NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the ASEAN Committee in Rabat

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the ASEAN Committee in Rabat at the residence of the Ambassador of Malaysia to Morocco, for a Working Dinner on 25 June 2025. The event was hosted by the Ambassador of Malaysia to Morocco, Dato’ Shahabudeen Adam Shah, as the current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Rabat. SG Dr. Kao thanked the Committee for its active role and contributions towards raising the profile, awareness and visibility of ASEAN in Morocco and enhancing ASEAN-Morocco relations. SG Dr. Kao briefed the Committee on the latest developments in ASEAN, particularly decisions of the ASEAN Leaders at the recently-concluded 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, in Malaysia. SG Dr. Kao also shared his views on ways to further strengthen the ASEAN-Morocco Sectoral Dialogue Partnership.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the ASEAN Committee in Rabat appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Electronic Health Records (EHR) Market Valued at USD 33.45 Billion in 2024, Set to Grow at 4.59% CAGR Through 2032 | AnalystView Market Insights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, USA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market was valued at USD 33,451.20 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.59% from 2025 to 2032. This growth is driven by the global shift toward digital healthcare infrastructure, government mandates for record standardization, and the rising demand for efficient patient data management across hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory care centers. EHR systems are digital versions of a patient’s paper chart, offering real-time, patient-centered records that make information instantly and securely available to authorized users. They are critical for improving coordination between care providers, minimizing medical errors, and enhancing overall clinical outcomes.

    Government initiatives worldwide are playing a key role in promoting EHR adoption. Programs such as the U.S. HITECH Act, the EU’s digital health transformation goals, and India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are pushing healthcare providers toward digitization. At the same time, the rise of value-based care, telehealth, and mobile health applications has increased the need for interoperable and cloud-based EHR systems. The market is witnessing significant technological advancements, including integration with AI, predictive analytics, and mobile platforms, which enable better clinical decision-making and patient engagement. However, challenges such as high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, and interoperability issues between different systems remain key hurdles, particularly in emerging markets.

    North America dominates the global EHR market, backed by strong digital infrastructure and initiatives like the U.S. HITECH Act, which allocated over $35 billion to promote EHR adoption. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, fueled by rising healthcare investments—India’s health budget rose 13% in 2023—and national digitization drives like China’s “Healthy China 2030.” Supportive policies, growing urbanization, and expanding patient volumes are accelerating EHR integration across the region, attracting global players and investors alike.

    Unlock in-depth insights and forecasts – Get your FREE sample report of the EHR market today: https://analystviewmarketinsights.com/request_sample/AV4020

    Key Players- Detailed Competitive Insights

    • Cerner Corporation
    • GE Healthcare
    • Veradigm LLC
    • Epic Systems Corporation
    • eClinicalWorks
    • Greenway Health, LLC
    • NextGen Healthcare, Inc.
    • Medical Information Technology, Inc.
    • CPSI
    • AdvancedMD, Inc.
    • Allscripts Healthcare Solutions
    • MEDHOST
    • Athenahealth
    • McKesson Corporation
    • Siemens Healthineers
    • Oracle Corporation

    Market Dynamics

    Drivers

    1. Government Mandates and Incentives: Many countries are accelerating Electronic Health Records (EHR) adoption through targeted policies. In the U.S., CMS’s Promoting Interoperability Program ties Medicare reimbursements to EHR usage. Germany’s Hospital Future Act allocated €4.3 billion for digital upgrades, while Australia’s My Health Record achieved over 90% population coverage. India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aims to create a unified health ID system, promoting seamless data exchange. These initiatives are driving global healthcare digitalization and fostering integrated patient care systems.
    2. Rising Demand for Streamlined Healthcare Delivery: For example, Mayo Clinic uses integrated EHRs to reduce duplication, streamline workflows, and access real-time patient data—cutting documentation time and improving care coordination across departments and specialties. 
    3. Growth in Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: The global shift toward telemedicine post-COVID-19 has increased the need for centralized digital records that can be accessed remotely. This trend is pushing both public and private healthcare providers to invest in cloud-based and interoperable EHR systems.
    4. Data-Driven Decision Making in Healthcare: As data becomes a core asset in personalized medicine and value-based care models, EHRs serve as critical repositories of patient history, lab reports, medications, and imaging data.

    Challenges

    • High Implementation and Maintenance Costs: The cost of deploying EHR software, training staff, and maintaining IT infrastructure can be prohibitive for small healthcare facilities, especially in developing nations.
    • Interoperability and Data Security Concerns: Although EHRs are designed to improve information sharing, achieving true interoperability across different systems remains a challenge. Moreover, the sensitive nature of health data makes security and compliance with data protection regulations (like HIPAA and GDPR) a critical issue.

    Opportunities

    • Integration with AI and analytics in EHRs enables predictive insights—such as Mount Sinai Hospital using AI models within EHRs to identify sepsis risk early, improving response time and patient outcomes. This innovation is driving demand for intelligent, data-driven systems.
    • Mobile and Cloud-Based EHRs: The adoption of mobile health apps and cloud platforms enables real-time access to health data, especially beneficial in rural and underserved regions.

    Regional Insights

    North America

    North America holds 42.50% of the global EHR market, driven by the U.S.’s early adoption and digital health funding. Epic Systems powers major hospital networks like Kaiser Permanente, while Canada’s Infoway initiative accelerates EHR integration, ensuring secure, interoperable data across provinces.

    Europe

    Europe is a mature yet fragmented market for EHRs. Countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are progressing well in EHR integration, while others lag due to privacy concerns and inconsistent digital policies. The EU’s push toward unified health records under the European Health Data Space initiative could streamline EHR adoption across member states.

    Asia-Pacific

    The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, increased healthcare spending, and the digitalization efforts in countries like India, China, and Australia are major contributors. Government-backed programs such as India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and China’s Smart Healthcare initiative are significantly driving EHR deployment.

    Latin America & Middle East

    Both regions are gradually embracing EHR systems. Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have initiated digital health reforms. However, budget constraints and a lack of infrastructure remain key barriers. International partnerships and private investments are expected to unlock growth potential in these markets.

    TABLE OF CONTENT

    1. Electronic Health Records Market Overview
    1.1. Study Scope
    1.2. Market Estimation Years
    2. Executive Summary
    2.1. Market Snippet
    2.1.1. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Product
    2.1.2. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Type
    2.1.3. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Business Model
    2.1.4. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Application
    2.1.5. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By End Use
    2.1.6. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet by Country
    2.1.7. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet by Region
    2.2. Competitive Insights
    3. Electronic Health Records Key Market Trends
    3.1. Electronic Health Records Market Drivers
    3.1.1. Impact Analysis of Market Drivers
    3.2. Electronic Health Records Market Restraints
    3.2.1. Impact Analysis of Market Restraints
    3.3. Electronic Health Records Market Opportunities
    3.4. Electronic Health Records Market Future Trends
    4. Electronic Health Records Industry Study
    4.1. PEST Analysis
    4.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
    4.3. Growth Prospect Mapping
    4.4. Regulatory Framework Analysis
    5. Electronic Health Records Market: Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions
    5.1. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
    5.2. Impact of Russia-Ukraine War
    5.3. Impact of Middle East Conflicts
    6. Electronic Health Records Market Landscape
    6.1. Electronic Health Records Market Share Analysis, 2024
    6.2. Breakdown Data, by Key Manufacturer
    6.2.1. Established Players’ Analysis
    6.2.2. Emerging Players’ Analysis
    7. Electronic Health Records Market – By Product
    7.1. Overview
    7.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Product, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    7.1.2. On-premises
    7.1.3. Web & Cloud-Based EHR
    8. Electronic Health Records Market – By Type
    8.1. Overview
    8.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Type, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    8.1.2. Acute
    8.1.3. Outpatient
    8.1.4. Post Acute
    9. Electronic Health Records Market – By Business Model
    9.1. Overview
    9.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Business Model, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    9.1.2. Licensed Software
    9.1.3. Technology Resale
    9.1.4. Subscriptions
    9.1.5. Professional Services
    9.1.6. Others
    10. Electronic Health Records Market – By Application
    10.1. Overview
    10.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Application, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    10.1.2. Cardiology
    10.1.3. Neurology
    10.1.4. Radiology ………

    Reasons to Invest in the EHR Market

    1. Essential Role in Modern Healthcare Systems
      EHRs are no longer optional but a fundamental part of modern healthcare. As hospitals strive to improve patient care, safety, and efficiency, EHRs serve as a backbone for digital health ecosystems.
    2. Regulatory Push and Compliance Standards
      Investment in compliant EHR systems helps healthcare providers align with stringent data protection laws while avoiding penalties and securing patient trust.
    3. Increasing Healthcare Expenditure
      Globally, healthcare budgets are expanding. A significant portion is being directed toward digital infrastructure, making EHR vendors prime beneficiaries of government and institutional funding.
    4. Rising Adoption of Cloud and AI Technologies
      EHR vendors integrating cloud capabilities and AI features offer enhanced scalability, analytics, and patient engagement. These smart EHRs are more future-proof and attractive to investors.
    5. Long-Term Cost Benefits for Healthcare Providers
      Despite initial costs, EHR systems lead to long-term savings by reducing administrative workload, avoiding duplication of tests, and minimizing errors.

    Future Outlook

    The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market is poised for a tech-driven evolution, with AI integration, cloud-based platforms, and interoperability leading the way. By 2032, real-time data exchange, as seen in the U.K.’s NHS Federated Data Platform and India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, will become standard.

    Growing cybersecurity investments and patient-centric innovations are redefining EHR functionality. With global healthcare systems embracing value-based care, the market is set for intelligent, adaptive, and patient-connected growth worldwide.

    Discover the Full Study : https://analystviewmarketinsights.com/reports/report-highlight-electronic-health-records-market

    Explore More Research Titles in the Healthcare Category by AnalystView Market Insights:

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards

    Source: ASEAN

    ASEAN Set to Honour Mining Excellence at 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards in Lao PDR

    The spotlight will soon shine on the region’s mining sector as ASEAN prepares to honour top-performing companies in the 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards (AMA), to be announced during the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Minerals (AMMin) in the week of 29 September 2025 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
     
    Held biennially, the AMA recognises excellence in environmentally and socially responsible mining and minerals processing practices across Southeast Asia. The prestigious awards ceremony will take place during the AMMin Gala Dinner, a highlight of the ASEAN minerals calendar.
     
    The awards celebrate companies that have demonstrated significant contributions to sustainable development in the sector—ranging from community upliftment and workforce development, to improved resource efficiency and enhanced environmental, health and safety standards.
     
    Six awards will be given across two mineral categories:
     
    Metallic Minerals:

    Best Practices in Mining
    Best Practices in Processing (including smelting)
    Best Practices in Distribution (including transport, handling, storage)

     
    Non-metallic Minerals:

    Best Practices in Mining
    Best Practices in Processing
    Best Practices in Distribution

     
    Launched in 2017, the AMA has become a key platform for recognising regional excellence. While the first and second editions were held in 2017 and 2019 respectively, the third edition—originally planned for 2021—was postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
     
    In addition to the awards, ASEAN will unveil a special AMA Handbook showcasing the achievements of winners and finalists. The publication will document real-world examples of best practices in the region’s minerals sector, serving as a reference and inspiration for future innovation.
     
    Applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official guidelines and contact their respective ASEAN Member State Focal Points for national nomination timelines and submission procedures.
     
    —

    The post 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Papua New Guinea police blame overrun system for prison breakouts

    By Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalist

    Police in Papua New Guinea say the country’s overrun courts and prisons are behind mass breakouts from police custody.

    Chief Superintendent Clement Dala made the comment after 13 detainees escaped on Tuesday in Simbu Province, including eight who were facing murder charges.

    Dala said an auxiliary policeman who had the keys to a holding cell at Kundiawa Police Station is also on the run.

    Police are investigating a claim by local media that he is the partner of a female escapee who was facing trial for murder.

    Six police officers on duty at the time have been suspended for 21 days while investigations continue.

    “The auxiliary officer is not a recognised police officer and should not have had the key, but it appears he was helping the sole police officer on cell duties,” said Dala, who is the acting assistant commissioner for three Highlands provinces.

    Dala said it appeared the auxiliary officer wandered off for a meal and left the cell door open at the entrance to the police station.

    “He may have played a role in assisting the escapees, but we are still trying to find out exactly what happened.”

    ‘Probably hiding somewhere’
    “If we find it was deliberate then he will definitely be arrested. He is probably hiding somewhere nearby and we’ll get to him as soon as we can,” he said.

    As of yesterday, none of the escapees had been caught. Police are relying on community leaders to encourage them to surrender.

    But this could take a month or longer and police fear some could reoffend.

    He said the police have previously been told not to use auxiliary officers in any official capacity as they were community liaison officers.

    “This is a symptom of our severe staff shortages, but I have reissued an instruction banning them from frontline duties,” he said.

    Dala said PNG’s courts and prisons were completely overrun, and this was the main reason detainees in police custody escape.

    Up to 200 people on remand
    He said on any given day there could be up to 200 people on remand in police cells under his command and many brought in weapons and drugs.

    “We have different cells for different remandees, but if we are overcrowded we have to keep prisoners in the main corridor, especially those who have committed minor crimes,” he said.

    Dala said some remand prisoners were being kept in police holding cells for more than a month.

    He said the police had faced a lack of political will to deal with severe staff shortages, a lack of training across the force and outdated infrastructure.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case Opposes Homeland Security Funding Measure That Would Cripple Federal Disaster Assistance To State And Local Governments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee and of its Subcommittee on Homeland Security, voted yesterday in the full committee against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations measure.  

    The FY 2026 Homeland Security bill proposes a total discretionary allocation of $66.4 billion to the Department of Homeland Security, an increase of $1.3 billion over the FY 2025 enacted level.

    Combined with the additional $26.5 billion for disaster response and $6.3 billion for programs offset by fee collections, the bill proposes to spend a total of $99.1 billion for the Department of Homeland Security in FY 2026. 

    The bill supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service and more.

    “While the measure funds many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because it dangerously underfunds disaster mitigation and cybersecurity initiatives, ultimately leaving Americans less safe,” said Case. “The Committee also was forced to draft the bill in the dark because the administration failed to provide a detailed budget request, and this is a dangerous precedent to support.”

    In his remarks to the full committee here, Case focused specifically on critical FEMA assistance to for the Maui wildfire disaster as well as proposed cybersecurity cuts.

    Through his assignment on the Subcommittee, Case secured $1 million for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency’s (HIEMA) Emergency Operations Center IT Modernization Project. This is one of Case’s Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF) projects that specifically focuses on local needs in Hawai‘i. The project will fund the procurement and installation of touchscreen monitors for a new information wall at the emergency operations center to facilitate emergency response communications and instantaneous information sharing.

    “These facilities will share information in real time so that emergency responders can make informed decisions and take necessary actions to save lives and protect property in the event of a disaster,” said Case. 

    The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here.  

    Case also secured a number of other key programs and provisions for Hawai‘i, including:

    ·         $355 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, which support state and local emergency management agencies like HIEMA. 

    ·         $360 million for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which is a major source of funding for county fire departments.

    ·         $360 million for FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program. 

    ·         $60 million for increased Coast Guard operations and support funding in the Indo-Pacific, to include workforce support in housing, medical and childcare access for Coasties in Hawai‘i.

    ·         $15 million for the Coast Guard’s Honolulu Homeport Project, which funds expansion of operations and cutter maintenance activities at Base Honolulu. 

    ·         $101 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, a $10 million increase over FY 2025, which funds University of Hawaii’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center. 

    ·         $60 million for another Coast Guard Medium Endurance Cutter to be stationed in the Indo-Pacific.  

    ·         $40 million for FEMA’s Next Generation Warning System. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on the opportunity for the Coast Guard to acquire additional pier and related space at Base Honolulu. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on unmet requirements for the infrastructure at the Coast Guard’s Air Station Barbers Point. 

    ·         Language encouraging TSA to address potential degradation of security scanning equipment at open-air airports.

     The measure also includes the following priorities requested by Case: 

    ·         $14.4 billion for the Coast Guard. 

    ·         $54 million for the National Computer Forensic Institute, through which 397 state and local law enforcement officers from agencies in Hawai‘i have received a host of forensic training courses.

    ·         Report language supporting the growth of CISA support in the Pacific Islands. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on Coast Guard engagement and needs in the Indo-Pacific. 

    ·         Language requiring a briefing on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which is a major issue in the Indo-Pacific. 

    ·         $615 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative under FEMA. 

    ·         $520 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which provides funding to protect against terrorism and other threats. 

    ·         $95 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, which protects critical transportation infrastructure from acts of terrorism. 

    ·         $105 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. 

    ·         $100 million for FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program. 

    ·         $45 million for the TSA Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program. 

    This measure is one of the twelve bills developed by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2026 (commencing October 1, 2025). The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.   

    A summary of the bill is available here.  

    ### 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cash Converters and Mobile Travel Agents pay penalties for allegedly breaching Franchising Code of Conduct

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Franchisors Cash Converters Pty Ltd and MTA – Mobile Travel Agents Pty Ltd (MTA) have each paid a $16,500 penalty after the ACCC issued both companies with an infringement notice after they each allegedly breached the Franchising Code of Conduct.

    The ACCC alleges that second-hand goods retailer and pawn broker Cash Converters, and travel agency MTA, each failed to meet their obligation to annually update or confirm franchisor information on the Franchise Disclosure Register as required by the Franchising Code of Conduct.

    The Franchise Disclosure Register is an online register hosted and administered by the Department of the Treasury. It is a free service intended to give prospective franchise buyers, current franchisees and professional advisers access to information provided by franchisors.

    “The requirement for franchisors to maintain accurate and up-to-date public profiles on the Register ensures prospective franchisees and other stakeholders have clear and accurate information to help them make informed business decisions, including whether to enter into a franchise agreement,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

    “A franchisor’s failure to maintain up-to-date information on the Register undermines transparency for prospective franchisees, and the reliability and integrity of the Register.”

    The ACCC will continue to monitor the franchising sector’s compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct including the Register obligations.

    “The Franchising Code of Conduct applies to franchising in Australia to help address some of the problems caused by the power imbalance in the franchise relationship,” Mr Keogh said.

    “Failure to comply with the requirements of the Franchising Code of Conduct may result in penalties or other enforcement action by the ACCC.”

    One of the ACCC’s enduring compliance and enforcement priorities is to ensure that small businesses receive the protections of competition and consumer laws, including mandatory industry codes such as the Franchising Code of Conduct.

    More information for current and potential franchisees, and for franchisors, is available on the ACCC website at Franchising Code of Conduct.

    Background

    MTA is an Australian-based travel agency offering personal travel planning services. It has approximately 488 franchisees and operates nationally.

    Cash Converters offers buying and selling of second-hand goods, pawn broking and personal loans. In Australia, it has about 74 franchisee-owned stores and 79 corporate-owned stores.

    Notes to editors

    The ACCC is responsible for regulating industry codes that are prescribed under the Competition and Consumer Act, including the Franchising Code of Conduct. The Franchising Code of Conduct is a mandatory national code that regulates the conduct of franchising participants towards each other.

    The Franchising Code of Conduct sets out, among other things:

    • franchisors’ disclosure requirements
    • how disputes between parties to a franchise agreement should be resolved, and 
    • when franchisors must include or update information on the RegisterThe ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business as contravened certain provisions of an industry code.

    A person or business is not regarded as having contravened the provision of the industry code merely by paying the penalty specified in an infringement notice.

    On 18 March 2025, the Government announced it will provide $7.1 million over two years to strengthen the ACCC’s enforcement of the Franchising Code of Conduct. This funding uplift enables the ACCC to undertake more education, enforcement and engagement in the franchising sector.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ulf Kristersson receives Vietnam’s Prime Minister

    Source: Government of Sweden

    On Friday 13 June Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh for bilateral talks at Rosenbad. During the official visit, Sweden and Vietnam entered into a bilateral sectorial strategic partnership aimed at advancing cooperation in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Announcement Regarding Filing of Annual Report on Form 20-F with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. hereby announces that it filed an annual report on Form 20-F with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2025.

    A copy of the Form 20-F annual report can be obtained at https://www.mizuhogroup.com/investors/financial-information/sec/form20f. Holders of Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. American Depository Receipts may request a complimentary hard copy of the completed audited financial statements by emailing twenty.f@mizuhofg.co.jp and including:

    • Your name;
    • Your mailing address; and
    • Your e-mail address.

    This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer for sale or solicitation for investment or other similar activity in or outside Japan.

    For inquiries, please contact:
    Jim Gorman
    Executive Director, Media Relations, Mizuho Americas
    +1-212-282-3867
    jim.gorman@mizuhogroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco, Redouane Arrach, in Rabat, on 25 June 2025. They discussed key issues aimed at advancing cooperation in the food, agriculture, and forestry sectors, with a focus on addressing common challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. Both sides exchanged views on ways to formulate and implement programmes related to agricultural trade, decarbonisation, digitalisation, and the promotion of public-private partnerships, among others.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZCTU statement on Takutai Tarsh Kemp

    Source: NZCTU

    The union movement is sending its love and condolences to the whānau of MP for Tāmaki Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, following the shocking news of her passing.

    “We are heartbroken for Takutai’s whānau, hapū and iwi, for the people of Tāmaki Makaurau, and for Te Pāti Māori at this sad time,” said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff.

    “We deeply appreciate Takutai’s tireless dedication and service on behalf of her people, including as a staunch advocate for rangatahi and for some of the most marginalised whānau in Aotearoa.

    “We acknowledge that as Te Pāti Māori’s spokesperson for Workers’ Rights, Takutai fought to ensure the rights of working people were upheld. 

    “Takutai was a leader who had so much more to give, and will be missed dearly,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: DRML Miner and USDC: Merging Stability with the Future of Cloud Mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the fast-changing climate of blockchain and cryptocurrency, there are few companies combining innovation, accessibility, and stability quite like DRML Miner. DRML Miner is a company that is dedicated to changing the mining industry since inception by leveraging green energy sources, implementing powerful AI systems, and taking a ‘user first’ approach by making crypto mining accessible to everyone, everywhere. Now DRML Miner is innovating even further with their integration of USDC (USD Coin), a leading stablecoin physically pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, which marks a massive step forward in revolutionizing the way people will engage with both crypto mining and digital finance.

    A New Era of Cloud Mining

    DRML Miner was created with the idea that it was about more than just earning crypto rewards, but establishing a fair, decentralized, and eco-friendly new financial system based on blockchain. DRML Miner is a unique platform that allows users to mine cryptocurrency without the need for expensive hardware, complex software, or the concerns of electricity and associated maintenance costs.

    As of today, the network has over 7 million active users and is now representative of a large-scale infrastructure platform mining within 180 countries, using mining facilities where there is a network of over 100 mining farms distributed worldwide. Most of these centers of facilities are connected to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. This use of green energies enables DRML Miner to move forward with a mining process that is less harmful to the environment while still efficiently using renewable energy.

    The contracts of the DRML Miner utilize intelligent algorithms that enable rigorous economy in real-time. It doesn’t matter if a user makes a deposit of either $USD 100 or $USD 100,000. Our dynamic system adjusts substantially to the user to mitigate user risk and maximize returns based on their deposit amounts to provide a secure and stable mining experience-tag experience every time.

    USDC: Bringing Predictability to Crypto Earnings

    As part of DRML Miner’s ecosystem, we are happy to announce that we are now including USDC as a financial tool in our program. USDC is a digital dollar that is fully-backed and issued on the blockchain, and the value of USDC is very stable, making it a valuable addition to a mining operation that may be affected by the price swings in the cryptocurrency market.

    By integrating USDC, DRML Miner offers several unique advantages to its users:

    • Stable Earnings: Users do have the option or can convert their payouts from fluctuating assets to USDC. This guarantees that the value of their mining rewards is predictable and eliminates one of the largest barriers to entry for new people joining the crypto ecosystem.
    • Instant Global Transfers: USDC operates on major blockchain networks, enabling DRML Miner to offer near-instant transfers for users worldwide.
    • No matter where you live (Asia, Europe, or the Americas), users can take their rewards without normal banking wait times.
    • Access to DeFi: With USDC in their wallet, users can access the full decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem to utilize their assets and take advantage of staking, lending, or passive income creation; essentially creating a new layer of utility for mining rewards.

    Smart Contracts, Real Results

    DRML Miner offers a range of mining contracts designed to suit all user levels. New users can start earning with as little as $10 at no risk thanks to a free welcome bonus, while more experienced investors have access to larger plans (ranging from $100-$100,000) and daily profits—with options for durations from 1 day up to over 45 days.

    These contracts are powered by a secure and automated system. Users enjoy:

    • Daily payout reports
    • Transparent earnings tracking
    • 24/7 performance monitoring
    • Cold storage protection for mined assets
    • Zero maintenance fees

    The integration of USDC ensures that rewards from these contracts can be protected from market swings while maintaining liquidity.

    Security and Simplicity for All

    One of DRML Miner’s core values is accessibility. There are no technical skills to learn to get started mining. Mining has a clean design and easy to use dashboard for checking earnings, selecting new contracts and withdrawing funds. Additionally, the platform takes security seriously: users enjoy multi-layer encryption, DDoS protection, and real-time fraud detection. 

    Moreover, an active support team is available 24/7 to walk users through every step of the way, so even first-time crypto users will feel confident mining.

    Vision for the Future

    With blockchain adoption growing exponentially, DRML Miner isn’t just interested in following trends; it wants to create them! The next steps in its roadmap include even deeper integration into DeFi, community-led governance through DAO (DeCentralized Autonomous Organization) structures, and potential tokenized mining assets like FLR RM token!

    USDC is set to play a central role in this transformation. With a mining rewards and financial tools model built on a stablecoin framework, DRML Miner provides the constant soundness of traditional banking systems with the financial predictability and security expected in the crypto space.

    Conclusion

    In a sector that is often characterized by uncertainty and sophistication, DRML Miner offers a different way to engage with crypto. With its combination of intelligent cloud mining, sustainable infrastructure, and currently USDC’s stability, it spans the markets cryptocurrency lexicon.

    For users wanting to mine in a more hands-off fashion, or investors that want to have crypto exposure that is reliable, transparent, and profitable, DRML Miner provides a compelling solution. In the future, as the digital economy expands, the partnership between DRML Miner and USDC should be seen as a starting point for stable, scalable, and sustainable blockchain finance.

    Visit drmlminers.com to start your mining journey today and experience the future of stablecoin-powered cloud mining.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DRML Miner and USDC: Merging Stability with the Future of Cloud Mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the fast-changing climate of blockchain and cryptocurrency, there are few companies combining innovation, accessibility, and stability quite like DRML Miner. DRML Miner is a company that is dedicated to changing the mining industry since inception by leveraging green energy sources, implementing powerful AI systems, and taking a ‘user first’ approach by making crypto mining accessible to everyone, everywhere. Now DRML Miner is innovating even further with their integration of USDC (USD Coin), a leading stablecoin physically pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, which marks a massive step forward in revolutionizing the way people will engage with both crypto mining and digital finance.

    A New Era of Cloud Mining

    DRML Miner was created with the idea that it was about more than just earning crypto rewards, but establishing a fair, decentralized, and eco-friendly new financial system based on blockchain. DRML Miner is a unique platform that allows users to mine cryptocurrency without the need for expensive hardware, complex software, or the concerns of electricity and associated maintenance costs.

    As of today, the network has over 7 million active users and is now representative of a large-scale infrastructure platform mining within 180 countries, using mining facilities where there is a network of over 100 mining farms distributed worldwide. Most of these centers of facilities are connected to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. This use of green energies enables DRML Miner to move forward with a mining process that is less harmful to the environment while still efficiently using renewable energy.

    The contracts of the DRML Miner utilize intelligent algorithms that enable rigorous economy in real-time. It doesn’t matter if a user makes a deposit of either $USD 100 or $USD 100,000. Our dynamic system adjusts substantially to the user to mitigate user risk and maximize returns based on their deposit amounts to provide a secure and stable mining experience-tag experience every time.

    USDC: Bringing Predictability to Crypto Earnings

    As part of DRML Miner’s ecosystem, we are happy to announce that we are now including USDC as a financial tool in our program. USDC is a digital dollar that is fully-backed and issued on the blockchain, and the value of USDC is very stable, making it a valuable addition to a mining operation that may be affected by the price swings in the cryptocurrency market.

    By integrating USDC, DRML Miner offers several unique advantages to its users:

    • Stable Earnings: Users do have the option or can convert their payouts from fluctuating assets to USDC. This guarantees that the value of their mining rewards is predictable and eliminates one of the largest barriers to entry for new people joining the crypto ecosystem.
    • Instant Global Transfers: USDC operates on major blockchain networks, enabling DRML Miner to offer near-instant transfers for users worldwide.
    • No matter where you live (Asia, Europe, or the Americas), users can take their rewards without normal banking wait times.
    • Access to DeFi: With USDC in their wallet, users can access the full decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem to utilize their assets and take advantage of staking, lending, or passive income creation; essentially creating a new layer of utility for mining rewards.

    Smart Contracts, Real Results

    DRML Miner offers a range of mining contracts designed to suit all user levels. New users can start earning with as little as $10 at no risk thanks to a free welcome bonus, while more experienced investors have access to larger plans (ranging from $100-$100,000) and daily profits—with options for durations from 1 day up to over 45 days.

    These contracts are powered by a secure and automated system. Users enjoy:

    • Daily payout reports
    • Transparent earnings tracking
    • 24/7 performance monitoring
    • Cold storage protection for mined assets
    • Zero maintenance fees

    The integration of USDC ensures that rewards from these contracts can be protected from market swings while maintaining liquidity.

    Security and Simplicity for All

    One of DRML Miner’s core values is accessibility. There are no technical skills to learn to get started mining. Mining has a clean design and easy to use dashboard for checking earnings, selecting new contracts and withdrawing funds. Additionally, the platform takes security seriously: users enjoy multi-layer encryption, DDoS protection, and real-time fraud detection. 

    Moreover, an active support team is available 24/7 to walk users through every step of the way, so even first-time crypto users will feel confident mining.

    Vision for the Future

    With blockchain adoption growing exponentially, DRML Miner isn’t just interested in following trends; it wants to create them! The next steps in its roadmap include even deeper integration into DeFi, community-led governance through DAO (DeCentralized Autonomous Organization) structures, and potential tokenized mining assets like FLR RM token!

    USDC is set to play a central role in this transformation. With a mining rewards and financial tools model built on a stablecoin framework, DRML Miner provides the constant soundness of traditional banking systems with the financial predictability and security expected in the crypto space.

    Conclusion

    In a sector that is often characterized by uncertainty and sophistication, DRML Miner offers a different way to engage with crypto. With its combination of intelligent cloud mining, sustainable infrastructure, and currently USDC’s stability, it spans the markets cryptocurrency lexicon.

    For users wanting to mine in a more hands-off fashion, or investors that want to have crypto exposure that is reliable, transparent, and profitable, DRML Miner provides a compelling solution. In the future, as the digital economy expands, the partnership between DRML Miner and USDC should be seen as a starting point for stable, scalable, and sustainable blockchain finance.

    Visit drmlminers.com to start your mining journey today and experience the future of stablecoin-powered cloud mining.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Gas Networks in Court over alleged greenwashing in renewable gas campaign

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC has launched Federal Court action against gas distributor Australian Gas Networks Limited alleging it made false and misleading representations in its ‘Love Gas’ TV and digital advertising campaign.

    The ACCC alleges Australian Gas Networks misled millions of consumers when it represented, in ads that ran during 2022 and 2023, that the gas it distributes to households on its network will be renewable within a generation.

    Australian Gas Networks did not have reasonable grounds for making the unqualified claim about the future of gas, which featured in advertisements run on free-to-air television, streaming services and on YouTube, the ACCC alleges.

    “We allege that Australian Gas Networks engaged in greenwashing in its ‘Love Gas’ ad campaign,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “We allege that the ads overstated the likelihood of Australian Gas Networks overcoming significant technical and economic barriers to distribute renewable gas to households within a generation.”

    “It is not currently possible to distribute renewable gas at scale and at an economically viable price, and throughout 2022 and 2023 it was highly uncertain whether, and if so when, this would be possible,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “We allege that even though Australian Gas Networks knew the future of renewable gas was uncertain, it made an unqualified representation to consumers that it would distribute renewable gas to households within a generation.”

    “We say these ads were intended to encourage consumers to connect to, or remain connected to, Australian Gas Networks’ distribution network and to purchase gas appliances for their homes, based on the misleading impression they would receive ‘renewable gas’ within a generation,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “We consider that consumers were deprived of the opportunity to make fully informed choices, in accordance with their values, about the most appropriate energy sources for use in their homes, the household appliances they should invest in, and the steps they could take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

    The claims by Australian Gas Networks were contained in four advertisements which all featured a young girl and her father using gas appliances in the home for cooking, bathing or heating. The advertisements then fast-forward in time to show the girl, now portrayed as a young adult, engaging in the same household activities.

    The ads featured a voiceover stating the following, or similar:

    • Some things never change, but the flame we use will.
    • It’s becoming renewable.
    • Controllable, reliable gas.
    • For this generation and the next.

    The final frame of each ad featured the company’s logo next to a green flame, and the words; “Love gas. Love a renewable gas future”; or just “Love Gas”.

    The ads did not contain any qualifications, fine print or disclaimers.

    “Businesses that make false or misleading environmental claims make it harder for consumers to support businesses that are genuinely working to reduce their environmental impact,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “Businesses that make environmental claims about the future must have reasonable grounds for those claims, or they will be taken to be misleading under the Australian Consumer Law. Businesses must take care when they promote emissions-reduction measures that their claims can be backed up with evidence, and that they are realistic about emerging energy technologies and when changes are likely to be achieved. Misleading claims not only break the trust of consumers, they also breach the Australian Consumer Law.”

    The ACCC is seeking declarations, penalties, costs and other orders.

    Background

    The “Love Gas” advertising campaign ran between 20 March 2022 to 2 October 2022 and again from 1 August 2023 to 15 October 2023.

    Australian Gas Networks is one of Australia’s largest gas infrastructure businesses. It owns and operates gas transmission and distribution pipelines.

    Australian Gas Networks distributes natural gas to around 1.3 million homes and businesses, principally in Victoria and South Australia, as well as in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

    The ACCC commenced this investigation after receiving complaints about Australian Gas Networks from consumers and the Australian Conservation Foundation.

    In December 2023, the ACCC published its guidance for businesses on making environmental and sustainability claims. It sets out what the ACCC considers to be misleading conduct and good practice when making such claims, to help businesses provide clear, accurate and trustworthy information to consumers about the current and future environmental performance of their business.

    Images from the Love Gas Advertisements

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Brown applauds court order against the Trump administration for blocking funds for electric vehicle chargers

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown and 13 other attorneys general have won a court order blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to withhold about $1 billion in funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure directed by Congress to the plaintiff states.

    U.S. District Court Judge Tana Lin said the Trump administration must restore the states’ Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans to their previous legal status and stop withholding previously authorized National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds. She stayed the order for seven days, saying it would go into effect on July 2 if the defendants do not file an appeal.

    “Congress invested in forward-looking, clean electric vehicle infrastructure – exactly the future that Washington wants,” Brown said. “The court has now confirmed that Donald Trump can’t just wish that future away because he likes fossil fuels.”

    Lin opened her order by quoting a 1995 episode of The Simpsons, in which “Homer must cut short a tearful goodbye with his long-lost mother after her traveling companions protest that their `electric van only has 20 minutes of juice left!’” That episode foretold the “range anxiety” many drivers of electric vehicles feel when trying to figure out where to charge their cars.

    In the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Congress appropriated $5 billion for the NEVI Formula Program to fund states’ nationwide deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to improve reliability for the public. The plaintiff states moved forward with developing plans to identify sites, solicit bids, and begin building EV charging stations.

    On Jan. 20, President Trump mandated federal agencies pause disbursement of all funds appropriated under the IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act, including NEVI program funding. Despite being mandated by Congress to fund the NEVI program, the Federal Highway Administration notified states in February the agency was unlawfully revoking previous state plan approvals and withholding NEVI program funds from the states.

    On May 7, Brown and a coalition of attorneys general from 15 other states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration for illegally withholding NEVI funding, arguing the administration engaged in overreach and violated the Constitution, which grants the power of the purse to Congress. Brown co-led the lawsuit along with attorneys general from California and Colorado.

    Lin, of the Western District of Washington, said that even beyond the matter of EV charging stations, the case centers on the “bedrock doctrines of separation of powers and agency accountability, as enshrined in Constitution and statute.”

    “When the Executive Branch treads upon the will of the Legislative Branch, and when an administrative agency acts contrary to law, it is the Court’s responsibility to remediate the situation and restore the balance of power,” she wrote.

    Lin granted the preliminary injunction to the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

    Lin said she excluded the District of Columbia, Minnesota, and Vermont from her preliminary injunction because they did not submit declarations that attested to the Federal Highway Administration’s approval and re-approval of their state deployment plans.

    A copy of Lin’s order can be found here.

    -30-

     

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

    Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Military Medicine opens in Beijing

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

    BEIJING, June 25 — The sixth Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Military Medicine opened on Wednesday in Beijing, bringing together the heads of military health departments and medical experts from more than 20 countries, as well as representatives of five international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the International Committee of Military Medicine.

    Themed “Innovation, Cooperation, Development, Together for a Shared Future,” the event features discussions and exchanges on innovations in health services and administration, improvements in combat casualty care, and other topics.

    The congress aims to enhance regional public health security capabilities, collaboratively promote pragmatic cooperation and innovative development in military medicine, and promote the construction of a global community of health for all.

    It also features exhibitions related to combat casualty care, training injury prevention, traditional medicine, and medical equipment.

    The medical equipment exhibition zone highlights dual-use technologies and equipment, while other sections make use of interactive demonstrations and immersive experiences to showcase the Chinese military’s medical capabilities and traditional medicine expertise.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Next phase of Dellows Bluff slip repairs about to begin

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Contractors will be back at the site of an overslip on State Highway 6 at Dellows Bluff next week.

    Rob Service, System Manager for Nelson/Tasman, says work is about to resume at the overslip site, which occurred during heavy rain in October last year.

    “Contractors have already done work here, with rock blasting and tree removal done in February this year.”

    “However, during this work, site investigations revealed the slip was far more complex, larger, and more fragile than originally thought,” Mr Service says.

    SH6 Dellows overslip site, October 2024

    He says the work was put on hold and plans for a fix were revised.

    “We now have a plan in place and the first phase of it will begin next week.”

    “Contractors will build a new access track south of the slip site, remove some trees, and build a landing from which further work can be done. We expect this to take about a month to complete,” Mr Service says.

    To ensure both workers and drivers are kept safe while the tree-felling is underway and the new access track is being built, Mr Service says there will be  intermittent road closures during the day.

    “We do not want to put traffic at risk from falling debris. So, there will be periods when we will have to stop traffic during the day between 7 am and 5.30 pm.”

    “They will be no longer than 15-minutes and work crews will do their best to ensure drivers and the community aren’t too disrupted. Access for emergency services, school buses, and other critical transport will be prioritised,” Mr Service says.

    Phase One work schedule

    • Monday 30 June to Friday 25 July. Monday to Friday, 7:00am–5.30pm (weather permitting)
    • Stop/Stop traffic management – expect delays of up to 15 minutes

    Next steps

    Mr Service says once the tree-felling is complete and the access track built, contractors will be able to resume stabilising the slip site.

    “It is expected this will take one to two months to complete.”

    We will have to put shipping containers back at the site to ensure the highway and traffic are protected from rockfalls, and work crews will do as much work as possible within the road shoulder,” Mr Service says.

    However, he says there may be times when traffic will have to be stopped.

    “If there are large boulders or other debris at risk of falling and endangering traffic, we will put safety first and use stop/go traffic management at the site. Though, this will be for short periods only.”

    “We understand we are doing this work during winter, but it is time critical and cannot be delayed. This is a critical section of State Highway 6 and, with no local road detours, or alternative highway alignments available, it is essential the slip is stabilised and fixed as soon as possible,’ Mr Service says.

    These works are weather-dependent, and schedules may change. Updates will be provided as the project progresses.

    Project schedule

    30 June–Late July: Tree felling and access track construction
    Late July–August/September: Slope stabilisation
    September: Pavement repair, including roadside drainage and shoulder works
    Mid-October: Road reopened and back to normal level of service

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Audio grabs: wait to lodge tax time reminder

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning taxpayers not to lodge their tax returns until their income statement is marked as ‘tax ready’ and data has been pre-filled by the ATO.

    Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson reminds taxpayers to wait to lodge their income tax return in the audio grabs. More information is available in the media release: ATO warns taxpayers: Don’t lodge yet!

    Audio grab 1:

    Tax time isn’t a race! If you wait to lodge until late July, the ATO has done some of the work for you by pre-filling data about your income, interest from your bank, your health insurance details and any payments from government agencies to make sure you get it right the first time.

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 1External Link

    Audio grab 2:

    Lodging before the ATO completes pre-fill of your information means there’s a much higher chance of you having to submit an amendment. This takes more time and may delay any refund you receive. Wait until late July to allow the ATO to prefill essential information from your bank, employer, health insurer and any payments from government agencies.

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 2External Link

    Audio grab 3:

    Last year 142,000 people who lodged in the first 2 weeks of July had to lodge amendments, or had their returns investigated and amended by the ATO to fix inaccuracies in their return.

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 3External Link

    Audio grab 4:

    We know people like to get their tax return out of the way, but in this case, we’re actually encouraging procrastination! Waiting until late July to lodge means the ATO’s done a bit of the work for you and pre-filled information into your tax return. You just need to check the info, add any deductions and make sure it’s good to go!

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 4External Link

    Audio grab 5:

    The great news is the ATO is telling taxpayers to do nothing – spend your weekend at the footy, with the fam, getting a pie. If you wait a couple of weeks, by late July the ATO will have prefilled a lot of data into your tax return making it easier to do your taxes and helping to make sure you get it right!

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 5External Link

    Audio grab 6:

    Get prepared for tax time by grabbing any receipts or records you’ve collected throughout the year and checking the ATO’s occupation guides to see what you can and cannot claim. Then once the ATO has finished pre-filling in late July, you can lodge with confidence!

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 6External Link

    Audio grab 7:

    Tax time isn’t a race! If you wait until late July, we will have pre-filled a bunch of data into your return for you, like wage income, bank interest and your private health insurance data. This will make it easier for you to get it right the first time you lodge.

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 7External Link

    Notes to journalists

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ATO warns taxpayers: Don’t lodge yet!

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning taxpayers not to lodge their tax returns until their income statement is marked as ‘tax ready’ and data has been pre-filled by the ATO.

    Last year 142,000 people who lodged in the first 2 weeks of July had to lodge amendments, or had their returns investigated and amended by the ATO to fix inaccuracies in their tax return, for example, income that had not been declared properly.

    ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson said that waiting until late July allows for the ATO to prefill information in your tax return.

    ‘We know doing your tax return is something to tick off your to-do list each year, but there’s no need to rush. The best time to lodge is from late July once everything is ready.’

    ‘We pre-fill information from your employer, banks, government agencies and health funds into your tax return to help you get it right the first time – regardless of whether you use a registered tax agent or lodge yourself,’ Mr Thomson said.

    Waiting for this information to be pre-filled reduces the likelihood of mistakes or omissions, which can often result in taxpayers having to submit an amendment which can cause issues and delays for taxpayers.

    ‘If you wait until late July to lodge, all you need to do is check your information, add anything that’s missing and include any deductions or offsets that you’re eligible for.’

    ‘If you’re keen to get your ducks in a row before you lodge, make sure you have all the necessary records, ensure your personal information and bank details are up to date and check the ATO occupation guides to see what deductions you may be able to claim.’

    ‘The ATO is also encouraging taxpayers to download the ATO app and set up a strong digital identity to protect themselves this tax time to ensure your interactions online are safe and secure. The app not only allows you to keep records of your work and general expenses but it will keep your information safe, including notifying you of any suspicious activity on your account,’ Mr Thomson said.

    Once your employer has finalised your income statement, it will be marked as ‘tax ready’. Taxpayers can check if their income statement is ‘tax ready’, as well as if pre-fill is available in myTax prior to lodging or in the ATO app.

    Notes to journalists

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Southland commercial fishers and seller fined $36,900 for black-market seafood sales

    Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

    Thousands of dollars of black-market seafood sales have cost 3 Southland commercial fishers and another man fines of $36,900.

    Commercial fishers Michael Noel Hawke (61), Stuart Teiwi Ryan (48) and Peter George Fletcher (32) were sentenced in the Invercargill District Court having pleaded guilty to multiple charges under the Fisheries Act. Another man, Duncan William Davis (39) was sentenced on 2 charges under the Fisheries Act for illegally selling a large amount of kina, some pāua, and blue cod, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

    Mr Hawke was fined $6,000, Mr Ryan $13,000, Mr Fletcher $3,900, and Mr Davis $14,000.

    The prosecution was part of a larger 2023 investigation into illegal sales of kina, pāua, crayfish, blue cod, and oysters. Fishery officers gathered evidence of the illegal sales by studying seafood landing records and electronic communications between the fishers, black-market suppliers and potential buyers.

    “Our investigation found Mr Hawke sold about 1,000 dredge oysters during the 2023 season that were not part of his allowable commercial take. They were his allowable recreational take and should have been in his landing report.

    “Based on 2023 prices of $37 a dozen, the oysters were valued at more than $3,000. Bluff is the only wild oyster fishery in the world and selling fish illegally has a serious effect on sustainability,” says Greg Forbes, Fisheries New Zealand district manager.

    The investigation found a deckhand aboard the fishing vessel was also selling his allowable recreational catch.

    “Mr Ryan was found to have sold 114 crayfish and about 40 blue cod. Crayfish retails at about $140 a kilogram and blue cod $75 a kilogram. Mr Ryan made around $2,250 in illegal earnings.

    “Most commercial fishers follow the rules because they want their fishery to remain sustainable into the future – black-market sales of recreational catch is a slap in the face to the majority of commercial fishers who do the right thing.”

    Electronic evidence found Mr Davis, who is not a commercial fisher, sold seafood including up to 400 punnets of kina roe, some pāua, and blue cod on the black market he had either caught, or bought from Mr Ryan to resell.

    “This was up to $5,000 of kina that was sold illegally and finfish valued at about $2,000. This was deliberate and the motivation was simply to make money.

    Meanwhile, fishery officers found the third commercial fisher, Mr Fletcher, sold about 200 dredge oysters illegally on about 6 occasions.

    “None of these fishers held permits allowing them to sell fish, nor were they licensed fish receivers or fish farmers. When we find evidence of deliberate illegal sales of seafood – we will take action.

    “Poachers steal from everyone because the shared resources belong to all New Zealanders. Their behaviour also undermines the Quota Management System and our reputation for sustainable kaimoana,” Mr Forbes says.

    MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 476 224)

    For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: One-size-fits-all approach does not work for autistic adults

    Source:

    26 June 2025

    In a world that is often overwhelming for people with autism, a new study by Australian and US researchers is calling for a rethink in how calming spaces and sensory rooms are designed.

    Feedback from an online survey of 96 autistic adults around the world reveals some common themes, including the importance of music, nature, solitude, and the ability to customise their environment.

    However, what also emerged from the study – recently published in Autism in Adulthood – is that autistic adults often experience the world in profoundly different ways and what might be soothing for one person could be overstimulating or distressing for another.

    Lead author, UniSA PhD candidate Connor McCabe, says that spaces must offer choice and not be based on child-focused designs that don’t reflect the needs of autistic adults.

    “Our research highlights the incredible diversity of sensory needs within the autistic community and the importance of offering flexibility and personal control within these spaces,” McCabe says.

    Key sensory factors such as lighting, sound and touch were shown to have a major influence on participants’ ability to relax.

    For example, dim or adjustable lighting, TV, books, video games, natural environments and sounds were frequently cited as beneficial, but while certain trends emerged, the authors caution against a one-size-fits-all approach.

    “That’s why it’s so important that these spaces offer choice – adjustable lighting, varied seating, different soundscapes and – above all – privacy.”

    The study, which also involved Dr Nigel Newbutt from the University of Florida, found that traditional sensory room elements such as vibration or motion-based stimulation, projected visuals on walls, and standard sensory toys were not rated as particularly helpful.

    Instead, participants called for more natural elements, including views of greenery, calming water features, and even animal interactions.

    Co-author, UniSA Cognitive Psychology Professor Tobias Loetscher, says the survey respondents consistently emphasised the need to control aspects of their environment, such as noise levels, temperature, and even who is allowed in the space.

    McCabe is currently winding up a second study that involves co-designing a VR sensory room with autistic adults.

    This research project aligns with the next steps – exploring the use of customisable virtual reality to provide flexible, cost-effective sensory environments tailored to individual preferences.

    “This VR sensory experience differs quite largely from what is typically found in a sensory room, as the virtual aspect allows much more freedom in terms of the environments we can create, and the stimulation that can be provided.”

    “With virtual reality, people can engage in calming activities like virtual forest walks or immersive soundscapes without needing large physical spaces,” McCabe says.

    A video explaining the findings is available here.

    Notes for editors

    “Insights into sensory and relaxation preferences to inform the design of calming spaces and sensory rooms for autistic adults” is published in Autism in Adulthood. DOI: 10.1089/aut.2024.0088. For a copy of the full paper, email candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Stable public housing in the first year of life boosts children’s wellbeing years down the track – new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaimie Monk, Research Fellow, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research

    Phil Walter/Getty Images

    New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market means low-income families face big constraints on their accommodation options. This involves often accepting housing that is insecure, cold, damp or in unsuitable neighbourhoods.

    But little is known about the impact of housing type early in life on children’s wellbeing over time.

    Using data from nearly 6,000 children in the Growing Up in New Zealand study, our new research compared outcomes for children provided with public housing support during the crucial earliest years (pregnancy through to nine months) with those in other types of housing.

    What we found supports ongoing investment in secure, quality housing as a way to reduce inequalities in New Zealand – particularly for those with very young children.

    Importantly, by the age of 12, children who started life in public housing had higher levels of wellbeing than some of their peers.

    Tracking wellbeing

    For our project, we used data on the type of housing at nine months of age, as well as mothers’ assessments of children’s social and emotional development across the period when the children were two to nine years old.

    The final data we used were the children’s own responses regarding their quality of life at 12 years old.

    Housing was categorised into four types: private ownership (52.3% of children), public rental (9.1%), private rental (35.8%) or other (2.9%).

    The New Zealand government provides housing subsidies to approximately 7% of the population. Public housing comprises around 4% of the country’s housing stock.

    Demand for help has remained high, with 20,300 people on the waitlist for social housing in December 2024. At the same time, Kāinga Ora has axed 212 housing projects because they did not stack up financially, or were in the wrong locations.

    Housing influences behaviour

    Throughout our research, we found children who began life in public housing were the group facing the most disadvantage. They exhibited higher levels of behavioural difficulties in early childhood than those in other housing types.

    These behavioural difficulties include conduct, hyperactivity and emotional or peer relationship problems. However, their difficulty scores declined more steeply over time, getting closer to their peers by age nine.

    In contrast, children’s trajectories of prosocial behaviour, such as being kind and helpful, were the same for each group.

    By 12, self-reported wellbeing for children who started life in public housing was at or above that of their peers in private rentals, despite being in the most disadvantaged group in their early years.

    These results are different to the outcomes seen in similar research from Australia which found children in public housing had widening gaps in wellbeing compared with their peers in privately owned houses.

    In New Zealand, factors such as strong relationships with important adults such as parents and teachers, and reduced exposure to bullying, were found to be more strongly associated with quality of life at this age than housing type or frequency of moving house.

    The importance of a stable home

    Our work focuses on the early years of a child’s life where security, financial stability and a warm, dry home are important for children’s healthy development. Public housing filled this need for many low-income families.

    Despite the positive results seen at 12, gaps in behavioural development between children from the public housing group and their peers were apparent when children started school.

    These differences in school readiness mean these children are likely to need wider support to ensure they can make the most of long-term educational opportunities.

    But overall, having access to public housing in infancy appears to have cumulative benefits for vulnerable children in New Zealand, providing a stable base for families as children start their lives.

    Jaimie Monk received funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Endeavour Programme for this research and has previously received funding from the Ministry of Social Development.

    – ref. Stable public housing in the first year of life boosts children’s wellbeing years down the track – new research – https://theconversation.com/stable-public-housing-in-the-first-year-of-life-boosts-childrens-wellbeing-years-down-the-track-new-research-259534

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Second arrest made in relation to fatal hit-and-run crash in Rotorua

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have arrested and charged a second person in relation to a fatal crash in Rotorua on 15 June.

    As a result of a search warrant yesterday, a 55-year-old man was arrested at a Rotorua address. He is due to appear in the Rotorua District Court today charged with accessory after the fact to manslaughter.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen says the man also faces additional charges that are unrelated to the fatal crash on 15 June.

    “While executing the warrant, staff discovered ammunition, cannabis and stolen property at the address.”

    The man has also been charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, cultivating cannabis and receiving property (over $1000).

    “Once again, we wish to thank the public for the assistance they have provided over the course of this investigation, which has been vital to making the two arrests we have made.”

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road blocked

    Source: New Zealand Police

    At around 9:50am emergency services received reports of a two-vehicle crash on Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road.

    One person is critically injured.

    The road is partially blocked and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, State Highway 2, Pahiatua

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on State Highway 2 south of Pahiatua on Thursday 15 May.

    He was 38-year-old Troy Joseph Hawe-Ross, of Palmerston North.

    Our thoughts are with those close to him at this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Closing the gate on Mangapurua winter damage

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  26 June 2025

    Department of Conservation Supervisor Joshua Kilmister says the gate closure affects only larger powered vehicles and the track will remain open for walking and hunting during the winter months.

    “In wet winter weather, larger vehicles damage track surfaces and drainage channels, affect visitor safety, and make it harder for us to manage the track for visitors.

    “We already close this track to cyclists each winter, and now access will also be closed to quad bikes and light utility vehicles from the Mangapurua Trig.”

    The Mangapurua Cycle Trail is a popular destination for visitors seeking to connect with the biodiversity, history, and culture of Whanganui National Park.

    “We want to ensure a safe, quality experience for trampers through winter and we’re asking people to leave their powered vehicles behind. This is a seasonal closure, and full access will be restored in September,” says Joshua.

    A lockable gate will be installed south of Mangapurua Trig closing Mangapurua Track to large, powered vehicles from Monday 30 June 2025. The track will reopen in September.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell On U.S. Hard and Soft Power at Senate Appropriations Hearing w/ OMB Director Vought

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, participated in today’s full committee hearing where he questioned Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russell Vought about spending on defense and foreign assistance: 

    “I’ll start by associating myself with the comments Chair Collins made about the importance of American soft power:

    “Interestingly enough, over my years in the Senate, the biggest supporters of soft power I have run into have been the military – generals – who are fully aware of how much more costly it is to have a war than to prevent one. And it’s at a very low cost to our country, built some pretty good relationships, particularly in countries in the Middle East that certainly wouldn’t be described as democratic.

    “Reforming the way we invest in peace and stability is certainly worthwhile. And there’s plenty of absolute nonsense masquerading as American aid that shouldn’t receive another bit of taxpayer funding.

    “But the Administration’s attempt to root it out has been unnecessarily chaotic. In critical corners of the globe, instead of creating efficiencies, you’ve created vacuums for adversaries like China to fill.

    “Responsible investments in soft power prevent conflict, preserve American influence, and save countless lives at the same time for pennies on the dollar.

    “So if we’re concerned about spending and we should be, it’s important to remember what wars cost. At the height of world war II, 37% of our GDP was spent on defense. In Korea, 13%. In Vietnam 9%. The Reagan buildup, only 6%. Obviously peace through strength means more than just saying it. It means actually demonstrating it.

    “So, that’s just a fact: that soft power at very little expense goes a long way.

    “And tellingly, some of the folks who talk most open about the importance of soft power, as I just indicated, are the military as they know exactly what I’ve already said about the cost of already having one.

    “I welcomed the President’s intention to restore American hard power. His repeated commitments to strengthen the military signaled that he understood this, like President Reagan, that peace through strength really has to be more than a slogan.

    “Likewise, his authorization of this weekend’s strikes, over the objections of isolationists who downplay the threat of a nuclear Iran, was another indication in the right direction.

    “But the Administration’s approach to funding the Department of Defense calls into question the ability to keep those campaign promises:

    “A continuing resolution that forces the Department to meet today’s requirements with yesterday’s dollars…

    “A base budget request that fails to keep pace with inflation, let alone with the “pacing threat” of China…

    “And a reconciliation lump-sum crowded with priorities that require stable, annual appropriations.

    “Our colleague, Chairman Wicker, and his House counterpart had hoped that reconciliation would be a one-time injection on top of a growing base budget, not a shell-game to avoid making the sort of annual investments we begged your Democratic predecessors to make.

    “I share this concern: we need sustained annual growth to meet the growing threats facing our country. 

    “At your confirmation hearing earlier this year, you said “we have to use taxpayer dollars wisely.”

    “I couldn’t agree more. I want to get the most out of every dollar the Department of Defense requires to keep America safe and advance our global interests.

    “But providing for the common defense is our most fundamental obligation.

    “Dividing funding for major existing bipartisan priorities between base budget and reconciliation isn’t just counterintuitive – it’s actually counterproductive.

    “And asking Congress to fund a budget that defines our strategy, rather than using strategy to define the budget, is dangerous.

    “So help me understand a few things:

    “Why haven’t we received the Administration’s analysis of the future year impacts of major reconciliation in investments like Golden Dome?

    “How do you propose to pay for them without significant increases to future base budgets?

    “Why has the Administration taken programs with broad and longstanding bipartisan support, like the Virginia-class submarines, and put them in a partisan reconciliation bill?

    “Finally, do you even believe we need sustained growth above inflation in our defense budget?

    “Or should we expect annual cuts from this Administration like we got from the Biden Administration?”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell On U.S. Hard and Soft Power at Senate Appropriations Hearing w/ OMB Director Vought

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, participated in today’s full committee hearing where he questioned Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russell Vought about spending on defense and foreign assistance: 

    “I’ll start by associating myself with the comments Chair Collins made about the importance of American soft power:

    “Interestingly enough, over my years in the Senate, the biggest supporters of soft power I have run into have been the military – generals – who are fully aware of how much more costly it is to have a war than to prevent one. And it’s at a very low cost to our country, built some pretty good relationships, particularly in countries in the Middle East that certainly wouldn’t be described as democratic.

    “Reforming the way we invest in peace and stability is certainly worthwhile. And there’s plenty of absolute nonsense masquerading as American aid that shouldn’t receive another bit of taxpayer funding.

    “But the Administration’s attempt to root it out has been unnecessarily chaotic. In critical corners of the globe, instead of creating efficiencies, you’ve created vacuums for adversaries like China to fill.

    “Responsible investments in soft power prevent conflict, preserve American influence, and save countless lives at the same time for pennies on the dollar.

    “So if we’re concerned about spending and we should be, it’s important to remember what wars cost. At the height of world war II, 37% of our GDP was spent on defense. In Korea, 13%. In Vietnam 9%. The Reagan buildup, only 6%. Obviously peace through strength means more than just saying it. It means actually demonstrating it.

    “So, that’s just a fact: that soft power at very little expense goes a long way.

    “And tellingly, some of the folks who talk most open about the importance of soft power, as I just indicated, are the military as they know exactly what I’ve already said about the cost of already having one.

    “I welcomed the President’s intention to restore American hard power. His repeated commitments to strengthen the military signaled that he understood this, like President Reagan, that peace through strength really has to be more than a slogan.

    “Likewise, his authorization of this weekend’s strikes, over the objections of isolationists who downplay the threat of a nuclear Iran, was another indication in the right direction.

    “But the Administration’s approach to funding the Department of Defense calls into question the ability to keep those campaign promises:

    “A continuing resolution that forces the Department to meet today’s requirements with yesterday’s dollars…

    “A base budget request that fails to keep pace with inflation, let alone with the “pacing threat” of China…

    “And a reconciliation lump-sum crowded with priorities that require stable, annual appropriations.

    “Our colleague, Chairman Wicker, and his House counterpart had hoped that reconciliation would be a one-time injection on top of a growing base budget, not a shell-game to avoid making the sort of annual investments we begged your Democratic predecessors to make.

    “I share this concern: we need sustained annual growth to meet the growing threats facing our country. 

    “At your confirmation hearing earlier this year, you said “we have to use taxpayer dollars wisely.”

    “I couldn’t agree more. I want to get the most out of every dollar the Department of Defense requires to keep America safe and advance our global interests.

    “But providing for the common defense is our most fundamental obligation.

    “Dividing funding for major existing bipartisan priorities between base budget and reconciliation isn’t just counterintuitive – it’s actually counterproductive.

    “And asking Congress to fund a budget that defines our strategy, rather than using strategy to define the budget, is dangerous.

    “So help me understand a few things:

    “Why haven’t we received the Administration’s analysis of the future year impacts of major reconciliation in investments like Golden Dome?

    “How do you propose to pay for them without significant increases to future base budgets?

    “Why has the Administration taken programs with broad and longstanding bipartisan support, like the Virginia-class submarines, and put them in a partisan reconciliation bill?

    “Finally, do you even believe we need sustained growth above inflation in our defense budget?

    “Or should we expect annual cuts from this Administration like we got from the Biden Administration?”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Snapshot highlights banks’ efforts to reduce unnecessary barriers for Māori

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    26 June 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has published a primarily qualitative snapshot that offers a comparison of how banks are working to remove unnecessary barriers to Māori Access to Capital (MA2K).

    The Māori contribution to the New Zealand economy has grown to $32 billion (production GDP) in 2023. However, Māori businesses are more likely to face capital access challenges due to common factors like being younger, smaller, or more rural, as well as specific issues such as lending on whenua Māori and lower trust or awareness with the banking system.

    Acting Assistant Governor Financial Stability, Angus McGregor says that the snapshot will improve data and understanding across the Aotearoa banking system.

    “The measures in the snapshot show the steps some banks are taking to remove unnecessary barriers for Māori, helping to lift the entire sector in supporting MA2K and financial inclusion more broadly,” says Mr McGregor.

    Findings from the snapshot show that participating banks who volunteered to collaborate on this project, have introduced Māori-focused roles and strategies, supported by organisation-wide training to strengthen understanding of te reo, tikanga, and the Māori economy. The snapshot findings also suggests that banks recognise the value of Māori leadership and customer understanding and have products to support lending on whenua Māori.

    Some banks have initiatives specifically supporting Māori businesses and offer financial literacy programmes that incorporate te reo and/or tikanga. Māori employee representation varies between banks, with an average of 8% across all banks.

    However, there remains plenty of work to be done to continue to reduce any unnecessary barriers for Māori and we encourage banks to improve their data relating to Māori access to capital and enhance their practices around Māori business identification.

    Improved data on MA2K is an important step in tracking progress of the banking sector and builds on the momentum developed by the sector’s actions.

    “This work is in line with the 2025 Letter of Expectations from the Minister of Finance for the Reserve Bank to continue its collaboration with industry stakeholders to pursue competition-enhancing initiatives, including reducing barriers to lending for housing on Māori freehold land,” says Governor Christian Hawkesby.

    This snapshot was developed in collaboration with Tāwhia the Māori Bankers Rōpū and continues the 2022 MA2K work programme as part of our broader te ao Māori and financial inclusion workstreams. Impact requires a whole of sector approach, so we furthermore welcome the opportunity to work with other organisations to support this ongoing work programme.

    More information

    Māori access to capital (MA2K) snapshot – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua – https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=409ead4c8f&e=f3c68946f8
    Letter of expectations 2025 – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua – https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=642bea8827&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Analysis – A good time to get that extra bedroom? – Cotality

    Source: Kelvin Davidson, Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist

    The cost to ‘trade up’ to a larger home remains significant across the country, but recent market movements suggest now may be a more favourable time for aspiring upgraders.

    It’s never been cheap to move up the so-called property ladder – such as buying a house with more bedrooms – and even after some falls lately, the ‘trade-up premium’ is still $100,000 or (significantly) more across the country. However, past experience suggests that a flat/soft property market can be a good opportunity to trade up, and of course mortgage rates are currently down, while there’s plenty of choice out there for buyers too. ‘Movers’ remain a group to keep an eye on in the coming months.
    One way to measure the potential costs facing a homeowner looking to ‘trade up’ is to look at the difference in median values between three-bedroom and four-bedroom houses – this equates to the extra debt and/or equity that needs to be found.
    Now, it’s not a perfect measure; some people might see trading up as getting the same-sized house that’s newer or in a ‘better’ suburb. However, getting extra space would certainly be how many households view a trade-up.
    How has the trade-up premium changed lately?
    Using the Cotality Market Tr

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Southland Momentum Grows: Environment Southland Considers Action on Illegal Israeli Settlements after Invercargill Declines – PSNAA

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) Invercargill

    Environment Southland agreed today (Wednesday 25th) to commission a staff report considering a procurement policy change to exclude companies involved in illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.

    The step follows a request by local residents and members of Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa. It places Environment Southland on a growing list of local councils responding to New Zealand’s co-sponsorship of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which declared the settlements a “flagrant violation under international law” and a “major obstacle” to peace.

    “New Zealand helped write this in 2016,” said the speakers. “We can’t promote it abroad and ignore it at home. This is a strong first step to ensure ratepayer money doesn’t fund human rights abuses.”

    The decision comes just a day after Invercargill City Council narrowly rejected the same change — a 6–6 vote decided by Nobby Clark — despite staff advice to the contrary. Speakers say Invercargill’s position is out of step with national policy and public demand. “Councils are simply being asked to align with what NZ agreed to years ago. This isn’t about ranking suffering, it’s about acting where there’s black and white legal clarity and political mandate.”

    In July 2024, the International Court of Justice confirmed Israel’s 57-year occupation breaches international law on apartheid and racial segregation. Countries including New Zealand voted that states “ensure they do not render aid or assistance” to it.

    The group also expressed concern that unlike at Dunedin’s recent vote, where councilors heard from supporting voices including local Palestinians and Israelis during the public forum, today saw those refused by the chair.

    “This is a narrow step – excluding companies listed by the highest authority on human rights, the UNHRC” said the group, “Since the current Israeli government came to power, the building of settlements and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has rocketed. International law protects all of us.”

    Other councils — including Christchurch City, Nelson City, and Environment Canterbury — have already taken action, and a formal vote on adopting the policy is expected following the staff report. PSNA says the window is still open: “Southland still has an opportunity to lead — and to stand on the right side of history.”

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) Invercargill

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –