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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? A dietitian explains

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia

    Simply Amazing/Shutterstock

    If you walk through your local pharmacy or supermarket you’re bound to come across probiotics and prebiotics.

    They’re added to certain foods. They come as supplements you can drink or take as a pill. They also occur naturally in everyday foods.

    You might have a vague idea that probiotics and prebiotics are healthy. Or perhaps you’ve heard they’re good for your “microbiome”.

    But what actually is your microbiome? And what’s the difference between probiotics and prebiotics anyway?

    First, some definitions

    The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization, define probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit”. These microorganisms are the bacteria and yeasts in food such as yoghurt, sauerkraut and kombucha, and in supplements.

    But prebiotics refer to the “food” probiotics need to survive and replicate.

    Prebiotics are better known as dietary fibre. They include specific types of fibres called inulin-type fructans, galacto-oligosaccahrides, resistant starch and pectin. Prebiotics occur naturally in plant foods, are added to foods (such as bread and breakfast cereals) and come as supplements.

    Dietary fibre remains undigested in your stomach and small intestine until it reaches the large intestine. There, microorganisms (probiotics) break down (or ferment) the fibre (prebiotics), converting it into metabolites or nutrients linked to better health.

    How are they related to your microbiome?

    Both probiotics and prebiotics are said to encourage a healthy microbiome. That’s a healthy community of different microorganisms that live in or on your body. This includes those in the mouth, gut, skin, respiratory system and the urogenital tract (which handles urine, and has reproductive functions).

    Everyone’s microbiome is different and varies throughout your life. For instance, changing your diet, physical activity, hygiene, taking antibiotics or having an infection all affect your microbiome.

    These factors can change the diversity of your microbiome, that is how many different types of microorganisms you have. These factors can also alter the ratio of healthy microorganisms to unhealthy ones.

    Everyone’s microbiome is different and this community of microorganisms varies throughout your life.
    Elif Bayraktar/Shutterstock

    When your microbiome is less diverse or when the number of unhealthy microorganisms outgrow the number of healthy ones, this is known as dysbiosis. This can lead to problems including diarrhoea or constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, bleeding gums, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or acne.

    Probiotics and prebiotics are marketed as ways to support a healthy, diverse microbiome, and help to reduce the chance of dysbiosis.

    As taking antibiotics can alter your microbiome, they’re also marketed as a way of improving its microbial diversity when taking antibiotics or afterwards.

    Do probiotics work?

    The microbiome plays a crucial role in our health. For instance, a healthy microbiome has been linked to reduced risk of cancers, cardiovascular (heart) diseases, allergy diseases and inflammatory bowel disease.

    But how about taking probiotic supplements to boost your microbiome?

    A review of clinical trials looked at probiotic supplements in healthy people. It found no increase in the diversity of their microbiome.

    Another review of clinical trials looked at the impact of probiotic supplements while people were taking antibiotics. The diversity of their microbiome did not improve.

    Another study not included in these two reviews found probiotics could make microbial diversity worse in the short term. It found probiotic supplements delayed restoring the microbiome after taking antibiotics.

    Trying probiotics around the time you take antibiotics doesn’t seem to help your microbiome.
    one photo/Shutterstock

    What about prebiotics?

    There have been few studies on the impact of healthy people just taking prebiotic supplements. However, there are studies of people taking prebiotics with probiotics on particular aspects of health.

    For instance, one large review looked at various neuropsychiatric outcomes, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease and mild cognitive impairment, when people took prebiotics and probiotics (together or separately). Another review looked at the effect of prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics (supplements that contain both prebiotics and probiotics) on people with diabetes.

    But their findings are not conclusive. So we need more research to routinely recommend these supplements. They are also no replacement for standard medication and a healthy, balanced diet.

    So how do I keep my microbiome healthy?

    You’re better off getting your probiotics from everyday fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi.
    Tatjana Baibakova/Shutterstock

    Naturally occurring probiotics and prebiotics are in everyday foods.

    Probiotics are found in fermented foods such as cheese, sauerkraut, yoghurt, miso, tempeh and kimchi.

    Prebiotics are in the foods that contain fibre – all plant foods. It is important to have a variety of plant foods in your diet. This will ensure you get all the different types of fibre needed to keep your healthy bacteria alive, and to increase the diversity of your microbiome.

    Eating foods rather than consuming supplements also means you get the extra nutrients in the food.

    The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommends a diet rich in plant foods, and promotes eating fermented foods (in the form of cheese and yoghurt). This combination is ideal for maintaining a healthy microbiome.

    Evangeline Mantzioris is affiliated with Alliance for Research in Nutrition, Exercise and Activity (ARENA) at the University of South Australia. Evangeline Mantzioris has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, and has been appointed to the National Health and Medical Research Council Dietary Guideline Expert Committee.

    – ref. What’s the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? A dietitian explains – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-probiotics-and-prebiotics-a-dietitian-explains-248653

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: two ministers and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty in politics

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Labor’s extraordinary election result has triggered a power play that has exposed the uglier entrails of Labor factionalism.

    Even before the new caucus met in Canberra on Friday, the Labor right had dumped two of its cabinet ministers: Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Industry Minister Ed Husic. Dreyfus is from the Victorian right, Husic from the New South Wales right.

    In Labor, factionalism can trump merit. Not always, of course, but undoubtedly more often than is desirable, and certainly in this case.

    These dramatic demotions to the backbench have been driven by two factors.

    The left has more numbers in the caucus after the election, meaning that to preserve factional balances, one minister from the right had to go.

    And then Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles used his heft as chief of the Victorian right to protect the numbers of that group in the ministry, at the expense of the NSW right, and to secure a key promotion.

    In sacrificing Dreyfus who, while from the right, isn’t a serious factional player, Marles has seen the elevation into the outer ministry of his numbers man Sam Rae (as well as another Victorian right-winger, Daniel Mulino).

    Rae, little known publicly, has only been in parliament since 2022. He’s a former Victorian Labor state secretary and was a partner at PwC. Mulino, with a substantial background in economic policy, has served in both the Victorian and federal parliaments.

    Some see the Marles move as, in part, looking to shore up his numbers for any future leadership race. While this might sound far-fetched, given Anthony Albanese’s huge win and declaration he’ll serve a full term, aspirants always have an eye on the future. The manoeuvre won’t be missed by another leadership aspirant, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, a Queenslander who is also from the right.

    Given his enhanced authority, Albanese could have intervened to protect the two ministers – there was an attempt from within the NSW right to get him to do so for Husic – but has chosen to let the factional power play take its course. He said on Thursday, “we have a process and we’ll work it through”, adding that “no individual is greater than the collective, and that includes myself”.

    In the fallout, with the loss of Dreyfus there will be no Jewish minister, which is unfortunate in light of the government’s strained relations with the Jewish community. Husic’s demotion takes the only Muslim out of cabinet, although the speculation is another Muslim, Anne Aly, will be elevated to cabinet.

    Former prime minister Paul Keating was scathing of the demotions, denouncing the “appalling denial of Husic’s diligence and application in bringing the core and emerging technologies of the digital age to the centre of Australian public policy”.

    Keating said Albanese’s non-intervention in relation to Husic “is, in effect, an endorsement of a representative of another state group – in this case, the Victorian right faction led by Richard Marles – a faction demonstrably devoid of creativity and capacity”.

    Keating described the treatment of the two ministers as “a showing of poor judgement, unfairness and diminished respect for the contribution of others”.

    It will take a while to see what ripples the factional power play brings. Husic, certainly, is feisty. He could become a strong voice on a Labor backbench that has been basically quiescent. He is already booked to appear on the ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday and its Q&A panel on Monday.

    Now that the factions have had their say, the prime minister allocates jobs, with particular interest on what Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek receives.

    On the other side of politics, it is not surprising there is widespread anger, ill feeling and recriminations, given the magnitude of the Liberals’ defeat. The contest for leadership between the party’s Deputy Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor had already become willing before the bombshell defection of Senator Jacinta Price from the Nationals to the Liberals increased the angst exponentially.

    The Nationals feel betrayed that their star performer has walked out on them. Her defection will complicate negotiations between the Liberals and the Nationals over their inter-party agreement.

    The move, part of the attempt by Taylor, from the right, to boost his support, is further dividing the Liberal party. It is not yet clear whether Price will join a ticket with Taylor to run for deputy. In interviews on Thursday night and Friday morning she kept her options open, presumably to determine what numbers she would draw.

    While having the Liberal deputy in the Senate would be inconvenient, it has precedent. Fred Chaney, then a senator, became deputy in Andrew Peacock’s coup against John Howard in 1989. It didn’t end well.

    If Price did run, that might help Taylor with some Liberals currently uncertain of which leadership contender to support, because they would know she would be popular in their branches.

    But for the moderates in the party, who want the Liberals to find a path back in traditional urban areas, the arrival of Price, with her hardline right views, sends all the wrong signals. The leafy city suburbs are populated with small-l voters and professional women, who would not see themselves in tune with Price’s views.

    It there was a Taylor-Price leadership team that would be an unmistakable message – that the Liberals were tracking very significantly away from the mainstream in which most voters swim.

    Price was the leading figure who helped sink the Voice referendum, but she has not yet proved herself on the broader range of issues. In the campaign, her reference to “make Australia great again” was used against the Coalition to claim it was “Trumpian”.

    Explaining her move, Price says that she had actually always wanted to sit in the Liberal party room. She comes from the Northern Territory Country Liberal party, whose representatives sit with either the Liberals or the Nationals, according to a formula.

    On her timing, Price said, “right now, amongst many of the conversations I have had with those leading up to making this decision, is that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures”.

    Within the Liberals, Price, given her profile and her status as a poster-woman of the rightwing media, will potentially be hard to handle.

    While Labor savours the taste of triumph, and the Coalition drinks the the bitter brew of defeat, a week on Dreyfus, Husic and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty.

    Michelle Grattan 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. View from The Hill: two ministers and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty in politics – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-two-ministers-and-the-nationals-discover-the-limits-of-loyalty-in-politics-255959

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor has promised to tackle homelessness. Here’s what homeless people say they need

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Martin, Associate Dean, Social Work and Human Services, RMIT University

    Pressmaster/Shutterstock

    The 2025 election is over and now it’s time for Labor to deliver on campaign promises to address homelessness.

    Action on homelessness is long overdue. Affordable housing options remain scarce and public and community housing waitlists keep growing.

    The crisis springs from decades of government policy failures in many areas. Homelessness is linked to poverty, stigma, violence and poor health.

    Labor has promised to:

    • build more affordable housing
    • reduce social housing waitlists
    • prioritise groups vulnerable to homelessness
    • invest A$1.2 billion in homelessness accommodation.

    This is welcome, but it’s crucial people who have experienced homelessness are involved in the design of policy and services. They are the experts.

    Our recent research involved speaking with 47 people with current or past experiences of homelessness in Victoria and South Australia. The study was co-designed and co-led by people who had experienced homelessness.

    See us, hear us

    Participants told us their perspectives aren’t valued. One said:

    Homeless people [are] looked down upon. The individual is not considered. They fall on hard times for many reasons. They will judge you and they’ll categorise you.

    Another said:

    Do we have a voice? No, we don’t, because they don’t care […] they don’t listen.

    Many wanted to influence policy and service design. One said:

    I think it’s really important that people like us […] have a say in the way we move forward, and it’s not coming from people in really nice suits […] that don’t really have any experience.

    Respect our expertise

    People who’ve experienced homelessness can “identify things that someone without that lived experience may simply not have thought of in the first place”, one person told us.

    They should be involved as staff and leaders in service design and provision. One person said:

    I think if there were people that were around with lived experience that could somehow get in contact with people like me at that time and say, “Look, mate, you don’t have to go down this path, you don’t have to live this kind of life, there’s another way”.

    One participant who’d experienced domestic violence said navigating all the different non-government agencies was complicated. Decisions were made without her input.

    A failure to find this woman housing eventually led to her children being removed.

    Respect needs to be at the centre of service provision. One participant described overhearing workers complaining about the smell of homeless people. Another said they’d value practical advice from people who’d experienced homelessness:

    Having someone who’s actually been through that and can actually then describe what navigating systems means to someone coming in could be a really useful way to employ someone in homelessness services.

    Valuing and paying for the expertise of people who have experienced homelessness is vital. One participant said:

    I was on a panel with CEOs of homelessness organisations [and] was asked one hour before: “Would you like to be the lived experience voice?” So, was I paid the same? No. Was I given the same respect as everyone else? No. Was I given enough time to prepare? No. But did I deliver? Yes, I delivered. I showed up and I still was able to deliver. So, I think my expertise […] is just as valid as anybody else’s.

    Another said:

    You need to get as wide a lived experience as possible, otherwise it’s a bit pointless if they’re all 30-year-old white guys.

    From prison to homelessness

    Around half of those leaving prison exit into homelessness.

    Many women in these circumstances must choose between homelessness and returning to violent situations.

    Community organisations work hard to keep women housed, but this requires adequate and ongoing funding.

    One formerly incarcerated woman told us:

    Incarceration creates homelessness […] they’re released into a void […] If that was me, I would definitely rather be in prison than be on the street.

    Another said:

    Most women who are in prison suffered from childhood sexual abuse, they’ve suffered domestic violence and suffered a lot of trauma […] but for some reason, that’s all forgotten for us when we’re released.

    People with experience of homelessness are best placed to guide the design and delivery of services, and offer pragmatic solutions.

    One participant told us:

    When I came out [of hospital], one of the community service people said, “Oh, we can put you in a hotel for four nights.” And I said, “Actually, the best thing I need is four new tyres on my van.” And they said, “No, we can’t do that.” The tyres would be cheaper than the hotel. But they said, “No, we can’t.” I’ve always said solutions don’t have to be pretty, but they have to work.

    People told us a one-size-fits-all, box-ticking approach won’t work because:

    not everybody fits into those categories. Everybody [is] in different circumstances.

    Another said:

    You go to a service, they don’t care about your purpose. They don’t care about your goal. They care about: “Have I provided my service that I’m obligated to give?”

    Many services aren’t working for homeless people. One participant said:

    One of the reasons I stayed homeless is because I either had to kill my dog or give my dog up and I couldn’t do either because he was my saviour. So, I lived
    in that car. At that time, I was freezing and gave whatever blankets I could to my dog. He got so sick […] I contacted another place [and] asked for a sleeping bag and a tent to be sent to me and it was sent to the service provider that never gave it to me.

    Many people have no choice but to sleep in their car.
    Alexander Knyazhinsky/Shutterstock

    What now?

    Our research participants called for policy addressing poverty and for the perspectives of people who’d experienced homelessness to be:

    • embedded in housing and homelessness policy, service design and practice
    • recognised, valued and properly remunerated
    • involved in leading research.

    The authors thank the people with experience with homelessness who led our research.

    Robyn Martin’s research was funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, and was a collaboration between RMIT, UniSA, the Council for Homeless Persons and Seeds of Affinity.

    Carole Zufferey’s research was funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, and was a collaboration between RMIT, UniSA, the Council for Homeless Persons and Seeds of Affinity.

    Michele Jarldorn’s research was funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, and was a collaboration between RMIT, UniSA, the Council for Homeless Persons and Seeds of Affinity. Michele is a volunteer with Seeds of Affinity and is currently chair of their board. Seeds of Affinity does not receive any ongoing funding.

    – ref. Labor has promised to tackle homelessness. Here’s what homeless people say they need – https://theconversation.com/labor-has-promised-to-tackle-homelessness-heres-what-homeless-people-say-they-need-255945

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Austin to return for a second season in 2025

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Austin cast members: Sally Phillips (Ingrid), Ben Miller (Julian), Gia Carides (Mel) and Michael Theo (Austin). Image: ABC

    In brief:

    • Season one of Austin was very popular with viewers.
    • A second season has been commissioned and will again be partly filmed in Canberra.
    • This article shares what’s ahead for the characters in season two.

    The much-loved TV series Austin will be back for a second season.

    Filmed mostly in Canberra, the first season shone a spotlight on the ACT and was a hit with audiences.

    Season two will begin filming in the UK early in December 2024. It will air on ABC TV in 2025.

    The Austin cast

    Michael Theo will reprise his role as the straight-talking, neurodivergent Austin. This follows his breakout performance in season one.

    UK actors Ben Miller and Sally Phillips will also be back. As will Australians Gia Carides and Roy Billing.

    “We are all beyond excited to start filming again, and reunite our joyously neurodivergent family,” Ben said.

    What’s ahead

    Austin follows the relationship between author Julian and the son he never knew about: Austin.

    In the first season, viewers fell in love with Austin and his extended family.

    At the start of season two, Austin and Julian are still in the UK when Austin’s own publishing career takes off.

    As his fame grows, he falls under the professional spell of his new agent.

    To his family’s horror, Austin behaves in a manner unbefitting his true self.

    Meanwhile, an Australian production company options Julian’s Big Bear for TV.

    Julian, his wife, Ingrid, and Austin return to Canberra. Unfortunately, they find the company wants to reinvent the Big Bear brand – without Julian.

    Presenting diversity

    “Austin is a ground-breaking series that has captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling, humour and exploration of neurodiversity and acceptance,” Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said.

    “Seeing authentic representation of the diverse experiences of all Australians on screen is vital, and we’re very proud to support this talented creative team and cast as they build on the success of the first season. We look forward to seeing Michael Theo deliver another scene-stealing performance.”

    Production credits

    Commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. A Northern Pictures production with Lincoln Pictures, in association with and distributed by ITV Studios. Major Production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia, the ACT Government, and Screen Canberra. Post Produced with the assistance of the NSW Government.

    Where to watch

    Austin season two will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2025.

    Austin season one is now on ABC iview.

    Read more like this:

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cenovus reports voting results of annual meeting of shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) held its annual meeting of shareholders on May 8, 2025. Each matter voted on is described in greater detail in the Corporation’s 2025 Management Information Circular dated March 12, 2025.

    Shareholders voted as follows on the matters before the meeting:

    Appointment of Auditor

    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, was reappointed as auditor of the Corporation.

    Votes for Votes withheld
    Number Percent Number Percent
    1,479,069,159 99.58 6,198,457 0.42


    Election of Directors

    Each of the following 14 nominees proposed by management were elected directors of the Corporation:

    Nominee Votes for Votes against
      Number Percent Number Percent
    Stephen E. Bradley 1,436,654,782 99.47 7,633,157 0.53
    Keith M. Casey 1,433,735,075 99.27 10,553,916 0.73
    Michael J. Crothers 1,433,314,572 99.24 10,975,197 0.76
    James D. Girgulis 1,437,307,360 99.52 6,982,411 0.48
    Jane E. Kinney 1,431,229,021 99.10 13,059,246 0.90
    Eva L. Kwok 1,426,200,877 98.75 18,086,892 1.25
    Melanie A. Little 1,432,129,625 99.16 12,159,363 0.84
    Richard J. Marcogliese 1,429,056,098 98.95 15,233,673 1.05
    Chana L. Martineau 1,437,677,888 99.54 6,611,881 0.46
    Jonathan M. McKenzie 1,433,520,858 99.25 10,766,914 0.75
    Claude Mongeau 1,408,344,566 97.51 35,944,425 2.49
    Alexander J. Pourbaix 1,417,365,414 98.14 26,924,356 1.86
    Frank J. Sixt 1,154,291,947 79.92 289,997,821 20.08
    Rhonda I. Zygocki 1,419,942,305 98.31 24,347,463 1.69

    Cenovus welcomes Chana Martineau to the Board of Directors. Ms. Martineau is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, and brings more than 30 years of financial strategy and management experience to the Board.

    As part of Cenovus’s leadership succession plan, effective at the conclusion of the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, Alex Pourbaix moved to the role of non-independent Chair of the Board of Directors. Claude Mongeau continues in the role of Lead Independent Director.

    Non-Binding Advisory Vote on the Corporation’s Approach to Executive Compensation

    An advisory resolution was passed to accept the Corporation’s approach to executive compensation.

    Votes for Votes against
    Number Percent Number Percent
    1,405,612,741 97.32 38,667,029 2.68


    Cenovus Energy Inc.

    Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is committed to maximizing value by developing its assets in a safe, responsible and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

    Find Cenovus on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

    Cenovus contacts

    Investors

    Investor Relations general line

    403-766-7711

    Media

    Media Relations general line

    403-766-7751

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 9, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 9, 2025.

    What is grounding and could it improve my sleep? Here’s the science behind this TikTok trend
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dean J. Miller, Senior Lecturer, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia Alexey Demidov/Pexels Have you ever felt an unexpected sense of calm while walking barefoot on grass? Or noticed your stress begin to fade as you stood ankle deep in the ocean? If so, you may

    Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13. It’s a risky move
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University Studio Nut/Shutterstock Google has announced it will roll out its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to children under the age of 13. While the launch starts within the next week in

    PNG’s Gorethy Kenneth: 23 years of fearless journalism and unwavering truth
    PROFILE: By Alu J Kalinoe At Papua New Guinea’s Post-Courier, our senior journalists often operate in the shadows, yet their courageous efforts are often overlooked — continuously pushing boundaries to bring us important stories that shape our lives and venturing outside their comfort zones to deliver top-notch content. This is the tale of one of

    ‘Peace be with all of you’: how Pope Leo XIV embodies a living dialogue between tradition and modernity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University When Robert Francis Prevost appeared on the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV, he set three precedents. He is the first pope from North America, the first Augustinian to occupy the throne of Peter, and the

    Experts split on Australia’s Papua New Guinea military recruitment plan
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Australia’s plan to recruit from Papua New Guinea for its Defence Force raises “major ethical concerns”, according to the Australia Defence Association, while another expert thinks it is broadly a good idea. The two nations are set to begin negotiating a new defence treaty that is expected to see

    Hidden connections of more than 100 migratory marine species revealed in interactive map
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lily Bentley, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock From the enormous blue whale to the delicate monarch butterfly, animals of all shapes and sizes migrate across the globe. These migrations connect distant habitats, from the tropics to the poles. They

    As Filipinos prepare to vote, ex-strongman Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest is dividing families – all the way to the president
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Noel Morada, Visiting Professor, Nelson Mandela Centre, Chulalongkorn University; and Research Fellow, Asia Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, Chulalongkorn University It’s been two months since former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face potential prosecution

    How the word ‘incel’ got away from us
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Farid Zaid, Senior Lecturer, Psychology, Monash University Javier Bermudez Zayas/Shutterstock Imagine a young man whose voice has been worn down by years of feeling invisible. Plain, numb and bitter, the “incel” tries to explain the kind of hopelessness most of us would rather not confront: I believed

    Kiwi kids once led the world in reading – this 1950s primary school syllabus still has lessons for today
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Boyask, Director of LitPlus, AUT School of Education, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images There is a well-known whakatauki (Māori proverb) that goes: “Ka mua, ka muri” – “walking backwards into the future”. It applies to many areas of life, but in education the idea of

    Some Reddit users just love to disagree, new AI-powered troll-spotting algorithm finds
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, Associate Professor in Behavioral Data Science, University of Technology Sydney ginger_polina_bublik/Shutterstock In today’s fractured online landscape, it is harder than ever to identify harmful actors such as trolls and misinformation spreaders. Often, efforts to spot malicious accounts focus on analysing what they say. However, our

    To split Moscow from Beijing, Trump is reviving Nixon’s ‘madman diplomacy’. It could backfire badly
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Langford, Executive Director, Security & Defence PLuS and Professor, UNSW Sydney When United States President William McKinley advocated high‑tariff protectionism in 1896, he argued squeezing foreign competitors behind a 50% wall of duties would make America richer and safer. That logic framed US trade debates for

    A community-led health program in remote Arnhem land is showing promising results for First Nations locals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hasthi Dissanayake, Research Fellow in Indigenous Health, The University of Melbourne The Doherty Institute Indigenous Australians are more than twice as likely as non-Indigenous Australians to suffer from disease, particularly chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. The health disparities are worse in remote

    Why it’s important to read aloud to your kids – even after they can read themselves
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Cox, Professor of Literacy Education, University of Tasmania Mart Production/Pexels , CC BY Is reading to your kids a bedtime ritual in your home? For many of us, it will be a visceral memory of our own childhoods. Or of the time raising now grown-up children.

    Old drains and railways are full of life. Here’s how to make the most of these overlooked green spaces
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Stanford, Researcher Associate, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University Much of the old circular railway line in Paris, La Petite Ceinture, or Little Belt, has been turned into a public park. ldgfr photos, Shutterstock Across Australian cities, leftover and overlooked green spaces are everywhere. Just think

    Ever wanted to ditch the 9-to-5 and teach snowsports? We followed people who did it for 10 years
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marian Makkar, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, RMIT University Konstantin Shishkin/Shutterstock Workplace burnout – a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion – and the COVID pandemic have sparked a rethink of the traditional 9-to-5 job. It’s been estimated 30% of the Australian workforce is experiencing some degree

    Stepmums, alien mums, robot mums, vengeful mums: 7 films to watch this Mother’s Day
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Gildersleeve, Professor of English Literature, University of Southern Queensland With Mother’s Day around the corner, you may be wondering what gift you’ll give mum – or any of the mums in your life. This year, why not skip the fancy dinner and offer one of the

    Pope Leo XIV faces limits on changing the Catholic Church − but Francis made reforms that set the stage for larger changes
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Doyle, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, University of Dayton Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Thursday, May 8, 2025. AP Photo/Andrew Medichini Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been picked to be the

    Grattan on Friday: Bitter struggle in Liberals for likely poisoned chalice, as Jacinta Price defects from Nationals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra By late last week it was clear Labor would win the election, but it came as more of a surprise when Peter Dutton lost the Queensland seat of Dickson he’d held since 2001. Nor did many anticipate Greens leader Adam

    Fiji media’s Stan Simpson blasts ‘hypocrites’ in social media clash over press freedom
    Pacific Media Watch Barely hours after being guest speaker at the University of the South Pacific‘s annual World Press Freedom Day event this week, Fiji media industry stalwart Stanley Simpson was forced to fend off local trolls whom he described as “hypocrites”. “Attacked by both the Fiji Labour Party and ex-FijiFirst MPs in just one

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: David Pocock wants us to aim for up to 90% reduction in emissions by 2035
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the new parliament the government is expected to need only the Greens to pass the legislation opposed by the Coalition. Counting is not finished but on present indications it won’t require any other Senate crossbenchers. Given Labor’s enhanced position

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Three key words to evaluate Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    From May 7 to 10, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Russia and take part in celebrations in Moscow to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    At a special key historical moment, the energetic and skillful diplomacy of the great powers and three key words attract special public attention.

    Stability

    How great powers get along with each other has become a major theme in international relations. As instability in the international environment increases, the world looks to great powers to provide stability and positive energy.

    “History and reality have clearly shown us that China and Russia are good neighbors who cannot distance themselves from each other, and true friends who share sorrows and hardships, support each other and develop together,” President Xi Jinping emphasized in a telephone conversation with President Putin in February this year.

    Good neighbors and true friends, possessing powerful inner impulses based on deep historical logic.

    Regarding bilateral relations, it should be noted that the two countries “adhere to strengthening and developing bilateral relations based on the principles of non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties” and “form a new type of relations between great powers based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.”

    From a global perspective, China and Russia are the largest neighboring countries. They are also two world powers that are permanent members of the UN Security Council. They bear a special responsibility for maintaining and developing peace throughout the world. And their friendly relations and the achievement of mutual goals contribute to the development of a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations.

    Reflecting on the past in light of the present, it can be noted that in the context of international turbulence, the key to the smooth development of Sino-Russian relations has become “finding the right way to coexist”, and “this not only meets the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, but also contributes to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the whole world.”

    Sense of history

    This year has special historical significance.

    May 9 marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, and September 3 marks the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. These two anniversaries and two major battlefields together lead to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

    80 years ago, when Asia and Europe were the two main battlefields of World War II, China and Russia made enormous sacrifices and significant historical contributions to ensuring victory in the world anti-fascist war and saving peoples from destruction, as well as the future of all mankind.

    It was not easy to achieve victory and peace, nor was it easy to establish the post-war international order.

    “If we lose the memory of history, our minds will be lost in darkness,” Chinese President Xi Jinping once quoted the famous words of renowned Russian historian Klyuchevsky, thereby expressing his determination to preserve historical memory and uphold peace.

    In May 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping was invited to Moscow to participate in celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. In September of the same year, a conference was held in Beijing dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

    And now, ten years have passed unnoticed. Today, when the world stands at the crossroads of history, China and Russia support each other in holding events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, promoting an accurate view of the history of World War II, preserving the results of World War II and the post-war international order, and defending international justice.

    The concept of order

    Today’s world has been shaped by history.

    It was on the basis of the Great Victory won 80 years ago that China and Russia, together with other major members of the anti-fascist alliance, discussed the establishment of the UN and jointly drafted a number of important international documents such as the UN Charter, which laid the foundations of the modern international order and established the basic rules of international relations.

    Peace rather than war, cooperation rather than confrontation, win-win rather than zero-sum – all this has become a powerful historical trend.

    “In this world, the degree of interconnectedness and interdependence of various countries has never been so profound. Humanity lives in one global village, in one time and space, where history and reality intersect, increasingly becoming a community of a common destiny, close and inseparable,” so in March 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave the world the first interpretation of the concept of a community of a common destiny at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO MFA of Russia).

    Great power diplomacy aimed at long-term planning and far-reaching results.

    When turbulence intensifies, we must stand firmly on the right side of history, “resolutely oppose the attacks and actions that deny, distort and falsify the history of World War II,” and “jointly defend the outcome of World War II and international justice.”

    When the “countercurrent” starts to bubble up, we must unwaveringly stand by the progress of human civilization. “Practice genuine multilateralism, promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world, comprehensive economic globalization, jointly implement the global development initiative, the global security initiative and the global civilization initiative, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.”

    It is the sacred duty of China and Russia to guide global governance in the right direction.

    “China and Russia should take this as an opportunity to jointly safeguard the international system with the UN as its core and the legacy of World War II, and promote all countries to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, adhere to the universally recognized norms of international relations, and practice genuine multilateralism,” Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized during video conference talks with President Vladimir Putin in January this year.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US ‘film tariffs’ would deal ‘devastating blow’ to film and TV industries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    The Hollywood Reporter reported on May 4 that US President Trump had announced the same day that he would impose a “100% tariff” on any films produced outside the United States that enter the country. He also authorized the Commerce Department and the US Trade Representative to implement the tariff policy.

    “The American film industry is rapidly dying!” Trump wrote on social media on May 4. It said that other countries were using various incentives to “entice American film producers and studios to leave the United States.” Trump also said that Hollywood had been “severely damaged” as a result, posing a “national security threat” to the United States. He authorized the Commerce Department and the U.S. Trade Representative to immediately begin procedures to impose 100% tariffs on all films imported into the United States and produced in foreign countries, expressing his hope to “have American-made films again.”

    In recent years, Hollywood has taken advantage of tax incentives to move film production to countries such as the UK, Australia, Ireland and Spain.

    According to the Guardian and Reuters, the Australian and New Zealand governments have already made their positions known on May 5, declaring that they will vigorously defend the interests of their film and television industries. William Reinsch, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a former senior official at the U.S. Department of Commerce, believes that imposing tariffs on foreign-made films “would cause far more problems than they are worth,” and that it is difficult to convince people that foreign-made films are a “national security threat.” One U.S. entertainment industry official believes that Trump’s move will not only affect film, but will also “deal a crushing blow to the television industry.”

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, Russia Call on Nuclear Powers to Ditch Cold War Mentality

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    MOSCOW, May 9 (Xinhua) — China and Russia have called on nuclear powers to abandon the Cold War mentality and zero-sum games, according to a joint statement released here on Thursday.

    The parties stressed the importance of maintaining constructive relations between major countries in resolving global strategic issues.

    Members of the nuclear club bear special responsibility for international security and global strategic stability, they should refrain from steps that cause strategic risks and resolve problems through equal dialogue and consultations based on mutual respect to strengthen trust and avoid dangerous misjudgments, Beijing and Moscow noted.

    The statement said that not all nuclear powers adhere to the above-mentioned position. Growing tensions between nuclear states have escalated to the point of risk of direct military clashes, problems and challenges continue to arise in the strategic sphere, and the danger of nuclear conflicts is increasing, China and Russia emphasized.

    The fact that some nuclear-weapon States are building or expanding permanent military bases in sensitive areas around other nuclear-weapon States, flexing their military muscle to exert pressure, or committing hostile acts that threaten the core security interests of other countries has become one of the most serious strategic risks and must be addressed without delay, the statement said.

    The forward deployment of military facilities and modern offensive and defensive weapons is constantly increasing, which is a cause for serious concern, the parties emphasized.

    The recently announced US “Golden Dome” plan aims to create a global missile defense system that will not be subject to any restrictions to repel various missile threats, including those from “peer” adversaries, which also seriously damages strategic stability, the statement said.

    This plan completely denies the inextricable link between strategic offensive and strategic defensive weapons, the basic principle of maintaining global strategic stability. In addition, it also provides for further support for research and development of kinetic and non-kinetic means of destroying missiles and their support facilities, and ensuring “kill before launch”.

    The Golden Dome program openly proposes a significant increase in the number of space warfare capabilities, including the development and deployment of orbital interception systems, the weaponization of space and its transformation into a site for large-scale armed confrontation, which further worsens the situation, the statement noted.

    According to the document, Beijing and Moscow oppose attempts by individual countries to use space for armed confrontation and reject security measures aimed at achieving military superiority, defining outer space as a “combat area” and its use as such.

    China and Russia have condemned the use of commercial space systems to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states and armed conflicts in other countries.

    A nuclear state, with the support of its allies, seeks to undermine the reliability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence of other nuclear powers in an attempt to achieve overwhelming military superiority and ultimately “absolute strategic security.” This fundamentally violates the basic logic of maintaining strategic balance and contradicts the principle of equal and indivisible security, the statement said.

    Any military confrontation between nuclear-weapon states should be resolutely avoided, and political and diplomatic solutions to existing differences should be sought on the basis of mutual recognition and mutual respect for security interests and issues of concern, the document emphasizes.

    Beijing and Moscow noted that through the trilateral security partnership, the United States, Britain and Australia are attempting to establish military facilities used by two nuclear-armed states to protect their nuclear forces on the territory of a country that has signed the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty, undermining strategic stability and provoking an arms race in the region. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese take first place in visiting Brest Fortress in Belarus among tourists from far abroad — director

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Brest /Belarus/, May 9 /Xinhua/ — The Chinese are the first among tourists from far abroad to visit the Brest Fortress in Belarus. This was recently stated to journalists by the director of the memorial complex “Brest Hero Fortress” Alexander Korkotadze during a press tour of media representatives of the EAEU and CIS countries.

    “Among the countries of the far abroad, China ranks first in the number of tourists who visit the memorial complex “Brest Hero Fortress”. We see a trend towards an increase in tourist flow from China,” he said.

    A. Korkotadze also noted that in 2024, an exhibition about the defense of the Brest Fortress was opened at the Memorial Museum of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggressors in Beijing, and this year a return exhibition is planned at the Brest Fortress, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II over militarist Japan.

    In addition, according to him, the fortress has been visited more in recent years. Families come here from all corners of the former Soviet Union. Over 125 thousand people visited the memorial in the first 4 months of 2025.

    “We have conducted more than 3,700 excursions, and tourists from more than 10 countries have already visited our memorial this year. And this is despite the sanctions, despite the fact that they are trying to cancel the role of the Soviet Union in the victory over fascism and hush it up. But people from European countries, from the USA, from Latin America, from Africa, from Asia come to us and receive the most truthful information here. Apparently, they come to us for the truth,” said A. Korkotadze. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Petdirect Appoints Chief Veterinary Officer

    Source: Tairāwhiti Graduates Celebrate Success – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Petdirect Appoints Chief Veterinary Officer

    Petdirect has appointed Dr Olja Jovovich as its first Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) following the successful launch of Petdirect Pharmacy in 2024. With rising demand for at-home access to prescription pet medications, Dr Jovovich will lead clinical governance and ensure regulatory compliance. She brings over a decade of experience, including leadership roles at Animates Vetcare and Practical CPD. Her appointment underscores Petdirect’s commitment to trusted, affordable pet healthcare as it scales its pharmacy offering across New Zealand.

    The post Petdirect Appoints Chief Veterinary Officer first appeared on PR.co.nz.

    – –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Leading the way for women’s comfort and hygiene

    Source:

    CFA is leading the way in providing comfort for volunteers who are women, actively engaging with them to address their needs on and off the truck.

    Not only will CFA be the first emergency service agency in Australia to provide firefighting boots and gloves designed specifically for women, 3,100 appliances were also recently fitted out with feminine hygiene packs that saw the distribution of more than 18,000 tampons and 12,000 pads.

    CFA General Manager of Infrastructure Services, active volunteer and lead member of CFA’s Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee Paul Santamaria said extensive consultation with volunteers on the ground who are women has largely driven these important initiatives, which are just two of many.

    “Right across CFA, we have been fostering open dialogue through various events, forums and working groups to encourage diversity of thought and acknowledgement of the needs of all our volunteers,” Paul said. 

    “We have undergone a comprehensive review of our CFA facilities and design standards so members feel safe, respected and welcomed without discrimination.

    “As a result, we are starting to roll out upgrades to our fire stations and three training campuses to be more gender neutral and to provide greater physical privacy for all members.

    “We’ve also seen two mechanical apprentices who are women enter a traditionally male dominated industry and join our District Mechanical Workshops. These are amazing women who are paving the way for others to join.”

    To celebrate the rollout completion of the feminine hygiene packs and officially mark the beginning of the expansion of firefighting boot and glove options available to women, Malmsbury Fire Brigade members gathered at the fire station today (9 May) alongside CFA leaders.

    Malmsbury Fire Brigade Captain Linda Krive said the packs have been well received within their 10-women strong brigade but is particularly excited about the new Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) that is coming their way.

    “Both initiatives have positively supported the wellbeing of our volunteers who are women and have provided us with the resources we need in challenging situations,” Linda said.

    “Having the packs on board certainly makes it one less thing we have to think about and allows a sense of comfort knowing that if we do need something on the fireground, it will be okay.

    “They will come in handy when we’re out on strike teams, as sanitary items are often overlooked when packing quickly for deployment, especially if you don’t need them at the time of departure.

    “As we know though, things can change quickly, and you don’t know how long you’ll be gone for.”

    CFA has already received several expressions of interest from several suppliers to deliver the new fit-for-purpose boots and gloves for women and will formally go to tender for a supply partner next month.

    Linda said most women in her brigade, and some men, have struggled with boots in the past and are looking forward to having the option of clothing that is designed to fit different shapes.

    “Some of us have long, thin feet and although my feet are used to my boots after 20 years, it will make such a difference.

    “I’ve also got some members who have very small hands, and even the extra small gloves are too big which makes some tasks harder to complete.

    Through CFA’s Diversity and Inclusion Program, initiatives continue to recognise individuality and inclusivity, while working closely with the Champions for Change Network to share experiences and learn more about what is being done across the Emergency Services and Allied Health sectors to support women.

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China slams US attempts to turn Asia-Pacific into ‘powder keg’

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

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on May 8, 2025. [Photo/mod.gov.cn]

    A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday said the United States’ attempts to turn the Asia-Pacific region into a “powder keg” seriously undermine the security and well-being of the people in the region.

    Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a question about the U.S. Defense Secretary’s call to deter China in the Indo-Pacific region and about U.S. plans to establish a major military facility in the Philippines for storage of weapons and logistics supplies.

    The U.S. repeatedly uses China as a pretext to maintain its hegemony and it is attempting to turn the Asia-Pacific into a “powder keg,” putting relevant countries at risk, Zhang said, noting that such moves significantly harm the security and well-being of the people and countries in the region.

    “Facts have repeatedly proven that it is dangerous to be America’s enemy, but to be its friend may be fatal,” Zhang said, adding that relevant countries are advised against inviting troubles and becoming others’ pawns, which would undermine the hard-won peace and stability in the region.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai’s World Bank survey success reflects China’s reform resolve

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

    Shanghai’s dynamic business hub is radiating confidence and vitality. In a new World Bank survey of 2,189 Chinese firms, Shanghai stood out with 22 business environment indicators ranking among the world’s top performers, more than any other city measured.

    The latest World Bank Enterprise Survey, conducted from January 2024 to February 2025, found that Shanghai leads the world in categories from power reliability to electronic payments. This haul even outshines Singapore, which had 10 top-tier indicators in an earlier assessment.

    The World Bank introduced the Business Ready (B-READY) Report in May 2023, which is a new approach that draws on a data collection process that includes specially tailored expert questionnaires and firm-level surveys.

    According to the survey, China’s overall enterprise survey scores were quite strong, exceeding the median of 103 economies in six out of eight topic areas, including commercial dispute resolution, taxation, financial services and international trade.

    Notably, among the 59 indicators used in B-READY, China achieved global top-tier performance in 12 indicators, including e-payments, electricity access and workforce training. Additionally, the country reached global advanced standards in areas such as construction permits, water supply, internet connectivity, and innovation.

    According to Elaine Chen, a partner at PwC China, which conducted the survey, Chinese firms demonstrated exceptional time efficiency, with VAT refunds processed in just one week and trade clearance time (3 days for exports, 10 for imports, on average) outperforming regional peers.

    “China’s strong results will be a reference to the World Bank’s final evaluation in September,” Chen noted.

    As an outstanding performer, Shanghai’s 22 world-best indicators span a broad array of business concerns. Regarding the reliability of electricity supply, the city’s enterprises reported zero power outages in the past year. Regarding access to financial services, Shanghai achieved zero transaction costs for electronic payments.

    Shanghai also reported perfect scores in commercial mediation (100), customs satisfaction (99.13), and internet provider flexibility (96.2). Beyond these, the metropolis scored at or near global best practice on measures such as tax processing speed, loan approvals, and internet stability, reflecting its advanced regulatory framework and commitment to efficiency.

    What lies behind these numbers is a vigorous push to modernize the city’s business environment. Many of Shanghai’s reforms in recent years have directly targeted the pain points that the World Bank survey measures. For example, the city enacted in 2016 a regulation on power supply and utilization that requires utility companies to fix outages within an hour.

    The findings underscore Shanghai’s success in aligning with international standards, streamlining regulations, and enhancing public services — a testament to China’s broader strides in cultivating a business-friendly environment, said Luo Peixin, vice president of East China University of Political Science and Law.

    Luo highlighted Shanghai’s institutional reforms as key drivers of progress. “Shanghai’s model offers a blueprint for nationwide improvements.”

    After years of steadfast reform, Shanghai has made the business environment a top priority since 2018, when Shanghai launched its first annual action plan of business climate reforms.

    Every year since then, the Shanghai municipal government convened a high-profile conference on optimizing the business environment to announce new measures. These action plans have so far introduced over 1,100 specific reform tasks and measures.

    Luo noted that by driving institutional reforms and optimizing working methods, Shanghai can further enhance corporate satisfaction and sense of gain.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Review seeks to improve Waitangi Tribunal

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Reviewing the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 will ensure the Waitangi Tribunal is best placed to continue serving the interests of Māori and all New Zealanders into the future, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.
    The New Zealand First and National Party coalition agreement includes a commitment to refocus the scope, purpose, and nature of the Tribunal’s inquiries back to its original intent.
    “Over the past 50 years, the Tribunal has made significant contributions to the Māori Crown relationship and informed the settlement of both historical and contemporary Treaty claims impacting generations of whānau across the country.
    “Given the progress of historical claims and settlements and concerns about the Tribunal’s current workload, it is timely to review the legislation that determines how it undertakes its inquiries.
    “A review of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 will ensure the Tribunal continues to effectively meet the intent of the legislation – considering claims relating to breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi – and providing timely, well-reasoned findings,” Mr Potaka says.
    An Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) will lead the review, supported by Te Puni Kōkiri. The review will consider whether the Act provides clarity around the Tribunal’s jurisdiction, how different types of claims are managed, and how the legislation aligns with other legislation. 
    The ITAG will be chaired by legal expert Bruce Gray KC, and will include senior public servant Kararaina Calcott-Cribb, lawyer David Cochrane, and respected Māori leader Dion Tuuta.
    “The ITAG will engage directly with peak Māori and Iwi entities, Treaty law experts, and current and former Tribunal members to ensure that the right voices and perspectives are reflected in the recommendations they provide to ministers at the end of their review,” says Mr Potaka.
    “The review will ensure the Waitangi Tribunal remains focused, relevant, effective and fit for purpose not just for today, but for the generations to come.”
    Engagement will begin in mid-2025 and continue throughout the review process. Advice will be provided to ministers, including NZ First Minister Shane Jones, by September 2025, with legislative proposals intended to be introduced before the end of the year.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN, New Zealand reaffirm shared commitment to strengthening partnership

    Source: ASEAN

    JAKARTA, 8 May 2025 – ASEAN and New Zealand reaffirmed commitment to strengthening their partnership and deepening cooperation at the 13th ASEAN-New Zealand Joint Cooperation Committee (ANZJCC) Meeting, held today at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
     
    The meeting discussed recent developments in ASEAN and New Zealand, and took stock of the implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (POA) (2021-2025), which is in its final year. Both sides welcomed the substantial progress achieved across the four themes outlined in the POA – Peace, Prosperity, People, and Planet, with all action lines under the POA having been addressed thus far.
     
    The meeting also discussed future direction of the partnership, particularly in the context of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations this year. Looking ahead, both sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation across a wide range of areas, particularly in transnational crime, digital transformation, renewable energy, blue economy, tourism, connectivity, education, environment and climate change, smart cities, and disaster management.
     
    The two sides welcomed the entry-into-force of the Second Protocol to amend the Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) on 21 April 2025. They underscored the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of the AANZFTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) to further strengthen trade and economic relations between the two sides.
     
    Both sides looked forward to the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit, to be held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the dialogue partnership. ASEAN and New Zealand will also develop a new POA to guide the ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation for the next five years (2026-2030).
     
    Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to ASEAN, Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, and Ambassador of New Zealand to ASEAN, Joanna Anderson, co-chaired the meeting. In attendance were the Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
     
    ——
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says China, Russia should make new, greater contributions to national development and revitalization, int’l fairness and justice

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi says China, Russia should make new, greater contributions to national development and revitalization, int’l fairness and justice

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly meet the press after their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Xi held talks here on Thursday with Putin. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

    Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that China and Russia should take a clear stand and coordinate comprehensively to make new and greater contributions to promoting the development and rejuvenation of the two countries and safeguarding international fairness and justice.

    Xi made the remarks when he and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly met the press after their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow.

    In the face of the changes of the world, of the times and of historical significance, China and Russia should keep a firm grasp on the development direction of bilateral ties and the general trend of the development of human society, Xi said.

    Noting that his talks with Putin were in-depth, cordial and fruitful, Xi said he and Putin reached many important new consensus, signed a joint statement on further deepening China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and witnessed the exchange of multiple bilateral cooperation documents, which injected new impetus into the development of China-Russia relations.

    Xi said this is his 11th visit to Russia, the country he has visited the most since becoming the president of the People’s Republic of China. On Friday, he will attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, his second time attending the grand commemoration event in ten years.

    Xi said the past decade has witnessed major turbulence and transformation in the international situation, as well as great leapfrog in China-Russia ties. The two countries have jointly witnessed the continuous consolidation and deepening of political mutual trust, and the continuous improvement of cooperation in various fields.

    Xi said that China and Russia must uphold long-standing friendship from generation to generation and remain true friends forged through trials and tribulations. Eighty years ago, in the face of brutal aggression of militarism and Nazism, the Chinese and Russian peoples stood united, fighting side by side against a common enemy and writing a remarkable and heroic chapter in history, he said.

    The great friendship forged between the two peoples through the trials of war and bloodshed has laid a solid foundation for the high-level development of bilateral relations, Xi said, adding that the two countries should deepen political mutual trust, enhance strategic coordination and advance bilateral ties toward a more mature and resilient future.

    Xi said that the two countries should uphold mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and be good partners who help each other prosper.

    From overcoming hardships to deliver urgently needed supplies to each other during World War II, to the current record-breaking bilateral trade volumes, the “high-speed train” of China-Russia mutually beneficial cooperation has taken an extraordinary journey through mountains and valleys, overcoming challenges and obstacles, he said.

    China and Russia should continue to deepen practical cooperation in various fields and solidify the material foundation for their comprehensive strategic coordination, bring more benefits to the people of both countries and give stronger momentum to global development, he said.

    Xi noted that the two countries should uphold fairness and justice and defend the international order. China and Russia, as main theaters of Asia and Europe in WWII, have made decisive contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and laid a solid foundation for the establishment of the post-war international order, he said.

    As forces for stability, progress, and development in the international community, China and Russia should continue to firmly stand together, resolutely safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and continuously promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, said Xi.

    China and Russia must uphold solidarity and mutual assistance and act as leading forces in global governance, Xi noted, stressing that the future of the world should be decided by all countries together, and the fruits of global development should be shared by all.

    As major countries and key emerging market economies, China and Russia both shoulder the lofty mission of advancing global governance toward greater equity and justice, and the two sides should enhance coordination within multilateral platforms such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, remain committed to true multilateralism, guide global governance in the right direction, and promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, he said.

    Xi emphasized that in the face of a turbulent and complex international situation, China and Russia must firmly uphold the spirit of lasting bilateral good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    The two countries should stand together to overcome challenges, comprehensively elevate the level, scope and resilience of China-Russia relations, inject greater stability into world peace and security, and provide stronger momentum for global development and prosperity, said Xi.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Redress announcement leaves little justice for survivors

    Source: It’s time to fix the secondary teacher shortage

    The Green Party is appalled by the Government’s decision to severely underfund financial compensation for survivors of abuse in state care.

    “This falls severely short of real redress, our survivors deserve so much better,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. 

    “In November, the Prime Minister stood in front of survivors to recognise that the abuse they suffered should never have happened. 

    “An apology is empty air without action. The Government has failed survivors by repeating the mistakes of old that resulted in the abuse and trauma detailed by the Royal Commission. 

    “To add insult to injury, the Government has now offered survivors well below what they deserve in this redress announcement. 

    “The Government is not only failing to heal the wounds of our past but is risking opening up new ones without real redress and a repeat of old mistakes.

    “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care provided us with harrowing testimony from survivors as well as invaluable insight into both how we failed as a society and how we must change. This was an opportunity to learn and do better as a country, an opportunity this Government has completely missed. 

    “The Green Party remains committed to working towards a future where every child grows up safe, secure, and free from violence,” says Marama Davidson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Bike racks are back for Canterbury buses with no restrictions

    Source: PISA results continue to show more to be done for equity in education

    We have worked closely with our operators and NZTA to identify and fix the issues in our fleet.  

    The solution has seen operators installing additional lights on the buses that provide the necessary visibility.  

    “We are so pleased to be able to offer this service fully to our community again,” Chair Craig Pauling said.  

    “We also want to recognise all the work which has taken place to make this happen – there were many long days and nights of testing lights and working on a solution. It’s been no small feat.  

    “We know people have been itching to use the racks as normal. This will allow them to do just that,” he added. 

    The addition of extra lights means bike racks are back in use on Metro buses

    Customers welcome full return of bike racks

    As a regular bike rack user, Connie Christensen, is thrilled with the news. She mentors a young woman with down syndrome, and says it gives her mentee a sense of independence. 

    “Her and I meet weekly for a bike ride and now that we’ve been doing it for a couple of years, we’ve been going on some longer rides,” she said.  

    To do these longer rides they’ve been combining it with busing so that they’re able to bike one way and bus the other, which is also helping her mentee build confidence to use the bus.  

    “It’s been really exciting being able to go a little further. So, we’re really looking forward to resuming that, thanks to the restrictions being lifted.”  

    Test putting your bike on a rack at the interchange

    For anyone who hasn’t used our bike racks yet, there’s a practice rack inside our central city Bus Interchange that can be used to practice putting on and taking off your bicycle.

    You can also watch

    this how-to video on using the bike racks on Metro’s Facebook page.

    “We want to thank our community for their patience while we worked to resolve this issue – we look forward to seeing the racks in use at all hours again,” Chair Pauling said. 

    View the original NZTA safety notice.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is grounding and could it improve my sleep? Here’s the science behind this TikTok trend

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dean J. Miller, Senior Lecturer, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia

    Alexey Demidov/Pexels

    Have you ever felt an unexpected sense of calm while walking barefoot on grass? Or noticed your stress begin to fade as you stood ankle deep in the ocean? If so, you may have unknowingly “grounded” yourself to the earth.

    Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of making direct physical contact with the Earth’s surface. Our ancestors embraced this trend without knowing it. But with the invention of indoor homes, footpaths, roads, and even shoes, we have become less physically connected with the earth.

    Grounding has been suggested to have a number of benefits, such as improving mood, and reducing stress and pain. But overall, there’s limited conclusive evidence on the benefits of grounding.

    Somewhat ironically, the concept of grounding in 2025 is heavily influenced by technology, rather than getting out into nature. Consumers are being hit with social media reels promoting a range of technologies that ground us, and improve our health.

    Among the most common are promises of improved sleep with the use of a grounding sheet or mat. But is this just another TikTok trend, or could these products really help us get a better night’s sleep?

    Bringing the outdoors in

    The human body is conductive, which means it can exchange electricity with Earth and artificial sources, such as electronic devices or objects. (Sometimes, this exchange can result in an electric or static shock.)

    Proponents of grounding claim the practice reconnects “the conductive human body to the Earth’s natural and subtle surface electric charge”.

    They credit this process with physiological and psychological benefits (but again, the evidence is limited).



    Read more:
    Why do I get static shocks from everyday objects? Is it my shoes?

    Grounding technologies can vary in type (for example, under-desk foot mats, mattress toppers and bed sheets) but all are designed to provide a path for electric charges to flow between your body and the earth.

    The bottom prong you see in your three-prong wall socket is a “ground” or “earth” terminal. It provides a direct connection to earth via your building’s wiring, diverting excess or unsafe voltage into the ground. This protects you and your devices from potential electrical faults.

    Grounding technology uses this terminal as a pathway for the proposed electrical exchange between you and earth, while in the comfort of your home.

    Could grounding improve your sleep?

    The research in this area is still emerging.

    A 2025 study from Korea recruited 60 participants, gave half of them a grounding mat, and gave the other half a visually identical mat that didn’t have grounding technology. The researchers used a “double-blind” protocol, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew which participants were given grounding mats.

    All participants wore sleep trackers and were asked to use their mat (that is, sit or lie on it) for six hours per day. The researchers found that after 31 days, participants in the grounding mat group slept longer on average (as measured by their sleep trackers) than those in the control group.

    The researchers also used questionnaires to collect measures of insomnia, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and stress. After 31 days, participants in both groups improved on all measures.

    There were no differences between the grounded and ungrounded groups for sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and stress. And while grounded participants showed significantly lower insomnia severity after the intervention, this difference was also present at the start of the study. So it’s unclear if grounding had a tangible impact on sleep.

    Could grounding technologies really help you sleep better?
    Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

    In another double-blind study, published in 2022, researchers in Taiwan examined the effectiveness of using grounding mats to improve sleep among patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The findings indicated that spending 30 minutes on a grounding mat five times per week resulted in improved sleep quality.

    While previous research has suggested using grounding technologies may lead to improvements in mood, no differences were seen in measures of anxiety and depression in this study.

    Grounding for gains?

    Grounding technology has also been touted as having other benefits, such as reducing pain and inflammation.

    A 2019 study found participants who slept on a grounding mat after intense exercise felt less sore and showed lower levels of inflammation in their blood compared to those who were ungrounded.

    Grounding after a workout may help you feel better and recover faster, but it’s still unclear whether and how grounding affects long-term training results or fitness gains.

    There’s some evidence grounding could help with exercise recovery.
    Monster Ztudio/Shutterstock

    Add to cart?

    So should you cash in on your favourite influencer’s discount code and grab a grounding mat? At the risk of spouting a common cliche of cautious scientists, our answer is that we don’t know yet.

    What we do know is the existing research, albeit emerging, has shown no evidence grounding technology can negatively affect your sleep or recovery after exercise. So if you love your grounding mat or grounding sheet, or want to see if grounding works for you, feel free to give it a go.

    Keep in mind, grounding products can retail for anywhere from around A$30 to $300 or more.

    On the other hand, grounding on the grass in the great outdoors is free. While there’s limited evidence that grounding outdoors can improve sleep, spending time in outdoor light may itself benefit sleep, regulate circadian rhythms, and improve mood.

    Finally, while grounding could be an interesting strategy to try, if you’re experiencing ongoing problems with your sleep, or suspect you may have a sleep disorder, the first step should be reaching out to a medical professional, such as your GP.

    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. What is grounding and could it improve my sleep? Here’s the science behind this TikTok trend – https://theconversation.com/what-is-grounding-and-could-it-improve-my-sleep-heres-the-science-behind-this-tiktok-trend-253347

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Funding approved for two new roundabouts on SH2 near Ōpōtiki to improve road safety

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Two intersections on either side of the Waiotahe River Bridge on State Highway 2 (SH2) near Ōpōtiki will be made safer, with funding approved by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to deliver new tear-drop roundabouts and complete the SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki safety improvements project, Minister of Transport Chris Bishop says.

    “Located on a sweeping curve, the intersections of SH2 with Ōhiwa Beach Road and Waiotahe Valley Back Road, either side of the Waiotahe River Bridge, are considered high-risk. With two fatalities, one serious injury, and three minor injuries occurring between 2014 and 2023, upgrades to these two intersections are critical to improving safety for local road users,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Delivering safe roading infrastructure that supports economic growth and productivity is a priority. SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne is a main route for locals, tourists, and freight between Tauranga and Gisborne. Around 5,000 per day vehicles use SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Wainui Road, with 15 percent of those being heavy vehicles.

    “With poor forward visibility and constrained shoulders, the current alignment of the intersections either side of the Waiotahe River Bridge makes it difficult for drivers approaching the area on SH2 to see vehicles wanting to turn right onto the state highway and vice versa. NZTA has now confirmed funding to replace these high-risk intersections with two new tear-drop roundabouts. 

    “NZTA will now move to complete the detailed design, finalise land acquisition requirements, complete resource consent applications, and procure a contractor to deliver the works. Construction is expected to begin in mid-late 2026 and take approximately 12 months to complete. This follows and complements work already underway to construct a roundabout at the intersection of SH2 and Wainui Road.

    “Construction of the two new tear-drop roundabouts, minor re-alignment of the road, and other associated work, is expected to cost around $10 million. Final costs will be known once a contractor is confirmed. 

    “I want to thank the local community in advance for their patience as this important work to make SH2 safer is carried out and I look forward to this work beginning as soon as NZTA it is able to get underway.”

    Notes to Editor:

    • The 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme prioritises investment in road safety and efficiency by encouraging safer driving behaviour, vehicles and infrastructure. Funding is available for improvements at the highest-risk locations, which includes these two intersections either side of the Waiotahe River Bridge.
    • Once complete, these two new tear-drop roundabouts will complement each other in a ‘dog bone’ arrangement, either side of the Waiotahe River Bridge, with road users no longer able to turn right over lanes of active traffic in a high speed 100kmph environment on the state highway.
    • Instead, vehicles joining SH2 from Ōhiwa Beach Road or Waiotahe Valley Back Road will have a left turn only and be able to drive over the bridge to safely turn around at the other roundabout and head in the opposite direction.
    • The SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki safety improvements project is being delivered by NZTA in three sections:
    • Section 1 (Complete) – Safety improvements included wider shoulders, side barriers, edgeline and centreline rumble strips, signs and road markings. Improvements along SH2 were made between Wainui Road and Waiōtahe Valley Back Road and Appleton Road to Woodlands Road. This work was completed in 2023/2024.
    • Section 2 (Construction to begin mid-late 2026) – Upgrades to intersections of SH2 with Waiōtahe Valley Back Road and Ōhiwa Beach Road. A tear-drop roundabout either side of Waiōtahe Bridge. To complete final design late 2025, construction expected to begin mid/late 2026 and completed in approximately 12 months.
    • Section 3 (In construction now) – SH2 / Wainui Road intersection upgrade (Matekerepu).  A new roundabout is being constructed at this location. Work began in April 2025 and expected to take 12 months to complete.
    • The total funding budgeted for the SH2 Wainui Road to Ōpōtiki safety improvements project  (Sections 1, 2, and 3) is $37.5M. Each section costs circa $10 million, with the remaining funding covering the business case, concept designs, investigations, land acquisition, resource consents and consent requirements to deliver the works.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Wintrust Financial Corporation Announces Pricing of $425 Million Preferred Stock Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROSEMONT, Ill., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wintrust Financial Corporation (“Wintrust”) (Nasdaq: WTFC) today announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of 17 million depositary shares with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share (the “Depositary Shares”) for gross proceeds of $425 million before deducting underwriting discounts and other estimated offering expenses. Each Depositary Share represents a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Wintrust’s 7.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F. The offering is expected to close on May 22, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Wintrust intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the redemption of all or a portion of its outstanding shares of Series D preferred stock and/or Series E preferred stock and the corresponding depositary shares representing interests in the Series E preferred stock, subject to approval from the Federal Reserve.

    Wintrust intends to apply to list the Depositary Shares on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WTFCN.”

    RBC Capital Markets is acting as sole book-running manager and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, Piper Sandler and US Bancorp are acting as co-managers for the offering.

    The offering is being made under an effective shelf registration statement on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Prospective investors should read the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in the registration statement and other documents Wintrust has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about Wintrust and the offering. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the offering may be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by contacting RBC Capital Markets, LLC toll free at 1-866-375-6829.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    About Wintrust

    Wintrust is a financial holding company whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Guided by its “Different Approach, Better Results” philosophy, Wintrust offers the sophisticated resources of a large bank while providing a community banking experience to each customer. Wintrust operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries in the greater Chicago, southern Wisconsin, west Michigan, northwest Indiana, and southwest Florida market areas. In addition, Wintrust operates various non-bank business units, providing residential mortgage origination, wealth management, commercial and life insurance premium financing, short-term accounts receivable financing/outsourced administrative services to the temporary staffing services industry, and qualified intermediary services for tax-deferred exchanges.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements related to the completion of the public offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the public offering and the intended use of net proceeds from the public offering. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and certain assumptions made by our management. Investors are cautioned that such statements are predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Wintrust’s expected financial results or other plans, including Wintrust’s intention to consummate the offering and issue the Depositary Shares and Wintrust’s intended use of proceeds from the offering, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” and the forward-looking statement disclosure contained in Wintrust’s preliminary prospectus supplement dated May 8, 2025, Wintrust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in any of Wintrust’s subsequent SEC filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and, except as required by law, Wintrust undertakes no duty to update the information.

    For more information contact:
    Timothy S. Crane, President & Chief Executive Officer
    David A. Dykstra, Vice Chairman & Chief Operating Officer
    (847) 939-9000

    Source: Wintrust Financial Corporation

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Peace be with all of you’: how Pope Leo XIV embodies a living dialogue between tradition and modernity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University

    When Robert Francis Prevost appeared on the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV, he set three precedents.

    He is the first pope from North America, the first Augustinian to occupy the throne of Peter, and the first native English-speaker to do so since Adrian IV in the 12th century.

    Pope Leo XIV greeted Rome and the world with a simple benediction: “peace be with all of you”.

    In choosing a blessing that stressed concord – and in issuing it in Italian and Spanish – he signalled both pastoral directness and cultural breadth.

    A Chicago childhood and academic rigour

    Prevost was born in Chicago in 1955.

    Raised in the working-class suburb of Dolton, he served as an altar boy and attended St Augustine Seminary High School. He studied a bachelor of science at Villanova University, and earned a doctoral degree in canon law at the Angelicum in Rome.

    Prevost entered the Augustinian order in 1977, professed solemn vows in 1981 and was ordained in 1982.

    For Augustinians, virtue lies not in poverty for its own sake, but in the radical sharing of goods: community precedes individual achievement.

    There are three pillars: interiority, the practical love of neighbour, and a relentless search for truth. This framework would guide Prevost’s missionary work, and his call for unity and peace.

    Chiclayo Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Saint Mary in Chiclayo, Peru is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chiclayo.
    BETO SANTILLAN/Shutterstock

    Prevost has administered communities in more than 50 countries, but he first arrived as a missionary in northern Peru in 1985. Over the next decade he taught canon law, ran a seminary in Trujillo, judged marriage cases and led a fledgling parish on Lima’s urban fringe.

    The experience sharpened his awareness of informal employment, extractive industries and migration – concerns that echo the Rerum novarum , an open letter issued by his namesake Leo XIII in 1891. They remain visible in Prevost’s social priorities today.

    In 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and, in 2023, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, effectively placing him in charge of vetting episcopal appointments world-wide.

    What’s in a name?

    Created cardinal in September 2023 and elevated to the rank of cardinal-bishop of Albano in February 2025, Prevost entered the conclave with a reputation for quiet competence, linguistic dexterity (he speaks five languages fluently) and unspectacular holiness.

    The electors turned to him on the fourth ballot. An hour later he greeted the city and the world as Pope Leo XIV, first in Italian then in Spanish: a bilingual gesture honouring his Italian American Chicago roots and his Peruvian citizenship.

    Leo XIV’s choice of name is a programmatic signal. By invoking examples of Rome’s protector Leo the Great (pope from 440–61) and the great social teacher Leo XIII (1878–1903), the new Pontiff intimates he will draw upon their precedent.

    Raphael’s The Meeting between Leo the Great and Attila, painted in 1514, depicts Leo, escorted by Saint Peter and Saint Paul, meeting with the Hun king outside Rome.
    Wikimedia Commons

    His substantive focus will remain squarely on the challenges of 2025: translating Augustinian communal spirituality into governance, extending the social teaching inaugurated by Leo XIII, and mediating polarised factions.

    The memory of his Leo predecessors functions as a compass rather than a map, orienting a pontificate whose horizon is the digital, migratory and climatic upheavals of the 21st century.

    Pope Leo XIV will draw inspiration from his namesake, Leo XIII.
    Library of Congress

    We can expect where Leo the Great entered dialogue, Leo XIV will offer diplomacy. Where Leo XIII defended trade-union rights and attacked exploitative capitalism, Leo XIV must address labour, climate disruption and forced displacement.

    If Leo XIII gave Catholicism its first systematic response to industrial modernity, Leo XIV may be tasked with articulating an Augustinian vision for the digital Anthropocene: a view of humanity as a pilgrim community, bound by shared love rather than algorithmic preference-profiling.

    Of one heart

    The opening sentence of the Rule of Saint Augustine is “be of one mind and heart on the way to God”.

    The order’s stress on interior prayer rather than external activism complements Leo XIV’s preference for silent Eucharistic adoration over elaborate ceremony. The Augustinian tradition of learning aligns with his own scholarly instinct.

    Consistent with Francis, Leo XIV has condemned abortion and euthanasia. He has criticised hard-line immigration policies in the United States. He holds the line only men can be deacons. In a 2012 address, he pointed to media normalisation of “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners”.

    The combination marks him as a centrist prepared to defend doctrinal boundaries while pressing assertively on social justice, climate action and the governance transparency that Francis began but did not finish.

    Challenges ahead

    Leo XIV inherits a fragmented Church. Traditionalists fear doctrinal drift, while progressives want accelerated reform of governance, liturgy and the role of women.

    His Augustinian commitment to shared discernment could provide a mediating structure. Meanwhile geopolitical crises demand renewed Holy See diplomacy and Vatican finances still run unsustainable deficits.

    Ultimately, Leo XIV embodies a living dialogue between tradition and modernity.

    Whether he succeeds will depend on his capacity to translate the Augustinian Order’s ancient ideal of one heart, one mind into structures that protect the vulnerable worker, the displaced migrant and the wounded planet.

    Yet his formation, intellect and record of bridge-building suggest he understands the Church’s credibility now rests where it did in 1891 under Leo XIII: in that social charity and theological clarity are not rivals, but partners on the road to God.

    Like Leo XIII, Leo XIV approaches the world not as an enemy to be refuted but as a moral terrain to be cultivated. His pontificate must confront the ecological, technological and migratory questions of our age.

    His inaugural plea for peace hints at an integral vision in which social justice, ecological stewardship and human fraternity intersect.

    Whether he can translate that vision into institutional reform and global moral leadership remains to be seen.

    By invoking the heritage of Leo XIII, Leo XIV has set the compass of his papacy. It points toward a Church intellectually serious, socially committed and pastorally close: one speaking anew to workers in Amazon warehouses, migrants in detention camps, students in schools, refugees in the Sahel and young people navigating the gig economy.

    If he succeeds, the name he chose will read as prophetic promise, linking 1891’s clarion call for justice with the uncharted demands of 2025 and beyond.

    Darius von Guttner Sporzynski 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. ‘Peace be with all of you’: how Pope Leo XIV embodies a living dialogue between tradition and modernity – https://theconversation.com/peace-be-with-all-of-you-how-pope-leo-xiv-embodies-a-living-dialogue-between-tradition-and-modernity-256084

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PNG’s Gorethy Kenneth: 23 years of fearless journalism and unwavering truth

    PROFILE: By Alu J Kalinoe

    At Papua New Guinea’s Post-Courier, our senior journalists often operate in the shadows, yet their courageous efforts are often overlooked — continuously pushing boundaries to bring us important stories that shape our lives and venturing outside their comfort zones to deliver top-notch content.

    This is the tale of one of Post-Courier’s esteemed senior journalists, Gorethy Kenneth. From Tegese Village, Lontis on Buka Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, “GK” (Gee-Kay) as her colleagues fondly call her, has dedicated 23 years of her life to journalism at this newspaper.

    When asked about who inspired her to pursue a career in media and journalism, she said, “My late father!” She mentions that she “always wanted to be an economist like her uncle Julius Longa”.

    However, she states that “Maths was horrible . . .  So, my late papa told me, I talk too much and should think about television — I ended up with newspaper reporting.”

    Fast forward to 2024
    Through her dedication and persistence, Kenneth is now a senior journalist within the company, specialising as a political editor. She commends the company for its commitment to well-researched investigative journalism, impartial reporting, comprehensive coverage, community involvement, thorough analysis, and informative content.

    Starting off with Uni Tavur student journalist newspaper at the University of Papua New Guinea, Kenneth has amassed a wealth of experience as a profound writer and encountered different personalities over the years, noting numerous stories she covered during her tenure at the Post-Courier.

    As a proud Bougainvillean, she highlights her interview with Francis Ona, the reclusive leader of her home province at the time. Reflecting on the experience, she remarks, “I was the first and last to interview him — the journey to get through to him was tough, despite my Bougainvillean heritage.”

    Kenneth is known for her unique approach to investigative journalism. One memorable story she recalls, is about a scandalous love triangle between a former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and his secret lover, known as “Jolyne”.

    Senior Post-Courier journalist Gorethy Kenneth . . . a distinguished career marked by championing significant projects and advocating for social change. Image: Post-Courier

    Using a clever tactic, Kenneth assumed the identity of “Jolyne” and managed to reach the Secretary through a landline call, shedding light on the secretive affair. Amusingly, veteran journalists now refer to her as “Jolyne”, a nod to the character she ingeniously portrayed to deceive the unsuspecting Secretary.

    In the early 2000s, she, alongside security reporter Robyn Sela, daringly stepped out of their comfort zone, orchestrating an audacious plan: deliberately getting themselves arrested and spending time in Boroko Jail.

    Their goal? To delve into the conditions of a prison cell in Port Moresby and report on it firsthand. However, their scheme didn’t escape the notice of chief-of-staff Blaise Nangoi and editor Oseah Philemon, who, upon discovering their intentions, expressed concern.

    “They almost sidelined us for getting bailed out with company money – BUT, we got our story,” she gladly remarked.

    As one of Post-Courier’s prominent writers, Kenneth has faced numerous hurdles during her time as a journalist. She faced threats and legal disputes from unsatisfied readers and grappled with “ethical dilemmas” while covering sensitive topics — she has encountered her fair share of challenges.

    Moreover, she has confronted issues surrounding gender and diversity during her career.

    Senior Post-Courier journalist Gorethy Kenneth with her “big, big, big very big boss”, News Corp’s Rupert Murdoch. Image: Gorethy Kenneth/FB

    In addition to these personal and professional obstacles, Kenneth highlights the impact of “digital disruption” on the newspaper industry. The transition from traditional print media to digital platforms, including the widespread use of social media and streaming services, has significantly challenged newspaper companies like the Post-Courier in recent years.

    Fortunately, Kenneth managed to power through these challenges with the support of training and supervision provided by Post-Courier. She applauds the company for its unwavering support during trying times.

    Additionally, she took proactive steps to enhance her understanding of journalistic issues, demonstrating her commitment to growth and professional development.

    Gorethy Kenneth . . . proactive steps to enhance her understanding of journalistic issues, demonstrating her commitment to growth and professional development. Image: Post-Courier

    Continuing to persevere, Gorethy forged a distinguished career marked by championing significant projects and advocating for social change. Armed with the ability to influence public opinion, she found her work as a journalist immensely rewarding.

    Her career afforded her the opportunity to travel both locally and internationally, and she reported on stories rife with conflict and controversy. Furthermore, she finds fulfillment in the role of mentoring future journalists, cherishing the chance to impart her knowledge and experience onto the next generation.

    When asked about what she is proud of, she says . . .  “I am still 16 at heart – don’t tell me I’m old among my young journo colleagues.”

    During her free time, she enjoys sipping on her whiskey and reading. She continues to support her family, friends, enemies and her community at a personal level and at a professional level as a senior journalist.

    Republished from the Post-Courier with permission.

    Reporting during the covid-19 pandemic in Papua New Guinea. Image: Post-Courier

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13. It’s a risky move

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University

    Studio Nut/Shutterstock

    Google has announced it will roll out its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to children under the age of 13.

    While the launch starts within the next week in the United States and Canada, it will launch in Australia later this year. The chatbot will only be available to people via Google’s Family Link accounts.

    But this development comes with major risks. It also highlights how, even if children are banned from social media, parents will still have to play a game of whack-a-mole with new technologies as they try to keep their children safe.

    A good way to address this would be to urgently implement a digital duty of care for big tech companies such as Google.

    How will the Gemini AI chatbot work?

    Google’s Family Link accounts allow parents to control access to content and apps, such as YouTube.

    To create a child’s account, parents provide personal details, including the child’s name and date of birth. This may raise privacy concerns for parents concerned about data breaches, but Google says children’s data when using the system will not be used to train the AI system.

    Chatbot access will be “on” by default, so parents need to actively turn the feature off to restrict access. Young children will be able to prompt the chatbot for text responses, or to create images, which are generated by the system.

    Google acknowledges the system may “make mistakes”. So assessment of the quality and trustworthiness of content is needed. Chatbots can make up information (known as “hallucinating”), so if children use the chatbot for homework help, they need to check facts with reliable sources.

    What kinds of information will the system provide?

    Google and other search engines retrieve original materials for people to review. A student can read news articles, magazines and other sources when writing up an assignment.

    Generative AI tools are not the same as search engines. AI tools look for patterns in source material and create new text responses (or images) based on the query – or “prompt” – a person provides. A child could ask the system to “draw a cat” and the system will scan for patterns in the data of what a cat looks like (such as whiskers, pointy ears, and a long tail) and generate an image that includes those cat-like details.

    Understanding the differences between materials retrieved in a Google search and content generated by an AI tool will be challenging for young children. Studies show even adults can be deceived by AI tools. And even highly skilled professionals – such as lawyers – have reportedly been fooled into using fake content generated by ChatGPT and other chatbots.

    Will the content generated be age-appropriate?

    Google says the system will include “built-in safeguards designed to prevent the generation of inappropriate or unsafe content”.

    However, these safeguards could create new problems. For example, if particular words (such as “breasts”) are restricted to protect children from accessing inappropriate sexual content, this could mistakenly also exclude children from accessing age-appropriate content about bodily changes during puberty.

    Many children are also very tech-savvy, often with well-developed skills for navigating apps and getting around system controls. Parents cannot rely exclusively on inbuilt safeguards. They need to review generated content and help their children understand how the system works, and assess whether content is accurate.

    Google says there will be safeguards to minimise the risk of harm for children using Gemini, but these could create new problems.
    Dragos Asaeftei/Shutterstock

    What risks do AI chatbots pose to children?

    The eSafety Commission has issued an online safety advisory on the potential risk of AI chatbots, including those designed to simulate personal relationships, particularly for young children.

    The eSafety advisory explains AI companions can “share harmful content, distort reality and give advice that is dangerous”. The advisory highlights the risks for young children, in particular, who “are still developing the critical thinking and life skills needed to understand how they can be misguided or manipulated by computer programs, and what to do about it”.

    My research team has recently examined a range of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, Replika, and Tessa. We found these systems mirror people’s interactions based on the many unwritten rules that govern social behaviour – or, what are known as “feeling rules”. These rules are what lead us to say “thank you” when someone holds the door open for us, or “I’m sorry!” when you bump into someone on the street.

    By mimicking these and other social niceties, these systems are designed to gain our trust.

    These human-like interactions will be confusing, and potentially risky, for young children. They may believe content can be trusted, even when the chatbot is responding with fake information. And, they may believe they are engaging with a real person, rather than a machine.

    AI chatbots such as Gemini are designed to mimic human behaviour and gain our trust.
    Ground Picture

    How can we protect kids from harm when using AI chatbots?

    This rollout is happening at a crucial time in Australia, as children under 16 will be banned from holding social media accounts in December this year.

    While some parents may believe this will keep their children safe from harm, generative AI chatbots show the risks of online engagement extend far beyond social media. Children – and parents – must be educated in how all types of digital tools can be used appropriately and safely.

    As Gemini’s AI chatbot is not a social media tool, it will fall outside Australia’s ban.

    This leaves Australian parents playing a game of whack-a-mole with new technologies as they try to keep their children safe. Parents must keep up with new tool developments and understand the potential risks their children face. They must also understand the limitations of the social media ban in protecting children from harm.

    This highlights the urgent need to revisit Australia’s proposed digital duty of care legislation. While the European Union and United Kingdom launched digital duty of care legislation in 2023, Australia’s has been on hold since November 2024. This legislation would hold technology companies to account by legislating that they deal with harmful content, at source, to protect everyone.

    Lisa M. Given receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the Association for Information Science and Technology.

    – ref. Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13. It’s a risky move – https://theconversation.com/google-is-rolling-out-its-gemini-ai-chatbot-to-kids-under-13-its-a-risky-move-256204

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 145-2025: Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy update to methyl bromide fumigation certificate requirements

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    9 May 2024​

    Who does this notice affect?

    ​​Importers, suppliers and customs brokers for goods fumigated with methyl bromide prior to export to Australia, and accredited persons operating under the class 19 approved arrangements.​

    What has changed?

    ​​The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry implemented version 3.0 of the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology on 1 May 2025. The methodology includes changes to the minimum requirements for fumigation…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, S. Korea to vie for women’s recurve team gold at archery World Cup

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

    Top two seeds South Korea and China have booked their places in the women’s recurve team gold medal match at the 2025 Archery World Cup after a commanding day in Thursday’s elimination rounds.

    South Korea, who skipped the season-opening World Cup in Florida to prioritize their national trials, made a strong return to international competition. Olympic champion Lim Si-hyeon marked her comeback in style, topping the individual qualification round on Wednesday. On Thursday, she teamed up with An San and Kang Chae-young to edge out a resilient Turkey side 5-4 in a tense quarterfinal match affected by sporadic winds. The trio then eased past Chinese Taipei 5-1 to secure their place in the final. Chinese Taipei went on to claim bronze.

    China’s lineup – Li Jiaman, Zhu Jingyi and Huang Yuwei – entered the event fresh from their triumph in Florida. Competing on home soil at the Yuanshen Sports Center, they rallied to defeat Italy 5-4 in the quarterfinals, before dominating Mexico 6-0 to reach the title match.

    “The result was satisfying overall,” said 20-year-old Huang, who made her team debut last month. “We faced some challenges and made mistakes, but the key was that we adjusted quickly. That’s something we’ll need to keep doing in future matches.”

    Looking ahead to the final, 18-year-old Zhu remained composed yet confident. “South Korea is a strong team, but they’re not unbeatable. We’re not afraid – we have what it takes to beat them,” she said.

    Li, a member of the Chinese squad that lost to South Korea in the team final at the Paris Olympics, anticipated a high-caliber showdown while hoping for a different outcome this time.

    “We’ll treat them like any other opponent. If we keep shooting 10s, the pressure will be on them,” she said. “I hope they shoot well, because we want to win through our own strength.”

    In the men’s recurve team event, China exited in the quarterfinals with a 6-2 loss to South Korea, though not without putting up a fight. Wang Yan, Li Zhongyuan and Kao Wenchao took the opening set 57-55 against Olympic gold medalists Kim Woo-jin, Lee Woo-seok and Kim Je-deok. But despite loud support from the home crowd, the Chinese trio couldn’t sustain their momentum, as the South Koreans responded with scores of 58, 60 and 59 in the following sets.

    “I think we brought out the best in ourselves,” said Wang. “There’s a lot we can learn from South Korea – especially their ability to stay composed and consistent under pressure. We took two points off them this time; next time, it might be more. One day, we’ll beat them.”

    South Korea went on to defeat the United States 5-3 in the semifinals and will meet France in the gold medal match. The Americans bounced back to claim bronze with a 5-3 victory over India.

    The Shanghai World Cup continues Friday with the recurve individual and mixed team elimination rounds.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Climate – Students representing New Zealand at the ‘Olympics of science fairs’ forging pathway for international recognition – NIWA

    Source: NIWA

    Two students are on their way to the United States to represent New Zealand at the ‘Olympics’ of science fairs, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio, which starts this weekend. The two New Zealand students are hoping to stand out among the nearly 2,000 young scientists from 70 other countries to win a share of the US $9 million (NZ$15 million) in awards and scholarships.
    The last time a New Zealand student attended this event was in 2013 and it is only the second time that more than one student from New Zealand has taken part in the international event showcasing scientific inquiry, innovation and creativity.
    Wellington College Year 13 student Jesse Rumball-Smith and Wellington Girls’ College Year 11 student Isabelle Aduna were selected following success in last year’s Australian Science and Engineering Fair (AUSSEF), and are joining nine Australian students chosen from the 105 top science and engineering projects at last year’s event. As well as the opportunity to showcase school science projects on a global stage, the event is regarded as a platform for future leaders in innovation and real-world problem-solving.
    While NIWA promotes science careers through its sponsorship of regional science fairs throughout New Zealand, because there is currently no national event the top students from regional fairs had to take part in the Australian event to qualify for selection to the international science and engineering fair.
    Wellington College Year 13 student Jesse Rumball-Smith has developed a smartphone app to detect road risks and promote safer driving, reducing risky behaviour by 30 percent. The app incorporates state-of-the-art safety features, including recognising when the driver is fatigued.
    Jesse has been taking part in science fairs since Year 7, and in 2023 won the NIWA Wellington Regional Science Fair. After a lot of ‘searching, struggling and (persistently) emailing’, he represented New Zealand at the Taiwan International Science Fair. Last year he also presented his project at an international conference in Germany, and at AUSSEF he came third.
    He is hoping that his participation in the US will be inspiring for other students, and also that it will create an easier pathway for future students through a recognised National Science Fair in New Zealand. “This will be the second time in history that New Zealand has competed at the oldest, largest, and most prestigious international science fair – the first one-off event was more than a decade ago. For a country that wants to be a science-driven nation, we’re a bit late to the party! Hopefully Isabelle and I going will set the stage for this to change.”
    Wellington Girls’ College Year 11 student Isabelle Aduna also developed her Power-Up with Produce project from a real-world problem, exploring the use of fruit and vegetable waste as natural dyes for sustainable solar cells. The organic food waste is made into eco-friendly dye-sensitized solar cells. Last year Isabelle won the NIWA Wellington Regional Science Fair.
    Isabelle says going to ISEF will be a unique opportunity. “It is truly an honour and I feel proud and humbled at the same time to be representing New Zealand at ISEF. It will be a journey of many ‘firsts’ that I am looking forward to experiencing. I am most looking forward to being surrounded by diverse cultures. I can’t wait to participate and meet bright young people from across the world. This experience will allow me to connect with diverse perspectives, discuss groundbreaking research, and challenge my thinking. Ultimately, I hope to come away from ISEF inspired, not only with new ambitions for my own research, but with a developed appreciation for science’s role in our environment and society’s development. I hope that my participation inspires other young people to think beyond limitations and pursue a career in science and innovation.”
    She’s also hopeful that plans for New Zealand to have its own national science and engineering fair come to fruition, so top qualifiers from the NIWA regional science fairs can have the direct opportunity to be selected for the ISEF instead of having to go through the Australian event. “I hope that my participation inspires other young people to think beyond limitations and pursue a career in science and innovation.”
    The students are travelling with Amanda Hood, a science educator and NIWA Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair Organising committee member, and are supported by Royal Society Te Apārangi and their communities. She says the funding will also assist the development of a National Science and Engineering Fair for New Zealand. “Currently we don’t have a national STEM fair in New Zealand, and there has been little opportunity for talented students to compete internationally. The participation of Isabelle and Jesse as New Zealand’s first team at the world’s most prestigious science fair could be a landmark event in showcasing our best and brightest on the global stage, following the footsteps of world-leading achievements of pioneers Ernest Rutherford, William Pickering, Maurice Wilkinson, Alan MacDiarmid, and Beatrice Tinsley.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Government’s Ferry Delays Start to Bite

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    The announcement last week that the Aratere ferry is going to be retired has been met with great concern by members of peak road freight group Transporting New Zealand.
    CEO Dom Kalasih says truck operators are very concerned about reduced capacity across the Cook Strait, rising freight costs, and the disruption the loss of the ferry will cause to their businesses.
    “This frustration is completely justified,” Kalasih says.
    “In June last year, the Government-appointed Ministerial Advisory Group recommended procuring two rail-compatible vessels, to be delivered by December 2027. Instead, the country will now wait until 2029 for rail-enabled vessels.
    “Transporting New Zealand and the wider sector have been warning since the iReX cancellation that extended delays in purchasing replacement ferries would come at a cost. As is often the case with supply chain disruptions, road freight companies will bear the brunt of making it work.”
    The announcement has already led to challenges for freight operators. KiwiRail has temporarily paused new passenger and freight bookings for travel from September 9 2025 onwards while they update their timetable and cargo allocations.
    Subject to scheduling adjustments, the Strait will lose 26 sailings a week, including 10 freight-only trips. Freight companies and their customers will have to operate within a narrower range of time slots while accommodating steadily growing freight demands. Transporting livestock and other time-sensitive goods will be particularly challenging.
    Kalasih says Transporting New Zealand has been actively engaging with KiwiRail and the Minister for Rail, Winston Peters, to keep the freight sector informed and to minimise disruption and cost increases.
    “In correspondence with Minister Peters last week, I sought assurance that opting for rail-enabled vessels, as opposed to rail-compatible ones, was not causing delays and would not escalate costs.”
    The Minister responded:
    “You have also sought an assurance that proceeding with rail-enabled vessels as opposed to rail-compatible vessels is not delaying procurement or escalating the cost of the ferries. Yes, you can be assured of this.
    “It was stated on 31 March that rail ferries are cheaper than road-only ferries, given new infrastructure is required for that option but avoided by the re-use option we selected. Further, all shipyards have stated that rail ferries have the same delivery timeframes as road-only ferries, meaning road-only ferries would not have been delivered sooner than 2029.”
    The Minister’s full response, including updated ferry specifications and a delivery timeline, is available here.
    “Our members can be assured that we will continue to hold the Minister and KiwiRail accountable, emphasising the cost of indecision and delay on businesses and consumers across the country,” Kalasih says.
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Voices across ages and fields unite to reimagine Manukau Harbour’s future

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

    From policy to infrastructure; traditional knowledge to harnessing the power of community action. The Manukau Harbour Symposium on Saturday 31 May will showcase thinking, solutions and opportunities for New Zealand’s second-biggest harbour.

    Keynote speaker and thought leader Cassie Roma will show how communities can open hearts and minds to connect to the environment and work together to create cultures of care between people, systems and pathway.

    Regnerative specialists Johnie Freeland (Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāi Tūhoe) and Charmaine Bailie (Te Uri o Hau – Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara) will reflect on restoring and healing the whenua in large scale and local projects. Scientist Peter Nuttall will speak on climate change impacts in the South Pacific and its impact on coastal and marae communities here in the harbour, while Dr Rashi Parker of Birdcare Aotearoa will reflect on the contribution of seabirds to resilient populations and how we can start to solve the impacts of human activity on their wellbeing.

    The work of our rangitahi to create genuine outcomes for the harbour, through the Rangitahi Environmental Action Leaders program will be highlighted and in a section of intergenerational stories we will hear from those who love and spend time on the harbour including Coastguard, the Portage Crossing Trust, Pest Free South Auckland, Awhitu Landcare, SeaCleaners, and more.

    Attendees will learn about Auckland Council work programs and Scientist Dr Megan Carbine will highlight Auckland Council’s latest environmental monitoring data while Cr Richard Hills from Auckland Council will present on the National Environment Strategy work program.

    Myself and the rest of the Forum members are excited to be bringing this event to the shores of the Manukau. There’s a great range of speakers and there should be lots of opportunity to catch up with other people doing great work around the Harbour

    There will also be a range of community displays, and the Watercare Central Interceptor Travelling Discovery Centre and Auckland Council Marine Biosecurity trailer will be featured.

    The day will be hosted by MC Mandy Kupenga, and the Symposium will also announce recipients of the ‘Ngaa Tohu o te Manukau – Celebrating Harbour Champions’ Awards, which recognise individuals, stakeholders, organisations or community groups for their work to protect and restore the mauri of the harbour.

    One week before the Symposium the Manukau Harbour Forum will also host a clean-up and restoration event, the Love Your Harbour Day, at Island Road, Māngere. This event is held with the support of Te Motu a Hiaroa Charitable Trust, Auckland Council and SeaCleaners, and targets one of the worst sites for illegal dumping in the region.

    The Manukau Harbour Symposium will be held on Saturday 31 May in the Auditorium at Green Bay High School.

    The Symposium is supported by the Manukau Harbour Forum, a joint committee formed by the nine local boards of Auckland Council that surround the harbour. It advocates for better resourcing and a focus on this taonga.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –