLS district veterinarian, Phillip Carter, said the cattle were treated for tick fever,  Babesiosis, once confirmed by DPIRD Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute laboratory tests.

    “If treatment is delayed tick fever can kill susceptible animals and producers should contact a vet immediately if cattle show signs of tick fever,” Dr Carter said.

    “These two positive cases of tick fever are the first new confirmed cases in NSW this year and we saw signs of cattle tick infestation during our inspection of the animals.

    “We advise producers to monitor herds for cattle tick and cattle tick fever as other animals may be infected and are yet to show signs.

    “Unexplained death can be the first sign of tick fever. Other signs producers should look out for in their cattle include lethargy, depression, salivation, red urine, elevated temperature, jaundice and anaemia.

    “Tick fever is spread by cattle tick, which thrive in warm, humid conditions and we urge producers to practice good farm biosecurity to prevent more tick fever cases in these seasonal conditions.

    “Producers should regularly check cattle for ticks, especially when cattle are yarded in preparation for autumn sales.”

    NSW DPIRD Cattle Tick Operations leader, Larry Falls, said producers should immediately report signs of cattle tick on their animals by calling the NSW Biosecurity Helpline, 1800 680 244.

    “Early intervention is key to minimising the spread and impact of cattle tick and tick fever,” Mr Falls said.

    “The NSW record of movement for cattle tick lists the mandatory biosecurity requirements which must be followed when bringing cattle from cattle tick infested areas into NSW and moving from cattle tick restricted properties in NSW.
    “Following these biosecurity requirements helps prevent the introduction and spread of cattle tick and minimises costs and losses to your enterprise and livestock industries.”

    Tick fever and cattle tick are notifiable under NSW biosecurity legislation, supporting the efforts of industry, producers and government who work together to keep NSW tick-free.

    Cattle tick and tick fever pose significant economic impact on cattle production in northern Australia due to potential large losses of animals, production losses, restrictions on trade and treatment costs.

    If you find sick or dead cattle or suspect tick fever, immediately contact your LLS DV or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, 1800 675 888.

    Information about cattle tick and tick fever is available from the NSW DPIRD website.

    Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Lost Tiger: first animated film by an Indigenous woman explores heritage and identity through a thylacine

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ari Chand, Lecturer in Illustration and Animation, University of South Australia

    Maslow Entertainment

    Director Chantelle Murray’s new family film The Lost Tiger is the first animated feature written and directed by an Indigenous woman.

    Continuing with a long history of Indigenous storytelling, Murray has embedded the film with themes of identity, heritage and adventure. In doing so, she tells a story that is utterly heartwarming and wholly unique to place.

    In Murray’s own words:

    I didn’t have anything like this growing up. I had the things that reinforced the horrible narratives of Indigenous people globally. So, to have something there for the next generation, representation means everything.

    The film is produced by Brisbane-based and woman-run Like a Photon Creative, the studio behind The Sloth Lane (2024) and Scarygirl (2023).

    A powerful message

    The Lost Tiger is classic orphan story founded on identity. The main character is a thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) named Teo (voiced by Thomas Weatherall), whose hero’s journey starts when he begins to grapple with his differences.

    Teo is found as a baby, alongside a mysterious crystal, by a couple from the gregarious wrestling kangaroo troupe Roomania. Young Teo struggles with his identity as he’s coming of age and wants to fit in.

    After visiting a museum, Teo meets platypus and aspiring guild adventurer named Plato (Rhys Darby). Once Plato identifies Teo as one of the world’s last thylacines, he tells him of a legendary lost “Tiger Island” said to be inhabited by thylacines – and the two begin a quest to find the island.

    The film critiques the “doctrine of discovery” through its antagonist, adventure guild explorer Quinella Quoll (Celeste Barber). The doctrine of discovery refers to a legal and ideological approach through which colonisers tried to justify the seizing of land, resources and objects by Indigenous peoples.

    Quoll – who is always looking to “discover” powerful new artifacts for her museum collection – embodies all the extractive qualities of historical European explorers and museum founders.

    This is an important message at a time when museums both nationally and internationally are reevaluating what they hold in their collections – and trying to address the historical injustices associated with colonial acquisitions.

    With a simple but well-executed plot, the film allows for some fun colloquialisms such as “2-up” (an old Aussie gambling game) and “stop, drop and roll”, along with a slate of side characters that highlight the value of simply doing what’s right.

    It taps into the universal truth that each person’s story is irrevocably connected to the stories of others, and that the effect of our choices go far beyond our own lives.

    Visually, The Lost Tiger has a distinct texture, underpinned by a vivid vision of the bush. Murray, who is from the Kimberley region, was highly intentional in her portrayal of Australia’s dynamic landscapes. As she explains:

    I grew up with red rocks, super white sand, and this aqua coloured ocean, and it looks just like a painting. And it wasn’t until I left Broome and came back, and went, ‘This country has such a juxtaposition’. One minute you can be in the desert, and then you walk into a rain forest with these waterfalls.

    The animation itself is created on “stepped keys”, a process in which only every second frame is animated. So instead of seeing 24 frames of motion per second, as you would in a traditional computer-animated film, you see 12 frames per second. This pose-to-pose movement gives the film a stop-motion feel.

    This unique approach is complemented by some whiz-bang moments sure to draw in younger viewers. The film’s wrestling scenes and action sequences, supported by animation director Tania Vincent, are choreographed with high levels of energy, leading to a climactic end.

    Between two worlds

    Animation has the unique ability to tell stories that are both inclusive and diverse – which acknowledge our differences, yet connect us through our shared loves and experiences.

    The Lost Tiger does this beautifully by focusing on messages of respect, unity, connection to place and the importance of conserving precious resources on First Nations lands. It also taps into the difficulties of belonging (and struggling to belong) across different cultural worlds.

    Murray’s film helps lead us towards an industry that embraces diverse voices, and which will be able to support the uniquely Australian voices of future generations.

    The creators of the film acknowledge the Turrbal and Yuggera Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands in Queensland on which the film was made.

    The Lost Tiger is in cinemas now.

    Ari Chand 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.

    – ref. The Lost Tiger: first animated film by an Indigenous woman explores heritage and identity through a thylacine – https://theconversation.com/the-lost-tiger-first-animated-film-by-an-indigenous-woman-explores-heritage-and-identity-through-a-thylacine-251033

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fixing the Doctor – night works planned for State Highway 6 Doctor Creek Bridge repairs

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A critical piece of State Highway 6 infrastructure is about to be worked as part of the state highway summer maintenance season.

    The Doctor Creek Bridge, between Belgrove and Kohatu is due to be resurfaced, weather permitting, later this month.

    Contractors will be onsite at the bridge on the night of Wednesday, 19 March to complete asphalting work.

    Because of there is limited road space, the bridge and the highway must be closed to traffic while this work is completed.

    Resurfacing bridge decks cannot be completed effectively under stop/go traffic management. A full closure also allows the job to be completed much faster, meaning less over all disruption for road users.

    A closure will be in place  on State Highway 6 between Wai-iti Valley Road and North Road from 7 pm on Wednesday, 19, March until 6 am on Thursday, 20 March. However, access will be available for affected residents and emergency services.

    A local road detour will be available via Wai-iti Valley Road to Stock Road, to Valley Road, onto North Road then back onto State Highway 6 near Kohatu Junction.  The reverse for northbound road users.

    This detour will add an extra 20 minutes to travel time. Drivers should plan their trips accordingly.

    If weather or any unforeseen circumstances mean work cannot be completed on Wednesday night, the contingency night for this work is Thursday, 20 March.

    View larger map [JPG, 123 KB]

    More information:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: One-night maintenance closure for State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill this weekend

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Regular users of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill for 2025 need to be ready for a planned closure this Sunday.

    The route will be closed for planned maintenance for one night between 9 pm and 4 am, on Sunday, 9 March.

    Road crews will be carrying out drainage, culvert maintenance and other general maintenance work,  and inspections. 

    Drivers of light vehicles can book an escorted crossing if they need to travel the route at night. The only alternative detours are via the Pahiatua Track or Saddle Road to the north – a much longer trip. This can be done on the NZTA website.

    Bookings are essential. While every effort is made to accommodate drivers on the night, those who do not have a booking may be turned away.

    Full closures mean maintenance works can be finished faster, and they are safer for road crews.

    Traffic volumes are also lighter at night – while around 7,000 vehicles travel the route daily, fewer than 300 use it at night. It means night works affect fewer drivers and are far less disruptive than day works.

    Three more sets of night closures are planned in April, May, and June. Road users, especially those who travel over the Remutaka Hill regularly, should make a note of the planned dates.

    Important information for Remutaka Hill closures

    • Escorted crossings for light vehicles are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
    • Bookings are essential – drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
    • The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles cannot be accommodated.
    • Full access is always available for emergency services.

    More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found on our website:

    State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures. February – June 2025:

    Nights closed

    Start 9pm

    Finish 4am

    1

    9 March

    10 March

    5

    6 April

    11 April

    1

    18 May

    19 May

    1

    15 June

    16 June

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A night at the theatre, from one century to another

    Source: Auckland Council

    Imagine it’s 2030. The St James Theatre has opened its doors again.

    You’ve just seen Six60 play on the newly restored stage inside the amphitheatre, or heard Sol3Mio soar at great heights through the harmonies of the Pearl Fishers opera duet.   

    And you step out into the street.

    There are plants and trees lining both sides of Queen Street – mature and lush-green. Footpaths are generously wide and the Waihorotiu path has become a gentle lane of riders who give priority to pedestrians. Shoppers have right of way.

    You’re thinking about which travel option you’ll choose to get home. And there are many.

    Render of Te Hā Noa, Victoria Street – under construction.

    Will you stroll to your apartment a short distance away? Will you cross Queen Street to the Wellesley Street bus interchange and catch a bus – now smoothly funnelling people to all parts of the region?

    Will you catch a train at Te Waihorotiu Station? The City Rail Link – Auckland’s new underground train system – has been operating for a few years and is already a hit with Aucklanders of all ages.

    Will you grab an e-scooter and ride the Waihorotiu path to catch a ferry at the bottom of town, or hop on your bike parked on a rack outside the theatre and ride the cycleway now lining Te Hā Noa, Victoria Street? You’ll see beautiful artwork, mature trees on either side of the upgraded street and spacious streetside spaces for socialising.

    Or will you meet friends after the show at one of the area’s vibrant hospitality lanes bustling with people, and drive home later? Or will a taxi meet you at a pick-up zone nearby, making the theatre experience accessible especially for the disabled and elderly.

    If the St James Theatre had eyes, it would have witnessed a metamorphosis. It would have seen a burgeoning population and a transforming city centre since it first opened in 1928.

    Back then, the theatre would have seen trams pulling up outside, an asphalted roadway, women daring to lift their hemlines, department stores leading a new retail trend, and the splendour of the Civic Theatre taking shape across the street, among many other stitches of an everchanging urban tapestry.

    When the much-adored St James Theatre opens again, it will open to a city centre re-designed and responsive to changing times, a century after the theatre’s 1928 opening. There will be pedestrian-prioritised spaces, trees, rain gardens, public art, more visibility of te ao Māori narratives, and more transport options.

    More information on the history of the St James Theatre is available via PDF [1.16 MB].

    Theatregoers might even hear the singing of waiata in the underpass at nearby Myers Park, something they might not have been able to imagine a century ago. Read about Waimahara here and explore six other majestic icons in the central city here.

    Pictures tell the story of our city centre’s transformation here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environmental heroes celebrated in the Love Your Place Awards

    Source: Auckland Council

    Volunteers, businesses and schools making a positive impact to protect and restore the Waitākere Ranges have been recognised in the 2024 Love Your Place Awards.

    Around 100 guests came together to celebrate the mahi of these exceptional people at an awards ceremony held at the Titirangi War Memorial Hall on Sunday 2 March 2025.

    The awards are held every second year, thanks to the funding from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and are organised by EcoMatters Environment Trust.

    “It’s inspiring and humbling to see all the amazing initiatives and passion from the community who are so dedicated to protect our beloved natural environment,” says Greg Presland, Chair of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.

    “The board is immensely proud of everyone who contributes to helping preserve the special place we call home. Our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all the nominees and winners.”

    EcoMatters CEO Carla Gee says it’s always encouraging to see how many people are contributing to conservation and climate action in the Waitākere Ranges.

    “It’s so inspiring to hear about how much is happening in this very special part of Auckland, from grassroots conservation efforts to waste minimisation. As judges, it’s always a struggle to choose just one winner from all the nominees. We’re grateful to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board for continuing to support these awards, so that those doing the mahi here know their efforts are appreciated,” says Carla.

    Awards were given in five categories, recognising youth, school groups, businesses, volunteer groups and individual volunteers who have made an impact in stream restoration, environmental education and protection, pest control, native planting, invasive weeding and waste management.

    Winners

    • Denise Yates Award: for youth (under 18) showing emerging leadership around local environmental issues. 

    • Karaka Award: for a school or school group taking action on a local environmental issue. 

    • Nīkau Award: for a business or social enterprise making a contribution to improve the environment. 

    • Rātā Award: for an outstanding volunteer group or organisation taking action on a local environmental issue. 

      • Winner: Restoration Ruatuna

      • Judges Commendation: Friends of Whatipu

      • Judges Commendation: Petrelheads

    • Kahikatea Award: for an outstanding individual volunteer taking action on a local environmental issue. 

    Find out more about the award winners here.

    Stay up to date

    Sign up for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board E-news to get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month, or follow them on Facebook.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – PSNA demands the government condemn Israel’s cutting off of all humanitarian aid to Gaza – PSNA

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    PSNA is demanding the government condemn Israel’s cutting off of all humanitarian aid to Gaza.

     

    Israel announced its latest humanitarian outrage against the Palestinian people of Gaza as it tries to withdraw from the ceasefire agreement it signed with Hamas in January.

     

    “Israel is trying to weasel its way out of the agreement because it doesn’t want to negotiate stage two which requires it to withdraw its troops from Gaza” says PSNA Co National Chair John Minto. 

     

    “Israel signed the ceasefire agreement and it must be forced to follow it through.”

     

    “Cutting off humanitarian aid is a blatant war crime and New Zealand must say so without equivocation”

     

    “Our government has been complicit with Israeli war crimes for the past 16 months and has previously refused to condemn Israel’s use of humanitarian aid as a weapon of war”

     

    “It’s time we got off our knees and stood up for international law and United Nations resolutions.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland Regional Council media briefs 03/03/2025

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    NRC seeking feedback on Marsden Maritime Holdings, Northport proposal
    Northland Regional Council is seeking feedback on a proposal that would see the ownership structure of Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) and Northport simplified, to set the region’s port up for the future.
    Together with investment partners Port of Tauranga and Tupu Tonu (Ngāpuhi Investment Fund Ltd), the council is proposing to create a new joint-venture company combining MMH and Northport.
    Shareholding in the new company would be NRC (43%), Tupu Tonu (7%) and Port of Tauranga (50%), and would increase Northland’s stake in the port – a regionally-significant asset.
    CityLink bus services at Vine St
    A reminder to CityLink Whangārei bus passengers that the bus hub has moved from Rose Street to Vine Street.
    All CityLink buses now start and finish their journeys at Vine Street, while construction of the new Rose Street bus hub is ongoing.
    The bus office and toilets are available in the Vine Street car park. Staff are ready to help with all your BeeCard top-ups, purchases and queries. Look for the portacom with the posters! Vine Street car park remains open.
    The construction works for the new bus hub are estimated to take around seven months, so should complete in July 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience while the works are ongoing.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Group arrested following Ōrākei aggravated robbery

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have arrested four people following an aggravated robbery in Ōrākei this morning.

    Just before 9am, a group of offenders entered a dairy on Kepa Road.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, of Auckland City Crime Squad, says the group ran into the store armed with a machete and two hammers making threats towards the attendant working.

    “The attendant was chased out of the store,” he says.

    “These offenders have taken the store’s cash register as well as other products from the store.

    “Following this, the group fled in a stolen vehicle.”

    Police were conducting enquiries in the nearby area, when suspicious activity reports were made by local residents.

    “A group of offenders were seen abandoning a vehicle and stealing a small van, and this detail was relayed to Police.”

    The van was later sighted in the Panmure area, when it fled from staff from an address.

    Police did not pursue the vehicle, but the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed and took over monitoring the van.

    “It was observed by Eagle travelling at speed south towards Weymouth,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

    “Eagle has observed the van drop off various occupants at different locations around the area.

    “Ground staff have since located all of those occupants, who are young people.

    “The driver eventually stopped the van in the Clendon Park and was arrested by Police.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says Police have since recovered the cash register and some items stolen this morning.

    Those arrested this morning were aged between 12 and 17. Charges are still to be confirmed.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update following Pōkeno incident

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Please attribute to Acting Counties Manukau District Commander, Inspector Jared Pirret:

    A man has been charged following a serious crash that left a member of the public injured near Pōkeno on Saturday.

    The crash occurred at about 3pm on State Highway 2, when the fleeing driver attempted to avoid road spikes that had been laid across the road and swerved directly into the path of the oncoming car.

    The driver of that car initially suffered critical injuries, and now remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

    The fleeing driver also suffered injuries and was transported to hospital.

    The 42-year-old man appeared in Auckland District Court today charged with dangerous driving causing injury and driving while disqualified.

    We would like to acknowledge the impact this incident had on those involved.

    We are providing support to everyone affected and there are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation and a policy, practice, and procedure investigation.

    As is standard procedure, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Martinborough

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are now in a position to release the name of the person who died after a car collided with a shared cycle in Martinborough on 13 February.

    She was 48-year-old Alison Robyn Korny, from Cheshire, England.

    Our thoughts remain with her friends and family at this incredibly difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Submitted an Article to The Daily Telegraph on Chinese Navy’s Incursion to Australian Waters

    Source: Republic Of China Taiwan 2

    《Why is China sending ships our way? Just ask Taiwan》
    Cheng-Wei Wu, Director General of the Taipel Economic and Cultural Office In Sydney
    The surprise visit of three Chinese warships just 150 nautical miles east of Sydney serves as a wake-up call, bringing up distant memories of World War II when Australia, a country “girt by sea”, was exposed to threat of an authoritarian power’s navy suddenly appearing in the nation’s waters.
    Yet for some time Australian opinion leaders have debated the nature of the China threat.
    But the simple fact is, last week Chinese warships conducted live-fire drills in Australia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for the very first time, and from afar. And at least 49 commercial flights flying over the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand were forced to change course, after receiving a short-notice verbal warning broadcast from the Chinese warships.
    Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that China did not follow the best practice of giving 12 to 24 hours’ prior notice and the Australian government has expressed concern to the Chinese government.
    There has plenty of analysis in the past few days on the purpose to rationalise China’s flagrant military moves. It is worth noting that a comment published by Chinese Communist Party’s mouthpiece, the Global Times, stated that: “The People’s Liberation Army is expected to host more such far seas voyages … Some countries may have not yet adapted to seeing the PLA Navy’s normal voyages”.
    Coming from Taiwan, a neighbouring country which faces China’s military harassment and economic coercion on a regular basis, I want to share observations that China is trying to create its “new normal” now in Australia’s front yard with the grey zone tactics, just as they have done in the Taiwan Strait.
    We have seen an uptick of frequency of PLA aircraft’s incursions into our ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zone) from 960 sorties in 2021 to 3074 sorties in 2024.
    China does this to protest the world’s engagement with Taiwan and to cast a shadow over our elections.
    On this score, it is sure that China knows about Australia’s upcoming federal election and calculated it was “worthwhile” sending a fleet to make an impression.
    China would also like to test the determination of our democratic allies in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as Donald Trump recalibrates US foreign policy.
    The development of international relations may have its own course. Nevertheless, there are still some rules in world politics which have been verified throughout the pain and history.
    “Like-minded countries must band together”, should be the one to help
    stand up against aggression and authoritarian expansionism.
    When Australia faces the Chinese military bully and intimidation, do not forget the rules we learned, and all democracies would be united by your side, including Taiwan.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on February 28, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 6,261.85 6.33 5.25-6.80
         I. Call Money 1,111.65 6.18 5.25-6.40
         II. Triparty Repo 3,591.00 6.34 5.85-6.80
         III. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,559.20 6.41 6.40-6.45
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 17,236.23 6.38 5.15-6.65
         II. Term Money@@ 654.00 – 6.15-8.10
         III. Triparty Repo 3,64,113.35 6.28 6.10-6.80
         IV. Market Repo 1,50,239.19 6.30 6.00-7.31
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Fri, 28/02/2025 3 Mon, 03/03/2025 16,258.00 6.26
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Fri, 28/02/2025 1 Sat, 01/03/2025 8,103.00 6.50
      Fri, 28/02/2025 2 Sun, 02/03/2025 0.00 6.50
      Fri, 28/02/2025 3 Mon, 03/03/2025 840.00 6.50
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 28/02/2025 1 Sat, 01/03/2025 88,267.00 6.00
      Fri, 28/02/2025 2 Sun, 02/03/2025 0.00 6.00
      Fri, 28/02/2025 3 Mon, 03/03/2025 8,971.00 6.00
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -72,037.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 21/02/2025 14 Fri, 07/03/2025 41,046.00 6.26
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo Fri, 21/02/2025 45 Mon, 07/04/2025 57,951.00 6.26
      Fri, 14/02/2025 49 Fri, 04/04/2025 75,003.00 6.28
      Fri, 07/02/2025 56 Fri, 04/04/2025 50,010.00 6.31
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,095.71  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     2,33,105.71  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     1,61,068.71  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on February 28, 2025 9,33,991.34  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending March 07, 2025 9,22,740.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ February 28, 2025 16,258.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on February 07, 2025 -1,973.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    ^ As per the Press Release No. 2024-2025/2013 dated January 27, 2025, Press Release No. 2024-2025/2138 dated February 12, 2025, and Press Release No. 2024-2025/2209 dated February 20, 2025.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2286

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Call for nominations for ASEAN Prize 2025 opens

    Source: ASEAN

    JAKARTA, 3 March 2025 – ASEAN officially announces the call for nominations for the ASEAN Prize 2025, today. Recognised as the region’s premier award, the ASEAN Prize honours outstanding individuals and organisations across ASEAN for their exemplary contributions and significant accomplishments, towards fostering the building of an inclusive and outward looking ASEAN Community.
     
     
    Currently in its eighth edition, the recipient of ASEAN Prize 2025 will be presented with a prestigious trophy at the 47th ASEAN Summit under Malaysia’s Chairmanship, along with a monetary award of US$20,000, in partnership with the Temasek Foundation of Singapore.
     
     
    Eligible ASEAN individuals and organisation are invited to file the application for the ASEAN Prize Submissions must be made through the National Focal Points of the respective ASEAN Member State from 3 March to 16 May 2025. Applicants are required to submit a completed ASEAN Prize 2025 nomination form, providing comprehensive details and highlighting the nominee’s future initiatives. 
     
    Applicants are encouraged to elaborate and detail their achievements that fall under the following actions:
     
    Outstanding collaboration between ASEAN Member States (AMSs);
    Outstanding collaboration between ASEAN and the world;
    Outstanding people-to-people engagement among AMSs;
    Outstanding economic integration and promotion of standards between AMSs;
    Other outstanding contributions to ASEAN Community Building;
    Applications must be accompanied by supporting documents that substantiate the nominee’s concrete contributions and achievements for the regional development. A character reference accompanying the supporting documents highlighting the nominee’s eligibility would be valuable addition. On the important note, the ASEAN Prize will not consider self-nominations and posthumous submissions.
    The Judging Committee Meeting for ASEAN Prize, chaired by Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will convene round of intensive assessments to select this year’s recipient. The panel of judges for ASEAN Prize 2025 comprises of both former and current Secretaries-General of ASEAN.
    Since its inauguration in 2018, a total of four individuals and three organisations have been awarded with the ASEAN Prize. Last year, the ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO), a regional youth set-up based in Indonesia, was selected as the ASEAN Prize Recipient following their influential and impactful contributions to fostering cross-cultural collaborations and promoting ASEAN identity among the region’s youth. Their determination and efforts have significantly contributed to further regional community engagement, especially among ASEAN youths, and  strengthened the building of the ASEAN Community.
     
    Under Lao PDR Chairmanship, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR Sonexay Siphandone conferred the ASEAN Prize trophy to ASEAN Youth Organization during the opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit last October in Vientiane.
     
    The ASEAN Prize serves as a testament to the region’s resolute commitment to celebrate and honor the significant efforts of the individuals and organisations who have made steadfast contributions to the development of a resilient ASEAN Community, demonstrating concrete efforts in fostering regional integration, all the while forging an inclusive and stronger ASEAN identity.
    ###

     

    Details on the nomination and eligibility for ASEAN Prize 2025
    Nomination calls start on 3 March 2025
    The nominee must be an ASEAN citizen or an ASEAN-based organisation.
    The nominee shall submit valid/verifiable documents and highlight his/her achievement and influence on ASEAN since the launch of the ASEAN Community on 31 December 2015.
    The nominee should also share future initiatives detailing how the cited work will continue after winning the Prize.
    All nominations must be submitted to the ASEAN National Focal Point by 16 May 2025 at 5 PM, GMT+7 (Jakarta time).
    Please submit nominations to your respective National Focal Point listed below. The ASEAN Prize 2025 nomination form can be downloaded from https://asean.org/nomination-form/.
     
    ASEAN Member States
    National Focal Points for the ASEAN Prize
    Brunei Darussalam
    ASEAN-Brunei Darussalam National Secretariat Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam. Email : dept.ofasean@mfa.gov.bn
    Cambodia
    General Department of ASEAN Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Email: mfaic.asean@mfaic.gov.kh
    Indonesia
    Directorate of ASEAN Social and Cultural Cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs Email: dit.ksba@kemlu.go.id; direktoratkfa@gmail.com
    Lao PDR
    ASEAN Political-Security Community Division Lao National ASEAN Secretariat Email: aseanlaos@gmail.com
    Malaysia
    ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat Email: myasean@kln.gov.my
    Myanmar
    Socio-cultural Division, ASEAN-Myanmar National Secretariat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Email: dgasean@gmail.com; amns.mofa@gmail.com
    Philippines
    ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Division ASEAN-Philippines National Secretariat Tel.: 8344431, 8344470; Fax: 8321667 Email: asean@dfa.gov.ph
    Singapore
    ASEAN-Singapore National Secretariat Email: Mfa_asean_singapore@mfa.gov.sg
    Thailand
    Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs ASEAN-Thailand National Secretariat Email: mfa1202@mfa.go.th
    Viet Nam
    ASEAN-Viet Nam National Secretariat Email: asean.mfa@mofa.gov.vn; asean.mfa.vn@gmail.com
     
    The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967 and constitutes ten Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. On 31 December 2015, the ASEAN Community was formally established. The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
     
    Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation’s programmes, made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come.
    Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science,and protect the planet. For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Healthcare boost means seeing a GP, faster

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is delivering on its commitment to fix New Zealand’s broken healthcare system by ensuring Kiwis get better access to healthcare.

    Making it easier for New Zealanders to see a doctor or other health professional is a key priority under Health Minister Simeon Brown.

    “We are already investing record funding into healthcare, but many New Zealanders are still finding it too hard to get an appointment with their GP, which is putting pressure on our emergency departments,” Mr Brown says.

    “I am announcing today:
     

    • 100 clinical placements for overseas-trained doctors to work in primary care.
    • Incentives for primary care to recruit up to 400 graduate registered nurses per year for three years. 
    • A new 24/7 digital service for all New Zealanders to be able to access online medical appointments.
    • Health New Zealand providing a $285 million uplift for general practice over three years. 

    “We are taking action to ensure New Zealanders have increased access to more doctors and nurses and more choice of where they can access that healthcare.

    “We know we will need more doctors. That’s why we are funding a new two-year primary care training programme for up to 100 extra overseas-trained doctors once they are registered to work in New Zealand. 

    “It makes no sense that overseas-trained doctors living in New Zealand are willing to work in primary care, but can’t, because there aren’t enough training opportunities.

    “We are fixing this by building on a successful pilot in the Waikato and will support their transition into general practices that need them most.

    “Under the plan, GP practices and other providers outside hospitals will also be paid an incentive to attract, recruit, and support up to 400 graduate registered nurses a year from this year.

    “Just over $30 million has been allocated over five years for this initiative. Primary care providers, including general practice, will receive $20,000 per graduate nurse in rural areas, with those in our cities receiving $15,000.

    “This helps attract essential healthcare staff where they’re desperately needed, particularly in rural areas.

    “The Government will also invest in a new 24/7 digital healthcare service that will provide all New Zealanders with better access to video consultations with New Zealand-registered clinicians, such as GPs and nurse practitioners. 

    “This service will mean Kiwis can access primary healthcare from anywhere in New Zealand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the ability for GPs and nurses to also issue prescriptions or make referrals for lab tests. 

    “This is a practical solution which expands access to primary care for Kiwis and will provide an additional service to ensure New Zealanders have more access to timely and quality care. 

    “Today, I am also announcing that Health New Zealand will deliver a $285 million performance-based uplift in funding over three years for general practice from 1 July 2025.

    “This is made possible due to the Government’s record $16.68 billion in health and is in addition to the capitation uplift general practice receives annually.

    “It will incentivise GPs to offer enhanced access, including keeping their books open to new patients, achieving key Government health targets such as increased immunisation rates, or supporting family doctors to undertake minor planned care services, and see patients in a timely manner.

    “We know this additional funding will make a real difference in delivering the best health outcomes for New Zealanders, with more detail to be confirmed.

    “Our focus remains on strengthening services, reducing pressure on GPs, and ensuring Kiwis can access the care they need, when they need it.

    “I look forward to making further announcements about improving access to primary care and how we will increase and retain doctors and nurses as part of this package,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Operation eclipse searches leads to biggest find yet

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police have seized over $2.38 million worth of illicit tobacco and $391,000 in cash in raids last week on premises in regional and metropolitan South Australia.

    Members from Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Financial and Cybercrime Investigation Branch and Whyalla searched fourteen premises in metropolitan and regional areas between 24 and 27 February as part of Operation Eclipse investigations.

    The locations searched included tobacconists, candy and gift shops, mini marts, commercial storage facilities, vehicles and residential premises.

    In searches of commercial storage facilities at Burton and Parafield Gardens, four large shipping containers containing illicit tobacco was located. The value of the tobacco located at these properties was approximately $2 million dollars. Police are aware that these storage facilities are being used to store tobacco, which is then used to supply illicit retail outlets.

    Two vehicle stops were also conducted at Port Wakefield and Salisbury resulting in illegal tobacco and cash being seized. These searches resulted in the largest seizure of illicit tobacco to date in South Australia. Investigations into the seizures are ongoing.

    Operation Eclipse commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the cash seizures demonstrates the significant amount of money being generated from the illicit tobacco market.

    “We seek to continue to disrupt their financial operations and criminal activity and pursue criminal charges where evidence exists”

    “SA Police will continue to investigate organised crime syndicates operating statewide through a whole of SA Police response. We will also target people supporting them as they evolve to prevent and suppress serious criminal activity and ensure community safety”

    Operations Eclipse has now searched a total of 136 premises and seized approximately $12.5 million in illicit tobacco products.

    Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimstopperssa.com.au, you can remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Legacy carved in stone

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The recent Chongqing premiere of For an Eternal Homeland — Dazu Rock Carvers’ Legacy has been hailed by the audiences and critics as a spectacle that brings the ancient figures of the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to life.

    Through a blend of artistry and narrative, this dance drama has been recognized by many as a successful reimagining and revitalization that allows the historical treasure to shine anew.

    Zhang Yaqi, artistic director of the dance drama, says that the collaboration between the municipality of Chongqing and the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, a national performing arts institution, was developed over a two-year period and pays tribute to Dazu’s stone carvers.

    The performance is themed on celebrating the ancient philosophical vision of an ideal society: renjian xiaoman; tianxia dazu, (literally “small satisfaction in human life; grand prosperity and abundance in the world”).

    The Dazu Rock Carvings include the 144 grottoes, 50,000 statues and 100,000 inscriptions found in Chongqing’s Dazu district.

    Begun during the early Tang Dynasty (618-907) and reaching its peak during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), these extensive carvings amalgamate Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist sculptures.

    The UNESCO designation was awarded in 1999. Along with the Mogao Caves in Gansu province, the Longmen Grottoes in Henan province, and the Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi province — all similarly designated — the Dazu Rock Carvings are considered an essential part of the history of cave art in China.

    The 10-chapter, 100-minute dance drama is the tale of a young refugee named Xiao Fu. Fleeing to Dazu during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), he seeks sanctuary among local rock carvers, embracing their simple joys and aspirations for a brighter tomorrow. However, when a rockslide occurs, he pledges to immortalize the names of his departed family members by carving them on the cliffs, ensuring their memory lasts forever.

    “The stage presentation was challenging, with a deep sense of reverence. We drew inspiration from the details of the carvings, capturing their lifelike appearances,” Zhang says.

    She adds that every aspect, from characters and costumes to design, movements and props, was created to reflect the poetic essence of these portrayals of everyday rural life.

    For instance, figures such as the flute-playing woman, the chicken-raising woman, the cattle herder, and the woman wine seller, as well as Graceful Guanyin (Avalokitesvara, or the Goddess of Mercy), Water-moon Guanyin, and the Buddhist monk Zhigong (418-514) are brought to life in the drama.

    The 40 performers, 18 women and 22 men, radiate an ancient charm that encapsulates the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty, according to Zhang, who adds that the production included some core members of the team behind another hit, Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting.

    A large mirror onstage was used as a backdrop, according to Gao Guangjian, the drama’s visual director and set designer.

    A variety of multimedia techniques was used to create a distinct realm, enabling the exploration of the dynamic interplay between reality and faith.

    “The Dazu Rock Carvings are a priceless treasure, and belong to humanity,” says Li Fangyin, former director of Dazu Rock Carvings Research Institute.

    “Their deep content, such as philosophical ideas, humanistic principles, values and morals, helped us to further tap their worth through creative efforts,” Li adds.

    Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, the country has increasingly focused on the conservation and use of cultural heritage and grotto temples.

    According to Li, more than 30 protection projects have been carried out at the Dazu Rock Carvings over the past two decades, resulting in marked progress on the protection, research, and use of the site.

    The Qianshou Guanyin (Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara) statue, carved during the Southern Song Dynasty, is a treasure of Baoding Mountain, one of the sites part of Dazu. In June 2015, after an 8-year national project to conserve its stone relics, aided by technology, salvage efforts were completed. That year, the Art Museum of Dazu Rock Carvings was opened.

    After 16 years of surveys and research by experts at the research institute, Dazu Shike Quanji (A Collection of Dazu Rock Carvings) was published by Chongqing Publishing Group in 2019, the first Chinese archaeological report about large grotto temple sites.

    In recent years, several international academic symposiums have been held in Chongqing and Ziyang, Sichuan province, to integrate cultural tourism and preservation.

    Last August, the first International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation kicked off in Dazu. Experts from countries, including Norway, the United Kingdom, Japan, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Nepal, convened to share insights and address common challenges in the global conservation of grotto temples.

    Chongqing’s Dazu and Ziyang city in Sichuan are known for their stone carvings — 150,000 in all — among which the Anyue Grottoes in Ziyang’s Anyue county have been included in the provisional list of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage Sites.

    The Sichuan-Chongqing Grotto Protection and Research Center has been established and has organized 20 international forums and academic exchange studies in Dazu. It is also responsible for publishing the academic journal Cave Temple Research and Conservation.

    “The fusion of traditional art and modern technology has led to many changes,” Li says, citing the example of Black Myth: Wukong.

    The game’s production team explored the Dazu Rock Carvings three years ago, and set many scenes in the hit game there.

    After its three-day premiere from Feb. 21 to 23 in Chongqing, the drama will travel to 10 more cities, including Chengdu, Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, Nanchang in Jiangxi province, Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Fuzhou and Xiamen in Fujian province, as well as Changsha in Hunan province. A total of 100 performances are planned for the year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Saddle Road, Woodville

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died following a two-vehicle crash in Woodville this morning.

    Emergency services were alerted to the crash on Saddle Road at around 11.10am.

    Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

    The Serious Crash Unit is currently conducting a scene examination.

    The road remains closed, and motorists are advised to follow diversions.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China plays major role in global climate affairs

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China is a critical force in the global energy transition and its involvement in international climate talks is essential, the head of the United Nations’ climate science panel said on Saturday.
    Jim Skea, chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, made the remarks ahead of the release of its findings from its 62nd plenary session, which concluded on Saturday in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.
    Skea emphasized China’s leading role in deploying renewable energy, noting it has the world’s highest levels of solar and wind energy.
    “Without China’s participation, global efforts would be much less effective,” Skea said, highlighting the country’s importance in discussions under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
    The weeklong session focused on outlining reports for the IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle, covering the physical science of climate change, its impacts, adaptation, vulnerability and mitigation, as well as greenhouse gas inventories.
    The Hangzhou meeting stressed the importance of integrating climate action with economic growth and improved quality of life.
    “The idea of improving people’s well-being and quality of life is not opposed to taking climate change action. They actually go together,” Skea said.
    He praised China’s advancements in climate monitoring technologies, including early warning systems and meteorological satellites, which are crucial for tracking climate conditions, greenhouse gas emissions and socioeconomic changes, particularly in developing nations.
    Xiong Shaoyuan, deputy head of China’s delegation, said the nation will collaborate with other countries to build early warning platforms and share its experiences in meteorological services.
    Established in 1988, the IPCC provides scientific information to governments on climate change. For its current cycle, the IPCC will focus on climate change in urban areas and carbon dioxide removal technologies, including carbon capture, utilization and storage. The first meeting on urban climate change will be held from March 10 to 14 in Osaka, Japan, Skea said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Companies expand footprint overseas

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Cargo ships carrying steel products are heading toward African ports from Zhangjiagang Port in East China’s Jiangsu province, and canned beans from Yancheng, Jiangsu, are reaching the dining tables of Middle Eastern families, as local Chinese enterprises continue to expand their businesses overseas, according to Nanjing Customs.

    Chinese companies nationwide, not just enterprises in Jiangsu, are revving up their efforts to expand their footprint overseas and strengthen international cooperation.

    In the two weeks following the Spring Festival holiday, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade said it arranged for eight groups of Chinese entrepreneurs to travel abroad for economic and trade activities.

    Representatives from more than 200 companies visited Kazakhstan, Germany, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the Beijing-based council said on Friday.

    “During the visits, the willingness of foreign companies to cooperate with China exceeded our expectations, and 33 cooperation intent agreements were reached, covering sectors such as finance, energy, infrastructure, automobile manufacturing and the digital economy,” said Yang Fan, a spokeswoman for the CCPIT.

    “This has fully demonstrated the strong desire and broad prospects for pragmatic cooperation between Chinese and foreign business communities,” she said.

    The more difficult the times, the more determined the global business community is to work together and achieve win-win cooperation, Yang said, noting that this is the greatest certainty that balances many uncertain factors in global economic growth.

    Unilateralism and protectionism can’t interfere with the main theme of economic globalization, she added.

    In mid-February, a delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs visited Kazakhstan and achieved better-than-expected results. During the two-day visit, representatives of enterprises from China and Kazakhstan signed eight cooperation agreements, including an energy strategic cooperation agreement and an agricultural products import and export agreement.

    The visit was aimed at deepening trade, investment and industrial and supply chain cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and further consolidating the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, the CCPIT said.

    Chinese entrepreneurs were also warmly welcomed in other countries, and Chinese and foreign business communities engaged in enthusiastic talks.

    In South Africa, the country’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile met with a Chinese business delegation in person, while in Germany, the management teams of major multinational corporations, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Bosch, held in-depth talks with Chinese entrepreneurs, Yang said.

    In the UAE, officials from government departments and major business associations actively engaged in dialogues with Chinese entrepreneurs, she added.

    In the past few years, Chinese enterprises have shown strong willingness to promote industrial and supply chain cooperation with their foreign counterparts.

    Last year, the CCPIT organized a total of 2,249 business groups to visit 102 countries and regions, which means on average six Chinese delegations went abroad for business talks each day.

    Jiangsu Kanghui New Material Technology Co, an affiliate of Hengli Group, which focuses on the full production chain in oil refining, petrochemicals, polyester new materials and textiles, is a leading company in producing wide polyester films. A variety of polyester film products have rolled off its production line for exports.

    In particular, the company has been actively expanding its business in emerging markets such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to Nanjing Customs.

    “Last year, our products exported to ASEAN countries enjoyed preferential tariffs and received an exemption of 8.47 million yuan ($1.16 million), thanks to the China-ASEAN free trade agreement,” said Zhang Liping, director of imports and exports at Jiangsu Kanghui New Material Technology.

    “With preferential tariffs, our products have become more competitive in overseas markets. In 2024, the company’s export value in the ASEAN market reached $24 million,” Zhang added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 3 March 2025 Tenants ‘feel blessed’ to be living in new Avondale development A two and a half-year project to create the country’s largest social housing development is complete, with the final 30 homes in the 236-home Avondale development now ready for tenants.

    Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

    Many of the tenants who will move into the newly completed homes in the fifth and final building in the Community Lane development will be older people or people with health needs. They will start moving in from mid-March.

    “In just under two and a half years our build partner CMP Construction have delivered 236 new warm and dry homes. That’s one new home every four days,’’ says Nick Howcroft, Director Delivery at Kāinga Ora.

    “I recently met some of the Community Lane tenants who moved in last year and it was so rewarding to get feedback on their new homes. When we hear our tenants say they feel safe, are using the community lounges to connect with each other, and feel blessed to be living here, I know we’ve done a good job and made a difference to the lives of hundreds of New Zealanders.”

    Community Lane sits on a site where there were originally 45 older state homes. Now, there are 236 homes spread across five buildings. Most of the homes have been designed with older people in mind but there are also some apartments for small families.

    It is high density living so getting the urban design right in the early stages of the planning for Community Lane was critical.  All the buildings were designed to capture the light, with many enjoying elevated views of the communal gardens and the local lane connecting tenants to the surrounding neighbourhood.

    Separating the development into five buildings provides a sense of space, and the buildings are nestled around common areas to provide a feeling of safety to those living there.

    Each building has its own community lounge and there are gardens and greenhouses providing outdoor spaces where tenants can meet and get to know each other.

    “Avondale is a central Auckland suburb, and our development supported Auckland Council plans to revitalise this area. Kāinga Ora site works, and the installation of waste and storm water systems through our land, has enabled private developers to connect and build more new homes in the area,” Nick says.

    “During the peak of construction up to 300 workers were onsite so this was busy housing development. The unit cost to build 236 new homes was $572,000 including all of the broader construction costs associated with the development. Commencing construction during a period of rising construction costs and supply constraints presented some challenges, and the overall team did well to execute on the delivery programme. Leveraging many of these learnings and engaging with the industry, we are resetting how we deliver density more cost-effectively in the future.”

    Watch this video to learn more about the design and build.  

    Page updated: 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update on Morningside sudden death

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can now provide a further update on the previously unexplained death of a woman in Morningside.

    Initially, Police were called to the Don Croot Street property at 9.15pm on 28 February after the woman was found unresponsive.

    Despite CPR being performed at the scene, she was sadly unable to be revived.

    Today, a post-mortem examination was completed.

    Following this examination and other enquiries, Police consider there are no suspicious circumstances in relation to her death.

    The woman’s death has now been referred to the Coroner.

    Our sympathies are with her friends and family.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How to prepare for a cyclone, according to an expert

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yetta Gurtner, Adjunct senior lecturer, Centre for Disaster Studies, James Cook University

    Tropical Cyclone Alfred is predicted to make landfall anywhere between Bundaberg and northern New South Wales this week. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has warned it may bring severe hazards and “dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding”.

    So, how do you prepare for a cyclone – and what do you do if it’s too late to leave?

    How to prepare

    Your starting point is to consider the risk to yourself and everyone in your household (including pets). Consider ensuring you have:

    • non-perishable food that everyone in the family will eat (enough for five to seven days)
    • water for drinking and cleaning (three litres per person per day)
    • medication (two weeks worth)
    • toiletries and first aid kit
    • pet food/supplies
    • torches
    • batteries
    • a back up battery for your phone
    • baby formula and nappies if needed
    • protective clothing and closed-in shoes
    • cash in small denominations
    • valuable documents such as passports, title deeds, ID, insurance details, photos (these can be photographed or packed in weather-proof container or envelope)
    • kids’ books, card games, board games, headphones
    • anything else you may need or really value (and isn’t too heavy to carry).

    Make sure you have a grab-and-go kit that you can carry by yourself if authorities suddenly tell you to evacuate immediately.

    Conventional wisdom used to be to prepare enough supplies for three days of disruption. Now, experts recommend having enough for five to seven days. After the initial disaster there may be road blockages or supply chain problems.

    Ensure you have enough medication for a week or two, because pharmacies may take days or weeks to re-open. And remember that many medications, such as insulin, need to be refrigerated, so consider how you’d keep them cool if the power went out.

    Fill containers with water and stick them in your freezer now; they can keep your freezer cool if you lose power. They can also become drinking water in future.

    Talk to your neighbours. Do they have a generator or a camping fridge you can use? This is a great opportunity to get to know your community and pool your resources.

    Ask yourself if you have friends with whom you or a pet can stay. One of the main reasons people don’t evacuate is because they can’t bring their pets (not all evacuation shelters allow them, so check in advance).

    Consider what you can do now to prepare your house. One of the most common call-outs the SES receives is about blocked drains and gutters, so check if there’s time to clean your gutters now. You won’t be able to do it during the storm.

    Stay informed – and don’t rely on hearsay

    Have a plan for getting truthful information before, during and after the cyclone.

    Rely on the information provided by official sources, as they will tell you when it’s too late to evacuate or when it’s safe to come out. This is highly context-specific and will depend on where you are located.

    Get advice where possible from your local council’s disaster dashboard (most councils have one).

    It should provide information such as where to get sandbags, which roads are closed (which can affect your evacuation plan) and evacuation centre openings and locations.

    Anyone who monitors social media will see how many amateur meteorologists and maps are out there, but these are often not the best source. Always rely on official sources rather than hearsay, trending footage or amateur “experts”.

    Always have an battery-operated AM-FM radio. If power goes out, relying on your phone to track information will drain your phone battery very quickly.

    You may be able to charge it via your car or laptop, but telecommunications networks may not be active.

    So having a battery-operated radio on hand – and plenty of batteries – is crucial.

    What if the cyclone hits while you’re at home?

    If it’s too late to evacuate, have a plan for sheltering in place.

    Find the smallest room in your house with the least windows (which can shatter in a storm). This is often the bathroom, but it could be under the stairs. It is usually on the lowest level of the house.

    Bring your food, water, radio, blankets and supplies there. Avoid walking around the house during the cyclone to fetch things; there could be glass on the floor or debris flying around.

    It’s hard to predict how long you will need to shelter there, but it’s important not to leave until official sources say it is safe to do so.

    Cyclones come in stages. They arrive from one direction, then comes an eerie calm as the “eye of the storm” passes over. Next, the other half of the cyclone arrives. Don’t go outside during the eye of the storm, because it’s not over.

    Outside the house, there may be powerlines down, broken glass and other hazards. Don’t venture out until you get official clearance from the disaster dashboard or official sources on the radio saying it is safe.

    For non-life threatening emergencies – such as a tree on your roof, or water running through your house – call the SES on 132 500 or register on the SES Assistance app (if you’re in Queensland). They will not come during the event itself but will come later.

    If it’s a life threatening emergency, always call triple 0.

    After the storm

    After the storm, consider how to make your house more cyclone-ready in future. Many houses in North Queensland are designed for cyclone zones, but not as many further south will be.

    Climate change means cyclones are likely to be more severe in future. These days, be cyclone-ready 365 days a year.

    Yetta Gurtner has received funding in the past from the Bureau of Meteorology. She is a community engagement officer with the Queensland State Emergency Services.

    – ref. How to prepare for a cyclone, according to an expert – https://theconversation.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-cyclone-according-to-an-expert-251251

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: False economies: the evidence shows higher speed limits don’t make financial sense

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Shutterstock

    Despite community resistance and legal push-back, the government isn’t slowing down on its plan to roll back speed limit reductions on many roads. In the process, it’s going against expert advice from transport officials and solid economic evidence showing the benefits of slower speeds.

    Documents recently released quietly by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) show Land Transport Director Brent Alderton raised serious concerns in 2024 about the proposed speed limit changes and urged decision makers to rely on evidence rather than ideology:

    There is well founded evidence, nationally and internationally, that establishes the link between vehicle speed and the likelihood of a crash occurring, as well as the severity and consequences of any crash.

    But the government is also bypassing evidence that contradicts its own justification that raising some speed limits will help increase productivity.

    A comprehensive economic assessment prepared by engineering consulting firm WSP for the NZTA in March 2024 (later released under the Official Information Act) analysed the impact of previous speed limit changes implemented between 2020 and 2023 (with one dating back to 2011). It found the reductions delivered substantial economic benefits to New Zealand.

    For road corridors with reduced speed limits, nearly 27 fewer deaths and serious injuries per year were recorded: “The crash cost savings generally outweigh the travel time disbenefits by a factor of 2 to 10 (or more).”

    In other words, for every dollar lost in slightly increased travel times, the report estimates New Zealand gains between NZ$2 and $10 in reduced crash costs.

    Economic benefits of lower speeds

    All the road corridors with reduced speed limits in the WSP assessment showed positive benefit-cost ratios using NZTA’s standard methodology. Even under various sensitivity tests, including if crash benefits were reduced or project costs increased, most speed reductions maintained positive ratios.

    But despite the local and international evidence showing lower speed limits save lives and money, the government persists in claiming raising some limits will reduce travel times and therefore increase productivity.

    In fact, everything points to any productivity gains from faster travel being significantly outweighed by increased crash costs. As of 2023, the Ministry of Transport estimates those costs at $769,400 per serious injury and $14,265,600 per fatality.

    When the WSP report was released, it projected traffic would experience mean speed reductions of between 5% and 9% on roads with lowered limits. This projection was based on actual changes in driving speeds recorded using GPS-based traffic data.

    The data showed these reductions resulted in actual death and injury savings “much greater than predicted”. While the observed speed reductions aligned with expectations, the projected safety benefits significantly underestimated the actual harm reduction.

    For example, on the Blenheim to Nelson stretch of State Highway 6, the predicted death and injury reduction was 22%, but the actual reduction was 82%. On State Highway 51, the reduction was 100% compared to an expected 31%.

    Conversely, where speed limits were increased from 100 km/h to 110 km/h, as on the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway in December 2017, deaths and serious injuries rose by 133% compared to pre-increase levels.

    In Auckland, dozens of urban corridors will soon see speed limits rise from 50 km/h to 60 km/h. The Auckland Transport agency will also raise the limit on one stretch of Te Irirangi Drive from 60 km/h to 80 km/h – exactly the kind of substantial increase the WSP report linked to dramatically higher crash risks.

    Expediency vs evidence

    Overall, the WSP report shows speed limit reductions worked better than expected at preventing harm, with significantly lower numbers of deaths and serious injuries annually across the studied corridors.

    It is likely the number of lives saved from these speed limit reductions are reflected in the 2024 road fatality statistics, where road deaths across New Zealand were below 300 for the first time in a decade.

    The director of land transport can only promise to “monitor” the impacts of the speed limit increases. In reality, there has been sufficient monitoring and measuring already to show speed limit reductions reduce harm as well as deliver economic benefits.

    But the speed limit issue fits within a broader pattern of transport policy where ideology or political expediency appear to trump expert advice and economic analysis.

    The government has frozen funding for cycling and walking projects, cancelled Auckland’s light rail plan, abandoned regional passenger rail initiatives and prioritised new highway construction over maintenance of existing roads.

    This is despite economic assessments consistently showing better benefit-cost ratios for public and active transport investments than for new road projects.

    Such decisions also contradict the government’s own climate commitments and overlook mounting evidence that car-centric transport planning worsens congestion rather than alleviating it.

    Similarly, economic assessment shows unequivocally that the financial benefits of lower speeds and safer roads far outweigh the costs. If economic rationality were the driving force behind transport policy, speed limit reductions would be expanded rather than rolled back.

    Timothy Welch 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.

    – ref. False economies: the evidence shows higher speed limits don’t make financial sense – https://theconversation.com/false-economies-the-evidence-shows-higher-speed-limits-dont-make-financial-sense-251138

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Microsoft cuts data centre plans and hikes prices in push to make users carry AI costs

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin Witzenberger, Research Fellow, GenAI Lab, Queensland University of Technology

    After a year of shoehorning generative AI into its flagship products, Microsoft is trying to recoup the costs by raising prices, putting ads in products, and cancelling data centre leases. Google is making similar moves, adding unavoidable AI features to its Workspace service while increasing prices.

    Is the tide finally turning on investments into generative AI? The situation is not quite so simple. Tech companies are fully committed to the new technology – but are struggling to find ways to make people pay for it.

    Shifting costs

    Last week, Microsoft unceremoniously pulled back on some planned data centre leases. The move came after the company increased subscription prices for its flagship 365 software by up to 45%, and quietly released an ad-supported version of some products.

    The tech giant’s CEO, Satya Nadella, also recently suggested AI has so far not produced much value.

    Microsoft’s actions may seem odd in the current wave of AI hype, coming amid splashy announcements such as OpenAI’s US$500 billion Stargate data centre project.

    But if we look closely, nothing in Microsoft’s decisions indicates a retreat from AI itself. Rather, we are seeing a change in strategy to make AI profitable by shifting the cost in non-obvious ways onto consumers.

    The cost of generative AI

    Generative AI is expensive. OpenAI, the market leader with a claimed 400 million active monthly users, is burning money.

    Last year, OpenAI brought in US$3.7 billion in revenue – but spent almost US$9 billion, for a net loss of around US$5 billion.

    Microsoft is OpenAI’s biggest investor and currently provides the company with cloud computing services, so OpenAI’s spending also costs Microsoft.

    What makes generative AI so expensive? Human labour aside, two costs are associated with AI models: training (building the model) and inference (using the model).

    While training is an (often large) up-front expense, the costs of inference grow with the user base. And the bigger the model, the more it costs to run.

    Smaller, cheaper alternatives

    A single query on OpenAI’s most advanced models can cost up to US$1,000 in compute power alone. In January, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said even the company’s US$200 per month subscription is not profitable. This signals the company is not only losing money through use of its free models, but through its subscription models as well.

    Both training and inference typically take place in data centres. Costs are high because the chips needed to run them are expensive, but so too are electricity, cooling, and the depreciation of hardware.

    The growing cost of running data centres to power generative AI products has sent tech companies scrambling for ways to recoup their costs.
    Aerovista Luchtfotografie / Shutterstock

    To date, much AI progress has been achieved by using more of everything. OpenAI describes its latest upgrade as a “giant, expensive model”. However, there are now plenty of signs this scale-at-all-costs approach might not even be necessary.

    Chinese company DeepSeek made waves earlier this year when it revealed it had built models comparable to OpenAI’s flagship products for a tiny fraction of the training cost. Likewise, researchers from Seattle’s Allen Institute for AI (Ai2) and Stanford University claim to have trained a model for as little as US$50.

    In short, AI systems developed and delivered by tech giants might not be profitable. The costs of building and running data centres are a big reason why.

    What is Microsoft doing?

    Having sunk billions into generative AI, Microsoft is trying to find the business model that will make the technology profitable.

    Over the past year, the tech giant has integrated the Copilot generative AI chatbot into its products geared towards consumers and businesses.

    It is no longer possible to purchase any Microsoft 365 subscription without Copilot. As a result subscribers are seeing significant price hikes.

    As we have seen, running generative AI models in data centres is expensive. So Microsoft is likely seeking ways to do more of the work on users’ own devices – where the user pays for the hardware and its running costs.

    A strong clue for this strategy is a small button Microsoft began to put on its devices last year. In the precious real estate of the QWERTY keyboard, Microsoft dedicated a key to Copilot on its PCs and laptops capable of processing AI on the device.

    Apple is pursuing a similar strategy. The iPhone manufacturer is not offering most of its AI services in the cloud. Instead, only new devices offer AI capabilities, with on-device processing marketed as a privacy feature that prevents your data travelling elsewhere.

    Pushing costs to the edge

    There are benefits to the push to do the work of generative AI inference on the computing devices in our pockets, on our desks, or even on smart watches on our wrists (so-called “edge computing”, because it occurs at the “edge” of the network).

    It can reduce the energy, resources and waste of data centres, lowering generative AI’s carbon, heat and water footprint. It could also reduce bandwidth demands and increase user privacy.

    But there are downsides too. Edge computing shifts computation costs to consumers, driving demand for new devices despite economic and environmental concerns that discourage frequent upgrades. This could intensify with newer, bigger generative AI models.

    A shift to more ‘on-device’ AI computing could create more problems with electronic waste.
    SibFilm / Shutterstock

    And there are more problems. Distributed e-waste makes recycling much harder. What’s more, the playing field for users won’t be level if a device dictates how good your AI can be, particularly in educational settings.

    And while edge computing may seem more “decentralised”, it may also lead to hardware monopolies. If only a handful of companies control this transition, decentralisation may not be as open as it appears.

    As AI infrastructure costs rise and model development evolves, shifting the costs to consumers becomes an appealing strategy for AI companies. While big enterprises such as government departments and universities may manage these costs, many small businesses and individual consumers may struggle.

    Kevin Witzenberger receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Michael Richardson 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.

    – ref. Microsoft cuts data centre plans and hikes prices in push to make users carry AI costs – https://theconversation.com/microsoft-cuts-data-centre-plans-and-hikes-prices-in-push-to-make-users-carry-ai-costs-250932

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 55-2025: Unplanned Service Disruption: Monday 03 March 2025 – BICON external website

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    03 March 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All clients required to use the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) – external website.

    Information

    The BICON external website is currently experiencing an unplanned service disruption. As a result, users may experience service degradation (e.g. slowness) and/or an inability to load BICON webpages.

    Action

    This issue is under urgent investigation and will advise once services…

    MIL OSI News –