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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-Evening Report: An online travel company just collapsed. Here’s how to avoid being left stranded by an online deal

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madalyn Scerri, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality, Torrens University Australia

    Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock

    Traveldream.com.au sold discounted holidays – curated hiking tours, boutique cruises and cultural getaways through a slick website and polished social media ads. But news emerged last week that the Melbourne-based travel company has collapsed into administration, leaving customers out of pocket by thousands of dollars, and in some cases, stranded overseas.

    What many didn’t know was that Traveldream hadn’t been formally accredited with the leading industry body since 2020. Its status under the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme, run by the Australian Travel Industry Association, had been cancelled.

    To make matters worse, most travel insurance policies don’t cover insolvency, meaning many customers have no way to recover their losses.

    Australians are expected to spend over A$2 billion booking holidays online in 2024–25.

    Big name platforms such as Booking.com and Expedia account for about 60% of this activity. But many travellers are also turning to smaller or lesser-known providers offering flashy deals and lower prices, often with fewer safeguards.

    So, how can you protect yourself? Start with these five checks.

    1. Don’t be swayed by slick websites or social media ads

    It’s a common tactic, and one that’s hard to resist. You’re scrolling, you see a dreamy image, the price is tempting, and suddenly you’re halfway through checkout.

    But a polished ad doesn’t guarantee legitimacy.

    Travel-related scams are on the rise, especially involving online-only sellers.

    Ads on social media for idyllic vacations can be tempting, but check the fine print.
    Song_about_summer/Shutterstock

    Check for a verifiable business address, phone number and customer support. If the deal feels vague, under-priced or overly urgent, that’s a red flag.

    Look for independent reviews (on Trustpilot, Tripadvisor or Google), and check Scamwatch for known issues.

    2. Look at how the company engages with customers

    A company’s reputation isn’t just about what it promises: it’s built on how it responds to questions and complaints. Before booking, take a moment to see how the business interacts with customers online.

    Do they reply constructively to complaints? Do they offer updates or explanations when issues arise?

    Also notice the tone. Does it feel human and responsive, or generic and hands-off? That can suggest how they’ll treat you after the sale.

    Small signs can speak volumes. A page with thousands of followers but no visible engagement may indicate a paid audience – and a company that vanishes when things get difficult.

    3. Check if the company is accredited

    Another way to assess a travel company’s credibility is to check if it holds formal accreditation. This signals the company has met standards in financial security, customer service and dispute resolution.

    Search the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme register at https://www.atas.com.au, or look for Quality Tourism Accreditation. For overseas providers, check for recognised local schemes.

    Accreditation offers extra reassurance, but it’s not the whole picture. Some large, reputable companies, such as Expedia, operate without it. If a company isn’t accredited, proceed with caution and focus on how bookings and payments are handled.

    4. Scrutinise policies carefully

    Before booking, check what happens if the provider goes bust, whether you can cancel or reschedule, and how your booking will be confirmed. Where possible, follow up directly with the hotel, airline or tour operator to make sure reservations are secured.

    Booking directly with a hotel or tour provider can ensure you are getting up-to-date availability.
    Media_Photos/Shutterstock

    It’s also important to understand what travel insurance does – and doesn’t – cover.

    Company insolvency is one of the most common exclusions. Unless a policy includes “end supplier failure” or a similar clause (most don’t), you may not be able to claim a refund. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement to check exactly where you stand.

    Another safeguard is to pay with protection in mind. Although conditions vary by provider, credit cards may offer chargebacks if the goods or services aren’t delivered.

    5. Book direct where feasible

    While accredited travel agencies can be helpful for complex itineraries, like overseas trips with multiple stops or bundled services, it’s often worth booking directly with the provider when making travel arrangements online, whether that’s a hotel, airline or tour company.

    Cutting out the intermediary can offer better value, including complimentary extras, flexible cancellation and full access to loyalty programs.

    Direct bookings usually reflect real-time availability and pricing, reducing the risk of outdated information. You’ll benefit from direct communication and confirmation, making it easier to customise or resolve issues.

    If something goes wrong, there’s also greater clarity about who’s responsible – offering stronger recourse under Australian Consumer Law.

    The bottom line?

    As more Australians book holidays online, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s trustworthy and what could leave you out of pocket.

    Traveldream’s collapse is a reminder. Even in the world of digital travel deals, it pays to ask: is this company built to last, not just until your trip departs, but until you return home?

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. An online travel company just collapsed. Here’s how to avoid being left stranded by an online deal – https://theconversation.com/an-online-travel-company-just-collapsed-heres-how-to-avoid-being-left-stranded-by-an-online-deal-256878

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • PM Modi expresses grief over deaths in Solapur fire incident, announces ex-gratia relief

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Solapur fire incident, in which at least eight people died. He also announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh to be given to the next of kin of each deceased.

    “Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Solapur, Maharashtra. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” the PMO said in a post on X.

    The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday. Fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot, with a total of 11 fire engines dispatched to contain the blaze.

    “Fire brigade personnel have also been injured in this rescue operation. It took 17 hours to control the fire,” said Fire Officer Rakesh Salunke.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU scientists have developed a method for determining biocarbon in jet fuel samples using accelerator mass spectrometry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The NSU-NNC Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Shared Use Center conducted the first analysis of biocarbon content in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) samples. Four samples of different origin were analyzed during the laboratory study. The results showed that the accelerator mass spectrometry method can become a routine method for analyzing biocarbon in SAF aviation fuel.

    — We were approached by specialists from the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (Moscow) to analyze the biocarbon content in kerosene samples using accelerator mass spectrometry. This analysis is necessary for the certification of the aviation fuel they are developing and its further use within the framework of modern requirements. This development is of particular relevance, which will only increase over time: in order to reduce the carbon footprint, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) launched the CORSIA program in 2016, which obliges airlines to compensate for the growth of emissions. The goal of this program is to prevent the growth of carbon dioxide emissions relative to the 2020 level. Russia also plans to participate in this international program. From 2025, flights from the EU must use 2% SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) — fuel with a biogenic component. By 2050, this share will reach 63%, — said Ekaterina Parkhomchuk, Director of the NSU-NNC UMS Collective Use Center.

    SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is a product of processing biomass, which includes vegetable oils, animal fat, lignocellulosic wood waste, and microalgae. Processing, depending on the type of feedstock, may include catalytic hydrogenation, hydrocracking, hydrodeoxygenation, isomerization, gasification, and the Fischer-Tropsch process. The resulting processing product is then added to kerosene obtained from fossil hydrocarbon sources.

    Russia is one of the largest producers of jet fuel — 12.8 million tons of this type of fuel were produced in 2021 — and also has huge raw material potential for SAF production. In 2020, the production of vegetable oils amounted to 7.3 million tons. The production of “sustainable aviation fuel” requires certification and control over compliance with the requirements for the minimum content of the “biocarbon” share, so a routine method for its analysis is needed. This analysis can be performed by measuring the concentration of radiocarbon, for example, indirectly by the radioactivity of the material, or by the direct method of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Both methods for determining radiocarbon have been developed in Russia, but accelerator mass spectrometry is represented only in the Novosibirsk UMS Center of Collective Use of NSU-NNC.

    Search for biogenic carbon

    — “Biogenic” carbon differs from fossil carbon in its isotopic composition — primarily in the concentration of the radioactive isotope C-14 (radiocarbon) relative to the main stable isotope C-12. In modern biological objects, the proportion of radiocarbon, although extremely small — about 10 to the minus tenth power % — is still at a level detectable by modern technology; however, due to the beta decay of the C-14 nucleus, over time the amount of radiocarbon in fossil raw materials becomes orders of magnitude smaller and quantitative determination becomes impossible.

    Accelerator mass spectrometry provides the ability to reliably measure the concentration of radiocarbon in any samples at a level above 10 to the -14th power %, which is 0.01% of the current level in the biosphere. Therefore, by conducting UMS analysis of any materials, including kerosene, food additives, drugs, etc., it is possible to determine with high accuracy the proportion of carbon of modern biological origin, – explained Ekaterina Parkhomchuk.

    The NSU-NNC UMS Collective Use Center received 4 samples from RGUNG as introductory or test experiments, including two reference (standard) samples, which were kerosene obtained exclusively from biological raw materials and kerosene from fossil oil, as well as two samples of kerosene obtained by mixing the first two in proportions unknown to Novosibirsk scientists. Innovative sample preparation aimed at overcoming the “sulfur barrier” was used in the analysis of the samples. As Ekaterina Parkhomchuk explained, the complexity of fuel analysis lies in the high content of sulfur and nitrogen, which cause rapid corrosion of measuring instruments. A unique graphitizer has been developed at Novosibirsk State University, which allows working even with high-sulfur oils. This gives Russia a technological advantage over foreign analogues.

    — UMS analysis requires the production of a graphite cathode from the material being studied. This is done by burning the sample, extracting the target carbon dioxide from the resulting complex gas mixture and catalytically carbonizing it into elemental graphite. The difficulty of analyzing most hydrocarbon fuels is that the material may contain impurity elements such as sulfur and nitrogen, which quickly disable traditionally used “graphitizers”, such as those offered by the Swiss company Ionplus. Several years ago, NSU developed and assembled a graphitization stand that allows for the preparation of graphitized samples for UMS cathodes with sufficient purity even from high-sulfur oils, which distinguishes it from foreign analogues. It was used for the work described, — said Ekaterina Parkhomchuk.

    The studies were conducted under special conditions, observing all standardized requirements for laboratories that conduct radiocarbon studies not only of ancient samples, but also of samples containing excessive amounts of radiocarbon. These measures are designed to ensure radiation and biological safety, as well as to prevent cross-contamination of samples and false test results. Sample preparation of biological and C-14-labeled samples is carried out in different laboratories. Personnel working in one laboratory do not have access to the other. Employees of both laboratories maintain isolation from each other, do not cross paths in offices, lunch rooms, and recreation areas. Also, both laboratories use separate chemicals, materials, and utensils.

    — Three graphite cathodes were made from each sample and UMS analysis was performed on all samples. It turned out that one reference sample did not contain C-14, i.e. it belonged to fossil raw materials (most likely oil), and the concentration of radiocarbon in the second reference sample slightly exceeded the modern level of C-14. This indicates that the time of origin of the plant raw materials from which the biogenic fuel was obtained corresponds to the period 2000-2010, when the concentration of radiocarbon in the atmosphere was still higher than usual as a result of nuclear tests conducted in the 50-70s of the last century. In other words, both samples really belonged to two different sources of production — fossil (oil, gas or coal) and modern (biomass). And the other two samples showed results different from the first two — one contained about 6% biogenic carbon, and the second — about 13%. Our experimental results coincided with the calculated ratios, according to which the RGUNG specialists prepared mixed samples, which confirms the validity of using the UMS method to determine biocarbon, – summed up Ekaterina Parkhomchuk.

    Promising technology

    The technology of joint processing of lignocellulosic raw materials PCH-SAF, developed at the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University), is based on the processes of fast pyrolysis, delayed coking and hydrocracking of traditional oil and plant raw materials. Waste is used as the initial biomass – sawdust of coniferous and deciduous trees, sunflower husks, etc.

    — This technology consists of the joint processing of plant and oil raw materials. There are three stages of obtaining the component: fast pyrolysis of biomass, coking and hydrocracking. By means of fast pyrolysis, we liquefy the initial biomass and obtain the so-called bio-oil at the output. At the coking stage, co-processing of oil residues, for example, tar, with bio-oil occurs. At the hydrocracking stage, the raw material is a mixture of vacuum gas oil with the gas oil fraction of the coking process, containing bio-oil components, — explained Mikhail Ershov, professor of the Department of Oil Refining Technology.

    One of the advantages of the technology developed at RGUNG is the use of the existing infrastructure of oil refineries. It is assumed that when it is implemented on an industrial scale, there will be no need to replace the catalyst at the hydrocracking unit, and if necessary, only the process conditions may need to be adjusted. The process is currently at the laboratory stage, a laboratory sample has been developed and is being tested. This work is being carried out within the framework of the RSF grant No. 22-79-10280 “Study of new methods for obtaining renewable aviation fuel from lignocellulosic biomass using a complex of thermal and thermocatalytic processes.”

    Prospects for cooperation

    Mikhail Ershov clarified that kerosene obtained using PCH-SAF technology must meet the requirements of GOST 10227, which applies to fuels for jet engines, and be no different from petroleum kerosene.

    — In the context of the global transition to renewable energy sources, green fuel and reducing the carbon footprint, we must follow these trends. Compliance with ICAO emissions requirements will contribute to the growth of imports of renewable components, and therefore dependence on supplier countries (China, India). The PCH-SAF technology we propose, due to the existing infrastructure, will allow for a short transition to the production of aviation biofuel with a reduced carbon footprint without significant capital investments. In case of successful testing and confirmation of a reduction in the carbon footprint, it is necessary to approve such fuel with the participation of leading organizations FAU “25th State Research Institute of Chemmotology of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation”, FAU “TsIAM named after P.I. Baranov”, FSUE GosNII GA for use in civil and military aircraft, — he said.

    Mikhail Ershov noted that currently there is no domestic method for measuring biogenic components in petroleum products, in particular, aviation fuel. However, with an increase in the share of biogenic raw materials involved, there will be a need to confirm the biogenicity of fuels. Therefore, RGUNG specialists plan to develop a standard method for determining biocarbon using UMS together with NSU scientists.

    Ekaterina Parkhomchuk believes that the UMS method has proven its accuracy, sensitivity and reliability, and can become a key tool for the transition of aviation to “green” rails. And the introduction of the technology developed by RGUNG specialists into industry will open the way for Russia to leadership in the production of sustainable aviation fuel.

    — Currently, standard methods for analyzing materials for biogenic origin have been developed in different countries, and radiocarbon analysis is considered the “gold standard” among all possible methods. The method of accelerator mass spectrometry, unique in sensitivity, accuracy, and productivity, and the sample preparation methods we have developed are considered very promising for this new area of economic activity, — Ekaterina Parkhomchuk summarized.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ambition is not a dirty word: female politicians and the ‘Lady Macbeth bias’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Professor Rebekah Russell-Bennett, Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Business, Government and Law, University of Canberra

    When the new parliament convenes after the recent election, it will feature a rarity in Australian politics. Women will lead two significant political parties at the same time: the Liberal Party’s Sussan Ley and the Greens’ Larissa Waters.

    When female political leaders show ambition, they are often portrayed in the media as grasping, selfish and power-seeking. In other words, they are the embodiment of Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth.

    The recent negative media coverage of Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s move to the Liberal Party was reminiscent of the depiction of Julia Gillard when she became Labor leader. Price’s ambition reportedly made her selfish, while Gillard’s ambition was framed as a “moral wrong”.

    The pervasive misrepresentation of female politicians who display ambition can be thought of as “the Lady Macbeth bias”. This negative framing of ambition associates female politicians with ruthlessness and power at any cost. The prejudice reflects the central character theme in Shakespeare’s tragic play, Macbeth, of a woman whose scheming was her undoing.

    Lady Macbeth’s ambition is depicted as morally suspect and unnatural. This ambition leads to her demise.

    Highly gendered ambition

    With two new women leaders rising to the top and a record number of new female politicians in the 48th parliament, how will they be portrayed as their ambition plays out?

    The media representation of women who aspire to leadership typically depicts female ambition as a negative. This is a distraction from any objective criticism of the person. This kind of gendered approach to female politicians could be a deterrent for women who have political aspirations.

    There is a significant evidence base in academic literature that demonstrates ambition is a social construct that is highly gendered. Women politicians who show ambition are seen as unrelatable and unfeminine, while ambitious male politicians are described as visionary or strong.

    Take, for example, this recent article on Paul Keating, whose ambition is lauded, making him a “rare leader”. Let us not forgot that Keating became prime minister by challenging Bob Hawke.

    Compare the praise of Keating to the demonising of Gillard, who also challenged a sitting prime minister (Kevin Rudd) and you will see the opposite commentary. Ambition featured strongly in analysis of Gillard’s rise to power. Instead of praise for her ambition, she was often vilified, with her morality called into question.

    Rudd’s comment to her in 2010 typifies this perspective: “Julia, you’re a good person, why are you doing this?”

    The double bind

    So what is the outcome of this negative media portrayal of women in politics?

    Female politicians with ambition are perceived as less likeable and take a hit in popularity and electoral success. This phenomena has been termed the double bind, which is a paradox experienced by women leaders. To be viewed as competent, they need to display traits typically associated with men, such as ambition, competitiveness and drive. However, when they do, this in turn makes them appear not feminine enough.

    The result of this violation of gender stereotypes ranges from negative perceptions to backlash. Women can be overlooked for roles, receive less money and in the case of politics, face electoral retaliation.

    So like Lady Macbeth, ambitious leaders are punished for defying the natural order of femininity. A lose-lose situation.

    Normalise female ambition

    So what should be done? First the media need to take responsibility for the language used in headlines and stories about female politicians. A more androgynous approach to reporting on political leaders would go a long way to addressing this problem.

    Second, we the public need to decry the use of overused stereotypes in media coverage, such as the Lady Macbeth tropes, when our female leaders are critiqued. While politicians should be held to high standards of accountability, transparency and ethics, a gendered approach undermines this scrutiny and weakens our democratic system.

    Finally, we can limit “the Lady Macbeth bias” by showcasing ambitious female politicians across the political spectrum. When we normalise ambition in women, we break the association between ambition and masculinity. It is time to decouple leadership qualities from gendered stereotypes, not just for current female politicians but for the girls who are our future politicians.

    Shifting perceptions

    The Lady Macbeth theme of ambitious women being unnatural, morally bankrupt, ruthless and manipulative is a serious misrepresentation of female politicians.

    This negative portrayal is a barrier to women entering politics. Or surviving in politics.

    Politicians such as Ley, Waters and Price should be held to account, but not on gendered terms. We must stop treating female politicians as Lady Macbeth. If we do not, gender inequality in politics will prevail.

    That would be a sad future for all Australians.

    Rebekah Russell-Bennett is affiliated with the Liberal party

    – ref. Ambition is not a dirty word: female politicians and the ‘Lady Macbeth bias’ – https://theconversation.com/ambition-is-not-a-dirty-word-female-politicians-and-the-lady-macbeth-bias-256681

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why it’s time to delay tackling in junior sports until the age of 12

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joel Garrett, Lecturer in Exercise Science and Physiology, Griffith University

    Paolo Bona/Shutterstock

    Many children across Australia have begun to play their favourite contact sports like rugby league, rugby union and Australian rules football.

    Many will be just starting out during their early years of primary school.

    Yet there are growing concerns these young athletes may be at heightened risk of sports-related concussions due to their more vulnerable developing brains.

    Our new opinion article, published in Sports Medicine, presents the case for delaying all full-contact tackling until the age of 12, based on the current body of evidence and ongoing debate in the field.

    Some see this as a necessary step to safeguard children’s brains. Others worry it might leave kids unprepared for more physical challenges as they grow.

    But children are not mini adults.

    Why age 12?

    Children have thinner cranial bones, proportionally larger heads and weaker neck muscles than adults, making them more vulnerable to rotational and linear forces during head impacts.



    Read more:
    A stronger neck can help young athletes reduce their risk of concussion

    Their neural pathways are still maturing, so repeated head knocks – referred to as “sub-concussive” impacts, which don’t produce obvious concussion symptoms – may pose greater risks for long-term brain development.

    Around the ages of eight to 12 is a sweet spot for children’s cognitive and motor development, as they make significant gains in physical fitness, motor coordination, body awareness and cognitive functions such as reaction time and decision-making.

    An eight-year-old, for instance, may struggle with the rapid judgements required to align their shoulder and brace their neck properly when tackling a moving player.

    However, by 12, many can execute these decisions with greater consistency.

    Aligning physical growth with cognitive readiness can allow young athletes to enter contact situations with a firmer grasp of safe techniques and the confidence to use them during games.

    Why this might be needed

    A common misconception is delaying full-body contact means not teaching it at all.

    Children should be gradually taught skills like body positioning, safe falling and correct shoulder placement before they are faced with high-intensity collisions.

    This means children get time to master core skills of the sport, such as catching, passing, kicking and tactics, free from the added demands of body-to-body contact.

    This dual focus on skill-based contact training and fundamental sport skills promotes a more holistic athlete development aligned with childhood development.

    Unsurprisingly, studies show non-contact versions of sports have fewer head impacts than those in full-contact leagues.

    Weight-based categories, such as those used in some junior rugby competitions, aim to lower injury risks by preventing physical mismatches. However, they don’t fully address poor technique or cognitive readiness.

    Many leagues across the world are modifying contact rules to reduce youth injuries, with ice hockey the best example.

    Some ice hockey competitions in North America raised the introduction of body checking (when players crash into each other with their hips or shoulders) to 13–14 years of age, resulting in significantly lower injury rates among younger players.

    Studies also found delaying body checking did not increase concussion risk in later years, supporting the idea that “later is safer”.

    The argument against

    Delaying full-body contact (such as tackling) in youth sport remains controversial.

    Some argue early contact fosters character and builds resilience and physical readiness despite the risk to a developing brain.

    But while early findings suggest delaying contact can reduce injuries, we still don’t have enough long-term studies to prove the full impact over time.

    Delaying tackling also poses a challenge, as modifying a sport’s contact rules is complex, and cultural resistance or limited coaching resources in community leagues can hinder change.

    Still, many believe that with appropriate formats, coach education and a phased introduction, it is possible to balance skill development with athlete safety.

    A way forward

    A potential way forward involves structured, progressive skill development, and gradually teaching young players how to give and receive contact, initially in controlled, low-intensity settings. The emphasis should be focused on safe falling, bracing, neck strengthening and correct head placement.

    Some experts also recommend a broader approach that makes safety part of everything in sport, including everything from how coaches teach to the rules of the game to the overall culture.

    By ensuring consistency across coaches, referees and administrators, this model helps reduce the risk of concussions.

    With a structured progression and strong safety culture, more children will be physically and cognitively prepared to participate in full-contact sports confidently, safely and with greater long-term enjoyment and retention.

    Growing evidence supports introducing contact in a developmentally appropriate way to improve safety.

    Earlier collisions may raise the risk of concussions without offering much benefit in the long run.

    A delayed approach, with progressive skill instruction, may be safer and allow children to develop core skills first.

    It’s a way to protect young brains and ensure every child can play confidently and safely once they transition to full-contact tackling, promoting long-term participation safely.

    Jonathon Headrick is affiliated with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

    Joel Garrett 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. Why it’s time to delay tackling in junior sports until the age of 12 – https://theconversation.com/why-its-time-to-delay-tackling-in-junior-sports-until-the-age-of-12-256466

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Former US President Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office said in a statement on Sunday.

    Biden, 82, was diagnosed on Friday after experiencing urinary symptoms, and he and his family are reviewing treatment options with doctors, according to the statement.

    “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” his office said.

    Cancers that have spread, or metastasized, are considered Stage 4, the most advanced. Most prostate cancers are detected at an earlier stage.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the 236,659 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in 2021, 70% were diagnosed before the cancer had spread beyond the prostate. About 8% of new prostate cancer diagnoses that year involved advanced-stage disease.

    Biden‘s physical health and mental acuity drew scrutiny during his 2021-2025 presidency. He abruptly ended his bid for reelection last July, weeks after a halting performance during a debate against Republican Donald Trump prompted panic among his fellow Democrats.

    President Trump, who has repeatedly berated Biden since taking office in January, expressed sympathy on Sunday for Biden and his wife, Jill, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

    “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden‘s recent medical diagnosis,” he wrote, referring to first lady Melania Trump. “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

    Biden‘s office said the cancer scored a nine out of 10 on the Gleason score grading system, which is used to help determine the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.

    Dr. Herbert Lepor, an urologist at NYU Langone, said a score of nine is “very high risk,” but added that many men can live “five to 10 years and beyond” even with metastatic prostate cancer.

    “Over the last decade, there have been many advances in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer,” he said.

    Dr. Chris George, the medical director of the cancer program for the Northwestern Health Network, said prostate cancer is no longer curable once it spreads to the bones but that there are treatments that can control it.

    BIDEN, TRUMP OLDEST TO WIN PRESIDENCY

    Biden was the oldest person to win the U.S. presidency at the time of his election in 2020. Trump, 78, broke that record when he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris last year.

    Some prominent Democrats have recently acknowledged that it was an error to advance Biden as the 2024 nominee, given widespread concerns among voters about his age. Long before the debate last summer, Reuters/Ipsos polls showed a majority of Americans, including most Democrats, believed Biden was too old to serve a second term.

    “It was a mistake for Democrats to not listen to the voters earlier,” Democratic U.S. Senator Chris Murphy told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning, before Biden‘s diagnosis was announced.

    Biden has kept a low profile since leaving office, making only a handful of public appearances, including an April speech in which he defended the Social Security Administration against Trump’s planned cuts.

    He has also defended his legacy in interviews and rejected reporting in two new books that he suffered from cognitive decline during his last year in office.

    “They are wrong,” he said earlier this month on ABC’s “The View,” referring to the books’ authors.

    Biden‘s diagnosis triggered an outpouring of supportive statements on Sunday from Democrats and Republicans alike.

    “Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” Harris said in a statement.

    Biden lost a son, Beau Biden, in 2015 due to brain cancer.

    In 2022, Biden revived an Obama-era program known as Cancer Moonshot, seeking to reduce the death rate from cancer by at least 50% over the next 25 years.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH1B upgrade work complete – rail crossing remains closed for now

    Source: Argument for Lifting NZ Super Age

    Traffic will be back using the Holland Road/Marshmeadow Road intersection on Wednesday 21 May, following final surfacing work for the safety upgrade of the State Highway 1B Telephone Road railway crossing.

    While the road will reopen, the rail crossing on Telephone Road itself must remain closed for another couple of months until KiwiRail has completed their signalling work, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    “The signalling work is a vital part of the upgrade to safely allow vehicles to start using the Telephone Road rail crossing once again,” explains NZTA’s Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady.

    “We appreciate this has been a disruptive period and ask the Puketaha community to bear with us for just a couple more months until the crossing can fully reopen.”  

    To prevent vehicles using the rail crossing, shipping containers will be installed across the road tomorrow and remain in place until KiwiRail have completed their work, which is expected to be in late July.

    “Unfortunately pedestrian access across the rail crossing will also no longer be possible, including the Puketaha School students who have been able to walk across twice a day,” Mr Brady says.

    Both Puketaha School and the Ministry of Education, who manage the school bus routes, have been notified.   

    Alongside lowering the risk of vehicles damaging the rail tracks, NZTA has also added escape lanes to ensure vehicles do not get stuck on the crossing at busy times.

    “As we hit the home stretch for the roading component of this project, we’d like to once more thank the community for your patience while SH1B Telephone Road remains closed at the rail crossing.”

    Temporary traffic management will be in place until July showing the SH1B detour around Holland Road, Waverley Road and Seddon Road. This is the same detour that was in place from when the crossing first closed in 2022 until the start of the upgrade project in February this year.

    KiwiRail media queries contact: Sue Allen Sue.Allen@kiwirail.co.nz  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on May 16, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 6,686.90 5.73 5.00-6.80
         I. Call Money 1,699.15 5.56 5.25-5.90
         II. Triparty Repo 3,253.75 5.74 5.00-6.24
         III. Market Repo 41.00 5.25 5.25-5.25
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,693.00 5.88 5.85-6.80
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 14,937.28 5.84 4.90-5.90
         II. Term Money@@ 502.00 – 5.75-6.10
         III. Triparty Repo 3,95,938.75 5.64 5.01-5.80
         IV. Market Repo 1,91,341.70 5.65 3.00-6.13
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Fri, 16/05/2025 3 Mon, 19/05/2025 5,293.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Fri, 16/05/2025 1 Sat, 17/05/2025 340.00 6.25
      Fri, 16/05/2025 2 Sun, 18/05/2025 0.00 6.25
      Fri, 16/05/2025 3 Mon, 19/05/2025 0.00 6.25
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 16/05/2025 1 Sat, 17/05/2025 2,69,415.00 5.75
      Fri, 16/05/2025 2 Sun, 18/05/2025 0.00 5.75
      Fri, 16/05/2025 3 Mon, 19/05/2025 20,494.00 5.75
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -2,84,276.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo Thu, 17/04/2025 43 Fri, 30/05/2025 25,731.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       8,735.56  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     34,466.56  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -2,49,809.44  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on May 16, 2025 9,35,154.12  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending May 16, 2025 9,41,653.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ May 16, 2025 5,293.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on May 02, 2025 2,34,873.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    ^ As per the Press Release No. 2025-2026/91 dated April 11, 2025.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/359

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Estate agent faces court for trading and trust account breaches

    Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

    The high-profile director of a Melbourne real estate agency is facing criminal charges for unlicensed trading and trust account breaches, as Consumer Affairs Victoria continues to crack down on agents who break the law.

    Mark Alexander Reuben, 47, of Greenvale, is the sole director of Reuben Family Pty Ltd (trading as Mark Reuben Projects).

    It is alleged that between August 2022 and October 2024, Reuben and his company:

    • operated without a licence
    • failed to properly manage $400,000 in trust money
    • failed to complete trust account audits.

    Agents who trade without a licence face up to 12 months’ imprisonment or up to $100,000 in fines. Those who fail to deposit trust money into a trust fund or fail to complete audits, risk up to $23,710 per breach, for each year that this applies.

    The matter is listed for a hearing on 23 June 2025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man arrested in FBI bust has thousands in assets restrained

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attribute to Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard

    Police have restrained more than $650,000 in assets, following the arrest of a Wellington-based man on Friday as part of an FBI investigation.

    The man appeared in the Auckland District Court on Friday for his alleged involvement in an organised criminal group that stole cryptocurrency from seven victims valued at US$265M (NZD$450M).

    The Wellington High Court has now issued restraining orders under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 for assets valued at $670,000 including cash held in bank accounts, cash held in a lawyer’s trust account for the purchase of a property, cryptocurrency, and high value goods.

    We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in the United States to recover assets alleged to have been stolen by the organised criminal group.

    An interim name suppression order remains in place.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Women in funded sector unlikely to get pay equity

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government is unlikely to fund pay equity for hospice and Plunket nurses, care and support workers and other workforces made up of mostly women.

    On Thursday Brooke Van Velden told Parliament that she understood that “the Government, under Minister Nicola Willis’ pay equity reset, suggested that the funded sector would not be funded by the Government for pay equity.” 

    The pay equity reset last year also disbanded the pay equity taskforce, but until now it had not been clear the Government was looking to wash its hands of funding pay equity claims for these sectors altogether.

    On Wednesday the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon either didn’t know his government had made that decision or was deliberately hiding the truth about the funded sector.

    “What this could mean is that women in this sector, whose claims have now been extinguished by the law passed two weeks ago, will no longer have a pathway to pay equity,” Labour workplace relations and safety spokesperson Jan Tinetti said.

    “These are the care and support workers who look after our parents and grandparents when they can no longer look after themselves. Who provide dementia and disabled care. Plunket nurses who support new mums, and hospice nurses who provide end of life care.

    “Brooke Van Velden appears to have confirmed on Nicola Willis’ behalf that there isn’t a pathway to raising women’s wages in these sectors, because the Government isn’t intending to contribute to raising their pay.

    “If Nicola Willis never intended to fund pay equity in the funded sector, then she has been stringing women along for months before the law change two weeks ago. Without government support, pay equity in these sectors is unlikely to happen.

    “This is beyond bad faith. It is betrayal,” Jan Tinetti said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Closer cooperation with China to unlock new opportunities in Malaysian palm oil sector

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

    Closer cooperation with China will unlock new commercial opportunities in the palm oil sector, Malaysian Plantation and Commodities Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin said on Sunday.

    Chan, who is leading a delegation on an official visit to China from May 18 to 24, said Malaysia aims to strengthen bilateral trade relations, unlock new commercial opportunities, and drive innovation within Malaysia’s palm oil sector.

    “This official visit underscores Malaysia’s commitment to deepening economic ties with China, enhancing market access for palm oil products, and supporting sustainable growth across key export sectors,” he said in a statement.

    “China is Malaysia’s third-largest importer of palm oil and palm-based products globally, accounting for 10 percent of the total palm oil export value in 2024,” he added.

    Chan will also be attending the Seventh Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Chongqing and will host a roundtable meeting with importers from Western China, noting the growing importance of the region as a major palm oil importer.

    “The meeting will also discuss expanding partnerships in Western China, a region experiencing robust market growth and increasing demand for sustainable raw materials,” he said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lin rolls past Pitchford in world championship debut

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

    Top-ranked Chinese Lin Shidong is aiming to carve his name as world champion after defeating English veteran Liam Pitchford at the World Table Tennis Championships on Sunday.

    Nicknamed “Stone” because his name closely resembles that word in Chinese, Lin pulled away after two close sets to win his opening game 4-0 (11-9, 12-10, 11-2, 11-9).

    “Pitch[ford] is stronger than his ranking,” said Lin of his 54th-rated rival. “When we met last time, the first two sets were also closely-contested, with only two points separating us. He is quick on feet, aggressive and has great serves. I had imagined a tough game against him and prepared very well.”

    Making his world championship debut, Lin admitted his ultimate goal was the top of the podium as he was seeking redemption following his World Cup final loss last month. “A world title plus No. 1 ranking will make a true champion,” he said.

    Brazil’s world No. 3 Hugo Calderano, who had beaten Lin on his way to winning the World Cup, made it to the second round after beating Mexico’s Rogelio Castro in five sets (11-8, 9-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4).

    China’s Lin Gaoyuan had a major scare before he overcame Egyptian Youssef Abdelaziz 4-2 (6-11, 11-2, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7, 11-6).

    On the women’s side, China’s world No. 2 Wang Manyu shared insights with teammate Kuai Man after her 4-1 victory over 19-year-old Zuzanna Wielgos.

    Seeking her second world championship singles title since 2021, Wang dropped the fourth set but won her opening match against the Polish teenager 4-1 (11-3, 11-6, 11-4, 11-13, 11-4).

    “She played way better than what she did in videos that I have collected,” said Wang. “Her offensive is of high quality. Unlike Asian players who are usually good at top-spin attacks, she uses flat shots and backhand flicks more often. I will let Kuai Man know about her style.”

    Wang and Kuai then took on Wielgos and Katarzyna Wegrzyn in their doubles opener, winning 3-0.

    Olympic champions Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, one of the most popular doubles combinations in world sports, swept aside their American rivals at their mixed doubles opener.

    Nicknamed “Shatou” – a combination of Sun’s name and Wang’s pet name, Datou, or “Big Head” – the world No. 8 ranked team defeated Liang Jishan and Amy Wang 11-8, 11-1, 11-9. The second set was so one-sided that Wang struck a backhand return into the net while leading 10-0.

    “We had not paired up for several months before this world championships,” said Wang, referring to their drop on the world rankings.

    Known for their youth and energy, Wang and Sun have signed endorsement deals with brands including Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton and McDonald’s.

    Sun and Wang will now face the Brazilian duo of Calderano and Bruna Takhashi, who advanced over Madagasgar’s Fabio Rakotoarimananah and Hanitra Raharimanana in straight sets.

    The second day action also saw Japanese siblings Miwa and Tomokazu Harimoto shine brightly.

    Teenage sensation Miwa opened her world championship debut with a 4-1 win over Ukrainian veteran Margaryta Pesotska. Her brother Tomokazu, ranked fourth in the world, handed a 4-1 defeat to South Korea’s Lim Jong Hoon.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 19, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 19, 2025.

    What does it mean to ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ all cookies, and which should I choose?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ahmed Ibrahim, Senior Lecturer, Computing and Security, Edith Cowan University Shutterstock/The Conversation It’s nearly impossible to use the internet without being asked about cookies. A typical pop-up will offer to either “accept all” or “reject all”. Sometimes, there may be a third option, or a link to

    What causes ADHD? What we know, don’t know and suspect
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Poulton, Senior Lecturer, Brain Mind Centre Nepean, University of Sydney Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock Neurodevelopmental disorders are a diverse group of conditions that affect the brain from early development. They include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. These conditions usually become more evident

    Pacific children as young as 6 adopted, made to work as house slaves
    By Gill Bonnett, RNZ immigration reporter This story discusses graphic details of slavery, sexual abuse and violence Pacific children as young as six are being adopted overseas and being made to work as house slaves, suffering threats, beatings and rape. Kris Teikamata — a social worker at a community agency — spoke about the harrowing

    Australia launches ‘landmark’ UN police peacekeeping course for Pacific region
    Australia has launched the world’s first UN Police Peacekeeping Training course tailored specifically for the Pacific region. The five-week programme, hosted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), is underway at the state-of-the-art Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub in Pinkenba, Brisbane. AFP said “a landmark step” was developed in partnership with the United Nations, and

    AI is moving fast. Climate policy provides valuable lessons for how to keep it in check
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milica Stilinovic, PhD Candidate, School of Media and Communications; Managing Editor, Policy & Internet journal, University of Sydney cybermagician/Shutterstock Artificial intelligence (AI) might not have been created to enable new forms of sexual violence such as deepfake pornography. But that has been an unfortunate byproduct of the

    1 in 5 Gazans face starvation. Can the law force Israel to act?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University As Israel continues to pound Gaza with airstrikes, killing scores of people a day, the two-month ceasefire that brought a halt to the violence earlier this year feels like a distant memory. Israel’s overall military and political objective

    More people are trying medicinal cannabis for chronic pain. But does it work?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suzanne Nielsen, Professor and Deputy Director, Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock More Australians than ever are being prescribed medicinal cannabis. Medicinal cannabis refers to legally prescribed cannabis products. These are either the plant itself, or naturally occurring ingredients extracted from the plant.

    Why is southern Australia in drought – and when will it end?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chiara Holgate, Senior Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Weather of the 21st Century, Australian National University Artic_photo/Shutterstock Swathes of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia are in the grip of drought as they experience some of the lowest rainfall totals on record. Farmers are

    Wine is still Australia’s most popular alcoholic drink – but many producers face an uncertain future
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Chad, Honorary Fellow, Faculty of Business and Law, School of Business, University of Wollongong kwest/Shutterstock Australia has become world-famous for its wine, but the industry faces an uncertain future. Too many grapes grown amid falling consumer demand, an oversupply of budget wine, and an undersupply of

    Something borrowed, something blue? Why the reign of the traditional wedding dress may be over
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jye Marshall, Lecturer, Fashion Design, School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne University of Technology Wedding Rebellion Workshop, London Ellie Cooper/unsplash The family and friends are all gathered, wedding bells are ringing, and the bride walks down the aisle in her beautiful bubblegum pink wedding dress. Twenty years

    NZ Budget 2025: economic forecasting is notoriously difficult, but global uncertainty is making it harder
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Lecturer in Economics, University of Waikato Javier Ghersi/Getty Images This year’s budget will be one of the tightest in a decade, with the New Zealand government halving its operating allowance – the new money it has available to spend – from NZ$2.4 billion to $1.3

    Why the wall of silence on the Gaza genocide is finally starting to crack
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – As Israel unveils its final genocide push, and mass death from starvation looms in Gaza, Western media and politicians are tentatively starting to speak up ANALYSIS: By Jonathan Cook Who could have imagined 19 months ago that it would take more than a year and a

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Pacific children as young as 6 adopted, made to work as house slaves

    By Gill Bonnett, RNZ immigration reporter

    This story discusses graphic details of slavery, sexual abuse and violence

    Pacific children as young as six are being adopted overseas and being made to work as house slaves, suffering threats, beatings and rape.

    Kris Teikamata — a social worker at a community agency — spoke about the harrowing cases she encountered in her work, from 2019 to 2024, with children who had escaped their abusers in Auckland and Wellington.

    “They’re incredibly traumatised because it’s years and years and years of physical abuse, physical labour and and a lot of the time, sexual abuse, either by the siblings or other family members,” she said.

    “They were definitely threatened, they were definitely coerced and they had no freedom.

    “When I met each girl, [by then] 17, 18, 19 years old, it was like meeting a 50-year-old. The light had gone out of their eyes. They were just really withdrawn and shut down.”

    In one case a church minister raped his adopted daughter and got her pregnant.

    Teikamata and her team helped 10 Samoan teenagers who had managed to escape their homes, and slavery — two boys and eight girls — with health, housing and counselling. She fears they are the tip of the iceberg, and that many remain under lock and key.

    “They were brought over as a child or a teenager, sometimes they knew the family in Samoa, sometimes they didn’t — they had promised them a better life over here, an education and citizenship.

    Social worker Kris Teikamata . . . “They were brought over as a child or a teenager, sometimes they knew the family in Samoa, sometimes they didn’t .” Image: RNZ Pacific

    “When they arrived they would generally always be put into slavery. They would have to get up at 5, 6 in the morning, start cleaning, start breakfast, do the washing, then go to school and then after school again do cleaning and dinner and the chores — and do that everyday until a certain age, until they were workable.

    “Then they were sent out to factories in Auckland or Wellington and their bank account was taken away from them and their Eftpos card. They were given $20 a week.

    “From the age of 16 they were put to work. And they were also not allowed to have a phone — most of them had no contact with family back in Samoa.”

    ‘A thousand kids a year… and it’s still going on’
     Nothing stopped the abusive families from being able to adopt again and they did, she said.

    A recent briefing to ministers reiterated that New Zealanders with criminal histories or significant child welfare records have used overseas courts to approve adoptions, which were recognised under New Zealand law without further checks.

    “When I delved more into it, I just found out that it was a very easy process to adopt from Samoa,” she said.

    “There’s no checks, it’s a very easy process. So about a thousand kids [a year] are today being adopted from Samoa. It’s such a high number — whereas other countries have checks or very robust systems. And it’s still going on.”

    As children, they could not play with friends and all of their movements were controlled.

    Oranga Tamariki uplifted younger children, who were sometimes siblings of older children who had escaped.

    “The ones that I met had escaped and found a friend or were homeless or had reached out to the police.”

    Loving families
    When they were reunited with their birth parents on video calls, it was clear they came from loving families who had been deceived, she said.

    While some adoptive parents faced court for assault, only one has been prosecuted for trafficking.

    Government, police and Oranga Tamariki were aware and in talks with the Samoan government, she said.

    Adoption Action member and researcher Anne Else said several opportunities to overhaul the 70-year-old Adoption Act had been thwarted, and the whole legislation needed ripping up.

    “The entire law needs to be redone, it dates back to 1955 for goodness sake,” she said.

    “But there’s a big difference between understanding how badly and urgently the law needs changing and actually getting it done.

    “Oranga Tamariki are trying, I know, to work with for example Tonga to try and make sure that their law is a bit more conformant with ours, and ensure there are more checks done to avoid these exploitative cases.”

    Sold for adoption
    Children from other countries had been sold for adoption, she said, and the adoption rules depended on which country they came from. Even the Hague Convention, which is supposed to provide safeguards between countries, was no guarantee.

    Immigration minister Erica Stanford said other ministers were looking at what could be done to crack down on trafficking through international adoption.

    “If there are non-genuine adoptions and and potential trafficking, we need to get on top of that,” she sad.

    “It falls outside of the legislation that I am responsible for, but there are other ministers who have it on their radars because we’re all worried about it. I’ve read a recent report on it and it was pretty horrifying. So it is being looked at.”

    A meeting was held between New Zealand and Samoan authorities in March. A summary of discussions said it focused on aligning policies, information sharing, and “culturally grounded frameworks” that uphold the rights, identity, and wellbeing of children, following earlier work in 2018 and 2021.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parakao homicide investigation: Updated appeal

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Northland Police are continuing an appeal for information in relation to the death of Whangārei man Geoffrey Ware.

    A homicide investigation has been underway since the 55-year-old’s body was found at his Parakao home on May 9.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, of Whangārei CIB, says a portal has been set up for any photos or video that could assist the case.

    “Police are still seeking information and sightings in the areas Mangakahia Road, Otaika Valley Road and State Highway 14 towards Whangārei, between 2pm and 8pm on Friday, May 9,” she says.

    “We are also interested in sightings of a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 ute, and a man reportedly seen walking along SH14 that afternoon and evening.”That portal link is https://cossar.nc3.govt.nz/

    Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says the enquiry team is continuing to follow strong lines of enquiry.

    “Police would like to thank members of the public who’ve provided information to the enquiry team to date.”

    Anyone with additional information can also update Police online now or call 105 using the file number 250509/6749.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What causes ADHD? What we know, don’t know and suspect

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Poulton, Senior Lecturer, Brain Mind Centre Nepean, University of Sydney

    Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock

    Neurodevelopmental disorders are a diverse group of conditions that affect the brain from early development. They include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.

    These conditions usually become more evident over time. This is because delays in the skills a child is expected to have developed at each age become more apparent.

    ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects around 8-10% of children and 2-5% of adults.

    ADHD affects a person’s efficiency at completing tasks (for example, because they get distracted) and their behaviour (such as losing things or struggling to pay attention).

    ADHD can affect all aspects of functioning including problems learning and maintaining friendships. If undiagnosed, the challenges are likely to persist and may lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

    How is it diagnosed?

    There is no specific genetic or brain abnormality that causes ADHD and no single reliable test to diagnose it.

    A formal diagnosis depends on whether a child shows at least six of the diagnostic criteria for inattention (at least five for adults) and/or at least six of the criteria for hyperactivity-impulsivity (at least five for adults). These have to persist for at least six months.

    The diagnostic criteria include:

    • difficulty concentrating (for example, trouble listening, poor attention to detail, not getting tasks finished)

    • hyperactivity (including fidgeting, feeling restless and running around, constantly chatting)

    • impulsivity (for example, interrupting conversations and games, difficulty waiting their turn).

    Not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive. For people with inattentive-type ADHD, their main difficulty is inattention, for example, concentrating consistently on everyday tasks that are not particularly interesting.

    If someone meets the criteria for hyperactivity-impulsivity and for inattention, they have combined-type ADHD.

    How reliable is diagnosis?

    One problem with these criteria is they’re not specific to ADHD. For example, difficulties concentrating can also be a symptom of depression.

    This is why it’s not enough to simply tick a symptom checklist. The formal diagnostic criteria emphasise these symptoms must interfere with daily functioning.

    The key question is: are ADHD symptoms causing day-to-day problems or holding this person back?

    What this means will vary from person to person, depending on what their everyday activities involve.

    For example, someone may struggle to concentrate at school but excel later on in a creative career such as photography, or in a high-intensity job with hard deadlines, such as journalism.

    It also means a person may only meet the full diagnostic criteria at certain stages of their life. Subthreshold ADHD – when someone meets some criteria but not enough for a diagnosis – can still cause significant difficulties.

    Gender differences

    Boys aged between four and 11 are up to four times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls.

    This may partly be because the diagnostic criteria are especially good at identifying hyperactive young boys. But they are not as effective for girls, particularly those who are not hyperactive or disruptive, or who try to hide their difficulties concentrating.

    Girls and women are likely to be diagnosed later and show more “internalising symptoms”, such as depression. However the rate of underdiagnosis in girls has been improving over the last four decades.

    The gender disparity also evens out with age. The female proportion of young adults diagnosed with ADHD is closer to half (38%).

    Adults may first notice symptoms of ADHD when managing significant life changes.
    Maria Svetlychnaja/Shutterstock

    What about genetics?

    There is also a strong genetic component. Heritability for ADHD is around 70–80%. This describes how much of the person-to-person differences in ADHD are due to genetics, rather than environmental influences.

    The more closely someone is related to a person with ADHD – in other words, the more genes they have in common – the more likely they are to have ADHD.

    However the genetics are complex. It’s not as simple as finding a gene or selection of genes “responsible” for ADHD.

    For example, early research linked ADHD to six genes that target neurotransmission (how the brain sends chemical signals). But the effect of each gene was small.

    ADHD is now understood to be a polygenic disorder, with thousands of common genetic variants involved.

    Each of these genes is capable of making a discrete but minuscule contribution to the overall expression of ADHD. Because these genes are common, the traits of ADHD are distributed throughout the population, with no clearly defined cut-off between those who do and do not have the condition.

    Within a family, the interaction between shared genetics and a shared environment (their household) make it difficult to study these separately.

    Does environment play a role?

    A supportive family can help a child with ADHD cope better with everyday tasks, as parents often adapt their parenting style to their child’s behaviour. This may mask the ADHD and delay diagnosis.

    But if one or both parents also has ADHD, this may affect their parenting style. It can be difficult to determine how much of that child’s behaviour is due to their inherited ADHD, and how much to the family environment and parenting.

    Studies have also shown children who are relatively young for their year when they start school have higher rates of treatment for ADHD. This points to their environment playing a role in when their ADHD is diagnosed, but not necessarily its cause.

    For more information about ADHD, as well as information about support groups, visit the ADHD foundation or ADHD Australia websites.

    Alison Poulton is a member of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association and ADHD Australia. She has received personal fees and non-financial support from Shire/Takeda; and book royalties from Disruptive Publishing (ADHD Made Simple).

    – ref. What causes ADHD? What we know, don’t know and suspect – https://theconversation.com/what-causes-adhd-what-we-know-dont-know-and-suspect-241119

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What causes ADHD? What we know, don’t know and suspect

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Alison Poulton, Senior Lecturer, Brain Mind Centre Nepean, University of Sydney

    Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock

    Neurodevelopmental disorders are a diverse group of conditions that affect the brain from early development. They include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.

    These conditions usually become more evident over time. This is because delays in the skills a child is expected to have developed at each age become more apparent.

    ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects around 8-10% of children and 2-5% of adults.

    ADHD affects a person’s efficiency at completing tasks (for example, because they get distracted) and their behaviour (such as losing things or struggling to pay attention).

    ADHD can affect all aspects of functioning including problems learning and maintaining friendships. If undiagnosed, the challenges are likely to persist and may lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

    How is it diagnosed?

    There is no specific genetic or brain abnormality that causes ADHD and no single reliable test to diagnose it.

    A formal diagnosis depends on whether a child shows at least six of the diagnostic criteria for inattention (at least five for adults) and/or at least six of the criteria for hyperactivity-impulsivity (at least five for adults). These have to persist for at least six months.

    The diagnostic criteria include:

    • difficulty concentrating (for example, trouble listening, poor attention to detail, not getting tasks finished)

    • hyperactivity (including fidgeting, feeling restless and running around, constantly chatting)

    • impulsivity (for example, interrupting conversations and games, difficulty waiting their turn).

    Not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive. For people with inattentive-type ADHD, their main difficulty is inattention, for example, concentrating consistently on everyday tasks that are not particularly interesting.

    If someone meets the criteria for hyperactivity-impulsivity and for inattention, they have combined-type ADHD.

    How reliable is diagnosis?

    One problem with these criteria is they’re not specific to ADHD. For example, difficulties concentrating can also be a symptom of depression.

    This is why it’s not enough to simply tick a symptom checklist. The formal diagnostic criteria emphasise these symptoms must interfere with daily functioning.

    The key question is: are ADHD symptoms causing day-to-day problems or holding this person back?

    What this means will vary from person to person, depending on what their everyday activities involve.

    For example, someone may struggle to concentrate at school but excel later on in a creative career such as photography, or in a high-intensity job with hard deadlines, such as journalism.

    It also means a person may only meet the full diagnostic criteria at certain stages of their life. Subthreshold ADHD – when someone meets some criteria but not enough for a diagnosis – can still cause significant difficulties.

    Gender differences

    Boys aged between four and 11 are up to four times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls.

    This may partly be because the diagnostic criteria are especially good at identifying hyperactive young boys. But they are not as effective for girls, particularly those who are not hyperactive or disruptive, or who try to hide their difficulties concentrating.

    Girls and women are likely to be diagnosed later and show more “internalising symptoms”, such as depression. However the rate of underdiagnosis in girls has been improving over the last four decades.

    The gender disparity also evens out with age. The female proportion of young adults diagnosed with ADHD is closer to half (38%).

    Adults may first notice symptoms of ADHD when managing significant life changes.
    Maria Svetlychnaja/Shutterstock

    What about genetics?

    There is also a strong genetic component. Heritability for ADHD is around 70–80%. This describes how much of the person-to-person differences in ADHD are due to genetics, rather than environmental influences.

    The more closely someone is related to a person with ADHD – in other words, the more genes they have in common – the more likely they are to have ADHD.

    However the genetics are complex. It’s not as simple as finding a gene or selection of genes “responsible” for ADHD.

    For example, early research linked ADHD to six genes that target neurotransmission (how the brain sends chemical signals). But the effect of each gene was small.

    ADHD is now understood to be a polygenic disorder, with thousands of common genetic variants involved.

    Each of these genes is capable of making a discrete but minuscule contribution to the overall expression of ADHD. Because these genes are common, the traits of ADHD are distributed throughout the population, with no clearly defined cut-off between those who do and do not have the condition.

    Within a family, the interaction between shared genetics and a shared environment (their household) make it difficult to study these separately.

    Does environment play a role?

    A supportive family can help a child with ADHD cope better with everyday tasks, as parents often adapt their parenting style to their child’s behaviour. This may mask the ADHD and delay diagnosis.

    But if one or both parents also has ADHD, this may affect their parenting style. It can be difficult to determine how much of that child’s behaviour is due to their inherited ADHD, and how much to the family environment and parenting.

    Studies have also shown children who are relatively young for their year when they start school have higher rates of treatment for ADHD. This points to their environment playing a role in when their ADHD is diagnosed, but not necessarily its cause.

    For more information about ADHD, as well as information about support groups, visit the ADHD foundation or ADHD Australia websites.

    Alison Poulton is a member of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association and ADHD Australia. She has received personal fees and non-financial support from Shire/Takeda; and book royalties from Disruptive Publishing (ADHD Made Simple).

    – ref. What causes ADHD? What we know, don’t know and suspect – https://theconversation.com/what-causes-adhd-what-we-know-dont-know-and-suspect-241119

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Manukau Domain upgrades complete

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    Better connections around the Manukau Domain have been unlocked with a new walking track now open.

    The paths consist of a new track, linking with the Opened Stone sculpture, and a second path connecting to the existing Manukau Domain track. 

    Chair Ella Kumar is excited the improved connections on the domain are completed.

    “It’s great to see so many Puketāpapa projects in action, such as the Waikowhai boardwalk and coastal tracks, as well as now better connections on Manukau Domain.  

    “We live in a beautiful and coastal part of Tāmaki Makaurau, and the board is providing investment to unlock greenspace for the community to enjoy these picturesque spaces.” 

    The new 133-metre pathway is the result of early advocacy from Lynfield residents.

    Opened Stone is one of five artworks created as part of the 1971 International Sculpture Symposium. The red granite sculpture by the late Japanese sculptor Hiroaki Ueda was inspired by traditional Shinto shrines. 

    The sculpture stood outside the Auckland Art Gallery for 35 years and was reinstalled in Manukau Domain in 2016. 

    Stay updated

    Sign up for monthly local E news and receive the latest information and events direct to your inbox here or follow @maungakiekietamaki on Facebook here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia launches ‘landmark’ UN police peacekeeping course for Pacific region

    Australia has launched the world’s first UN Police Peacekeeping Training course tailored specifically for the Pacific region.

    The five-week programme, hosted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), is underway at the state-of-the-art Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub in Pinkenba, Brisbane.

    AFP said “a landmark step” was developed in partnership with the United Nations, and brings together 100 police officers for training.

    AFP Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale said the programme was the result of a long-standing, productive relationship between Australia and the United Nations.

    Gale said it was launched in response to growing regional ambitions to contribute more actively to international peacekeeping efforts.

    Participating nations are Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

    “This course supports your enduring contribution and commitment to UN missions in supporting global peace and security efforts,” AFP Northern Command acting assistant commissioner Caroline Taylor said.

    Pacific Command commander Phillippa Connel said the AFP had been in peacekeeping for more than four decades “and it is wonderful to be asked to undertake what is a first for the United Nations”.

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

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 10 days of TLC for Mason Bay homestead |

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    By Sarah Wilcox

    Volunteers atop Big Sandhill looking south to the Ernest Islands and The Gutter | Riki Everest

    In January 2025, I was part of a volunteer crew doing maintenance work on the Island Hill Homestead near Rakiura Stewart Island’s west coast.

    As one of the oldest buildings on the island it holds a significant place in local history. It’s named after Island Hill, a granite mound you pass on the track between Mason Bay and Freshwater Huts.  

    The homestead, woolshed and grounds have been cared for by DOC since 1987. The buildings are used as a work base by staff, hut wardens, contractors and research students. It’s been especially useful for accommodating people working on the dune restoration and pukunui (southern dotterel) projects in the bay.  

    My husband Mark and I had passed the homestead on previous tramping trips. We spent a memorable evening there with the hut wardens eating fresh pikelets on the porch, reading from old logbooks and being investigated by several kiwi.   

    When we spotted the opportunity for a 10-day volunteer stint, we decided to apply. We loved the idea of spending time in remote and beautiful Mason Bay, living in the historic homestead and giving something back.  

    A short history of Island Hill Homestead 

    The homestead was built in 1880 and housed farmers and their families for nearly 90 years. Many were familiar local names: William Walker, Arthur and Mateen Traill, Stanford and Dolly Leask and Tim and Ngaire Te Aika.  

    The site oozes struggle, refuge and resourcefulness. It feels isolated today but would have been extraordinarily remote in the 19th century. Prevailing westerly winds sweep up the valley, with a macrocarpa wind break providing some shelter from the worst of the gales.  

    Some farmers profited from grazing sheep and cattle on the marginal land, but it was never easy. Hardly surprising. Half sand dune, half wetland, the land required a network of drainage ditches to get enough grass to grow. Access was also challenging. It was heavy work to maintain a road to Freshwater Landing across the ‘chocolate swamp’, but even that was better than loading a ship on the wild Mason Bay coast. 

    Besides its place in local history, this building is the world’s southernmost woolshed | Sarah Wilcox
    The wool press was recently returned to this site from the Rakiura Museum | Sarah Wilcox

    Most residents added on to or modified the homestead during their time, so it tells the story of their habitation. I read of an abundant vegetable garden next to the house in 1916. 

    The Te Aika family lived there from 1966 and Ngaire home-schooled their two daughters. Historian Olga Sansom describes finding them, “dressed for school…with shoes polished, hair well-groomed and with neat, pleated skirts and white blouses like any other college girls.” 

    In 1986, the Te Aika family relinquished the farm’s lease to the Crown because it had become uneconomic.  

    I enjoyed making bread in the homestead kitchen, following in a long line of farm cooks | Sarah Wilcox

    Fast forward to 2025 

    We arrived after a 10-minute helicopter flight across the island. No ancient farmers were there to meet us – just a gorgeous warm summer’s day and hundreds of bumble bees. The bees are thought to descend for the kanuka flowering and are madly attracted to anything blue. We had been warned – and had studiously removed everything blue from our clothing and kit.  

    Also in our group were volunteers Janet Dunn and Dugald Wilson. Riki Everest from Rakiura Māori Lands Trust and Jaega Banga, ranger also came for a few days each. The trip was led by Andrew King, supervisor, Rakiura National Park.  

    From left Mark Wilcox, Dugald Wilson, Andrew King, the author and Janet Dunn pause for morning tea on the homestead porch | Sarah Wilcox

    Andrew loves this place. “I’ve been coming out here for 20 years. I have a keen interest in all the historic work, because you have to keep the stories alive”.  

    The stories of previous inhabitants were told as he showed us around the area – homestead, woolshed, shower, implement shed and nearby trampers’ and hunters’ huts – and hinted at our work ahead.  

    Looking after a heritage building 

    There were a couple of big jobs for us – build and fit a new window to replace a rotten one, and build and install a new kitchen cupboard. There were also lots of small maintenance jobs to work through depending on the weather and how long things took. 

    “We’re careful to respect the building’s heritage values, and change as little as possible. So we don’t fill over screw heads or try and make things look new. I name and date all the new cabinetry we fit and document everything.  

    “Borer is a big issue. We’re slowly replacing anything that’s too bad to restore. If you can’t hold it then you replace it with like for like, as much as possible. I use wood collected from the beach, look out for second-hand timber and source macrocarpa for the interior so it fits in. It’s more effort but it’s worth it.”  

    Every morning after breakfast we talked about work for the day and people chose what they wanted to do. Andrew would patiently explain the tasks and how to do them. There was never any time pressure.  

    I’d often hear an encouraging “gettin’ there”, “there’s no hurry” or “looking good” as Andrew kept a weather eye on our progress.  

    I think this relaxed attentiveness really paid off with a happy crew, no injuries (just one bee sting for me) and only a few fixable mistakes.   

    A steady stream of trampers stopped to say hello on their way through. We enjoyed showing them around the site and talking about our work.  

    Dolly Leask excavated and planted this waterlily pond at her former home, just north of Martin’s Creek Hunters Hut | Sarah Wilcox
    Many unusual plants like Craspedia uniflora are flourishing as marram in the dunes is controlled | Sarah Wilcox
    Long evenings allowed for trips as a couple to explore the area, look for kiwi and have some time out. Here, stunning evening light seen from Big Sandpass | Sarah Wilcox

    Jobs done – and done well 

    Janet, Dugald and Andrew (kneeling) working on the new window | Sarah Wilcox

    What we did achieve over the time was significant:

    • built and fitted a new window
    • applied wood preservative to fence and woolshed
    • scraped back and repainted window exteriors
    • cleaned gutters on homestead and Mason Bay Hut
    • set traps – 1 possum, 1 feral cat caught
    • built and fitted new kitchen cupboard, sanded and cleaned original doors to reuse
    • put in new fence posts
    • scraped rust off tractors and wool press and applied metal preservative
    • cleaned Mason Bay Hut and toilets
    • cut long grass beside the woolshed
    • sorted timber in woodshed
    • replaced borer-ridden skirting boards
    • cleaned homestead and swept woolshed
    • shared out the cooking and dishes

    Mark and Riki at work scraping rust off the old Massey Ferguson tractor before metal preservative was applied | Sarah Wilcox

    One job I particularly enjoyed was re-wallpapering a kitchen wall. This involved choosing from a stash of period rolls in the back cupboard, applying scrim (what a marvellous way to prep a rough wooden wall!), then sticking up the fresh wallpaper. It was hugely satisfying to put all the spreads, spices and sauces back into the new, clean cupboard that others had built, knowing it would be well-used in years to come.    

    With a wry smile and twinkle in his eye, Andrew clearly got huge satisfaction from enabling us to be stretched a bit while making sure the jobs were done to a high standard.  

    “The value of this project is introducing people to what DOC workers do. We teach them a lot of new stuff but it goes both ways – we learn off each other.”  

    He says the Stewart Island visitor and heritage team has always been very strong on using volunteers as hut wardens and on historic, hut cleaning and painting trips and track trimming trips.   

    “We do a lot of hours with volunteers every year.”  

    Māori history and archaeological sites 

    European history on the island is short compared with the centuries-old association that Māori have with Rakiura and its offshore islands – especially the tītī islands.  

    Riki Everest joined us for the first part of the trip. He’s a captivating storyteller and former pāua diver who now lives on the island.  

    “We grew up on the legends of Tim Te Aika and George, Stanford and Dolly Leask. When you come into this place and see the state of the buildings and how hard it would have been for them as pioneers, you pay homage to those who’ve been on the land before you. They don’t have to be Māori to be legends.” 

    On our second day in perfect weather, Andrew took us all on a walkabout in the dunes to check on the mapped iwi archaeological sites in the area. Unfortunately most had been covered by sand and weren’t visible. Others had been swamped by fast-growing weedy lupins. 

    Possibly a shell midden, one of many iwi archaeological sites in the bay | Sarah Wilcox
    Riki on his way to the beach to catch a fixed-wing flight back to Halfmoon Bay | Sarah Wilcox

    Undeterred, Riki is keen to come back to look around on his own another time. 

    “It was a complete privilege to come over to Mason’s on behalf of the trust and spend time here. My cup is just a wee bit full.” 

    Riki says he’s really impressed that DOC wants to strengthen ties.   

    “We feel the same, it’s absolutely reciprocal. We’re all kaitiaki of Rakiura.  

    “I think DOC is an incredible resource. They have all the protocols in place to care for the iwi sites and the best people – experts with years of experience. We can learn a lot from them and they’re really willing to teach. I can’t thank them enough.”  

    About the Southland Volunteer Programme  

    The Southland volunteer programme has been running for 20 years.  

    Andrew explains that the organisers are not looking for specific skills but for a mixture of people.  

    “It can be couples or single people – anyone can do it. Everyone has different skills but everyone is keen to learn. Most volunteers haven’t done any building work or anything like this before. I’ve found the older ones easier to manage and more keen to get out than some of the younger ones!” 

    Good food made for happy volunteers. When faced with a large meal, we were urged to “put on our big boy pants” to reduce leftovers for the next day | Sarah Wilcox

    So what makes a great volunteer experience? Here are Andrew’s top tips: 

    Food is very important, so everyone normally gets fed well. (Superb understatement by Andrew – the food was generous and hearty!)  

    If people don’t want to do something they’re usually pretty honest about it. It’s got to be that open conversation right from the start. 

    I like to give people the knowledge they need to do a job then let them get on with it. I encourage questions.  

    There’s no rush, if it doesn’t get done one day, there’s always another day. 

    10 days can be a long time for some, so the trick is to make sure everyone gets along and respects each other. If there are any niggles we get onto it pretty quickly. 

    More information
    Southland, Otago and Fiordland volunteer activities information: Southland volunteer opportunities
    History of Island Hill Run and Homestead: Rakiura National Park

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China clinch two titles at badminton Thailand Open

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

    China claimed titles in the women’s singles and mixed doubles at the 2025 Thailand Open on Sunday, while Malaysian shuttlers swept both the men’s and women’s doubles events.

    In the women’s singles final, Chen Yufei of China won the gold medal with a convincing straight-set victory over Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong, 21-16, 21-12, in just 48 minutes.

    Winner Chen Yufei (R) of China and runner-up Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand pose during the awarding ceremony for the women’s singles at the Thailand Open 2025 badminton tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, May 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

    Chen said after the match that although the week wasn’t particularly challenging overall, each round presented unique difficulties — including the final, where she still made some unforced errors. She noted that her physical condition has improved since returning to the court, but she is still working to regain the speed and aggression she had previously.

    “My priority now is to improve my ranking to make sure that I have a good draw at each tournament, but I will also balance that with my physical condition to avoid injury,” said Chen, who ranks No. 8 in the latest world rankings.

    In the mixed doubles final, Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping defeated teammates Gao Jiaxuan and Wu Mengying 24-22, 21-16. The first set was tightly contested, but the experienced pair of Feng and Huang prevailed under pressure and went on to close out the match in the second set. After the match, Huang praised their younger teammates for their strong performance.

    “They created immense difficulties for us during the match. They tried their best to challenge us, like how we used to do against top players when we were young,” said Huang.

    Malaysia delivered a strong showing in the doubles events. In the women’s doubles final, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan overcame South Korea’s Jeong Na-eun and Lee Yeon-woo 21-16, 21-17. In the men’s doubles final, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik edged Denmark’s William Kryger Boe and Christian Faust Kjaer in a hard-fought match, 20-22, 21-17, 21-12.

    In the men’s singles final, Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn thrilled the home crowd with a three-set victory over Denmark’s Anders Antonsen.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Verstappen storms to victory in thrilling Emilia-Romagna GP

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

    Max Verstappen claimed his second victory of the 2025 Formula One season on Sunday, passing Oscar Piastri on the opening lap and withstanding late pressure to win an entertaining Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

    Starting from second on the grid, the Red Bull driver swept around the outside of polesitter Piastri at the Tamburello chicane and never looked back, maintaining control through strategic pit stops and two caution periods.

    Piastri, who led the field into Turn 1, was among a handful of drivers to pit early, while Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris stayed out on medium-compound tires. The strategy backfired for Piastri, who struggled to make progress on fresh rubber as the mediums held up better than expected.

    A mid-race Virtual Safety Car, triggered by Esteban Ocon’s retired Haas, allowed Verstappen to make a pit stop without surrendering the lead. The Dutchman built a comfortable 19-second advantage over Norris before a full Safety Car erased his gap following Kimi Antonelli’s breakdown.

    Verstappen, however, controlled the restart and gradually pulled away from both McLarens over the final laps.

    “The start itself wasn’t great, but I stayed on the normal line and thought, ‘I’m going to try it around the outside,’ and it worked,” Verstappen said.

    “That move gave me the lead, and once in front, the car was really good. I could manage the tires and the pace.”

    The Dutchman credited his team’s flawless execution: “The Virtual Safety Car came at the right time for us. Even after the restart on the hard compound, the pace was strong. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team. Strategy, pit stops, everything was spot on.”

    Norris passed Piastri with five laps to go to finish second, having preserved his tires for a late push. The Australian, who had led the championship heading into the weekend, cut a frustrated figure at the end of a race that never fully came to him.

    Lewis Hamilton finished a strong fourth after qualifying 12th, delivering a solid recovery drive for Ferrari on home soil. Williams’ Alex Albon produced one of the standout performances of the day, finishing fifth.

    Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc followed in sixth, ahead of George Russell, who faded to seventh after running third early in the race. Williams capped a successful day with Carlos Sainz finishing eighth, while Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar took ninth.

    Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the top 10 for Red Bull, recovering from a pit lane start after a heavy qualifying crash.

    Piastri remains atop the drivers’ standings with 146 points, but his lead has narrowed. Norris climbs to 133 points, with Verstappen close behind on 124.

    In the constructors’ championship, McLaren extends its advantage with 279 points. Mercedes sits second on 147, with Red Bull third on 131.

    The eighth round of the season is next weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, on May 25.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: One to appear in court following aggravated robbery, Ashhurst

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant David Thompson, Manawatu Area Investigations Manager

    A 20-year-old man is before the courts following an aggravated robbery in Ashhurst.

    On Saturday 17 May, Police were alerted to a person armed with a weapon entering a commercial premises on Cambridge Avenue at around 2pm.

    The alleged offender threatened the store employee with the weapon before demanding and taking cash.

    Prior to Police arrival, the man left the area in a vehicle.

    Thankfully, the employee is uninjured, however is understandably shaken by the incident.

    After initial enquiries, Police identified the alleged offender and a vehicle of interest.

    At around 9am today, a Police unit saw the vehicle of interest on Napier Road.

    The vehicle was signalled to stop and a 20-year-old man was taken into custody without incident.

    The man is due to appear in Palmerston North District on 20 May, charged with aggravated robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

    We are pleased to have made an arrest and put this man before the court in relation to this matter.

    This type of offending creates harm not only to the victims involved but the wider community as well, and we will continue to find, arrest and hold the offenders responsible.

    We would like to remind the public to contact Police as soon as possible if you see suspicious or unlawful behaviour.

    Please call 111 if it is happening now, or 105 in non-emergencies.

    ENDS

    Issue by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gerontechnology: A Scoping Review of Telehealth and Ageing in Place Initiatives for Kaumātua with a Focus on Dementia and Loneliness

    Source: ppta-logo-38

    This brief was written by Rangimahora Reddy, the inaugural Ageing Well Fellow during her time working with the Office of the Chief Science Advisor as a part of the Ageing Well National Science Challenge.

    The Brief includes:

    1. a summary of the ageing landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a specific focus on kaumātua
    2. key findings from a review of the literature focused on systematic and scoping reviews involving older adults and caregivers, looking at technological innovations, interventions for cognitive improvement, dementia care strategies, and efforts to reduce loneliness and social isolation
    3. recommendations to inform practice, policy, and future actions to improve the access, design, implementation, and adoption of gerontechnology solutions for kaumātua. These recommendations include implications for New Zealand and next steps including areas for future research.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have your say on the future use of Western Springs Stadium

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    Aucklanders are invited to provide feedback to help shape the future use of Western Springs Stadium.

    This public consultation, led by Auckland Council and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, is open for feedback, from today until 15 June 2025. It follows direction from the council’s Governing Body on 1 May 2025 to seek public feedback before making a decision on the stadium’s long-term use.

    There are three options outlined in the consultation document that the council seeks feedback on. These are either Auckland Arena, Western Springs Bowl, or an option that ranges from keeping things as they are to suggesting something different for the future of the stadium.

    Max Hardy, Auckland Council’s Director of Group Strategy and Chief Executive’s Office, encourages the community to say how they’d prefer to see the outer fields and stadium used at Western Springs.

    “Western Springs has a rich and layered history – from the time when tuna, that’s eels, were fished in the springs, to its use as a vital water reservoir for the city, and later a stadium for speedway, sport, and iconic concerts. Now’s the time to tell us what you’d like to see here in the future” says Mr Hardy.

    Nick Hill, Chief Executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), also looks forward to seeing where the community support lies for this important and underused venue in Auckland’s stadium network.

    “Western Springs Stadium is a special place with huge potential to evolve and meet the needs of our vibrant city and region. TAU ran an expression of interest process that resulted in two strong options, and we look forward to hearing what Aucklanders want to see happen to the site,” says Mr Hill.

    The three options identified for public consideration are:

    Option 1: Auckland Arena – A bespoke 12,500–15,000 capacity stadium with high-performance facilities and outer fields. Community use would include indoor basketball and padel courts. Proposed commercial activity includes hospitality options and a health centre.

    Option 2: Western Springs Bowl – A permanent music and festival venue with a capacity of 50,000, using the natural amphitheatre and installing new permanent staging infrastructure. A 5,000 – 8,000 seated boutique stadium and community sport facility with clubrooms, a corporate hospitality venue and gym. This option would remain a community sports facility and the home of Ponsonby Rugby Club. 

    Option 3: neither option 1 or 2; instead keep things as they are or explore other ideas – Existing arrangements could be kept. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited would manage and operate the venue for concerts and festivals and the Ponsonby Rugby Club lease could be extended. Alternative options for the venue could be explored. 

    There are a number of ways to have your say. These include completing the online feedback form and attending Have Your Say Events for regional organisations and interest groups.

    There will also be online information session on the evening of 27 May, where you can find out more about the options and ask questions.

    This consultation follows an expression of interest process carried out by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, which owns and operates Western Springs Stadium with funding from Auckland Council. Two redevelopment proposals emerged through that process, with the addition of the third option of keeping things as they are or exploring other ideas. 

    Public feedback will help inform a decision on the future of Western Springs Stadium.

    Feedback on the Western Springs Stadium consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 15 June 2025.

    For more information, go to AK Have Your Say

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland flood project wins prestigious award

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    A project that’s transforming how Auckland deals with flooding has just taken home one of the top awards in the country.

    At the recent Stormwater Conference and Expo Gala, the Ports of Auckland Outfall project was named Project of the Year, a big win for the team behind it.

    The project, a collaboration between Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters, McConnell Dowell, and GHD, tackled a serious problem: regular flooding in Auckland’s Eastern CBD and Stanley Street area. This flooding threatened key infrastructure assets like Britomart Station, Spark Arena, and the Ports of Auckland.

    To solve it, the team pulled off a New Zealand first.

    They used a unique underground tunnelling technique, combined with what’s called an “inverted siphon”, to build a new stormwater outfall.

    This system runs deep below Quay Street and through the Ports area, using twin pipes that now carry stormwater safely into the Waitematā Harbour.

    Working under active train lines, historic sea walls, and a live port environment was no easy feat. But with close cooperation from KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and local businesses, the team made it happen without major disruption.

    Looking down into the inverted siphon machine on Quay Street.

    “I want to congratulate everyone in the team on this well-deserved award,” says Craig McIlroy, General Manager Healthy Waters & Flood Resilience.

    “As we have seen through various extreme rain events, the climate change impact of flooding to the Auckland region has caused unprecedented disruption.

    “The dedication and mahi that went into the project shows the strength of their collaborative approach in preparing for the future.”

    One of the keys to their success was a special tunnelling machine that safely dug a 300-meter tunnel with minimal surface impact. Safety was front and centre throughout the process, and smart planning helped keep costs in check while speeding up construction.

    Inverted siphon tunneling machine at work below Quay Street.

    This isn’t just a win for the project team, it’s a big step forward for Auckland. The new outfall significantly reduces the risk of flooding downtown, making the city more resilient as extreme weather becomes more common. It also sets the stage for future growth, capping off nearly 20 years of careful planning.

    In short, this award-winning project shows how smart ideas and strong teamwork can solve even the toughest urban challenges.

    The Healthy Waters team came away with a further two awards on the night; Sarah Nolan won the Young Stormwater Professional of the Year and Rachel Devine as co-author of the winning Stormwater Paper of the Year for her work on the Auckland Central Library green roof.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Homecoming of 2,300-year-old silk manuscripts

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

    The ancient Zidanku Silk Manuscripts from the Warring States period are displayed during a handover ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in the United States in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In the predawn hours of Sunday, a commercial flight from Washington D.C. touched down in Beijing carrying an extraordinary cultural payload — a collection of ancient Chinese silk manuscript fragments, dating back to the Warring States period (475-221 BC).

    Unknown to most passengers, their journey coincided with one of China’s most significant cultural repatriations to date.

    Returned by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art on Friday, the fragments are from “Wuxing Ling” and “Gongshou Zhan,” the latter two volumes of the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts. Time has been kind to the first volume, which remains largely intact, albeit outside China.

    Collectively, the silk manuscripts, containing more than 900 Chinese characters, are the earliest examples of silk text discovered to date and the oldest classical Chinese book in the true sense.

    “Wuxing Ling” consists of lunar month illustrations paired with explanatory texts, recording seasonal taboos and auspicious practices throughout the year.

    “Gongshou Zhan” features texts arranged in a rare circular formation that are read clockwise, indicating the favorable and unfavorable directions, dates, and timing for attacking and defending cities.

    The Zidanku Silk Manuscripts predate the renowned “Dead Sea Scrolls” by over a century. These extraordinary texts provide a window into ancient Chinese cosmology, temporal philosophy, and interpretations of human existence.

    The documents hold pivotal significance for the study of ancient Chinese characters and literature, as well as Chinese academic and ideological history, said professor Li Ling from Peking University, who has spent over 40 years tracing the manuscripts’ provenance.

    Tomb raiders stole the silk manuscripts from a Chu-state tomb at the Zidanku site in Changsha, Hunan Province, in 1942. Four years later, the silk manuscripts were smuggled out of China.

    The return of these manuscripts has been a source of inspiration for many Chinese. “Welcome home, national treasures. I hope more cultural relics lost overseas can be repatriated soon,” commented a user on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

    The repatriation was facilitated, among other factors, by an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between China and the United States, which imposes import restrictions on Chinese archaeological materials and cultural artifacts. First signed in January 2009 and renewed in 2014 and 2019, the MoU was most recently extended for another five years beginning Jan. 14, 2024.

    The MoU covers classified archaeological materials from the Paleolithic period through the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), as well as monumental sculptures and wall art over 250 years old. Between 2009 and 2023, it helped facilitated the return of 504 items or sets of Chinese artifacts from the United States.

    Nevertheless, the repatriation of cultural artifacts displaced throughout history that fall outside the scope of applicable international conventions remains a challenge in cultural heritage governance.

    After assembling a robust chain of evidence regarding the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts, China formally issued a memorandum to the Smithsonian Institution demanding the return of the “Wuxing Ling” and “Gongshou Zhan” on April 30, 2024.

    Following extensive consultations based on dialogue and cooperation, supported by thorough tracing research, the National Museum of Asian Art has agreed to return the cultural treasures to China.

    As the morning sun rose, “Wuxing Ling” and “Gongshou Zhan” were back home and on their way to the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA)’s repository.

    They will be shown at the National Museum of China in July, alongside other repatriated cultural artifacts.

    Remarkably, 2,310 items or sets of lost Chinese cultural relics have been repatriated since 2012, the year of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

    A senior NCHA official noted that the administration will continue to work toward the early return of Sishi Ling, the first volume of the Zidanku Silk Manuscripts. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – 14 per cent of eligible home loan customers took advantage of February rate cut to increase cash flow – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Auckland (CBA)

    New CommBank data shows the majority of eligible home loan customers left their direct debit repayments unchanged following the variable rate reduction.

    New data from the Commonwealth Bank shows that just 14 per cent of eligible (ref. 1) home loan customers reduced their home loan direct debit repayments following the February 2025 rate cut.

    The 0.25 per cent per annum rate reduction delivered monthly savings of up to $80 for customers making principal and interest repayments on an average loan size of $500,000.

    Speaking about the data ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) cash rate decision on 20 May, Commonwealth Bank’s Home Buying Executive General Manager, Dr Michael Baumann said: “Home owners appreciate the flexibility to make financial choices that suit their current and future goals and we offer eligible home loan customers the option to reduce their direct debit repayments or leave it untouched.

    “Following February’s rate cut, around 14 per cent of eligible customers took this opportunity to reduce their direct debit to align with the lower repayment – thereby freeing up their current cash flow.”

    The data also revealed that more than 95 per cent of customers who chose to adjust their home loan direct debit did so via the CommBank app or NetBank in just minutes. The remaining customers either called or visited a branch to make the adjustment.

    “For those who did not reduce their direct debit repayments, they may now be making additional repayments on their mortgage, which could help them to pay off their loan faster,” Dr Baumann said.

    “These additional payments will also increase the available balance of their loan accounts and customers may have the flexibility to redraw the available balance at any time, for example if they experience an unexpected cost.”

    Looking ahead, Dr Baumann said he expects the proportion of customers using any additional rate cuts to free up their cash flow to increase.

    “If rates fall further, it could deliver greater total savings to eligible home loan customers. As such, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more home loan customers choosing to free up their cash flow by lowering their regular mortgage repayments,” he said.

    Customers can use the CommBank app or NetBank at any time to understand what their ongoing home loan minimum repayment amount is and then adjust their mortgage direct debit accordingly.

    “We aim to make our self-service options the best digital banking experience in Australia, with flexibility, convenience and security.

    “The good news is eligible home loan customers do not need to wait for further rate reductions to change their mortgage direct debits; they can make real-time adjustments in alignment with their unique and ever-evolving circumstances.”

    (ref. 1) Customers on a variable rate home loan who are currently paying more than their minimum repayment amount via direct debit.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – MetService Winter comes knocking after a wet weekend

    Covering period of Monday 19th – Thursday 22nd May – Winter comes knocking after a wet weekend

    •    A soggy start gives way to crisp, clear conditions across most of Aotearoa.
    •    Cold southerlies sweep in behind the weekends rain, dropping temperatures into the low single digits.
    •    Frosts are expected for many from Tuesday, particularly in inland areas.
    •    Settled weather dominates the week under a strengthening ridge of high pressure.

    After a wet and windy weekend, MetService is forecasting a shift into a more settled pattern, but it comes with a cold bite. A ridge of high pressure builds in from the west on Monday, pushing away rain and leaving behind cool, clear conditions and some chilly southerlies.

    Those southerlies will bring a real taste of winter, with temperatures dropping in their wake. Overnight lows through the week are expected to fall well into single digits for most and even into the negatives for some. Inland areas about Canterbury, Otago, Wairarapa, The Central Plateau and Waikato can expect icy mornings for much of the week.
     
    The west and south coasts of the South Island may hang onto a bit more cloud through the week, and some coastal parts of the eastern North Island, like Gisborne and Napier, will see a few showers persist into Monday night and Tuesday morning before clearing.

    “While sunshine may be a nice change for some after the weekend’s rain, clear skies and long nights this time of year let the day’s warmth escape, setting the stage for some chilly starts,” says MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden. “It’s classic settled autumn weather, blue skies by day, frosts by night.”

    Later in the week, Fiordland and coastal Southland will be the first to see signs of a change as a weak front brushes by, but for most, the dry, cold pattern continues through Friday.

    With the early-week rain set to quickly be swept away, and only two weeks of autumn left, winter is truly knocking on our door, cold, crisp, and calm.

    Stay up to date with the latest forecasts at metservice.com.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –