Asia Pacific – Page 1332

MIL-OSI: First Savings Financial Group, Inc. Reports Financial Results for the First Fiscal Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSFG – news) (the “Company”), the holding company for First Savings Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $6.2 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to net income of $920,000, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Excluding nonrecurring items, the Company reported net income of $4.3 million (non-GAAP measure)⁽¹⁾ and net income per diluted share of $0.62 (non-GAAP measure)⁽¹⁾ for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to $920,000, or $0.13 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The core banking segment reported net income of $6.4 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $4.0 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Excluding nonrecurring items, the core banking segment reported net income of $4.5 million, or $0.64 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 (non-GAAP measure)⁽¹⁾ compared to $4.0 million, or $0.59 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Larry W. Myers, President and CEO, stated “We are pleased with the first fiscal quarter, which included a bulk sale of first lien home equity lines of credit and continued improvement in our net interest margin. The bulk sale is part of a strategic initiative to transition the first lien home equity line of credit business to an originate for sale model during fiscal 2025 in order to enhance noninterest income, moderate the loan to deposit ratio, decrease reliance on noncore funding, and generate capital. The surplus capital generated from the bulk sale and potential future flow sales may be used to retire high-cost subordinated debt and repurchase Company common shares. We are optimistic regarding the remainder of fiscal 2025 as we continue to focus on asset quality, select loan growth opportunities, and capital and liquidity management. We’ll continue to evaluate options and strategies that we believe will maximize shareholder value.”

(1) Non-GAAP net income and net income per diluted share exclude certain nonrecurring items. A reconciliation to GAAP and discussion of the use of non-GAAP measures is included in the table at the end of this release.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

Net interest income increased $1.3 million, or 9.6%, to $15.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. The tax equivalent net interest margin for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 2.75% as compared to 2.69% for the same period in 2023. The increase in net interest income was due to a $3.8 million increase in interest income, partially offset by a $2.4 million increase in interest expense. A table of average balance sheets, including average asset yields and average liability costs, is included at the end of this release.

The Company recognized a reversal of provision for credit losses for loans and securities of $490,000 and $7,000, respectively, and a provision for unfunded lending commitments of $46,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to a provision for credit losses for loans of $470,000 and reversal of provision for unfunded lending commitments of $58,000 for the same period in 2023. The reversal of provisions during the 2024 period was due primarily to the bulk sale of approximately $87.2 million of home equity lines of credit during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, which resulted in the reversals of $980,000 in allowance for credit losses for loans and $129,000 in allowance for unfunded lending commitments. The Company recognized net charge-offs totaling $119,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, of which $52,000 was related to unguaranteed portions of SBA loans, compared to net charge-offs of $9,000 in 2023. Nonperforming loans, which consist of nonaccrual loans and loans over 90 days past due and still accruing interest, decreased $374,000 from $16.9 million at September 30, 2024 to $16.6 million at December 31, 2024.

Noninterest income increased $3.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was due primarily to a $2.5 million net gain on sale of loans due to the aforementioned bulk loan sale and $403,000 in net gains on equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2024 with no corresponding gains for 2023.

Noninterest expense decreased $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease was due primarily to decreases in compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment and professional fee expenses of $487,000, $405,000 and $385,000, respectively. These decreases were primarily due to the cessation of national mortgage banking operations in the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

The Company recognized income tax expense of $848,000 for the three months ended December 30, 2024 as compared to income tax benefit of $476,000 for the same period in 2023. The increase is due primarily to higher taxable income in the 2024 period, due primarily to the aforementioned net gain on sale of loans. The effective tax rate for 2024 was 12.0%. The effective tax rate is well below the statutory tax rate primarily due to the recognition of investment tax credits related to solar projects in both the 2024 and 2023 periods.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024

Total assets decreased $61.6 million, from $2.45 billion at September 30, 2024 to $2.39 billion at December 31, 2024. Net loans held for investment decreased $79.3 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 due primarily to the $87.2 million bulk sale of residential real estate home equity line of credit loans.

Total liabilities decreased $60.5 million due primarily to decreases in total deposits of $48.1 million, which included a decrease in brokered deposits of $72.1 million and a decrease in FHLB borrowings of $6.6 million. The decrease in brokered deposits and FHLB borrowings was due primary to repayments as a result of the aforementioned bulk loan sale. As of December 31, 2024, deposits exceeding the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 per insured account were 31.1% of total deposits and 13.7% of total deposits when excluding public funds insured by the Indiana Public Deposit Insurance Fund.

Total stockholders’ equity decreased $1.1 million, from $177.1 million at September 30, 2024 to $176.0 million at December 31, 2024, due primarily to a $6.6 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss, partially offset by an increase in retained net income of $5.2 million. The increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss was due primarily to increasing long-term market interest rates during the three months ended December 31, 2024, which resulted in a decrease in the fair value of securities available for sale. At December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the Bank was considered “well-capitalized” under applicable regulatory capital guidelines.

First Savings Bank is an entrepreneurial community bank headquartered in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which is directly across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky, and operates fifteen depository branches within Southern Indiana. The Bank also has two national lending programs, including single-tenant net lease commercial real estate and SBA lending, with offices located predominately in the Midwest. The Bank is a recognized leader, both in its local communities and nationally for its lending programs. The employees of First Savings Bank strive daily to achieve the organization’s vision, We Expect To Be The BEST community BANK, which fuels our success. The Company’s common shares trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “FSFG.”

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are not historical facts; rather, they are statements based on the Company’s current expectations regarding its business strategies and their intended results and its future performance. Forward-looking statements are preceded by terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” and similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause or contribute to the Company’s actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, changes in general economic conditions; changes in market interest rates; changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; legislative and regulatory changes; and other factors disclosed periodically in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, whether included in this report or made elsewhere from time to time by the Company or on its behalf. Except as may be required by applicable law or regulation, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Contact:
Tony A. Schoen, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
812-283-0724

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended
OPERATING DATA:	December 31,
(In thousands, except share and per share data)		2024			2023

Total interest income	$	32,449		$	28,655
Total interest expense		16,987			14,542

Net interest income		15,462			14,113

Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans		(490	)		470
Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments		46			(58	)
Credit for credit losses – securities		(7	)		–

Total provision (credit) for credit losses		(451	)		412

Net interest income after provision (credit) for credit losses		15,913			13,701

Total noninterest income		6,103			2,782
Total noninterest expense		14,943			16,039

Income before income taxes		7,073			444
Income tax expense (benefit)		848			(476	)

Net income	$	6,225		$	920

Net income per share, basic	$	0.91		$	0.13
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic		6,851,153			6,823,948

Net income per share, diluted	$	0.89		$	0.13
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted		6,969,223			6,839,704


Performance ratios (annualized)
Return on average assets		1.02	%		0.16	%
Return on average equity		14.07	%		2.42	%
Return on average common stockholders’ equity		14.07	%		2.42	%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis)		2.75	%		2.69	%
Efficiency ratio		69.29	%		94.93	%

							QTD
FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:	December 31,			September 30,			Increase
(In thousands, except per share data)		2024			2024		(Decrease)

Total assets	$	2,388,735		$	2,450,368		$	(61,633	)
Cash and cash equivalents		76,224			52,142			24,082
Investment securities		242,634			249,719			(7,085	)
Loans held for sale		24,441			25,716			(1,275	)
Gross loans		1,905,199			1,985,146			(79,947	)
Allowance for credit losses		20,685			21,294			(609	)
Interest earning assets		2,234,258			2,277,512			(43,254	)
Goodwill		9,848			9,848			–
Core deposit intangibles		357			398			(41	)
Loan servicing rights		2,661			2,754			(93	)
Noninterest-bearing deposits		183,239			191,528			(8,289	)
Interest-bearing deposits (retail)		1,212,527			1,180,196			32,331
Interest-bearing deposits (brokered)		437,008			509,157			(72,149	)
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		295,000			301,640			(6,640	)
Subordinated debt and other borrowings		48,642			48,603			39
Total liabilities		2,212,708			2,273,253			(60,545	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(17,789	)		(11,195	)		(6,594	)
Total stockholders’ equity		176,027			177,115			(1,088	)

Book value per share	$	25.48		$	25.72			(0.24	)
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) (1)		24.00			24.23			(0.23	)

Non-performing assets:
Nonaccrual loans – SBA guaranteed	$	4,444		$	5,036		$	(592	)
Nonaccrual loans		12,124			11,906			218
Total nonaccrual loans	$	16,568		$	16,942		$	(374	)
Accruing loans past due 90 days		–			–			–
Total non-performing loans		16,568			16,942			(374	)
Foreclosed real estate		444			444			–
Total non-performing assets	$	17,012		$	17,386		$	(374	)

Asset quality ratios:
Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total gross loans		1.09	%		1.07	%		0.01	%
Allowance for credit losses as a percent of nonperforming loans		124.85	%		125.69	%		(0.84	%)
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total gross loans		0.87	%		0.85	%		0.02	%
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets		0.71	%		0.71	%		0.00	%

(1) See reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures for additional information relating to calculation of this item.

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED):
The following non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company provide information useful to investors in understanding the Company’s performance. The Company believes the financial measures presented below are important because of their widespread use by investors as a means to evaluate capital adequacy and earnings. The following table summarizes the non-GAAP financial measures derived from amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and reconciles those non-GAAP financial measures with the comparable GAAP financial measures.

	Three Months Ended
Net Income	December 31,
(In thousands)		2024			2023

Net income attributable to the Company (non-GAAP)	$	4,308		$	920
Plus: Gain on sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect		1,869			–
Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, loans, net of tax effect		735			–
Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, unfunded commitments, net of tax effect		97			–
Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities (Visa Class B-2 shares), net of tax effect		302
Less: Adjustments to sick pay contingent liability, net of tax effect		(296	)
Less: Compensation expense associated with loan sale, net of tax effect		(790	)
Net income attributable to the Company (GAAP)	$	6,225		$	920

Net Income per Share, Diluted

Net income per share attributable to the Company, diluted (non-GAAP)	$	0.62		$	0.13
Plus: Gain on sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect		0.26			–
Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, loans, net of tax effect		0.11			–
Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, unfunded commitments, net of tax effect		0.01			–
Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities (Visa Class B-2 shares), net of tax effect		0.04
Less: Adjustments to sick pay contingent liability, net of tax effect		(0.04	)
Less: Compensation expense associated with loan sale, net of tax effect		(0.11	)
Net income per share, diluted (GAAP)	$	0.89		$	0.13

Core Bank Segment Net Income
(In thousands)

Net income attributable to the Core Bank (non-GAAP)	$	4,452		$	4,048
Plus: Gain on sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect		1,869			–
Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, loans, net of tax effect		735			–
Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, unfunded commitments, net of tax effect		97			–
Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities (Visa Class B-2 shares), net of tax effect		302			–
Less: Adjustments to sick pay contingent liability, net of tax effect		(296	)		–
Less: Compensation expense associated with loan sale, net of tax effect		(790	)		–
Net income attributable to the Core Bank (GAAP)	$	6,369		$	4,048

Core Bank Segment Net Income per Share, Diluted

Core Bank net income per share, diluted (non-GAAP)	$	0.64		$	0.59
Plus: Gain on sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect		0.26			–
Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, loans, net of tax effect		0.11			–
Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, unfunded commitments, net of tax effect		0.01			–
Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities (Visa Class B-2 shares), net of tax effect		0.04			–
Less: Adjustments to sick pay contingent liability, net of tax effect		(0.04	)		–
Less: Compensation expense associated with loan sale, net of tax effect		(0.11	)		–
Core Bank net income per share, diluted (GAAP)	$	0.91		$	0.59


RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED):	Three Months Ended
Efficiency Ratio		2024
(In thousands)		2024			2023

Net interest income (GAAP)	$	15,462		$	14,113

Noninterest income (GAAP)		6,103			2,782

Noninterest expense (GAAP)		14,943			16,039

Efficiency ratio (GAAP)		69.29	%		94.93	%

Noninterest income (GAAP)	$	6,103		$	2,782
Less: Gain on sale of loans, home equity lines of credit		(2,492	)		–
Less: Gain on sale of equity securities (Visa Class B-2 shares)		(403	)		–
Noninterest income (Non-GAAP)		3,208			2,782

Noninterest expense (GAAP)	$	14,943		$	16,039
Less: Adjustments to sick pay contingent liability		(395	)		–
Less: Compensation expense associated with loan sale		(1,053	)		–
Noninterest expense (Non-GAAP)	$	13,495		$	16,039

Efficiency ratio (excluding nonrecurring items) (non-GAAP)		72.28	%		94.93	%

Tangible Book Value Per Share	December 31,			September 30,			Increase
(In thousands, except share and per share data)		2024			2024		(Decrease)

Stockholders’ equity (GAAP)	$	176,027		$	177,115		$	(1,088	)
Less: goodwill and core deposit intangibles		(10,205	)		(10,246	)		41
Tangible stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP)	$	165,822		$	166,869		$	(1,047	)

Outstanding common shares		6,909,173			6,887,106		$	22,067

Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)	$	24.00		$	24.23		$	(0.23	)

Book value per share (GAAP)	$	25.48		$	25.72		$	(0.24	)

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):	As of
Summarized Consolidated Balance Sheets	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Total cash and cash equivalents	$	76,224		$	52,142		$	42,423		$	62,969		$	33,366
Total investment securities		242,634			249,719			238,785			240,142			246,801
Total loans held for sale		24,441			25,716			125,859			19,108			22,866
Total loans, net of allowance for credit losses		1,884,514			1,963,852			1,826,980			1,882,458			1,841,953
Loan servicing rights		2,661			2,754			2,860			3,028			3,711
Total assets		2,388,735			2,450,368			2,393,491			2,364,983			2,308,092

Retail deposits	$	1,395,766		$	1,371,724		$	1,312,997		$	1,239,271		$	1,180,951
Brokered deposits		437,008			509,157			399,151			548,175			502,895
Total deposits		1,832,774			1,880,881			1,712,148			1,787,446			1,683,846
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		295,000			301,640			425,000			315,000			356,699

Common stock and additional paid-in capital	$	28,382		$	27,725		$	27,592		$	27,475		$	27,397
Retained earnings – substantially restricted		178,526			173,337			170,688			167,648			163,753
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(17,789	)		(11,195	)		(17,415	)		(17,144	)		(13,606	)
Unearned stock compensation		(973	)		(901	)		(999	)		(1,096	)		(1,194	)
Less treasury stock, at cost		(12,119	)		(11,851	)		(11,866	)		(11,827	)		(11,827	)
Total stockholders’ equity		176,027			177,115			168,000			165,056			164,523

Outstanding common shares		6,909,173			6,887,106			6,883,656			6,883,160			6,883,160


	Three Months Ended
Summarized Consolidated Statements of Income	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Total interest income	$	32,449		$	32,223		$	31,094		$	30,016		$	28,655
Total interest expense		16,987			17,146			16,560			15,678			14,542
Net interest income		15,462			15,077			14,534			14,338			14,113
Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans		(490	)		1,808			501			713			470
Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments		46			(262	)		158			(259	)		(58	)
Provision (credit) for credit losses – securities		(7	)		(86	)		84			23			–
Total provision (credit) for credit losses		(451	)		1,460			743			477			412

Net interest income after provision for credit losses		15,913			13,617			13,791			13,861			13,701

Total noninterest income		6,103			2,842			3,196			3,710			2,782
Total noninterest expense		14,943			12,642			12,431			11,778			16,039
Income before income taxes		7,073			3,817			4,556			5,793			444
Income tax expense (benefit)		848			145			483			866			(476	)
Net income		6,225			3,672			4,073			4,927			920


Net income per share, basic	$	0.91		$	0.54		$	0.60		$	0.72		$	0.13
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic		6,851,153			6,832,626			6,832,452			6,832,130			6,823,948

Net income per share, diluted	$	0.89		$	0.53		$	0.60		$	0.72		$	0.13
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted		6,969,223			6,894,532			6,842,336			6,859,611			6,839,704

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED):	Three Months Ended
Noninterest Income Detail	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
(In thousands)		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Service charges on deposit accounts	$	567		$	552		$	538		$	387		$	473
ATM and interchange fees		665			642			593			585			449
Net unrealized gain on equity securities		78			28			419			6			38
Net gain on equity securities		403			–			–			–			–
Net gain on sales of loans, Small Business Administration		711			647			581			951			834
Net gain on sales of loans, home equity lines of credit		2,492			–			–			–			–
Mortgage banking income		78			6			49			53			89
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance		361			363			353			333			329
Gain on life insurance		108			–			–			–			–
Commission income		210			294			220			220			222
Real estate lease income		121			122			154			115			115
Net gain (loss) on premises and equipment		45			(4	)		–			120			–
Other income		264			192			289			940			233
Total noninterest income	$	6,103		$	2,842		$	3,196		$	3,710		$	2,782


	Three Months Ended
	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
Consolidated Performance Ratios (Annualized)		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Return on average assets		1.02	%		0.61	%		0.69	%		0.92	%		0.16	%
Return on average equity		14.07	%		8.52	%		9.86	%		13.06	%		2.42	%
Return on average common stockholders’ equity		14.07	%		8.52	%		9.86	%		13.06	%		2.42	%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis)		2.75	%		2.72	%		2.67	%		2.66	%		2.69	%
Efficiency ratio		69.29	%		70.55	%		70.11	%		65.26	%		94.93	%


	As of or for the Three Months Ended
	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
Consolidated Asset Quality Ratios		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans		0.87	%		0.85	%		0.91	%		0.82	%		0.83	%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets		0.71	%		0.71	%		0.72	%		0.68	%		0.69	%
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans		1.09	%		1.07	%		1.07	%		1.02	%		1.01	%
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans		124.85	%		125.69	%		118.12	%		124.01	%		121.16	%
Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans		0.01	%		0.02	%		0.01	%		0.01	%		0.00	%

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED):	Three Months Ended
Segmented Statements of Income Information	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
(In thousands)		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Core Banking Segment:
Net interest income	$	13,756		$	14,083		$	13,590		$	13,469		$	13,113
Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans		(745	)		1,339			320			909			(49	)
Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments		(75	)		78			64			(259	)		–
Provision (credit) for credit losses – securities		(7	)		(86	)		84			23			–
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		14,583			12,752			13,122			12,796			13,162
Noninterest income		5,253			2,042			2,474			2,537			1,679
Noninterest expense		12,574			10,400			10,192			10,093			10,252
Income before income taxes		7,262			4,394			5,404			5,240			4,589
Income tax expense		893			301			689			729			541
Net income	$	6,369		$	4,093		$	4,715		$	4,511		$	4,048

SBA Lending Segment (Q2):
Net interest income	$	1,706		$	994		$	944		$	869		$	1,003
Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans		255			469			181			(196	)		461
Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments		121			(340	)		94			–			–
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		1,330			865			669			1,065			542
Noninterest income		850			800			722			1,173			1,003
Noninterest expense		2,369			2,242			2,239			1,685			2,146
Income (loss) before income taxes		(189	)		(577	)		(848	)		553			(601	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		(45	)		(156	)		(206	)		137			(131	)
Net income (loss)	$	(144	)	$	(421	)	$	(642	)	$	416		$	(470	)

Mortgage Banking Segment: (2)
Net interest income (loss)	$	–		$	–		$	–		$	–		$	(3	)
Provision for credit losses – loans		–			–			–			–			–
Provision for unfunded lending commitments		–			–			–			–			–
Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses		–			–			–			–			(3	)
Noninterest income		–			–			–			–			100
Noninterest expense		–			–			–			–			3,641
Loss before income taxes		–			–			–			–			(3,544	)
Income tax benefit		–			–			–			–			(886	)
Net loss	$	–		$	–		$	–		$	–		$	(2,658	)

(2) National mortgage banking operations were ceased in the quarter ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent immaterial mortgage lending activity is reported within the Core Banking segment.

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED):	Three Months Ended
Segmented Statements of Income Information	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
(In thousands, except percentage data)		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Net Income (Loss) Per Share by Segment
Net income per share, basic – Core Banking	$	0.93		$	0.60		$	0.69		$	0.66		$	0.59
Net income (loss) per share, basic – SBA Lending (Q2)		(0.02	)		(0.06	)		(0.09	)		0.06			(0.07	)
Net loss per share, basic – Mortgage Banking		0.00			0.00			0.00			0.00			(0.40	)
Total net income (loss) per share, basic	$	0.91		$	0.54		$	0.60		$	0.72		$	0.12

Net Income (Loss) Per Diluted Share by Segment
Net income per share, diluted – Core Banking	$	0.91		$	0.59		$	0.69		$	0.66		$	0.59
Net income (loss) per share, diluted – SBA Lending (Q2)		(0.02	)		(0.06	)		(0.09	)		0.06			(0.07	)
Net loss per share, diluted – Mortgage Banking		0.00			0.00			0.00			0.00			(0.40	)
Total net income (loss) per share, diluted	$	0.89		$	0.53		$	0.60		$	0.72		$	0.12

Return on Average Assets by Segment (annualized) (3)
Core Banking		1.09	%		0.71	%		0.83	%		0.80	%		0.73	%
SBA Lending		(0.55	%)		(1.71	%)		(2.91	%)		1.81	%		(2.11	%)

Efficiency Ratio by Segment (annualized) (3)
Core Banking		66.15	%		64.50	%		63.45	%		63.06	%		69.31	%
SBA Lending		92.68	%		124.97	%		134.39	%		82.52	%		106.98	%


	Three Months Ended
Noninterest Expense Detail by Segment	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
(In thousands)		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Core Banking Segment:
Compensation	$	7,245		$	5,400		$	5,587		$	5,656		$	5,691
Occupancy		1,577			1,554			1,573			1,615			1,481
Advertising		338			399			253			205			189
Other		3,414			3,047			2,779			2,617			2,891
Total Noninterest Expense	$	12,574		$	10,400		$	10,192		$	10,093		$	10,252

SBA Lending Segment (Q2):
Compensation	$	1,931		$	1,854		$	1,893		$	1,933		$	1,826
Occupancy		59			55			51			58			91
Advertising		14			17			12			7			10
Other		365			316			283			(313	)		219
Total Noninterest Expense	$	2,369		$	2,242		$	2,239		$	1,685		$	2,146

Mortgage Banking Segment: (2)
Compensation	$	–		$	–		$	–		$	–		$	2,146
Occupancy		–			–			–			–			469
Advertising		–			–			–			–			119
Other		–			–			–			–			907
Total Noninterest Expense	$	–		$	–		$	–		$	–		$	3,641

(3) Ratios for Mortgage Banking Segment are not considered meaningful due to cessation of national mortgage banking operations in the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED):
	Three Months Ended
SBA Lending (Q2) Data	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
(In thousands, except percentage data)	2024			2024			2024			2024			2023

Final funded loans guaranteed portion sold, SBA	$	10,785		$	10,880		$	7,515		$	15,144		$	14,098

Gross gain on sales of loans, SBA	$	1,141		$	1,029		$	811		$	1,443		$	1,303
Weighted average gross gain on sales of loans, SBA	10.58		%	9.46		%	10.79		%	9.53		%	9.24		%

Net gain on sales of loans, SBA (4)	$	711		$	647		$	581		$	951		$	834
Weighted average net gain on sales of loans, SBA	6.59		%	5.95		%	7.73		%	6.28		%	5.92		%


(4) Inclusive of gains on servicing assets and net of commissions, referral fees, SBA repair fees and discounts on unguaranteed portions held-for-investment.

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED):	Three Months Ended
Summarized Consolidated Average Balance Sheets	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
(In thousands)		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023
Interest-earning assets
Average balances:
Interest-bearing deposits with banks	$	21,102		$	16,841		$	26,100		$	24,587		$	20,350
Loans		2,010,082			1,988,997			1,943,716			1,914,609			1,857,654
Investment securities – taxable		101,960			99,834			101,350			102,699			103,728
Investment securities – nontaxable		160,929			158,917			157,991			157,960			159,907
FRB and FHLB stock		24,986			24,986			24,986			24,986			24,968
Total interest-earning assets	$	2,319,059		$	2,289,575		$	2,254,143		$	2,224,841		$	2,166,607

Interest income (tax equivalent basis):
Interest-bearing deposits with banks	$	210		$	209		$	324		$	261		$	249
Loans		29,617			29,450			28,155			27,133			26,155
Investment securities – taxable		914			910			918			923			942
Investment securities – nontaxable		1,715			1,685			1,665			1,662			1,687
FRB and FHLB stock		493			471			519			499			74
Total interest income (tax equivalent basis)	$	32,949		$	32,725		$	31,581		$	30,478		$	29,107

Weighted average yield (tax equivalent basis, annualized):
Interest-bearing deposits with banks		3.98	%		4.96	%		4.97	%		4.25	%		4.89	%
Loans		5.89	%		5.92	%		5.79	%		5.67	%		5.63	%
Investment securities – taxable		3.59	%		3.65	%		3.62	%		3.59	%		3.63	%
Investment securities – nontaxable		4.26	%		4.24	%		4.22	%		4.21	%		4.22	%
FRB and FHLB stock		7.89	%		7.54	%		8.31	%		7.99	%		1.19	%
Total interest-earning assets		5.68	%		5.72	%		5.60	%		5.48	%		5.37	%

Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits	$	1,671,156		$	1,563,258		$	1,572,871		$	1,549,012		$	1,389,384
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		315,583			378,956			351,227			333,275			440,786
Subordinated debt and other borrowings		48,616			48,576			48,537			48,497			48,458
Total interest-bearing liabilities	$	2,035,355		$	1,990,790		$	1,972,635		$	1,930,784		$	1,878,628

Interest expense:
Interest-bearing deposits	$	13,606		$	12,825		$	12,740		$	12,546		$	9,989
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		2,617			3,521			3,021			2,298			3,769
Subordinated debt and other borrowings		764			800			799			833			784
Total interest expense	$	16,987		$	17,146		$	16,560		$	15,677		$	14,542

Weighted average cost (annualized):
Interest-bearing deposits		3.26	%		3.28	%		3.24	%		3.24	%		2.88	%
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		3.32	%		3.72	%		3.44	%		2.76	%		3.42	%
Subordinated debt and other borrowings		6.29	%		6.59	%		6.58	%		6.87	%		6.47	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		3.34	%		3.45	%		3.36	%		3.25	%		3.10	%

Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis)	$	15,962		$	15,579		$	15,021		$	14,801		$	14,565
Less: taxable equivalent adjustment		(500	)		(502	)		(487	)		(463	)		(452	)
Net interest income	$	15,462		$	15,077		$	14,534		$	14,338		$	14,113

Interest rate spread (tax equivalent basis, annualized)		2.34	%		2.27	%		2.24	%		2.23	%		2.27	%

Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis, annualized)		2.75	%		2.72	%		2.67	%		2.66	%		2.69	%

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Make a splash at these toddler pools this summer

Source: Auckland Council

As Auckland temperatures rise, many tots and toddlers will enjoy cooling off in one of the regions’ pools this summer – even if they haven’t learnt the word pool yet. There are many toddler-friendly pools around Auckland ready to help your child make a splash, helping them to stay cool, learn life-long skills and gain confidence in the water.

Toddler pools and paddling pools are a great way for little ones to get comfortable around water. By having a dedicated pool, toddlers can have fun while learning water skills without the risk of colliding with older children. These pools are especially designed to make the swimming experience more enjoyable for little ones – the shallow water allows them to touch the bottom easily and often these pools are slightly warmer. Make sure to check the opening hours of toddler pools as they may be closed at times when adult pools are open.

Safety first

Toddlers are a handful in or out of the water, and safety is crucial when swimming with small children. Pools for toddlers make it easier for adults to focus their attention on little ones in the pool. Never turn your back on a toddler in the water – our safety rules state that a caregiver 17 years and over must be within arm’s reach of children under four at all times.

Children aged 5-10 must be supervised and adults must be close enough to provide immediate assistance.

Follow the child-to-adult ratios when supervising your children. One adult should accompany no more than two children aged four and under; for children aged 5-10 the ratio is four children to one adult. Please note that for hygiene reasons children under three must wear a waterproof swimming nappy – an easy way to keep the nappy in place is by dressing your child in togs over the top.

Learn a life skill

Babies as young as six months can take part in swimming lessons at Auckland Council’s pool and leisure centres. There is a dedicated babies class for infants aged six months to one year, and for kids aged 1-3 there are three toddler classes, based on your child’s ability to submerge on cue and confidence to swim independently. For kids aged 3-5 there are three dedicated pre-school classes. Unsure which class suits your child? Check out this swim level flow chart or book an assessment.

Unsure of your toddler’s swimming ability? Book an assessment to make sure you enroll your child in the right swimming class.

Six toddler pools to try

There are many toddler pools to choose from around the region, but here are a few of our favourites.

1. Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre

Located in Pakuranga, this is the perfect spot for kids and toddlers. The indoor splash pool is 33°C and features a fountain so littlies can play and get used to the feeling of water on their face. The learners’ pool features a wheelchair accessibility ramp and has depth ranges of 0.75m-0.9m. The facility also has an outdoor splashpad, which is another fun way to cool off during summer.

Opening hours:

Toddler splash pool: 30am-5.15pm
Splash pad: 10am-6pm (weather dependent, December-March/April)

2. Albany Stadium Pool

Toddlers and young ones are well catered for at Albany Stadium Pool. The dedicated toddler pool is heated to 31°C and features a play centre and slide – it’s wheelchair accessible and water wheelchairs are available. There’s also an indoor splash pad, over-the-pool rock climbing wall and a 20m programmes pool for swimming lessons.

Toddler pool hours:

Monday-Friday 30am-7pm
Saturday-Sunday 8am-7pm

Toddlers can enjoy the pool and splash play area at Albany Stadium Pool.

3. Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre

This fantastic community facility features a toddlers’ pool heated to a comfy temperature of 32°C. A colourful water feature helps kids have fun while learning important water skills. The 15m learners’ pool is a great option for older children advancing with their swimming, and older kids can also enjoy the outdoor pool in the summer months.

Toddler pool hours:

Older children enjoying the learners’ pool at Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre.

4. Grey Lynn Paddling Pool

This dedicated outdoor toddler pool is popular with tots during the summer months. The hexagonal pool has a maximum depth of 0.75m, is sheltered from the sun by shade sails and is patrolled by a lifeguard during opening hours. It’s right next to a playground so your kids will stay active wet or dry.

Toddler pool hours:

Shade sail offer extra sun protection at the outdoor Grey Lynn Paddling Pool.

5. Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre

This all-ages centre features a toddlers’ splash pool with a fun umbrella fountain. The water is heated to a balmy 32°C. The learners’ pool features three lanes making it great for swim lessons, and it can also be accessed by a ramp.

Toddler pool hours:

Tots will enjoy the toddler splash pool at Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre, heated to a balmy 32°C.

6. Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre

This facility in Māngere is fun central all year round. Indoors there’s a toddlers’ pool that’s 0.3-0.9m deep, and features a friendly orca sculpture and a splash pool with a bubble pit. The learners’ pool has a depth of 0.75-1.1m, great for lessons. Outdoors there’s a splash pad, and for older kids there’s a hydroslide and a dedicated bombing pool so your kids can learn to pop a manu.

Toddler pool hours:

Click here for a full list of Auckland Council pools and opening hours

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Changes to Sony Group’s Management Structure

Source: Sony

Tokyo, Japan – Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that Hiroki Totoki, currently Director, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, President, COO and CFO, has been newly appointed as Director, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Warren Probes Lutnick for Ties to Crypto Firm with Long Record of Financing Terrorists, Illicit Activity

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
January 28, 2025
Ahead of hearing, Sen. Warren wrote to Lutnick about deep ties to Tether, known as “outlaws’ favorite cryptocurrency”
“Your record of support for and financial involvement with Tether…raise significant questions about your own personal judgment and the conflicts of interest that you will have if you are confirmed as Commerce Secretary.”
Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Commerce, ahead of his Wednesday confirmation hearing, probing his serious financial conflicts and personal and professional ties to the scandal-ridden cryptocurrency Tether.
“In particular, your deep involvement with and support for Tether, a known facilitator of criminal activity that has been described as ‘outlaws’ favorite cryptocurrency’ raises concerns about your judgment and ability to put the interests of the American people ahead of your own financial interests,” wrote Senator Warren.
Senator Warren requested information about Lutnick’s financial stake in Tether, any conversations with Trump administration officials about Tether, and whether his firm performed due diligence to confirm that Tether is in compliance with “Know Your Customer” rules in the Bank Secrecy Act, international sanctions, and anti-money laundering laws.
As CEO of Tether’s asset manager, Cantor Fitzgerald, which also reportedly holds a 5 percent stake in the cryptocurrency company, Lutnick played a significant role in Tether’s rise. Despite Tether’s clear ties to criminal activity — including financing North Korean nuclear weapons programs, Mexican drug cartels, Russian arms companies, Middle Eastern terrorist groups, and Chinese manufacturers of chemicals used to make fentanyl — Lutnick “‘vouched’ for Tether when ‘few others would.’”
Even after Trump’s election win and subsequent decision to nominate Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, Cantor Fitzgerald continued to deepen its ties to Tether, reportedly agreeing to serve as the backbone of Tether’s multi-billion dollar Bitcoin lending program. Lutnick seemingly used his role as Trump Transition co-chair to advance his own interests, including bringing Cantor Fitzgerald lobbyist Jeff Miller to Congressional meetings related to the transition. As Senator Warren noted, “even aides in the Trump administration were questioning [Lutnick’s] continued efforts to mix [his] business interests with [his] duties on the Trump transition team.”
“You cannot serve as a booster for Tether while impartially fulfilling the Department of Commerce’s mission to ‘create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all communities’ as ‘economic growth has taken on increased importance for national security,’” Senator Warren concluded.
After President Trump announced his decision to nominate Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary in November, Senator Warren said: “Donald Trump’s pick of a Wall Street CEO for Commerce Secretary is a win for the billionaire class at the expense of working people. The across-the-board tariff plan is a distraction from the MAGA scam to extend tax giveaways for giant corporations and billionaires like Howard Lutnick.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: What is the 90-year-old tax rule Trump could use to double US taxes on foreigners?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Miranda Stewart, Professor of Law, The University of Melbourne

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. National Archives and Records Administration/Wikimedia Commons

US President Donald Trump isn’t happy about the way some countries are taxing American citizens and companies. He has made clear he’s willing to retaliate, threatening to double taxes for their own citizens and companies.

Can Trump really do that, unilaterally, as president? It turns out he can, under a 90-year-old provision of the US tax code – Section 891.

In an executive memo signed on January 20 outlining his “America First Trade Policy”, Trump instructed US Treasury to:

investigate whether any foreign country subjects United States citizens or corporations to discriminatory or extraterritorial taxes pursuant to Section 891 of Title 26, United States Code.

A sweeping power

Section 891 of the US Internal Revenue Code is short, but it is in sweeping terms.

If the president finds that US citizens or corporations are being subjected to “discriminatory or extraterritorial taxes” under the laws of any foreign country, he “shall so proclaim” this. US income tax rates on the citizens or corporations of that country are then automatically doubled.

The extra tax that could be collected is capped at 80% of the US taxable income of the taxpayer. The president can revoke a proclamation, if the foreign country reverses its “discriminatory or extraterritorial” taxation.

Section 891 is an extraordinary provision – but it has never been applied. As far as I know, no other country has legislated such a rule. Importantly, it would only apply to a person or business subject to income taxation by the US.

Take, for example, a foreign national earning a wage in the US. If this individual’s home country became subject to a proclamation under Section 891, their individual tax rate in the US would be doubled – to as much as 74%.

A foreign company earning taxable profits in the US would face a doubling of the company tax rate from 21% to 42%.

A bit of history

A version of Section 891 has been in the US tax code since 1934, an earlier troubled time of tax disputes and economic depression.

It was signed into law by Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt on May 10 1934, amid a tax dispute between the US and France.

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Section 891 into law in 1934, putting pressure on France to end a tax dispute.
Vincenzo Laviosa/Wikimedia Commons

According to US tax historian Joseph Thorndike, the move followed attempts by France to levy additional taxes on US companies operating there, beginning in the mid-1920s.

France had tried to use an 1873 law to tax US companies operating in France on profits earned in the parent company back in the US, and in other subsidiaries around the world, not just the French company profits.

The aim was to counter international profit-shifting, which could be used to reduce the tax payable by US subsidiaries operating in France by claiming deductions or shifting income to other group companies outside France.

The dispute was long-standing and France tried to assess taxes going back decades for some US companies. The potentially massive tax bill (it seems the tax was never actually collected) became a geopolitical issue, and the companies asked the US government to intervene on their behalf.

Thorndike explains that a bilateral tax treaty was negotiated between the US and France to remedy this “double tax” situation. But the French legislature refused to ratify it.

In retaliation, US Congress passed Section 891, and six months later, France ratified its bilateral tax treaty with the US.

Parallels with today

In 1934, there were no digital multinational enterprises like Meta or Google. But that tax dispute nevertheless has parallels with modern concerns about taxing companies internationally.

The French government was trying, with a rather heavy hand, to counter international profit-shifting by large US multinationals.

Section 891 was re-enacted in later US tax codes, up to today, with minor amendments and no attempt to invoke it. It has remained in the background as a potential exercise of US fiscal and market power, supported by both sides of US politics.

Tax professor Itai Grinberg, who worked in the Biden administration on the OECD tax deal, suggested it could be applied to the European Union decision that taxes Apple in Ireland.

The US tech giants are only the latest in a long line of powerful American multinational corporations.
Tada Images/Shutterstock

What might Trump do?

President Trump has specifically targeted the OECD global tax negotiations with this threat, just a month after Australia has legislated the global minimum tax under “Pillar Two” of the OECD Global Tax Deal.

The OECD deal aims to ensure large multinational enterprises pay a minimum 15% effective tax rate in all the jurisdictions in which they operate, by applying a top-up tax and under-taxed profit tax.

Trump asserted in a memorandum that the OECD Global Tax Deal is “extraterritorial”, instructing the US Secretary of the Treasury and the US Trade Representative to investigate it.

Could Australia be singled out?

Trump’s memorandum also ordered an investigation into “other discriminatory foreign tax practices” that may harm US companies.

This includes whether any foreign countries are not complying with their US tax treaties or have, or are likely to put in place, any tax rules that “disproportionately affect American companies”.

Notably, this could put Australia’s proposed “news bargaining incentive” in the crosshairs.

Under this proposal, digital platforms (many of which are US-owned) would have to pay a new levy, which could be offset if they negotiate or renew deals with Australian news media publishers to pay for hosting news content.

Section 891 could apply to such taxes if they were found by Trump to be “discriminatory” against US companies. What “discriminatory” means is not clear.

Its been suggested that foreign citizens or companies could be protected from Section 891 by their country’s tax treaty with the US, under the standard approach that a later treaty prevails over an older code section. But Australia’s tax treaty with the US took effect in 1983, before the most recent re-enactment of Section 891 in the US tax code.

Miranda Stewart receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Miranda is on the Permanent Scientific Committee of the International Fiscal Association.

– ref. What is the 90-year-old tax rule Trump could use to double US taxes on foreigners? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-90-year-old-tax-rule-trump-could-use-to-double-us-taxes-on-foreigners-248154

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow enterprises will take part in 30 foreign exhibitions with the support of Mospromtsentr

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Metro

This year, Moscow-based export-oriented companies will have more opportunities to communicate with foreign partners: the MosProm center will organize 25 international business missions and ensure participation in 5 major international exhibitions. These initiatives, which include both face-to-face and virtual meetings, will provide Moscow manufacturers with important platforms for negotiations with foreign partners, said Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Tastes of Moscow.

On behalf of Sergei Sobyanin, the city prioritizes supporting export-oriented enterprises in expanding their presence in global markets. Our main task is to increase the volume of exports of industrial goods and agricultural products of Moscow production to friendly countries. Moscow manufacturers will present their products at international exhibitions in China, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. They will also hold direct negotiations with potential buyers and distributors from Mexico, the UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Mongolia, African countries and the CIS, said Maxim Liksutov.

MosProm was established in 2019 with the aim of increasing the recognition and presence of Moscow-made products in foreign markets. One of the most effective programs offered by MosProm is the buyer program. It allows companies to participate in specialized international exhibitions and business missions, where they can negotiate with potential customers of Moscow-made products in the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) formats. This enables local industrial companies to expand their export scope and product range, establish new partnerships and customer relationships, and attract valuable investments.

Tastes of Moscow.

MosProm specialists provide comprehensive support to Moscow producers at all stages of their foreign economic activity. Thanks to MosProm’s assistance, Moscow non-raw materials and non-energy producers have successfully reoriented their export flows and found new partners in the markets of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the CIS, – emphasized Anatoly Garbuzov, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of Investment and Industrial Policy.

In addition, Moscow exporters benefit significantly from national support programs. The national project “International Cooperation and Export” is a set of measures of information, financial, insurance and logistics support. The project includes the digital platform “My Export”, which offers a range of business support services. These include free expert consultations, market analytics, assistance in promoting goods on international platforms, online training programs and much more.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: NANGKITA ROAD, NANGKITA (Grass Fire)

Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

Homes that have been built to withstand a bushfire, and are prepared to the highest level, may provide safety.

You may lose power, water, phone and data connections.

Fire crews are responding but you should not expect a firefighter at your door.

What you should do

Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan.
Protect yourself from the fire’s heat – put on protective clothing.
Tell family or friends of your plans.

If you are leaving

Leave now, don’t delay.
Roads may become blocked or access may change. Smoke will reduce visibility.
Secure your pets for travel.
If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.

If you are not leaving – prepare to defend

Identify a safe place inside, with more than one exit, before the fire arrives. Keep moving away from the heat of the fire.
Bring pets inside and restrain them.
Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your house.
Close doors and windows to keep smoke out.
If you have sprinklers, turn them on to wet the areas.
If the building catches fire, go to an area already burnt. Check around you for anything burning.

MIL OSI News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update on Grey Lynn intentional damage

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A woman allegedly responsible for a raft of smashed windows will be out of the community for at least three months.

Police have been investigating recent reports of wilful damage on Sackville Street in Grey Lynn.

On Monday, frontline Police located a 39-year-old Grey Lynn woman and charged her with intentional damage.

Auckland City West’s Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson, says Police have since successfully opposed the woman’s bail.

“The woman will be remanded in custody until her next appearance on 15 April in the Auckland District Court,” she says.

“I know these ongoing occurrences have caused angst and frustration amongst residents, so we are providing the community with an update for reassurance.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Submissions: University Research – Genomic evidence confirms white shark liver is on the Aussie killer shark menu – Flinders

Source: Flinders University

For the first time, DNA evidence has confirmed killer whales in Australia hunted a white shark for its liver.

Based on DNA analysis from the bite wounds on the carcass of a large white shark washed ashore near Portland in Victoria in 2023, the Flinders University-led study identified that killer whales were responsible for consuming the mid-section containing the nutritionally rich liver.

Around the world, killer whales (Orcinus orca) have been observed preying on various shark species including white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) – as previously documented in California and South Africa.

The discovery of a 4.7 metre white shark missing its liver on a beach in southeastern Australia offered a rare opportunity to analyse distinctive bite wounds and unravel the predator’s identity.

“The liver, digestive and reproductive organs were missing, and there were four distinctive bite wounds, one of which was characteristic of liver extraction by killer whale, similar to what has been observed in South Africa,” says lead author Isabella Reeves, a PhD candidate with Flinders University’s Southern Shark Ecology Group and the West Australian Cetacean Research Centre (CETREC).

“Swabs were taken from bite wounds on the white shark and sequenced for remnant genetic material from the shark’s predator. We were able to confirm the presence of killer whale DNA in the primary bite area, while the other three wounds revealed DNA from scavenging broadnose sevengill sharks.

“These findings provide compelling evidence of killer whale predation on white sharks in Australian waters, with a strong indication of selective liver consumption. This suggests that such predation events may be more widespread and prevalent across the globe than previously believed.”

The study, published in Ecology and Evolution, used wildlife forensic techniques to confirm killer whales were responsible for excising and consuming the liver from the white shark. Civilian bystanders had witnessed several killer whales, including locally known individuals called ‘Bent Tip’ and ‘Ripple, catching a large prey in Bridgewater Bay two days before the white shark carcass washed ashore.

The beached large white shark carcass was collected by state government fisheries officers for investigation.

Killer whales in Australia have occasionally recorded preying on various shark species, including blue shark (Prionace glauca), porbeagle (Lamna nasus), shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), ground sharks (most likely school shark, Galeorhinus galeus), and tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). But white shark liver consumption had yet to be observed in Australia – despite numerous reports of such behaviour in California and by notorious duo ‘Port’ and ‘Starboard’ in South Africa.

Several interactions between killer whales and white sharks have been reported in Australia, including at least one suspected kill at the Neptune Islands Group Marine Park in South Australia in February 2015. On that occasion, an oil slick indicative of a successful predation was observed following the interaction, although no carcass was recovered to confirm the kill.

Rhodes University (South Africa) marine biologist, Dr Alison Towner, an author in the study, says similar killer whale predation on white sharks have led to disruptions in local shark populations in both South Africa and California. “However direct observations of these interactions remain rare and their frequency is poorly understood,” she says.

Co-lead author, Flinders adjunct Associate Professor Adam Miller, says the study raises “really interesting questions around predator-prey interactions and the behaviour and intelligence of killer whales”.

“We don’t know how frequently these events occurred in Australian waters and therefore how significant these findings are. But, as Alison points out, these types of predation events in South Africa have further impacted on already declining white shark numbers,” says Associate Professor Miller, also a senior ecologist with Cesar Australia, where the genetic analyses were performed.

“Evidence suggests that the white sharks being displaced or directly killed as a result of the killer whale predation in South Australia has led to cascading shifts in the wider marine ecosystem.

“We know that white sharks are key regulators of ecosystem structure and functions, so it’s very important we preserve these top predators. Therefore it is important that we keep a tab on these types of interactions in Australian waters where possible.”

Another author, Flinders University Research Fellow Dr Lauren Meyer, adds, “This study also provides DNA evidence that scavenging is facilitated by killer whales’ tissue selection, whereby the liver and internal organs are consumed, but much of the carcass remains as a nutrient source benefiting local ecosystems.”

The ‘Nature Notes’ article ‘Genetic Evidence of Killer Whale Predation on White Sharks in Australia’ (2025) by Isabella MM Reeves, Andrew R Weeks, Alison V Towner, Rachael Impey, Jessica J Fish, Zach SR Clark, Paul A Butcher, Lauren Meyer, David M Donnelly, Charlie Huveneers, Nicky Hudson and Adam D Miller has been published in Ecology and Evolution (Wiley) First published: 27 January 2025 https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70786

The study was supported by experts from Victoria’s EnviroDNA, The University of Melbourne, Rhodes University in South Africa, the South African International Maritime Institute, Deakin University’s EcoGenetics Lab, the NSW Department of Primary Industries National Marine Science Centre, Killer Whales Australia and Dolphin Research Institute in Victoria and the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Victoria.

Acknowledgements: Researchers acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which this research was conducted, the Gunditjmara and Wurundjeri peoples. Thanks to Cameron McCallum and John Melis from the Victorian Fisheries Authority and the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation. The carcass is now held by Museums Victoria.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: DeepSeek shatters beliefs about the cost of AI, leaving US tech giants reeling

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Michael J. Davern, Professor of Accounting & Business Information Systems, The University of Melbourne

Almost A$1 trillion (US$600 billion) was wiped off the value of artificial intelligence microchip maker Nvidia overnight on Monday, when a little-known Chinese startup, DeepSeek, threatened to upend the US tech market.

While Nvidia suffered the biggest one-day loss in sharemarket history, other tech giants – Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon, who are investing heavily in competing AI tools including ChatGPT and Gemini – were also hit.

The rout was caused by investors’ shock at the claimed performance of DeepSeek’s new R1 chatbot. The Chinese AI was reported to be more advanced than its competitors and less expensive to develop.

DeepSeek R1 has soared, becoming the top free downloaded app on Apple’s app store, as US technology and related stock prices fell dramatically.

Why tech stocks took a deep dive

The market was surprised by DeepSeek providing what amounts to cheaper technology but comparable performance.

This has dramatically changed the market’s expectations of computing power, showing more can be done for less. It has also compromised the competitiveness of the US tech companies’ existing AI products and developments.

Stock prices are driven by market expectations. The claimed performance of DeepSeek R1 prompted a major revision of expectations about what was technologically possible and about how cheaply AI could be developed and operated.

Investors have rapidly incorporated the news of a low-cost Chinese AI competitor into stock prices, anticipating this new entrant could disrupt the market and erode the competitive advantage of existing leaders.

Who is DeepSeek and what is R1?

DeepSeek was founded in 2023 by Chinese hedge fund High Flyer, which had been exclusively using AI in trading since 2021.

DeepSeek develops large language models (LLMs) that can underpin chatbots and other AI-based tools. R1 is the latest iteration of DeepSeek’s chatbot and underlying model. It builds on earlier versions of generative AI models developed by DeepSeek, and considerable amounts of data, but is a surprising leap forward in performance and cost.

R1 is the latest version of DeepSeek’s chatbot.
Koshiro K/Shutterstock

Technology investors believe R1 matches or outperforms competitors, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.o1 on numerous benchmarks.

However, there are some key differences:

The model underlying R1 operates in a much less intensive manner. It is much cheaper to develop and run, requiring less data and computing power.
The training of the model was possible despite the US export ban preventing Chinese companies such as DeepSeek from accessing chips from US companies such as Nvidia. The Biden administration had introduced laws restricting the sale of certain computer chips and machinery to China, in a move intended to block its rival from accessing some of the world’s most advanced technology.
The training data and data uploaded to R1 sit on servers in China. Given concerns about data privacy and intellectual property have already been raised about US-based companies, having data under jurisdiction of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is arguably even more concerning.
The chatbot program code is free to download, read and modify, unlike ChatGPT. This is however somewhat a false transparency – what matters more is the underlying model, not the Chatbot code.
R1 is known to censor its responses in line with Chinese Communist Party values.

The future of AI and tech stocks

It is unknown whether this crash in price of tech stocks is an irrational panic that will reverse, or whether it simply reflects correct pricing. The future costs and benefits of AI are still uncertain.

This is both a technological and an economic question.

In technological terms, it is yet to be seen whether R1 really does require less computing power and less data to train and use.

Economically, there are potential winners and losers. AI users may win with cheaper access to AI, and LLMs in particular, leading to increased adoption and associated productivity gains. Existing producers such as Nvidia may lose out in what was a market with few real competitors.

More broadly, society may benefit from less computationally intensive, and therefore more energy-efficient, AI. However, the geopolitical risk of a single country capturing the market, together with concerns about data privacy, intellectual property and censorship may outweigh the benefits.

Michael J. Davern has previously received funding from CPA Australia for industry research into Artificial Intelligence.

Matt Pinnuck 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. DeepSeek shatters beliefs about the cost of AI, leaving US tech giants reeling – https://theconversation.com/deepseek-shatters-beliefs-about-the-cost-of-ai-leaving-us-tech-giants-reeling-248424

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow enterprises will take part in 30 foreign exhibitions with the support of the Mosprom Centre

Source: Moscow Metro

This year, Moscow’s export-focused companies will have enhanced opportunities to connect with international partners, with the MosProm center organizing 25 international business missions and facilitating participation in 5 major international trade shows. These initiatives, which include both in-person and virtual engagements, will provide Moscow producers with vital platforms for discussions with overseas collaborators. This was announced by Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Tastes of Moscow.

As directed by Sergey Sobyanin, the city is prioritizing support for export-oriented enterprises in expanding their presence in global markets. Our main objective is to increase the volume of exports of Moscow-produced industrial goods and agricultural products to friendly nations. Moscow manufacturers will showcase their products at international exhibitions in China, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. They will also engage in direct negotiations with potential buyers and distributors from Mexico, the UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Mongolia, and countries across Africa and the CIS, – stated Maksim Liksutov.

MosProm was established in 2019 to increase the recognition and presence of Moscow-made products in overseas markets. One of the most effective programs offered by MosProm is its buyer program. This initiative allows companies to participate in specialized international trade shows and business missions, where they can conduct business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) negotiations with prospective clients for Moscow-produced goods. This offers local industrial companies the opportunity to expand their export reach and product offerings, establish new partnerships and client relationships, and attract valuable investment.

Tastes of Moscow.

MosProm specialists provide comprehensive support to Moscow-based manufacturers at every stage of their foreign trade activities. Thanks to MosProm’s assistance, Moscow’s non-resource, non-energy producers have successfully reoriented their export flows and found new partners in markets across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the CIS, – emphasized Anatoly Garbuzov, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the city’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy.

Furthermore, Moscow exporters benefit greatly from national support programs. The International Cooperation and Export national project is a comprehensive suite of informational, financial, insurance, and logistical support measures. The project includes the My Export digital platform, which offers a range of support services for businesses. These services include free expert consultations, market analytics, assistance in marketing goods on international marketplaces, online training programs, and more.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI China: Airport in Beijing sees influx of inbound travelers on eve of Spring Festival

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

Airport in Beijing sees influx of inbound travelers on eve of Spring Festival

Updated: January 29, 2025 08:05 Xinhua

A mixed Chinese-foreign family pose for a photo at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. Beijing Capital International Airport saw an influx of inbound travelers on Tuesday, the eve of Spring Festival 2025. While many Chinese nationals returned home to celebrate the Spring Festival, some foreign visitors took advantage of visa-free or transit visa exemption policies to experience the festive atmosphere in China’s capital city. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists from Vietnam wait for entry inspection at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Immigration officer Chen Miao (1st R) hands out a Spring Festival decoration carrying the Chinese “Fu” character, which symbolizes good fortune, to tourists at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

An immigration officer issues a temporary entry permit to a British passport holder at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

An immigration officer adjusts the date on an immigration stamp at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists from South Korea display the immigration stamps on their passports at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Immigration officer Chen Miao (1st R) handles transit visa exemption procedures for tourists from the U.S. at the immigration area of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – College of GPs welcomes newest GP and rural hospital medicine trainees

Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) welcomes the 221 year 1 registrars who have started their journeys to becoming specialist general practitioners or rural hospital doctors.

Of this group, 201 registrars are starting on the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) and 20 are starting on the Rural Hospital Medicine (RHM) training programme.

With 90 percent of medical conditions being treated in the community, the College continues to advocate for well-resourced training programmes for our community-based workforce who are valued and supported to care for their patients.

College Chief Executive Toby Beaglehole says, “We’re delighted that our new registrars have recognised the impact they can have on improving health outcomes by working on the frontline in their communities.

“Growing our workforce continues to be a priority for the College this year. The new Health Minister has signalled his commitment to increasing access to general practice, which will come from having more specialists trained and working in the community, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss this with him.”

College President Dr Samantha Murton says, “We know the value that we bring to healthcare, which comes from the vast depth and breadth of knowledge and skills that we build on during our specialist training, and throughout our careers.

“To all our new registrars I say welcome, we’re so glad you’ve joined us, and I hope you take every opportunity to get involved, ask questions and share your own experiences about your journey that has led you into choosing this highly rewarding career.”

Chair of the College’s Division of Rural Hospital Medicine (DRHM) Dr Andrew Laurenson says, “Having these new rural trainees entering the programme is a great boost as we work towards having an accessible and thriving rural health workforce for the approximately 900,000 New Zealanders who live rurally.”

More information about the programmes and how to apply is available on the College website: https://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/study-with-us/

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Celebrate without fireworks this Lunar New Year

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking people to be vigilant during their Lunar New Year celebrations.

“We want everybody to have a wonderful time celebrating Lunar New Year, but we’re asking people to avoid using fireworks or sky lanterns as part of their celebrations,” Community Education Manager Tom Ronaldson says.

Some parts of the country are in prohibited and restricted fire seasons, and a ban on fireworks has been imposed for parts of Mid-South Canterbury and Otago.

These areas are Lake Clearwater and Lake Camp in the Ashburton Lakes area, the Mackenzie Basin, Naseby, Upper Waitaki zones, Central Otago and Central Lakes zones which include Wakatipu Basin, Wānaka and Hāwea areas.

A fireworks ban means you can’t light and set off any fireworks, including sparklers.

Sky lanterns also pose a significant risk to buildings and vegetation.

“We strongly recommend you do not light lanterns, as you have no control over where they travel. If they land in dry vegetation, they can quickly cause a fire,” Tom Ronaldson says.

“This includes tethered lanterns, as there is a risk of them becoming untethered and causing a fire.

“We’ve seen hot, dry and windy conditions in many parts of the country this summer, which means much of our vegetation is dry and ready to ignite,” he says.

“Again, we strongly encourage you to celebrate without fireworks or sky lanterns. But if you do decide to use them, please go to www.checkitsalright.nz to find out if it’s safe to do so.

“The website advises on the risk for different types of fire activity, provides fire safety advice, and tells you what fire restrictions your location is under if you aren’t sure.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Updated Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, building a more inclusive Australia

Source: Ministers for Social Services

29 January 2025

Good morning. It’s so great to be with you all today.

I begin this morning by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Wadawurrung peoples, and pay my respects to elders past and present.
I extend this acknowledgement to all First Nations people joining us here today.

It is great to be here at this Having a Say Conference so that we can launch the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy.
The Strategy is Australia’s plan to make life better for people with disability.

It talks about what we can do together to make Australia inclusive – so everyone can live good lives, take part in the community as equals, and be treated with respect.
I am so happy to be here with Victoria’s Minister for Disability, Minister Lizzie Blandthorn, along with Jane Spring, the Chair of the Strategy’s Advisory Council.
We are here together to show our shared commitment to improve outcomes for people with disability.

I would like to thank VALiD’s Chair, Arthur Rogers, and the CEO, Fionn Skiotis, for inviting us to be here this morning.

In fact, I would like to thank the whole VALiD team for the fantastic work they do every day, and have been doing since 1989.

Having a say, learning from each other, and supporting each other is really important, and I want you to know that your voices are being heard and are feeding into the decisions that governments make.

The message of ‘nothing about us without us’ has been heard loud and clear.

It is your voices, your thoughts, feelings and experiences, that guide our policies and the changes we want to make with you.

Because we all know that you are only able to participate fully in your communities when you get to have a say about what you need, what you want, and are treated with respect.
And what an amazing group of leaders, thinkers and communicators we have here with us today.

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

Australia’s Disability Strategy sets out our vision for an inclusive Australia.

It is a commitment by all levels of government to take actions to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia.

An Australia where the 5.5 million people with disability have the support they need to live the life they want and participate as equal members in the community.

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

Following the Disability Royal Commission’s report, all governments agreed to review Australia’s Disability Strategy.

Hearing from the disability community was so important when we started looking at what was working and what we could make better about the Strategy.

The updated Strategy is something I am very proud to share with you today.

We listened to the disability community, held public consultation and partnered with states and territories, the Strategy’s Advisory Council and Disability Representative Organisations, to understand what was most important.

The updates to the Strategy reflect what we have heard since the original launch of the Strategy 3 years ago, including through the Royal Commission.

We heard from you that having accessible housing and reducing homelessness was a really important issue for people with disability – and that’s why the updated Strategy now has a priority focus area on this.

And there are three new Targeted Action Plans that are focused on improving the lives of people with disability across 3 very important areas.

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

These new Targeted Action Plans include actions that are based on what the disability community has told us is the most important work we need to focus on.
Over the next three years, we will focus on the key areas of:

Changing Community Attitudes
Inclusive Homes and Communities; and
Safety, Rights and Justice.

The Commonwealth, States and Territories and local governments have agreed to these action plans and to work together to deliver.

We know that people with disability can face barriers because other people don’t understand what it means to live with disability.

And that’s why increasing understanding of disability and changing community attitudes is so important.

Sometimes people may not even realise that their actions are making it harder for people with disability to be included. This could be something as simple as writing something down for someone instead of only speaking. Or adjusting lighting in a public space.

If people have a better understanding about the barriers people with disability face, they can take the steps to remove these barriers.

So, the Community Attitudes Targeted Action Plan will focus on improving community understanding so people can take action to improve the inclusion and participation of people with disability in Australian society.

We’ve already taken important steps towards this goal under the current Strategy.

One example is our investment of $19.6 million (over the next 4 years) for an inclusion and accessibility fund. This will help professionals, like doctors, to improve the way they communicate and better include people with disability in the things that are important to them.

We are all safer when the information we need to make decisions is easy to find and we are included, feel welcome, and can easily seek support and connections.

Through the inclusive Homes and Communities Targeted Action Plan we will also keep working to make housing stock and our broader community more accessible for everyone.

For example, governments have been working together to build over 41 Changing Places, including here in Victoria – like the Aqua Centre in Sale and at the Yarraville Gardens.

These new accessible facilities make it easier for people with complex needs to move around their community and to travel further from their home.

We have also committed to improving the accessibility of public transport – because people with disability should be able to easily get around in their communities.

Every Australian deserves access to safe, affordable and accessible housing, no matter their circumstances. This new Targeted Action Plan will also focus on housing accessibility for people with disability.

States and territories will increase the supply of accessible housing for people with disability.

And the Commonwealth will be looking at ways to make it easier for people renting to find properties that will meet their access needs.

These actions will build on the 2024 National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness – that helps people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, and supports social housing and homelessness services.

Finally, the new Safety, Rights and Justice Targeted Action Plan sets out key actions to reduce and prevent people with disability from experiencing harm.

It outlines improved supports for those at risk of harm, and lays out pathways for action if things do go wrong. This includes introducing things like standard processes for identifying and supporting people with disability in prisons and making sure people know about supports that are available if they have experienced violence.

With advice from people with disability, and your representative organisations, all levels of government will work together to implement these action plans.

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

In the updated Strategy we also have a renewed focus on data and evidence.

Because we want to make sure that the actions that we are taking are making a tangible difference to the lives of people with disability.

Our Data Improvement Plan will help show the progress we are making, but also to identify where we need to do more.

The updated Strategy also reflects what you have told us and what we have heard, as well as describing the work that we have done together over the past three years across the country.

We have provided information to make the Strategy clearer and developed videos to help explain what the Strategy is all about.

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

Over the past three years, our Albanese Labor Government has been working hard to help people with disability across Australia to thrive.

And as Minister I have been working very hard to bring Australia’s Disability Strategy from words on a page, to life.

I have completely redesigned employment services for people with disability to drive a strong focus on quality and put the goals and aspirations of people with disability at the centre.

We are investing in more peer support across Australia – so that people can connect with others like them to give advice and so they don’t feel alone.

For the first time, airports and airlines will have to properly help people with disability – making it easier for people with disability to travel by planes.

Clear information is now available about how to support people with disability when there are emergencies – like fires or floods.

And we have made people with disability a key focus in the creative arts through a dedicated plan to support inclusion of people with disability, which includes things like music, films and live shows.

These are just some of the things our Government has been doing to bring the Strategy to life.

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

I am very optimistic about the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy and the changes that we will make together to achieve the Strategy’s goals to benefit all Australians with disability, and their families.

I encourage every person here today to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas with one another. Have your say, because it matters.

Our Government has heard what you want from the Strategy, and we will continue to work with you to ensure our work reflects your lived experiences.

Thank you again for the time with you today. And my thanks to the speakers who have shared their time so we could come to talk about how we will use the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy to help everyone to live better lives.

MIL OSI News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: More road deaths likely if evidence not followed

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Any road deaths as a result of increased speed limits will now be on the Government’s hands.

“Where it is safe to do so, we do not oppose raising speed limits. However, the Government’s making many of these changes based on a campaign promise, rather than evidence,” Labour’s transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.

“We know this, because the previous Transport Minister encouraged National Party supporters to submit on his own bill. He was not interested in the opposing views of safety campaigners.

“I would like to see the evidence that it is safe to raise speed limits on these roads, not the National Party opinion that it is.

“It is an absolute tragedy that we go into every long weekend expecting a road toll. It should not be normal for Kiwis to lose loved ones to people driving too fast.

“While we do not oppose travelling at faster speeds on roads where it is safe to do so, I do remain concerned about the potential for more deaths on the roads as a result of these changes,” Tangi Utikere 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 –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Social Issues – IHC urges collective fix to address root causes of child poverty

Source: IHC

IHC is urging policymakers, educators and the community to come together to address the root causes of poverty and ensure that no child is left behind, including children with an intellectual disability.

A new survey from KidsCan has found that thousands of children in New Zealand are beginning the school year without essential basics.

IHC Director of Advocacy Tania Thomas says these findings are a call to action.

“Children with intellectual disabilities are not just facing much higher financial hardship than most; they’re facing exclusion from opportunities to thrive and participate in society,” says Tania. “It’s unacceptable, and we must do better.”

Forthcoming research from IHC, using data from Stats NZ’s integrated data infrastructure, sheds light on the disproportionate and rarely discussed impact of the child poverty crisis on intellectually disabled children. The findings, set to be published in February, reveal that these children are twice as likely as their peers to experience material hardship.

Key findings include:

Financial Strain: 42 percent of households with an intellectually disabled child cannot pay an unavoidable bill within a month without borrowing, compared to 18 percent of households in the general population.
Food Insecurity: People with intellectual disability are three times more likely than other New Zealanders to miss out on meals with meat or a vegetarian equivalent at least every second day.
Social Exclusion: Children with an intellectual disability experience significant barriers to social participation, such as their family being unable to afford school trips or events (13 percent vs. 2 percent in the general population) and not hosting friends to play and eat (26 percent vs. 9 percent in the general population).
Hardship Increases with Age: Unlike the general population, people with an intellectual disability have increased levels of hardship as they age.

Tania says this IHC research highlights the compounded disadvantages that families of intellectually disabled children face, particularly as they prepare for the school year.

“Essential expenses such as uniforms, stationery and extracurricular activities strain already stretched budgets, leaving many children with an intellectual disability at a disadvantage from the outset.

“Investing in targeted support for families with intellectually disabled children is not only an ethical imperative but also a societal one.”

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – The government has begun to “go through the motions” of questioning Israeli soldiers at the border but it’s just a “look busy” policy – too little too late! – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

The government has begun questioning Israeli soldiers about their military service in Gaza at the New Zealand border as revealed in a Times of Israel story today which says:

“New Zealand’s government immigration authority has begun to require Israelis applying for a visa to report details of their military service as a condition for entry, and at least one person has been denied admission after doing so, The Times of Israel has learned”

However, the details of the questions asked reveals the government is simply “going through the motions” to weed out possible war criminals.

The key questions asked are:

“Have you been associated with any intelligence service or group, or law enforcement agency?”
“Have you been associated with any group or organization that has used or promoted violence or human rights abuses to further their aims?”
“Have you committed or been involved in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or human rights abuses?”

It’s obvious how every soldier will answer those questions and New Zealand is none the wiser.

What the story also reveals is that the rejection rate for visas for Israelis coming here has not changed since the genocide began in Gaza.

An analysis of INZ statistical data indicates that the rejection rate for Israeli visa applications to New Zealand during the war has been approximately four percent. This is not unusually high compared to previous years or the rejection rates for citizens of other developed countries.

It’s clear the questioning of Israeli soldiers is not revealing people involved in war crimes and is a “look busy” policy. This gives more reason for the government to adopt PSNA policy and suspend all visas for anyone who has served in the IDF since 7 October 2023.

The government must also uphold the International Court of Justice Advisory opinion (19 July 2024) which calls on the government to end support for Israel’s illegal occupation. This means we should also deny entry to every Israeli wanting to visit here who has an address in an illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

John Minto

National Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Joint statement on Australian state, territory and local government response to the launch of the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy

Source: Ministers for Social Services

29 January 2025

The Australian Federal Government, all state and territory governments and the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), have today reaffirmed their commitment to building a more inclusive Australia, where all people with disability can participate on an equal basis, through the release of the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031.

As part of the joint response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, Australian and state and territory governments accepted the Royal Commission’s recommendation to review the Strategy.

Throughout the review, people with disability, representative organisations and the Strategy’s Advisory Council shared their important perspectives on how governments can continue to improve the everyday lives of people with disability.

All governments are committed to the Strategy’s vision and policy priorities of breaking down barriers and creating accessible, inclusive communities where all people with disability can participate on an equal basis.

Governments have also established new Targeted Action Plans (TAPs) under the Strategy to apply an intensive focusing on Community Attitudes, Safety, Rights and Justice and Inclusive Homes and Communities, which are all areas that people with disability have identified as being of critical importance.

Each state, territory and many local governments are also implementing disability plan(s) in place to progress reform consistent with the Strategy.

Governments will continue to work closely with the disability community, employers, unions, non-government organisations and the broader community as we move forward with this work, ensuring the voices, experience and lived expertise of people with disability are directly shaping the reforms that affect them.

Signed by the Prime Minister, all First Ministers and the President of ALGA, the Strategy is our national framework, based on the social model of disability, to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia over ten years.

The updated Strategy is accompanied by a range of supporting resources, including:

An updated 10-year milestone roadmap
A revised Data Improvement Plan
Guide to applying Australia’s Disability Strategy
Educational videos to outline what we have heard in the review and changes that are made
An accessible factsheet on updates to the Strategy.

MIL OSI News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fleeing driver: Charges confirmed

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A man is expected in court today, following a fleeing driver incident across much of central Auckland.

On Tuesday, a vehicle with mismatching plates was located on the Northwestern Motorway.

After allegedly failing to stop for Police, the matter concluded at Dress Smart shopping centre in Onehunga.

Auckland City Road Policing Manager acting Inspector Scott Jones says the vehicle the man was driving has since been confirmed as stolen.

“A 31-year-old Northland man is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court today,” he says.

“He faces charges of aggravated assault, reckless driving, failing to stop and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.”

During the fleeing driver incident, it was established the man was also sought in relation to other active court matters, including aggravated robbery.

“It’s fortunate that neither the public nor Police staff suffered any injuries as a result of the man’s alleged actions yesterday afternoon,” acting Inspector Jones says.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Citizenship applications completed up 54 per cent in December

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Department of Internal Affairs [the Department] has achieved significant progress in completing applications for New Zealand citizenship.

“December 2024 saw the Department complete 5,661 citizenship applications, the most for any month in 2024. This is a 54 per cent increase compared to the 3,685 applications completed during December 2023,” says Ms van Velden.

“I have asked the Department to focus efforts on reducing the number of outstanding applications, and I am pleased to see progress being made. The number of work-in-progress applications has dropped from 28,544 on 27 November 2023 to 18,749 in January 2025, a drop of 34 per cent.

“At the start of December 2024, the oldest applications being picked up for processing for the first time were submitted a year prior. As of January 2025, the oldest applications being picked up are from late March 2024.”

The Department has been working to cross-skill staff to process passport, citizenship, and digital identity [RealMe] applications. The more adaptable workforce is better able to respond to fluctuations in demand for different products, leading to increased productivity and better outcomes for New Zealanders.

“I know that receiving the grant of New Zealand citizenship is a significant moment in a person’s life, and I have heard from many individuals about the impact that delays to obtaining citizenship can have on them and their family. I will continue to remain focussed on reducing citizenship wait times and ensuring high standards of service,” says Ms van Velden.

In December 2024 the Department also launched a public dashboard showing measures of output and average processing time across their life and identity products, including citizenship. The dashboard can be accessed here: https://www.dia.govt.nz/Life-and-Identity-Services-Performance-Measures-Dashboard

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Does your school have enough trees? Here’s why they’re great for kids and their learning

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Stanley, Professor of Ecology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Getty Images

Do schools and trees mix? You may have memories of shady playing areas and shelter belts by playing fields, but our recent study suggests this is increasingly an exception rather than a rule.

Trees are often seen as a health and safety risk, whether from branches or the whole thing falling, or from children falling out of them. Many schools have banned pupils from climbing trees as a result.

Beyond that, trees are often seen as an optional “nice to have”. New Zealand’s current education minister criticised extensive landscaping and bespoke design when announcing a review of school properties in early 2024.

But the benefits of trees and other vegetation in urban areas are well known, and increasingly important as housing density increases. Schools can play a significant role in encouraging the growth of “urban forests”.

Unfortunately, there are also large differences in tree canopy cover in New Zealand cities (and elsewhere in the world), with low socioeconomic areas often having low tree canopy cover.

This matters because trees and nature in general provide us with enormous health and wellbeing benefits, regardless of socioeconomic standing.

Natural benefits

Very little is known about green spaces on local school grounds. So, our research set out to survey the quantity and quality of green spaces in 64 urban primary schools in Auckland.

We conducted the survey in the context of several known factors about the role and place of nature in education:

there has been a decline in the time spent outdoors by children since the 1950s
there is increasing evidence for the emotional and psychological benefits for children of connecting with nature
greening a school improves children’s appreciation for their daily environment and increases social wellbeing
highly vegetated schools provide a big opportunity to boost physical and mental health benefits for children, particularly in suburbs with low tree canopy cover
vegetation on school grounds can provide excellent opportunities for learning, particularly in science, with some evidence that greening increases academic achievement
trees and other vegetation can improve air quality at school, provide shade and UV protection from the sun.

Because schools are fairly evenly distributed throughout cities, and can have a large spatial footprint, there’s also an opportunity to enhance wider native biodiversity, create ecological corridors and maintain cultural connections.

Fields but few trees

Unfortunately, our survey found the green spaces of most Auckland primary schools are dominated by sports fields.

While it’s good news that children have access to these, adding trees and shrubs around the edges of the fields could provide many benefits without compromising existing play spaces.

Native biodiversity was also lacking. In fact, 33% of school ground contained environmental weeds, such as woolly nightshade. There were also many more introduced plant species than native species, and most schools lacked a shrub layer.

Urban green spaces in general tend to favour single trees with mown lawn underneath. But birds feed in different layers of vegetation and need that shrub layer and some vegetation complexity.

The most common native tree by far was pōhutakawa. But planting a monoculture of pōhutakawa is a big risk if a disease (such as myrtle rust) has a big impact on that species.

Diversity is key. Planting other native species such as pūriri, karaka, rewarewa or tītoki would increase plant diversity, attract native birds and other species, as well as provide sun shade.

Room for improvement

There was some good news, however. Of the 64 schools surveyed, 36% had a forest patch. This gives the children access to an outdoor learning resource that may be lacking from their immediate neighbourhood.

It was heartening to find every school had at least one species associated with weaving, with both harakeke and tī kōuka present at 83% of schools.

We know young Māori in cities are at risk of losing cultural knowledge and opportunities for cultural practices, so the availability of key weaving species is an excellent opportunity for schools and their whānau.

If this was a report card, Auckland’s school green spaces would not be high-achieving. But there are plenty of opportunities to improve. Adding more diversity, more native plants, and planting trees around the edges of sports fields will provide a wealth of benefits to both children and the city’s overall biodiversity.

Using outdoor spaces for learning will increase natural and cultural connections and improve children’s wellbeing. That is much more than a “nice to have”.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Does your school have enough trees? Here’s why they’re great for kids and their learning – https://theconversation.com/does-your-school-have-enough-trees-heres-why-theyre-great-for-kids-and-their-learning-246411

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Chairman Wicker Joins Fox’s Brian Kilmeade to Talk Defense Reform, Trump Administration Priorities

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, appeared on Fox’s “One Nation with Brian Kilmeade” on Saturday to discuss his urgent priorities on defense reform and bringing back peace through strength under President-elect Trump.
In his interview, Chairman Wicker stressed the importance of acting on major reforms at the Pentagon, including through his “Freedom’s Forge” plan, to strengthen the defense industrial base under President-elect Trump. Chairman Wicker also discussed the window of opportunity that the President has early in his term to rebuild deterrence and the United States military to send a signal to China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Following last week’s hearing, Chairman Wicker additionally noted that nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is well on his way to Senate confirmation, and that Hegseth will prove a vital partner for returning peace through strength to the Pentagon. In Hegseth’s hearing, he endorsed Chairman Wicker’s Freedom’s Forge plan, saying that “those are precisely the kinds of ideas that need to be pursued.”
Read more about “Freedom’s Forge” here, “Peace Through Strength” here, and the FORGED Act here. Key excerpts of the interview are below.
On Pete Hegseth:

[Pete is] definitely on his way [to confirmation], and I’ll tell you what, we’re going to have a hearing at 5:00 on Inauguration Day, and I think he’ll be reported to the full Senate the very first day…I’d say by the first week, Pete Hegseth will be in place at the Pentagon. And we need somebody right away at the Pentagon. This the most dangerous situation the United States has faced since World War II we’re facing not only Russia and China, but North Korea, and the Ayatollahs, and Iran – they’re and they’re all in it together like they never have been before. So, we need leadership, we need a change, and we need somebody in charge, and I’m really looking forward to working with Pete Hegseth, and also, the team that he’s putting in place.

On defense reform:

Well, we need to act more like a business when it comes to buying things [at the Pentagon]. Well for one thing we need to encourage startup companies. We have been in the Pentagon too comfortable with the old way of doing things. New folks with startup ideas like Elon Musk had a couple of decades ago – we need to encourage them to come forward and make suggestions. And so the point is, we can get to 5% of our gross domestic product on defense, but we can save a lot of money by bringing efficiencies at the same time…as a matter of fact, my report came out before I ever heard of DOGE, so the fact that you’ve got two people really trying to find the same efficiencies that we’ve outlined is music to my ears. This is going to work very well with Elon Musk.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker, Colleagues Reintroduce TORNADO Act

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Jerry Moran, R-Kan., Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., Todd Young, R-Ind., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., reintroduced the bipartisan Tornado Observation Research Notification and Deployment to Operations (TORNADO) Act, which would improve the forecasting of tornadoes and other hazardous weather. The TORNADO Act would also encourage the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to update its methods for predicting and communicating weather alerts to residents.
“With the quality of modern forecasting systems, we should be delivering faster warnings for severe weather. The TORNADO Act would update alerts and communication systems with the latest best practices and scientific insights. Advanced warnings will ensure Mississippians can better protect their families, homes, and businesses,” Senator Wicker said.
“Storms and natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. We need to make sure our communities have the tools to accurately predict and quickly respond to dangerous weather events like tornadoes and flash floods,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to again help lead this bipartisan bill to improve our nation’s forecasting and warning systems for hazardous weather to protect the lives and livelihoods of folks across our state.”
“From tornadoes to flooding, Iowans have seen more than our fair share of severe weather,” Grassley said. “This bipartisan bill would help update and streamline NOAA’s severe weather alerts and communications systems so that precious seconds aren’t lost when notifying communities about dangerous weather events.”
“Tornado alley runs right through Mississippi and too many people have been lost due, in part, to inadequate emergency notifications. We want the TORNADO Act to become law so that federal agencies and their partners can better harness technology to greatly improve how we let people know that a tornado is headed their way and to take cover,” Senator Hyde-Smith said.
“When a tornado strikes, the most important action we can take is to ensure residents receive ample warning of the incoming storm so they can get to safety. The TORNADO Act is a simple yet crucial piece of legislation that will improve forecasts and communicate the risks of impending tornadoes to help keep those in the path of these devastating storms out of danger,” Senator Cruz said.
“While we can’t prevent storms from occurring, the TORNADO Act will improve severe weather forecasting, notifying the public faster and allowing Hoosiers to find safety more quickly,” said Senator Young. “This bill will better protect communities in Indiana and across the nation when severe weather comes.”
“We saw the devastation that Hurricane Helene brought to several communities throughout Georgia last year, many of them are still in the throes of the long recovery process. As Georgians continue to be impacted by increasingly severe weather, we must use every tool in our arsenal to protect our communities,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “That is why the TORNADO Act is so important. It will help improve our ability to inform Georgians about how these dangerous weather events are expected to impact them and allow them to better prepare and protect themselves. I’m proud to work with Senator Wicker to introduce this crucial bipartisan legislation.”
The TORNADO Act would require NOAA to implement new technology and procedures for severe weather alerts. The updates could help increase the warning lead times provided to the public before storms strike.
Among other provisions, the TORNADO Act would:
Require NOAA to prepare and submit an action plan for the national implementation of high-resolution probabilistic guidance for tornado forecasting and prediction.
Encourage NOAA to evaluate the current tornado rating system and make updates.
Require NOAA to coordinate with appropriate entities when conducting post-storm assessments to optimize data collection, sharing, and integration.
The full text of the bill can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police seek information on Ōkaihau hit-and-run

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Northland Police is investigating the fatal hit-and-run of a cyclist in Ōkaihau last night.

An investigation team is forming in the small Far North town to locate the person responsible.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kevan Verry, of Northland CIB, says Police were contacted by Settlers Way residents at around 10.15pm on 28 January.

“We believe the collision between a cyclist and vehicle has occurred between 10pm and 10.15pm on that road,” he says.

“Tragically, it has resulted in a 19-year-old dying from his injuries at the scene.”

In the small hours of the morning, a traffic crash analyst attended and examined the scene.

“A criminal investigation is now underway, and detectives are working to piece together who is responsible,” Detective Senior Sergeant Verry says.

“Police will be in the Ōkaihau township as part of our investigation, seeking witnesses and further information.”

Investigators want to hear from anyone in the area last night that has information.

“Police will be searching for a vehicle that has obvious signs of damage.

“A young man has lost his life, and it’s important that anyone in the community with information does the right thing and speaks up now.”

Victim Support has been engaged for the cyclist’s family.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time and with what they are going through.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the lead up or aftermath of the incident, or who has any information, is asked to contact Police.

Update Police online or call 105, using the reference number 250129/0360.

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

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: 1,500 people receive care from NSW pharmacies for common skin conditions

Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 29 January 2025

Released by: Minister for Health

Almost 1,500 people have received more convenient and easy-to-access care for common skin conditions as part of the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial.

The trial, which has surpassed the six-month milestone, allows appropriately trained pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions.

These conditions include impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema and acute mild plaque psoriasis.

Over 480 pharmacies across the state are currently participating in the trial.

The skin conditions phase of the trial builds on trials which have enabled authorised pharmacists to undertake consultations for urinary tract infections (UTI) and the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP).

Since June 2024, authorised pharmacists have been able to offer the UTI service as part of usual business, and the resupply of OCP since September.

This initiative has allowed thousands of people with the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription through their local pharmacist, relieving pressure on general practitioners (GP) and freeing up GP appointments for people who need them the most.

While the supply and accessibility of GPs is a responsibility of the Commonwealth, challenges relating to access to primary care is impacting the state’s hospitals.

The NSW Government however is playing its part by embracing new and innovative initiatives to create pathways outside the hospital, including:

Empowering pharmacists to provide care for selected common conditions;
Delivering more urgent care services and clinics;
Delivering more virtual care services; and
Saving bulk-billing in NSW by providing payroll tax relief to GP clinics.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Imagine, instead of struggling to find a GP appointment to receive a script for a minor skin condition, you could just pop down to your local pharmacy, and receive the care you need, when you need it.

“We’re providing thousands of people with the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription this way, relieving pressure on our GPs and saving GP appointments for people who need them the most.

“I am so pleased more than 1,400 people across NSW have been able to access more convenient, timely support for common mild skin conditions thanks to this trial.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting innovative initiatives like this one that are helping improve access to primary care services.

Quotes attributable to Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch:

“Community pharmacists in NSW have provided immediate care for nearly 1,500 patients with minor skin conditions through the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial.

With over 480 participating pharmacies, the initiative offers convenient prescription access, easing the burden on GPs and reserving their appointments for more critical cases.

This approach benefits both the community and its residents by making treatment more accessible and efficient. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is proud and honoured to be part of this critical initiative, supporting and evolving the NSW healthcare landscape.”

MIL OSI News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI China: Shenzhen, Hong Kong jointly conserve mangrove wetlands

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

SHENZHEN/HONG KONG, Jan. 28 — In the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve in Shenzhen and the Mai Po Nature Reserve in Hong Kong are jointly safeguarding a vibrant expanse of mangrove wetlands.

These wetlands are ecologically linked and integral parts of the Shenzhen Bay (Deep Bay) wetland ecosystem, which serves as an internationally important overwintering site and a refueling station for waterbirds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

In February 2023, Shenzhen’s Futian mangrove was designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Together with the wetlands in Mai Po Nature Reserve, Shenzhen Bay now hosts two internationally recognized wetlands of significance.

“Mangroves are unique and complex ecosystems, often difficult for humans to access. Their dense canopy provides birds with quiet, undisturbed nesting areas, making them vital for wildlife conservation,” said Simon Wong, nature officer (management) at the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.

Moreover, mangroves protect coastlines from erosion caused by waves, while the mudflats they create harbor countless species and provide feeding and resting areas for migratory waterbirds, benefiting surrounding regions and other habitats, he added.

According to Wong, mangroves and their soil have a high capacity for carbon sequestration through microbial activity, helping reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations and mitigating the impacts of global warming and climate change. Mangroves can also accumulate heavy metals, help degrade organic pollutants, and exhibit an ecological interception effect against microplastics.

The wetlands of the nature reserves in Futian and Mai Po not only support rich biodiversity but also symbolize the close cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in ecological conservation.

Since signing the framework arrangement for the conservation of Shenzhen Bay (Deep Bay) wetlands in January 2023, the two cities have made significant strides in protecting mangroves and wetlands, offering valuable insights into the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

“The Shenzhen Bay is essentially a shared wetland between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Despite being separated by the Shenzhen River, the ecosystem remains consistent,” said Yang Qiong, a senior engineer at Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau.

According to the framework, Shenzhen and Hong Kong will collaborate on ecological baseline and waterbird monitoring, synchronized surveys of black-faced spoonbills and their habitats, protection of inter-tidal mudflat and native mangrove species, capacity building, and experience sharing on environmental education.

The framework provides an excellent platform for sharing experience in the wetland ecosystem conversation in Shenzhen Bay, said Toby Cheung, nature reserve officer (education) at the AFCD.

The black-faced spoonbill, a key species in Shenzhen Bay and one of China’s top protected animals, has experienced a notably impressive population recovery. From fewer than 300 individuals in the 1990s to 6,988 counted globally in January 2024, the growth of black-faced spoonbill highlights the importance of Shenzhen Bay’s role in their protection.

To accurately monitor the numbers and distribution of black-faced spoonbills, Shenzhen and Hong Kong conduct synchronized surveys and smart monitoring. Monthly synchronized data reflects the status of black-faced spoonbill throughout Shenzhen Bay, while annual global synchronized surveys provide a comprehensive understanding of population dynamics.

High-definition cameras and AI-powered bird recognition technology are used for automated monitoring, particularly at night, reducing disturbance to resting birds while improving monitoring efficiency.

On Nov. 6, 2024, an agreement was signed to establish the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen, marking the beginning of deeper cross-border joint protection efforts in wetland conservation. In the future, the two cities aim to build a more comprehensive cross-border joint protection model and extend their cooperation to global mangrove conservation efforts.

Yang said that Shenzhen and Hong Kong can learn from each other’s advanced experience and practices in wetland protection and implement cross-border joint conservation efforts. She noted that the wetland protection model in Shenzhen Bay, developed through collaboration between the two cities, could serve as a standout example for exchange at the International Mangrove Center.

Nora Tam, chair professor of environmental science and conservation at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, noted that through the platform of the International Mangrove Center, Shenzhen and Hong Kong can increase exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, resources, management, and information, promoting wetland protection cooperation within the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

MIL OSI China News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pair arrested after Panmure aggravated robbery

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police were on the money, arresting two offenders shortly after an aggravated robbery in Panmure this morning.

Just after 9am, two offenders entered the Cash Converters store on Queens Road.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, from Auckland City Crime Squad, says the pair were allegedly carrying weapons at the time.

“They allegedly took the store’s till and used those weapons to smash cabinets and take jewellery on display,” he says.

“Both fled the store and got into the stolen vehicle they arrived in.”

Police were quickly contacted and deployed to the area.

Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says the stolen vehicle was located on Swan Crescent in Pakuranga, after colliding into a gate.

“A Police dog handler deployed in the area and tracked to an address in the nearby area.”

Inside, Police have since located two 16-year-old males and they have been arrested.

The store’s till has also been recovered.

“Charges will be laid in due course as our investigation continues,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

“I’d like to acknowledge the various Police teams that deployed to the aggravated robbery this morning, as we continue to hold offenders to account.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wheels come off yard burglary

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Two men face a slew of charges after their alleged burglary plans uncoupled on Auckland Anniversary Day.

On Monday, frontline Police responded to a burglary in progress at an industrial area in Takanini, at around 8.54am.

“Two men had allegedly broken into the business’ yard and were in the process of stealing a trailer and an all-terrain vehicle,” Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes says.

“The victims had arrived on scene and had approached the two offenders.”

After being asked about their actions, one of the men allegedly assaulted one of the victims. Fortunately, he did not sustain serious injuries.

“Police had received a 111 call, and our staff were soon in the area,” Inspector Hoyes says.

“A Police unit signalled for the stolen vehicle and trailer to stop; however, the offender accelerated at speed and wasn’t pursued.”

The second offender left the area on foot.

Meanwhile, the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed and was overhead of the vehicle as it travelled north on the motorway.

Inspector Hoyes says the vehicle exited at Highbrook and travelled to Kilkenny Drive in East Tamaki.

“The vehicle came to a stop and units quickly moved in and blocked in the vehicle before the driver was arrested.”

A 56-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault, two counts of burglary, reckless driving and failing to stop.

He will appear in the Papakura District Court on 30 January.

The second man, a 45-year-old, was arrested in the Takanini area. He is also facing two charges of burglary and one count of aggravated assault.

He has since appeared in the Papakura District Court and will reappear on 20 February 2025.

“We acknowledge the victims’ quick reporting of offending taking place at their premises so our staff could respond and it’s a great outcome that we have returned both pieces of equipment to them,” Inspector Hoyes says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Proper funding of primary care nurses key to Kiwis getting into GPs – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Primary care nurses must be paid the same as hospital nurses to fix the chronic staff shortages causing New Zealanders to be turned away from GP clinics, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.

A Victoria University of Wellington study has found 36% of New Zealand’s general practices didn’t take new enrolments in 2024, with workforce shortages cited as the major reason people were being turned away.

NZNO’s New Zealand College of Primary Health Care Nurses chair Tracey Morgan says the Coalition Government’s focus on the health sector is misdirected.

“While the Government is focused on the five health targets, they are ignoring the most pressing issue – chronic staff shortages in primary care.

“When people can’t get into their GP, they can end up at hospital even sicker. This puts more pressure on our already stretched hospitals and the Government’s own targets will be harder to meet,” Tracey Morgan says.

Primary care nurses are leaving GP clinics to work in hospitals because they get paid 18% more despite having the same skills and qualifications, she says.

“It is time for the Government to pay primary care nurses the same as their hospital counterparts and introduce a sustainable funding model for the primary care sector.

“Until this is done, it is everyday New Zealanders who are trying to see a doctor when they are sick who will pay the price.

“New Health Minister Simeon Brown has said he is ‘an advocate for everyday Kiwis who simply want timely, quality healthcare when they need it’. Here is his solution,” Tracey Morgan says.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025

Category: Asia Pacific

Safety first

Learn a life skill

Six toddler pools to try

1. Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre

2. Albany Stadium Pool

3. Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre

4. Grey Lynn Paddling Pool

5. Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre

6. Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre

A sweeping power

A bit of history

Parallels with today

What might Trump do?

Could Australia be singled out?

What you should do

If you are leaving

If you are not leaving – prepare to defend

Why tech stocks took a deep dive

Who is DeepSeek and what is R1?

The future of AI and tech stocks

Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Natural benefits

Fields but few trees

Room for improvement

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation