NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Day celebration: Walking Together in Healthy Bay Area – Walking Challenge under “10 000 Steps a Day” Campaign to open for enrolment in October

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    National Day celebration: Walking Together in Healthy Bay Area – Walking Challenge under “10 000 Steps a Day” Campaign to open for enrolment in October
    National Day celebration: Walking Together in Healthy Bay Area – Walking Challenge under “10 000 Steps a Day” Campaign to open for enrolment in October
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         To promote the health benefits of walking, the Department of Health (DH) launched the “10 000 Steps a Day” Campaign in 2022 to encourage members of the public to increase their physical activities. The DH said today (September 25) that as the third phase of the Walking Challenge, this year’s event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Health Bureau (HHB) and the DH will for the first time partner with the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Mainland cities to jointly promote walking to mark the celebration.     According to the Population Health Survey 2020-22 conducted by the DH, nearly a quarter (24.8 per cent) of persons aged 18 or above performed an insufficient level of physical activities, and about one in seven (14.9 per cent) persons aged 15 or above reported spending 10 hours or longer sitting or reclining each day.     A spokesman for the DH said, “Walking is a simple form of physical activity that many of us engage in daily, and it brings us plenty of health benefits including improving cardiopulmonary function, strengthening muscles and bones, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes, as well as relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression.     “Adults are recommended to gradually increase their daily step goal to 10 000 based on an individual’s own physical conditions, abilities, pace and circumstances. Any amount of walking is better than sitting, even if the goal cannot be reached yet.”     Features of this year’s Walking Challenge are as follows: 

    The Walking Challenge is one of the events marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. Hong Kong and the GBA Mainland cities will organise walking activities at the same period under the common theme of “Walking Together in Healthy Bay Area”.
    Participants are required to enrol in the Walking Challenge and record their step count during the challenge period through “e+Life”, the recently launched health challenge platform under the eHealth app. Participants reaching a daily average of 10 000 steps (around 7.5 kilometres in distance) during the challenge period can be awarded an electronic certificate of achievement from the “e+Life” platform.
    With the slogan “Shall We Walk and Talk”, the Walking Challenge includes a Workplace Organisation Walking Challenge, which aims to raise public awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of walking, encourage friends and colleagues to support each other and walk 10 000 steps daily.

         Details of the Walking Challenge in Hong Kong are as follows:

    Target participants: adults aged 18 or above
    Individual enrolment period: October 1 to 31
    Workplace organisation enrolment period: On or before October 15; after the workplace organisations are successfully enrolled, their staff members can enrol from October 1 to 31 and select their representing organisations
    Challenge period: November 1 to 30

         Interested individuals can enrol through “e+Life” by logging into the eHealth app, commencing on October 1. Interested workplace organisations can register with the DH for the Walking Challenge on or before October 15. After successful enrolment of the workplace organisation, their staff will be able to select their respective organisations when enrolling through “e+Life”, and the step counts of participating staff will be attributed to the organisation they choose. Moreover, participants only need to connect the “e+Life” platform with their mobile health tracking apps of their own mobile phones during the challenge, and their steps will be recorded on the “e+Life” platform. This initiative encourages everyone to walk 10 000 steps with friends for health.     For details, please visit the event website of the Walking Challenge (www.10000stepsaday.hk/?lang=en) and the website of “e+Life” (app.ehealth.gov.hk/elife-overview).      Moreover, the HHB launched the new “e+Life” health challenge platform in September to allow eHealth users to join various health challenges, log their daily exercises and accumulate health coins by interfacing with tracking applications. In collaboration with the Education Bureau, the DH and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the HHB rolled out earlier the first health challenge, the “e+ Go to Park” game, on September 14. The “e+ Go to Park”, primarily targeting students, is similar to the “10 000 Steps a Day” Campaign, which encourages members of the public to increase their physical activities. By utilising various game modes in “e+ Go to Park”, students are expected to be motivated to go outdoors with their parents and friends, and enjoy the fun of playing games and exercising together. More health challenges will be introduced on the “e+Life” platform to improve the public’s physical and mental health.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 12:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health chief bound for Beijing

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau will depart this afternoon on a two-day visit to Beijing, where he will call on relevant Mainland ministries to brief them on healthcare developments in Hong Kong and seek support for various healthcare reforms.

    The visit is aimed at strengthening exchanges and co-operation with the Mainland in healthcare-related areas.

    Director of Health Dr Ronald Lam, Deputy Secretary for Health Sam Hui, Hospital Authority Chairman Henry Fan and Hospital Authority Chief Executive Dr Tony Ko will join Prof Lo on the visit.

    The health chief will return to Hong Kong on Friday. During his absence, Under Secretary for Health Dr Libby Lee will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Better options for same-sex parents

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is delivering better flexibility for same-sex parents in New Zealand by making changes to the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Regulations.

    “Parents notifying the birth of their child will soon be able to choose whether they are named as a ‘mother’, ‘father’, or ‘parent’ on the child’s birth certificate. This gives parents greater choice over how they identify and acknowledges same-sex couples,” says Ms van Velden.

    “There are many diverse families within New Zealand who will be supported to have their identity reflected on official documents. For example, two mums who may both wish to be listed as ‘mother’ on the birth certificate of their child.”

    “This Government believes in freedom of choice for individuals, and I am proud to be delivering this change to give parents greater choice,” says Ms van Velden. 

    “The Government has agreed to bring the regulations into line with the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The regulations will be passed later this year and will be operational in December 2024.”

    This policy will not change the information collected by the Department about who has given birth to the child. It will also not affect current adoption laws for parents who have a child through surrogacy.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – Consent granted for 172-hectare Bream Bay solar farm

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    Independent hearings commissioners have granted an application by Meridian Energy Limited (MEL) to build a multi-million dollar 172-hectare solar farm across three sites at Marsden Pt, Ruakākā.
    The company had applied to the Northland Regional Council for resource consents for earthworks, associated stormwater diversion and discharges and vegetation clearance for the farm. (Land use consent for the solar farm was granted by the Whangarei District Council in February this year.)
    The application also proposed the creation, enhancement and restoration of 18.86ha of wetland across the three sites to offset the permanent removal of 17.06ha of wetlands.
    The application was lodged in September last year and publicly notified in March, attracting 12 submissions; two in support and 10 opposed. It was heard by commissioners David Hill (Chair) and Sheila Taylor over two days in Whangarei last month. (Subs: August 05 and 06).
    In their recently released decision granting the requested consents for 35 years, the commissioners said MEL had been looking for an opportunity to establish a solar farm in Northland to improve the resilience of both regional and national energy supply.
    “This culminated in the purchase of three sites at Marsden Point, and the consenting and construction of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on the northern-most site (corner Rama Road and SH15) as the first stage of the Ruakākā Energy Park.”
    Two hundred thousand solar panels would be installed to construct the 100-150MW farm which would produce 150-200GWh of electricity annually.
    In their decision the commissioners said the national and regional electricity generation benefits were not disputed.
    They found that “after having regard to the actual and potential effects on the environment of allowing the proposed activity, and taking into account the relevant statutory provisions, we find that consent for the proposed activities should be granted…”.
    “The adverse effects of the activity, when considered in the round and with the mitigation proposed and positive effects accounted for, will be minor.”
    The commissioners said the activity of the specified infrastructure was not contrary to the objectives and policies of the relevant plans.
    “The proposed activity is broadly consistent with the provisions of the relevant statutory documents and, with the conditions imposed, will avoid, remedy or mitigate as required the adverse effects that might otherwise be created.”
    The commissioners’ decision is now subject to appeal for 15 working days.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Govt turns back on social housing, prepares to axe 300 Kāinga Ora workers – PSA

    Source: PSA

    – A net 321 roles in housing delivery teams proposed to go
    – Kāinga Ora confirms housing builds falling from 4800 a year to 1600
    Kāinga Ora is proposing to cut a net 321 roles in the teams which play a key role in delivering social housing for thousands of New Zealanders as it significantly slows the building of new houses.
    Staff were informed of the proposed change today making crystal clear the Government’s plans to downsize the state’s role in providing housing for low-income families. Kāinga Ora told staff that the ‘Government has asked us to deliver housing in lower volumes’.
    “We feel for all those dedicated workers who are impacted by this proposal – they have been doing great work for a great purpose which this government is failing to value in its ideological obsession with outsourcing a key state function,” said Duane Leo National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This is a sad day for the proud tradition of the State building houses for those who depend on the government to provide a secure and healthy roof over their heads.”
    People who look likely to lose their jobs are those critical to the planning, design and construction of social houses, like architects, technical advisors, project coordinators, urban designers, spatial planners, and quality assurance experts. They work across the country with a third in Auckland and represent around 10% of Kāinga Ora’s workforce.
    “Kāinga Ora has done an extraordinary job in its short life in boosting the construction of social houses with nearly 5000 built last year alone. Staff should take credit for their efforts in providing modern homes for those who need them most.”
    A host of Kāinga Ora developments are now on hold as the Government shifts back to a focus on community-provided social housing. This follows a so-called independent review by former Prime Minister Sir Bill English and significant cuts in funding in Budget 2024.
    Duane Leo said; “The Government has made much of the fact that the demand for emergency housing is falling as some families shift to private rentals and into social housing. Many of those social houses were built by the previous government.
    “The confirmation of Kāinga Ora’s much reduced role will only mean uncertainty in the future for these families as the supply of social housing provided by the State falls.
    “Once again we see the Government’s misplaced priorities laid bare – it would rather give a helping hand to landlords than a helping hand to those who need it most.”
    Background – previous PSA statements on Kāinga Ora cuts
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Development – Fast-track panel approves consent for new Queenstown hotel – EPA

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    An independent panel has approved resource consent, subject to conditions, to construct a hotel on Man Street, Queenstown.
    The Queenstown Hotel (NZ) Limited Partnership applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020. The project involves constructing a multi-storey hotel with 185 guest rooms at 12 Man Street.
    The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.
    The decision comes 148 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
    The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel convenor, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panel he appoints.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace – Camera roll-out a win for the ocean, now needed for full fleet

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace says the continued roll out of cameras on boats announced today is a win for ocean health and environmentalists, who have been campaigning for greater fishing industry accountability for decades – but says it now must also extend to the full fishing fleet.
    Oceans & Fisheries Minister Shane Jones, who has repeatedly opposed the cameras on boats programme, takes campaign donations from the industry, and positioned himself as a “champion of industry”, has today announced that cameras will continue to be fitted to the remaining inshore commercial fishing fleet.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa executive director Dr. Russel Norman says, “Cameras on boats are our eyes at sea, helping to keep the fishing industry accountable, and giving us a clear picture of how commercial fishing impacts the ocean. We know that when cameras go on boats, reported captures of marine life like dolphins and seabirds increase.”
    The rollout of cameras on the first 127 boats led to a seven-fold increase in industry reports of dolphin capture, a 3.5 times increase in reports of killing albatrosses and an almost 50% increase in the reported volume of fish dumping.
    Says Dr Norman: “The initial rollout to 127 vessels led to new regulations to protect seabirds from being killed by commercial fishing boats.
    “Cameras work, and help protect ocean biodiversity. Getting them rolled out on boats is the result of decades of campaigning and public pressure. This announcement today shows that environmental NGOs like Greenpece can win even when faced with a Government and Minister engaged in an all out War On Nature.”
    But Dr. Norman says that the camera programme must now be rolled out to the full fleet, including deep sea bottom trawling boats, whose large weighted nets catch and kill marine life, including fur seals, dolphins and coral. A report released last year, showed that commercial fishers pulled up nearly 200 tonnes of coral over a 13 year period with 99% of that ‘bycatch’ caused by bottom trawling.
    Greenpeace is also concerned that the announcement included changes to fish dumping regulations, whereby commercial fishing companies would no longer be required to land all the sea creatures they kill in their nets.
    “The current discard rules provide strong incentives for fishing companies to minimise the sea creatures killed by their operations, because they have to land them rather than dump them overboard.”Catching and killing and then discarding fish, sharks, rays and so much more is wasteful and damaging to the marine ecosystem. If the fishing industry catches these animals, they should not be allowed to just dump them.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Renewable Energy – Ruakākā Solar Farm gains planning consent – Meridian

    Source: Meridian Energy

    Meridian Energy has been granted resource consent to build a 120 MW solar farm in Tai Tokerau Northland.

    With up to 250,000 solar panels, the Ruakākā Solar Farm, south of Whangārei, will be capable of producing 150 to 200 GWh of electricity per year – enough to power more than half the homes in Northland.

    Meridian’s Head of Renewable Development, Rebecca Knott, says the project will boost resilience for the region by reducing Northland’s reliance on electricity generated from other parts of the country.

    “With the bulk of New Zealand’s electricity generation coming from the lower South Island and North Island, south of Auckland, we’re proud to be developing such significant generation capacity in Tai Tokerau. This region is blessed with phenomenal natural resources, and we’re looking forward to delivering a fantastic new project that takes full advantage of that.”

    The solar farm is Stage 2 of Meridian’s Ruakākā Energy Park, which includes a 100 MW battery energy storage system that is at an advanced stage of construction and due for completion in early 2025.

    “The Ruakākā Energy Park is one of a number of renewable energy developments Meridian has underway to improve the security of electricity supply and help create a low carbon future for all Kiwis,” says Rebecca Knott.

    “We’re committed to increasing the amount of renewable electricity we generate and store so that we can help meet New Zealand’s growing demand for clean energy. That commitment is backed by a $3 billion investment through to 2030, and a number of excellent projects already in or approaching the planning process. Solar farms and batteries, alongside our hydro stations and wind farms, are part of the solution to strengthening and growing our electricity system, building resilience for tough years and reducing the cost of electricity for homes and businesses.”

    Subject to the appeal period and final investment decision by the Meridian Board, expected by the end of the year, construction of the Ruakākā Solar Farm will get underway in early 2025. It is expected to be completed in late 2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Result of tender of People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on September 25, 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Result of tender of People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on September 25, 2024
    Result of tender of People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on September 25, 2024
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    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:     Result of the tender of the People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on September 25, 2024: 

    Tender Result

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

    Tender Date
    :
    September 25, 2024

    Bills available for Tender
    :
    Six-Month RMB Bills

    Issuer
    :
    The People’s Bank of China

    Issue Number
    :
    BCHKFP24016

    Issue Date
    :
    September 27, 2024

    Maturity Date
    :
    March 28, 2025 (or the closest coupon payment date)

    Application Amount
    :
    RMB 59,301 million

    Issue Amount
    :
    RMB 25,000 million

    Average accepted Coupon Rate
    :
    1.45 per cent

    Highest accepted Coupon Rate(Bills’ Coupon)
    :
    1.55 per cent

    Lowest accepted Coupon Rate
    :
    1.00 per cent

    Allocation Ratio (At Highest accepted Coupon Rate)
    :
    Approximately 71.67 per cent

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 12:47

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese research ship harassed by Philippine vessels in South China Sea

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A Chinese research ship was approached and harassed by a military speed-gunboat and a coastguard vessel of the Philippines while conducting scientific research in the South China Sea on Tuesday.
    According to personnel aboard the Chinese ship, a speed-gunboat from the Philippine side approached and zigzagged around the Chinese ship Haiyang Dizhi 12, or Ocean Geology 12 in English, in the early morning, disrupting its normal research operations.
    Subsequently, vessel No. 4411 of the Philippine coastguard crossed in front of the Chinese research vessel and passed through with malicious intent, violating international rules on averting maritime collisions and gravely hampering the safety of the Chinese vessel and its operation.
    According to the captain of the Chinese research ship, this was the second time that the Philippine side had harassed China’s research vessels since the start of the scientific research mission.
    Previously, a Philippine vessel with the number 298 painted on its side deliberately covered the name on its bow, turned off its lighting and automatic identification system, and passed in front of the Chinese research vessel about 300 meters away at a high speed during nighttime, the captain said, noting that the Philippine vessel neither steered to make way nor answered radio communication from the Chinese vessel, posing a serious threat to the latter’s safety of navigation.
    The Chinese scientific research mission carried out by the ship is based on peaceful purposes and aimed at enriching humankind’s scientific knowledge of the ocean, said the chief scientist of this mission, adding that the methods and tools used in the mission are scientific and appropriate.
    The mission comply with the general principles outlined in article 240 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regarding the conduct of marine scientific research, and are both legitimate and legal, the chief scientist said.
    Ding Duo, a researcher with the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, noted that China’s marine scientific exploration activities in relevant waters are based on China’s territorial sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao and its corresponding maritime rights. China’s relevant activities are exercising the rights of coastal countries granted by international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, said Ding.
    China welcomes scientific research institutions of other countries in the South China Sea to conduct joint maritime scientific research activities with China, promote practical maritime cooperation in various fields, and create favorable conditions for peace and stability in the South China Sea, as well as regional development and prosperity, Ding added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sweet journey for EIT graduate turned business owner | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    2 hours ago

    Courtney Booth has achieved success with her own business since graduating from EIT.

    EIT graduate Courtney Booth has transformed her love for food into a flourishing business with Cuteneys Cakes

    The 29-year-old always had a love for food, nurtured by baking alongside her mum in her hometown of Napier.

    After finishing Year 12 at Tamatea High School, she followed her passion for cooking and enrolled at EIT to study the NZ Certificate in Cookery in 2013.

    “I always knew that I wanted to be a chef, so when I left high school, I knew that I wanted to go to EIT,”

    “But back when I studied, patisserie wasn’t really a thing. It was just like six months on the end of the cookery course and then it wasn’t until 2016 they created a course purely for patisserie. So, I ended up doing it in the second year that it ever ran.”

    During her two-year cookery programme, she worked at Mint Restaurant on Marine Parade.

    “I ended up working there for eight years as a chef. Started off as just a sous chef and then by the end of it, I was doing the head chef role.”

    In 2017, Courtney returned to EIT, this time to study patisserie, and graduated as the top student.

    While working full-time between two jobs, Courtney began making cakes for friends and family, slowly building a reputation on social media.

    “I was doing that for about three years, and then it wasn’t until COVID-19 that I started to think maybe I should look at doing cakes full time. We had just bought our house after the second lockdown, and we converted my garage into a commercial kitchen.”

    “I just jumped into the role full-time doing desserts on top of cakes and it just blew up. It was mostly word of mouth and through social media, and then I started on Uber Eats and Deliver Easy.”

    Her “little kitchen at home got too small” and about a year ago, she opened a storefront on Dalton Street in Napier. It was at this point that she brought on full-time baker and long-time friend Dana MacDonald.

    “Dana used to tutor at EIT and we have been on each other’s radars for many years. She was the one that actually judged my final patisserie dish at EIT. But I always fangirled over her because she worked at Elephant Hill and Malo and all these different fancy places as the pastry chef.”

    “She’s just like another me. We’re the exact same. It’s great to have somebody with the same skill set and I can just leave her to it.”

    Courtney admits every week is “just getting busier and busier”.

    Reflecting on her EIT experience, Courtney praises the institution for equipping her with the skills and confidence to pursue her ambitions.

    “EIT was really good for me, especially the patisserie course. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in food.”

    Looking ahead, Courtney has even bigger plans for her business, potentially opening another location in Hastings or expanding her current operation with a dedicated prep kitchen.

    EIT Professional Chef Tutor Mark Caves said: “We love it when our graduates progress their career into senior roles or to open their own businesses.”

    “Courtney came to us at a young age with passion and a desire to learn the craft of cooking. It has been amazing to watch Courtney be able to stay in Hawke’s Bay, progress her career under talented local chefs and fulfil her dream like many others who have trained in our world class facilities, and under our experienced tutors.”

    “It is also encouraging to know that anyone who progresses through our range of culinary programmes from introduction to food and beverage at level 3, advanced cookery at Level 4, and Level 5 advanced diploma in cookery or patisserie, can go out into the industry with the knowledge skills and confidence to fulfil their career ambitions, whether it is a food truck, head chef or your very own patisserie shop like Courtney!”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Lifestyle and Health – Daylight Savings: More Daylight, More Opportunities to Exercise!

    Source: Exercise NZ

    As daylight saving time begins in Aotearoa on Sunday, 29th September, many people worry about the potential disruption to their routines. While some studies indicate that the time shift can negatively affect exercise habits, ExerciseNZ urges Kiwis to see it as an opportunity. With longer daylight hours, there’s more time to stay active and enhance overall well-being.

    Previous research has shown that the shift to daylight savings can disrupt sleep and exercise routines, with some people finding it difficult to adjust to the new schedule. A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing highlights that these disruptions to our body clock can lower motivation and energy levels for exercise, particularly in the first few weeks. The study suggests that during this initial period, organisations should provide extra support to consumers to help them stay active throughout the transition phase.

    Rather than seeing daylight saving as a setback, ExerciseNZ views it as an ideal opportunity to reset and embrace new routines. The extended daylight hours offer the perfect chance to enjoy outdoor activities, reconnect with nature, or take advantage of later gym sessions—all proven to boost both physical and mental well-being. Reflecting this seasonal shift, spring in Aotearoa typically brings a surge in gym memberships—rising by up to 20%, according to ExerciseNZ’s 2023 research—as people gear up for the more active summer months ahead.

    In line with global health guidelines, daylight savings also offers Kiwis a timely opportunity to align their exercise habits with public health recommendations. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week to maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases (or 75 minutes of moderate to intense activity for those who prefer higher intensity). With longer daylight and warmer days, there’s more flexibility to fit outdoor activities or gym sessions into daily routines. Whether it’s enjoying the outdoors after work or school or taking advantage of the extended hours to hit the gym, the warmer season makes it easier to stay active to reap the holistic benefits of physical activity and exercise well into the evening. Therefore, heading into daylight savings, ExerciseNZ would like to offer these three tips.

    Utilise Extended Daylight for Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the longer daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities.  It’s also a great time to enjoy a new activity, like joining the gym or starting a yoga class.

    Adjust Slowly to New Routines: While the shift to daylight savings may disrupt sleep and exercise habits, focus on gradually adjusting your routine to maintain motivation and energy levels during the transition.

    Engage in Local Fitness Initiatives: Engage in community activities which are designed to help people stay active and make the most of the extra daylight hours.

    ExerciseNZ encourages everyone to use the shift to daylight savings as motivation to revamp their fitness routine, try new activities, and enjoy the outdoors. More daylight means more chances to prioritise your health. Daylight savings doesn’t have to disrupt your activity goals. Instead, let it remind us of the power of physical activity and how we can make the most of the changing seasons.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts News – New exhibition at Adam Art Gallery represents an innovative moment for museum practice in Aotearoa

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington / Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery

    Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery launches its spring season with Vaiei Tupuna (heritage of our ancestors). This exhibition of contemporary tapa from across Moana Nui brings together newly commissioned responses to taonga from the collections of Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection and The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with key historic works. Realised in collaboration with Te Papa, Vaiei Tupuna asserts the enduring wairua (spirit) of tapa’s past, present and future practitioners.

    This exhibition articulates a special moment in museum practice in Aotearoa. In late 2023, a delegation from Te Papa travelled to Tahiti with a recently acquired rare book, a 1787 tapa sampler collated by Alexander Shaw. Eleven tapa makers were invited to Tahiti to engage with the sampler and make works in response as part of a wananga titled ‘Ahu: Ngā Wairua o Hina(Tapa: The Spirit of Hina). These responses are on display for the very first time as part of Vaiei Tupuna.

    Another commission premiering in Vaiei Tupuna is new work by ‘Uhila Moe Langi Nai in response to a 24-metre long ngatu tāhina (Tongan Tapa), on display at Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery in 2023. Nai found in the ngatu a kupesi pattern inherited from her grandmother. A contemporary revisioning of the kupesi patterns used in the ngatu, Nai conceives of her new work, Hala Kafa, as an iteration of the original gift of the ngatu to the University Art Collection in 1999.

    Hina, the atua of tapa making, is also present in Vaiei Tupuna in a collaborative work by Pauline Reynolds and Sue Pearson. Hina Sings… includes an immersive experience of poetry, song and moving image projected onto a screen of ‘ahufafa tapa. The exhibition both opens and closes with the 1785 portrait of Poeatua, one of the first images of an Indigenous woman of Moana Nui to circulate in Europe. Poeatua’s presence here represents a commitment to rereading the past, restoring knowledge, honouring our tūpuna, and speaking their names.

    Exhibition details

    Vaiei Tupuna

    Cora-Allan, Dalani Tanahy, Doron Semu, Hinatea Colombani, Liviana Qaranivalu, Nikau Hindin, Pauline Reynolds, Sarah Vaki, Sue Pearson, Sulieti Fieme’a Burros, Tui Emma Gillies, ‘Uhila Moe Langi Nai.

    Curated by Isaac Te Awa, Nalani Wilson-Hokowhitu, Rosalie Koko, Rebecca Rice, Sophie Thorn

    Dates: 05.10.24 – 15.12.24

    Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery in collaboration with Te Papa                      

    Opening hours:
    Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery
    Tuesday–Sunday 11 am–5 pm

    FREE ENTRY

    Group visits are welcome. If your group is larger than five people and you would like a tour or introduction to the shows, contact the gallery administrator Ann Gale on ann.gale@vuw.ac.nz or 04-463 5229.

    Address

    Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
    Gate 3, Kelburn Parade
    Wellington 6140
    adamartgallery.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon Business and SK Shieldus team up to bolster cybersecurity offerings

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon Business and SK Shieldus team up to bolster cybersecurity offerings

    SEOUL – Verizon Business and SK Shieldus have agreed to collaborate to deliver cybersecurity solutions to South Korean and Asian enterprises operating on a global scale. This strategic relationship will leverage Verizon Business’ extensive global reach and SK Shieldus’ deep-rooted expertise to provide comprehensive, world-class protection addressing the unique needs of Asian businesses.

    By combining their strengths in real-time threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and managed security services, Verizon Business and SK Shieldus aim to empower enterprises to confidently navigate the complex global threat landscape, safeguarding their operations and assets worldwide.

    Verizon Business works with 99% of Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide and offers a suite of management and data security services. The company operates nine Security Operations Centers, six forensics labs and one of the largest IP networks in the world, monitoring 61 billion security events annually. In addition, Verizon’s investigative response team boasts more than 400 security experts and conducted 500+ IT investigations in 2023.

    “South Korea boasts one of the largest and most advanced economies in the world, and SK Shieldus has developed world-class cyber security capabilities in this market. We’re pleased to be working with them to enable businesses to further navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with confidence and resilience,” said Robert Le Busque, Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific at Verizon Business Group.

    Headquartered in South Korea, SK Shieldus is South Korea’s largest security services provider with a comprehensive suite of offerings, including physical security, security monitoring, consulting, system integration, solution supply, and operations. SK Shieldus was formed in 2021 following the merger of SK Infosec and ADT Caps. As a result, this integrated security provider, with physical and cybersecurity capabilities, has positioned itself as an industry leader by offering comprehensive security services. These services include security monitoring, consulting, system integration (SI), security solution supply, and security operations. With a customer base of over 1,800 across public, financial, and corporate sectors, including affiliates of the SK Group.

    SK Shieldus Chief Executive Officer, Dr. W.P. Hong stated that ‘Verizon is one of the world’s biggest technology providers with strong cyber capabilities. With the synergies and our capabilities in the Korea market, we will further strengthen cyber security capabilities for our customers in the market. As No.1 cyber security provider in Korea, we will utilise this collaboration to service our clients in Asia and globally’.

    To learn more about Verizon Business’ cybersecurity portfolio, visit https://www.verizon.com/business/en-sg/products/security/ .

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Seeds planted for $16.7 million agriculture precinct

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government is continuing to invest in the nation’s future as an agritech powerhouse, investing $16.7 million into the Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct.

    Once complete, the precinct will be a world-leading hub of research, innovation, incubation and production, working to advance sustainable and resilient food systems.

    It will create new education pathways for future students as well as collaborative opportunities with other agricultural institutions.

    The approximately $30 million project is jointly funded with Western Sydney University, and is an election commitment being delivered under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

    Western Sydney University has estimated the construction phase will create 150 direct jobs and up to an additional 240 jobs in the precinct’s day-to-day operations.

    Delivered in two stages, the Commonwealth’s contribution is for stage 1 of the roughly 50-hectare precinct on the Hawkesbury campus. 

    Planning for the precinct is well underway with construction due to commence in April 2025, and stage 1 of the precinct expected to open to students from late 2025 with Stage 2 to follow.

    For more information on the Priority Community Infrastructure Program visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.  

    Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “Agriculture makes up around13% of Australia’s export economy and 55% of its land mass. 

    “With growing demand for sustainable, resilient food systems, the Agri Tech Precinct will help keep Australia at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture sector.

    “This is a smart, long-term investment in both the economy of Western Sydney, and the future of agriculture across Australia.

    “Our commitment to this project is another example of our investment in infrastructure that will deliver benefits for all Australians for generations.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:

    “This is an important investment in the WSU Hawkesbury campus in Richmond.

    “The Hawkesbury is the heart of peri-urban farming in NSW, with a rich tradition in food production and land management, and this initiative opens up opportunities for 21st Century agri-tech.

    “Not only will the Agri Tech Precinct play a growing role in the future of agriculture in Australia, but it will create hundreds of exciting new jobs plus new higher education opportunities in the Hawkesbury and Western Sydney.  

    “I’m proud to have this election commitment become a reality and look forward to seeing the results of the investment in the WSU Richmond campus over many years to come.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins:

    “Innovation is at the heart of growing the agriculture sector’s productivity. The new Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct will bring students, researchers, businesses and industry together to develop and use new technology and methods to continue Australian agriculture’s competitiveness and success, which is why our Government is backing it.

    “Agriculture is increasingly drawing on technology and scientific advances to manage resource use, monitor production and target pests and diseases. 

    “I am excited by the prospects of bringing our best minds and technology together in the Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct. Collaboration can encourage innovation and attract investment and will be crucial to growing the jobs Australian agriculture needs into the future.”

    Quotes attributable to Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO:

    “Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct is a multi-million dollar investment in the future of sustainable agriculture production. 

    “The precinct will draw on the University’s expertise and research innovation ecosystem, with a focus on challenges faced by communities globally, to be advanced in genuine partnership with industry, government and community.

    “Offering exceptional work-integrated learning opportunities for students in agriculture and food production, it will create much-needed career pathways and a future jobs pipeline for Australia’s agricultural sector. 

    “Critically, the precinct will also create skilled jobs for Western Sydney and capitalise on the proximity to Sydney’s premier international airport at Badgery’s Creek – strengthening our opportunity to rapidly-export fresh, high-yield produce to the rest of the world. 

    “Our Hawkesbury campus has a long history of agricultural education and cutting-edge research. We are delighted this facility continues that proud tradition, cementing Western Sydney’s position as a world-leading hub for agricultural research and innovation.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Lomonosov Cluster Plays Leading Role in Import Substitution Development

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The need for import substitution has become one of the drivers for the development of Moscow production. Work in this direction was discussed by in his blog Sergei Sobyanin.

    “Our comprehensive business support system is designed to provide all necessary assistance to new developments and production of domestic products. The leading role in this matter is given to

    cluster “Lomonosov”, the operator of which is Moscow Innovation Cluster“, the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    The new building of the scientific valley of the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov has allowed to unite the most promising innovations of the capital. All necessary conditions for the operation of high-tech productions have been created here.

    More than 60 companies have become residents of the cluster since 2023. They develop high-tech solutions for the medical, space, oil and gas, food and other industries.

    More than two thousand people are employed in production. The enterprises’ revenues exceeded 11 billion rubles last year. They have access to support from the entire innovation ecosystem of the capital, including the “Academy of Innovators” – one of the most successful projects of the capital Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, which helps develop projects from an idea to a startup.

    Powerful controllers, efficient filters and software for pharmaceuticals

    The developments of the residents of the Lomonosov cluster successfully compete with both domestic and foreign analogues.

    For example, the company “Adaptto” produces controllers – electronic devices for controlling the electric drive of vehicles. Compact and functional devices are two to four times more powerful than similar imported devices. They are used in all types of electric transport (in land, air, water transport), as well as in industry (fans, elevators).

    The company plans to complete new developments in the near future. These include a three-in-one unit (controller, inverter, gearbox) for electric vehicles and hybrid power plants.

    “Pharmaceutical and microelectronic production requires a particularly clean air environment – there literally shouldn’t be a speck of dust in the room,” noted Sergei Sobyanin.

    Aerolife specialists have developed a fundamentally new type of filters. Innovative filters allow achieving the highest level of purification according to class U15. Air is purified by 99.9995 percent with a size of polluting particles greater than 0.1 micrometer. The products have no analogues in Russia, and imported ones are inferior in such characteristics as dust capacity and energy efficiency.

    Aerolife systems are used at microprocessor manufacturing plants in Zelenograd, in the development of new drugs at institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in the production of vaccines at the N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology (NRCEM), and at more than 20 pharmaceutical companies.

    Serial production of new filters has been launched in the Mosgormash technology park. This year, the company plans to triple its capacity.

    The Simurg computing platform, created by Simurgpharm, is the first drug development software in Russia. It can be used to analyze and predict preclinical and clinical data during drug planning and testing.

    The use of such mathematical models is a mandatory condition for registering new drugs. The platform is registered in the register of domestic software. It was tested jointly with specialists from the companies “Alpharma”, “Biocad” and others and is actively used in educational programs of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov and the Scientific and Technological University “Sirius”.

    Wireless communications, seismological equipment and protective coatings

    INWAVE (OOO Microwave Electronics) is a leading domestic manufacturer of control and measuring equipment, wireless communications and antenna systems. Wireless communications solutions include broadband access, radio relay and satellite communications.

    “The company’s technologies are successfully used in the development and production of various radio-electronic products, such as onboard equipment for space systems. Over the past year, with the support of the city, the company has increased its production capacity and is also planning to improve the line of control and measuring equipment, introducing new technologies and materials, which will improve the characteristics and reliability of the products,” the Mayor of Moscow said.

    The Split company produces a hardware and software complex using SplitMultiSeis technology. The system helps to conduct high-quality seismic research on land and at sea. It is used to solve engineering and geological problems, for example, when developing offshore fields or in transition zones. With the help of the complex, more than 100 projects have been implemented in the Arctic seas of Russia, the Black, Caspian, Baltic, Japanese seas, Onega and Ladoga lakes, Lake Baikal and others.

    OOO TSZP develops and implements technologies for surfacing and spraying multifunctional protective coatings from metals, ceramics and metal ceramics. Such coatings allow to extend the service life of products by three to four times, reduce the costs of major repairs by 30 percent and increase the interval between repairs of equipment, as well as provide a sufficient reserve of time for technical re-equipment of enterprises.

    “Innovative technologies for repair and strengthening of hot gas path elements of turbines from General Electric, Siemens, Ansaldo and others, which have successfully replaced foreign analogues, play a major role in import substitution. Over the past year alone, about 300 gas turbine parts have been restored for Moscow enterprises, and five research projects have been conducted to create import-substituting technologies,” wrote Sergei Sobyanin.

    The company’s customers include enterprises in the energy, oil, gas, oil refining, metallurgy, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing and other industries.

    Sergei Sobyanin: The Lomonosov Cluster has united the best innovators of the capital

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11748050/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – GlobalData outlines strategies adopted by businesses to minimize the impact of inflation

    Source: GlobalData

    Inflation remains a significant concern for economies globally, with some experiencing moderation while others facing persistently elevated levels. This disparity has led companies to reevaluate their strategies to mitigate inflation’s effects. Companies across industries are taking decisive steps to deal with the pressure emerging out of these challenges, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Company Filing Analytics Database reveals the various action plans of companies to tackle inflation or minimize its impact on margins in their respective filing documents.

    Misa Singh, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While some companies are seen to be keen on covering inflation with pricing actions, some are focused on cost management. Meanwhile, some companies are considering reducing the pressure on their lower-end customers as inflation begins to ease.”

    Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc believes that inflation is beginning to ease and interest rates are expected to be lowered in the coming months. The company hopes this will lessen some pressure on the lower-end customers. The Canada-based Convenience store company is also working to provide customers with value and ease inside stores and on forecourts.

    Darden Restaurants Inc revealed its attempt to minimize the annual effects of inflation through appropriate planning, operating practices, and menu price increases. The filing documents reveal that some of the impacts of the inflation have been offset by menu price increases and other adjustments made during the year.

    Bio-Techne Corp discussed its plan to fund all new investments with productivity initiatives and cover inflation with pricing actions. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co expects the pricing to remain competitive, which might impact the company’s financial results. The information technology company plans to mitigate the impact of these dynamics through disciplined cost management.

    Haier Smart Home Co Ltd revealed in its latest report that the company strengthened its supply chain and distribution network, enhanced its high-end product lineup, and increased price indices to achieve 9.9% revenues growth in South Asia, 12.4% in Southeast Asia and 26.8% in Middle East & Africa in the first half this year.

    Singh concludes: “As businesses navigate these pressures and try to maintain profitability it requires a careful balance between cost management, market development, and portfolio diversification. Companies will need to stay agile to adapt to the ongoing economic uncertainties and the evolving inflationary landscape.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing

    Source: Green Party

    Proposed cuts to Kāinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis.

    “The Government is undermining public housing and intentionally aggravating the housing crisis to benefit a privileged few at the expense of everyone else,” says the Green Party’s Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul. 

    “Housing is a human right. Public housing has always been an important safety net for some of the most marginalised people in our communities. Public housing can help to insulate against the uncertainty and unaffordability of private rental housing and ensure that people don’t fall through the cracks and into homelessness and poverty.

    “However, this Government would rather treat housing as a business opportunity, rather than the human right that all people rely upon. They have delayed over 300 public housing projects around the country so that house prices and rents continue to rise, and landlords continue to cash in on people’s need to survive.

    “The current Government has shown little interest or ambition in building public housing. Kāinga Ora has been clear that these cuts are a result of them planning to build less housing at a time where more than 20,000 people across the country are waiting for a public home to become available.

    “These cuts will do nothing to bolster our public housing stock and address Aotearoa’s severe shortage of homes. This is a significant step backwards. 

    “As a country we must rise to the challenge of addressing the housing crisis which has left so many New Zealanders struggling for a place to live. It requires commitment to public housing as a means to end homelessness and guarantee everyone a warm and secure place to live.

    “The Government must commit to an ambitious public housing programme. We have demonstrated how it would be possible to clear the public housing waitlist by building 35,000 new healthy, affordable, public houses over the next five years.

    “The Government must commit to building more homes, not just lining the pockets of landlords,” says Tamatha Paul. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Progress on Crown Minerals is a step toward prosperity

    Source: ACT Party

    The first reading-passage of the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill is a step toward prosperity, says ACT Energy and Resources spokesman Simon Court.

    The Bill delivers on ACT coalition commitments to repeal the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration and promote the use of Crown minerals.

    “Taking full advantage of the mineral resources at our disposal will boost foreign investment, create high-paying jobs, and offer hope to young people looking to remain in New Zealand for work and family,” says Mr Court.

    “Restoring oil and gas exploration is a crucial step to deliver energy security. A high-wage economy depends on affordable and reliable energy. We came far too close to blackouts this winter, and ACT is determined to restore energy security so homes stay heated and factories keep running.

    “We support oil and gas exploration so the Greens can have jet fuel for the planes they fly to Parliament. We support mining for the minerals in iPhones so Greenpeace can livestream their protests. Above all, we support harnessing the untapped wealth beneath our feet so New Zealanders can prosper and enjoy happier, warmer lives.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Former model loving studying at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    3 mins ago

    Shona Clarke, 24, is currently enrolled in the NZ Certificate of Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4).

    A former model, who moved to Hawke’s Bay from South Africa to be close to family, is loving studying at EIT.

    Shona Clarke, 24, who appears in this year’s EIT brand campaign,  is currently enrolled in the NZ Certificate of Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4), and hopes to study for the Bachelor of Nursing next year.

    Having arrived in Hawke’s Bay from Durban at the beginning of the year, Shona decided to follow her brother, Austin, to  EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus. Austin is currently pursuing the Bachelor of Business (Accounting). Having always had an interest in health and science, Shona enrolled in the NZ Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) programme, which she completed in June.

    She says that she found the programme “amazing”, especially placements at Graceland Rest home in Hastings and at Kōwhai Specialist School.

    “I absolutely loved it. I got to work at Graceland, which was phenomenal, but I found the love that I had for children when I did my five-week placement at Kōwhai.”

    “And then I started meeting people in the industry, and that’s how I got involved in the holiday programme at the Havelock North High School Special Needs Unit. I think I’d go into that field for sure if I wasn’t so set on the fact that I wanted to be a nurse.”

    It has been a long and varied journey for Shona who went to school in Durban, South Africa.

    “I actually came out of school and went straight into working. And six years later, I’ve decided that I’m going to study something.”

    “After school I did modelling full-time and I worked with Suncoast Casino for four years, part of their marketing team. I also modelled in Dubai for a year.”

    Some of her modelling work included brand work for Bonds, a photo shoot for Dubai Tourism and a shoot imitating Margot Robbie before the release of the Barbie movie.

    Studying at EIT is a far cry from an international modelling career, but Shona says it was a simple choice for her.

    “It was my career until my family moved here. And then I thought: ‘I’m going to move over with my family because I’m family oriented. I just want to be with them’. And then when I moved over, I said, I’m going to change my career path.

    She says that it was an easy decision to study at EIT

    And now in the Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4) programme, Shona is glad that she made the choice.

    “ I’m absolutely loving it, because of all the science-based parts of it.”

    “That is what I think I will enjoy most about nursing, is learning about the human body, learning about how everything works, how to treat everything. It’s very interesting. I’m thoroughly enjoying it, and getting really good marks.”

    Shona says returning to study after having worked full-time for so long took some adjustment.

    “I think I fitted in quite easily with the people, but the going from working full-time, having independence, and having my own life, to going back to full-time studying, working part-time, not being fully independent, that’s a big change for me.”

    For now Shona is focused on finishing the programme and hopefully starting the Bachelor of Nursing, which she will apply for later this year.

    She is hoping to have a long career in nursing and is interested in paediatrics, surgical or even oncology, because she has had family members who have had cancer.

    As for EIT, Shona has no hesitation in recommending it as a place to study.

    “I know I’m an international student, but the support that I have felt from EIT has been amazing. And I felt so included in everything that I’ve been a part of so far, from the photoshoot for the billboards to meeting new people.”

    Les Blair, EIT Health and Wellbeing Team Leader and Verena Lyons, EIT Health and Wellbeing Team Member, say that “Shona has been an enthusiastic, bubbly student who formed positive relationships with everybody.”

    “She made the most of every opportunity offered to her and we wish her well in her study journey.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, Galloway Street, Hamilton East

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    One person has died following a crash involving one vehicle at the intersection of Galloway Street and Albert Street, Hamilton East.

    Emergency services responded around 12:15pm.

    One person was located deceased at the scene.

    The Serious Crash Unit was advised.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Timor-Leste Portuguese to English –

    Presidency of the Council of Ministers

    Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
    ……………………………………………. ……………………………………………. …………………….

    Press release

    Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 25 September 2024

    The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in office, Adérito Hugo da Costa, and by the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, which sets the vacancies for the promotion of personnel integrated in the General Regime of Public Administration Careers for the year 2024.

    Of the total of 817 vacancies for promotion established by this Government Resolution, 47 are for the category of Senior Technician – Grade A, 122 for Senior Technician – Grade B, 188 for Professional Technician – Grade C, 234 for Professional Technician – Grade D, 149 for Administrative Technician – Grade E and 77 for Assistant – Grade F.

    Vacancies for promotion are set annually by the Government, based on a proposal from the Civil Service Commission, up to a limit of ten percent of the total staff in each category or professional group.

    *****

    An initial assessment was made of the initiative to create a seniority-based promotion system for civil servants, also presented by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Civil Service Commission, concerning. This initiative aims to ensure career progression for those who, for various reasons, have not been able to obtain merit-based promotions in recent years, based on criteria such as seniority, performance, age, professional training, work in remote areas, good behaviour and attendance.

    *****

    The Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina de Sousa Carvalho, made a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the gender equality policy and the recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The Third Phase of the Maubisse Declaration (2023-2028) was also presented, which follows on from the previous phases, focusing on the economic empowerment of rural women and people with disabilities. This phase is aligned with the priorities of the IX Constitutional Government and the recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

    The main commitments of this phase are organised into three areas: Social Capital, which covers social protection, inclusive education and health care, with a focus on preventing gender-based violence and improving maternal health care; Infrastructure, which promotes access to safe and accessible markets, the development of roads, sanitation and adapted public buildings, with a focus on inclusive public transport; and Economy, which prioritises agricultural development, female entrepreneurship and access to credit for rural women, strengthening their participation in sectors such as tourism and agriculture. Monitoring mechanisms are also being strengthened to ensure the implementation of these commitments. Implementation is led by several key government institutions, including relevant ministries and the National Bank of Commerce of Timor-Leste (BNCTL), which ensure the effective implementation of the planned measures.

    *****

    In order to resolve the payment of existing debts to hospitals abroad and ensure the continuity of health services, the Council of Ministers decided to instruct the Minister of Health to carry out a detailed survey of debts and payment deadlines, as well as the funds available to meet these commitments. The Minister of Health must establish prioritization criteria for payments, based on the urgency of the services, risks to public health and impact on hospital operations.

    Among other measures, the Council of Ministers also instructed the Minister of Health to start negotiations with hospitals for debt restructuring and to propose to the Ministry of Finance a budgetary reinforcement for the health sector. The implementation of these measures will be monitored by a working group created specifically for this purpose, which will be required to report regularly to the Council of Ministers on the progress made in regularizing hospital debts. ENDS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest made, drugs seized, Southland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detectice Sergeant Mark McCloy, Southern District Organised Crime: 

    Firearms, drugs and items consistent with drug supply have been stripped from a Winton address and a man charged following the execution of a search warrant.

    Detectives from the Southland Organised Crime Group arrested a 28-year-old man and discovered an array of firearms and the Class B drug, MDMA, on Monday 23 September.

    Three firearms which were not being handled in accordance with the firearms licensing regulations, $1,860 dollars in cash, 4.8 grams of MDMA, and items consistent with drug supply were seized.

    The man’s firearms licence has been revoked.

    A 28-year-old man has been remanded in custody due to reappear in the Invercargill District Court, Monday 28 October, on eight drug supply and driving related charges.

    This operation was designed to disrupt one of the sources of illicit drugs in our community. It was concerning to locate firearms being improperly and dangerously held.

    Holding a firearms licence is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly, it is important firearms are kept in safe and secure storage and firearms licence holders are held to a high standard.

    We will continue our work to disrupt unlawful activity in an effort to help our community feel and be safe.

    If you see any suspicious or unlawful activity please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Police, either via 111 if it’s happening now or 105 if it’s after the fact.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS meets Spanish business leaders

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Continuing his visit to Madrid, Spain, Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday spoke at a business lunch, met Spanish officials and visited local enterprises.

    Delivering a keynote speech at a lunch with about 150 leaders from Spain’s business, financial, and innovation and technology sectors, Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong has restored its global connections following the COVID-19 pandemic, and is eager to deepen co-operation with Spain to deliver mutual benefits.

    With the advantages brought by “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is solidifying its role as a super-connector, and welcomes Spanish enterprises to use the city as a springboard to tap into the vast markets of the Greater Bay Area, the Mainland, and Asia more broadly, he said.

    He added that through its mutual access schemes with the Mainland’s capital markets, Hong Kong provides a channel through which Spanish companies can easily attract funds.

    Furthermore, as Hong Kong’s green standards are compatible with those of the European Union, green projects in Europe can leverage Hong Kong as a fund-raising platform. Mr Chan elaborated that Hong Kong can also collaborate with Spain’s tech ecosystem across key sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, and new energy and new materials.

    In the afternoon, the finance chief met Spanish Secretary of State for Trade Amparo López Senovilla and briefed her on economic developments in Hong Kong. The two officials also held in-depth exchanges on the promotion of economic and trade co-operation and mutual investment.

    Additionally, Mr Chan led a delegation of Hong Kong tech startups on a visit to IMPACT, a Spanish startup accelerator, for an exchange of views on entrepreneurial strategies in the innovation and technology sector. He and the delegation also visited the Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica to learn about its development strategies in 5G telecommunications, the Internet of Things and Web3.0.

    The Financial Secretary was due to continue his stay in Madrid this morning before heading to London in the afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update in our Berkeley Living Retirement Village court action

    Source: Government of Victoria 2

    Our Supreme Court case seeking to recover in-going contributions paid by former retirement village residents is off to the High Court, after support from the Victorian Attorney-General. 

    The former Berkeley Living Retirement Village in Patterson Lakes closed in 2017, leaving many former residents and their families, who had paid considerable refundable fees, out of pocket.  

    Following our successful prosecution of former manager Stephen George Snowden and reforms to Victoria’s retirement villages laws, we filed a legal application in the Supreme Court of Victoria last year, seeking to sell all the retirement village land and use the sale funds to ensure residents are repaid what they are owed. 

    Last month at our request, the Victorian Attorney-General applied to take the matter to the High Court of Australia. The Attorney-General is seeking a ruling that would give the Supreme Court of Victoria full powers to make all the orders we are seeking in the case, including the sale of all the individual lots of land that make up the former village.  

    The reason this is important is that some of the lots of land are now owned by the Commonwealth or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, because the previous owners were companies that are now deregistered under federal law. This means that the Supreme Court must consider making orders that would cover the Commonwealth government – this raises constitutional issues, that the Attorney-General’s application to the High Court can help resolve. 

    Director Nicole Rich said Consumer Affairs Victoria would continue to support the High Court application and do anything in its powers to progress the case. 

    “Our priority is ensuring that the former Berkeley Living residents and their families receive their entitlements under the law,” Rich said. 

    “As soon as the High Court application is resolved, we will take any next steps available to us to finalise our Supreme Court case in the public interest.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: NBPE Announces August Monthly NAV Estimate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

    NBPE Announces August Monthly NAV Estimate

    25 September 2024

    NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE), the $1.3bn1, FTSE 250, listed private equity investment company managed by Neuberger Berman, today announces its 31 August 2024 monthly NAV estimate.

    NAV Highlights (31 August 2024)

    • NAV per share was $27.44 (£20.88), a total return of 0.1% in the month
    • Performance driven by 1.4% quarterly uplift in private company valuations (ex-FX), offset by negative FX adjustments of 0.2%
    • Year to date NAV TR of 1.2%
    • $73 million invested in new and follow on investments year to date
    • $390 million of available liquidity at 31 August 2024
    • 2H 2024 dividend of $0.47 paid on 30 August 2024
    • Annualised dividend yield at  31 August 2024 NAV of 3.4%; annualised share price yield is 4.5% based on the closing share price of £15.92 on 31 August 2024
    As of 31 August 2024 YTD 1 Year 3 years 5 years 10 years
    NAV TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 1.2% 1.7% 6.8%
    2.2%    		 72.8%
    11.6%    		 177.1%
    10.7%
    MSCI World TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 17.1% 25.0% 23.8%
    7.4%    		 89.7%
    13.7%    		 162.9%
    10.1%
    Share price TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 (0.3%) 8.1% 12.0%
    3.8%    		 77.1%
    12.1%    		 263.0%
    13.8%
    FTSE All-Share TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 11.3% 17.0% 24.4%
    7.5%    		 37.9%
    6.6%    		 80.9%
    6.1%

    *Reflects cumulative returns over the time periods shown and are not annualised.

    Portfolio Update to 31 August 2024

    Following the 1H private portfolio valuation increases, movements in public holdings and FX in July and August, NBPE’s NAV TR year to date was 1.2%.

    NAV performance during the month driven by:

    • 0.1% NAV increase ($1 million) from postive FX movements
    • 0.5% NAV increase ($7 million) from the value of quoted holdings (which now constitute 7% of portfolio fair value)
    • 0.4% NAV decrease ($5 million) attributable to expense accruals and changes in the Zero Dividend Preference share (ZDP) liability

    Realisations from the portfolio continue in 2024

    • $5 million received during the month and a further $6 million expected in the coming months from the announced realisation of Syniti
    • $158 million of realisations received year to date, driven by Action and previously announced sales of Cotiviti, Melissa & Doug, FV Hospital and Safefleet as well as partial sales of public stock and continued realisations from the legacy income investment portfolio

    $390 million of total liquidity at 31 August 2024

    • $180 million of cash and liquid investments with $210 million of undrawn credit line available

    $73 million invested in 2024 in new and follow-on investments

    • $25 million invested in FDH Aero, a leading parts distributor to the aerospace and defense industry
    • $38 million invested into two U.S. healthcare businesses, Benecon and Zeus
    • $10 million of additional new and follow on investments

    $0.47 semi annual dividend paid on 30 August 2024

    • Bringing total dividends paid to shareholders since 2013 to approximately $360 million

    Portfolio Valuation

    The fair value of NBPE’s portfolio as of 31 August 2024 was based on the following information:

    • 7% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 August 2024
      • 7% in public securities
    • 93% of the portfolio was valued as of 30 June 2024
      • 92% in private direct investments
      • 1% in private funds

    For further information, please contact:

    NBPE Investor Relations         +44 (0) 20 3214 9002
    Luke Mason                              NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com 

    Kaso Legg Communications   +44 (0)20 3882 6644

    Charles Gorman                        nbpe@kl-communications.com
    Luke Dampier
    Charlotte Francis

    Supplementary Information (as at 31 August 2024)

    Company Name Vintage Lead Sponsor Sector Fair Value ($m) % of FV
    Action 2020 3i Consumer                        68.3 5.4%
    Osaic 2019 Reverence Capital Financial Services                        62.7 4.9%
    Solenis 2021 Platinum Equity Industrials                        58.2 4.6%
    BeyondTrust 2018 Francisco Partners Technology / IT                        42.0 3.3%
    Branded Cities Network 2017 Shamrock Capital Communications / Media                        40.1 3.2%
    Monroe Engineering 2021 AEA Investors Industrials                        38.3 3.0%
    Business Services Company* 2017 Not Disclosed Business Services                        37.2 2.9%
    True Potential 2022 Cinven Financial Services                        35.5 2.8%
    GFL (NYSE: GFL) 2018 BC Partners Business Services                        33.8 2.7%
    Kroll 2020 Further Global / Stone Point Financial Services                        31.4 2.5%
    Marquee Brands 2014 Neuberger Berman Consumer                        30.8 2.4%
    Staples 2017 Sycamore Partners Business Services                        30.7 2.4%
    Constellation Automotive 2019 TDR Capital Business Services                        30.6 2.4%
    Fortna 2017 THL Industrials                        28.7 2.3%
    Viant 2018 JLL Partners Healthcare                        27.2 2.1%
    Stubhub 2020 Neuberger Berman Consumer                        26.6 2.1%
    Engineering 2020 NB Renaissance / Bain Capital Technology / IT                        25.6 2.0%
    FDH Aero 2024 Audax Group Industrials                        25.3 2.0%
    Agiliti 2019 THL Healthcare                        25.3 2.0%
    Benecon 2024 TA Associates Healthcare                        25.2 2.0%
    Solace Systems 2016 Bridge Growth Partners Technology / IT                        24.4 1.9%
    Addison Group 2021 Trilantic Capital Partners Business Services                        23.8 1.9%
    USI 2017 KKR Financial Services                        23.2 1.8%
    Auctane 2021 Thoma Bravo Technology / IT                        22.5 1.8%
    AutoStore (OB.AUTO) 2019 THL Industrials                        22.2 1.7%
     

    Excelitas

    		  

    2022

    		  

    AEA Investors

    		  

    Industrials

    		                        21.9  

    1.7%
    Qpark 2017 KKR Transportation                        21.3 1.7%
    Exact 2019 KKR Technology / IT                        20.0 1.6%
    Renaissance Learning 2018 Francisco Partners Technology / IT                        19.4 1.5%
    Bylight 2017 Sagewind Partners Technology / IT                        18.6 1.5%
    Total Top 30 Investments                            $940.8 74.0%

    *Undisclosed company due to confidentiality provisions.

    Geography % of Portfolio
    North America 77%
    Europe 22%
    Asia / Rest of World 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Industry % of Portfolio
    Tech, Media & Telecom 23%
    Consumer / E-commerce 20%
    Industrials / Industrial Technology 17%
    Financial Services 14%
    Business Services 13%
    Healthcare 8%
    Other 4%
    Energy 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Vintage Year % of Portfolio
    2016 & Earlier 11%
    2017 19%
    2018 15%
    2019 14%
    2020 12%
    2021 17%
    2022 5%
    2023 2%
    2024 5%
    Total Portfolio 100%

    About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
    NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

    LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

    About Neuberger Berman
    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $481 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. The PRI identified the firm as part of the Leader’s Group, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of investment firms for excellence in environmental, social and governance practices. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last ten years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of June 30, 2024.

    1Based on net asset value.

    This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security.

    NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Youth Changemakers Initiative: Supporting Youth Action on Migration Worldwide

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva, 24 September – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched the Youth Changemakers Initiative, empowering ten young leaders globally, who will collaborate closely with IOM offices to advocate on critical issues such as climate mobility, human trafficking, gender equality, health, and countering xenophobia. 

    Driven by a passion for migration and a commitment to creating meaningful change, IOM’s Youth Changemakers will dedicate the next 11 months to positively impacting their communities. This initiative will provide them with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills, as well as leverage the support of a global network of like-minded peers. 

    “The IOM’s Youth Changemakers Initiative is supporting young leaders worldwide to become effective migration advocates and agents of change in their communities,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope.  

    Of the world’s 281 million migrants, 87 million of them – or about 31 percent – are under the age of 30. In their host communities, young changemakers bring innovative solutions to migration challenges and opportunities, playing a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

    The selection process for the Youth Changemakers involved two stages. Initially, five young leaders were chosen through a competitive global application process. They were later joined by five African Union (AU)-IOM Migration Youth Ambassadors, selected in 2023 by the IOM Special Liaison Office in Addis Ababa in partnership with the AU Women, Gender and Youth Directorate and the Office of the AU Chairperson’s Youth Envoy. 

     

    The IOM Youth Changemakers are (in alphabetical order): 
     

    1. Asha Jhanay Richards, from the United States of America and Jamaica  
    2.  Damilola Adeniran, from Nigeria  
    3.  Jürgen Adam Sanchez, from Mexico  
    4.  Kornelius Sembiring, from Indonesia  
    5.  Rose Kobusinge, from Uganda  
    6.  Sarah Badr, from Egypt  
    7.  Sérgio Murilo Magalhaes Godinho, from Brazil  
    8.  Sheba George, from India  
    9.  Valery Bobuin Jr., from Cameroon  
    10.  Walter Kasempa, from Zambia 

     

    As a first step, each Youth Changemaker will create an individual action plan aimed at raising awareness about migration in ways that are both accessible and relevant to their communities. To support their efforts, IOM will facilitate their participation in key meetings and events, offer training sessions, and provide peer-learning opportunities.  

    Despite their significant contributions to sustainable development, young people remain underrepresented in public policymaking. The Youth Changemakers Initiative aims to enhance their participation in migration discussions and promote safe, orderly, dignified, and inclusive migration. 

     

    More information about this initiative is available on the official website.  

    For more information, please contact media@iom.int. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SUDAN: CHILDREN UNDER FIRE AS PARTS OF COUNTRY RECORD MOST VIOLENT MONTH SINCE FEBRUARY

    Source: Save The Children

    PORT SUDAN, 24 Sept 2024 – The conflict in Sudan has seen a major increase in intensity in recent weeks, with violence hitting a seven-month high in the country, with children on the frontline, said Save the Children.

    Violent incidents include airstrikes, artillery shelling, use of explosives and remote violence in multiple regions with the majority of recent incidents reported in the state of Khartoum and North Darfur where more than 1.6 million people have been displaceds, including over 850,000 children, since the war started 17 months ago.

    In Khartoum, at least 110 distinct artillery shelling incidents were recorded in August alone, the highest number of shelling recorded in the capital since January this year.

    Save the Children analysed instances of violence recorded by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) between 6 January and 13 September [1] and found over 422 incidents of political violence reported in the past four weeks across the country – a 33% increase from incidents reported in the four weeks prior, and the most violence recorded in a single four-week period in the past seven months.

    While this period was the most violent in the last seven months of war in Sudan, the scale of the conflict has remained high throughout the year with at least 300 violent incidents reported every month. Over two-thirds of violent events in the last four weeks were recorded in Khartoum and North Darfur [2].  

    Children and the facilities they rely on have been impacted by the violence with devastating outcomes. On August 8, an artillery shelling in Wd Al Bhakit area of Khartoum injured two children, with a childcare centre hit two days later in a neighbouring area. On August 27, an unspecified number of children were abducted for ransom from Um Marrahi Masaid, Al Jazirah state. Additional incidents of violence appear in the data showing the destruction of schools, children’s hospitals and malnutrition treatment centres.

    Across North Darfur, ongoing fighting in the city of El Fasher is putting over 2.8 million civilians – including over 750,000 children – in and around the city in grave danger.

    In Zamzam displacement camp, 15 km south of El Fasher and home to some 260,000 children, rates of malnutrition are spiralling out of control. At least 34% of the children  are currently malnourished, including 10% who are severely malnourished.

    This analysis comes as Sudan’s international non-governmental organization (INGO) forum – a group of INGOs working in Sudan including Save the Children— issues a statement to UN General Assembly (UNGA) calling on the international community to increase pressure on conflict parties to facilitate immediate humanitarian access through all possible cross border and cross-line routes; establish mechanisms to protect civilians and essential infrastructure from indiscriminate attacks; and increase funding and initiatives to support communities’ responding at scale to this crisis.

    Over 10 million people have fled their homes since the conflict broke out in April 2023, making Sudan the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, affecting more than 5 million children, and over 2 million people, who have crossed into neighbouring countries. More than 20,171 people including children have been killed since the start of the conflict.

    With more than 25.6 million people across the country in need of aid, the increase in fighting coupled with widespread flooding and disease outbreaks has escalated food scarcity. In Khartoum for instance over 80% of people forced from their homes and living in shelters are urgently in need assistance, according to a recent rapid assessment conducted by UN’s World Food Programme.

    Mohamed Abdiladif, Interim Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, said:

    “We are horrified that regions which used to be the breadbasket of the country such as Darfur and Khartoum have been turned into battlefields, leaving millions of people now just one step away from famine.

    “With famine now confirmed in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp and dire conditions reported across the country, we need urgent and unrestricted humanitarian access to save lives. The relentless conflict, displacement, and impeded aid delivery have driven the situation to catastrophic proportions, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands across 13 states in Sudan. To curb further escalation and meet the pressing needs of those in conflict zones, it is essential that all parties lift restrictions and facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access.”

    In Khartoum, Save the Children is supporting two health facilities with medicines and healthcare workers. We are also providing cash assistance to families so that they can buy food for their children. The aid agency is also implementing child protection, health and nutrition, and multi-purpose cash assistance projects in North Darfur both directly and through partners.

    Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support. Save the Children is also supporting refugees from Sudan in Egypt and South Sudan. 

    Notes:

    1. Save the Children analysed data in 4-week periods working backwards to the first full week of data since the start of 2024 from the last weekly data refresh on ACLED on Friday 13 September (at the time Save the Children accessed the database on 19 September). The number of incidents of political violence in Sudan in the four weeks to 13 September was higher than in any period since the four weeks starting on 3 February, i.e. in around 7 months. 

    4- week period
    Number of political violence incidents
    17 August – 13 September
    20 July – 16 August
    22 June – 19 July
    25 May – 21 June
    27 April – 24 May
    30 March – 26 April
    2 March – 29 March
    3 February – 1 March
    6 January – 2 February

    2. Khartoum and North Darfur account for 287 (68%) of the 422 political violence events recorded from 17 August to 13 September, and 2,043 (58%) of such events recorded since 1 January. Many violent events in 2024 have also taken place in Al Jazirah state- 625 since 1 January.

    For further enquiries please contact: Delfhin Mugo in Nairobi, delfhin.mugo@savethechildren.org 

    Our media out of hours (BST) contact is media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44(0)7831 650409 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand:

    Source: Save The Children

    PORT SUDAN, 24 Sept 2024 – The conflict in Sudan has seen a major increase in intensity in recent weeks, with violence hitting a seven-month high in the country, with children on the frontline, said Save the Children.

    Violent incidents include airstrikes, artillery shelling, use of explosives and remote violence in multiple regions with the majority of recent incidents reported in the state of Khartoum and North Darfur where more than 1.6 million people have been displaceds, including over 850,000 children, since the war started 17 months ago.

    In Khartoum, at least 110 distinct artillery shelling incidents were recorded in August alone, the highest number of shelling recorded in the capital since January this year.

    Save the Children analysed instances of violence recorded by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) between 6 January and 13 September [1] and found over 422 incidents of political violence reported in the past four weeks across the country – a 33% increase from incidents reported in the four weeks prior, and the most violence recorded in a single four-week period in the past seven months.

    While this period was the most violent in the last seven months of war in Sudan, the scale of the conflict has remained high throughout the year with at least 300 violent incidents reported every month. Over two-thirds of violent events in the last four weeks were recorded in Khartoum and North Darfur [2].  

    Children and the facilities they rely on have been impacted by the violence with devastating outcomes. On August 8, an artillery shelling in Wd Al Bhakit area of Khartoum injured two children, with a childcare centre hit two days later in a neighbouring area. On August 27, an unspecified number of children were abducted for ransom from Um Marrahi Masaid, Al Jazirah state. Additional incidents of violence appear in the data showing the destruction of schools, children’s hospitals and malnutrition treatment centres.

    Across North Darfur, ongoing fighting in the city of El Fasher is putting over 2.8 million civilians – including over 750,000 children – in and around the city in grave danger.

    In Zamzam displacement camp, 15 km south of El Fasher and home to some 260,000 children, rates of malnutrition are spiralling out of control. At least 34% of the children  are currently malnourished, including 10% who are severely malnourished.

    This analysis comes as Sudan’s international non-governmental organization (INGO) forum – a group of INGOs working in Sudan including Save the Children— issues a statement to UN General Assembly (UNGA) calling on the international community to increase pressure on conflict parties to facilitate immediate humanitarian access through all possible cross border and cross-line routes; establish mechanisms to protect civilians and essential infrastructure from indiscriminate attacks; and increase funding and initiatives to support communities’ responding at scale to this crisis.

    Over 10 million people have fled their homes since the conflict broke out in April 2023, making Sudan the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, affecting more than 5 million children, and over 2 million people, who have crossed into neighbouring countries. More than 20,171 people including children have been killed since the start of the conflict.

    With more than 25.6 million people across the country in need of aid, the increase in fighting coupled with widespread flooding and disease outbreaks has escalated food scarcity. In Khartoum for instance over 80% of people forced from their homes and living in shelters are urgently in need assistance, according to a recent rapid assessment conducted by UN’s World Food Programme.

    Mohamed Abdiladif, Interim Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, said:

    “We are horrified that regions which used to be the breadbasket of the country such as Darfur and Khartoum have been turned into battlefields, leaving millions of people now just one step away from famine.

    “With famine now confirmed in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp and dire conditions reported across the country, we need urgent and unrestricted humanitarian access to save lives. The relentless conflict, displacement, and impeded aid delivery have driven the situation to catastrophic proportions, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands across 13 states in Sudan. To curb further escalation and meet the pressing needs of those in conflict zones, it is essential that all parties lift restrictions and facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access.”

    In Khartoum, Save the Children is supporting two health facilities with medicines and healthcare workers. We are also providing cash assistance to families so that they can buy food for their children. The aid agency is also implementing child protection, health and nutrition, and multi-purpose cash assistance projects in North Darfur both directly and through partners.

    Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support. Save the Children is also supporting refugees from Sudan in Egypt and South Sudan. 

    Notes:

    1. Save the Children analysed data in 4-week periods working backwards to the first full week of data since the start of 2024 from the last weekly data refresh on ACLED on Friday 13 September (at the time Save the Children accessed the database on 19 September). The number of incidents of political violence in Sudan in the four weeks to 13 September was higher than in any period since the four weeks starting on 3 February, i.e. in around 7 months. 

    4- week period
    Number of political violence incidents
    17 August – 13 September
    20 July – 16 August
    22 June – 19 July
    25 May – 21 June
    27 April – 24 May
    30 March – 26 April
    2 March – 29 March
    3 February – 1 March
    6 January – 2 February

    2. Khartoum and North Darfur account for 287 (68%) of the 422 political violence events recorded from 17 August to 13 September, and 2,043 (58%) of such events recorded since 1 January. Many violent events in 2024 have also taken place in Al Jazirah state- 625 since 1 January.

    For further enquiries please contact: Delfhin Mugo in Nairobi, delfhin.mugo@savethechildren.org 

    Our media out of hours (BST) contact is media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44(0)7831 650409 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owners of Florida Labor-Staffing Companies Make Initial Appearance on Tax and Immigration Fraud and Money Laundering Charges

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Two Ukrainian nationals made their initial appearance yesterday on a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Miami charging them with crimes related to labor-staffing companies they operated in Florida. The two men were extradited from the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States last week. 

    According to the superseding indictment, between August 2007 and July 2021, Oleg Oliynyk, Oleksandr Yurchyk and others owned and operated a series of labor-staffing companies in South Florida, including Paradise Choice LLC, Paradise Choice Cleaning LLC, Tropical City Services LLC and Tropical City Group LLC. The indictment alleges that the defendants, through these staffing companies, facilitated the employment in the hospitality industry of non-resident aliens who were not authorized to work in the United States. In addition, Oliynyk and Yurchyk allegedly conspired to defraud the IRS by, among other things, not withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from these workers paychecks, and causing false corporate tax returns for the labor-staffing companies to be filed with the IRS. 

    Both defendants were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to harbor non-resident aliens and induce them to remain in the country and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy to defraud the United States charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the conspiracy to harbor aliens and induce them to remain in the United States charge and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy charge. Each count also carries the possibility of a fine and supervised release upon completion of any sentence of incarceration. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.

    The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Oliynyk and Yurchyk. The United States also thanks the Embassy of the United States in Thailand – Regional Security Office and Thai law enforcement partners including the Royal Thai Police and Office of the Attorney General for their valuable assistance.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorneys Matthew C. Hicks and Wilson R. Stamm of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Clark for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –