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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK commitment to the Indo-Pacific reaffirmed at global summit in Singapore

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK commitment to the Indo-Pacific reaffirmed at global summit in Singapore

    In the face of an unpredictable geo-political landscape, the UK’s approach to the Indo-Pacific reflects its determination to be a dependable and forward-looking security partner in the region.

    The United Kingdom has reinforced its long-term strategic commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, emphasising the critical importance of enhancing security cooperation and defence partnerships across this vital geo political space. 

    At the annual Shangri-La Dialogue hosted by IISS, Lord Coaker and the Chief of Defence Staff led a delegation from the UK who demonstrated the UK’s continued determination to working alongside partners to address shared security challenges and uphold the rules based international system. 

    This commitment will be further demonstrated this summer as the UK’s Carrier Strike Group visits the region – providing another opportunity to reinforce the UK’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

    And all this engagement is helping to strengthen the UK’s industrial base and create high-skilled jobs while also driving mutual prosperity and security across the Indo-Pacific. 

    Colonel Eddie Maskell-Pedersen, Head of the British Defence Staff in South East Asia said: 

    It’s been a great year for UK Defence activity in this region already. In Singapore alone we’ve had the Commander of UK Strategic Command attending the Defence Technology Summit, a bilateral visit from our Chief of the Air Staff, the Director of Development from the Royal Navy attending IMDEX along with a formal port call from HMS SPEY.   

    Our Defence cooperation with Singapore and with our partners across this region is going from strength-to-strength and our Global Defence Network looks forward to continuing to support the positive momentum we have across Southeast Asia.

    British High Commissioner to Singapore Nik Mehta said: 

    Singapore has yet again played host to a fantastic opportunity for regional defence engagement, and the UK delegation has had the chance to strengthen our relationships with this critical part of the world and underline our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

    Following hot-on-the-heels of this event we have our Carrier Strike Group visiting the region, providing a crowning moment for our relations with Singapore and across the Indo-Pacific.

    His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific Martin Kent said: 

    The security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific is indivisible from that of the Euro-Atlantic – and closer partnership has never been so vital. 

    The UK is a defence industrial superpower, with defence and security exports to Asia Pacific worth over £2.1bn in 2023. The UK delegation at this year’s Dialogue and the upcoming visit of the Carrier Strike Group highlight the strength of our defence industrial base, and our commitment to building mutual security and prosperity with the region. 

    Notes to editors

    • The UK High Commissioner to Singapore also posted about the Shangri-La Dialogue on his LinkedIn – Nikesh Mehta

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    Published 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 4, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 4, 2025.

    Artist Janenne Eaton’s retrospective is a compelling account of our troubled times
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Shiels, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University Janenne Eaton R E E F 2015 enamel paint, vinyl decals, mirror and polymer clay on canvas Geelong Gallery Gift of the artist, 2019. Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy © the artist. With bad news-overload it is easy to conclude it is

    ‘Not available in your region’: what is a VPN and how can I use one safely?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meena Jha, Head Technology and Pedagogy Cluster CML-NET, CQUniversity Australia Linaimages/Shutterstock “This video is not available in your location”. It’s a message familiar to many people trying to watch global content online. But beneath this frustration lies a deeper question – how do we navigate digital borders

    Just the ticket? The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julienne Molineaux, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images With accusations flying thick and fast last year about supposed “dysfunction” and a “shambles” at Wellington City Council, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown stepped in and appointed a Crown Observer. Announcing

    The chicks are alright: what songbirds can teach us about divorce and moving on
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frigg Janne Daan Speelman, PhD Candidate in Behavioural Ecology, Macquarie University Charli Davies, CC BY-NC-ND In humans, it’s very common for the traditional family structure of two parents raising children to change abruptly. Usually, this happens when the parents decide to separate. Many separated couples are able

    Former Congress staffer allowed to return to New Caledonia
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk One of seven people transferred to mainland France almost a year ago, following the May 2024 riots in New Caledonia, has been allowed to return home, a French court has ruled. Frédérique Muliava, a former Congress staffer, was part of a group of six who were

    Ship runs aground in Fiji – then its rescue vessel capsizes
    RNZ Pacific Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority has launched an investigation into Goundar Shipping Limited following two incidents involving its vessels. Late last month, one vessel ran aground on the reef of Ono-i-Lau, and villagers had to step in to ferry stranded passengers to nearby islands using small boats. On Monday, the Lomaiviti Princess II was

    Curious Kids: can spiders swim?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leanda Denise Mason, Vice Chancellor Research Fellow in Conservation Ecology, Edith Cowan University A great raft spider (_Dolomedes plantarius_). Salparadis/Shutterstock Can spiders swim? Waubra Preschool students, Victoria, Australia What a great question! Most spiders don’t swim by choice. But they sure can survive in water when they

    A two-state solution is gaining momentum again. Does it have a chance of success?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University As Israel’s devastating war in Gaza has ground on, the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was thought to be “dead”. Now, it is showing signs of life again. French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly pressing other European

    Senior public servants think GenAI will boost productivity – but are worried about the risks
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Dickinson, Professor, Public Service Research, UNSW Sydney Many bold claims have been made about Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and its capacity to improve productivity and generate workplace efficiencies. A recent Microsoft survey found 24% of private sector leaders have already deployed GenAI across their organisations. Many

    People with severe mental illness are waiting for days in hospital EDs. Here’s how we can do better
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney Matthew Ashmore/Shutterstock On ABC’s 4 Corners this week, psychiatrists and nurses have warned New South Wales’ mental health system is in crisis. They report some patients with severe mental

    With a government review underway, we have to ask why children bully other kids
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marilyn Campbell, Professor, School of Early Childhood & Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock The federal government has launched a “rapid review” to look at what works to prevent bullying in schools. Led by mental health experts, the review will underpin a new national standard to

    In the trade wars, there are lessons for the US from Brexit. Australia and our trading partners should take note
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide General_4530/Getty While the Trump administration’s on-again, off-again trade wars wreak havoc on the business plans of the world’s exporters, the risks to the

    ‘That was rude’: why the new Broadway musical Death Becomes Her was ripe for TikTok memes
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Camp, Senior Lecturer, School of Music, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau A few snippets of musicalised dialogue from the cast album of the new Broadway musical Death Becomes Her – with music and lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, and a book by Marco

    Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, ‘a trailblazer’ for Vanuatu women in politics, dies
    RNZ Pacific Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, a pioneering Ni-Vanuatu politician, has died. Lini passed away at the Port Vila General Hospital on Sunday, according to local news media. Lini was the first woman to be elected to the Vanuatu Parliament in 1987 as a member of the National United Party. Motarilavoa Hilda Lini in 1989 .

    Fiji coup culture and political meddling in media education gets airing
    Pacific Media Watch Taieri MP Ingrid Leary reflected on her years in Fiji as a television journalist and media educator at a Fiji Centre function in Auckland celebrating Fourth Estate values and independence at the weekend. It was a reunion with former journalism professor David Robie — they had worked together as a team at

    Australia’s lowest paid workers just got a 3.5% wage increase. Their next boost could be even better
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Buchanan, Professor, Discipline of Business Information Systems, University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney Carlos Castilla/Shutterstock A week ago, the Australian Financial Review released this year’s “Rich List”. It reported the number of billionaires in Australia increased from 150 to 166 between 2024 and 2025.

    What’s a ‘Strombolian eruption?’ A volcanologist explains what happened at Mount Etna
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Teresa Ubide, ARC Future Fellow and Associate Professor in Igneous Petrology/Volcanology, The University of Queensland Fabrizio Villa / Getty Images On Monday morning local time, a huge cloud of ash, hot gas and rock fragments began spewing from Italy’s Mount Etna. An enormous plume was seen stretching

    The Queensland government is cancelling renewable energy projects. Can the state still reach net zero?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute Johan Larson/Shutterstock On the surface, Queensland’s new government is doing exactly what it pledged before winning office in October – repealing the state’s ambitious renewable energy targets and cancelling a huge pumped hydro project near Mackay. But since the start

    PNG’s Namah calls for tighter bio controls, patrols on Indonesian border
    By Scholar Kassas in Port Moresby A Papua New Guinea minister has raised concerns about “serious issues” at the PNG-Indonesia border due to a lack of proper security checkpoints. Culture and Tourism Minister Belden Namah, who is also the member for the border electorate Vanimo-Green, voiced these concerns while supporting a new Biosecurity for Plants

    Samoa parliament formally dissolved after months of uncertainty
    RNZ Pacific Samoa’s Parliament has been formally dissolved, and an early election is set to take place within three months. After months of political instability and two motions of no confidence, Prime Minister Fiāme Naomi Mata’afa said she would call for the dissolution of Parliament if cabinet did not support her government’s budget. MPs from

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Plan ahead now for heavy rain today, Auckland Emergency Management urges Aucklanders

    Source: Auckland Council

    Aucklanders are urged to be prepared for heavy rain and strong winds later today and this evening, which are forecast to hit during the commute home this afternoon.

    MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for Auckland and Aotea Great Barrier Island effective 3pm today until midnight (Wednesday 4 June).

    A strong wind watch is also in place for Auckland, including Aotea Great Barrier Island for the same period.

    Adam Maggs, General Manager of Auckland Emergency Management encourages Aucklanders to plan ahead, stay safe, and keep in touch with whānau and friends.

    “Parts of Auckland could be hit by heavy localised downpours with possible thunderstorms later today and this evening,” says Adam.

    “With this weather on the way, now is the time to make sure you and your property are prepared.

    Keep up to date with the forecast

    “We are asking Aucklanders to be mindful that the heavy rain may hit during the afternoon commute home. Plan your journey and avoid low-lying areas, drive cautiously and never drive in floodwaters,” says Adam.

    “MetService advises periods of heavy rain with localised downpours are likely this evening and tonight.

    “Download the MetService app and keep an eye on MetService.com for the latest weather updates.

    “And lastly, if you or your property are in danger phone 111 – don’t wait, natural warnings like rising floodwaters need to be acted on immediately.

    “Visit our website or alternative at the Get Ready website for plenty of good advice on getting your household prepared for an emergency.

    “Stay safe Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Adam.

    What Aucklanders can do:

    • If travelling today, plan your journey, drive to the conditions and allow extra time. Drive carefully and never drive through floodwater.
    • Stay up to date with weather forecasts and check AT and NZTA’s journey planners for any public transport and roading disruption.
    • Keep drains and gutters on your property clear. For blockages or issues with the public stormwater network, phone the council on 09 301 0101.
    • Put bins out for collection in the morning (by 7am) to avoid wind damage overnight.
    • Bring rubbish, recycling and foodscraps bins in as soon as you can after they’re emptied.
    • For tree damage on public land, go to the council’s website and ‘report a problem’ online.
    • Check your emergency readiness supplies, just case of power outages.
    • The Auckland Emergency Management or Get Ready websites has good advice on getting your household prepared for an emergency.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Karakia/Prayers – 001498

    Source: New Zealand Parliament

    WEDNESDAY, 4 JUNE 2025

    The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.

    KARAKIA/PRAYERS

    BARBARA KURIGER (Deputy Speaker): Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests, we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations, that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom, justice, mercy, and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Wednesday, 4 June 2025 – Volume 784 – 001499

    Source: New Zealand Parliament

    WEDNESDAY, 4 JUNE 2025

    The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.

    KARAKIA/PRAYERS

    BARBARA KURIGER (Deputy Speaker): Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests, we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations, that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom, justice, mercy, and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SEE to attend National Event on the Environment Day 2025 in Chongqing

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, will depart for Chongqing this afternoon (June 4) to attend the National Event on the Environment Day 2025 to be held tomorrow (June 5).
     
    June 5 is the Environment Day. The National Event on the Environment Day is a large-scale environmental protection publicity event jointly organised by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Central Office of Spiritual Civilization Construction, and the people’s government of the province/ municipality directly under the Central Government of the organising place each year that day. This year, the event will be held in Chongqing.
     
    The theme of the Environment Day 2025 is “Beautiful China: I am a Pioneer”. The National Event this year will showcase the achievements in promoting the construction of Beautiful China Pilot Zones across the country and advocate for the active participation of the public in the construction of a beautiful China.
     
    Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong in the evening tomorrow. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, will be the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic HD develops multimodal generative AI “OmniFlow” which enables Any-to-Any generation between text, image, and audio

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic HD develops multimodal generative AI “OmniFlow” which enables Any-to-Any generation between text, image, and audio

    Osaka, Japan, June 4, 2025 – Panasonic Holdings Co., Ltd. (Panasonic HD) and Panasonic R&D Company of America (PRDCA), in collaboration with researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), have developed OmniFlow, a multimodal generative AI that can freely convert different data formats such as text, images, and audios (hereinafter referred to as “Any-to-Any”).
    In recent years, research on multimodal generative AI that realizes conversion between different data formats has been actively conducted, but since it is usually necessary to prepare all pairs of data to be handled for training data, the cost of acquiring data increases as the type of data to be handled increases. By flexibly combining generative AI (text audio, text image) specialized for each data format, OmniFlow can learn high-precision Any-to-Any models even with a small number of data (text audio images) consisting of all three sets of modalities, and has succeeded in significantly reducing the cost of creating training data. (Fig. 1)
    This technology has been internationally recognized for its advanced technology and has been accepted at CVPR 2025, a top conference for AI and Computer Vision. It will be presented at the plenary conference to be held in Nashville, USA from June 11, 2025 to June 15, 2025.

    ■Details of the technology

    Panasonic HD and PRDCA are working on research on multimodal generative AI. In recent years, multimodal generative AI that incorporates audio in addition to text and images has been attracting attention, but the method of obtaining data that includes all text, images, and audio has been limited, and it has been costly to increase variations.
    The solution to this problem is the key to accelerating the use of multimodal generative AI, and research has been actively conducted in recent years. In fact, a method that can learn even if the combination of different data including all the data formats you want to handle is not completely aligned has recently been proposed, but it is realized by averaging the input data. It can be said that there is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of expressive ability.
    On the other hand, we have developed OmniFlow, which extends the existing framework of image generation flow matching*, and can learn complex relationships between data that cannot be obtained by averaging by connecting and processing three different data features during the generation process. (Fig. 2)
    * A technology that uses Flow to find the optimal conversion path between arbitrary data.In recent years, it has been attracting attention as it has been adopted for various generative models, including image generation.

    A big advantage of OmniFlow is that you can easily connect AIs that specialize in text-to-image and text-to-audio generation into a single multimodal generative AI. (Fig. 3) Since specialized AI is excellent at generating each data, it was possible to obtain high multimodal performance without learning a large amount of data consisting of all modalities.

    In the evaluation experiment, the performance of the “text→image” and “text→audio” generation tasks was compared with existing methods. (Fig. 4) As a result, it was confirmed that OmniFlow has the best performance among any-to-any methods (Generalist) and specialized methods for each task. We also found that the data size required to train OmniFlow can be reduced to up to 1/60 compared to other any-to-any methods.

    ■Future prospects

    The newly developed OmniFlow is an any-to-any method that flexibly combines generative AI specialized for each data format (text→audio, text→image) and is highly accurate even if the number of training sheets for all three data pairs (text audio image) is small. By learning this technology in various fields such as factories and lifestyles, it will be possible to generate various types of data specialized in those sites, and it is expected to expand the range of applications of multimodal AI.
    Going forward, Panasonic HD will continue to accelerate the social implementation of AI and promote the research and development of AI technologies that contribute to the usefulness of our customers’ lives and workplaces.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Banking: Panasonic HD develops multimodal generative AI “OmniFlow” which enables Any-to-Any generation between text, image, and audio

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic HD develops multimodal generative AI “OmniFlow” which enables Any-to-Any generation between text, image, and audio

    Osaka, Japan, June 4, 2025 – Panasonic Holdings Co., Ltd. (Panasonic HD) and Panasonic R&D Company of America (PRDCA), in collaboration with researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), have developed OmniFlow, a multimodal generative AI that can freely convert different data formats such as text, images, and audios (hereinafter referred to as “Any-to-Any”).
    In recent years, research on multimodal generative AI that realizes conversion between different data formats has been actively conducted, but since it is usually necessary to prepare all pairs of data to be handled for training data, the cost of acquiring data increases as the type of data to be handled increases. By flexibly combining generative AI (text audio, text image) specialized for each data format, OmniFlow can learn high-precision Any-to-Any models even with a small number of data (text audio images) consisting of all three sets of modalities, and has succeeded in significantly reducing the cost of creating training data. (Fig. 1)
    This technology has been internationally recognized for its advanced technology and has been accepted at CVPR 2025, a top conference for AI and Computer Vision. It will be presented at the plenary conference to be held in Nashville, USA from June 11, 2025 to June 15, 2025.

    ■Details of the technology

    Panasonic HD and PRDCA are working on research on multimodal generative AI. In recent years, multimodal generative AI that incorporates audio in addition to text and images has been attracting attention, but the method of obtaining data that includes all text, images, and audio has been limited, and it has been costly to increase variations.
    The solution to this problem is the key to accelerating the use of multimodal generative AI, and research has been actively conducted in recent years. In fact, a method that can learn even if the combination of different data including all the data formats you want to handle is not completely aligned has recently been proposed, but it is realized by averaging the input data. It can be said that there is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of expressive ability.
    On the other hand, we have developed OmniFlow, which extends the existing framework of image generation flow matching*, and can learn complex relationships between data that cannot be obtained by averaging by connecting and processing three different data features during the generation process. (Fig. 2)
    * A technology that uses Flow to find the optimal conversion path between arbitrary data.In recent years, it has been attracting attention as it has been adopted for various generative models, including image generation.

    A big advantage of OmniFlow is that you can easily connect AIs that specialize in text-to-image and text-to-audio generation into a single multimodal generative AI. (Fig. 3) Since specialized AI is excellent at generating each data, it was possible to obtain high multimodal performance without learning a large amount of data consisting of all modalities.

    In the evaluation experiment, the performance of the “text→image” and “text→audio” generation tasks was compared with existing methods. (Fig. 4) As a result, it was confirmed that OmniFlow has the best performance among any-to-any methods (Generalist) and specialized methods for each task. We also found that the data size required to train OmniFlow can be reduced to up to 1/60 compared to other any-to-any methods.

    ■Future prospects

    The newly developed OmniFlow is an any-to-any method that flexibly combines generative AI specialized for each data format (text→audio, text→image) and is highly accurate even if the number of training sheets for all three data pairs (text audio image) is small. By learning this technology in various fields such as factories and lifestyles, it will be possible to generate various types of data specialized in those sites, and it is expected to expand the range of applications of multimodal AI.
    Going forward, Panasonic HD will continue to accelerate the social implementation of AI and promote the research and development of AI technologies that contribute to the usefulness of our customers’ lives and workplaces.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Artist Janenne Eaton’s retrospective is a compelling account of our troubled times

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Shiels, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University

    Janenne Eaton R E E F 2015 enamel paint, vinyl decals, mirror and polymer clay on canvas Geelong Gallery Gift of the artist, 2019. Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy © the artist.

    With bad news-overload it is easy to conclude it is time to disengage. But troubling events don’t go away just because you stop looking. Janenne Eaton’s retrospective reminds us that art can provide new perspectives and a reason to look even harder.

    As a respected painter and teacher Eaton has influenced generations of Australian artists. She has exhibited extensively in museums and galleries nationally and internationally since 1978. Lines of Sight – Frame and Horizon is long overdue.

    This comprehensive exhibition is aesthetically and intellectually compelling. The paintings, drawings and installations offer complex, layered reflections on key moments from the last four decades.

    Rather than adopting a linear chronology, artworks are clustered to prompt dialogues between works across time. Eaton’s technical mastery and dexterity produces deliberate ambiguities. Her recognisable motifs and grid patterns convey rich ideas about human rights, colonisation, climate and First Nations justice, all underpinned by existential questions about uncertainty and meaning.

    Locked in or locked out?

    Supersized artworks populate the first space – Eaton’s underground car park drawings (1982–86) and two works using fences, from 2016 and 2019. Both series use layering to represent built structures, but proximity to each other in the gallery emphasises the differences.

    The dusty, velvety surfaces of the car parks emphasise volume and perspective. The fences made from acrylic board and high-gloss enamel flatten and compress space.

    In the carpark series, Eaton’s knowledge of art history is apparent in her Renaissance-influenced use of light and perspective. Texture and surface have been achieved by papering the canvas with found photocopies.

    Janenne Eaton, Adelaide I 1983, graphite, charcoal and photocopy toner on paper on canvas, Heide Museum of Modern Art, The Baillieu Myer Collection of the ‘80s.
    Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy, © the artist.

    Dense, sooty carbon extracted from ink-cartridges smothers the solid areas and light in touch graphite and charcoal drawing produce an underground environment that some may find contemplative and others sinister.

    They evoke an ambiguity of being simultaneously attracted and repelled. And there are sensory questions. Does it smell or echo? Is that the sun or artificial light? Is it hot or cold?

    This series reflects Eaton’s training in archaeology and draws attention to the cultural significance of subterranean spaces. In a time of geopolitical turbulence and endemic inequality other readings are open to us.

    By comparison, Fences, Borders, Walls (2016) makes clear who is locked in and who is locked out. The foreground dominates with hard-edged geometric forms; the word “fence” is mirrored and repeated, compromising its legibility but adding structural heft as a physical and psychological barrier.

    The small diamond grid is immediately legible in the middle ground as the chain-link barriers that kept men, women and children refugees incarcerated for indefinite periods on Manus and Nauru. The skilfully airbrushed background provides gradations of light and shade, suggesting the movement of bodies.

    Janenne Eaton, BORDERLANDS 2019, enamel paint on high-impact polystyrene, metal.
    Courtesy of the artist. Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy, © the artist.

    In Borderlands (2019), the grid is reprised and the phrase “keep clear” repeated and butted against two upended half skulls that stare out at the viewer. We are implicated as we peer back into our own reflections in the empty intervals of glossy black.

    Recognisable motifs

    Eaton reworks familiar imagery from popular culture, mass media and advertising – gunshot decals, slogans, road signs, everyday idioms. The immediate visual recognition invites us into her work and encourages us to look harder.

    Sometimes, the title and date alludes to a backstory. Banner for the Deputy Sheriff (2006) brings to mind depictions of John Howard as America’s “deputy sheriff”.

    Janenne Eaton, Banner for the Deputy Sheriff 2006, enamel paint on canvas, Courtesy of the artist. Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy, © the artist.

    A two-metre toy sheriff’s star floats on a painted ground of ranch-like planks. The mismatched scale of the two planes suggests the overblown self-importance of a leader desperate to ingratiate himself in Washington, rather than galvanise relationships with Australia’s Asian and Pacific neighbours. At the centre of the star, the upended moniker “Deputy Sheriff” surrounds a shooting target replete with a smudgy spatter.

    Bullet holes are regular motifs in Eaton’s compositions, as adhesive decals, perforations, or rendered in paint. Dark Star (2015) is a dense mix of bullet puncture holes, grids, stars and pop symbols and text. Like many of Eaton’s compositions, it is visually weighty.

    Nearest Neighbour Analysis (2021) is light and airy, as Eaton connects her field of evenly spaced bullet-hole decals with a network of lines, creating a painting devoid of signs of earthly life that is both cellular and paradoxically celestial.

    Janenne Eaton, Dark Star 2015, enamel paint and vinyl decals on canvas, Private collection. Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy, © the artist.

    OUTGO (2009) is a speculative visualisation of a digital realm. Eaton’s painting draws on the aesthetics of the screen and corrupted computer code. Constructed from multiple layers of bitmaps and pixelations, gobbledygook text and marzipan-coloured lozenges appear to float across the picture plane. It is oddly luscious and captivating.

    Eaton’s interest in archaeology and principles of stratification inform the layering processes in her artwork. Across the five rooms at Geelong Gallery, curator Jason Smith and Eaton have created a layered experience for the viewer.

    Janenne Eaton, OUTGO 2009, enamel paint on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria, Gift of the artist, 2019.
    Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy, © the artist.

    Aesthetic frissons, shifting ambiguities, hindsight and insight accumulate and become a complex account of the human condition in a time of flux and uncertainty. And it’s a potent reminder to look even harder.

    Lines of Sight – Frame and Horizon, is at Geelong Gallery until August 17.

    Julie Shiels does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Artist Janenne Eaton’s retrospective is a compelling account of our troubled times – https://theconversation.com/artist-janenne-eatons-retrospective-is-a-compelling-account-of-our-troubled-times-254069

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press Conference – Ellenbrook

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: This is really exciting. It’s about bringing university closer to where people live in the outer suburbs of our big cities and in particular here in Perth. We’re setting up a hub here in Ellenbrook, but also in Armadale and in Mandurah. It’s about making sure that wherever you live, you get a chance at going to university. And this will help people who are studying at uni now to be able to study closer to home. But also hopefully it’ll help a lot of young people who’ve got a dream to go to university but just think that it’s too far away. 

    Next door I got a chance to meet a young woman who’s studying to become a school teacher. She’s at Edith Cowan University at the moment and she’s got to travel about an hour to get to university. Now she only has to travel five minutes. I met a bloke who’s doing a PhD at RMIT in Victoria. He just lives across the road and now he could study right across the road, just a two minute walk to get to university. And I’m hoping that for kids at school today in Ellenbrook, they’ll see the sign university and they’ll know that, “hey, I can go to uni too.”

    JOURNALIST: 100 per cent, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? You’re obviously in Perth for Cabinet today. Anything on your agenda?

    CLARE: This is the first time that the Cabinet’s back in Perth since the election and it’s a great opportunity not just to meet as a Cabinet and talk about the fantastic things that are happening here in WA, but to meet with Roger Cook and his team and continue the great work that we’re doing together. As Education Minister, I’m doing a lot of work with WA. WA was the first state in Australia to sign up to the new education agreement to fully fund our schools. So, I’m looking forward to catching up with the Education Minister tomorrow. 

    JOURNALIST: First thing on the agenda is cutting HECS. Is that something that really excites you?

    CLARE: Big time. There are 3 million Aussies across the country that have a HECS debt and we’re going to cut their debt by 20 per cent. It’ll be the very first piece of legislation that we introduce into the Parliament next month and I’ll have the privilege to introduce that legislation. That’s going to make a massive difference for young people right across the country. The average debt today is about $27,000. That means for a lot of people it’s going to cut their debt by $5,000. That’ll make it a lot easier for young people starting out who are just getting started, just moving out of home, just wanting to get a mortgage and buy their first home. Cutting that debt will make a world of difference. I want more young people to have a crack at university. That means setting up hubs like this and also means cutting their debt.

    JOURNALIST: 100 per cent. Tania, is there anything you’d like to add on the announcement today?

    TANIA LAWRENCE, MEMBER FOR HASLUCK: Yes. Ellenbrook is a part of the growth corridor in the outer region of Perth. There will be projected 76,000 people living out in this area by 2036. And we know that the infrastructure that’s needed for this community is being realised under the Labor Government both at the state and the federal level. We’ve now got a train station just within proximity, walking distance of today’s opening of the Ellenbrook Study Hub. We have a need to ensure that every student has access to affordable education. We’re achieving that with the reduction in the HECS debt. We are achieving that with making access to a study hub environment like this. 

    A means for students, no matter where they live, no matter their home environment, that they have the opportunity to be able to study in a place that is supportive, that’s inclusive and that allows them access to resources to ensure they get the best results at university. I’m definitely proud to be part of a Labor Government that sees education as a silver bullet. That we are investing in education from tiny tots with early education access right through to as the Minister spoke about having every public school now fully funded within Western Australia through to free TAFE and now with university making it more affordable but also more accessible with the Ellenbrook Study Hub opening today.
     

    MIL OSI News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese carmakers lead Israel’s imported vehicle market in Jan.-May

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

    Chinese car manufacturers accounted for the largest share of Israel’s imported passenger car sales in the first five months, selling 39,582 gasoline and electric vehicles, according to figures issued by the Israel Vehicle Importers Association on Tuesday.

    BYD Auto led electric vehicle (EV) sales in Israel, selling 3,813 units between January and May, driven by its subcompact crossover Atto 3 and the mid-size Seal U SUV.

    Chinese automaker Xpeng Motor secured the second place with 3,650 EVs sold across three models. MG Motor, a Chinese-owned British brand, ranked third with 1,694 EVs sold, followed by China’s Chery, 1,675.

    Chinese automakers also dominated Israel’s EV market during the five months, accounting for 82.4 percent of total EV sales with 19,193 units delivered.

    South Korea and Japan were positioned as Israel’s second- and third-largest suppliers of imported cars in January-May, with 27,210 and 22,438 units sold, respectively, the data indicated. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: New-look China women’s volleyball team opens VNL campaign in Beijing

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

    A revamped Chinese women’s volleyball team is set to begin its 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) campaign on home soil, as the Beijing leg of the tournament kicks off Wednesday at the National Indoor Stadium.

    At a pre-tournament press conference Tuesday, newly appointed head coach Zhao Yong and team captain Gong Xiangyu expressed both hope and determination ahead of their opening match against Belgium.

    “Playing at home brings both pressure and motivation, but the motivation is greater,” said Zhao, 49, who took over as head coach last month, succeeding Cai Bin. “It has been years since a major international tournament was held in Beijing, and for this new generation of players, it is more of an encouragement.”

    China’s 18-player squad for the Beijing leg features a host of newcomers, with more than half making their national team debut. The roster includes Wu Mengjie, Zhuang Yushan, Tang Xin, and Dong Yuhan as outside hitters; Wang Yuanyuan, Wan Ziyue, Shan Linqian, Chen Houyu, and Wang Aoqian as middle blockers; Gong Xiangyu, Yang Shuming, and Fan Boning as opposites; Zou Jiaqi, Yin Xiaolan, and Zhang Zixuan as setters; and Ni Feifan, Wang Mengjie, and Zheng Xinyi as liberos.

    “All the athletes have shown great commitment and a strong desire to bring honor to the country and the team,” Zhao said. “We hope to grow and improve through tough competition.”

    Gong, 28, now in her 10th year with the national team, said the players are supporting one another as they embrace a new chapter.

    “We are a completely new team. Every chance to play against world-class opponents is a valuable learning opportunity,” she said. “The encouragement among teammates is our greatest strength.”

    China will face Belgium in its opening match. The two teams last met at the 2022 FIVB Women’s World Championship, where China earned a straight-set victory (25-18, 25-18, 27-25). In that match, Belgium’s outside hitter Britt Herbots posted a match-high 21 points.

    “Belgium has a very strong and complete outside hitter,” Gong said. “We are fully focused on this match and hope to give our best performance in front of home fans.”

    Herbots, 25, missed nearly two years of international play due to injury but is now back with the Belgian national team. “Every VNL match is difficult for us,” she said. “I hope to help the younger players enjoy the game and keep improving. I’m very happy to be back, and as an experienced player, I’ll try to help the team with my experience.”

    The five-day Beijing leg features six teams: China, Belgium, Poland, Thailand, Türkiye, and France. All six will be in action Wednesday, with France taking on Türkiye and Thailand facing Poland.

    After the opener against Belgium, China will meet Poland on Thursday, face France on Saturday, and wrap up with Türkiye on Sunday.

    China, a traditional powerhouse in women’s volleyball, has a decorated international history, with three Olympic gold medals (1984, 2004, 2016), two World Championship titles (1982, 1986), and five World Cup titles (1981, 1985, 2003, 2015, 2019).

    At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, China advanced through the group stage undefeated but fell short of the podium following a quarterfinal loss to Türkiye.

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, fatal crash, Okoia

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Okoia on Monday 26 May.

    He was 76-year-old David Hauparoa Hiroti, of Okoia.

    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 –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Hong Kong and New Zealand, the easiest jurisdictions for doing business in APAC, says GBCI 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI), recently launched by TMF Group, analyses the business environment of 79 jurisdictions, accounting for 94% of the world’s GDP. It also ranks them based on over 250 indicators of business complexity, with the jurisdiction ranked 1st as the most complex and the jurisdiction ranked 79th, the least.

    Among the world’s 10 least complex jurisdictions for doing business, Hong Kong, SAR remains the 4rth easiest jurisdiction for the second year in a row. The jurisdiction offers a favourable business environment, characterised by a straightforward and low tax regime that appeals to international businesses.

    New Zealand, also included in the 10 easiest jurisdictions worldwide, maintains its reputation as a straightforward place for business operations. This is largely due to the government’s proactive approach in welcoming foreign investments and streamlined administrative processes.

    Meanwhile, business complexity in India (18th) is mainly driven by recent regulatory changes, according to this year’s GBCI report. Over the past year, India has introduced numerous regulatory amendments aimed at boosting transparency and accountability. Although these are expected to bring benefits in the long term, they have added layers of complexity for businesses operating in the country, requiring constant adaptation to new compliance needs.

    Japan is ranked 43rd in this year’s GBCI, showing a decrease in complexity from last year’s position (38th). This decrease in complexity is partly due to recent simplifications and governmental initiatives to provide English-language support to international financial service companies. These measures facilitate easier operations and reduce barriers for foreign businesses, improving investment attractiveness.

    Singapore, ranking 48th, continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in its trade corridors. This jurisdiction invests heavily in technology and infrastructure upgrades, reinforcing its status as a regional hub.

    China’s Mainland (10th) enters the top 10 most complex jurisdictions for businesses in 2025. According to the report, the complexity is driven by its frequent regulatory changes and regional disparities. Despite these challenges, the government continues to offer incentives to attract investment and to promote infrastructure development to enhance trade logistics.

    TMF Group’s Head of APAC, Shagun Kumar, commented: “We’re seeing a growing effort by decision-makers and businesses across APAC to reduce unnecessary burdens for doing business in the region — these have in the past delayed development, leading to complex evaluations for investment. Such efforts contribute to unlocking the region’s drive towards economic growth, and we expect businesses to adapt and continue to leverage the potential of APAC as a key contributor for their global strategies.”

    Top and bottom ten (1= most complex, 79= least complex) 
    1. Greece  79. Cayman Islands 
    2. France  78. Denmark 
    3. Mexico  77. New Zealand 
    4. Turkey  76. Hong Kong, SAR 
    5. Colombia  75. Jersey 
    6. Brazil  74. Netherlands 
    7. Italy  73. Jamaica 
    8. Bolivia  72. British Virgin Islands 
    9. Kazakhstan  71. Curaçao 
    10. China’s Mainland  70. Czech Republic 
       

    Media Contacts
    Marina Llibre Martin
    marina.llibremartin@tmf-group.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Former Congress staffer allowed to return to New Caledonia

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    One of seven people transferred to mainland France almost a year ago, following the May 2024 riots in New Caledonia, has been allowed to return home, a French court has ruled.

    Frédérique Muliava, a former Congress staffer, was part of a group of six who were charged in relation to the riots.

    Under her new judicial requirements, set out by the judge in charge of the case, Muliava, once she returns to New Caledonia, is allowed to return to work, but must not make any contact with other individuals related to her case and not take part in any public demonstration.

    Four days after their arrest in Nouméa in June 2024, Muliava and six others were transferred to mainland France aboard a chartered plane.

    They were charged with criminal-related offences (including being a party or being accomplice to murder attempts and thefts involving the use of weapons) and have since been remanded in several prisons across France pending their trial.

    In January 2025, the whole case was removed from the jurisdiction of New Caledonia-based judges and has since been transferred back to investigating judges in mainland France.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Just the ticket? The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julienne Molineaux, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    With accusations flying thick and fast last year about supposed “dysfunction” and a “shambles” at Wellington City Council, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown stepped in and appointed a Crown Observer.

    Announcing the move, Brown said the “financial and behavioural challenges” facing the council represented a problem under the Local Government Act. Part of the issue, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claimed recently, was that there had been “way too much ideology and party politics”.

    With the Green-endorsed current mayor Tory Whanau withdrawing from the next election, and former Labour cabinet minister Andrew Little announcing his mayoralty bid, it remains to be seen whether those partisan perceptions have diminished.

    But at the other end of the political spectrum, the ACT Party is actively recruiting candidates to stand at the 2025 elections using its branding and policy platform. The ACT website states clear policy positions for prospective candidates to campaign on.

    The Local Government Act, on the other hand, requires elected members to consult with people affected by their decisions and to do so with an open mind. Reinforcing this point, the Office of the Auditor-General says those managing public resources must avoid holding pre-determined positions:

    You are not required to approach every decision as though you have given it no prior thought, or have no existing knowledge or opinion. However, you are required to keep an open mind, and you must be prepared to change or adjust your views if the evidence or arguments warrant it.

    If ACT is successful in building a local government ticket nationally, this tension – and the kind of tensions recently at play in Wellington – could be seen in other councils.

    Benefits of party branding

    Political party affiliations in local government are not actually the norm. In 2019, winning councillors around New Zealand mostly left the affiliation section of their nomination forms blank (60%) or stated they were “independent” (18%).

    Only 3% of winning councillors were affiliated with a registered political party, and 4% with a local grouping or ticket.

    But the picture changes in our three largest councils: Auckland Council, Christchurch City Council and Wellington City Council. No winning councillors in those cities left the affiliation section blank in 2019, 38% ran on a local ticket, and 22% for a political party.

    And there are good reasons for local body candidates to run as party-endorsed or on a local ticket, as former local body politician Shirin Brown outlined in her PhD thesis on Local Boards in Auckland: shared costs, shared resources (such as party volunteers to deliver leaflets), shared expertise and brand recognition for voters.

    Importantly, a candidate with low name recognition can coat-tail on higher profile candidates on the same ticket, or the public profile of the ticket overall. Other research suggests the strategy works: in Auckland, at least, those who stand with a group affiliation are more likely to be elected than those who do not.

    In larger urban areas, with high populations and low levels of representation per capita, visible groupings of local government candidates make sense. Research reveals a major obstacle to voting in local elections is a lack of information about candidates and what they stand for.

    Blurred party lines

    Once elected, though, there are questions about the cohesion of groupings. Shirin Brown found the ad-hoc nature of some local tickets for Auckland’s local boards – formed for strategic election reasons but with little coherence or discipline once elected – sometimes collapsed once in office.

    In Auckland, ward councillors and the mayor have run with group branding, but there is little evidence of whipping along party, ticket or broad ideological lines.

    As a councillor for the Manukau ward (2016-2022), the late Efeso Collins stood for election as a Labour Party candidate, but he voted against some initiatives of the Mayor Phil Goff, a former leader of the Labour Party.

    Communities and Residents (C&R) councillors have mostly been aligned with the National Party, but have also included ACT and unaffiliated centre-right candidates.

    While they often voted against Goff, and earlier against Labour Party member Len Brown (mayor from 2010-2016), it wasn’t always as a uniform block. Indeed, Brown’s initiatives were simultaneously opposed by Cathy Casey (City Vision) on the left and Cameron Brewer (C&R) on the right.

    Keeping an open mind

    As this year’s local elections approach, the Crown Observer for Wellington City Council, Lindsay McKenzie, has written candidate guidelines about political affiliations and their legal obligations to avoid predetermined positions.

    These cover the promises they make on the campaign trail as well as how they act once elected. They address the tension between the democratic act of signalling your values and policy positions to voters, and the requirement under the Local Government Act to make decisions based on local concerns rather than political affiliation.

    As McKenzie points out, having an open mind is not just an issue for party members. It also applies to those who stand as independents and adhere rigidly to policy positions they campaigned on.

    Irrespective of their affiliation, candidates in the upcoming local elections have a tightrope to walk – between declaring their values and policy positions, and being receptive to new information and perspectives once elected.

    Voters need to accept elected members may have access to information that was not available when they were campaigning. And the political media needs to give some leeway to councillors and mayors who change their positions.

    Julienne Molineaux does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Just the ticket? The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties – https://theconversation.com/just-the-ticket-the-problem-with-local-body-candidates-aligning-with-national-political-parties-257887

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Not available in your region’: what is a VPN and how can I use one safely?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meena Jha, Head Technology and Pedagogy Cluster CML-NET, CQUniversity Australia

    Linaimages/Shutterstock

    “This video is not available in your location”. It’s a message familiar to many people trying to watch global content online. But beneath this frustration lies a deeper question – how do we navigate digital borders safely and ethically?

    As our digital lives expand, so too does our desire for access. Maybe you want to see the latest streaming shows before they arrive in your country. Maybe you’re a sports fan wanting to watch live broadcasts of international events. Or perhaps you need to log into your company’s secure intranet while at home or overseas.

    Enter the virtual private network (VPN) – a technology that’s become as essential as antivirus software for many. With many commercial and free VPN providers on the market, interest in these services has grown in recent years.

    How does a VPN work?

    A VPN is like a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. When you use a VPN, your internal traffic is scrambled into unreadable data and routed through a remote server, which also masks your real IP address.

    Think of it like this: instead of sending a postcard with your return address, you send it in an envelope to a trusted friend overseas who mails it on your behalf. To anyone looking at the envelope, it looks like the message came from your friend and not you.

    This technique shields your identity, protects your data from snoopers, and tricks websites into thinking you are browsing from another location.

    While often marketed as tools for online privacy, VPNs have grown popular for another reason: access.

    Many people use VPNs to access geo-blocked content, secure their internet activity, work remotely – especially when handling sensitive data – and protect against online tracking and targeted advertising.




    Read more:
    What does it mean to ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ all cookies, and which should I choose?


    VPNs are legal, if a bit grey

    VPN services are offered by dozens of providers globally. Companies such as NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer paid subscriptions with strong security guarantees. Free VPNs also exist but come with caveats (more on this in a moment).

    In most countries, including Australia, using a VPN is completely legal.

    However, what makes it murky is what one might use it for. While using a VPN is legal, engaging in illegal activities while using one remains prohibited.

    Streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ license content by region. Using a VPN to access a foreign catalogue may violate their terms of service and potentially be grounds for account suspension.

    Australian law does not criminalise accessing geo-blocked content via VPN, but the copyright act does prohibit circumventing “technological protection measures” in certain cases.

    The grey area lies in enforcement. Technically, copyright law does ban getting around certain protections. However, the latest advice does not mention any cases where regular users have been taken to court for this kind of behaviour.

    So far, enforcement has mostly targeted websites and platforms that host or enable large-scale copyright infringement; not everyday viewers who want to watch a show a bit early.

    Beware of ‘free’ VPNs

    Not all VPNs are created equal. While premium services invest in strong encryption and privacy protections, free VPNs often make money by collecting user data – the very thing you may be trying to avoid.

    Risks of unsafe VPNs include data leaks, injection of ads or trackers into your browsing, and malware and spyware, especially in free mobile apps that claim to provide a VPN service.

    Using a poorly designed or dishonest VPN is like hiring a bodyguard who sells your location. It might give the impression of safety, but you may actually be more vulnerable than before.

    Okay, so how do I choose a VPN?

    With so many VPNs available, both free and paid, it can be hard to know which one to trust. If you are considering a VPN, here are five things to look for.

    No-log policy. A trustworthy VPN should have a strict no-log policy, meaning it does not store any records of your internet activity, connection time or IP address. This ensures even if the VPN provider is hacked, subpoenaed or pressured by a government, they have nothing to hand over.

    Strong encryption standards. Encryption is what makes your data unreadable to anyone snooping on your connection, such as hackers on public WiFi or your internet provider. A somewhat technical thing to look out for is AES 256-bit encryption – it’s extremely secure and is used by banks and governments.

    Independent audits. Reliable VPN services voluntarily undergo third-party audits to verify their privacy claims and the security of their infrastructure.

    Kill switch. A kill switch is a critical safety feature that automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address and data from being exposed, even momentarily.

    Jurisdiction. VPNs are subject to the laws of the country they are based in. The countries in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand) may legally compel providers to hand over user data. If a VPN service has a strict no-log policy and does not collect information about what you do online, then even under legal pressure, there is nothing to hand over. So, you are safe.

    In an era of growing surveillance, cybercrime and corporate data collection, VPNs are essential tools for reclaiming your online privacy and data.

    But like any tool, the effectiveness (and ethics) of VPNs depend on how you use them. Next time you fire up your VPN, ask yourself – am I just dodging a digital border, or actively protecting my online freedom?

    Meena Jha does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘Not available in your region’: what is a VPN and how can I use one safely? – https://theconversation.com/not-available-in-your-region-what-is-a-vpn-and-how-can-i-use-one-safely-256559

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government to protect and enhance Milford Sound Piopiotahi

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government will invest $15.2 million into upgrading infrastructure and enhancing conservation at Milford Sound Piopiotahi to sustainably grow tourism while also protecting the jewel in our conservation crown.

    The first tranche of decisions from the Milford Opportunities Project, announced today, also provide certainty to operators by confirming that cruise ships will continue to access the fjord, and Milford Aerodrome will be retained.

    “This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site in Fiordland attracts more than a million visitors a year and pumps about $200 million into the regional economy, creating jobs and boosting incomes,” Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

    “For Ngāi Tahu, Piopiotahi holds special significance as the final masterpiece of atua and land-shaper Tū Te Rakiwhānoa.

    “Visitors accessing the fjord via Milford Road will soon enjoy new and enhanced short stops, including an alpine nature walk in Gertrude Valley. Little Tahiti landfill will also be cleaned up and flood protection at Cleddau River will be improved.

    “There will be improved amenities, including much-needed new facilities at Deepwater Basin where we are replacing the recreational boat ramp.”

    Funding for the improvements will come from the International Visitor Levy ($8.2 million) and the Department of Conservation’s capital works programme ($7m).

    Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said Milford Sound Piopiotahi had a key role to play in helping the country’s tourism sector bounce back from the Covid hangover.

    “We are supporting the local economy and providing certainty for operators by enabling cruise ships and aircraft to continue to access the fjord, rejecting a previous proposal to ban this.

    “We know Milford Sound Piopiotahi, Mitre Peak Rahotū, the bush, the sea and the wildlife play an integral part in capturing the hearts and minds of millions of tourists dreaming of a visit to this wilderness area.”

    Mr Potaka said the next tranche of work would involve the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai engaging with Ngāi Tahu, and stakeholders such as local government and the tourism industry on further initiatives.

    “These include collaborating on investment opportunities along Milford corridor, developing a multi-year investment plan for the area, and considering improved planning tools, such as a Special Amenities Area within Fiordland National Park.”

    Note for editor

    The Milford Opportunities Project feasibility business case, supporting reports and Cabinet paper are available on the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/milford-opportunities

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Coach Launch Responds to Rising Sales Resistance by Championing Virtual Events for Entrepreneurial Success

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Melbourne, Australia, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As businesses navigate an era of heightened sales resistance and growing distrust driven by AI-generated content, Coach Launch, a Melbourne-based consultancy with a global client base, has announced a strategic initiative to help entrepreneurs embrace virtual events as a scalable solution to rebuild engagement and trust. The company now offers tailored online virtual event consulting designed to replace outdated sales tactics with immersive, rapport-building digital experiences.

    AI Skepticism Fuels a New Sales Era

    Across industries, sales teams are encountering a new form of resistance—one deeply tied to the rise of artificial intelligence and automation in marketing. Potential buyers are becoming more selective, with an increased focus on authenticity and real-time engagement. According to recent findings, traditional one-to-one selling methods are proving costly and increasingly ineffective, while automated systems often fail to create the trust needed to convert modern customers.

    In response, businesses are shifting their approach, and Coach Launch is leading the way by offering a consulting model that focuses on high-impact virtual experiences.

    Virtual Events Offer an Effective Alternative

    Virtual events are emerging as a vital tool in combating sales resistance, offering entrepreneurs a way to scale outreach while maintaining a human touch. These experiences create an opportunity for businesses to connect with their audiences in real-time, delivering value, insights, and interaction that static digital content cannot match.

    “Virtual events have become a necessary evolution in business communication,” said Mr. Matthew White, spokesperson for Coach Launch. “They allow entrepreneurs to demonstrate their value in real time, answer questions, and build a genuine connection. In today’s environment, that’s what moves the needle.”

    Coach Launch specializes in guiding entrepreneurs through the entire event process—from strategy and planning to execution and follow-up—ensuring each virtual engagement is structured for both authenticity and profitability.

    Immersive Experiences Increase Engagement

    The effectiveness of virtual events lies in their immersive nature. Reports such as Immersion Causes Conversion point to a measurable link between active participation and consumer response. When attendees are drawn into a live, engaging experience, they are more likely to remember the message, build trust with the host, and take action.

    This insight is especially relevant given data from The Rise of Sales Resistance, which outlines the declining effectiveness of conventional outreach tactics such as cold emails and sales calls. In this landscape, passive strategies are falling short, and immersive approaches like live digital events are rising in value.

    Scalable and Repeatable Business Growth Model

    Coach Launch is not merely offering one-time solutions. Its consulting services are built around a repeatable framework that enables entrepreneurs to run profitable, recurring virtual events. This system allows entrepreneurs to run profitable, recurring virtual events—accessible to businesses anywhere in the world.

    Unlike conventional marketing funnels, the model empowers entrepreneurs to host sessions that engage audiences, showcase expertise, and move prospects naturally toward conversion—all within a controlled, measurable environment.

    “Our goal is to provide a roadmap that entrepreneurs can replicate,” said White. “The beauty of virtual events is in their flexibility. You can iterate, adapt, and run them as often as needed without the overhead of traditional events.”

    Coach Launch’s upcoming session will be held on April 19, 2025, with new sessions recurring every two weeks. Entrepreneurs and business leaders interested in learning more about this model are encouraged to get a free ticket and attend the next live event.

    Rebuilding Trust Through Connection

    Trust is at the heart of every business transaction, and Coach Launch emphasizes that it must be earned through transparency, interaction, and value. By replacing static content and impersonal outreach with live, human-driven experiences, entrepreneurs are reclaiming lost ground in a digitally crowded marketplace.

    Coach Launch’s approach aligns with the evolving expectations of today’s buyers, who value authenticity over automation and are more likely to engage when they feel seen and heard regardless of geography or time zone.

    About Coach Launch

    Coach Launch is a global online virtual event consulting company based in Melbourne, Australia. It specializes in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners plan, launch, and optimize profitable virtual events. As virtual event consultants, Coach Launch supports coaches, consultants, and service experts who want to run profitable virtual events in small, intimate groups with highly engaged attendees ready to buy—and do so consistently, like clockwork. With a focus on scalability, engagement, and trust-building, Coach Launch provides strategic consulting to support business growth through immersive digital experiences. Its bi-weekly events demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, offering entrepreneurs a clear path toward modernizing their outreach methods.

    Virtual Event Consultants

    The MIL Network –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Philippines, June 2025 [Image 1 of 9]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on


    VIRAC, Philippines (June 1, 2025) – Hawaii National Guardsmen and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines construct a platform used to conduct urban rescue training with local emergency responders and civilian authorities in Virac, Philippines, June 1, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 06.01.2025
    Date Posted: 06.03.2025 20:23
    Photo ID: 9081875
    VIRIN: 250601-N-YV347-1009
    Resolution: 7189×4793
    Size: 16.89 MB
    Location: VIRAC, PH

    Web Views: 2
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Philippines, June 2025 [Image 9 of 9], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Kicks off with urban rescue training in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025 [Image 6 of 9]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on


    VIRAC, Philippines (June 2, 2025) – Hawaii National Guard Spc. Jayeson Laga, instructs Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, local emergency responders, and civilian authorities how to tie different knots to perform urban rescue operations in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 06.02.2025
    Date Posted: 06.03.2025 20:23
    Photo ID: 9081880
    VIRIN: 250602-N-YV347-2108
    Resolution: 8256×5504
    Size: 23.67 MB
    Location: VIRAC, PH

    Web Views: 2
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Pacific Partnership 2025 Kicks off with urban rescue training in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025 [Image 9 of 9], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Ship runs aground in Fiji – then its rescue vessel capsizes

    RNZ Pacific

    Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority has launched an investigation into Goundar Shipping Limited following two incidents involving its vessels.

    Late last month, one vessel ran aground on the reef of Ono-i-Lau, and villagers had to step in to ferry stranded passengers to nearby islands using small boats.

    On Monday, the Lomaiviti Princess II was sent to assist with salvage operations of the grounded boat in Ono-i-Lau.

    But the rescue boat never made it as it capsized in Suva Harbour, where it remains on its side.

    The company’s managing director George Goundar told local media “the mishap at Suva Harbour regarding the Lomaiviti Princess II was not the works of the company”.

    He directed all questions to the Fiji Ports Cooperation.

    Maritime Safety declines comment
    FBC News has asked the ports cooperation for comment, but the outlet reported the Maritime Safety Authority had refused to comment further.

    Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the matter was under investigation and a release would be issued after he received an update on the matter.

    On May 29, the company posted on social media about the first incident, saying “GSL Management would like to sincerely thank the people of Ono-i-Lau for your tremendous support following the mishap”.

    “We acknowledge and appreciate your assistance in ensuring the passengers were safely brought ashore.

    “The vessel is now en route to Suva.”

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH29 Kaimai Range overnight closures in June

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    State Highway 29 (SH29) Kaimai Range will be closed for 4 nights, from Sunday 15 June to Thursday 19 June, between 8pm and 3.30am each night. These closures are necessary to complete routine maintenance, including drain clearing, sign maintenance, road marking and surface repairs.

    “We occasionally close SH29 for essential maintenance works. The full closures allow us to complete the work safety and efficiently – benefiting both road worker crews and road users,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager for the Waikato, Andy Oakley. 

    SH29 plays a critical role in connecting New Zealand’s largest port with the wider Golden Triangle region.

    With approximately 14,000 vehicles, including thousands of heavy vehicles, using the road daily, maintaining it is essential for safety and accessibility. 

    “We’ve worked closely with freight operators and roading contractors to coordinate the best possible schedule for these closures. By confirming specific days and times, regular road users—including freight operators—can plan ahead to minimize disruptions to themselves and their customers,” says Mr Oakley. 

    The detours for this closure are significant and add considerable time to journeys. People are encouraged to check the NZTA Journey Planner and allow extra time for their journey, or if possible, delay travel over SH29 on these nights.   

    “We’d like to thank our stakeholders and partners for working with us on this. While disruptive in the short term, everyone will enjoy the benefits of having a more reliable and safer route over the Kaimai Range,” says Mr Oakley.   

    The closure points on the western (Waikato) side are at the SH29/24 and SH29/28 intersections and on the eastern (BOP) side at the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection. Emergency services will have access at all times, and residents can access their property from the relevant side of the closure. 

    Alternative routes

    • South: all vehicles: SH28, SH5, SH30, SH33, SH2 via Rotorua  
    • South: light vehicles: SH28, SH5, SH36 via Rotorua  
    • North: SH24, SH27, SH26, SH2 via Karangahake Gorge   

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tasman Targets Anti-Social Road Users

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Tasman District Road Policing Manager, Acting Inspector Nathan Snell.

    From Wednesday 28 May to Sunday 1 June 2025, Tasman Police delivered an operation focused on anti-social road users.

    This was in response to an increase in complaints from the local community.

    Two search warrants were executed, resulting in a stolen firearm being located and three vehicle impounds for sustained loss of traction and driver licence offences.

    Further Police activities occurred across the district with Tasman Police staff supported by the Anti-Social Road User team from Christchurch.

    The team deployed across Nelson Bays and Marlborough resulting in over 50 vehicles being inspected and deemed unsafe or defective.

    Five more vehicles were impounded for Land Transport Act offences.

    Over 100 Infringement notices were issued for speeding, restraint and distraction offences amongst many others.

    Following the operation, Police have laid charges against multiple individuals for unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, sustained loss of traction, driving whilst suspended, driving whilst disqualified and threatening behaviour. Further charges are being considered.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police BUS-ting out a new recruitment campaign

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police’s newest recruitment advertising campaign is now mobile across Tāmaki Makaurau with five double-decker buses wrapped in Police livery. 

    Commissioner Richard Chambers says: “This campaign represents another positive step toward delivering our target of 500 additional officers.

    “These newly decorated double-decker buses seat 500 people, which is exactly the number we want to recruit.

    “Auckland has always been a key recruitment area for us, and we are keen to be highly visible and advertise far and wide. We know that the buses are ideal for reaching the whole of the city.”

    The ‘police’ buses will be in public circulation for over three months.

    The cost to wrap the buses totalled $119,800 including print, installation and 12 weeks of media advertising.

    “The new Auckland training campus at Albany will also help make a career with the Police a reality for those who cannot relocate to Wellington for the full 20-week course.

    “That campus is set to welcome its first intake from the start of July. That is a significant development in our recruitment and training,” Commissioner Chambers says.

    Applications remain open in all districts across the country, except for Canterbury. Recruitment efforts continue to ramp up and applications are trending upwards with a spike in applications in 2025 and total application numbers reaching the highest seen in 10 years.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Army Demonstrates Multi-Modal Mobility of HIMARS in Support of Salaknib 25

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    ZAMBALES, Philippines — U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force’s 5th Battalion, 3rd Long Range Fires Battalion, working alongside the U.S. Air Force’s 374th Airlift Wing, 5th Air Force, and the Philippine Navy successfully demonstrated the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) multi-modal mobility throughout northern Luzon May 24-31, 2025

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Lee Jae-myung elected S. Korea’s president

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

    Lee Jae-myung of South Korea’s majority liberal Democratic Party was elected president, the ongoing vote count by the National Election Commission showed on Wednesday.

    With 94.4 percent of the votes counted after midnight, Lee won 48.8 percent and his major rival Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party took 42.0 percent, the National Election Commission data showed.

    Even if all the remaining uncounted votes go to Kim, Lee will win the presidential by-election, confirming his victory.

    Local broadcaster JTBC and three terrestrial broadcasters including KBS, MBC and SBS forecast earlier that Lee was certain to be elected the country’s 21st president.

    Preliminary voter turnout reached 79.4 percent, marking the highest in 28 years since the voting rate recorded 80.7 percent in 1997.

    Out of about 44.39 million eligible voters, some 35.24 million cast their ballots at 14,295 polling stations across the country.

    The voter turnout, which included those who participated in early voting last Thursday and Friday, was up from 77.1 percent tallied in the previous presidential election in 2022. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Dragon boat races spark rise in tourism spending during ancient Chinese festival

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

    Villagers compete during a dragon boat race at Xixi National Wetland Park in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on May 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In the watery maze of Diejiao Village in Foshan, south China’s Guangdong Province, dragon boat teams race through S-curves, L-bends and tight C-turns with breathtaking precision. Spectators gasp and cheer as the 25-meter-long boats spin around corners at full speed, water spraying in their wake.

    A popular Cantonese saying captures the spirit of the event: “Ning ho bou laan, bat ho paa maan,” meaning, “It’s better to crash the boat than to paddle slowly.” It’s no surprise, then, that Chinese social media users have dubbed this tradition the “F1 on water,” with thrilling clips of races going viral across the country and beyond during the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday.

    The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year, and in 2009, it became the first Chinese holiday to be inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. People throughout China and all over the world celebrate the festival, which has a history stretching more than 2,000 years.

    Festivities vary from region to region but usually share several features: a memorial ceremony offering sacrifices to an ancient Chinese patriotic poet is combined with sporting events such as dragon boat races, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) feasts, and folk entertainments such as opera performances.

    These rich traditions are increasingly influencing how people choose their travel destinations. Across China, more tourists are seeking out immersive cultural experiences, and the Dragon Boat Festival offers both vibrant celebrations and a focus on deep-rooted heritage.

    This year’s holiday — May 31 to June 2 — turned Foshan into a travel magnet, with its total tourist bookings up 167 percent year on year. Hotel reservations jumped 145 percent, and airline ticket sales rose 110 percent.

    “Chinese dragon boat racing has long gone global,” said Chen Xiaolin, a Chinese-Canadian and the leader of a dragon boat team from Victoria, Canada, that joined an international dragon boat competition in east China’s Suzhou city on May 31.

    Chen originally founded the team in Victoria to connect with the local Chinese community. But over time, more and more local residents joined. “That might be because residents in Victoria really enjoy water sports like kayaking and canoeing, which have similarities to dragon boat racing,” she said.

    Yvonne Christine Ann Sharpe, a 70-year-old team member, had eight years of canoeing experience before she tried her hand at dragon boat racing. Sharpe told Xinhua that canoeing allows paddlers to switch hands, making it a bit easier than dragon boat racing, which has a complex technique and requires full team synchronization to maintain balance and speed.

    “Hard connectivity, soft connectivity and economic ties lay the foundation for tourism, but cultural connectivity is key to sustaining its appeal,” said Tang Jinwen, an associate professor at the Management College of Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University. Tang noted that traditional festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival are becoming cultural events that connect China with the world.

    Traditional Chinese festival experiences are drawing growing numbers of international visitors to explore and connect with Chinese culture firsthand, particularly following the country’s rollout of its visa-free travel policies.

    According to data from the National Immigration Administration, 231,000 foreign nationals entered China during this year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday under these new policies — a 59.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

    Hotel searches for inbound international tourism during the holiday more than doubled this year, according to data from online travel giant Trip.com. The top-10 source countries for related inbound travel were Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, Russia, Japan, Britain, Australia and France.

    Beijing, China’s capital city, welcomed 67,000 international tourists during the holiday, a year-on-year increase of 35.8 percent. These visitors spent a total of 720 million yuan (about 100 million U.S. dollars), which was 41.1 percent higher than the same period last year.

    China has been vigorously boosting its domestic consumption, notably in its culture and tourism sectors. Since the beginning of 2025, local governments have rolled out a variety of incentives, ranging from cultural vouchers to ticket discounts, aiming to unlock spending potential.

    These efforts intensified during the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival. In central China’s Hubei Province, more than 160 A-level scenic areas offered ticket discounts, pass bundles and family deals. Shandong Province distributed 50 million yuan in cultural tourism vouchers covering attractions, hotels and cultural products.

    As China’s economy reaches a certain level, a growing emphasis is being placed on exploring traditional culture and, in particular, how it is reflected in consumption, said Wang Qing, who works at a market economy institute under the Development Research Center of the State Council.

    Elements of traditional culture are likely to play increasingly important roles in shaping consumption in China, Wang said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt driving away Kiwi innovators and scientists

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government continues to obliterate science and innovation in New Zealand.

    “New Zealand’s world leading crown research institutes are being left to dwindle, and New Zealand’s best scientists are losing their jobs and leaving the country,” Labour science and innovation spokesperson Reuben Davidson said.

    “National’s decision to cut Callaghan Innovation has lost the country at least 60 skilled science jobs, meaning the expertise to commercialise great New Zealand innovations has evaporated.

    “GNS Science has axed nearly 10 percent of its workforce, despite its important work on seismic and climate research. ESR – the Institute of Environmental Science and Research – slashing eight percent of its workforce because of government cuts. NIWA was also proposing 13 percent of its workforce would have to go.

    “Cuts to the Marsden Fund, which supports important research at universities, will mean less research in public health, nursing, law, education, Māori studies, and public policy.

    “The Government has also closed the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund and replaced it with a new, smaller fund, and decided not to award new funding through the Endeavour Fund in 2026.

    “They’ve taken a total of $90 million out of grants and funds in Budget 2025. This is incredibly short-sighted, and gambles with New Zealand’s technology future.

    “National is happy to turn up to events like the Hi-Tech awards and congratulate winners when the cameras are rolling in Budget week, but behind the scenes they are cutting the funding that got lots of our best innovators there,” Reuben Davidson said.


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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Charter school failures clocking up

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Public schools aren’t converting to charter schools at the rate David Seymour claimed they would.

    Due to low demand over the past year, $4 million was taken out of the money set aside for charter schools to be used on other things. Despite that, the Government is still funding ACT’s failing charter school model.

    “Charter schools are a waste of taxpayer’s money. They cost far more per student than state schools, have very little oversight and are based on ideology, not evidence,” Labour education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

    “It’s time David Seymour faced reality – ACT’s charter schools experiment is failing again. The Government’s own budget documents state that no state school converted in the last financial year.

    “When the funding was announced last year, he claimed there would be ‘15 new charter schools and the conversion of 35 state schools to charter schools in 2025 and 2026’. Now he’s back-tracking.

    “The Government is wasting money on David Seymour’s vanity project despite knowing it isn’t working. The cost per student is astronomical and there is no evidence it is worth it.

    “A student at a charter school costs the taxpayer around five times as much as a student who attends a state school, with nothing to show for it.

    “David Seymour is cutting funding for school lunches while wasting money on charter schools,” Willow-Jean Prime said.


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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025
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