NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New notable trees ready for recognition

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

    Auckland’s notable trees are living legends. They provide homes for native species like the tūī, offer much-needed shade on a warm day, and have stood steady as Tāmaki Makaurau has grown around them. Now, a fresh batch of these leafy landmarks have been nominated for the notable tree schedule.  

    Today, Auckland’s Policy and Planning Committee approved public consultation on adding 174 individual trees and 29 groups of trees to the schedule. Chair of the committee, councillor Richard Hills, says protecting notable trees helps preserve an important part of Auckland’s natural identity. 

    “Notable trees are living parts of Auckland’s story. From pōhutukawa to kauri to London planes – adding them to the notable tree schedule preserves their natural, historical and cultural stories for us, and to pass on for generations to come.

    “This year Auckland was recognised as a Tree City of the World for the fourth year in a row. I’m so proud the effort we make to protect and nurture our vibrant urban ngahere has again been recognised on a global scale – our notable trees play a key part in that.

    “We now have an opportunity to protect more of Auckland’s remarkable trees. We have assessed all trees that were nominated for the schedule up until the end of June 2024, and now propose to add them through this plan change.”

    The notable trees schedule includes trees that are remarkable, significant or help wildlife to flourish.

    How are notable trees protected? 

    Auckland’s unitary plan is our city’s planning rulebook. It sets out what can be built where, and it also helps preserve the notable trees that line our leafy streets. It does this through a part of the plan called the notable tree schedule. Most changes to this schedule must follow a plan change process, allowing Aucklanders to have their say on updates. 

    What makes a tree notable? 

    Notable trees are significant for their age and size, rarity, cultural or historical significance, or the habitat they provide to wildlife, like pīwakawaka/fantail, pihipihi/silvereye, and riroriro/grey warbler. 

    Additionally, trees help cool our city and clean the air. As Auckland’s population grows and city becomes denser, they’re vital to keeping our neighbourhoods healthy and liveable. 

    What protections do notable trees have?  

    The notable trees schedule includes trees that are remarkable, significant or help wildlife to flourish. They therefore have greater legal protections and can’t be removed or significantly altered without an approved resource consent from Auckland Council.  

    How do I know if a tree is notable?  

    Check the schedule! You can see all of the trees listed on the notable trees schedule in the Auckland Unitary Plan, or the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan for the islands.  

    Find out more about Auckland’s notable trees. You can have your say on the proposed change to add the trees to the notable tree schedule from 22 May – 23 June 2025.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Submissions are now open for the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2)

    Source:

    The closing date for submissions is Thursday, 12 June 2025.

    The bill would amend the Education and Training Act 2020 to give effect to new policy decisions, including matters related to:

    • school board objectives
    • statement of national educational and learning priorities for early childhood education, primary education, and secondary education
    • initial teacher education
    • freedom of expression
    • attendance management plans
    • other amendments, including some about strike notifications, Teaching Council processes, and changes to the Minister’s ability to set fees for Crown expenditure relating to international students and the issuing of eligibility criteria for principals.

    The bill would also make some technical changes to the Act and regulations. Full details of the bill are available at the links below.

    Tell the Education and Workforce Committee what you think

    Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Thursday, 12 June 2025.

    For more details about the bill:

    ENDS

    For media enquiries contact: Committee staff, education.workforce@parliament.govt.nz

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing woman in Aberdeen (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Police today (May 15) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Aberdeen.

         Yiu Wai-lam, aged 74, went missing after she left her residence on Chengtu Road yesterday (May 14) morning. Her family then made a report to Police.

         She is about 1.5 metres tall, 70 kilograms in weight and of fat build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a white shirt with black stripe pattern, dark-coloured trousers, dark blue shoes and carrying a blue shopping bag and a long umbrella. Her right ear is fitted with a hearing aid.

         Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Hong Kong Island on 2860 1040 or 9886 0034 or email to rmpu-hki@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: WTW appoints Luke Ware as Head of Asia to accelerate regional growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, WTW (NASDAQ: WTW) today announced the appointment of Luke Ware as Head of Asia, in addition to his current position as Head of Corporate Risk & Broking, Asia, effective immediately.

    In his new dual capacity, Luke will work closely with all WTW business leaders across Risk & Broking and Health, Wealth & Career to drive innovation, advance and deliver WTW solutions, and serve the people, risk and capital needs of the company’s clients in Asia. Luke brings over 20 years of broking and risk management experience and has worked extensively in the insurance sector across markets in Australia, London and Asia.

    Pamela Thomson-Hall, Head of International at WTW, said: “Luke has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of our Asia region. He has consistently demonstrated strategic vision, strong leadership and a client-first mindset. Luke’s ability to drive performance, while fostering collaboration across teams, makes him ideally suited to accelerate WTW’s growth and enhance the value we bring to our clients and colleagues in Asia.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Luke said, “I’m honoured to take on this expanded role and excited about the opportunity to work even more closely with our talented colleagues across all our businesses in Asia. We are focused on accelerating our presence in the region to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. In today’s complex and volatile environment, this requires a thorough understanding of our clients’ needs. With the breadth of our solutions, I believe we can help our clients transform their tomorrows into actionable opportunities and business success.”

    Based in Singapore, Luke will continue to report to Pamela Thomson-Hall.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media contact

    Clara Goh: +65 6958 2542
    clara.goh@wtwco.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Holidays boost household spending in April, but consumer rebound remains sluggish – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    A soft consumer and global uncertainty have led to a downgrade to GDP expectations, with additional interest rate cuts needed to improve spending momentum.

    The CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index rose 0.2 per cent in April, a very modest lift following a soft first quarter of spending in 2025. (ref. https://www.commbankresearch.com.au/apex/researcharticleviewv2?id=a0NDo000000wOzu )

    Seven of the twelve HSI categories recorded spending growth for the month, led by Insurance (+1.6 per cent), Hospitality (+1.4 per cent) and Communications & Digital (+0.7 per cent). The increase seen in hospitality spending was likely driven by the Easter-Anzac Day ‘super holiday’ period. April also featured the lead-up to the Federal election, recovery from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and newly announced tariffs by the Trump administration.

    Spending on Utilities fell 2.0 per cent in the month, the largest decline across all categories, with decreases seen in electricity, gas, water and council services. Transport (-0.8 per cent), Education (-0.7 per cent) and Household Services (-0.7 per cent) also declined.

    “Another soft month for household spending reinforces our view that a slower than expected consumer recovery is unfolding. This trend, along with global economic uncertainty, led us to recently downgrade our Australian GDP forecast for 2025,” said CBA Senior Economist, Belinda Allen.

    “While moderating inflation, February’s RBA rate cut and lower utility and petrol bills are improving purchasing power, households clearly remain deliberate with their spending choices. The recent pause of additional tariffs between the U.S. and China could improve sentiment going forward, however we expect it will take additional interest rates cuts to improve momentum in consumer spending.

    “We maintain our call for the RBA to cut rates by 25 basis points next week , with a forecast end of year cash rate of 3.35 per cent.”  

    The annual rate of spending across home ownership status saw a surprising shift in April – renters have typically recorded the weakest spending over the past two years however this has now switched with renters leading annual growth in spending (+2.4 per cent), followed by those with a mortgage (2.2 per cent) and outright homeowners most sluggish (+0.7 per cent).

    “Renters in particular have increased discretionary spending which suggests that while consumers are making cutbacks in some areas, many are still making trade-offs and allocating a share of their wallet to areas like hospitality and recreation and more so in April given the additional public holidays,” commented Ms Allen.

    Queensland recorded the strongest household spending growth in April of the states and territories, rising 0.8 per cent following a rebound from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred in March, when the state posted the softest growth of all states at just 0.2 per cent.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Food prices increase 3.7 percent annually: Selected price indexes: April 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Food prices increase 3.7 percent annually – 15 May 2025 – Food prices increased 3.7 percent in the 12 months to April 2025, following a 3.5 percent increase in the 12 months to March 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    Higher prices for the grocery food group and the non-alcoholic beverages group contributed most to the annual increase in food prices, up 5.2 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively.

    “Price increases were widespread, with all five food groups recording an increase,” prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.

    The fruit and vegetables group increased in price for the first time since January 2024, with prices up 0.2 percent in the 12 months to April 2025.

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: National population estimates: At 31 March 2025 (2023-base)

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    National population estimates: At 31 March 2025 (2023-base) – 15 May 2025 – National population estimates give the best available measure of the population, by age and sex, usually living in Aotearoa New Zealand.

    With the release of Estimated resident population (2023-base): At 30 June 2023 on 16 April 2025, we revised population estimates between 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2023, and rebased population estimates after 30 June 2023. This is the usual revision that occurs after new census and post-enumeration survey results are available.  

    Estimated resident population 2023: Data sources and methods has more information. 

    All population estimates from 30 June 2023 are now 2023-base.  

    Key facts
    At 31 March 2025:

    • the estimated resident population of Aotearoa New Zealand was 5,330,600 (provisionally)
    • there were 2,680,100 females and 2,650,500 males
    • the median age of females and males was 38.9 and 37.3 years respectively.

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ExerciseNZ – Winter Wellness Starts with Sleep: The Overlooked Key to Achieving Exercise Goals

    Source: ExerciseNZ

    As the colder months settle in across Aotearoa, ExerciseNZ is encouraging Kiwis to take stock of their winter wellness routines — with a special focus on a crucial yet often overlooked pillar of health: sleep.

    New research from Uppsala University, published in Biomarker Research (April 2025), reveals that just three consecutive nights of restricted sleep (approximately 4.25 hours per night) can significantly alter blood biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease — even in young, healthy individuals. Alarmingly, the study also found that regular physical activity does not offset these negative effects, making sleep more important than ever for those with fitness and wellbeing goals.

    “As winter rolls in and we shift our routines indoors, we want to remind people that sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s a foundational part of health and recovery,” says Richard Beddie, CEO of ExerciseNZ. “Quality sleep might just be the secret weapon for smashing your fitness goals this winter.” While many Kiwis double down on exercise to combat seasonal lethargy, the combination of colder temperatures, darker days, and disrupted sleep patterns can actually hinder performance and recovery if not managed properly.

    In fact, research published in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology shows that sleep loss can impair muscle glycogen repletion, reduce time to exhaustion, and decrease strength and aerobic capacity — all of which can compromise training outcomes. The study underscores how sleep enhances performance, cognitive functioning, and outcomes across 1-rep max testing, endurance training, and high-intensity interval workouts.

    The Science of Sleep and Exercise: Why Recovery Matters More in Winter

    Restricted sleep increases levels of inflammation-related proteins in the blood, raising the risk for cardiovascular issues — even in fit, active people.
    Sleep plays a key role in muscle repair, hormone regulation, and mental clarity — all essential to getting the most from your workouts.
    A consistent sleep routine can reduce injury risk, support immunity during colder months, and enhance energy levels for winter training.

    Top Tips for Winter Wellness:

    Prioritise Consistency: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, even on weekends.
    Wind Down Naturally: Reduce screen time in the hour before bed. Try stretching, light reading, or mindfulness exercises instead.
    Pair Exercise with Recovery: Listen to your body and allow for adequate rest between intense sessions.

    This winter, instead of trying to “power through” with more training, ExerciseNZ challenges everyone to train smarter — by recognising the power of rest, especially as the mercury drops.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Siege of Gaza – MSF denounces deliberate humanitarian catastrophe

    15 May 2025 – The US-Israel proposition to control the distribution of supplies under the guise of humanitarian aid raises grave humanitarian, ethical, security and legal concerns, says international medical organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). 

    Making aid conditional on forced displacement and vetting of the population is another tool in the ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian population. MSF firmly rejects and condemns any plan that further reduces availability of aid and subjugates it to Israeli military occupation objectives.

    We are witnessing, in real time, the creation of conditions for the eradication of Palestinian lives in Gaza, says MSF.

    The obstruction of humanitarian aid is a direct violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2720, which calls for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. Claims that aid is being diverted by Hamas remain unverified and in no way justify such measures. As the occupying power, Israel must facilitate impartial humanitarian assistance for the population in need.

    UN, EU member states, and all those with influence over Israel,including Australia, must urgently use their political and economic leverage to stop the instrumentalisation of aid. Humanitarian supplies, food, fuel and medicines must be allowed to reach the population of Gaza now.

    Since Israel’s resumption of attacks and its total blockade of aid on 2 March, Gaza has become a hell on earth for Palestinians. The survival of Palestinians lies at the mercy of Israeli authorities, who are denying the entire population access to food, water, medical care and shelter. Israel continues to pursue its campaign of ethnic cleansing by deliberately destroying the conditions necessary for life.

    Organisations including World Central Kitchen and the World Food Programme (WFP) have announced that they have no more food stocks available in Gaza: most community kitchens and bakeries have closed. MSF medical teams in Gaza City have seen a 32 per cent increase in the number of patients presenting with malnutrition over the past two weeks.

    Dwindling fuel stocks are limiting the ability to desalinate and distribute water. Those health facilities that still function – already critically inadequate in number and capacity for the population – are still being attacked and are suffering from rapidly diminishing stocks of medications and other essential supplies. MSF teams in Gaza have received no supplies for 11 weeks and face critical shortages of essential medical items such as sterile compresses and sterile gloves.

    Israel’s evacuation orders and established no-go military zones now cover 70 per cent of Gaza. The population has been forcibly transferred from one place to another, while not a single area of Gaza has been spared from attacks. The desperateness of the situation is such that MSF teams have treated and discharged patients only to see them return with new injuries.

    Israeli’s plan to instrumentalise aid is a cynical response to the very humanitarian crisis they created. If they wished, Israel and its allies could lift the blockade today and let humanitarian aid reach all those in Gaza whose survival depends on it.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Workplace Health – Methamphetamine presence surges in workplace drug tests

    Source: The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA

    AUCKLAND – 15 May 2025 – New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) is growing and making up a disproportionate share of non-negative workplace drug test results.

    The proportion of meth detections has jumped since the start of the year:

    January: 13.7%
    February: 18.2%
    March: 24.9%.

    Data is taken from TDDA’s Imperans reporting platform. Samples were taken between 1 Jan and 31 March. They are representative of meth detections versus other test results, and encompass a broad set of industries across the nation. 

    “Our data is showing us that more people are turning to meth when it comes to the range of drugs available, such as cannabis,” says Glenn Dobson, CEO of TDDA. “The surge is consistent with rising wastewater statistics and confirms that meth supply remains readily available nationwide. When access to supply is this easy, increased consumption often follows. This has serious implications for workplace safety and productivity.”

    With meth now accounting for over a fifth of drug-related workplace testing results, and nearly 25% in March alone, employers and regulators alike may need to reassess risk exposure and response.

    The top 10 locations showing high instances of methamphetamine detection are:

    ·        Central North – 30.6%

    ·        Taranaki – 27.9%

    ·        Auckland East – 25.8%

    ·        Taupo/Rotorua – 25%

    ·        North Harbour – 23.6%

    ·        Auckland West – 23.2%

    ·        Northland – 21.7%

    ·        Canterbury – 20%

    ·        Southland – 13.7%

    ·        Otago – 10.5%.

    “Our frontline data tells a confronting story, meth use is more than a big-city issue. We’re seeing higher proportions of meth detections in smaller regions like the Central North, The Lakes and Taranaki. This is about safety as well as businesses and communities under pressure. Employers must stay alert, have clear workplace substance policies, and be ready to act on suspicions compliantly and quickly,” says Dobson.

    If you suspect meth use at work:

    Follow your drug and alcohol policy

    Initiate the appropriate procedures as outlined in your policy, which may include a reasonable cause drug test.

    Observe and record

    Note physical signs like sweating, agitation, and rapid speech. Avoid confrontation and document your observations.
    If required, remove them from safety-sensitive tasks immediately
    Meth can cause impulsive, erratic, and unpredictable behaviour. Prioritise safety and take them off tools, machinery, or driving duties without delay.

    Methodology

    Testing data from 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 is aggregated from 27 clinic and 60 mobile clinic operations throughout New Zealand. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. All amphetamine type substances (ATS) are accounted for in testing results. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into the TDDA Imperans platform, anonymised, and represents a snapshot of drug trends across New Zealand workplaces and industries.

    About The Drug Detection Agency

    The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA’s full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at https://tdda.com/.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Growing Future Farmers and Skills Group, Ignite, Partner to Provide Diversified Career Pathways for Young Farmers

    Source: Skills Group

    Skills Group – Ignite and Growing Future Farmers (GFF) have developed a new training programme to meet the learning and development needs of young sheep and beef farmers.

    Pending NZQA approval, the first cohort is set to begin as early as July 2025, with the Level 4 programme offering a next-step pathway that builds on the success of GFF’s hands-on model and NZQA Level 2 and 3 qualifications.

    It has been co-designed and developed with extensive industry consultation to give young farmers the opportunity to deepen their skills while continuing to work on-farm, helping to strengthen the pipeline of talent and capability within the sector.

    GFF CEO Wendy Paul says the new programme is a natural extension of GFF’s founding purpose.

    “From day one, GFF has been about creating real career opportunities for young people in farming. This new programme allows us to extend that journey by offering progression while keeping the real-world, on-farm learning that’s central to our model.”

    Skills Group – Ignite Director of Vocational Training and Higher Education Mark Worsop says the innovative blended learning programme, combining provider-based and work-based learning is designed to equip young farmers with the necessary skills to take on leadership roles in the agricultural industry.

    “With this new programme, graduates will be able to take on increased responsibility says Mark.

    The GFF programme is a two-year initiative where students gain practical, hands-on experience working directly on farms. Students, typically aged between 16 and 21 years old, are matched with experienced farm trainers.

    “The new Level 4 programme will ensure that graduates are prepared to meet the demands of an ever-evolving agricultural sector by developing management and leadership skills. The programme offers an exciting opportunity for GFF Level 2 and Level 3 graduates to further develop their skills and transition into beef and sheep farm leadership roles,” Mark says.

    Graduates of this qualification will be equipped to do a range of things, from coordinating agribusiness activities using appropriate technology to benchmarking a farm’s physical performance and implementing and monitoring a farm environmental plan.

    The Level 4 programme is delivered through a blended learning approach. Trainees will benefit from online tuition and academic support provided by expert tutors from Skills Group – Ignite. In addition, they will receive the same level of high-quality pastoral care and in-person support that GFF currently provides.

    “This holistic approach ensures that trainees are well-supported academically and personally, as they progress through their studies,” Mark says.

    “The fully workplace integrated learning approach benefits both trainees and employers, ensuring that the learning experience is meaningful and tailored to the realities of farm operations,” Mark says.

    “The GFF team are passionate about the quality of training and support available to future farm trainees and students. They’ve developed a unique delivery model that not only meets the training and support needs of learners but is also built upon employer partnerships with a real commitment to the learner journey and their professional development,” Mark says.

    GFF CEO Wendy Paul says the partnership with Skills Group- Ignite reflects a shared vision and a commitment to long-term impact.

    “We’re really pleased to be partnering in a way that aligns so strongly with our strategic direction and purpose. This collaboration brings new perspectives, diverse capabilities, and helps strengthen the GFF model — ensuring it remains viable, high quality, and centred on student success. At its core, it’s about delivering life-changing experiences for the next generation of farmers and securing a strong future for the sector,” says Wendy.

    About Skills Group – Ignite

    Skills Group is New Zealand’s largest private training establishment, delivering hands-on, real-world education to over 18,000 learners across New Zealand and the world. From school leavers to CEOs, Skills Group supports lifelong learning through practical, industry-aligned training programmes that help people grow their careers, businesses, and communities. For more information about Skills Group – Ignite go to https://skills-ignite.org/

    About Growing Future Farmers

    GFF is a charity that provides the opportunity for motivated young people to enter the sheep, beef and deer industry with the confidence of supported training and development, and that provides an industry respected, employer led career pathway that will enable motivated young people to progress in their career.

    https://www.growingfuturefarmers.co.nz/about

    GFF provides NZQA approved on farm programmes underpinned by proven methods and are future focused.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Africa – 2025 Civil Society Forum: African Development Bank and Civil Society Reaffirm Alliance for Africa’s Transformation

    SOURCE: African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

    The forum provided an opportunity for the Bank to present its Civil Society Engagement Action Plan (2024–2028), reaffirming its commitment to an inclusive and participatory development process

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 14, 2025/ — The African Development Bank www.AfDB.org has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to collaborating with African civil society to advance the continent’s development agenda. This was a key message of the 2025 Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Forum, which was successfully held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Abidjan.

    The forum, organized under the theme: “Celebrating the Contribution of Civil Society to Africa’s Development,” brought together over 150 participants at the Bank’s headquarters, with thousands more connected online across Africa and the diaspora.

    A Novel Action Plan to Deepen Engagement

    This edition of the CSO Forum marked a pivotal step in reinforcing a solid, transformative, and trust-based partnership between the African Development Bank and civil society organizations. This enduring alliance is essential for collectively serving African populations and achieving impactful development across the continent.

    The forum provided an opportunity for the Bank to present its Civil Society Engagement Action Plan (2024–2028), reaffirming its commitment to an inclusive and participatory development process.

    Zeneb Touré, Manager of the Civil Society and Community Engagement Division, presented the strategic framework to Beth Dunford, the African Development Bank Group’s Vice-President for Agriculture, Human, and Social Development, who accepted it on behalf of the institution’s President, Akinwumi Adesina.

    Demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive partnership, Dunford shared the Action Plan with representatives of key civil society components: the Bank-Civil Society Committee, the Climate and Energy Coalition, and a continental network of women entrepreneurs’ associations.

    Augustine Njamnshi, a prominent voice in the civil society climate and energy movement, welcomed its adoption: “The approval of this Action Plan marks a historic turning point in our collaboration with the African Development Bank Group. Born from a shared vision, this document becomes our collective legacy. We express our sincere gratitude to the Bank for this profound act of trust.”

    Highlighting the essential role of civil society as an integral part of Africa’s progress, Kolyang Palebele, representative of the Platform of Farmers’ Organizations of Africa, expressed the spirit of collaboration, praising “the Bank’s unique power to unite the continent’s driving forces around a common vision of improving the lives of African people.” “Civil society is not on the margins of development dynamics; it is the very essence, its living memory and its engine for change,” Mr. Palebele stated.

    “Over the years, civil society engagement has become a cornerstone of the African Development Bank’s work. What was once an aspiration has become evolved into a structured, institutionalized, and results-oriented collaboration partnership.” Ms. Dunford emphasized.

    Empowering Communities Through Decentralized Engagement

    During the forum, an important session highlighted the progress made in decentralizing the Bank’s engagement with civil society. Successful experiences from the five regions of Africa were presented. This localized approach was strongly commended by the Vice-President for Regional Development, Integration and Service Delivery, Nnenna Nwabufo, who appreciated a transformative cross-border initiative between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project has provided over 2.4 million people with access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, while strengthening community resilience and fostering cooperation.

    Fostering Mutual Accountability Through Open Dialogue

    The forum culminated in an unprecedented and frank dialogue between senior representatives from seven strategic departments of the Bank and leaders of civil society organizations. Discussions focused on crucial areas such as access to information, environmental and social safeguards, climate action, agriculture, gender equality, youth empowerment, and grievance mechanisms. This essential interaction highlighted a shared commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and mutual accountability in the pursuit of sustainable development outcomes.

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: CSI welcomes Trump’s decision to end Syria sanctions; calls for further measures to protect religious minorities

    Source: Christian Solidarity International (CSI)

    Damascus, Syria, March 2025. CSI Statement

    Christian Solidarity International (CSI) welcomes President Trump’s long-overdue decision to lift the crippling broad economic sector sanctions on Syria, announced yesterday at an international forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They were first imposed by President Obama in 2011 to hasten the overthrow of Syria’s dictatorship under Bashar al-Assad.

    The sanctions have been, as a Christian leader from Syria commented to CSI as recently as last month, “weapons of mass destruction.” In pushing millions of Syrians into hunger, illness and destitution, they killed, maimed, and dehumanized civilians of all religious communities and ethnicities just as surely as bombs and bullets throughout the country’s 14-year sectarian war, which pitted jihadist-led opposition forces, including al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, against those of the secular Assad regime.

    For this reason, and at the request of Syrian Christian leaders, CSI has been advocating since 2016 for the U.S. and its allies to remove their broad economic sector sanctions on Syria.

    Six months into its rule, however, Syria’s new, jihadist-led government has already been implicated in mass atrocities against religious minorities. In particular, targeted killings resulted in the massacre of thousands of Alawites on March 6-10, more recently followed by attacks against the Druze. Christians are also increasingly threatened and discriminated against in the “new Syria.”

    To this day, Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa and many of his lieutenants are still under individual sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Nations Security Council, because they are leaders of an al Qaeda-linked group.

    These individual sanctions against terrorist-designated leaders should not be removed until the perpetrators of the massacres of Alawites and Druzes in Latakia, Tartus, Hama, Homs, Rif Dimashq, and Suwayda governorates are brought to justice, and the United States can ensure firm guarantees for fundamental human rights and religious freedom.

    Following the massacre of Alawites in March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to “stand with Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities.” Vice President JD Vance said, “We do not want to see another Christian community erased from the face of the earth… There are a lot of things we can do diplomatically and economically to protect some of those groups.” And during his campaign, President Trump pledged, “When I am President, I will protect persecuted Christians.”

    Now is the time to fulfill these pledges.

    Dr. John Eibner
    President
    Christian Solidarity International (CSI)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – AUT LAUNCHES IMPACT-FOCUSED $5 MILLION INNOVATION FUND

    Source: AUT

    AUT today launches the AUT Innovation Fund with an allocation of $5 million to invest into spinout companies and impact initiatives.  
     
    Managed by AUT Ventures, the fund will empower some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most innovative minds to commercialise research and transform it into real-world solutions.  
     
    Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa says that growing research impact is a key focus, and the AUT Innovation Fund extends the way that AUT Ventures supports innovation and research commercialisation. “The AUT Innovation Fund is more than just a financial instrument. It’s a signal — to our researchers, our partners, and our country — that AUT is ready to lead. Ready to invest. Ready to go first.”
     
    AUT Ventures Chief Executive Michael Fielding says the fund is about accelerating commercialisation, as well as linking research to industry. “It’s a game-changer. The fund lets us back promising ideas and teams at a very early stage, committing support to innovators before they’re ready to seek investment from the angel and VC community. But it’s also going to give us new ways to connect with organisations outside the university.”  
     
    The fund is being launched with investments into Dot Ingredients and CONICAL.  
     
    Motion Capital is the lead investor in the $350k early funding round in Dot Ingredients, alongside Climate Venture Capital Fund and the AUT Innovation Fund. Formerly known as Spherelose, Dot is the brainchild of Associate Professor Jack Chen, who developed a new way to make critical ingredients for everyday products like soaps, detergents and cosmetics, but using wood pulp instead of petrochemicals or palm oil. Based in laboratories at AUT, the company is currently participating in the Aurora Climate Lab accelerator programme run by Creative HQ, while scaling production and developing new applications.
     
    $110,000 will be invested into CONICAL to support the upcoming launch of its indie role-playing game, Faeborne. Launched out of AUT in 2016 by alumnus Alejandro Davila and entirely staffed by AUT graduates, CONICAL quickly gained headlines through the success of its Green Fairy TV series. After earning a reputation for developing cutting edge virtual reality exhibits and activations for businesses across New Zealand and worldwide, Faeborne marks a return to the company’s fairy fantasy origins. Faeborne is a fast-paced, story-driven co-op game centred around the conflict between two fairy sisters in the fantasy realm of Lamparis, and is slated for a multi-platform launch in late 2025.
     
    AUT Ventures has appointed Craigs Investment Partners, a leading New Zealand investment manager, to manage the fund’s assets until they’re invested into new innovations. The income generated under Craig’s management will provide grants to AUT researchers to help kickstart new collaborations with businesses, government and NGOs, expanding the pipeline of future commercialisation opportunities.  
     
    AUT’s Innovation Fund will be launched at city campus by Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, the Hon. Dr Shane Reti today.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOEA Minister Kuo attends SelectUSA Investment Summit, visits Texas

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh-Huei Kuo departed for the United States on May 10 to attend the SelectUSA Investment Summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Following his participation in related events in Washington, he will travel to Texas to promote bilateral trade and investment cooperation with the state.

    According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Minister Kuo will engage with key U.S. business associations and enterprises to explore ways to deepen Taiwan-U.S. supply chain partnerships. He will also participate in various activities at the SelectUSA Summit, leveraging his extensive experience in industry to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration with U.S. counterparts, particularly in the “Five Trusted Industry Sectors.”

    Last July, Minister Kuo signed the Taiwan-Texas Economic Development Statement of Intent (EDSI) with Texas Governor Greg Abbott. In line with President Lai’s new economic and trade strategy — “Rooted in Taiwan, Expanding Globally, Strengthening Economic Ties with the U.S., Marketed to the World” — Minister Kuo will visit Texas to further promote investment and supply chain partnerships.

    While in Texas, Minister Kuo will attend the completion ceremony of GlobalWafers’ new fab on May 15. He will also assess the local investment environment, meet with key government officials and business leaders, and host business forums with Taiwanese businesses operating in the area. These engagements aim to better understand the challenges they face, relay timely feedback to the Texas government, as well as propose cooperation initiatives to strengthen Taiwan-Texas economic ties.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Indian forces launch Operation Nader against terrorists in Tral, heavy firing exchanged

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Security forces on Thursday launched a joint anti-terror operation in the Nader area of Tral, Awantipora, based on special intelligence input. The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF were involved in the operation

    The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the operation in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “On 15 May 2025, based on specific intelligence input from an agency, a Cordon & Search Operation was launched at Nader, Tral, Awantipora. Upon being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire. A fierce gunfight ensued. The operation is in progress.”

    On Tuesday, three terrorists — including a local commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy outfit The Resistance Front (LeT/TRF) — were killed in an encounter in Shopian. The operation, carried out by the Army along with J&K Police and the CRPF, led to the recovery of AK-series rifles, grenades, and a large cache of ammunition.

    The Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information also confirmed the Shopian encounter, saying that it was launched based on inputs about terrorist presence in Keller Forest.

    India’s ongoing operations build on the success of Operation Sindoor, which involved precise strikes that destroyed terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Over 100 terror operatives were neutralized at key locations, including Bahawalpur, the stronghold of Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Muridke, a prominent training site for Lashkar-e-Taiba.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump signed plenty of contracts in the Middle East, but he’s no closer to the two ‘deals’ he really wants

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shahram Akbarzadeh, Convenor, Middle East Studies Forum (MESF), and Deputy Director (International), Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University

    US President Donald Trump’s visit to Arab states in the Middle East this week generated plenty of multibillion-dollar deals. He said more than US$1 trillion (A$1.5 trillion) worth of deals had been signed with Saudi Arabia alone, though the real total is likely much lower than that.

    Qatar also placed an order for 210 Boeing aircraft, a deal worth a reported US$96 billion (A$149 billion). Trump will no doubt present these transactions as a major success for US industry.

    The trip also helped counter concerns about US disengagement from the Middle East. For more than a decade, local elites have viewed Washington’s attention as shifting away from the region.

    This trip was a reaffirmation of the importance of the Middle East – in particular the Gulf region – to US foreign policy. This is an important signal to send to Middle Eastern leaders who are dealing with competing interests from China and, to a lesser extent, Russia.

    And from a political standpoint, Trump’s lifting of sanctions on Syria and meeting with the former rebel, now president, Ahmed al-Sharaa was very significant – both symbolically and practically.

    Until recently, al-Sharaa was listed by the United States as a terrorist with a US$10 million (A$15 million) bounty on his head. However, when his forces removed dictator Bashar al-Assad from power in December, he was cautiously welcomed by many in the international community.

    The US had invested considerable resources in removing Assad from power, so his fall was cause for celebration, even if it came at the hands of forces the US had deemed terrorists.

    This rapid turn-around is dizzying. In practice, the removal of sanctions on Syria opens the doors to foreign investment in the reconstruction of the country following a long civil war.

    It also offers an opportunity for Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as Turkey, to expand their influence in Syria at the expense of Iran.

    For a leader who styles himself a deal-maker, these can all be considered successful outcomes from a three-day trip.

    However, Trump avoided wading into the far more delicate diplomatic and political negotiations needed to end Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and find common ground with Iran on its nuclear program.

    No solution in sight for the Palestinians

    Trump skirted the ongoing tragedy in Gaza and offered no plans for a diplomatic solution to the war, which drags on with no end in sight.

    The president did note his desire to see a normalisation of relations between Arab states and Israel, without acknowledging the key stumbling block.

    While Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates have no love for Hamas, the Gaza war and the misery inflicted on the Palestinians have made it impossible for them to overlook the issue. They cannot simply leapfrog Gaza to normalise relations with Israel.

    In his first term, Trump hoped the Palestinian issue could be pushed aside to achieve normalisation of relations between Arab states and Israel. This was partially achieved with the Abraham Accords, which saw the UAE and three other Muslim-majority nations normalise relations with Israel.

    Trump no doubt believed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreed to just before his inauguration would stick – he promised as much during the US election campaign.

    But after Israel unilaterally broke the ceasefire in March, vowing to press on with its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, he’s learned the hard way the Palestinian question cannot easily be solved or brushed under the carpet.

    The Palestinian aspiration for statehood needs to be addressed as an indispensable step towards a lasting peace and regional stability.

    It was telling that Trump did not stop in Israel this week. One former Israeli diplomat says it’s a sign Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his leverage with Trump.

    There’s nothing that Netanyahu has that Trump wants, needs or [that he] can give him, as opposed to, say, the Saudis, the Qataris, [or] the Emiratis.

    More harsh rhetoric for Iran

    Trump also had no new details or initiatives to announce on the Iran nuclear talks, beyond his desire to “make a deal” and his repeat of past threats.

    At least four rounds of talks have been held between Iran and the United States since early April. While both sides are positive about the prospects, the US administration seems divided on the intended outcome.

    The US Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have called for the complete dismantling of Iran’s capacity to enrich uranium as a sure safeguard against the potential weaponisation of the nuclear program.

    Trump himself, however, has been less categorical. Though he has called for the “total dismantlement” of Iran’s nuclear program, he has also said he’s undecided if Iran should be allowed to continue a civilian enrichment program.

    Iran’s capacity to enrich uranium, albeit under international monitoring, is a red line for the authorities in Tehran – they won’t give this up.

    The gap between Iran and the US appears to have widened this week following Trump’s attack on Iran as the “most destructive force” in the Middle East. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi called Trump’s remarks “pure deception”, and pointed to US support for Israel as the source of instability in the region.

    None of this has advanced the prospects of a nuclear deal. And though his visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE was marked by pomp and ceremony, he’ll leave no closer to solving two protracted challenges than when he arrived.

    Shahram Akbarzadeh receives funding from Australian Research Council. He is affiliated with the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, a non-profit research centre in Doha, Qatar.

    – ref. Trump signed plenty of contracts in the Middle East, but he’s no closer to the two ‘deals’ he really wants – https://theconversation.com/trump-signed-plenty-of-contracts-in-the-middle-east-but-hes-no-closer-to-the-two-deals-he-really-wants-256778

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Marlborough south moves to open fire season

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand will return the Marlborough South area to an open fire season from 8am on Friday, 16 May, until further notice.

    An open fire season means people can light outdoor fires without a permit approved by Fire and Emergency.

    All Department of Conservation land will remain in a restricted season. In a restricted season, people need a permit to light an outdoor fire approved by Fire and Emergency.

    The Marlborough North area is already in an open fire season.

    Nelson Marlborough Group Manager Chris Hayles says there is now less risk of fire across the region.

    “Although no fire permit is required it is still the responsibility of the person lighting the fire to ensure it is done so safely.

    “Fires need to be kept to a manageable size and smoke drift should not be a hazard for motorists.

    “Always visit www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting and avoid lighting fires during or ahead of strong winds.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Wet and windy South Island on Saturday, rain crossing North Island on Sunday – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Thursday 15th – Monday 19th May – Wet and windy South Island on Saturday, rain crossing North Island on Sunday.

    Cloud and showers in the west, sunny in the east to end the work week
    Heavy rain and strong winds expected to move up the country over the weekend

    Yellow Heavy Rain Watches in place (from Saturday) for:

    • The Ranges of Tasman northwest of Motueka
    • Buller
    • Ranges of the Grey District
    • Headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers
    • Headwaters of the Otago Lakes and Rivers
    • Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound

    Yellow Strong Wind Watch in place (from Saturday) for:

    • Canterbury High Country.
    Slightly warmer overnight temperatures throughout

    The weather will be quite different depending on where you are in the country over the next couple of days. The west, especially the South Island, will be mostly cloudy with showers, while the east will enjoy sunny and mostly clear skies thanks to a high-pressure system still hanging around.

    Today (Thursday), a band of rain moves up the west coast of the South Island, making it a wet day there. Westerly winds will continue to bring moisture to western regions, so expect clouds and the chance of a shower in many western areas on Thursday and Friday.

    As we head into the weekend, expect more rain and stronger winds. A low-pressure system will arrive in southern New Zealand on Saturday and then move north by Sunday. While the rain during the week might not be too serious, the weekend brings the potential for severe weather.

    MetService Meteorologist Oscar Shiviti says, “Heavy rain is forecast for Saturday in the South Island, especially the west, where Heavy Rain Watches have been issued. A Strong Wind Watch also covers the blustery northwest winds over the Canterbury High Country. The wind and rain are forecast to decrease in severity before moving onto the North Island by Sunday”. Keep an eye on the MetService website (www.metservice.com) for updates.
     
    There’s some good news though, nights will be less chilly due to a warmer airmass from the northwest, so we’ll get a break from those frosts we’ve had over the past few days.
     
    If you’ve got outdoor plans, Thursday and Friday are your best bet, particularly in the eastern regions. Shiviti recommends, “Rethinking any weekend plans and taking advantage of the better weather the next couple of days before conditions worsen”.
     
    That said, Napier is in luck, “Sunny skies are expected for the Hawke’s Bay Marathon this Saturday”, added Shiviti.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – PSA strongly opposes decisions released by Health NZ – further dismantling of our public health system by Government

    The PSA strongly opposes final decisions released by Health New Zealand for the following teams: Procurement, Supply Chain and Health Technology Management (PSC&HTM), Planning, Funding and Outcomes, and Audit, Assurance & Risk.

    “These decisions include the possible loss of specialists procurement, auditing and health innovation and improvement,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi national secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, said.

    “The possible loss of these roles has been forced on Health NZ by the Government imposing cuts to our health system that will affect patients. We call on Government to stop these endless cuts to our health system.

    “This is why we are still fighting this in the Employment Relations Authority, which is why this will not be implemented until the Authority has heard and determined the matter or the PSA and Health New Zealand have settled it by agreement.”

    The union filed these legal proceedings in the Employment Relations Authority in February because several proposed restructures breached the Code of Good Faith for the public health sector, the Employment Relations Act 2000, collective agreements and Te Mauri o Rongo – NZ Health Charter.

    “We’ll be making it clear to all our members that legal action is still going ahead and we strongly oppose these Health NZ changes.”

    Last month, the PSA agreed a settlement with Health NZ stopping the restructuring of the National Public Health Service and two directorates in the Planning Funding and Outcomes business unit: Data and Analytics, Community Mental Health Funding and Investment, and Data and Digital Services.

    Litigation remains in place for Planning Funding and Outcomes (Former Service Improvement and Innovation functions): Te Whatu Ora Improve; Evidence, Research and Clinical Trial; Operations; Population Health Gain; Consumer Whanau Voice; Former Office of the Chief Executive (OCE): Strategic Planning and Procurement Supply Chain and Health Technology Management.

    Earlier today, the PSA also announced further litigation against Health NZ to stop another round of cuts to their Audit, Assurance and Risk, People and Culture, Finance Stage 1, and Communications and Engagement teams.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: Births and deaths: Year ended March 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Births and deaths: Year ended March 2025 – 15 May 2025 – Births and deaths releases provide statistics on the number of births and deaths of people resident in New Zealand that are registered during a given period, along with selected fertility and mortality rates. They may differ from statistics presented elsewhere that relate to all births and deaths registered in New Zealand or to births and deaths occurring during a given period.

    Key facts
    In the year ended March 2025 compared with the year ended March 2024:

    • there were 58,539 live births registered, up from 56,277
    • there were 37,647 deaths registered, little changed from 37,623
    • the total fertility rate was 1.58 births per woman, up from 1.54
    • the infant mortality rate was 6.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, up from 3.8 per 1,000 (the increase is a result of a high number of late registrations during this period, see Births and deaths: Year ended December 2024 (including abridged period life table)).

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Winslow hay bale fire update #1

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to a large fire involving hay bales in Winslow, Ashburton around 11.30pm last night.
    Incident Controller Carrie Swanson says that at its peak, the fire was fought by 11 fire crews and additional support staff.
    “Thanks to the hard mahi of our crews, no other structures were damaged besides the two hay sheds,” she says.
    “The fire was contained to this property, and no others are currently threatened.
    “The fire began to decrease in size around midday today, but it is large and deep-seated, and will take some time to cool and extinguish completely.”
    Crews will continue to work on the fire overnight and into the next few days, Carrie Swanson says.
    “Don’t be alarmed if you see smoke in the area, as this is to be expected,” she says.
    “If you’re in the vicinity and are concerned, stay inside and keep doors and windows closed.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Children pay price of Oranga Tamariki contracting fiasco – Auditor-General issues damning indictment of Govt cuts

    Source: PSA

    The Auditor-General’s report into Oranga Tamariki’s provider contracts lays bare the reckless way the Government ordered cuts without regard to how children would be harmed.
    In 2023 the Government ordered a 6.5% cut of Oranga Tamariki’s overall funding, triggering a chaotic review of contracts with hundreds of community service providers – some even told their contracts would end with only days’ notice last year.
    “The report confirms what we have said all along – the Government has totally botched its rushed spending cuts with little regard to the consequences – children are the casualties of these decisions,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    The report says ‘its decisions were not adequately informed by evidence of how they would affect children and their families. The effects of decisions on children and their families are still not known. Given that this is the core role of Oranga Tamariki, it is unacceptable’.
    “It’s staggering that the Government can order an organisation that supports some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable tamariki and rangatahi, and their whānau to make such bad decisions.
    “Without doubt children will have been impacted as providers had to stop services or move children to other service providers at short notice – it’s just not good enough when the welfare of children should be at the heart of these decisions.
    “This all speaks to the cruel nature of the Government’s decisions which put saving money to fund tax cuts ahead of supporting vulnerable children.
    “The Government promised no impacts on frontline services – this report again exposes this lie as we have seen throughout the public service. There is nothing more frontline than protecting children.
    “The PSA is still awaiting a response from the Auditor-General about whether he will investigate cuts at Health New Zealand which also impact frontline health services – this report means he should.
    “The chickens are coming home to roost as we warned they would. Without doubt in the months and years ahead we will see more damage that the Government is inflicting on frontline services from these short-sighted cuts. More New Zealanders will pay the price – it’s unacceptable.”
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: End to the American War on Vietnam Remembered 50 years on

    Source: Workers First Union

    MEDIA RELEASE ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE ON VIETNAM
    The 50th anniversary of the end of the War on Vietnam will be commemorated in Wellington on Friday, 16 May 2025.
    30 April 1975 saw the “fall of Saigon” that brought an end to this horrendous war.
    Former members and supporters of the Wellington Committee on Vietnam (CoV) and associated groups such as Release All Vietnamese Prisoners of Conscience (RAVPOC), the Organisation to Halt Military Service (OMHS) and Medical Aid for Vietnam have been invited to the gathering. Younger and current anti-war activists have also been invited.
    The gathering has been called by former chairs of the Wellington Committee of Vietnam in the early 1970s, Michael Law and Robert Reid, and will include an “Extraordinary Special Meeting of the CoV” to mark the occasion.
    The events will be held at the National Library in Molesworth Street, Wellington.
    From 2.00 pm until 4.30 pm Friday 16 May the Alexander Turnbull Library will have some of its archived material on anti-war protests on display (especially from the Rona Bailey Collection).
    At 5.00 pm the reunion meeting will take place in the Malaga Pasifika Room of the National Library.
    The events will remember the brave struggle of the Vietnamese people for independence, the horrific action and atrocities of the US and allied forces in Vietnam and the protest activity that took place against the war on Vietnam in New Zealand in the 1960s and 1970s.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Govt squeeze on funding will see another 68 roles go at DOC

    Source: PSA

    The Government’s squeeze on funding public services will see a hollowing out of the Department of Conservation’s Regional Operations teams around the country.
    In a change proposal released today, DOC is proposing to use natural attrition to cut 68 team leader level roles over the next few years, about five per cent of the 1350-strong Regional Operations workforce.
    Of the 68 roles, 29 are already vacant and 39 staff in other roles will not be replaced when they leave.
    DOC worked with the PSA to manage the proposed change to ensure every current staff member could continue to have a job.
    Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the proposal will see a hollowing out of DOC’s regional conservation capability over time.
    “The proposals would see DOC lose valuable skills and knowledge across the country.
    “The changes are being forced on DOC to do more within the Government’s overly tight funding for conservation. We should be investing more, not less, in conservation in regional New Zealand. The Government has chosen to fund tax breaks for landlords over properly funding vital conservation work.
    “The Government talks a big game about growing the economy yet wants to shackle DOC, which plays such an important role in boosting tourism, our second biggest export earner.
    “The PSA is concerned that the reduction in the number of roles over time may see the remaining staff carrying a higher workload,” Fitzsimons said.
    The proposal said the approach would save $5 million from DOC’s regional operations budget of $170 million.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Porirua Careers Expo a huge hit

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Te Rauparaha Arena was jam-packed for the second Porirua Careers Expo on Tuesday.
    More than 3300 rangatahi from across the city, and wider afield, came through the Arena during the day, taking up the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and education providers and potentially kickstart their career journey.
    There were 90 exhibitors spread out through the main stadium, representing construction and trades, education, tech and professional, Government and health. These included BRANZ, Porirua and Whitby New World supermarkets, Wellington Free Ambulance, Whittaker’s, Le Fale Jobs and Skills Hub, MSD, TechStep, BCITO, TradeMe, NZ Police and Mexted Turf.
    Aotea College Year 13 student Emma Dullabh said it was a fantastic day out.
    “It was so cool to see how passionate the stall holders were about their work, and how happy they were to answer questions. It made the day really enjoyable and I was really inspired. Everyone looked like they were having a great time,” she said.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said the serious side of the expo – opening doors and inspiring young people – was offset by a fun atmosphere with MC Nate Lopa and the Cook Island drummers, along with attendees having the opportunity to win one of either $500 Prezzy cards courtesy of Tranquil IT.
    “This is the second year Porirua has hosted a Careers Expo and all the feedback has been wonderful, as our rangatahi get a look into what opportunities await them once they leave school,” Mayor Baker said.
    “My congratulations to organisers, exhibitors and schools for the work that went in to make this event happen.”
    Some of the feedback collated from stallholders included:
    “There was an exceptional amount of people, the children were engaged and really well prepared.”
    “I had between 45 and 50 engagements and was able to connect with some secondary schools I haven’t been able to connect with in the past.”
    “While we weren’t actively recruiting on the day, our aim was just to be out in the community making ourselves known. We wanted to teach students more about us and engage with them – this was a huge success.”
    “We had some fabulous conversations with young people about the industry.”
    “We had over 50 enquiries for our apprenticeships/pre-trades, with 30 turning into actionable leads.”
    “Love the students being engaged and exploring ideas.”
    “Overall, the organisers should feel very proud – it was a well-executed and impactful day.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Consumer NZ finds some car insurance premiums have almost doubled since 2023

    Source: Consumer NZ

    Car insurance premiums have surged in the past 2 years but switching providers could save you hundreds of dollars, says Consumer NZ.

    Vanessa Pratley, investigative writer at Consumer NZ, says its annual car insurance survey found premiums have increased by as much as 46% since 2023.  

    Pratley points to inflation and extreme weather events as factors driving up the cost of insurance across the board, but another contributing factor is your age and life stage.

    “Every insurer will base its premiums on risk. How much you pay will depend on things like whether you live in a flood-prone area, the car you drive, and even your age and gender.  

    “And because not all insurers are equal – which is to say they use their own risk assessments – you might be more or less of a risk to one provider or another.

    “You can switch insurance providers any time (though there might be cancellation fees), and that could potentially reward you with hundreds of dollars in annual savings.”

    Toot if your premium’s up!

    Consumer’s survey found young males will pay more in car insurance premiums than older people or young females. And older females could pay more than older males – depending on the insurer.  

    “When we compared the costs for four different age brackets across nine insurance providers, we found annual savings ranged quite significantly – between $481 and $1,296.

    “Since 2023, the lowest median increase was just 0.6% for a family of four living in Auckland, and the highest median increase was 46% for young males living in Christchurch.

    “If the cost to insure your car is stressing you out right now, don’t cancel your cover or drop down to third-party – shop around and see what savings you could make first.”

    Switch to a lane you can afford

    Other than switching providers, Pratley explains some policies may look similar but cover very different things.

    “‘Standard’ cover with one insurer will be an optional extra with another insurer.

    “You might find your insurance policy includes towing expenses or key replacements as part of its standard offering. But if you very rarely park in the city and never lose your keys, you might be paying more than you need.

    “Take the time to compare what’s on offer and consider whether switching plans or providers would get you back to a policy you can afford.”

    Get a steer on satisfaction

    As well as crunching the numbers on the cost of car insurance premiums, Consumer surveys car insurance customers about how satisfied they are with their current provider.  

    “No one takes out insurance cover for fun. It’s an important financial safety net, for example, if you accidentally swing your car into a parked Tesla. If the right protection isn’t in place for you, you could find yourself in a real pickle.

    “The experience you get from your insurance provider, especially how they treat you, should be an important consideration, too. We’re pleased to announce that FMG and MAS received Consumer’s People’s Choice award for car insurance this year.”

    To help New Zealanders independently compare insurance providers’ cover, our team has crunched the details on comprehensive car insurance policies: https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fhddkjk-ijjdkdttjk-j/

     

    Notes

    We got quotes from nine companies for comprehensive car insurance for four profiles. More information about our methodology, and the paywalled results, are available on our website: Car insurance – compare policies: https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fhddkjk-ijjdkdttjk-t/

     

     

    About Consumer

    Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: Births and deaths: Year ended March 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Births and deaths: Year ended March 2025 – 15 May 2025 – Births and deaths releases provide statistics on the number of births and deaths of people resident in New Zealand that are registered during a given period, along with selected fertility and mortality rates. They may differ from statistics presented elsewhere that relate to all births and deaths registered in New Zealand or to births and deaths occurring during a given period.

    Key facts
    In the year ended March 2025 compared with the year ended March 2024:

    • there were 58,539 live births registered, up from 56,277
    • there were 37,647 deaths registered, little changed from 37,623
    • the total fertility rate was 1.58 births per woman, up from 1.54
    • the infant mortality rate was 6.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, up from 3.8 per 1,000 (the increase is a result of a high number of late registrations during this period, see Births and deaths: Year ended December 2024 (including abridged period life table)).

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  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Food prices increase 3.7 percent annually: Selected price indexes: April 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Food prices increase 3.7 percent annually – 15 May 2025 – Food prices increased 3.7 percent in the 12 months to April 2025, following a 3.5 percent increase in the 12 months to March 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    Higher prices for the grocery food group and the non-alcoholic beverages group contributed most to the annual increase in food prices, up 5.2 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively.

    “Price increases were widespread, with all five food groups recording an increase,” prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.

    The fruit and vegetables group increased in price for the first time since January 2024, with prices up 0.2 percent in the 12 months to April 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: National population estimates: At 31 March 2025 (2023-base)

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    National population estimates: At 31 March 2025 (2023-base) – 15 May 2025 – National population estimates give the best available measure of the population, by age and sex, usually living in Aotearoa New Zealand.

    With the release of Estimated resident population (2023-base): At 30 June 2023 on 16 April 2025, we revised population estimates between 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2023, and rebased population estimates after 30 June 2023. This is the usual revision that occurs after new census and post-enumeration survey results are available.  

    Estimated resident population 2023: Data sources and methods has more information. 

    All population estimates from 30 June 2023 are now 2023-base.  

    Key facts
    At 31 March 2025:

    • the estimated resident population of Aotearoa New Zealand was 5,330,600 (provisionally)
    • there were 2,680,100 females and 2,650,500 males
    • the median age of females and males was 38.9 and 37.3 years respectively.

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