Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs
We, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union express our grave concerns regarding the deployment of DPRK troops to Russia, potentially for the use on the battlefield against Ukraine.
Several thousands of DPRK troops have been deployed to Russia. The DPRK’s direct support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, besides showing Russia’s desperate efforts to compensate its losses, would mark a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific peace and security. It would be a further breach of international law, including the most fundamental principles of the UN Charter.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms the increasing military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including the DPRK’s export and Russia’s unlawful procurement of DPRK ballistic missiles in breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs), as well as Russia’s use of these missiles and munitions against Ukraine. DPRK soldiers receiving or providing any training or other assistance related to the use of ballistic missiles or arms is a direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions 1718, 1874 and 2270. We are also deeply concerned about the potential for any transfer of nuclear or ballistic missile-related technology from Russia to the DPRK in violation of the relevant UNSCRs. We urge the DPRK to stop providing assistance to Russia’s war of aggression.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to support Ukraine as it defends its freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We are working with our international partners for a coordinated response to this new development.
BNZ today announced it has joined forces with leading New Zealand open banking fintech BlinkPay.
The investment will enable BlinkPay to accelerate and scale its innovation and product development through access to BNZ’s resources and expertise.
With BNZ as BlinkPay’s new owner, co-founder Adrian Smith becomes the fintech’s CEO, ensuring BlinkPay retains its own leadership and decision-making, along with its entrepreneurial spirit and startup culture.
“As a Māori-led business, we bring unique perspective to financial innovation. BNZ understands and values this – and they’re backing our vision while enabling us to retain our startup DNA,” Smith says.
“Our kaupapa has always been about making financial services work better for all New Zealanders. BNZ’s support gives us the resources to accelerate our mission and help grow the open banking ecosystem across Aotearoa.”
BNZ CEO Dan Huggins says the investment builds on BNZ’s established leadership in open banking.
“BNZ has been at the forefront of open banking in New Zealand since 2018, with more than 250,000 customers already benefiting from innovative financial services enabled by BNZ’s open banking technology.
“This represents the next phase in our journey. With BNZ supporting BlinkPay’s innovation and agility, we can accelerate the development of new products and services that will benefit all New Zealanders.
“We’re proud to be investing in a team that has proven their ability to innovate and deliver.”The partnership will focus on developing new open banking capabilities that improve financial outcomes for consumers and businesses across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Unemployment rate at 4.8 percent – 6 November 2024 – Unemployment continues to grow, with more people remaining unemployed for longer periods and a declining employment rate, while wage growth slows, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
In the September 2024 quarter:
unemployment rate was 4.8 percent
employment rate was 67.8 percent
annual wage inflation was 3.8 percent
average ordinary time hourly earnings were $41.98.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, as measured by the Household Labour Force Survey, was 4.8 percent in the September 2024 quarter, compared with 4.6 percent in the previous quarter.
Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:
Unemployment rate at 4.8 percent–6 November 2024 –Unemployment continues to grow, with more people remaining unemployed for longer periods and a declining employment rate, while wage growth slows, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
In the September 2024 quarter:
unemployment rate was 4.8 percent
employment rate was 67.8 percent
annual wage inflation was 3.8 percent
average ordinary time hourly earnings were $41.98.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, as measured by the Household Labour Force Survey, was 4.8 percent in the September 2024 quarter, compared with 4.6 percent in the previous quarter.
Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:
6 November 2024 – Swinburne University of Technology and EDF Australia have joined forces in a partnership to launch a ground-breaking program to drive innovation for the energy transition. The partnership, funded by the Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition (FACET), will foster innovation for startups and will support Australia’s decarbonisation goals.
While continued investment in traditional clean energy infrastructure remains essential for Australia to reach its net-zero targets, investment in innovation is needed to fully decarbonise the Australian economy. The urgency of the climate crisis is clearer than ever, highlighting the need for diverse solutions to reduce carbon emissions across all sectors and industries. The program will identify and support startups developing ground-breaking and innovative solutions to address key challenges in areas such as energy storage technologies, transmission infrastructure, alternative clean fuel developments and the decarbonisation of existing industrial assets.
EDF Australia CEO James Katsikas emphasised the partnership aims to deliver a unique opportunity for startups to work with major industrials and to test these innovative solutions in real-life conditions.
“We are deeply committed to the global fight against climate change. As an organisation we spend over A$1B annually on research and development to ensure we remain at the cutting edge of energy innovation. This partnership enables us to combine that global expertise with local innovation to work alongside dynamic startups and find new and impactful solutions that can accelerate Australia’s energy transition.”
“We will aim to provide startups with essential commercial and technical support, fostering collaboration and driving sustainable technological advancements.”
“Ultimately our investment in this program will assist us to deliver better outcomes in the infrastructure projects we are developing across Australia.”
The collaboration marks Swinburne Innovation Studio’s first FACET grant and will combine the expertise of Swinburne Innovation Studio and EDF Australia.
Swinburne Vice-President of Innovation and Enterprise, Dr Werner van der Merwe, highlighted the importance of this program.
“This collaboration with EDF Australia reflects our commitment to delivering impactful solutions to address one of the greatest challenges of our time.”
Director of Swinburne’s Innovative Planet Research Institute Professor Allison Kealy agreed and highlighted the need to address energy challenges.
“The transition to a sustainable energy future requires bold, innovative thinking, and partnerships like this one play a crucial role.”
“This partnership will enable us to leverage our combined expertise in technology commercialisation to make meaningful progress in energy storage, transmission and decarbonisation efforts.”
Livestock can be bred for lower methane emissions while also improving productivity at a rate greater than what the industry is currently achieving, research has shown.
AgResearch scientists today presented their analysis to the joint New Zealand Society of Animal Production and New Zealand Grassland Association conferences in Oamaru, which challenges assumptions from critics that breeding for a low methane trait will be at the expense of key genetic traits for productivity.
The scientists drew on data from a performance recorded sheep flock maintained by AgResearch, which is also recorded for methane emissions, compared to average dual-purpose sheep on a NZ production index incorporating reproduction, survival, growth and adult size traits.
“We investigated if the rate of reduction in methane emissions that has been seen in our low methane flock over the past six years was sufficient to achieve New Zealand’s targeted methane reductions by the year 2050,” says AgResearch scientist John McEwan.
“Assuming the rate of methane reduction of 0.95% per year as has been shown in the flock so far will be maintained, and accounting for the genetic lag for use of rams in commercial flocks, the result we reached was a 27% decrease in commercial flocks methane emissions by the year 2050, while increasing per head productivity (using the current Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics index) by $51.80.”
The current New Zealand target is to reduce biogenic methane emissions by 24 to 47 per cent below 2017 levels; however, the methane targets are currently being reviewed. Productivity gains are also in the sights of the Government, with a goal of doubling exports by value within a decade.
“Continuation with current industry progress would achieve a 2.8% reduction in methane emissions and $30.80 increase in per head productivity. In other words, methane emissions can be reduced while also increasing productivity faster than current industry progress,” McEwan says.
“While our analysis does not account for all factors, it does suggest that genetic selection, if appropriately applied, could contribute a substantial proportion of the currently proposed reduction in methane emissions from the sheep industry. And it can be done without any change in ewe numbers.”
“The fact that these results have been obtained from a B+LNZ Genetics recorded flock and using the current industry breeding evaluation system adds strength to the fact that this is possible using existing industry tools available to all New Zealand breeders.
The challenge is its rapid adoption by the industry.”
AgResearch’s core focus is to deliver high quality science to enhance the value, productivity and sustainability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food and agri-technology sectors. More at www.agresearch.co.nz
The Government will today be urged to ensure the new Dunedin hospital provides crucial tertiary level health services for the Southern region in a petition being handed over at Parliament today.
Tertiary level health services are specialised and lifesaving care such as surgery and lifesaving and cancer treatments. The current Dunedin Hospital which provides a range of these specialist services to patients throughout Otago and the South Island is in a state of disrepair.
The 34,406-signature petition from the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki O Aotearoa calls for the new hospital to be fully funded as planned after the Coalition Government in September said it would be scaled back to reduce costs.
The proposed downgrades are a false economy, says NZNO delegate Linda Smillie.
“A scaled back hospital will increase costs over the long term because it will reduce the clinical capacity to care for an increasingly aging population.
“Nurses will not be able to provide the appropriate level of care their patients need. This will lead to patient harm and loss of life.”
The Coalition Government must fund the full new hospital as was promised, Linda Smillie says.
“Southerners deserve more than half a hospital or a slow rebuild of the old hospital.”
NZNO representatives will be at Parliament at 12:30 with the Dunedin City Council delegation led by Mayor Jules Radich.
Small businesses will welcome the Government’s firm direction to government agencies to pay their bills on time, BusinessNZ says.
Chief Executive Katherine Rich says many businesses supply goods and services to government agencies and can experience hardship from late payment times.
“Businesses can look forward to their invoices being paid within 10 business days, given explicit requirements now placed on government agencies.”
Mrs Rich also welcomed the Government’s intention to require government agencies to use e-invoicing from 2026.
“BusinessNZ has consistently advocated for improvements to procurement practices, and we are grateful for this e-invoicing requirement and other planned changes to the Procurement Rules.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
Any company that strives to be profitable and successful needs to include women and other diverse representatives in its leadership. Yet even in the most forward-focused organizations, women may still face obstacles to inclusion.
Sameer Somal, a tech entrepreneur and the co-founder of Girl Power Talk and Girl Power USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping you women become leaders in business and society, will share his experiences and perspective on empowering women during the next Equity Now presentation on Nov. 19. The event is sponsored by School of Business.
“If you look at society for the last 1,000 years, women have too often been sidelined from positions of leadership. Yet studies have repeatedly shown that when women are added to the C-Suite and to Boards of Directors, those companies outperform their peers,’’ Somal said.
“I want business students to be aware that investing in and supporting women is not a trend or a fad, but something that can help your company reach its full potential,’’ he said. His presentation, “Empowering Girls and Women in Organizations: A Conversation with Sameer Somal,” begins at noon on Nov. 19. The program is available via livestream. To register, please visit the registration page.
Women Walk a Tightrope of Expectations
Somal is the CEO and co-Founder of Blue Global Technology, focused on digital transformation, risk management, and technology development. Raised by a progressive father, and inspired by a friend, he began a journey to help girls and women advance in both business and society.
He will discuss how his organization inspires young women to be their best in their personal and professional lives, and how passionate engagement with girls today empowers them to build a career full of purpose.
Somal will also discuss the obstacles that women and other diverse employees face in the workplace, including how corporate structure has historically been designed to keep women out; hiring and promotion processes that favor men; and adverse institutional mindsets about who qualifies for certain roles, particularly in leadership.
Even today, women often walk a tightrope of expectations, he said. They are expected to exhibit assertiveness, independence, and dominance but still convey sensitivity and compassion.
“While both gender-specific roles and traits are dated concepts, female leaders often have to strike a hard balance to be seen as worthy, adding to the pressure that leadership brings with it,’’ he said.
Finally, women face ‘affinity bias’ in the workplace. Most corporate decisionmakers are still men, and affinity bias can lead them to consciously or unconsciously hire and promote people who are like them, he said.
Somal is a member of the Board of Directors of Future Business Leaders or America, the Abraham Lincoln Association, the Academy of Legal Studies in Business and the American Bar association. A graduate of Georgetown University, he has held leadership roles at Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Scotiabank before creating his own company.
Series Brings Business Expectations into Sharp Focus
The 2024-25 Equity Now series began in October with a presentation by Lauren Cleary, an ethics and compliance professional at Patagonia, who spoke about the importance of privacy in organizations.
“Each speaker in the Equity Now speaker series brings their own unique perspective on how legal and ethical issues are deeply intertwined in both business and society,’’ said business law professor Robert Bird, who spearheads the programs.
“For an organization to be truly successful, it must meet, if not exceed, the expectations of stakeholders in the society in which it conducts business,’’ he said. “The Equity Now speaker series brings those expectations into clear focus through the expert academics and practitioners that are invited to share their ideas.’’
The Equity Now series features expert insight on how law and policy can create diversity, equity and fairness in both organizations and society. The UConn program is conducted in affiliation with the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Virginia Tech, Indiana, Boston and Temple universities.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, who is in China to attend the seventh China International Import Expo, in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
SHANGHAI, Nov. 5 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday met with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, who is in Shanghai to attend the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE).
Li said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Mongolia have maintained sound, stable momentum in their bilateral relations in recent years. China values its friendly cooperation with Mongolia highly, and considers Mongolia a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, he noted.
He said that both sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state to deepen practical cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples.
Li noted that China will synergize its development strategy with Mongolia further, step up trade and investment cooperation, and enhance cooperation on infrastructure construction in such areas as port connectivity, mining and hydropower stations.
The premier encouraged both sides to tap into the cooperation potential of emerging industries such as the high-tech and green development sectors, and support more capable Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Mongolia.
China will work with Mongolia and other Asian countries in the pursuit of peace, solidarity and cooperation, and enhance exchange and coordination within the frameworks of multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Oyun-Erdene said that Mongolia abides firmly by the one-China policy, and is willing to maintain mutual respect and support on issues bearing on each other’s core interests.
Mongolia stands ready to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in such areas as energy, urban planning and desertification control, and explore cooperation in new fields including artificial intelligence, green development and human resources, he said.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, who is in China to attend the seventh China International Import Expo, in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is in China to attend the seventh China International Import Expo, in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
SHANGHAI, Nov. 5 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met on Tuesday with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is in Shanghai to attend the 7th China International Import Expo.
Li said that China-Malaysia relations have entered a new stage of historical development and are moving steadily toward the goal of building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
He said that China is ready to work with Malaysia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, uphold mutual respect and mutual trust, treat each other as equals and cooperate for win-win results, working together to achieve common development and prosperity of the two countries.
Li said China is willing to continue with firmly supporting each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthening the docking of development strategies and the exchange of experience in governance, improving the layout of cooperation in various fields, and boosting the modernization process of the two countries with high-level strategic cooperation.
He called on the two sides to steadily advance flagship projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the Malaysia-China “Two Countries, Twin Parks,” tap into the cooperation potential in emerging areas, and constantly expand new space for cooperation.
China will continue to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning with Malaysia, strengthen cooperation on education and visa facilitation, and encourage the two peoples, especially the youth, to visit each other more often to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, he said.
Li said China will strongly support Malaysia in assuming the rotating presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, and is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Malaysia within China-ASEAN and other multilateral frameworks to jointly advance regional economic integration, safeguard ASEAN centrality and safeguard the peaceful development of Asia.
Anwar noted that China is Malaysia’s good friend and good partner. Malaysia is willing to deepen Belt and Road cooperation with China, promote cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, digital economy and education, and enhance people-to-people exchanges, he added.
Malaysia supports China in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, said Anwar.
He noted that as the rotating presidency of ASEAN next year, Malaysia will take this opportunity to enhance coordination with China on international and regional issues.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is in China to attend the seventh China International Import Expo, in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Nicola Willis’ policies continue to slow the economy with more Kiwis out of work as a result.
StatsNZ figures released today show unemployment is now at 4.8%. This means 148,000 people do not have a job in New Zealand.
“Unemployment continues to increase under the fiscal mismanagement of Nicola Willis,” Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.
“The last time unemployment was this high was during the 2020 pandemic, before that in 2017 under another National Government. This disappointing record is what National will be remembered for.
“National has failed to prioritise work and employment – the numbers speak for themselves. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of unemployment out of first world countries like Australia (4.1%) and Great Britain (4.2%).
“But unemployment is much worse for Māori at 9.2%, and Pacific people at 9.9% This is a steep rise, and the impact this Government has had on Māori and Pacific people is disgraceful.
“The Government can’t continue to say it is focused on getting people in to work when it is making decisions that are seeing more and more people unemployed, and more and more Kiwis leaving the country.
“People are staying unemployed for longer, despite the sanctions National announced, which they claimed would prevent this from happening. I am concerned with the length of time people are out of work. For example, people who are unemployed for over six months to one year is up 53.2% to 32,500 compared to the same quarter last year.
“Today’s numbers show the harm of Nicola Willis’ decisions. The number of people she is putting out of work could make up entire suburbs. The impact of this will be felt for generations,” Barbara Edmonds said.
Double-take! The Kiwi labour market is even weaker than the headline suggests. The devil is in the detail. Worker demand has waned, and unemployment is drifting higher.
* The unemployment rate rose to just 4.8% from 4.6%, slightly better than we and the market consensus had predicted. But it’s a result of a much sharper decline in labour force participation, from 71.7% to 71.2%. That in itself is a sign of a weak jobs market. Workers are now heading (or are forced) for the exits as demand wanes.
As StatsNZ comments “From the survey, some of the largest increases in those not in the labour force over the year came from people mainly engaged in leisure activities, studying or training, and taking care of themselves due to their own sickness, illness, injury, or disability.”
We’ve heard a lot about voluntary redundancies, migrants struggling to find work, and some going back to Uni and other reasons. The fall in participation appears to have been concentrated within the younger cohort (15-24years).
Almost 60k more people were classified as ‘not in the labour force’ over the past year. So don’t be fooled by the stronger headline print (unemployment rate). Worker demand is waning, with employment contracting 0.5% over the quarter, and down 0.4% on the year – the first since September 2012, and the deepest since the GFC. The Kiwi labour market is weakening.
* Wage inflation cooled faster than expected. Annual wage growth has slowed to 3.3%, moving further away from the 4.5% peak. A shrinking proportion are receiving a payrise, with fewer enjoying a 5% increase (from 32% to 27%). And a growing share are seeing no change in pay. Weaker wage inflation however is necessary to drive an easing in domestic inflation.
* The labour market has more catch up to do. We still see the unemployment rate on track to exceed 5% in the coming year – peeling further and further away from the 3.2% low.
We expect the unemployment rate to drift higher from here. By our calculations, it is still on track to hit around 5.5% next year. That’s some distance from the 3.2% low recorded in 2021. We attributed the initial rise in unemployment to fast-growing labour supply led by rising migration.
The level of employment has climbed to record highs, but growth was still not strong enough to keep pace with rapid population growth. Now, however, the increasing number of unemployed is due to a slowdown in hiring. And mounting job losses are a consequence of aggressive policy tightening pushing the economy into a downturn.
Today’s update was an important one ahead of the RBNZ’s policy update later this month. Despite a stronger headline number, the data is unlikely to skew the RBNZ’s thinking. Because the key takeaway is the same: the Kiwi labour market is weakening. A further relaxation in monetary policy settings is needed. The labour market has crumbled under the weight of the RBNZ’s heavy-handed interest rate hikes. And it’s only the beginning.
Like the RBNZ, we forecast a further increase in the unemployment rate next year.
But it’s important for the RBNZ to stay ahead of any further labour market slowing by proceeding with rate cuts sooner rather than later. With the 2% target inflation rate well within reach, we believe the RBNZ needs to get the cash rate below 4% ASAP. We continue to expect a 50bp cut at the RBNZ’s final meeting for the year. And potentially a third 50bp cut in February.
At about 6am this morning, four people armed with a large machete and other weapons entered the Te Ngai Road Caltex Service Station in Owhata, Rotorua.
They threatened a staff member, stole cash, vape products and cigarettes.
The offenders then left in a stolen vehicle which they dumped nearby.
After calls from the public alerting Police to the location of the vehicle, a police dog and handler tracked the offenders to a nearby address.
Three youth offenders were arrested and are facing charges of aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
The offenders are from Hamilton and Rotorua. The property stolen has been recovered along with the weapons used in the incident.
The vehicle used which was stolen from Hamilton overnight has been recovered and will be returned to its owner.
Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Rotorua Area Prevention Manager says “Police would like to thank the members of the public who were alert enough to notice suspicious activity and call Police right away.
We will not tolerate this behaviour and will take enforcement action where appropriate to keep our community safe. It is good to be able to recover the stolen items, including the vehicle used, and make these arrests.
Let this be a reminder that Police will continue to hold to account, those offenders choosing to behave like this. It is very lucky no one was injured.
Like the witnesses did in this case, always call Police straight away on 111 if you see or suspect anything suspicious happening.”
You can also make a report after the fact, using our 105 service, either by phone or online.
Movember is an annual campaign held each November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
While there is strong support for men to grow moustaches throughout the month to spark conversations around men’s health, Movember also promotes other health initiatives like the Move for Movember campaign, which encourages people to get active and raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity for mental and physical well-being.
As Movember kicks off, Exercise New Zealand is emphasising the crucial role of regular physical activity in promoting men’s health, particularly in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and improving mental well-being.
Recent findings from ExerciseNZ’s 2024 consumer research reveal that mental health now rates as the second most important reason to exercise among men, following general health by only a few percent.
Many men report that exercise not only enhances how they feel but that the social connections fostered in structured exercise programs offer additional mental health benefits. This aligns well with Movember’s focus on mental well-being and social support, underscoring the value of men talking openly about their challenges and supporting one another through physical activity.
The Move for Movember campaign provides a supportive space where men can openly discuss their challenges while staying physically active.
The challenge—to walk 60 km throughout November—honours the 60 men who die by suicide each hour worldwide.
Walking just 90 minutes per week at a comfortable pace can help reduce fatigue, ease depression, and support a healthy body weight.
Whether it’s on a footpath, along the beach, or on a treadmill at the local gym, Movember encourages men to embrace the simplicity of walking for its wide-reaching benefits for mental and physical well-being.
In addition, studies have also shown that men who engage in regular exercise have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, especially aggressive forms of the disease. Urologist, Dr. Michael Johnson explained in John Hopkins Medicine that “Most likely, it’s not just the exercise that counts — it’s the subsequent weight loss that also makes a difference. Studies have linked obesity with particularly aggressive forms of prostate cancer”.
Furthermore, a study from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study found that men who exercised vigorously for three or more hours per week had a 61% reduction in the risk of prostate-specific death compared to those who exercised for less than one hour per week.
These studies highlight the importance of regular physical activity or exercise as a vital measure to help reduce the risk of certain cancer-related deaths.
In summary, while growing moustaches is a hallmark of the campaign, Movember also champions physical activity through initiatives like Move for Movember. Exercise New Zealand supports this focus, highlighting the role of regular exercise in reducing cancer risks and improving mental health.
With research showing that mental well-being is a key reason men engage in physical activity, Movember creates space for open conversations and physical activity, reinforcing the benefits of an active lifestyle for both mental and physical health.
Exercise New Zealand is encouraging all men across Aotearoa to prioritise their health this Movember by incorporating regular physical activity into their routines.
Please attribute to Sergeant Rowan Steenkamp, Wellington Prevention Coordinator.
We’re heading into the busiest time of year for postal deliveries and Police want to remind everyone to do what they can to stop parcel theft.
Coming into Christmas there are more parcels being delivered, and more chance for your presents to be stolen.
Thieves will take any opportunity to steal, and parcels left on front doorsteps or in apartment building common areas are an easy target.
Our advice is:
• Get packages delivered to a place where someone will be home to receive them, or to a work address.
• If you do have deliveries made to your home, make sure you’re going to be home to sign for them, or have a secure location where they can be left.
• Make sure your delivery instructions are clear, and ask for packages not to be placed at your front door, or on top of an apartment building post box.
• If you’re not going to be home when the parcel is delivered, arrange to collect your parcel from the depot, or have the parcel redirected to the address of someone you trust.
• Be smart when disposing of packaging, so passers-by can’t see what you’ve been buying.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to Police – e.g. if you see a car following a courier van, or an unexpected visitor knocks on your door asking for someone you don’t know.
Kimberlyn King-Hind, from the CNMI Republican Party, won the race for the CNMI’s lone non-voting delegate in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday.
The former Commonwealth Ports Authority chairwoman and lawyer from Tinian received 4931 votes (40.34 percent) of total ballots cast.
Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands’ candidate Edwin Propst finished second, 864 votes behind with 4067 (33.27 percent).
Independent candidates John Oliver Gonzales, James Rayphand, and Liana Hofschneider gained 2282, 665, and 280 votes, respectively.
Even before the results of the 2024 general elections were certified about 5.20am on Wednesday, Propst conceded defeat and congratulated King-Hinds in a social media post.
“Congratulations to Kim King-Hinds, delegate-elect. I wish you the very best,” he wrote.
“To my amazing committee, I cannot thank you enough for your hard work and support. To our supporters, thank you for your votes, messages of support, donations, and kindness. To Daisy and Kiana, Devin, Kaden, and Logan, I love you more than anything in this world. Thank you for always being there for me,” he added.
Kimberlyn King-Hinds . . . congratulated by her Democratic opponent. Image: RNZ Pacific
Other electoral results In other races, Senate President Edith DeLeon Guerrero, who ran as an independent, lost her Saipan seat to Representative Manny Castro of the Democratic Party, as the latter took 52.89 percent of the votes (5178) compared to the former’s 43 percent (4210).
For Tinian, incumbent Senator Karl King-Nabors of the GOP ran unopposed and was elected in by 803 voters.
Incumbent and longtime Senator Paul Manglona, meanwhile, lost his Senate post to fellow independent Ronnie Mendiola Calvo, 476-441.
There was not much shakeup in the House of Representatives races, as only incumbent Vicente Camacho, a Democrat, among the incumbents lost his seat. Newcomers in the incoming lower house include Elias Rangamar, Daniel Aquino, and Raymond Palacios — all independents.
Associate Judge Teresita Kim-Tenorio was also retained, receiving 9909 “yes” votes (84.21 percent) compared to 1858 (15.79 percent) “no” votes.
The US territory also elected members of the CNMI Board of Education and councillors for the municipal councils for Saipan, the Northern Islands, Tinian, and Rota.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
A woman was arrested after allegedly robbing a Pooraka service station yesterday morning.
It will be alleged just before 7am on Tuesday 5 November, the woman entered the service station on Main North Road, Pooraka and demanded money.
No weapon was sighted.
The suspect left with cash, lollies and cigarettes. There were no reported injuries.
Following investigations, police arrested a 38-year-old Pooraka woman and charged her with aggravated robbery. She was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
The North-West Interconnected System (NWIS) has become a central focus of the WA Government’s energy sector reform agenda in recent years. Since the introduction of the Pilbara Regime in July 2021, a series of additional reforms have been set in motion.
These reforms reflect the WA Government’s recognition that decarbonisation of the Pilbara region is key to its net zero target. In line with this vision, Energy Policy WA (EPWA) has developed the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan (PET Plan), which invites private sector involvement in developing new, common-use transmission infrastructure, known as Priority Projects.
In this Insight, we explore current and proposed reforms, highlighting opportunities for developers and investors to drive decarbonisation in the Pilbara region.
Key takeaways
The pace of reforms to the NWIS has been rapid, with an ambitious policy agenda going forward.
The WA Government is strongly focused on decarbonising the Pilbara region, seeking to leverage significant Federal Government support.
The PET Plan, particularly Priority Projects, has the potential to significantly transform the NWIS and transmission infrastructure in the region. This presents opportunities for industrial load and heavy industry to decarbonise their operations and increase renewable energy consumption.
The proposed reforms to the NWIS present a key opportunity for development and investment in transmission infrastructure.
What is the NWIS?
The NWIS consists of a series of interconnected electricity transmission, distribution and generation assets in the Pilbara region. It supplies major mining and heavy industrial customers, coastal towns such as Karratha and Port Hedland, and some remote communities. However, it should be noted that many industrial facilities and communities in the region rely on remote generation, such as stand-alone power systems and microgrids, which are not connected to the NWIS.
The NWIS market does not operate through a central dispatch mechanism; rather, electricity is generated either for self-supply or contracted under bilateral agreements. There are three registered network service providers, APA, Horizon Power and Rio Tinto (NSPs), each operating a vertically integrated business, participating in electricity generation, supply, and in some cases provision of essential system services and retail supply.
Pilbara ISOCo Limited (Pilbara ISOCo) oversees NWIS operations as the independent system operator including administering the energy balancing and related settlement process. The role of Pilbara ISOCo reflects an administrative system operator model, designed to align with the ‘light-handed’ regulatory regime that applies to the NWIS. Under this model, Pilbara ISOCo performs a series of core functions, while the registered NSPs retain significant control over other system-related functions and operations, in contrast to other electricity networks in Australia such as the Wholesale Electricity Market and the National Electricity Market. The NSPs are also members of Pilbara ISOCo.
How did we get here?
Prior to July 2021, the NWIS operated primarily under informal or bilateral agreements between NSPs. It developed in a somewhat ad hoc manner, as energy companies and industrial facilities invested in generation for self-supply. There was no central planning or coordination framework—each NSP was generally responsible for functions such as system security on an autonomous basis, with no independent system operator in place.
After a series of consultations on the potential for regulatory reform, the WA Government determined there was a need for a formal framework for the NWIS and subsequently announced the Pilbara Regime. The regime would consist of a suite of reforms aimed at addressing, among other things, access and more centrally coordinated system operations. These substantive reforms took effect on 1 July 2021.
Pilbara Regime
Key regulatory instruments
Part 8A of the Electricity Industry Act 2004 (WA) (EIA) sets out the overarching framework for the Pilbara Regime. Amendments to the EIA were recently passed and, once in effect, the Pilbara electricity objective will expressly acknowledge the need to invest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions for electricity services.
The Electricity Industry (Pilbara Networks) Regulations 2021 recognised Pilbara ISOCo as the independent system operator and allowed the Minister to establish the initial Pilbara Network Rules (PNR). The PNR, which includes the Harmonised Technical Rules (HTR), governs the operations of the NWIS, connection standards and approval processes, as well as system security and reliability measures. There have been two rule changes amending the PNR to date, and the Pilbara Advisory Committee (PAC)—which consists of industry representatives—advises the EPWA coordinator on rule change proposals.
The HTR set out technical design and operation requirements for systems and equipment connected to the NWIS. Horizon Power, as a NSP, also has its own set of technical rules which apply to those who connect to its network.
Pilbara ISOCo also develop procedures in accordance with the PNR which outline specific requirements for the processes set out in the PNR. The procedures are currently being developed on an interim basis and can be accessed here.
The Pilbara Networks Access Code (PNAC) regulates access and connection to the NWIS by outlining the requirements for ‘covered’ networks, which are subject to rules on ringfencing, tariffs and access disputes. The PNAC was modelled on part of the National Gas Rules, which similarly include access provisions for pipelines. The Minister for Energy may decide a network is covered if a person makes an application or an NSP may opt in to become a covered network. Horizon Power and APA’s networks are covered under the PNAC and are required to publish access information as part of their obligations.
Pilbara Roundtable
The Pilbara Industry Roundtable (Roundtable) was formed by the WA Government in August 2022, with a broad membership from industry stakeholders in the NWIS and the Pilbara more generally.
The Roundtable released a communiqué in July 2023, supporting the development of common-use transmission infrastructure to support the growth of renewable generation and decarbonisation. The Roundtable agreed that any new infrastructure should empower Traditional Owners and expressed their support for regulatory reform to the Pilbara Regime to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose during the energy transition.
Where are we now?
The consensus goals contained in the Roundtable communiqué form the basis of the PET Plan. The PET Plan aims to increase the scale of renewable generation in the region and facilitate the decarbonisation of the Pilbara to meet the WA Government’s net zero target. The WA Government has placed a strong emphasis on involving Traditional Owners and their communities in this process, including benefit sharing and minimising disturbance to country as the PET Plan is implemented.
Priority Projects
The flagship policy outlined in the PET Plan is the development of new, common-use transmission infrastructure, to be built in priority transmission corridors known as Priority Projects. On 13 September 2024, EPWA opened an expression of interest (EOI) process for developing Priority Projects in two corridors in East Pilbara (Hamersley Range and the Great Sandy Desert), and two corridors in West Pilbara (Burrup (Murujuga) and Chichester Range). Construction within these corridors aims to connect current and potential loads, such as strategic industrial areas, and to provide access to areas that will be favourable for future renewable energy projects connecting to the Priority Project. EPWA envisages that Priority Projects may form part of an expansion of the NWIS. The EOI deadline closed on 25 October 2024, and it is anticipated that the EOIs and ongoing regulatory reviews will help develop the design elements to facilitate the PET Plan, such as how charges for ‘wheeling’ electricity through various transmission assets will apply.
In August 2023, the Federal Government committed $3 billion from the Rewiring the Nation fund to WA to assist in the investment in new and upgraded transmission infrastructure. Funding from Rewiring the Nation is provided as concessional finance from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. This may trigger significant reform and investment in both the NWIS and the South-West Interconnected System. The WA Government has made clear it will recommend Priority Projects for obtaining this funding, although this does not guarantee that Priority Projects will be successful in obtaining Rewiring the Nation funding.
Where are we going?
In April 2025, the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) will commence its statutory review of the Pilbara Regime, which is required on the fifth anniversary of the Pilbara Regime coming into force (the Five-yearly Review). The aim of the Five-yearly Review is for the ERA to determine whether the Pilbara Regime is meeting the Pilbara electricity objective, which is being updated. If the ERA finds that the Pilbara electricity objective is not being met, it is to make recommendations for reform in its report, which is due no later than April 2026. The report is then laid before Parliament within six months of receipt by the Minister, who must prepare a response.
EPWA is currently reviewing the PNR with the support of the Evolution of the Pilbara Networks Rules Working Group established by the PAC. The objective of the Evolution of the Pilbara Networks Rules review project (EPNR Project) is to ensure that the PNR and HTR effectively enable and facilitate the planned rapid decarbonisation of the Pilbara region, as well as the shift from thermal sources to renewable generation (ie solar and wind) and storage in the NWIS. EPWA has acknowledged that the reforms surrounding the regulatory regime create mixed signals for potential investors and, as such, has implemented a staggered approach to reviewing the PNR to support early investment decisions. EPWA and the PAC are proposing to present a final implementation plan in February 2025.
The EOI for the PET Plan anticipates that changes to the PNAC will be progressed under sections 120H to 120J of the EIA to ensure the PNAC can support Priority Projects. The EOI flags a review of potential changes related to managing vertical integration, the priority regime for constrained versus unconstrained access and access price regulation. It is expected that EPWA will take the lead on this review and any proposed changes will need to be made available by the Minister for public comment.
As the Pilbara regime contemplates coordination between the NSPs and between the NSPs and Pilbara ISOCo, Pilbara ISOCO sought ACCC authorisation for the parties to engage in this conduct. Currently, the regime is exempt from competition law requirements under the Electricity Industry (Pilbara Networks) Regulations 2021 (WA). This exemption expires in November 2024, and the ACCC authorisation is intended to apply beyond that expiry.
The ACCC considered the public benefits associated with the Pilbara regime and the coordination between NSPs and Pilbara ISOCo to facilitate system security, outage coordination and technical connection standards functions. Within that consideration, the ACCC is balancing any potential public detriments, such as those arising from NSPs sharing information.
In a Draft Determination released in September 2024, the ACCC proposed to grant authorisation for a three-year period, subject to conditions to limit the scope of coordination and information sharing and enhance governance controls. The ACCC’s final determination is due by 20 December 2024, following further consultation. The ACCC process has acknowledged the ongoing reform process underway—including the EPNR Project—noting that a three-year authorisation should provide sufficient time for that reform process to take place.
Key considerations
Access, approvals and operational constraints applying to the NWIS remain challenging when developing new projects. However, there is political support for removing these barriers, so developers should stay informed about the latest updates.
The infrastructure investment required for achieving the energy transition presents opportunities for developers, Traditional Owners, the local workforce and local contractors.
Juries are the bedrock of common law, and have been used for centuries to decide factual issues before the court.
Jury research has for years attempted to improve our understanding of how jurors reach a conclusion, both individually and as a collective. But we have very little understanding of how each specific case is decided: in Australia, jurors are banned from discussing their deliberations outside of the jury room.
Predicting the jury’s decision in criminal matters is impossible: the whole system remains totally opaque. This has been evident in a very high-profile case just this year, when a very surprising decision was handed down; I would love to be able to pick that one apart.
A new show by SBS attempts to demystify the process. The Jury: Death on the Staircase follows the deliberations of 12 jurors as they listen to nine days’ worth of evidence in a real, concluded manslaughter case.
Observing the trial, and the jury
The names, dates, locations and images from the original case have been changed to make sure the jurors could not look up the result, and to protect the individuals involved in the real trial. These changes could, of course, alter the jury’s decision-making process.
Actors are used to re-enact the trial, using transcripts of the original case to simulate the real trial as closely as possible. The jurors are everyday Australians who volunteered to take part in this experiment.
The case revolves around the death of a man who was found at the bottom of a staircase, in the home he shared with his male partner.
Other factors the jury attaches relevance to are the 20-year age gap between the deceased and the younger accused man, and the accused is Asian.
We hear the pre-trial thoughts and motivations of the jurors, and some of the biases and prejudices start to show early on.
As the trial unfolds, specific aspects of the accused’s personality impress different members of the jury – some finding points of commonality that encourage them to be very sympathetic, others highly sceptical of his innocence. This seems less based on the evidence being heard, and instead reflects directly the personality and life experience of the juror.
The jurors, like a real jury, come from all walks of life, educational backgrounds, sexualities and ancestral groups. There are some big, dominant voices, as well as others who are much quieter and more circumspect.
What surprised me while watching was that many of the impressions the jury discuss – and their interpretations of them – aren’t based on the evidence at all. They’re watching the accused, trying to get a read on his guilt or innocence from his body language, where he looks at certain times.
None of them are body language experts, but they seem to think they can reliably extrapolate how he is feeling from observing him.
Some of them also speculate wildly as to what could have happened, and why.
If that’s what real jurors do, that’s worrying.
I have some questions
It’s hard to know how closely the producers mirrored the original case: was it a homosexual relationship, was there a large age gap, was the accused Asian?
These factors are important, because the jury puts weight on them and hypothesises with these in mind.
Another big question for me was how they chose the members of the jury. Was it random? If it was, they do not reflect the personalities of the original jurors and it is very clear that personality and life experience were heavily influential in each person’s response to the case.
The question was asked by one of the jurors: what if they reach a different conclusion than the original, genuine jury? What would that mean for the accused?
My sense was they were wondering if they found him not guilty of manslaughter, would that have any legal implication.
The answer is no.
It’s impossible to truly replicate a case. I would even suggest the same jury could reach a different conclusion at a different time, depending on what had happened in their lives recently and other external factors. Regardless of what result this jury reached, it could not hurt or help the real accused person.
But it is certainly an interesting program, and will give the viewer an insight into what factors most influence jurors.
It might also scare them slightly. We like to think juries make their decision based on the evidence put before them, but that does not appear to be the case, at least certainly not early on in the trial process.
The jurors focused on how the accused lived their life, and judged him accordingly – both positively and negatively. The scientist in me feels that it would be great to repeat this experience, to see if the same or a different result was achieved under these, somewhat controlled conditions.
I’d also love to see more access to real jurors, post decision: that is the only true way to gauge their thoughts and impressions as they work through a case. But as that is unlikely, this series is as close as we’ll get. It is worth a watch if you’re interested in how juries reach their – sometimes apparently inexplicable – decisions.
The Jury: Death on the Staircase is on SBS and SBS On Demand from today.
Xanthe Mallett 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.
SEOUL, KOREA, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ionpolis Co., Ltd., a company specializing in filter showerheads, will participate in the K-Expo held from November 14th to 17th at the Sheraton Grand Gandaria City Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia. This expo is an important event aimed at promoting excellent Korean products and technologies worldwide and facilitating entry into global markets. It is particularly regarded as an opportunity for Korean companies to solidify their position in the Southeast Asian market.
Ionpolis, a company specializing in filter showerheads that provide clean water and a healthy shower environment, plans to actively target the Southeast Asian market through this expo. CEO Hwang kyu-jin stated, “Consumers across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, are showing increased interest in healthy water. Therefore, we expect the demand for filter showerheads to steadily expand.” He emphasized that this expo will be a crucial opportunity to widely promote Ionpolis’s technological prowess to the world and strengthen networks with local partners.
At this expo, Ionpolis plans to exhibit various filter showerhead products. In particular, they intend to showcase their latest product lineup that reflects diverse consumer needs. Ionpolis’s filter showerheads are gaining significant attention for their ability to effectively remove harmful substances that may be present in tap water during showers. Notably, CEO Hwang kyu-jin emphasized the technological excellence and environmentally friendly design of the products, explaining why Ionpolis can be competitive in the global market.
Ionpolis has established itself as a trusted brand in the South Korean domestic market with great success. CEO Hwang kyu-jin said, “Based on the technological prowess and customer trust we’ve accumulated domestically, we are expecting a new leap forward in the Southeast Asian market.” He also added, “At this expo, we are focusing on expanding partnerships through meetings with local buyers and developing localization strategies tailored to the Indonesian market.” Through this, Ionpolis plans to go beyond simply selling products and introduce customized products that meet the needs and lifestyle patterns of local consumers.
CEO Hwang kyu-jin sees this K-Expo as a crucial turning point for Ionpolis’s global market expansion. He particularly expects successful entry into Southeast Asian markets, including Indonesia. He expressed confidence, saying, “The Southeast Asian market is a region with huge growth potential, and I believe Ionpolis’s filter showerheads can be loved by many consumers in this region.”
The K-Expo is an international trade event where various Korean industries gather to showcase innovative products and technologies. Every year, numerous overseas buyers and visitors participate. Through this expo, Ionpolis plans to introduce its innovative filter showerhead products to the world and lay the groundwork for its leap to becoming a global brand.
CEO Hwang kyu-jin stated, “This expo is an important opportunity for Ionpolis to take another step forward in the global market,” and expressed his ambition, “We will continue to establish ourselves as a brand that consumers around the world can trust and choose through continuous innovation and quality improvement.” Under Ionpolis’s global strategy and CEO Hwang’s leadership, successful expansion in the filter showerhead market is anticipated.
Cesium Fallout, a disaster film starring icons Andy Lau and Bai Yu, overtook Hollywood blockbuster Venom: The Last Dance to become the country’s new box-office champion on Monday.
As of Nov 4, the feature directed by Anthony Pun has grossed around 90 million yuan ($12.7 million) since its debut on Friday, according to the movie information live tracer, Beacon.
Set in Hong Kong, it follows two parallel storylines about teams of specialists and firefighters as they try to prevent a doomsday disaster following an accident that leads to the release of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
During the film’s Beijing premiere last week, executive producer Bill Kong, revealed that his inspiration for the film stemmed from reports about the illegal transshipment of waste from other countries.
He consulted environmental experts, who disclosed that some foreign companies previously dumped electronic waste overseas to reduce recycling expenses, with a portion being directed to Hong Kong.
He emphasized the danger posed by electronic waste, highlighting the potential environmental harm if the substances they contain leached into the soil, contaminating water sources, and expressed the hope that the film would increase public awareness of the issue.
Members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) employed by Te Whatu Ora are attending a series of 62 meetings across the country over urgent pressing issues.
These hour-long meetings started on Monday and end on Friday. They aim to allow nurses, midwives, and health care assistants to review Te Whatu Ora’s intention to pause calculations for the Care Capacity Demand Management (CCDM) safe staffing programme during collective bargaining late last month.
The employer restricting bargaining parameters to 1% of total employee costs will also be discussed.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government is cutting red tape in the ECE sector to help make it easier for providers to operate and offer more options to families looking for home-based education and care for their children.
“I have heard from providers that some of the red tape around home-based ECE care is too onerous and makes them spend too much time on compliance,” says Mr Seymour.
“While there is huge demand for ECEs, numbers show supply isn’t keeping up. That is why we are committed to making changes which will allow the industry to expand and continue to provide high-quality service for families and their children.
Current regulations require 60 percent of educators working for a home-based provider to hold a Level 4 ECE qualification. The remaining 40 percent can be anyone, whether they are working towards their qualification or not, in no particular ratio.
“Plans to increase the requirement to 80 percent of educators at the start of 2025 have been scrapped. It would have been burdensome for providers and make it difficult for those wanting to enter the profession by limiting opportunities. This also harms the prospects of industry growth, which providers want,” says Mr Seymour.
“We’ve listened to providers and added flexibility to the equation. From 1 January 2025 the qualified educator requirement will be removed all together and replaced with a requirement that 100 percent of educators are either fully qualified, or in training to be fully qualified, within six months of their employment.
“This means providers can more easily maintain the balance between qualified and in-training educators, reducing the possibility of closure. For smaller providers, the difference between compliance and non-compliance could be one qualified educator. This is the difference between a child being able to access education or not.
From 1 January 2025, the standard funding rate will no longer apply. All services will receive one single funding rate set at the current quality funding rate. This will become the new base rate for licensed home-based services regardless of how many qualified educators they have in their service.
“To further increase flexibility, we are allowing home-based persons responsible (often referred to as visiting teachers or coordinators) to work in more than two licensed ECE services per month,” says Mr Seymour.
“These changes, which I expect to be made by the end of this year, are part of our effort to reduce red tape in the early learning sector. Alongside these changes the Ministry for Regulation is conducting a regulatory review of the ECE sector as a whole.”
Whether it’s in Harris Park or Riverstone, Merrylands or the MCA, Diwali celebrations are taking over Sydney.
Last night the NSW Government hosted the annual Diwali celebration at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The event provided multicultural leaders from across NSW a chance for to come together and celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Also known as Deepavali, the festival is of great significance to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities.
The lights represent the lifting of spiritual darkness and the renewal of life. It is a time spent with family and friends, praying for health, knowledge and peace.
In recognition of Diwali and its timeless message, the Sydney Opera House’s iconic sails were bathed in gold last night as part of the celebrations.
Participants wear colourful clothes, decorate their homes and exchange gifts and sweets.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“Wherever you go in NSW you can find the positive impact in our lives made by the Indian diaspora.”
“The ideals of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and light over darkness are messages that everyone can embrace.”
“By sharing in this celebration, we can all join together, foster greater understanding and keep our communities strong.”
With Election Day for one of the most consequential United States presidential races in recent history underway, Pasifika communities on both sides of the Pacific Ocean are considering how a new administration could impact US-Pacific relations.
Roy Tongilava, a public policy professional and Pacific community advocate in the United States, hopes to see improved US-Pacific relations under either a Harris or Trump administration.
“I’m not an expert in foreign affairs, but my hope would be that either a presidency under Harris or under Trump would continue to build those relations, to build those investments, to really help not only combat climate change but also to really aid in the Pacific development, which is inherently connected to what I believe is the Pacific Islander American experience,” he said.
Pacific commentators Roy Tongilava (left) and Christian Malietoa-Brown . . . interviewed by Pacific Media Network’s Pacific Mornings programme. Image: PMN
New Zealand political commentator and former chair of the National Party’s Pacific Blues group, Christian Malietoa-Brown, is backing Donald Trump in the presidential race.
He says the Pacific is caught in a “tug-of-war” between major powers like the US and China, with Australia playing an increasingly significant role.
“For me, I think in terms of long-term investment, Trump likes to prevent war by showing strength . . . I think they [the US] will strategically put some investments here just because they don’t want China running around too much in this area for defence reasons.
“Under the Biden administration, we saw record investment down this way in the Pacific region, obviously to try and push away China’s influence in the region,” Malietoa-Brown says.
Picking a big player “So you have China, you have America, you have Russia, you have India that’s coming up big,” Malietoa-Brown said.
“And if I had to pick a big player to be in charge of the world, I would pretty much stick to America as it is right now, because that’s the devil we know, rather than someone else that we don’t know. And that’s probably purely a selfish thing.”
Tongilava agrees that the Joe Biden administration has been positive for the Pacific region in terms of investment.
“The Biden administration has pumped record investment into the Pacific to a number of things, infrastructure, education, all of that. Ultimately, though, to try and cool off and push away China’s advances towards this region.
“We’ve seen Vice-President Harris during her time as Vicep-President really commit to climate change as well as building relations within the Pacific region,” he said.
Education concerns For Tongilava, who is part of the South Pacific Islander Organization (SPIO), a nonpartisan non-profit organisation that champions education and workforce development for Pacific youth, this election has serious implications for youth.
“Our mission is laser focused on enhancing college access, college retention, and degree completion for Native Hawai’ian and Pacific Islander students throughout our college systems,” Tongilava said.
“A lot of our work has focused on expanding educational opportunity and workforce development for young Pacific Islander students.
“In terms of education, I think it is crucial that Pacific Islanders turn out today in support of the policies specifically that may hinder or create opportunity for their families and for their communities,” Tongilava said.
He said it was crucial that Pacific Islanders vote in support of the specific policies that might hinder or create opportunities for their families and their communities.
Tongilava is concerned about Trump’s proposal to dismantle the US Department of Education, noting that such a move would disproportionately harm communities like the Pacific Islanders, who often rely on federal support for educational programmes.
“This raises additional questions around what role does the federal government play within our school systems here within states and at the local level. For many Pacific Islander Americans, we live in under-resourced communities,” Tongilava said.
Republished from Pacific Media Network with permission.
Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, Auckland City Financial Crime Unit:
Three suspected scammers have been arrested trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport yesterday by detectives from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. The trio, all Chinese nationals, were arrested just before they checked in for their flights to China.
They arrived in New Zealand on 10 October. Police alleged that two days later, they began operating a blessing scam – a form of fraud targeting immigrant or elderly communities who are deceived into believing they or their loved ones are cursed or in spiritual danger.
Police have jointly charged the three suspects with two counts of obtaining by deception. The charges relate to two victims – one who lost $14,500 and jewellery and another who lost $15,000.
The accused were remanded in custody following their arrest and are due to appear in the Auckland District Court today. Police are continuing to tally the money that has been recovered, but it is a substantial amount.
Perpetrators of blessing scams pose as healers or spiritual practitioners, offering to remove the curse or bring good fortune in exchange for money or valuable items. Victims are pressured to hand over cash or jewellery, typically instructed not to open the packages they receive, only to later discover that the contents are worthless.
While the Financial Crime Unit has identified two victims so far, it’s highly likely more people were targeted.
We urge anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to contact us and encourage members of New Zealand’s Chinese community to talk with elderly relatives and make a report if they have been scammed.
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please contact us at https://105.police.govt.nz or call 105.
In New Zealand, blessing scams have predominantly targeted Chinese communities, exploiting cultural beliefs in spiritual healing and curses. This type of fraud has been active in New Zealand for more than 15 years, with a notable rise in cases in Auckland in recent years.
Police have continued to raise awareness within at-risk communities, yet these fraudulent activities persist, often carried out by well-coordinated groups.
Police remain committed to protecting all members of the public from fraud and financial harm, and ensuring that everyone feels safe from deceptive practices.
We encourage the community to stay vigilant against scams and to remain cautious when approached by individuals offering unsolicited services.
If you suspect that you may have fallen victim to a scam, please contact Police via 105 immediately.
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chair and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement congratulating Governor-elect Mike Braun on his victory in Indiana:
“Governor-elect Mike Braun is a true conservative who built a successful business and created thousands of high-paying jobs for Hoosier families. Mike’s record of public service has delivered results for Indiana and his commitment to economic growth, protecting parental rights, and defending our constitutional freedoms will keep Indiana moving forward. The RGA is proud to congratulate Governor-elect Mike Braun and looks forward to supporting him as he puts his freedom and opportunity agenda into action.”
1.RYAN HAMILTON (National—HamiltonEast) to the Minister ofFinance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance): Today, Statistics New Zealand released its labour market statistics for the September quarter. This release includes information from the household labour force survey, which looks at people’s labour force status, and the quarterly employment survey, which captures earnings, paid hours, and jobs. The household labour force survey showed that the unemployment rate increased from 4.6 to 4.8 percent in the quarter, and the quarterly employment survey showed that average hourly earnings increased 3.9 percent over the previous year.
Ryan Hamilton: Why is unemployment rising?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Unemployment is rising and has been rising since 2001 because New Zealand has been in a prolonged recession, with monetary tightening used to drive high inflation out of the economy. Sadly, recessions have a human cost. My heart goes out to people who’ve lost their jobs and who are struggling to enter the labour market. Rising unemployment is a reminder of how letting inflation get a grip on the economy is so damaging.
Ryan Hamilton: Was the increase in the unemployment rate as much as expected?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS: No. The increase from 4.6 percent to 4.8 percent was lower than forecasters had been predicting. In its August Monetary Policy Statement, the Reserve Bank had forecast 5 percent unemployment and the Treasury had forecast 5.2 percent in the Budget update in May. To give some historical context, I would also point out to members that over the last 15 years, the average unemployment rate in New Zealand has been 5 percent.
Ryan Hamilton: What is the outlook for unemployment?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Today’s results reflect where we are in the economic cycle. Typically, when the economy starts underperforming, the unemployment rate is slow to rise. Then when the economy starts to pick up, it can be slow to fall. In other words, unemployment is a lagging indicator. Now, there are clear indications that the economy has turned upwards, but even so, I would expect the unemployment rate to rise a bit further before beginning to fall. In the August Monetary Policy Statement, for example, the Reserve Bank was forecasting the unemployment rate to rise to a peak of 5.4 percent early next year, then steadily decline.
TEANAU TUIONO (Assistant Speaker—Green): E te Atua kaha rawa, ka tuku whakamoemiti atu mātou, mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou pānga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi mātou ki te Kīngi, me te inoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ō mātou whakaaroarohanga, kia mōhio ai, kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere i ngā take o te Whare nei, mō te oranga, te maungārongo, me te aroha o Aotearoa. Amene.