NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump to announce 25-percent steel and aluminum tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he will announce new 25-percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, with the official statement to be made on Monday.

    Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump also said he would announce “reciprocal tariffs” as soon as Tuesday to align with those of its trading partners.

    During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports citing national security concerns but later allowed certain trading partners, including Canada, Mexico and Brazil, to receive duty-free quotas.

    Under former President Joe Biden, the United States continued some tariff exemptions introduced under Trump and extended new quotas for the European Union, Britain and Japan.

    On Feb. 1, Trump signed executive orders to impose 25-percent additional tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10-percent tariff hike on imports from China, drawing widespread opposition and immediate retaliations. He later paused the tariffs on Mexico and Canada for one month to allow negotiations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Coles slashes its product range, will well-known brands disappear from supermarket shelves?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flavio Macau, Associate Dean – School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University

    Hitra/Shutterstock

    Coles is reducing its product range by at least 10%, a move that has sparked public backlash and renewed discussions about the role of supermarkets in the cost-of-living crisis.

    In cutting the range of items on offer Coles is moving closer to Aldi and Costco’s strategy to grow exclusive brands and limit product range.

    The goal is to boost profitability by reducing costs, increasing sales, and increasing control over the supply chain.

    Coles is unlikely to cut traditional brands, especially those from companies with significant market power like Coca-Cola or Nestle. In a battle between giants, the status quo is likely to prevail.

    Smaller suppliers are likely to bear the load as they struggle to renew contracts and face increased competition from home brands.

    To fully understand the reasons behind this move and its impact on the cost of living, insights from psychology, finance, and supply chain management come in handy.

    Why cut back on brands?

    The Coles move is all about profitability.

    Over the past decade, competition in the Australian supermarket sector has intensified. Coles’ market share declined from 31% to 25% between 2013 and 2023, while Woolworths’ share fell from 41% to 37%.

    This shift reflects the rise of Aldi, which now holds approximately 10% of the market, and its strong position in the home brand space.

    Aldi’s smaller range helps to keep costs down.
    Audreycmk/Shutterstock

    To boost profitability with a smaller customer base, Coles needs to find ways to enhance its earnings. This can be achieved by raising prices, cutting costs, or increasing the market share of its home brands.

    Raising prices vs cutting costs

    Raising prices is not a viable option, as consumers are already struggling with high food prices inflation and the rising cost-of-living. However, there is room to cut costs.

    One approach is to squeeze suppliers, but again this is unlikely to be effective. The consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is holding an inquiry into concerns that the supermarkets are using their market power to the disadvantage of their suppliers and consumers.

    Additionally, as producers exit unprofitable businesses, supermarkets risk supply chain disruptions due to increased market concentration among surviving suppliers.

    Another strategy is to reduce complexity. The more product variety there is, the more complicated and expensive it becomes to manage. Tasks such as stocking shelves, adjusting prices, maintaining inventory, managing delivery schedules, and disposing of expired products all contribute to higher costs.

    Anna Croft, Coles’ operations and sustainability officer, explained the strategy when telling investors in November that 13 basic table salts could be cut to five.

    Simplifying the product range can also boost sales. When faced with too many options, consumers can experience “choice overload”. A widely recognised study in psychology found that people are more likely to make a purchase when presented with a limited selection rather than an extensive array of choices.

    Coles has pointed to shampoo and salt as two potential product ranges that can be simplified.
    I.K.Media/Shutterstock

    Shifting to home brands

    Simplifying the range will likely focus on items where Coles has a home brand. Home brands now account for 33.5% of Coles’ sales, with 6,000 products. About 1,100 were added over the past year.

    This move is a response to competitors like Aldi and Costco. While Coles and Woolworths manage over 25,000 items in their stores, Aldi limits its offering to about 1,800 products.

    Coles is focusing on its home brands to better compete with non-branded offerings from Aldi. In its report to the ACCC, the supermarket highlights its investment in expanding its own-brand range to provide more affordable prices, up to 40% cheaper than similar proprietary brands.

    While consumers may have fewer choices, it is expected that they will benefit from better prices.

    This shift towards home brands is not exclusive to Australia. In the United States, private label sales hit a record in 2023 across a range of items from beauty products to general merchandise. In the United Kingdom, home brand products now account for over half of supermarket sales.

    Have we been here before?

    Almost 10 years ago, Woolworths and Coles started a significant move to adjust their price positioning in response to the competition. Along with Metcash (IGA), they reduced product ranges in 2015–16 by 10% to 15% to simplify the weekly grocery shop for consumers.

    At that time, the culling of products put suppliers under pressure (as now) while consumers were ambivalent: some wanted more brand variety and others preferred less.

    As history repeats itself, it will be interesting to see if Woolworths and Metcash will follow the latest move from Coles and how customers, suppliers, and the ACCC will react this time.

    A/Prof Flavio Macau is affiliated with the Project Management Institute (PMI)

    – ref. As Coles slashes its product range, will well-known brands disappear from supermarket shelves? – https://theconversation.com/as-coles-slashes-its-product-range-will-well-known-brands-disappear-from-supermarket-shelves-249274

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Cuts to school bus routes put Northland kids at risk

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government is putting cost-cutting ahead of kids’ safety with its decision to cut rural school bus routes in Northland.

    “Expecting young students to walk along state highways and endure extreme weather just to get to school is utterly irresponsible and a slap in the face to working families,” Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said.

    “This Government’s decision to cut essential school bus routes is putting our kids in harm’s way. I worry that it’s only a matter of time before tragedy strikes.”

    The latest reports from Northland show at least seven schools are affected, with some students facing long, treacherous walks on busy highways like State Highway 10.

    The reduction of Whangaroa College’s bus service has left two dozen students without safe transport options. Local school leaders have raised concerns that the risk of accidents will increase, especially in winter when students must travel in darkness and heavy rain.

    “These are not minor inconveniences, these are serious safety risks that no parent should have to worry about. Erica Stanford refuses to acknowledge the reality for working families in rural communities.

    “Rural kids deserve the same access to safe and reliable education as their urban peers. Erica Stanford must step up, acknowledge the harm these cuts are causing, and restore rural school bus routes before a preventable disaster happens,” Jan Tinetti said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The Gambia

    Source: Australia Safe Travel Advisories

    We’ve reviewed our advice for The Gambia and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of crime (see ‘Safety’). We’ve lowered our advice for the southern border with the Casamance region of Senegal and now advise exercise a high degree of caution.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Congestion on SH1 north of Kaiwaka

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising people traveling on State Highway 1 north of Kaiwaka to plan ahead and expect delays.

    Contractors resealed a 650m section of the state highway last night and, due to the high volume of traffic in this area, vehicles are moving very slowly over the new surface, causing significant congestion.

    It’s important to slow down and, where possible, maintain a steady speed through newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens. That’s why we often keep temporary speed limits in place even after it looks like the work has been completed. As well as safety, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal. Travelling at the posted temporary speed limit allows for the chips to be embedded into the road surface and for them to remain in place as the seal cures.

    Contractors have made some tweaks to traffic management to reduce delays. They are also working to protect the new surface from static traffic by using water carts and additional chip.

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ heads to Beijing

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will depart for Beijing today to attend meetings with various central ministries to discuss the work of the Department of Justice.

     

    Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong tomorrow. During his absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on February 07, 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) 5,61,163.45 6.26 4.50-6.65
         I. Call Money 14,567.31 6.26 5.15-6.55
         II. Triparty Repo 3,70,891.25 6.26 6.12-6.65
         III. Market Repo 1,73,895.29 6.25 4.50-6.61
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,809.60 6.37 6.34-6.40
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 277.00 6.23 5.60-6.35
         II. Term Money@@ 837.00 – 6.35-7.25
         III. Triparty Repo 570.00 6.37 6.25-6.45
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         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, 07/02/2025 3 Mon, 10/02/2025 1,33,013.00 6.26
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo Fri, 07/02/2025 56 Fri, 04/04/2025 50,010.00 6.31
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Fri, 07/02/2025 1 Sat, 08/02/2025 12,223.00 6.50
      Fri, 07/02/2025 2 Sun, 09/02/2025 0.00 6.50
      Fri, 07/02/2025 3 Mon, 10/02/2025 797.00 6.50
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 07/02/2025 1 Sat, 08/02/2025 78,315.00 6.00
      Fri, 07/02/2025 2 Sun, 09/02/2025 1.00 6.00
      Fri, 07/02/2025 3 Mon, 10/02/2025 18,275.00 6.00
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       99,452.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       8,328.42  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     8,328.42  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     1,07,780.42  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on February 07, 2025 8,85,291.80  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending February 07, 2025 9,12,544.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ February 07, 2025 77,749.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on January 24, 2025 -34,103.00  
    @ 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.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2116

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to the Financial Services Council

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Good morning, everyone. 
    I would like to begin by thanking Kirk Hope and the Financial Services Council for the opportunity to speak to you all this morning. I’d also like to acknowledge our friends at the FMA and in particular the CE, Samantha Barrass, who you will be hearing from shortly.
    I’m delighted to speak to you at the start of the year. I hope everyone is refreshed after a good summer, and ready for another big year of delivering for New Zealanders. 2024 was a big year. It was a challenging year. I know all of you in the room today would have felt firsthand the economic challenges. But we got a lot of important work underway and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year.
    At this event last year, many of you will remember that I announced plans to reform the financial services sector. As you all know, things were not in a good place. 
    Over successive years, governments had layered up regulations, causing a lack of clarity and excessive conservativism. My mission when I took on the Commerce and Consumer Affairs portfolio was to simplify the financial services landscape. This meant:

    Clarifying the roles of the various regulators to remove duplication; and 
    Tidying up laws and regulations that were constraining businesses from providing great financial products and services.

    My guiding principle was to make it simpler to provide financial services, while balancing the need for appropriate guardrails and consumer protections. Over time this equation had become unbalanced and was so risk-averse that it was harming consumers.
    Many of you will have heard me talk before about the perverse outcomes of making it too hard for Kiwis to access a safe loan from a reputable provider. I am very pleased to say that these financial services reforms are now well progressed. 
    Democracy is a wonderful thing, but the nature of developing good policy and running a thorough consultation process means it can take a long time to for change to work its way through the system. However, we are on track to have the Financial Services Bill passed through all stages by the end of Q1 next year. 
    Contracts of Insurance
    One key highlight of 2024 was passing into law the Contracts of Insurance Act. This work was long overdue. The Law Commission recommended that our insurance law be updated in the 1990s. It is fantastic that we finally got it over the line.
    In terms of other work, the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister is responsible for six crown entities including the Commerce Commission and the FMA.  And, according to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Minister is broadly responsible for:

    corporate law and governance 
    financial markets
    competition policy
    consumer policy
    protecting intellectual property; and, 
    trade policy and international regulatory cooperation.

    It’s no small list. These are absolutely foundational pieces of architecture for our economy, and in 2024 I kicked off work relating to nearly every single thing on that list. 
    This year I intend to tick two remaining items off that list by progressing a review of copyright and intellectual property and launching a review of the Fair Trading Act.
    The Fair Trading Act is a hugely consequential piece of legislation that covers everything from product safety and product descriptions, through to contract terms and advertising standards.
    Unfortunately, the structural economic issues we face – whether that be declining productivity, lack of capital, a dearth of foreign investment, or over-regulation stymieing growth and innovation – means economic reform is urgent.  As a result, you should hopefully have heard me in the media or at events like this talking about work I have underway to modernise our economy, including:

    Reviewing the Companies Act and reforming our corporate governance laws; and

    Related to this, launching a review of directors’ duties and liabilities led by the Law Commission;

    Implementing a ‘consumer data right’ and laying the foundations for ‘open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ to inject more competition into our economy;
    Creating a new model for the economic regulation of water services;
    Initiating a more coordinated whole-of-government approach to combatting online financial scams;
    Invigorating New Zealand’s capital markets by removing barriers to list on the stock exchange and making it easier for KiwiSaver funds to be invested in unlisted assets;
    Reviewing our competition law to prevent excessive market concentration; and
    Finally, responding to recommendations from the Commerce Commission to improve competition in the banking and grocery sector.

    2025
    2025 is all about delivering on this work. And I know it sounds like a long and unwieldy list, but you can broadly view all the work underway through the lens of two key themes:

    Creating the conditions for businesses and private enterprise to thrive so that we can grow our economy. 

    As you have heard the PM talk about – a bigger, wealthier economy means more jobs and higher salaries for Kiwis, and it means increased tax revenue which pays for public services like schools, roads and hospitals.
    This means making sure that the laws and regulations that determine the operating environment for businesses are modern, fair, and fit for purpose. 

    The second key theme is competition.

    The reality is that New Zealand suffers from overly concentrated markets in several key sectors of our economy – whether that be banking, groceries, building supplies, or parking services. 
    The OECD and others have drawn a link between our lack of competition and falling productivity and the spotlight is well and truly focused on invigorating completion. 

    From the government’s perspective we will be going through every key initiative and programme of work line by line and asking ourselves and our officials: Will this grow the economy? Will this improve competition?
    Will this help New Zealanders to take legitimate business risks? Will it enable them to hire more staff or access capital to invest in new equipment? Will it free up their time so it can be used more productively? Will it encourage innovation and enable them to offer new products and services? And if the answer is no, then don’t expect to see it progressed this year. If the answer is yes, then we will be working at pace to implement it. 
    One of my top focuses this year is improving competition. 
    Competition is one of the most important ways to drive productivity, grow the economy, and lift living standards. That’s why I have launched a two-part review: 

    First, I have asked officials to update the merger and competition provisions in the Commerce Act, to ensure our legal framework is fit for purpose.

    Mergers can improve market efficiencies but can also entrench market power and create monopolies. Our merger regime has not been reviewed in over 20 years and since then our economic landscape has changed significantly. 
    I think everyone in this room can probably point to a merger or acquisition that – with the benefit of hindsight – did not serve us well.

    I have also commissioned an independent review of the governance and effectiveness of the Commerce Commission to maximise its performance.

    On the one hand, we need strong competition laws, and on the other hand we need a powerful and courageous regulator to enforce the law.

    These are important structural changes and signify a strategic shift for our economy.
    This year I am also continuing with reforms to unlock capital for the benefit of New Zealand’s economy.
    I know that New Zealand urgently needs to address our falling productivity and failing infrastructure. That’s why I want to invigorate our capital markets, to encourage investment in infrastructure and productive businesses.  As part of this, we are looking at changes to make it easier for KiwiSaver funds to be invested in unlisted assets, such as infrastructure projects and great New Zealand business.
    We are also exploring adjustments to reduce the costs and barriers faced by companies listed, or listing, on the stock exchange. We will look at other aspects of capital markets settings in the second half of this year.
    Consumer Data Right
    As many of you may be aware, the Customer and Product Data Bill is currently being progressed and is set to have its second reading in Parliament’s next sitting block, which starts next week. This Bill will establish a framework to unlock the potential of customer data, driving innovation and competition in key sectors. 
    We recently consulted on applying the Bill to the banking sector to enable open banking and are beginning work on applying it out to the electricity sector too. The ability to provide new data-driven products and services is hugely exciting. 
    Possible applications for open banking include the ability to apply for a 10-minute online home loan and make instant, low-cost payments. Meanwhile open electricity will make it easier to compare electricity plans and switch providers.
    Scams
    Lastly, I want to talk about a big issue for the financial services sector: Scams.
    Last year, New Zealanders reportedly lost around $200 million to scams, which is 15 per cent more than the previous year. However, some estimates suggest the real losses could be as high as $1 billion. This has prompted me to lead an all-of-government effort to engage with industry to tackle this growing issue.
    I am working closely with telco, banking, and digital platforms and am watching the reforms being progressed in Australia. I expect to be in a position to announce progress on this work shortly.
    Combatting scams is an important social and moral issue – scammers are causing harm and distress to Kiwis – but it is also a business and financial issue. As Kiwis become increasingly concerned about scams, they become distrustful and unwilling to do business online. 
    One of the by-products of scams is legitimate businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to get in touch with their clients. Consumers no longer want to pick up the phone to an unknown number, or respond to unexpected emails or text messages.
    For all these reasons, it is vital that we work with industry to better protect Kiwis from sophisticated and devious scammers – most of whom are based overseas and fall outside our law enforcement.
    ACC
    Before I close, I just want to briefly talk about ACC, which is a new portfolio I have recently taken up.  I am incredibly excited about my new responsibility. 
    ACC has nearly $50 billion under investment. And while there is a lot to be proud of about ACC, the scheme faces several significant challenges.  
    For the last 10 years, ACC’s performance – measured as rehabilitating injured people and getting them back to work – has continuously declined. And this comes at an enormous cost. The liability of existing ACC claims increased from $52 billion in 2022/23 to $60 billion in the last financial year. That’s an increase of $8 billion in a single year. 
    Clearly that’s unsustainable. 
    As employers, you will know that levies are set to rise around 5 per cent to help meet these rising costs. But we cannot meet the increased costs through levies alone. That’s why we have commissioned an independent review of ACC’s performance so we can address broader, underlying issues with the scheme. Turning around ACC’s performance is no mean feat. It is like turning around a super tanker. 
    There are a number of key actions that I will initiate early this year, but it will take a while for these actions to flow through to the front lines and for them to show up on the balance sheet. My job as Minister is to chart the course by creating a robust action plan and setting tight expectations so that within a few years, the super tanker is heading in the right direction.
    I want to be clear that this is not about cost cutting. It is about ensuring ACC is fair and sustainable and can serve future generations without saddling them with unreasonably high levy increases.
    One of the key principles of the ACC scheme is that future generations should not pay for today’s injuries. If we do not arrest the financial situation now, all we do is kick the can down the line and make it the next generation’s problem. 
    Close
    As you can tell, 2024 was a busy year. And 2025 is shaping up to be just as critical. We’ve got several work streams on the go, which I’ve outlined today. 
    I expect to be progressing them at rapid pace, and I look forward to working with you to take our economic growth to the next level.
    Thank you again to the Financial Services Council for having me here today. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Parliamentary Friends of Northern Australia Universities Alliance Event

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Good morning, everyone. 

    It is a privilege to join you today at the Parliamentary Friends of Northern Australia Universities Alliance event. 

    Having worked in the University sector for over ten years, it is a subject matter that I have a keen interest in.

    I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, and pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

    Before we begin can I say that the floods in large parts of north Queensland are a reminder of the struggles communities in northern Australia often face. 

    But its also a good reminder of how strong and resilient communities in northern Australia are. 

    I extend my thoughts to those who have been impacted by this event and express my sincere condolences to those who tragically lost a loved one.

    I also acknowledge the work of emergency services and all those responding to – or impacted by – this devastating event. The true character of the north is once again on display, and it is truly inspiring.

    My federal colleagues including Minister McAllister are working closely with the Queensland government to support all those affected and will continue in the days, weeks and months to come.

    Recovering from a disaster like this can take a while, and government, industry and communities all need to work together to help out. 

    I’d like to acknowledge my parliamentary colleagues here today, particularly the Hon. Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, for giving us access to this beautiful courtyard.

    And to the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of the North and our hosts today:

    – Luke Gosling OAM MP, Special Envoy for Northern Australia, and

    – Senator Susan McDonald, Shadow Minister for Northern Australia

    Both of you work tirelessly for the north, with your sustained advocacy and efforts towards making a real difference to the region.

    I want to thank the Northern Australia University Alliance and their Vice Chancellors who I will be meeting with later today:

    -Professor Nick Klomp, Vice Chancellor and President of Central Queensland University

    -Professor Scott Bowman, Vice Chancellor and President of Charles Darwin University; and

    -Professor Simon Briggs, Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University

    Working together is what this event is all about and is at the heart of the Northern Australia agenda. 

    I know this all too well through the Ministerial Forum on Northern Development which has met four times since it was re-established by the Albanese Labor Government . This Forum has been critical in ensuring that the Federal, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland Governments are working together. 

    Another important part of the Federal Government’s investment in the north is the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility which we have topped up by $2 billion to bring their total appropriation to $7 billion.

    More recently we appointed an independent panel to undertake a Statutory Review of the NAIF Act. I received an interim report including recommendations in December and I look forward to receiving the final report in coming weeks.

    The NAIF has made a significant investment in northern Universities.  It has provided:

    • $76 million to Central Queensland University to support Digital Transformation through supporting infrastructure, enhancing campuses and remote learning through digital infrastructure;
    • $151.5 million to Charles Darwin University’s education and community precinct and Casuarina Campus project; and
    • at James Cook University, $140 million for the Engineering & Innovation Place and Student Halls of Residence projects

    These projects are critical to attracting domestic and international students to northern universities and solidifies the role of universities in their respective regional economies. 

    I’m appreciative of the collaborative work and consultation that has gone into the Equity and Workforce initiative you are here this week to discuss.

    Events such as this are critical in fostering new relationships, strengthening existing ones and learning more about the potential and the future of northern Australia.

    As noted in the Northern Australia Action Plan I released last year, Universities are an important developing partner to ensure the needs of the north are addressed through government action. 

    This is why I’m looking forward to connecting with new and old friends and hearing your insights on how we can continue to work together to unlock the full potential of northern Australia.

    Thank you. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China grants visa-free entry to ASEAN tour groups visiting Xishuangbanna

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China allows tour groups from ASEAN countries to visit Xishuangbanna in southwestern Yunnan Province, free of visa, for up to six days, the National Immigration Administration announced on Monday. 
    Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.ChinaNews App Download

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Singing in a new year of musical exploration

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo taken from Jingshan Park on Aug. 12, 2024 shows the National Centre for the Performing Arts on a sunny day in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

    As the new year unfolds, the China NCPA Chorus, the resident chorus of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, is set to embark on an exciting journey with a fresh, diverse season of offerings.

    Based on the core theme of “Unbounded”, the 2025 season will push the boundaries of choral art by blending classical traditions with modern interpretations and global influences, says Zhang Yao, vice-president of the NCPA.

    This includes an array of choral music, operas, symphonic choral works and concerts in approximately 30 performances running throughout the year.

    To celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Italy in 2025, the new season will explore Italian opera and folk music, blending multimedia and stage design to bring these genres to life in fresh and exciting ways under the leadership of the NCPA’s music director, Lyu Jia.

    More concerts are planned to bring the world’s musical treasures to the stage, demonstrating how choral art can break boundaries and experiment with new forms. For example, World Music Tour, China NCPA Chorus: World Famous Songs Concert, conducted by Jiao Miao, will feature famous songs from around the world, including Mexican dance music, New Zealand folk music, and French love songs. The chorus will explore ways to merge vocals with musical instruments, including the free, vigorous rhythms of Africa and South America.

    Choral Theater, a special themed series combining theater with sound, will invite audiences into the stories to experience emotional rhythms.

    The Merriment Adventure, a concert version of the operas The Merry Widow, a comic operetta in three acts by Hungarian composer Franz Lehar, and Die Fledermaus, an operetta by Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, will present the comedic characteristics of operetta through bright, lively rhythms and lighthearted, humorous content, bringing delight to the audience through the twists and turns of the plot.

    “Fifteen years ago, a group of passionate voices came together to found the China NCPA Chorus, and today, it has become a beloved pillar of the arts community in the country,” says resident conductor Jiao, who has been with the chorus since its inception. “We’ve built a large fan base over the past 15 years, and with this new Choral Theater series, we want to find a way to be innovative with contemporary Chinese choral art by telling stories with sound and cross-border collaborations.”

    Jiao adds that to appeal to younger audiences, the new series will also include Cinderella, a concert based on the classic fairy tale, and The Tale of Fuxi and Nyuwa, a concert themed around the snake zodiac sign from classical Chinese mythology. These performances will help educate Chinese culture to children through music and audiovisual experiences.

    The symphonic choral section will highlight some of the most beautiful pieces in the choral repertoire. Conducted by Li Xincao, the chorus will present a powerful rendition of the Yellow River Cantata in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of composer Xian Xinghai. It will also present Carmina Burana, a cantata for orchestra, chorus, and vocal soloists by the German composer Carl Orff, which is famous for its grandeur, in collaboration with the China Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Yu Long.

    As a versatile ensemble, the China NCPA Chorus will also take on four major opera productions in the first half of the season — the Chinese operas The Long March and Minning Town, and Verdi’s La Traviata and Il Trovatore.

    “The full version of the Yellow River Cantata, in particular, impressed me deeply. It felt like every note told the heroic story of the Chinese people. Over time, I followed the chorus’ performances, and in 2023, when they toured Shenzhen, Guangdong province, where I live, I attended the concert. I traveled to Beijing last year for their 15th anniversary concert, which remains a great memory,” says Xing Jiachuan, a concertgoer who became a fan after watching the chorus’ performances on the NCPA’s online channel.

    Famous dramatist and poet Zou Jingzhi has worked closely with the chorus. “I collaborated with the chorus on the opera Xi Shi, which I composed in 2010. Hearing them for the first time, I was deeply moved by their youthful, passionate and powerful voices. I could feel the singers’ overflowing passion for choral art,” he says.

    Zou has worked with the chorus on other operas, such as The Chinese Orphan (2011) and The Long March (2016). “Their enthusiasm is infectious, and the energy they bring to the stage is unparalleled,” he adds.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese box office hit ‘Ne Zha 2’ premieres in LA

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A poster for “Ne Zha 2.” [Image courtesy of Coloroom Pictures]

    Chinese box office hit “Ne Zha 2” made its overseas premiere Saturday night in Hollywood, Los Angeles, drawing hundreds of fans and filmmakers from both China and the United States.

    Li Zhiqiang, China’s deputy consul general in Los Angeles, highlighted the film’s strong performance in China and its growing global appeal. He said at the premiere that pre-sales for “Ne Zha 2” were booming in North America and emphasized the potential for deeper collaboration between China and the United States in the film and television industry.

    Hollywood producer Robert King praised the film’s quality and scale after watching the premiere, saying that Chinese films have made significant strides in storytelling in recent years. He expressed hope for stronger cooperation between Hollywood and the Chinese film industry in the future.

    The animated epic fantasy film has captivated Chinese audiences with its exquisite animation production, grand visual imagination and rich cultural expression. After opening on Jan. 29, the first day of Chinese New Year, the film has smashed box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time in China.

    By 0220 GMT on Monday, the film had grossed over 8.15 billion yuan (about 1.15 billion U.S. dollars) in the Chinese mainland, surpassing Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the highest-grossing film ever in a single market, according to ticketing platform Maoyan.

    “Ne Zha 2” is the sequel to the 2019 animated blockbuster “Ne Zha.” Both films were inspired by the classic 16th-century novel “The Investiture of the Gods.”

    CMC Pictures is set to release “Ne Zha 2” in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand next week.

    The film, presented in Mandarin with English subtitles, will be available in around 60 IMAX theaters in 30 North American cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and Montreal, starting Wednesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Nursery supercharges Rakitata restoration

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  10 February 2025

    Arowhenua Native Nursey was developed in 2021. Since then, staff have raised and planted more than 600,000 plants, all eco-sourced and native to the area.

    Tony Doy, the nursey’s restoration supervisor, says the team is proud to be helping increase numbers of threatened plants in the local area, with the nursery cultivating 50 different species, ranging from common to rare and threatened.

    “Many of the nursery’s plants have gone into wetland areas beside the Rakitata River to help reduce nutrients and sediment entering the water. Wetlands increase the resilience of land around them by reducing the impacts of extreme events of flooding and drought.

    “Our plants will become seed sources along the river, and birds will spread them into new areas to create a native corridor. Hopefully, in the future landowners will realise the benefits of such native areas, and maybe plant some on their land,” Tony says.

    Jobs for Nature funding has enabled many organisations, like Arowhenua, to kickstart their operations and get established as sustainable businesses working in the environmental sector.

    The project started out at the marae but moved to larger commercial nursery premises on the outskirts of Temuka as it quickly outgrew its initial site. The nursey is now transitioning to a commercial wholesale model, with the Jobs for Nature funding finishing at end of last year. 

    The nursery’s general manager Lex Evans died suddenly in late 2023, but the nursery has tried to carry on his ethos. 

    Tony says Lex was an amazing role model.

    “His favourite saying was, ‘We not only grow plants, we grow people’. Staff who joined through Jobs for Nature have gained valuable skills and love what they do. The work is outside, and they can see they’re making a real difference. Lex worked incredibly hard to ensure the success of the project. He was, and still is, an inspiration to the staff here to continue his Kaupapa.

    “Under Jobs for Nature, 15% of the time was spent on training, so we did first aid, Level 3 horticulture, chainsaw use, herbicide application, predator control, 4WD and light utility vehicle driving. 

    “We have also undertaken a river safety course, because a lot of our work is beside waterways. To build staff confidence when using chainsaws, our former restoration manager Matt Rudd organised an arborist to spend a day with us.

    “Our people loved it. They now have great CVs that will give them an advantage on others who are also at the beginning of their careers. We look forward to seeing them on their journey.

    “The Jobs for Nature project also offers our kaimahi the chance to gain skills in planting, weeding, maintenance and pest control on a daily basis.”

    Nursery General Manager Felicity McMillian says, “I whakapapa to Arowhenua, so the Rakitata is extremely significant for me and our whānau. It was an awa that our tīpuna gathered kai and resources from. 

    “Experiencing the awa and its diversity when collecting seeds is very good for our wairua. It’s like a full circle. We gather seeds from the Rakitata and once they are ready, we plant them there again to restore the health of the awa.” 

    Felicity says the nursery grows native plants that are particularly suitable for conditions at the project’s restoration sites.

    “We want to replicate what would have been there in the past. The main plants we grow are Carex secta, tī kōuka, harakeke, mānuka and kānuka. These plants will restore the Rakitata awa, improve the quality of the water, and encourage native manu (birds) and insects to return to the river.” 

    DOC River Ranger Brad Edwards says the funding has supercharged conservation work in the catchment through DOC’s Ngā Awa river restoration programme. 

    “Funding of $11.45 million from Jobs for Nature went to projects focused on the lower Rakitata, managed by Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua. The Upper Rangitata Gorge Landcare Group received a $7.3 million grant to lead restoration work in the upper river, including planting a lot of what’s grown at the nursery and carrying out extensive fencing and pest control.”

    Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) also provided funding for pest and weed control in the Rakitata catchment as part of its biosecurity programme.

    Background information

    Rakitata is the preferred name for the Rangitata River as it recognises the local Kāi Tahu (Ngāi Tahu) dialect, which replaces ‘ng’ with ‘k’. So ‘taonga’ becomes ‘taoka’ for example.

    The Rakitata River Revival Programme began as a partnership between Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua and DOC through the Ngā Awa river restoration programme. It now includes Environment Canterbury, Toitū te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, Central South Island Fish & Game and Timaru and Ashburton District Councils.

    Rakitata River revival programme

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police pleased to report no significant issues following tangi

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Inspector Lincoln Sycamore, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander

    Police are pleased to report no significant issues following a tangi for a senior member in the Mongrel Mob in Hawke’s Bay today.

    An operation to monitor the behaviour of those involved was carried out by Police, monitoring the tangi as well as the procession to the cemetery.

    One person was arrested for displaying gang insignia and two people were warned for obstructing a public way.

    Police worked with the whānau and gang leaders leading up to the tangi to minimise the impact to the community, while also allowing mourners space to grieve.

    We would like to thank the members of the public for their patience.

    Police encourage the public to report any instances of unlawful activity on the roads to us, so we can take appropriate action.

    Please contact 111 if it is happening now or report other matters to Police by calling 105 or making an online report here.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Golf courses can be safe havens for wildlife and beacons of biodiversity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacinta Humphrey, Research Fellow in Urban Ecology, RMIT University

    Golf courses are sometimes seen as harmful to the environment. According to the popular notion, the grass soaks up too much water, is cut too short and sprayed with dangerous chemicals. But in reality, golf courses can act as safe havens for native wildlife, especially in cities.

    Cities are home to a wide range of plants and animals, including 30% of Australia’s threatened species. But ongoing population growth and urban development threatens this biodiversity. We’re still losing green space and tree cover, leaving less habitat and resources for native birds, bats, possums, lizards, frogs, beetles and butterflies.

    This is where golf courses can play a role. Australia is one of the golfing capitals of the world, with more than 1,800 active courses. These courses represent large, continuous green spaces often with native vegetation, mature trees, lakes and wetlands. Given their ubiquity, golf courses could help conserve urban biodiversity.

    This week, the annual LIV Golf tournament returns to Grange Golf Club in South Australia. Grange is one of 30 Australian golf courses certified for its commitment to sustainability, partly due to its extensive woodland, natural habitats and wildlife. So what makes a golf course good or bad for biodiversity?

    Grange Golf Club has a Biodiversity Manager.

    The gold in the rough

    From a biodiversity perspective, the most valuable part of a golf course is the area all golfers seek to avoid: the “rough”. These spaces between the green, manicured fairways can include remnant or restored bushland with dense leaf litter, long grass, thick shrubs, and both living and dead trees. This vegetation is often native and features a diversity of plant species.

    Collectively, this can provide a range of resources for native wildlife including food, shelter and tree hollows for nesting. In Melbourne, research found golf courses provided better habitat for wildlife than nearby suburban streets and parklands. They were also home to a greater diversity of birds and bats.

    Golf courses also have relatively little human activity. Golfers are only allowed on the course during certain hours of the day. Courses usually do not allow dogs. And there are few cars and roads, so there’s less noise and light pollution than in other urban areas. This makes golf courses pretty attractive to native animals looking for somewhere to live.

    Many golf courses are heavily irrigated to ensure high-quality playing surfaces. This ample water supply (typically from recycled sources) is fantastic for wildlife, especially in warmer and drier climates. Birds are known to flock to water resources during drought – a behaviour likely to become more common under future climate change.

    Much-feared water hazards for golfers, such as lakes and ponds, actually provide valuable habitat for aquatic birds, frogs, fish and insects. These water bodies are particularly important in cities where wetlands are regularly cleared to make way for new houses, shops and roads.

    Importantly, once constructed, golf courses are rarely threatened by clearing or development. In Perth, research found golf courses helped protect native vegetation as development spread through surrounding suburbs. The mere existence of a golf course can help secure a home for native species for many decades to come.

    Golf courses are not a perfect solution

    However, not all land on golf courses is valuable for wildlife. Large open areas such as fairways typically only benefit species adapted to life in cities such as the aggressive noisy miner.

    Golf courses can also harbour pests such as cane toads, rats and common mynas. These undesirable species may pose a threat to native biodiversity.

    The use of pesticides and fertilisers can affect soil quality, contaminate water sources, and make frogs sick.

    Frequent lawn mowing can reduce insect diversity, particularly among bugs, bees, wasps and ants. This is likely to have flow-on effects for animals that feed on insects, and for flowering plants that depend on insects for pollination and seed dispersal.

    Some urban golf courses may also be physically isolated from other suitable habitats, making it hard for wildlife to safely move around to find food, water and a mate. To get in and out, animals may need to cross busy roads or move through dangerous areas where they are exposed to predators such as cats and foxes.

    Four golf courses in Adelaide are working together to improve and connect habitat.
    Glenelg Golf Club

    So, how can we best manage golf courses for biodiversity?

    In an ideal world, golf courses should only be constructed in developed areas. That’s because constructing courses in natural, undisturbed areas is likely to involve clearing vegetation for fairways, greens, car parks and club houses.

    As a result, the biodiversity value of a golf course increases the closer it is to a city.

    Existing golf courses can help protect biodiversity by retaining and restoring diverse bushland patches in the rough. Important conservation areas can also be fenced off and deemed “out of bounds” to golfers.

    The use of harsh chemicals should be reduced to minimise risks to soil, water and wildlife. “Organic golf courses” overseas are already making progress in this space, but they are far from mainstream.

    Finally, efforts must be made to connect golf courses to nearby parks and reserves through wildlife corridors, road underpasses, and special crossing structures such as rope bridges. This will enable animals to safely move around the urban landscape.

    Many golf courses now have biodiversity management plans and are working hard to make their practices more sustainable. In other cases, disused golf courses are even being converted into conservation reserves, such as the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve in Elsternwick, Melbourne.

    While golf courses cannot replace natural habitats, they can provide a useful alternative for many species that call our cities home.

    Jacinta Humphrey receives funding from the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment, the Ecological Society of Australia, BirdLife Australia, Australian Wildlife Society, and the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria.

    – ref. Golf courses can be safe havens for wildlife and beacons of biodiversity – https://theconversation.com/golf-courses-can-be-safe-havens-for-wildlife-and-beacons-of-biodiversity-246673

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 3 blocked, Te Mapara

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are responding to a single vehicle crash involving a truck on State Highway 3, Te Mapara reported just before 3pm.

    No injuries have been reported however the road is expected to be closed for several hours.

    Diversions are in place at Eight Mile Junction and Arapae near Troopers Road.

    Those travelling from Te Kuiti will be diverted via State Highway 30.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect significant delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign investment upgrades amid transformation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    For Anna An, president for China of German industrial and consumer goods group Henkel, 2025 is undoubtedly shaping up to be a busy year.

    The company’s new plant, with a total investment of 900 million yuan ($124 million), is set to begin test production in Yantai, Shandong province, later this year. This facility is expected to raise the company’s production capacity to supply high-end adhesives for industries such as electronics and automobiles.

    “We are also planning to launch our new inspiration center for adhesive technologies in Shanghai this year, boosting our innovation capabilities for industrial businesses across China and the broader Asia-Pacific region,” said An.

    “The tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference held in December emphasized technological innovation and the promotion of consumption, creating significant opportunities for multinational companies like Henkel,” she added.

    Echoing that sentiment, Nathan Stoner, vice-president of Cummins Inc, a US engine manufacturer, said his company aims to increase its market share in key application sectors within China, including power generation equipment for data centers, high-tech manufacturing, and the engineering, procurement and construction sectors this year.

    Highlighting that the company’s hydrogen fuel cell products successfully powered 239 transit buses and trucks, and the accumulated mileage of over 16 million kilometers across China in 2024, Stoner, who is also chairman of Cummins China, said the company will continue to innovate on the internal combustion engine system, including high efficiency diesel, natural gas and hydrogen internal combustion engines in China this year.

    “We are targeting our investments in zero-emission solutions into various Chinese regional markets where we see demand and adoption happening sooner, and iterating those products to be the best they can be, when customers want more of them,” he added.

    These examples highlight the growing optimism among multinational corporations regarding the long-term potential of the Chinese market, fueled by the country’s economic resilience and its commitment to innovation and openness.

    Initially, foreign companies were attracted by China’s cost advantages and abundant labor force, using it as a base for producing competitive goods, said Xu Wei, head of the macroeconomic research department at the Development Research Center of the State Council.

    As China advanced its infrastructure and industrial systems, it remained a low-cost production hub while evolving to offer sophisticated, high-value manufacturing, allowing foreign companies to integrate more advanced production processes, Xu said.

    “With China entering a new era of green and innovation-driven growth in recent years, global investments have increasingly focused on supply chain optimization, high-end manufacturing, customized innovation, and digital and green solutions,” he said, adding that sectors such as trade in services and healthcare have also become key areas of foreign investment.

    For instance, in addition to announcing a record high of over 657,000 electric vehicle sales in the Chinese mainland in 2024, marking an 8.8 percent year-on-year increase, Tesla Inc, the US EV maker, is currently conducting trial production to manufacture energy-storage batteries at its Shanghai factory.

    The US automaker said mass production at this facility is expected to commence fully within the first quarter.

    China has been revising its sector list to attract more foreign investment. These efforts, along with the removal of all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector last year, reflect the country’s proactive approach to openness.

    Li Yongjie, deputy international trade representative of the Ministry of Commerce, said China will further open up its services sector, with a particular focus on accelerating pilot programs in key areas such as telecommunications, healthcare and education.

    A total of 59,080 new foreign-invested firms were established across China in 2024, an increase of 9.9 percent year-on-year, according to information released by the Ministry of Commerce.

    Wang Xiaohong, a researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges in Beijing, said that China’s ongoing commitment to further opening-up and fostering innovation is positioning the country as both a key player in global supply chains, and a prime destination for investment and strategic expansion.

    This evolving environment is expected to create new opportunities for business growth, particularly as China adapts its policies to align with the shifting dynamics of the global economy, she said.

    More than half of companies from the United States plan to increase their investments in China this year, according to the 2025 China Business Climate Survey Report released by the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) in late January.

    The survey, conducted from Oct 21 to Nov 15, involved a total of 368 member companies of AmCham China. It found that nearly half of the participants rank China as one of their top three global investment priorities.

    About 68 percent of the US responding companies expect industry markets to see growth in 2025. Two-thirds of them plan to focus on growing their core business activities in China as their primary objective for 2025. Meanwhile, the consumer and services sectors are increasingly focused on driving growth by targeting new customer segments.

    Jeff Losch, vice-president and business manager for coating additives technologies at Milliken & Company, a US specialty chemical and performance materials firm, said China is a key market for Milliken, not only because of its vast scale, but also due to its forward-thinking approach to sustainability.

    “We have observed a strong demand in the EV and industrial coating businesses. China’s EV industry is extremely strong and has led the global market this year, with Chinese manufacturers making their presence felt in markets across many countries,” said Losch.

    He said that the quick growth of China’s EV market has clearly created significant opportunities for the coatings industry. EV manufacturing requires coatings with high durability and environmental standards, which align closely with Milliken’s innovation goals.

    Eager to seize more market share, the US company plans to continue investing in its innovation unit, expand sales networks and enhance supply chain operations within China.

    As China undergoes a profound transformation, making business navigation more challenging than before, Denis Depoux, global managing director at German consultancy Roland Berger, suggested multinational corporations make targeted investments to navigate the unique characteristics of the Chinese market and local competition.

    “This strategy emphasizes enhancing localization efforts, particularly by tapping into China’s innovation ecosystem, while also adapting to increasingly differentiated norms and standards,” he said.

    Affected by shrinking global investments in recent years, together with factors like slower economic growth, rising geopolitical risks, weak demand and stricter investment reviews in certain countries, foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland in actual use totaled 826.25 billion yuan in 2024, dropping 27.1 percent on a yearly basis, statistics from the Ministry of Commerce showed.

    The adjustment of China’s domestic industrial structure and rising labor costs have diminished the country’s low-cost advantages, said Cui Fan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

    As a result, some labor-intensive industries have shifted gradually due to changes in comparative advantages. This reflects the evolution of China’s economic development stage and factor endowments. This is a natural and expected process, said Cui.

    Driven by China’s stable political, economic and social environment, as well as its large-scale production capabilities and efforts to grow strategic emerging industries, FDI flow is expected to continue recovering within the country in 2025, said Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Institute of World Economics and Politics, which is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.

    Strategic emerging industries in China include sectors such as energy-saving and environmental protection, next-generation information technology, biotechnology, high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy, advanced materials and EVs.

    For efficiency-driven multinational companies, regions with dense and well-connected networks are emerging as primary targets for strategic expansion. This emphasis is closely tied to factors like strong industry integration, complementary capabilities and easy accessibility, and all these factors enable streamlined operations and growth, said Gao.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Can you help identify this person?

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Canterbury Police want to identify the man in this photo.

    We are hoping they can assist with an ongoing enquiry in relation to an assault on Barbadoes Street on 23 January.

    If this is you, or you know who this is, please contact Police on 105 online or by phone and quote file number: 250123/0968.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Aotearoa Clinical Trials Expands to New Site in Botany, East Auckland, Strengthening Community Access to Clinical Trials

    Source: Aotearoa Clinical Trials

    Auckland, New Zealand – February 10, 2025 – Aotearoa Clinical Trials is pleased to announce the opening of a new, third site in Botany, East Auckland, expanding its reach and further cementing its commitment to the local community. This new standalone site will allow the clinical trial organisation to provide enhanced access to a diverse range of participants, while strategically supporting the Counties Manukau region’s rapidly growing population.
    Why are clinical trials important to this community?
    “Research is incredibly important as it provides pathways to addressing current health challenges. In Māoridom, research is akin to the role of a tohunga (expert or healer)-it represents foresight in the face of illness. As Māori, we all possess the taonga (treasure) of rangatiratanga (sovereignty and leadership); we have this foresight. I believe that my living data today is far more valuable to helping prevent disease than data collected after my death. You can’t solve a problem by only knowing that I died in my 50s from diabetes. It could have been prevented if I had been tested earlier. I believe that if I give the system my blood today, it will help them develop interventions, because prevention is better than cure”. Kaumaatua Robert Clark.
    With significant growth in housing developments, infrastructure projects, and shopping centres, Botany is one of Auckland’s most thriving and dynamic areas. It is home to a vibrant, ethnically diverse community, making it an ideal location for Aotearoa Clinical Trials to continue its mission of bringing essential clinical research closer to the people it serves.
    “We are excited to announce the expansion of our clinical trials into the Botany region,” said Ed Watson, CEO of Aotearoa Clinical Trials. “As we build our presence in East Auckland, we are not only responding to a clear need in the community but also aligning with our broader strategy to reach more individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially within Counties Manukau, one of New Zealand’s most multicultural regions. This site will play a crucial role in improving access to medical research for communities that need it the most.”
    The Botany site will be staffed by a dedicated team of clinical investigators, who bring extensive experience in conducting high-quality clinical trials across various therapeutic areas. By offering increased access to a wide range of participants, the Botany location will help accelerate advancements in medical research while improving healthcare outcomes for local communities.
    Aotearoa Clinical Trials’ expansion to Botany is part of a larger strategy to build deeper connections within the community through decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) and thereby providing access to participants in their communities. The organisation has plans to also collaborate with Pukekohe Hospital, extending its reach even further across the Counties Manukau area.
    The addition of the Botany site brings a new level of convenience and access to East Auckland, which, in turn, will further strengthen the network of clinical trials available to the surrounding regions.
    For more information about Aotearoa Clinical Trials and its expansion efforts, please visit https://www.aotearoatrials.nz/
    About Aotearoa Clinical Trials
    Aotearoa Clinical Trials is a leading provider of clinical trial services in New Zealand, offering world-class research across many therapeutic areas from Phase I to Phase IV. With a focus on providing greater access to diverse populations, Aotearoa Clinical Trials partners with healthcare providers, sponsors, and local communities to deliver vital research that improves patient outcomes.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ – Forging international partnerships in energy

    Source: BusinessNZ

    The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) recently hosted a delegation responsible for India’s electricity market to find a more sustainable energy future, together.
    The delegation of commissioners, responsible for regulatory bodies in 26 regions across India, and New Zealand energy sector leaders explored key challenges, opportunities, and areas for potential collaboration in energy transition.
    BEC Executive Director Tina Schirr says although New Zealand and India are vastly different in size, we share many of the same energy challenges.
    “The conversation reinforced that energy transition is not just a technical challenge – it’s an economic and social one too. Growth and sustainability must go hand in hand, and international cooperation is critical in achieving this balance.
    “India has experienced significant economic growth since the turn of the century. There is real opportunity for us to work closer together – particularly in workforce development.
    “India produces more than one million engineering graduates each year, with deep expertise across energy-related fields. New Zealand will need a skilled workforce to meet its decarbonisation goals.
    “India has the expertise and the capacity. Closer collaboration on workforce solutions could be a win-win for both countries.
    “BEC remains committed to fostering international partnerships to support a secure, sustainable, and equitable energy future.”
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Different songs for different days: why it’s important to actively choose the music for your mood

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katrina McFerran, Professor and Head of Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit; Director of Researcher Development Unit, The University of Melbourne

    New York Public Library

    Many of us take pleasure in listening to music. Music accompanies important life events and lubricates social encounters. It represents aspects of our existing identity, as well as our hopes and dreams. It expresses emotions that cannot be explained with words. Music also distracts us from boredom and difficulty and helps us escape into another world.

    Music seems to have a magical power: a wand to be waved that makes life feel better. But what if the power was not in the music itself? In fact, the power of music comes from our choices in what to listen to and the human agency we express in this act.

    It can be seen as a placebo effect where the music is endowed with special powers by our minds. The qualities of the music are important. But as with all art, it is how we uniquely perceive the song that makes our experience powerful.

    My research has shown most of us operate on autopilot when it comes to choosing music, often assuming previous music selections will have the same effect even under very different circumstances.

    Stepping out of autopilot and being more intentional in the songs we chose can move from hoping the music will make you feel good, to knowing it will and seeing how it does.

    Choose the right music for you

    The way we experience music is personal. There is no one song that is going to make everyone feel the same.

    Think about trying to pick a song to make you feel happy, or to listen to when you’re happy. If the power was in the musical qualities of the song itself, Pharrell Williams’ Happy might work. The song has several uplifting musical features: a simple but catchy melody; an energising rhythm emphasised by the singer clicking along; a lively tempo; and words that repeat the key idea.

    It’s similar to Psy’s Gangnam Style, Katrina and the Waves’ Walking on Sunshine or ABBA’s Waterloo.

    But just because these songs sound happy, do they make you feel happy? Would they make it into your personal top five pleasure-inducing tracks?

    Your song selections are different to your friends because of the personal associations you have with them, including your personal taste. That’s why AI can’t generate the right songs for you if you ask it for “happy songs”.

    You would be better off to start by looking at your own playlists and frequently played tracks to identify which ones actually make you feel good, personally.

    Understanding meaning

    It’s important to distinguish between pleasure-inducing tracks and meaningful songs.

    Meaningful songs are linked to a range of emotions, identities, histories and social connections – but only some of those are pleasure inducing. Others connect to poignant and beautiful feelings such as grief and loss, whether that is missing home or missing people and creatures we love. This poignancy is distinct from hedonism, which is happiness without negative affect.

    If you’re experiencing grief, for example, there may be a beauty in remembering your loved one, but it is connected to the pain of their absence. Choosing pleasure-inducing songs operates as an aesthetic distraction to take our mind away from the pain, which is a different (not necessarily worse or better) choice.

    Listening to sad songs when you feel low may help with emotional processing – but not always.
    Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

    Sometimes meaning doesn’t come with a beautiful purpose. Like the love song that becomes the breakup song. Or the favourite artist whose death renders a song poignant rather than uplifting. Then the song may help with emotional processing, or it may not, it can just fulfil a desire for rumination – a thought we keep circling around without discharging the intensity or our perspective on it.

    It might seem obvious that these events will change the way we feel when we listen to a song. But it can be surprisingly difficult to let go of music we love.

    Sad songs can be enjoyable and/or a beautiful way of connecting to emotional experiences. But they can also intensify our negative emotions, which doesn’t always lead to resolution.

    Being conscious and intentional in music choices is important, especially if you’re tending to ruminate. During down times in life, it is worth checking in after listening to make sure the song is helping you process and resolve, and not just intensify and maintain a negative state you would rather leave behind.

    Finding what you love

    But most days you are safe to let your instincts guide you. After all, there’s nothing more pleasurable than spending time listening to a banger.

    In technical speak, we call these “preferred songs” – songs that might not be personally meaningful, or fill you with joy exactly, but they are just great tracks. Music you love, appreciate and rate.

    But even identifying preferred songs is still personal. Despite what many people think, it’s very difficult to get agreement about what makes a good song. But it’s not difficult to identify the songs that you think are great. In fact, it’s a super fun thing to do.

    Katrina McFerran has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the University of Melbourne to investigate this topic. She is a registered music therapist with the Australian Music Therapy Association.

    – ref. Different songs for different days: why it’s important to actively choose the music for your mood – https://theconversation.com/different-songs-for-different-days-why-its-important-to-actively-choose-the-music-for-your-mood-246233

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump is now flagging tariffs on steel and aluminium. Can Albanese win an exemption for Australia?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The Albanese government is set to mount a major effort to win an exemption from a proposed 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports to the United States foreshadowed by President Donald Trump.

    Assuming Trump follows through on the move, it will put major pressure on the prime minister to match the success of the Turnbull government in 2018 when Trump put a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminium in his first administration.

    Speaking to reporters travelling on Air Force One, Trump flagged he would make the tariff announcement on Monday (Washington time). He said the tariffs would start “almost immedciately” on all foreign steel and aluminium imports.

    The Australian government on Monday was scrambling to put together its response, although government sources insisted it was not surprised and was well prepared.

    Cabinet met on Monday morning where the Trump comments were presumably discussed.

    Trade Minister Don Farrell said on Monday:

    We have consistently made the case for free and fair trade, including access into the US market for Australian steel and aluminium.

    Our bilateral economic relationship is mutually beneficial – Australian steel and aluminium is creating thousands of good paying American jobs, and are key for our shared defence interests too.

    Sources said the government had been making representations on steel and aluminium for months.

    Last week, Farrell said he was seeking talks with incoming US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, but that would have to wait until he was confirmed.

    In the lobbying for special treatment, the government will stress that the US has a trade surplus with Australia.

    In 2023-24, the US imported about 240,000 tonnes of steel products from Australia, valued at US$250 million (A$400 million).

    US imports of Australian aluminium peaked in 2019 at about 270,000 tonnes and declined to around 83,000 in 2024. The three-year average imports from Australia were 167,000 tonnes per year, valued at US$496 million (A$791 million).

    Nationals leader David Littleproud said the issue was a test for Anthony Albanese and Australia’s ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd.

    Littleproud said:

    When you make disparaging comments about leaders in other parts of the world sometimes it comes back to bite you.

    And unfortunately it could be the Australian economy that gets the bite.

    This is a test to see whether Anthony Albanese’s previous remarks and Kevin Rudd’s previous remarks about President Trump has done this nation harm.

    Littleproud said if Rudd was “not the right person to have these discussions, then we should be mature enough as a country to send someone who can have those discussions to get that carveout”.

    Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has just returned from Washington.

    At a news conference there, he was asked whether Australia was concerned about direct reciprocal tariffs or a flow-on effect from them.

    Marles said:

    We obviously are engaging with the United States in respect of our bilateral relationship in respect to tariffs.

    We’ll obviously press Australia’s interest in our case in respect of that. But none of this is a surprise. We know what President Trump’s platform was as he went into the American election.

    He’s been very clear about his policy direction. And so I think we all understand that is going to see changes in American policy in relation to this. From an Australian point of view, we will continue to press the Australian case around the question of trade.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump is now flagging tariffs on steel and aluminium. Can Albanese win an exemption for Australia? – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-now-flagging-tariffs-on-steel-and-aluminium-can-albanese-win-an-exemption-for-australia-249476

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments – New Chair for New Zealand Taiwan Business Council announced

    Source: Business Central

    Experienced Wellington business and marketing consultant Chris Tse has been elected Chair of the New Zealand Taiwan Business Council.
    Chris replaces Charles Finny who stood down from the role at the most recent Council meeting. Charles was elected Chair in 2018.
    Chris Tse is the Executive Director of Apexfresh, a business and marketing consultancy with expertise in the food, health and technology sectors. Chris has over 30 years’ experience in doing business with Taiwan, including a period living and working in Taipei. He has been a member of the executive committee of the NZ Taiwan Business Council since 2018.
    The New Zealand Taiwan Business Council represents the interests of New Zealand businesses that trade or invest with Taiwan. Taiwan is one of New Zealand’s largest trading partners.
    “I am honoured to take on the role of chair of the New Zealand Taiwan Business Council and follow in the footsteps of Charles Finny, who has been instrumental in developing trade and business linkages between New Zealand and Taiwan over many years. I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been laid and creating new opportunities for growth, innovation and collaboration for New Zealand companies looking to do business in Taiwan” Chris Tse said.
    Charles Finny says: “I am delighted to be passing the baton to Chris. He and his family have been involved in trading with Taiwan for many years. Seven years is a long time to be performing this role. The relationship with Taiwan is in excellent shape so it is the perfect time for this leadership change.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Different songs for different days: why it’s important to actively chose the music for your mood

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katrina McFerran, Professor and Head of Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit; Director of Researcher Development Unit, The University of Melbourne

    New York Public Library

    Many of us take pleasure in listening to music. Music accompanies important life events and lubricates social encounters. It represents aspects of our existing identity, as well as our hopes and dreams. It expresses emotions that cannot be explained with words. Music also distracts us from boredom and difficulty and helps us escape into another world.

    Music seems to have a magical power: a wand to be waved that makes life feel better. But what if the power was not in the music itself? In fact, the power of music comes from our choices in what to listen to and the human agency we express in this act.

    It can be seen as a placebo effect where the music is endowed with special powers by our minds. The qualities of the music are important. But as with all art, it is how we uniquely perceive the song that makes our experience powerful.

    My research has shown most of us operate on autopilot when it comes to choosing music, often assuming previous music selections will have the same effect even under very different circumstances.

    Stepping out of autopilot and being more intentional in the songs we chose can move from hoping the music will make you feel good, to knowing it will and seeing how it does.

    Choose the right music for you

    The way we experience music is personal. There is no one song that is going to make everyone feel the same.

    Think about trying to pick a song to make you feel happy, or to listen to when you’re happy. If the power was in the musical qualities of the song itself, Pharrell Williams’ Happy might work. The song has several uplifting musical features: a simple but catchy melody; an energising rhythm emphasised by the singer clicking along; a lively tempo; and words that repeat the key idea.

    It’s similar to Psy’s Gangnam Style, Katrina and the Waves’ Walking on Sunshine or ABBA’s Waterloo.

    But just because these songs sound happy, do they make you feel happy? Would they make it into your personal top five pleasure-inducing tracks?

    Your song selections are different to your friends because of the personal associations you have with them, including your personal taste. That’s why AI can’t generate the right songs for you if you ask it for “happy songs”.

    You would be better off to start by looking at your own playlists and frequently played tracks to identify which ones actually make you feel good, personally.

    Understanding meaning

    It’s important to distinguish between pleasure-inducing tracks and meaningful songs.

    Meaningful songs are linked to a range of emotions, identities, histories and social connections – but only some of those are pleasure inducing. Others connect to poignant and beautiful feelings such as grief and loss, whether that is missing home or missing people and creatures we love. This poignancy is distinct from hedonism, which is happiness without negative affect.

    If you’re experiencing grief, for example, there may be a beauty in remembering your loved one, but it is connected to the pain of their absence. Choosing pleasure-inducing songs operates as an aesthetic distraction to take our mind away from the pain, which is a different (not necessarily worse or better) choice.

    Listening to sad songs when you feel low may help with emotional processing – but not always.
    Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

    Sometimes meaning doesn’t come with a beautiful purpose. Like the love song that becomes the breakup song. Or the favourite artist whose death renders a song poignant rather than uplifting. Then the song may help with emotional processing, or it may not, it can just fulfil a desire for rumination – a thought we keep circling around without discharging the intensity or our perspective on it.

    It might seem obvious that these events will change the way we feel when we listen to a song. But it can be surprisingly difficult to let go of music we love.

    Sad songs can be enjoyable and/or a beautiful way of connecting to emotional experiences. But they can also intensify our negative emotions, which doesn’t always lead to resolution.

    Being conscious and intentional in music choices is important, especially if you’re tending to ruminate. During down times in life, it is worth checking in after listening to make sure the song is helping you process and resolve, and not just intensify and maintain a negative state you would rather leave behind.

    Finding what you love

    But most days you are safe to let your instincts guide you. After all, there’s nothing more pleasurable than spending time listening to a banger.

    In technical speak, we call these “preferred songs” – songs that might not be personally meaningful, or fill you with joy exactly, but they are just great tracks. Music you love, appreciate and rate.

    But even identifying preferred songs is still personal. Despite what many people think, it’s very difficult to get agreement about what makes a good song. But it’s not difficult to identify the songs that you think are great. In fact, it’s a super fun thing to do.

    Katrina McFerran has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the University of Melbourne to investigate this topic. She is a registered music therapist with the Australian Music Therapy Association.

    – ref. Different songs for different days: why it’s important to actively chose the music for your mood – https://theconversation.com/different-songs-for-different-days-why-its-important-to-actively-chose-the-music-for-your-mood-246233

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearms trafficking arrest

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man will appear in court today charged with firearms offences after police searched his Salisbury Park home yesterday.

    Police allegedly located a gelbaster (handgun) and magazine and the sawn-off stock of a .22 calibre rifle.

    The 25-year-old Salisbury Park man was arrested and charged with firearm trafficking, possess firearm (gelblaster) and breach of bail.

    He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court today.

    Anyone with information about illicit firearms in our community is encouraged to report it to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    CO2500005640

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Second suspect arrested over Mitchell Park break-in

    Source: South Australia Police

    A second man has been arrested over a Mitchell Park break-in last month and will face court today.

    Just after 6.30pm on Friday 24 January the victims returned home and were confronted by a group of intruders leaving their Handley Avenue property.

    The suspects stole property including a Play Station, jewellery and cash and left in a silver Holden VE Commodore.

    Thankfully there were no physical injuries.

    A 20-year-old Elizabeth North man was arrested on 27 January and charged with serious criminal trespass, theft, aggravated robbery, assault, theft, illegal use of motor vehicle and fail to truly answer questions.

    Following investigations, a second suspect was arrested yesterday, Sunday 9 February.

    The 24-year-old Prospect man was charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, illegal use and drive while disqualified.  He was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

    Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    CO2500003741, C02500005663

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: State-Owned Enterprise Reform Handbook

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The publication looks at the fiscal governance of SOEs that play a key role in sectors such as energy, finance, transportation, and water, addresses restructuring, and considers ways to better compete against the private sector. Focused on policymakers, regulators, and SOE managers, it looks at privatization’s risks and benefits, widening access to finance, and improving the transparency and efficiency of the organizations that are central to the region’s green transition.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cook Islands crisis: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?

    The Cook Islands finds itself in a precarious dance — one between the promises of foreign investments and the integrity of our own sovereignty. As the country sways between partners China and Aotearoa New Zealand, the Cook Islands News asks: “Do we continue to haka with the Taniwha, our constitutional partner, or do we dance with the dragon?”

    EDITORIAL: By Thomas Tarurongo Wynne, Cook Islands News

    Our relationship with China, forged through over two decades of diplomatic agreements, infrastructure projects and economic cooperation, demands further scrutiny. Do we continue to embrace the dragon with open arms, or do we stand wary?

    And what of the Taniwha, a relationship now bruised by the ego of the few but standing the test of time?

    If our relationship with China were a building, it would be crumbling like the very structures they have built for us. The Cook Islands Police Headquarters (2005) was meant to stand as a testament to our growing diplomatic and financial ties, but its foundations — both literal and metaphorical — have been called into question as its structure deteriorated.

    COOK ISLANDS NEWS

    Then, in 2009, the Cook Islands Courthouse followed, plagued by maintenance issues almost immediately after its completion. Our National Stadium, also built in 2009 for the Pacific Mini Games, was heralded as a great achievement, yet signs of premature wear and tear began surfacing far earlier than expected.

    Still, we continue this dance, entranced by the allure of foreign investment and large-scale projects, even as history and our fellow Pacific partners across the moana warn us of the risks.

    These structures, now symbols of our fragile dependence, stand as a metaphor for our relationship with the dragon: built with promises of strength, only to falter under closer scrutiny. And yet, we keep returning to the dance floor. These projects, rather than standing as enduring monuments to our relationship with China, serve as cautionary tales.

    And then came Te Mato Vai.

    What began as a bold and necessary vision to modernise Rarotonga’s water infrastructure became a slow and painful lesson in accountability. The involvement of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) saw the project mired in substandard work, legal disputes and cost overruns.

    By the time McConnell Dowell, a New Zealand firm, was brought in to fix the defects, the damage — financial and reputational — was done.

    Prime Minister Mark Brown, both as Finance Minister and now as leader, has walked an interesting line between criticism and praise.

    In 2017, he voiced concerns about the poor workmanship and assured the nation that the government would seek accountability, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the quality of work delivered by CCECC. Our people deserve better, and we will pursue all avenues to ensure accountability.”

    In 2022, he acknowledged the cost overruns but framed them as necessary lessons in securing a reliable water supply. And yet, most recently, during the December 2024 visit of China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, he declared Te Mato Vai a “commitment to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient nation. Together, we’ve delivered a project that not only meets the needs of today but safeguards the future of Rarotonga’s water supply.”

    The Cook Islands’ relationship with New Zealand has long been one of deep familial, historical and political ties — a dance with the taniwha, if you will. As a nation with free association status, we have relied on New Zealand for economic support, governance frameworks and our shared citizenship ties.

    And they have relied on our labour and expertise, which adds over a billion dollars to their economy each year. We have well-earned our discussion around citizenship and statehood, but that must come from the ground up, not from the top down.

    China has signed similar agreements across the Pacific, most notably with the Solomon Islands, weaving itself into the region’s economic and political fabric. Yet, while these partnerships promise opportunity, they also raise concerns about sovereignty, dependency and the price of such alignments, as well as the geopolitical and strategic footprint of the dragon.

    But as we reflect on the shortcomings of these partnerships, the question remains: Do we continue to place our trust in foreign powers, or do we reinvest in our own community and governance systems?

    At the end of the day, we must ask ourselves: How do we sign bold agreements on the world stage without consultation, while struggling to resolve fundamental issues at home?

    Healthcare, education, the rise in crime, mental health, disability, poverty — the list goes on and on, while our leaders are wined and dined on state visits around the globe.

    Dance with the dragon, if you so choose, but save the last dance for the voting public in 2026. In 2026, the voters will decide who leads this dance and who gets left behind.

    Republished from the Cook Islands News with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 34-2025: Services Restored: Monday 10 February 2025 – COLS

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    10 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All importers and customs brokers who are required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment.

    Information

    Resolved time:

    As of: 10:05 Monday 10 February 2025 (AEDT).

    Between 07:45 and 10:05, the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) was experiencing an unplanned service disruption.

    This issue has since been resolved and clients can now submit…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ households will be slightly worse off if Trump triggers a trade war – new modelling

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niven Winchester, Professor of Economics, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    Donald Trump has already made good on his threat to impose an additional 10% tax on Chinese goods, and is due to announce a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States.

    While he has paused proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports for the time being, a trade war between the US and the rest of the world remains a real possibility.

    Mexico, Canada and China responded to Trump’s tariff plans by drafting retaliatory tariffs and countermeasures. But Trump’s threatened tariffs extend well beyond North America and China.

    During his 2024 election campaign he said all trading nations could expect similar treatment, and he explicitly stated his intention to target the European Union (EU):

    They don’t take our cars, they don’t take our farm products, they take almost nothing and we take everything from them. Millions of cars, tremendous amounts of food and farm products.

    While it’s true the EU exports more to the US than it imports, it’s simplistic to use bilateral trade balances as a gauge of the overall economic benefits. International trade allows countries to concentrate on producing the goods and services they do well, and to exchange them for ones more costly to produce domestically.

    Ultimately, trade allows everyone to consume more. A trade war therefore makes nations worse off: tariffs divert trade flows and reduce the exchange of goods. And, of course, this filters down to affect ordinary household incomes.

    Households worse off

    The impact of a trade war on any given country will depend on several factors, including the share of a nation’s exports exposed to new tariffs, and the importance of trade to each economy.

    Small countries tend to trade more than large ones because they specialise in producing a relatively small number of goods, and rely on trade to consume a variety of products.

    To quantify the impacts of a trade war, I consider a scenario where the US imposes additional tariffs of 25% on all merchandise imports (the figure Trump has consistently used), and all other countries respond with similar tariffs on US goods.

    I simulate the tariffs in a global model of production, trade and consumption similar to that used by the New Zealand Productivity Commission’s inquiry into improving economic resilience. The model uses input-output tables that describe production of 32 commodities in each country, and data on bilateral trade in each commodity between nations.

    National-level impacts are measured by calculating the equivalent impact on aggregate household income. This metric converts the effects from the tariffs – including changes in product prices, wages and business profits – into changes in household income.

    In New Zealand, the trade war decreases aggregate household income by 0.1% or NZ$322 million per year. Divided among the country’s nearly two million households, this means each household is worse off by NZ$163 per year.

    Global income declines

    The impacts of the simulated trade war are larger in North America. It decreases US annual aggregate household income by 1.5%, which equates to US$262 billion, or US$2,963 per household.

    In Canada and Mexico, for which the US is both a major export market and source of imports, average household income decreases by 3.6% (US$2,963) and 4.6% (US$1,192), respectively, each year.

    Across all nations, the tariff war results in an equivalent decrease in aggregate household income of 0.7% (US$414 billion) per year.

    The simulated tariff war also results in a reshuffling of trade. New Zealand merchandise exports to the US decrease by NZ$4.4 billion, but exports to other nations increase by a similar amount (due to their price advantage relative to US goods).

    Likewise, New Zealand merchandise imports from the US decrease by NZ$4.7 billion and imports from other nations increase by about the same amount. As a result, the trade war has little impact on New Zealand’s total exports and imports.

    Aggregate trade changes are largest in the US, which imposes new tariffs on all its imports and faces new tariffs in all export markets. US merchandise exports and imports both decrease by around US$565 billion (NZ$1 trillion).

    Overall, the modelling confirms the well known result that trade wars decrease global economic activity and routinely make all nations worse off.

    The Conversation

    Niven Winchester has previously received funding from the Productivity Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to estimate the impacts of potential trade policies. He is affiliated with Motu Economic & Public Policy Research.

    – ref. NZ households will be slightly worse off if Trump triggers a trade war – new modelling – https://theconversation.com/nz-households-will-be-slightly-worse-off-if-trump-triggers-a-trade-war-new-modelling-249120

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –