NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Prescribed hazard reduction burn in Duffy

    Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

    On 13 September 2024, the ACT Government assumed a caretaker role, with an election to be held 19 October 2024. Information on this website will be published in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions until after the election and conclusion of the caretaker period.

    Released 21/10/2024

    A prescribed hazard reduction burn in Duffy will commence today, subject to suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions.

    The prescribed hazard reduction burn along Cotter Road and Eucumbene Drive is being conducted to reduce the weed growth in the area as well as reduce the fire hazard in the area.

    See the location map of the burn site.

    Experienced ACT Parks and Conservation Service fire managers will conduct and oversee the burning operations. Every effort is made to conduct burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke, but temporary smoke cover is possible and may be visible across parts of Canberra.

    Fire crews will be on the ground monitoring and patrolling the prescribed burn to its conclusion.

    Smoke, flame, and glowing embers may be seen at this site, which is normal for these types of operations. The public are asked not to call emergency triple-zero unless they see any unattended fire.

    Prescribed burns are an important part of the ACT’s annual Bushfire Operations Plan to enhance ecological quality, reduce the risk of bushfires and help keep Canberrans safe.

    More information about prescribed hazard reduction burns is available on the ACT Environment website.

    – Statement ends –

    ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

    Media Contacts

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Native Americans call for action against violence, trafficking of indigenous women at annual parade

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People participate in the 3rd Annual National Indigenous Peoples of the Americas Parade in New York, the United States, on Oct. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Indigenous Americans urged efforts against long-standing violence and sex trafficking of indigenous women during the 3rd Annual National Indigenous Peoples of the Americas Parade in New York on Saturday.

    “We’re still going missing and we’re still not being reported as missing,” Junise Golden Feather Bliss, a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe, told Xinhua at the parade, which was attended by Native Americans from over ten tribes from the United States, Canada, and Central and South America.

    In the United States, 40 percent of the women who are sex trafficked are identified as Native, and Native women are constantly being targeted by violence with 96 percent of cases not reported, Bliss said.

    “We’re here to bring awareness of the ‘red hand movement’ that’s been going across Indian country. … Too many of our women have been gone, missing and murdered since historical times,” Bliss said.

    A group of participants held a banner reading “No more stolen sisters” and “healing prayers.” Bliss said that a healing prayer was held with the hope that the next generations would be able to find the clan mothers, the traditional elders and resources.

    Beside allocation of resources, attention should be paid to policy and data collection to address the issue, she said.

    Organized by the Lenape Native Americans, the half-day parade marched through traditional Lenape hunting grounds from Madison Square Park to Union Square along Broadway. Indigenous Americans demonstrated their costumes, music, dances and storytelling.

    “We honor all the indigenous people of the world. … Anybody that’s been through genocide, anybody that has been put down by another culture,” said Carla Alexander, chief of the Deer Clan of the Ramapough Lenape Nation.

    “We try to lift up all the cultures so that everybody gets along in love and peace,” said Alexander.

    Atsila Firebird Graywolf noted that New York City has thousands of indigenous people who live off Indian reservations. “People don’t think that Native Americans still exist or we don’t celebrate,” Graywolf said.

    “The parade gives us an opportunity to show our beauty and that we’re still here,” Graywolf added.

    A group of Native Americans chanted “We’re still here” during the parade. The words were also printed on some participants’ T-shirts.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kashgar’s ancient city rises from dust through people-centered protection, renovation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    On a sunny morning in October, streets in the Ancient City of Kashgar come alive as the city’s daily gate-opening ceremony unfolds.

    Performers dressed in armor, reminiscent of Zhang Qian, a Han Dynasty envoy whose journey began around 138 B.C., bring visitors back to 2,000 years ago.

    The well-preserved city appears untouched by time. However, the ancient city, part of Kashgar’s old town, was a dilapidated and dusty zone only decades ago.

    A local proverb reflected the hardships of that time, “Sewage dried in the air, trash swept by the breeze, pipes hung on the wall, and to use the toilet, you’d risk a fall.”

    Renaud Andre Roger Yves Lambert, Asia editor for Le Monde Diplomatique, gazed at a photo of the old town before its renovation and asked, “Was there an earthquake here?”

    What stands today is the result of China’s unwavering commitment to protecting ancient heritage and ensuring the well-being of its people.

    In response to the people’s pressing needs, the local government adopted a tailored approach, providing each household with a customized design that aimed to retain its original architectural style as much as possible. This strategy not only maintained the city’s distinctive features but also transformed it into a livable space with modern amenities, breathing new life into the historic streets.

    Ground floors of residents’ homes were converted into charming shops, showcasing unique styles and creating a vibrant marketplace, while upper levels remained private family retreats. Various bazaars, each with its own charm, have flourished in the city.

    By the end of 2020, a total of 7.049 billion yuan (about 1 billion U.S. dollars) had been invested in the renovation project of Kashgar’s ancient city, and 49,083 dilapidated houses covering 5.07 million square meters had been renovated.

    The renovated city has now created employment for over 10,000 people. With a growing influx of domestic and international tourists, it has become a popular social media hotspot and has successfully upgraded to a national 5A-level scenic spot, the highest standard for tourist attractions in China.

    Salamaiti Guli, the owner of a charming guesthouse with intricately carved wooden doors and sun-dappled courtyards, considered herself one of the biggest beneficiaries of the renovation project.

    “My house used to be in a dangerous condition, but after the government’s protective renovation, it became both sturdy and beautiful,” said Guli. “Since it is located in a scenic area, it has been transformed into a guesthouse offering both accommodations and performances.”

    The performance at Guli’s Home soon transformed the afternoon into a celebration of color and sound, enthralling guests from Croatia, Oman, and Ecuador. Infected by the rhythmic traditional music, they joined hands with locals, twirling and swaying in perfect harmony.

    “I hope friends from all over the world come to visit my home,” Guli said.

    Another resident, who has lived here for decades, said, “After the renovation, we now have everything — water, electricity, heating, and a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. Living here is truly comfortable.”

    As he spoke, his wife busied herself at the new stove, filling the air with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked food. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man arrested following Wiri firearms incident

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have arrested and charged a man following a firearms incident in Wiri on the weekend.

    At about 1am on Sunday morning, Police were called to an address on Felicia Place following a report of a disorder incident involving two groups of people.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Tiernan, Counties Manukau CIB, says shots were reportedly fired from an address before one of the groups left in a vehicle.

    One person was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

    On attendance, Police located and seized a sawn-down shotgun and ammunition.

    “This morning, following a number of enquiries by our team, we located and arrested the alleged offender,” Detective Senior Sergeant Tiernan says.

    “There is no doubt this incident would have been deeply concerning for people who live nearby, so this arrest is a great result for the community.

    “Police take these matters extremely seriously and will continue to hold people to account,” he says.

    A 32-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with wounding with reckless disregard and firearms charges.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – Time to Ban Private Sale and Use of Fireworks to Protect New Zealand’s Animals

    Source: Hearts and Science

    Over watching Your Household Pet Shiver in Fear? Now is the Time to Act.

    As Guy Fawkes approaches, pet owners across Aotearoa once again brace for the distress that fireworks bring to their beloved animals. The loud bangs and flashing lights may be a spectacle for some, but for many animals, they are a source of fear and anxiety that can last well beyond the Guy Fawkes period.

    Animates is calling for an end to the private sale and use of fireworks, advocating instead for people to attend controlled public displays to protect pets, farm animals, and wildlife.

    The Pawprint Petition: Ban Private Sales of Fireworks on Behalf of the Animals of NZ is now live at https://pawprintpetition.co.nz and is calling on Kiwis to add their voice — and in a unique world first – pets can sign the petition too by adding a pawprint.

    The petition will be presented to the House of Representatives, urging the Government to ban the private sale and use of fireworks in New Zealand.

    “Each year, our stores and Vet clinics are flooded with stories of stressed-out pets and worried owners,” says Neil Cowie, CEO, Animates. “Fireworks are no longer just a Guy Fawkes problem. Stockpiling leads to fireworks being set off throughout the year, compounding the stress and danger for animals.”

    Native birds and other wildlife, horses, and even zoo animals are not immune to the effects of fireworks. Horses often bolt, leading to injuries and death, and native birds can be severely traumatised and abandon their nests. Fireworks also pose a serious risk to stock animals, making this an issue that extends beyond local neighbourhoods.

    Every year Kiwis try to raise awareness of the impact of fireworks, and private sales, however sales continue. Last year a survey found that nearly three-quarters of Kiwis were in favour of banning backyard fireworks, however despite the long-term debate on the sale of fireworks, no action was taken by the government .*Now is the time to act.

    Angela Mace, owner of Woodlands Dog Retreat, sees the impact firsthand, “Every year, we see dogs shivering in fear or cowering in the corner. Fireworks are terrifying for them, and it’s heartbreaking to watch. We’re urging the public to stand up for our animals and push for a ban on backyard fireworks.”

    According to a report in 2019, 74.4% of people noticed their animals displaying fear of fireworks, with common behaviours including hiding (70.8%), shivering (54.3%), and cowering (44.5%).  Despite these alarming figures, 71.9% of owners with frightened pets did not seek help or treatment for their animals. Instead, many kept their pets indoors (46%) or provided comfort (28.2%) to alleviate their distress.**

    “SPCA has been campaigning for decades for a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks. Fireworks cause significant fear and distress to animals, compromising their welfare,” says SPCA Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Arnja Dale.  “In addition to these harms, wildlife and other animals are sometimes targeted and injured or abused deliberately with fireworks.”

    Help to create a safer, less stressful environment for animals across New Zealand. Sign the world first Pawprint Petition to ban the private sale and use of fireworks here https://pawprintpetition.co.nz, add your name, and if you have a pet add their pawprint, to help bring about change.

    The world first Pawprint Petition: Ban Private Sale and Use of Fireworks on Behalf of the Animals of NZ is proudly bought to kiwis and their pets by Animates.

    Notes:

    *Survey conducted by AA Insurance, in 2023.

    **An article published in Veterinary Magazine, update (2019) on owner perceptions and management of the adverse behavioural effects of fireworks on companion animals https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00480169.2019.1638845

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – High says goodbye, low says hello! Wet weather for the South Island later this working week – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Monday 21st  – Thursday 24th October – Largely settled and fine weather continues to be the main feature over northern and central Aotearoa New Zealand through to Tuesday evening, thanks to a broad area of high pressure. However, a series of weak fronts bring some patchy rain to western and southern parts of the South Island.

    MetService Meteorologist Dom Barry says, “As we head into Wednesday, warm and moist northwesterlies develop over the South Island, bringing rain to western and southern parts of the South Island. Fiordland has a Heavy Rain Watch in force from Wednesday to Thursday, which is likely to be upgraded to an Orange Heavy Rain Warning in the near future.”

    With this warmer air also comes warmer temperatures – many places across the east of the country will see higher than average maximum and minimum temperatures later this week.

    Barry continues, “For the easternmost places like Christchurch, Oamaru, Napier and Hastings, maximums in the mid-twenties can be expected. Overnight temperatures will stay warm as well, in some cases only being a couple of degrees cooler than the day’s maximum, which might make sleeping a struggle for some.”

    A series of fronts move up the South Island on Thursday, bringing rain to southern and western parts of the Island, as the high moves off to the northeast of the country, keeping things mainly fine and dry in the north.

    While the fine, warm weather looks set to hold on for Hawke’s Bay’s anniversary day on Friday, the weather is looking more unsettled elsewhere as rain and wind returns.

    Barry explains, “Low pressure is returning at the end of this week meaning some wetter weather is in store over the long weekend. With some drier weather possible for Labour Day, it is worth checking the forecast to get the best out of the weekend.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Insurance Sector – Commonwealth insurance peaks collaborate on global insurance protection gap

    Source: Insurance Council of NZ

    The peak bodies representing personal and business insurers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have called on Commonwealth leaders at this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa to discuss worsening extreme weather and its impact on national economic and community resilience across the Commonwealth.
    The Association of British Insurers (ABI), the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), and the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ), have jointly written to the Prime Ministers of their respective nations calling for the issue to be put on the agenda as part of the Commonwealth Business Forum on 23 and 24 October.
    This followed a Global Insurance Protection Gap Forum held in Sydney, Australia on Friday 18 October involving the four leaders of the ABI, IBC, ICA, and ICNZ, along with insurers, Australian government representatives, and regulators.
    The four associations collectively represent insurers writing approximately US$200B in gross annual premium, with their members playing an essential role in enabling individuals, communities and businesses to recover from the unexpected and reduce risk across the economies in which they operate.
    Operating in Commonwealth nations, the four organisations and their members face similar regulatory, political, and financial environments, with their governments and regulators having similar tools at their disposal to implement solutions.
    The Global Insurance Protection Gap forum agreed that:
    – As extreme weather intensifies, populations expand and more homes are put in harm’s way, the insurance protection gap will widen.
    – Flood risk is often concentrated in particular areas, but the widespread nature of flood risk is going to increase.
    – Governments and insurers have a critical opportunity to collaborate across global markets to build a shared view of current and future hazard risk.
    – We must stop locking further risk into our economies by building homes in the wrong places.
    – Applying excessive taxes and levies to insurance premiums can directly affect the affordability of insurance coverage.
    Comment attributable to Hannah Gurga, Director General, Association of British Insurers
    Our changing climate represents a real and growing threat to our resilience as a nation and globally. The UK led the way with the creation of Flood Re, which has helped keep insurance accessible for hundreds of thousands of homes. We are now at a crossroads, with a new government in post and a review of the planning system underway. It’s vital that decisions are taken for the long-term and made for the benefit of all. That’s not just investing in flood defences but also changing where and how we build. Action is needed now, not in the future when the challenge will be ever greater.
    Comment attributable to Celyeste Power, President and CEO, Insurance Bureau Canada
    In the span of just five weeks this past summer, Canada saw five natural catastrophes: three major floods, a devastating wildfire, and a destructive hailstorm resulting in $7 billion of insured losses.
    This isn’t an anomaly. It isn’t bad luck. It’s part of an escalating trend of severe weather events that is making Canada a riskier place to live, work and insure.
    I know Canada is not facing these challenges alone and I join with my colleagues in Australia, New Zealand and Britain in our call for meaningful action to reduce the growing physical and financial risks our citizens are facing.
    Comment attributable to Andrew Hall, CEO, Insurance Council of Australia
    More frequent and intense disasters, coupled with ongoing development of areas at high risk of extreme weather and growing asset values, are widening the gap globally between those who can afford insurance in high-risk areas and those who can’t – often leaving society’s least wealthy unable to rebuild and recover when disaster strikes.
    As the bodies representing personal and business insurance providers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, we have a unique perspective on this issue.
    Insurers remain steadfastly committed to the policies of derisking as the only sustainable way to reduce the pressure on premiums and close the protection gap: better planning so no more homes are built in harm’s way, stronger buildings that are better able to withstand extreme weather, greater investment in public infrastructure to better protect communities, and an ongoing program of home buybacks where no other mitigation is possible.
    Comment attributable to Kris Faafoi, CEO, Insurance Council of New Zealand
    Our nations share a common history and a future challenge with climate change. By working closely together our insurance representative bodies are committed to doing their bit to help reduce risk from natural hazards and protect our families and communities.
    By reducing the protection gap we keep communities safe, reduce the costs to taxpayers and ratepayers and maintain insurance capacity and affordability.
    Just last year New Zealand experienced just how devastating severe weather events can be on lives, livelihoods and communities. There is much to be gained by working together on these issues across the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand through policy work, relationships and our responses to natural disasters.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Investigation – Rights of man were breached by social workers says Deputy Commissioner 19HDC01187

    Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

    A man’s rights under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights were breached by two psychiatric social workers, said the Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner in a decision released today. Deborah James said the social workers’ actions represented a serious departure from the appropriate standard of care the man should have received.
    The man lived with schizophrenia and was experiencing deteriorating mental health. After a suicide attempt, the man was taken to a police station for a mental health assessment. There, he was assessed by two psychiatric social workers.
    A risk assessment form was completed but important information was missed such as his suicidal ideation and previous suicide attempts. The social workers also did not give appropriate weight to the fact of the man’s suicide attempt on that day, and they relied too heavily on the man’s self-reporting. Neither social worker consulted a psychiatrist, or other clinician, contacted the man’s wife or his other support worker, or followed the Health New Zealand guidance for safety planning.
    They recorded him as a low risk to himself and others, developed an overnight safety plan which involved medication, refraining from drugs and alcohol, and calling the mental health crisis team if needed, and sent him home. The man took his life later that day.
    The man’s wife complained to HDC saying he should have been taken to hospital and that he was three days overdue for his schizophrenia medication, despite requesting it. The social workers reported that although the man requested his usual injection for managing schizophrenia, they agreed this could wait and be done by a registered nurse the next day.
    One social worker expressed the view that because of her lack of familiarity with the man, she had less responsibility at key parts of his care. Ms James stated “I remain of the view that, as she was present and assisting with the assessment, she could have acted at any point to remedy the failures identified.”
    Deborah James noted that the other social worker was a junior and said, “I consider that if Ms B did not have the requisite skills and training, once she recognised this while assessing Mr A, she should have sought further support, rather than continuing”.
    Ms James made an adverse comment about the clinical note taking of both social workers, and against Health NZ for issues identified in the report with resourcing and training of mental health staff.
    Ms James’ recommendations acknowledged that considerable time had passed since the events and both social workers had undertaken significant extra training in their practice. She encouraged them to further reflect on the events and report back to HDC, including on any further training they have taken up, which they both did. She also acknowledged Health NZ had made several relevant and appropriate changes in its policies and procedures, so made no further recommendations. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Investigation – Post birth care of baby boy breaches the Code 22HDC00236

    Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

    In a report published today, Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rose Wall has found Health NZ Te Toka Tumai Auckland breached the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) for failures in the care of a baby boy in his first hours post-delivery.
    The baby, born at Auckland hospital at full term gestation, required transfer to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). At 10.5 hours post birth he was assessed as having mild hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy [1] (HIE) with some features of moderate HIE. Months later he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
    At the time of the incident, national guidelines outlined that standard practice was to manage babies at high risk of HIE after birth by conducting an initial neurological assessment, followed by subsequent ‘serial’ observations every hour for six hours.
    In this case, the initial Baby Newborn Record, which includes neurological testing, was only partially completed and there was no documentation of neurological assessment in the admission note to the NICU.
    The junior registrar who attended the birth and accompanied the infant to NICU should have completed this documentation. She told HDC that neurological checks would likely have been performed as part of managing other procedures and that, due to a heavy and complex clinical workload that day, there had not been an opportunity to review paperwork.
    Ms Wall accepted that the initial neurological examination was likely done, and made an adverse comment about the registrar’s incomplete documentation, noting the importance of ensuring a full and complete picture of the baby’s health be available for all others responsible for his care from that point on.
    Ms Wall found that the required subsequent hourly monitoring did not occur.
    “On review of the available information, it is apparent that this baby did not receive any further specific neurological assessment or serial monitoring in line with his risk, as required under the national guidelines,” said Ms Wall.
    Although the registrar was responsible for the baby’s care, Ms Wall considered the failure was attributable to Health NZ at an organisational level.
    Ms Wall said Health NZ had a duty to ensure that the services the baby received complied with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards. She found Health NZ breached the Code for failing to provide an appropriate standard of care | Tautikanga.
    The breach covered several shortcomings in care:
    – The registrar was not provided with encephalopathy training in a timely manner.
    – The orientation booklet did not include information about neonatal encephalopathy, or refer to specific guidelines to guide practice.
    – There were no internal policies and procedures in place to ensure that babies at high risk of HIE were managed and monitored using serial Sarnat scoring, in accordance with national guidance on neonatal encephalopathy in place at the time.
    “I am critical that Health NZ did not have in place sufficient policies and procedures to support its staff adequately regarding the baby’s neurological assessments and monitoring,” Ms Wall said.
    Since the events, HNZ has made changes, including the development of Auckland-specific protocols and processes and an Auckland guideline for managing babies at risk of encephalopathy, along with changes to orientation and training (including changes to the orientation booklet).
    Taking into account the changes already made, Ms Wall made several further recommendations for Health NZ and the registrar.
    [1] Disturbed neurological function in the earliest days of life. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children statement: ‘Rohingya refugees must be given humanitarian assistance and protection’

    Source: Save the Children

    Save the Children is calling for Indonesia and other countries in Asia to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees after a boat carrying more than 100 Rohingya, including women and children, was sighted off the coast of Indonesia.
    The wooden fishing boat is carrying more than 100 Rohingya refugees according to local authorities and fishermen and is anchored around 5 kilometers off the coast of South Aceh[1]. This is the first boat carrying Rohingya refugees to arrive in Indonesia since March 2024.
    It was not immediately clear where the boat has come from. Earlier in the week local fishermen and authorities said they had discovered in the sea the body of a woman thought to be a Rohingya woman, but it was not immediately clear if the woman was a passenger on the boat.
    From November 2023 to date, at least 15 boats carrying more than 2,000 Rohingya refugees (73% of whom are women and children) landed in Aceh and North Sumatra, Indonesia, a staggering 298% increase from the 574 people who arrived in 2022.[2]
    While many have since departed Indonesia, around 1,000 remain in informal and temporary accommodation in Aceh, North Sumatra, and Riau Provinces.[3]
    Fadli Usman, Humanitarian Director at Save the Children in Indonesia, said:
    “Nobody should have to put their lives at risk to make perilous journeys by sea in search of a better life, but this is sadly the reality for Rohingya refugees who have undertaken dangerous sea journeys, often in boats that are not sea worthy, to seek protection, to access livelihoods and education, and to reunite with families.
    “Indonesia has displayed strong solidarity and humanity in the past by allowing Rohingya refugees to disembark and should continue to do so. We’re also calling on governments in Asia, including Indonesia, to honour their international commitments and provide humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees, including children. Around 40% of Rohingya arrivals in Indonesia so far this year have been children. Among other horrors, these children are at risk of physical abuse, malnutrition, gender-based violence and exploitation. No child should have to go through the ordeals that Rohingya children do during these journeys. We must ensure that the Rohingya are not forgotten.”
    Save the Children is also calling on the international community to take on their share of responsibility, by stepping up financial support for Rohingya refugees arriving on boats to Indonesia and other countries in the region.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace raises alarm over looming public health crisis in Canterbury

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace is again raising the alarm over what it has labelled a ‘public health crisis’ in Canterbury after a drinking water testing event in Oxford on Sunday found more bore water supplies tested over the maximum allowable value of nitrate in drinking water.
    The Greenpeace testing also found that the Darfield public water supply is now averaging around 6 mg/L of nitrate in drinking water – 1 milligram per litre more than when the organisation last tested the Darfield public water supply six months ago. Additionally, the Oxford Rural 1 public supply is still consistently testing at levels associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.
    Greenpeace freshwater spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “Everyone should be able to safely drink the water coming out of their kitchen tap, without fear of getting sick. But sadly, the samples we tested in Oxford are not outliers, and many people in Canterbury are drinking water with levels of nitrate that put them at risk of increased health impacts.
    “People in rural Canterbury are facing a looming public health crisis that’s been caused by the dairy industry. Nitrate contamination is a result of diffuse pollution from the intensive dairy industry. Put simply, there are too many cows in Canterbury, and nitrate from the oversized dairy herd is making its way into people’s drinking water.
    “To compound the problem, right now, the Luxon Government is stripping away protections for lakes, rivers, and communities’ drinking water under the Resource Management Act.
    “This is damning evidence that the Government is not acting in the best interests of rural communities – and in fact is knowingly putting them at increased risk of potential health impacts that include bowel cancer and preterm birth,” says Appelbe
    A growing body of science has shown that long-term exposure to nitrate in drinking water at levels as low as 1 mg/L can increase the risk of developing bowel cancer. Additionally, the New Zealand College of Midwives advises that pregnant people should consider accessing an alternative water source if their water supply is testing at or above 5 mg/L, due to scientific evidence indicating that this level of nitrate contamination increases the risk of preterm birth.
    “Nitrate contamination will get worse before it gets better – and that’s all the more reason to take action now to stop the pollution at its source,” says Appelbe.
    “That means phasing out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use, and it also means less irrigation and fewer cows on farms. If Luxon’s Government won’t take these actions, then regional councils like Environment Canterbury must do so. It’s their responsibility to protect the residents of towns like Darfield and Oxford who are at increased risk of adverse health impacts due to nitrate contamination.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: “Dispiriting, dangerous, anti-development” education and health cuts by nearly every country with World Bank and IMF loans

    Source: Oxfam –

    New global index reveals that nine out of ten countries worldwide are pursuing policies that are likely to increase levels of economic inequality.

    94 percent of countries (94 out of 100 countries) with current World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans have cut vital investments in public education, health and social protection over the past two years, according to a new report published today by Oxfam and Development Finance International (DFI).

    The figure is even higher for International Development Association (IDA) countries, the world’s poorest countries —95 percent (40 out of 42 countries) have pursued such cuts.

    “These cuts are not just dispiriting; they’re dangerous and fundamentally anti-development,” said Kate Donald, Head of Oxfam International’s Washington DC Office. “Too many Global South countries are facing the agonizing choice between investing in education and health or adopting austerity measures to keep up with crushing debt payments. These decisions come at a terrible human cost —millions of people depend on public services to thrive and build better lives for themselves and their children.”

    “Last year, we applauded the World Bank for finally making inequality an institutional priority. But our latest findings show that both the Bank and IMF have a lot of work to do if they are to genuinely contribute to tackling inequality rather than perpetuate it,” said Donald.

    In 2023, under growing pressure from economists, shareholders and civil society, the World Bank introduced its first-ever “vision indicator” aimed at reducing the number of countries with high inequality (Gini of 0.4 or above). Despite this step forward, the Bank has watered down previous commitments to support progressive taxation, including increased taxation of the super-rich. Tackling inequality has so far not been incorporated into the policy framework for the upcoming replenishment of the Bank’s IDA, which provides grants or low-interest loans to the world’s poorest countries, over half of which are in Africa. Inequality is high or increasing in 54 percent of countries that receive funds from IDA.

    Using the latest data from government budgets, the “Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index 2024” ranks 164 governments on their policies regarding public services, tax, and workers’ rights —policies central to reducing inequality. This year’s edition shows that, for the first time since the Index began in 2017, the majority of countries are backsliding across all the three critical areas.

    Overall, 84 percent of countries have cut investment in education, health and social protection, 81 percent weakened their tax systems’ ability to reduce inequality, and in 90 percent of them, labour rights and minimum wages have worsened.

    Some countries have improved their ranking since 2022. Burkina Faso and Vanuatu increased their minimum wage, Croatia boosted investment in health, and Guyana retains one of the highest corporate tax rates (40 percent).

    Others have fallen sharply, including Argentina whose new government has slashed public health and education budgets by 76 percent and 60 percent, respectively, and is phasing out the country’s wealth tax. Pakistan has cut education and social protection budget shares by a third under IMF-imposed austerity measures.

    Even the top performers, high-income countries led by Norway and Canada, are lagging in many indicators. Around 5 percent of their populations face catastrophic out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Excepting Japan, most have low rates of corporate income tax. Denmark has been cutting the income tax rate paid by the richest 1 percent for years.

    The bottom performers in the Index remain dominated by those from Sub-Saharan Africa (all countries in the region have World Bank and IMF programs). In addition to low tax revenues, the debt crisis, conflict and climate breakdown are diverting scarce resources from education, health and social safety nets. On average, low- and middle-income countries are spending 48 percent of their budgets on debt service, far more than they do on education and health combined. Six of the bottom ten countries are in or at high risk of debt distress.

    Higher taxes on the income and wealth of the super-rich could raise trillions of dollars to plug financing gaps for public services in low- and middle-income countries. At the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in July 2024, for the first time in history, the world’s largest economies agreed to cooperate to tax the ultra-rich, a move welcomed by President of the World Bank Ajay Banga.

    “The world’s governments are doing even less to fight inequality, exacerbating extremism and undermining growth. With the World Bank adopting a new anti-inequality target, the World Bank and IMF have a new opportunity to champion policies which cut inequality —free public services, fairer tax systems, and stronger workers’ rights. They must seize this with both hands,” said Matthew Martin, Executive Director of DFI.
     

    Download Oxfam and DFI’s “Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index 2024” at http://www.inequalityindex.org. Development Finance International (DFI) is a non-profit capacity-building, advocacy, advisory and research group.  

    According to Oxfam’s research, inequality is high or increasing in 25 (54 percent) of countries that receive funds from IDA.

    Significant investment from the World Bank is needed to radically and rapidly improve data on inequality, particularly on the incomes and the wealth of those at the top.  For more than 100 countries, the most recent data available is from 2019 or earlier, predating the last five years of crisis.
     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global artists craft dreams in ‘porcelain capital’

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Dutch designer Johannes Gille crafts ceramic lamp shades in Jingdezhen, the world-famous “porcelain capital” in east China’s Jiangxi.

    “Historically, the blue and white porcelain from Jingdezhen had influenced the renowned Delftware in my hometown,” Gille said at the city’s Taoxichuan International Studio. “I collaborate with local artisans to bring traditional blue and white patterns to life, and I can’t wait to showcase these pieces at my design studio in Delft.”

    Jingdezhen has long served as a cultural bridge, with its porcelain being a vital commodity on trade routes since the 16th century. Today, the city has evolved into a cultural oasis and attracted a vibrant mix of talent from around the globe.

    At times, as many as 5,000 foreign creators work and live in Jingdezhen. The influx of global artisans, often referred to as “Yangjingpiao,” has turned the city into a melting pot of ideas and cultures.

    Park Ju-hee from the Republic of Korea has made Jingdezhen her home. Before settling in the city, she worked as an architect in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou after graduating from Tsinghua University.

    Her recent ceramic creations are inspired by nature’s changing seasons by adopting the coiling technique.

    “Jingdezhen’s environment is ideal for my work,” she said, emphasizing the rich artistic community that fuels her creativity as well as the city’s friendly environment for start-ups.

    Gille added that in Europe, custom porcelain molds are significantly more expensive and require more complex arrangements compared to the process in Jingdezhen, where things can be organized with just a few calls.

    Spanish ceramic artist Jaume Ribalta has embraced the rural lifestyle on the outskirts of the city.

    He rented a farmhouse in Xianghu Town, where he set up his studio. Jaume blends the black-and-white ceramic patterns from his hometown of Barcelona with Jingdezhen’s exquisite blue-and-white technique.

    After two and a half years in Jingdezhen, he has handcrafted 50 covered bowls, 40 teacups, and 10 teapots, all of which have sold out, helping him navigate the challenging early stages of his business.

    “Contemporary ceramics often see artists working independently, but in Jingdezhen, artisans emphasize collaboration,” Ribalta said.

    He noted that every step of the process, from mold making to hand-painting and firing, is open to newcomers, benefiting from the support of dozens of experienced local craftsmen.

    In Jingdezhen, the spirit of collaboration among artisans fosters a unique creative environment that is hard to find elsewhere, Ribalta added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ heads to Samoa for Commonwealth talks

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will be among world leaders travelling to Apia this week for a meeting of the 56-nation Commonwealth.

    This is the first time the two-yearly Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is hosted by Samoa, representing a great opportunity to profile the Pacific to the world.

    “CHOGM is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other Commonwealth leaders,” Mr Luxon says.

    “In these uncertain geopolitical times, it is important to meet face-to-face to talk about how we can be more resilient in the face of global challenges.”

    Approximately 460 New Zealand personnel will be deployed in Samoa. This includes around 260 Defence personnel, 100 Police, and 50 medical specialists including doctors, nurses and paramedics, as well as five ambulances, one naval vessel, three NZDF helicopters and two explosive ordnance detector dogs.

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters says this year’s CHOGM will provide a platform for smaller countries, and the Pacific region.

    “We hope that Samoa’s hosting this year will put the Pacific region and its specific concerns at the forefront of delegates’ minds,” Mr Peters says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A year on from the Senate inquiry into concussion, what’s changed and what comes next?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Annette Greenhow, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Bond University

    In September 2023, an Australian Senate committee released a landmark report on concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports.

    The committee made 13 recommendations to improve outcomes for past, present and future players.

    The report emphasised shared responsibility and transparency in developing a national approach, with the government to lead nine of the recommendations.

    As of October 2024, no official government update has been provided.

    We’ve assessed the status of the recommendations – of the publicly available sources, we found evidence of action in some areas but no national strategy in directly addressing the focus of several key recommendations.

    As part of this review, we searched the websites of the Australian government’s Department of Health and Aged Care and the Australian Sports Commission/Australian Institute of Sport (ASC/AIS).

    We approached the Senate committee secretary and the Department of Health and Aged Care for more information but neither was able to comment.

    We acknowledge there is likely more work going on behind the scenes, and these processes take time.

    Here’s what we found.

    Progress being made

    In the past year, there has been progress made with several recommendations including those addressing community awareness, education and guidelines for amateur and youth sports.

    The AIS continues to engage in health-led efforts with a suite of resources aimed at increasing community awareness and education.

    In June this year, the institute published a new set of return-to-play guidelines specifically targeting community and youth athletes.

    This represents a tangible response from a federally funded sporting body.

    However, these guidelines must be easily implemented by clubs. To date, there is no indication the government plans to increase funding or resources to clubs to help do so.

    The committee also called for national sporting organisations to “further explore rule modifications to prevent and reduce the impact of concussions and repeated head trauma, prioritising modifications for children and adolescents”.

    Several major sporting codes have modified their rules and we expect them to remain focused on rule modifications to ensure the longevity of their sports.

    General practitioners (GPs) are often the first port of call after a concussion, and the committee recommended the development of standardised guidelines for GPs and first aid responders.

    This addresses concerns that GPs may require additional training in treating sport-related brain trauma.

    In response, the AIS developed a free, online short course for registered GPs.

    Work in progress, or lack of progress?

    There appears to be work in progress or a lack of progress elsewhere, including key recommendations for a National Sports Injury Database (NSID) and professional sport data sharing.

    The inquiry highlighted how patchy data collection had contributed to evidence gaps in understanding sports injury management and surveillance. The committee’s most urgent recommendation therefore was for the government to establish the NSID.

    This would work closely with another recommendation that called for professional sport codes to collect and share de-identified concussion and sub-concussive event data with the NSID.

    As of October 2024, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports the NSID is still under development and is not yet ready to receive data.

    Other recommendations related to research – establishing an independent research pathway, ongoing funding commitments and a co-ordinated and consolidated funding framework.

    These recommendations called for the government’s existing agencies, or a newly created body, to coordinate research on the effects of concussion and repeated head trauma.

    No new dedicated sports-related concussion research pathways have emerged since the inquiry.

    In terms of funding commitments, in April this year – after former rugby league star Wally Lewis’s National Press Club appearance – Dementia Australia reported the government had pledged $A18 million for concussion and CTE support services and education.



    Read more:
    Why a portrait of a former NRL great could spark greater concussion awareness in Australia

    The May 2024 federal budget allocated $132.7 million to boost sports participation from grassroots to high performance. But this did not address concussion and repeated head trauma, and we haven’t been able to find evidence of a co-ordinated and consolidated funding framework.

    Our view is concussion funding pools should be primarily focused on supporting independent research projects. However, sporting bodies clearly need to be involved – they provide access to athlete populations and most people in these organisations have a genuine care for athlete welfare.

    Another recommendation called for a national concussion strategy. This should focus on binding return-to-play protocols and rules to protect participants from head injuries.

    The recommendation included a role for government and whether any existing government bodies would be best placed to monitor, oversee and/or enforce concussion-related rules and protocols.

    In our view, this recommendation involves much more than producing guidelines. It requires a more comprehensive national strategy, with consideration to monitoring compliance and enforcement.

    We could not find any evidence indicating the current status of this recommendation.

    Increased funding and support for affected athletes were also focus areas.

    These recommendations called for a review to address barriers to workers’ compensation and ensure adequate insurance arrangements remain in place.

    We could not find any evidence of whether state and territory governments are involved in the reviews of workers compensation to apply to professional athletes.

    The committee recommenced the government consider measures to increase donations to brain banks for scientific research.

    We couldn’t find any evidence of steps taken to implement this recommendation.

    Moving forward

    There has been progress in education and guidelines but a lack of the coordinated, transparent approach the committee envisioned.

    A formal government response, as demonstrated in Canada and the United Kingdom, is essential to establish trust and chart a clear path forward.

    The Australian government, as guardian of the Australian public’s health, has an opportunity to do the same.

    Annette Greenhow receives funding from SSHRC Partnership Development Grant. Annette is a Board Member of the Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association. The views expressed in this article are her own.

    Stephen Townsend 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. A year on from the Senate inquiry into concussion, what’s changed and what comes next? – https://theconversation.com/a-year-on-from-the-senate-inquiry-into-concussion-whats-changed-and-what-comes-next-239929

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN shares views with Channel News Asia

    Source: ASEAN

    While in Singapore for the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2024 Summit, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today shared his views and perspectives with Channel News Asia (CNA), where he highlighted the key outcomes of the recently-held 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Meetings in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and talked about the importance of promoting ASEAN’s relations with its external partners, among others.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN shares views with Channel News Asia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fred Graham work a tribute to home town

    Source: Auckland Council

    Celebrated artist Fred Graham has unveiled a gift to the town he loves in the form of a sculpture carrying its name.

    Waiuku becomes the latest addition to Auckland’s public art collection after its unveiling on the Glenbrook-Waiuku Road / Cornwall Road intersection.

    It expresses his aroha (love) and whakawhetai (gratitude) for the town where he has lived, worked and raised his family with wife Norma for more than 30 years.

    Franklin Local Board member Sharlene Druyven says Graham (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Tainui) is internationally and nationally celebrated and is a taonga of the area.

    Now 96, he is still being commissioned – especially in Waikato – where his ancestry anchors him, with Waiuku acknowledging Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua history in the rohe (area) and the immigrants who have made it their home.

    Based on the letter W, three of the four inner panels feature the koru, honouring those involved in the story of how Waiuku got its name.

    Brothers Tamakae and Tamakou vied for the hand of Waikato chieftainess Te Atairehia – after whom Ngati Te Ata are named – and who is represented by a fourth koru.

    Tamakae was the provider, Tamakou the orator. Tamakou was first to meet Te Atairehia but she requested Tamakae be presented. He was working in the kumara gardens and had to be washed in the wai (water) and uku (a type of white clay) at the stream that flows into the Manukau Harbour before he could meet her.

    He won her heart and they married, and from then on, the area was known as Waiuku.

    Fred Graham’s work is held in international collections.

    Graham was born in 1928 in Arapuni, going on to Taita College where his talent was recognised, a gift nurtured at Ardmore Teachers Training College.

    From there he developed an interest in sculpture, teaching himself to carve in wood and stone, and later using steel – a cornerstone of Waiuku with its iron sand and mill.

    He was part of a collective that ran a Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) initiative in rural Māori communities with artists such as Cliff Whiting and Paratene Matchitt known as the ‘Class of ’66’ after a Hamilton show called ‘Contemporary Māori Painting and Sculpture’.

    Friendships with art greats Ralph Hotere and Muru Walters were also established during his early days, while his own works fused Māori and European cultures, often combining wood, stone and modern materials in commissions displayed across Aotearoa.

    “Fred is known for drawing on Māori traditions, but that is in the art world. In Waiuku he is better known for his gentleness, kindness and wisdom,” Druyven says.

    “This is a man who has walked alongside greats of the art world but who is humble, who celebrates what matters to him, whanau and whenua.

    “Very few of us can say we are friends with an art great, and the fact he’s just Fred to so many here in Waiuku tells you everything you need to know.”

    Ngaati Te Ata kaumatua Riki Minhinnick leads the blessing of the site.

    His son Brett followed his own path, also becoming an acclaimed artist and exhibiting currently with his father and other prominent Māori artists at this year’s Venice Biennale.

    Fred Graham received the Te Waka Toi Te Tohu Aroha mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu Award in 2017 and a year later the Arts Foundation Icon Award and was also made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

    The 5.2 metre tall 1.4 tonne stainless steel work was made in Waiuku by retired engineer Rex Erikson, a long-term friend and collaborator.

    Waiuku is the second major Graham installation in the town. In 2020 his work recognising NZ Steel’s 50th anniversary in 2015, was unveiled at Centennial Park – Lions Lake to locals.

    That eight-metre steel statue features triangular panels depicting the three Franklin sites that converge to see steel forged at the mill, Taharoa, Waikato North Head and Glenbrook.

    Fifty birds adorn the panels, the cut-outs recognising the lives of those connected to the mill who have passed, and the shaped birds the lives of those now associated with the mill, and the whanau supported by that relationship.

    Inside the triangle, pipes can be seen, honouring the pipeline that sees iron sand shaped into steel.

    Atop the structure three birds rise into the sky, the past, present and the future.

    Stay connected

    Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Progress towards Auckland’s climate goals puts resilience at the forefront

    Source: Auckland Council

    From increasing public transport options, to decarbonising the council’s operations, to community food initiatives and building resilience to flood events, Auckland Council is delivering tangible, positive climate outcomes for Aucklanders. That’s according to Auckland Council’s Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan 2024 progress snapshot.

    Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the council’s Policy and Planning Committee applauds the progress already made but reminds us that to maintain momentum and achieve our climate goals requires continued commitment from all of us.

    “As a region, the scale and speed of climate action needed to make an impact on resilience continues to grow and will require increasing levels of cohesion and investment across both government and our council.”

    Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan is Auckland Council’s long-term approach to climate action. It sets out eight priority action areas to deliver our goals to reduce carbon pollution and plan in ways that prevent further climate disruption.

    Kataraina Maki, Auckland Council’s Chief Sustainability Officer, believes the council plays a crucial role in forward-thinking to make caring for everyone in a climate-disrupted future a reality.

    “Imagine the lives we can all live when, across our communities, we are empowered to take the bold climate actions we need, and know are feasible. Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan provides long term solutions to make wise decisions now that will prevent further disruption to the climate later for future generations.

    “Kia kotahi, Auckland Council supports our communities to unite, work together, and adapt to low-carbon, climate-prepared lifestyles to meet peoples’ needs and make our city better for everyone, especially those most vulnerable to climate disruption.”

    The annual progress report highlights the council’s contribution towards the implementation of Te Tāruke-a-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan based on the levels of actions that are completed, in progress, and still required in reducing emissions and improving resilience to climate change. It also provides highlights of progress and key challenges for each priority in the plan along with a summary of key initiatives planned for the year ahead.

    Key highlights of 2023/2024 report include:

    • Collecting and diverting 20,000 tonnes of food scraps from landfill, exceeding the target of 18,000 tonnes for year one
    • Investment in public transport to increase patronage up to 100 million boardings by March 2025
    • Issuing three new green bonds increasing total green bond holdings to NZ $3.7 billion
    • The Auckland Council climate grant funded 32 community-led projects, with approximately a third going to underserved communities
    • Approximately 750,000 trees were planted across the region as part of the Urban Ngahere programme
    • Several projects including Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland Domain Wintergardens have switched from gas to electricity and alternative energy sources, saving money and reducing emissions.

    A planted area and stormwater stream beside the motorway in South Auckland.

    Building resilience to future extreme weather events top priority for the council

    In response to the 2023 extreme weather events, Auckland Council has partnered with the government to implement a $2 billion flood recovery and resilience package. As severe weather events happen more frequently, the council is preparing for the additional water we know to expect and preventing further flood risks through financial support for affected homeowners, supporting community-led responses and accelerating crucial repairs to affected infrastructure.

    The Making Space for Water programme has been integral to this work where $820 million has been given to help build resilience, repair affected stormwater assets and reduce the impacts of future intense rainfall.

    Councillor Hills says that rebuilding our infrastructure after big flooding and climate events can prevent worsening climate disruption.

    “Rampant carbon pollution has trapped heat like a blanket in our atmosphere and warmed the oceans, leading to a disrupted climate and more extreme weather events. A lot more water is one of the effects,” he says.

    “Auckland Council prioritises working alongside mana whenua, communities, and infrastructure experts to redesign our city to be more spongy to soak up this extra water and reduce heat in our neighbourhoods.

    “By uncovering our natural waterways and enhancing and maintaining our stormwater systems through programmes like Making Space for Water, we’re giving water space to flow and rise to build resilience and reduce the impacts of future flooding.”

    An electric bus on Waiheke Island.

    Zero emission transport

    Auckland’s public transport network is becoming fully electric. A total of 180 buses are now zero emissions in the fleet, making it the largest fleet of zero-emission buses of any city in Australasia. Investment in the transition from fossil fuels to lower emissions has also seen the construction of the first low emission ferries. The Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate has also increased our frequent bus network to forty routes in total, the most recent addition is the 94, which is seeing almost 400 new users each day.

    Te Herenga Waka O Orewa Marae has received funding to repair flooring in the wharekai, an engineering design to improve stormwater management.

    Mana whenua partnerships

    Auckland Council supports leadership of mana whenua who have expertise in living in harmony with natural systems to care for their rohe and tāngata, using mātauranga Māori to guide how te taiao is valued and protected. The council supports climate resilience programmes across seven Auckland marae as part of the Resilient Marae Programme, and rangatahi Māori-led responses to the environment such as Mātātahi Taio to deliver climate action outcomes using traditional Māori knowledge systems and practices.

    About the progress snapshot

    The council group this year reports that based on the current allocation of funding for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, meeting the 2050 net zero target set in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri is becoming more challenging within timeframe and financial constraints. Regional emissions are also starting to rise, after they temporarily decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The report identifies that we all face big challenges in a climate-disrupted future. Better, resilient lives for everyone are possible through bold community climate planning, and a sustained collective commitment and effort from government, the council, businesses, communities and individuals to climate action.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on October 18, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 6,170.25 6.31 5.50-6.55
         I. Call Money 970.10 6.11 5.50-6.24
         II. Triparty Repo 4,266.15 6.34 5.81-6.55
         III. Market Repo 6.00 5.90 5.90-5.90
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 928.00 6.40 6.39-6.45
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 9,547.65 6.47 5.10-6.60
         II. Term Money@@ 1,233.00 – 6.85-6.90
         III. Triparty Repo 361,634.75 6.29 6.23-6.60
         IV. Market Repo 150,948.36 6.29 5.00-6.64
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Fri, 18/10/2024 13 Thu, 31/10/2024 20,073.00 6.49
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Fri, 18/10/2024 3 Mon, 21/10/2024 54,755.00 6.49
    3. MSF# Fri, 18/10/2024 1 Sat, 19/10/2024 866.00 6.75
      Fri, 18/10/2024 2 Sun, 20/10/2024 0.00 6.75
      Fri, 18/10/2024 3 Mon, 21/10/2024 3,350.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 18/10/2024 1 Sat, 19/10/2024 144,586.00 6.25
      Fri, 18/10/2024 2 Sun, 20/10/2024 0.00 6.25
      Fri, 18/10/2024 3 Mon, 21/10/2024 4,259.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -219,457.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations€ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 250.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 2,275.00 4.00
    6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)£ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 105.00 4.00
    Mon, 22/11/2021 1095 Thu, 21/11/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 29/11/2021 1095 Thu, 28/11/2024 305.00 4.00
    Mon, 13/12/2021 1095 Thu, 12/12/2024 150.00 4.00
    Mon, 20/12/2021 1095 Thu, 19/12/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 255.00 4.00
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,222.87  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     10,762.87  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -208,694.13  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on October 18, 2024 991,699.56  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending October 18, 2024 1,001,756.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ October 18, 2024 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on October 04, 2024 488,495.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    € As per the Press Release No. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    £ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1340

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name Release, fatal water incident, Manukau Harbour

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can now confirm the name of the man who died after a boat capsized in the Manukau Harbour on Sunday 20 October.

    He was 52-year-old Parma Siwam Samy, also known as Vimal, of Māngere East.

    Police would like to extend our condolences to his whānau at this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing and his death will be referred to the Coroner.

    Police would like to thank the members of the public who assisted with the rescue.

    ENDS.

    Tony Wright/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 225-2024: Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme: treatment provider suspended – Ceylon Pest Control Co. (Pvt.) Ltd (AEI: LK0010MB)

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    21 October 2024

    Who does this notice affect?

    Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

    What has changed?

    Following identification of critical non-compliance, we have suspended Ceylon Pest Control Co. (Pvt.) Ltd (AEI: LK0010MB) from the…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Average speed camera trial to investigate safety dividend

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Average speed camera trial to investigate safety dividend

    Published: 21 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Minister for Roads

    Previously, average speed cameras have only been used in NSW to monitor the speed of heavy vehicles. Road safety benefits will be evaluated when a trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles is conducted from next year.

    Legislation that passed NSW Parliament has enabled their use for all vehicles, bringing the state into line with all other Australian mainland states and the ACT where the technology is an integral part of their speed enforcement programs.

    The NSW Government will now trial the lifesaving benefits of average speed cameras as part of efforts to combat the rising road toll which today stands at 271 – two more than at the same date in 2023.

    The average speed camera trial will build on road safety initiatives introduced by the Minns Labor Government, including:

    • Seatbelt enforcement by the existing mobile phone camera detection network
    • Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months
    • The demerit return trial that rewarded more than 1.2 million drivers for maintaining a demerit-offence-free driving record during the initial 12-month period up to 16 January 2024
    • Doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with the addition of 2,700 new locations where a camera can be deployed. Enforcement hours will remain the same
    • Hosting the state’s first Road Safety Forum of international and local experts
    • Signed National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth

    Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade.

    Regional NSW is home to a third of the population but is where two-thirds of all road deaths happen.

    Two trials will be conducted on limited stretches of highway in regional NSW to assess whether these measures reduce speeding at these locations, improving safety and preventing injuries and fatalities. The trial areas are:

    • Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie) – 15kms between cameras
    • Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai – 16kms between cameras

    There were a combined total of six fatalities and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022 at these locations.

    Road safety experts have backed the use of average speed cameras and the NRMA will be part of the assessment process to ensure drivers have a voice in the review of the trial. 

    Transport for NSW will now work on the technical elements and deliver a communications campaign to inform motorists about the trial to begin mid-2025.

    Trials are proposed to begin with a 60-day period in which speeding drivers will receive a warning letter rather than a fine before normal enforcement, including fines and demerit points, begin.

    Minister for Roads John Graham said:

    “This is the right time to investigate whether lives can be saved by the use of average speed cameras for all vehicles, not only trucks.

    “This technology has been found to be effective in other states and in the UK, Norway, Italy and the Netherlands.

    “It is our responsibility to properly evaluate whether they are effective in preventing another family and another friendship circle from being devastated – which is the sad result every time someone dies on NSW roads.

    “Before trials begin next year, the NSW Government will conduct a comprehensive awareness campaign so the public is aware of average speed cameras and a 60-day warning letter period will give motorists time to adjust to their use in these limited locations.”

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

    “In 2023, over two thirds of the deaths on our roads were in regional NSW. Our goal is to assess how effective the cameras can be in changing speeding habits and reducing needless deaths.

    “The NSW Government will continue to inform all drivers but particularly the regional communities around these trial sites about how it will work.

    “Unfortunately, on Tuesday night we saw Nationals in the Legislative Council cynically voting against the average speed camera trial, putting politics above the safety of the people they purport to represent.

    “There have been a few times in this Parliament that the Leader of the Nationals has torched the Coalition agreement allegedly on a matter of principle – but saving lives on our roads in the bush? The Nationals are clearly confused about what is important.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Breaking ground on the first new Road of National Significance

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Work has kicked off on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) as the Government continues to move at pace to deliver infrastructure that enables Kiwis and freight to get to where they want to go quickly and safely, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.

    “The Government is keeping its promise to New Zealanders to deliver a new generation of RoNS across the country that reduce congestion, unlock land for thousands of new houses, and boost economic growth as we rebuild the economy to reduce the cost of living. Delivering the infrastructure this country needs is a key part of our plan to rebuild the economy and boost productivity,” Mr Brown says. 

    “Early works have now started on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway RoNS to four-lane this critical corridor that carries 29,000 vehicles a day and links freight to one of New Zealand’s largest ports. The growing population and economy mean that the central section of this road is reaching capacity at peak times. Starting work now allows the NZTA to maximise the 2025/2026 construction season and bring forward the construction of this project by 12 to 15 months.”

    The Government is prioritising 17 RoNS which were highlighted in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport, with seven new projects to begin procurement, enabling works and construction in the next three years.

    “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is taking action to fix it. It’s not enough to just talk about projects and write endless business cases. Kiwis voted for a Government that would get on and build the infrastructure that our country needs. That is what we are doing, and we’re pleased to be able to show action within our first year. 

    “Four-laning the Hawke’s Bay Expressway will unleash national and regional economic growth and productivity by reducing travel times, increasing resilience, and improving safety for motorists. 

    “The Hawke’s Bay Expressway was critical to the resilience of the region during Cyclone Gabrielle, with other routes being cut off. This Road of National Significance will increase capacity, resilience, support residential growth, and provide a boost to the local economy by helping move freight more quickly to the Napier Port. 

    “NZTA is prioritising the Taradale Road to Pākowhai Road section of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway as it is the most congested part of the road, and will help ensure more reliable journey times for commuters and freight operators in the Bay. 

    “The Government will be delivering the benefits of better road infrastructure to Kiwis and businesses across the country, as progress ramps up on several other Roads of National Significance projects. Takitimu North Link Stage 1 is already underway, Ōtaki to North of Levin will begin construction next year, and the Northland Expressway is currently undergoing geotechnical work. 

    “The RoNS projects previously built by National are some of New Zealand’s most successful State Highway corridors, reducing congestion and improving safety. Moving at pace to build a new generation of RoNS signals our Government’s focus on prioritising investments that deliver real value to commuters and businesses.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Lower speed limits on SH1 Whangārei to Te Hana, SH14 Dargaville to Whangārei, SH15 Maungatapere

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    New speed limits will soon come into effect on short sections of the following state highways:

    • SH1 Whangārei to Te Hana – changes in place from w/c 21 October 2024
    • SH14 Dargaville to Whangārei – changes in place from w/c 29 October 2024 
    • SH15 Maungatapere School – changes in place from w/c 29 October 2024 

    Note: All other approved changes on SH15 were implemented on 13 May 2024

    The changes we are making on SH1, SH14 and SH15 focus on short sections of state highway, including schools, and involved extensive community engagement and input prior to approval.

    School speed changes include new electronic variable speed limit signs outside five schools to reduce speeds during pick up and drop off times.

    For more information, please visit: 

    Speed management in Northland and Auckland(external link)

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ​​DTA pilots new AI assurance framework​

    Source: Australia Digital Transformation Agency

    The DTA is exploring artificial intelligence (AI) assurance mechanisms for Australian Government agencies consistent with the National framework for the assurance of AI in government. Our approach to AI assurance prioritises human oversight and the rights, wellbeing, and interests of people and communities. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TD to send HKeToll SMS by “#HKeToll” from October 28

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    TD to send HKeToll SMS by “#HKeToll” from October 28
    TD to send HKeToll SMS by “#HKeToll” from October 28
    **************************************************************

         The Transport Department (TD) announced today (October 21) that the HKeToll has participated in the SMS Sender Registration Scheme under the Office of the Communications Authority to help the public verify SMS messages issued by the HKeToll. Starting from noon next Monday (October 28), the HKeToll will use “#HKeToll” for issuing messages to local subscribers of mobile services who are HKeToll users, ceasing the use of the sender ID without prefix “#” at the same time.     A spokesman for the TD said that the HKeToll has been progressively implemented at government-tolled tunnels and Tsing Sha Control Area since May 2023. The overall operation has generally been smooth to date, and motorists have been extensively using and adapting to the system. The registered sender ID “#HKeToll” with prefix “#” will enable users to authenticate messages and guard against scams and loss.     The TD reiterated that the HKeToll will not send SMS messages or emails with hyperlinks to vehicle owners for carrying out transactions. Vehicle owners must log in to the HKeToll website (hketoll.gov.hk) or mobile app to pay outstanding tolls online. Members of the public should stay alert when receiving messages without prefix “#” but purportedly issued by the HKeToll or any unidentified messages, and should not reply directly, visit suspicious websites or disclose any personal information to avoid being directed to fraudulent websites to carry out transactions. For enquiries about the HKeToll, please call 3853 7333.

     
    Ends/Monday, October 21, 2024Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: KnowBe4 Sheds Light on the Alarming Trends of Human Trafficking Through Social Engineering in the UAE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Human trafficking continues to be an issue in the UAE, particularly affecting foreign workers from Africa and South and Southeast Asia. Lured with false promises of high-paying jobs, victims arrive in the UAE only to have their passports confiscated and find themselves in forced labor or even sex trafficking conditions. As the U.S. Department of State’s 2023 report highlights, many foreign workers, making up nearly 90% of the UAE’s population, are vulnerable to exploitation, with common abuses including non-payment of wages, debt-based coercion, and substandard living conditions.

    Traffickers are increasingly using social engineering tactics on social media platforms to target these workers, offering employment opportunities that seem too good to be true. Once victims arrive, they often find themselves in industries ranging from domestic work to cybercrime operations or sex trafficking, trapped by a combination of legal loopholes and physical isolation.

    How to Avoid Falling Victim to Human Trafficking

    Traffickers use highly convincing tactics to deceive job seekers, but there are steps individuals can take to protect themselves:

    • Research the Employer Thoroughly: Verify the legitimacy of any job offer by researching the company’s website, reading employee reviews, and ensuring the company is registered in corporate databases.
    • Avoid Upfront Payments: Legitimate employers do not charge for recruitment fees or visas. Be wary of any employer requesting payment before employment.
    • Beware of Social Media Offers: Many job scams originate on social media platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp. Always verify the recruiter’s identity and check if the company is reputable.
    • Know Your Rights: Be familiar with UAE labor laws, especially the legal processes regarding work visas and employment contracts.
    • Ask for Legal Documentation: Ensure you have an official job offer letter and that the employer provides clear visa sponsorship information before agreeing to travel.

    Taking these steps can help individuals avoid falling victim to human trafficking schemes that are increasingly prevalent in the UAE.

    For more detailed insights, you can read the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report on the UAE

    By Anna Collard, SVP content strategy and evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia and VNPT collaborate on 5G in Vietnam

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Nokia and VNPT collaborate on 5G in Vietnam

    • Nokia and VNPT partner to deploy 5G technology supporting the development of digital infrastructure in Vietnam

    21st October 2024
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), one of Vietnam’s leading telecommunications operators, today announced a new partnership to deploy 5G technology. This significant development marks a new milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the two companies, reinforcing their commitment to providing a strong digital infrastructure in Vietnam. Nokia is also manufacturing its 5G products locally in Vietnam highlighting its commitment to the region.

    As part of this agreement, Nokia will deploy equipment from its state-of-the-art 5G AirScale portfolio, powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. These provide premium connectivity, low latency, enhanced network capacity, and reduced power consumption. Nokia will also deploy its AI-based 5G MantaRay network management solution which will greatly improve VNPT’s network operation efficiency.
      
    Mr. Huynh Quang Liem, VNPT’s CEO, said: “Collaborating with Nokia will enable VNPT to rapidly deploy a world-class 5G network and meet the growing demands of our customers in Vietnam, 5G will serve as the foundation that will drive Vietnam’s economic development and societal progress, thereby accelerating its journey towards becoming a digital economy.”

    Tommi Uitto, Nokia’s President of Mobile Networks, said: “Nokia is proud to be VNPT’s strategic partner in introducing 5G which will deliver future-ready communications solutions that will help accelerate Vietnam’s digital future. Our local 5G production is further enhancing our strong bond with the country.”

    Resources:
    Webpage: Nokia 5G
    Product page: AirScale Radio Access
    Product page: MantaRay Network Management

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale.Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB-Supported Project Boosts Resilience of Land, Maritime Transport Networks in Solomon Islands

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS (21 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing the Government of Solomon Islands with the second tranche of financing for its Land and Maritime Connectivity Project totaling $53 million. The project is strengthening transport infrastructure in Solomon Islands.

    The Land and Maritime Connectivity Project was approved by the ADB Board in June 2021, to be funded by a concessional loan of $74.4 million and a grant of $74.5 million. The grant is sourced from the Asian Development Fund, which provides grants to ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries. The Government of Solomon Islands is contributing the remaining $21.8 million of the project’s overall cost of almost $171 million. The project is a 10-year multitranche financing facility, enabling ADB’s long-term support to the country’s transport sector.

    “Developing a sustainable transport network will help drive robust socioeconomic growth in Solomon Islands,” said ADB Senior Transport Specialist Rika Idei. “The project will better connect people in rural and remote areas to markets, health, and education services.”

    Tranche 2 will continue the rehabilitation and climate-proofing of road transport infrastructure from the first tranche. Works on the remaining 26 kilometers (km) of the Henderson–Mberande road section have commenced, while the rehabilitation of the 1.7 km Honiara City Council–Ground section and the upgrading of the 3.1 km Town Ground–White River section are ongoing. Both are critical road links on Guadalcanal Island. Climate resilience features are integrated into the road design to ensure all-year access along the east–west corridor in the island. After the completion of civil work, a 5-year performance-based maintenance will follow to sustain road quality and endurance.

    Maritime transport infrastructure will be improved in the second tranche, with work beginning for the provincial wharves under the project in Kira Kira and work in Ahanga expected to start soon. Marketplaces and passenger buildings will be included as part of the provincial wharves.

    Support for institutional improvement is a key element of the project, particularly in the second tranche. Part of the support is to develop a gender strategy to support women in technical and leadership roles in the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appeal to public following hit and run

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police investigating a hit and run incident in Pukekohe last week, which left a man critically injured, are appealing to the public for information.

    At about 2.47am on Friday morning, Police were called after a member of the public located a man injured and unconscious lying on Wellington Street.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, Counties Manukau South CIB, says the victim was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where he remains.

    “As part of Operation Gain, our investigations team is actively making enquiries to identify and locate the driver and vehicle involved.

    “We are asking for the public’s assistance for any information which may help us to help us locate the driver or the vehicle involved.

    “Anyone in the area who may have witnessed this incident or who has any information – including CCTV – is asked to contact Police immediately.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says it’s likely the vehicle would have been damaged during this incident.

    “If you are the owner of this vehicle, please contact us.

    “A number of people have come forward with information and spoken to Police since this incident, and we ask anyone who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch.”

    Information can be provided to Police by making an online report at 105.police.govt.nz using “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please reference the file number 241018/8618.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –