Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the woman who died in a crash in Temple View on 16 April.
She was 32-year-old Kerri David, from Melville, Hamilton.
Our thoughts are with those close to her at this time.
Enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
SAN DIEGO – Two complaints were filed in federal court May 6 charging five people with participating in a human smuggling event that led to the deaths of at least three migrants, including a 14-year-old Indian boy. His 10-year-old sister is still missing at sea and presumed dead; their father is in a coma and mother is also hospitalized. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement– Marine Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, United States Coast Guard, San Diego Lifeguard Service and San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating this case.
“Human smuggling, regardless of the route, is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Smugglers often treat people as disposable commodities, leading to tragic and sometimes deadly consequences, as we saw in this case,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “Yesterday’s heartbreaking events are a stark reminder of the urgent need to dismantle these criminal networks driven by greed. HSI along with the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, and other partners from the Marine Task Force, remains firmly committed to holding those responsible accountable for these senseless deaths.”
According to court records, on May 5, witnesses observed an overturned panga boat at a beach in Del Mar, California. Bystanders and San Diego lifeguards participated in rescue efforts. Law enforcement officials recovered three bodies, including the boy, identified in court records as P.P.B. Four other migrants were rescued and hospitalized, including P.P.B.’s mother and father; nine others were initially unaccounted for.
Mexican nationals Julio Cesar Zuniga Luna, 30, and Jesus Juan Rodriguez Leyva, 36, believed to be involved in the smuggling event were taken into custody at the time of the incident. They have been charged with bringing in aliens resulting in death and bringing in aliens for financial gain.
Border Patrol agents conducting operations in Chula Vista, California identified a vehicle that had been observed at the scene of the maritime smuggling incident earlier that day. The vehicle driver fled the scene before an arrest could be made. During the investigation, Border Patrol Agents identified two other vehicles involved in the smuggling event. They were able to successfully arrest the drivers of the load vehicle, and locate eight of the nine migrants missing from the boat, except for P.P.B.’s 10-year-old sister.
Melissa Jenelle Cota, 33, Gustavo Lara, 32 and Sergio Rojas-Fregosa, 31, – all Mexican nationals – were arrested and charged with transportation of illegal aliens. Rojas-Fregoso, was identified as an alien who had previously been deported on Dec. 19, 2023.
“The drowning deaths of these children are a heartbreaking reminder of how little human traffickers care about the costs of their deadly business,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “We are committed to seeking justice for these vulnerable victims, and to holding accountable any traffickers responsible for their deaths.”
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark and Edward Chang.
Source: Independent Police Conduct Authority
The Independent Police Conduct Authority received four complaints concerning Wellington Police officers obtaining a warrant and seizing vehicles for unpaid fines in 2022 and 2023. Upon review, the Authority found common themes arose which continue to be relevant to current Police practice.
The complaints arose following the commencement of ‘Operation Cobalt’. As part of this operation, Police used their legal power to apply for warrants to seize property for unpaid fines, specifically for the purpose of disrupting gang activity. The practice then transitioned into general policing, where the seizures did not always relate to gang activity. However, outside of Operation Cobalt, Police had no policy or instructions regarding the execution of the warrants for unpaid fines.
In three of the four cases we reviewed, officers lacked understanding of what is required when executing the warrants and they neglected to demand payment prior to seizing the vehicle. In doing so, they failed to comply with the requirements stipulated in the Summary Proceedings Act 1957, thereby making the vehicle seizures unlawful.
In early 2024, after our investigation commenced, Police updated policy to include the necessary guidance. Officers are now required to have bailiffs present unless there is urgency and/or good reason for Police to execute the warrant as part of a major event operation or criminal investigation.
The Authority recommends that, if Police wish to execute warrants to seize property for unpaid fines without the presence of bailiffs as part of major event operations or criminal investigations, Police should provide officers with specific training in the legal requirements for executing warrants and ensure that these are adhered to.
The Authority also found that it was unnecessary and unreasonable for an officer to execute one of the warrants for unpaid fines during the early hours of the morning.
Source: It’s time to fix the secondary teacher shortage
The Green Party is appalled by the Government’s use of urgency to rewrite the Wildlife Act–without consultation, without an impact statement, and in direct response to a court ruling in favour of protecting wildlife.
“The Government is rushing legislation through Parliament to make it easier to kill kiwi and other precious wildlife,” says Green Party co-leader and Conservation spokesperson, Marama Davidson.
“Our native taonga should be treasured. They connect us to our whenua and whakapapa, and form a critical component of our national identity.
“This law change comes directly off the back of a court ruling that found it was unlawful for the Department of Conservation (DOC) to permit developers to kill protected species.
“Rather than respecting that ruling, and learning from it, the Government is rewriting the Act to make that killing legal. It’s cynical, calculated, and utterly, utterly devastating.
“For the Minister of Conservation to say only days ago that nature is ‘part of our national identity, economy and way of life,’ then allow this legislation to bulldoze through the House is a disgrace.
“You can’t claim to value our biodiversity while forcing through law changes to make it easier to destroy it. This isn’t about protecting biodiversity—it’s about protecting profit and feeding corporate greed.
“When nature is only valued for its economic benefit, the outcome is inevitable: destruction. This Government has made it clear that when forced to choose between the interests of industry or the interests of the law, the public, and the environment, it will always choose the bulldozer.
“Our Green Budget will outline our bold vision for an Aotearoa that works with nature, not against it,” says Marama Davidson.
Source: PISA results continue to show more to be done for equity in education
Volunteers recently completed the project’s fourth beach clean-up.
Twenty volunteers took part in the beach clean-up.
The effort helped prevent pollution from entering the ocean or lagoon and harming wildlife.
Further inland, farmers in the catchment are working closely with our biodiversity advisors on restoration work on their land.
This work is being done with both the environment and future generations in mind.
A recent field day organised by local landowners and Living Landscapes, and supported by Our Waitarakao was a great day out and a fantastic opportunity for the 50 or so participants to share ideas and build relationships.
We thank Living Landscapes and landowners for inviting us along to share in such a positive event.
At the same time, community predator trapping initiatives are gaining momentum.
We’ve had a great response from businesses and residents in a target area around the lagoon who have volunteered to host traps and monitoring equipment, which will be distributed in the next few weeks.
This is to support the trapping work we’re doing in the lagoon, and to help prevent reinfestation of that wildlife refuge.
There’s lots more happening, including Timaru schools incorporating the lagoon and Our Waitarakao into their learning, and we’re progressing a crucial investigation that will support a blueprint for the future lagoon, as per the first objective of the strategy.
Our staff and project partners are working alongside the community, supporting practical action with a shared vision for a healthier, more resilient catchment.
What’s happening in Waitarakao is more than just environmental work—it’s a partnership between people and place.
Learn more about the
Our Waitarakao – actions and projects underway and how you can get involved.
Environment Canterbury © 2025
Retrieved: 10:52am, Thu 08 May 2025
ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/action-gets-underway-at-waitarakao/
Source: PISA results continue to show more to be done for equity in education
Ken said the older he got the more he noticed environmental decline, particularly the loss of biodiversity and it was a nice feeling to help regenerate the area and help restore birdlife.
Since retiring, he has become passionate about conservation and raising awareness about the indigenous biodiversity in the area.
“It’s not until you get involved in conservation that you find there’s so many people doing similar work. You might think you’re not doing much but together we’re actually doing quite a lot.”
The rest of the South Rakaia Hut holders, about 70 people based between Ashburton and Christchurch, have been providing funding to Ken to support his efforts.
The local community have also been getting behind the project by planting and maintaining hundreds of natives along the reserve and within the settlement.
As a result of the planting and trappings, more native birds have been spotted in the area which was surrounded by streams, wetlands, regenerated forests, and the ocean.
Ken said there were now about a dozen breeding pairs of korimako (bellbirds) who were there all year round and in the last 18 months, there had been two kererū (wood pigeon) as well as tui, bittern and a white heron who visited every so often.
“We’re seeing a lot more birdlife, and everyone is noticing it,” Ken said.
One of Ken’s biggest motivations was protecting the dotterels that nested on the beach. He hoped his trappings would ensure a successful breeding season, which was due to start in July.
“They nest right on the stones, so they are really a free feed for the weasels.”
To support Ken and the community’s conservation work, we have funded signs to help educate the community and visitors about the birds, and to make them aware of trappings in the area. The signs had been designed by Braided Rivers New Zealand.
Land management and biodiversity advisor Jess Cochrane said the signs showed pictures of all the different bird species to help visitors identify any they might see.
“We included the Māori and English names of each of the birds to encourage use of te reo Māori for our indigenous species,” Jess said.
Conservation work would continue in the area with the hope of one day eliminating the predators and encouraging more birds to call South Rakaia home.
Source: PISA results continue to show more to be done for equity in education
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is open to the sea following a successful attempt to open the lake on Monday, 5 May.
Attempts to open the lake on Saturday, 3 May and again on Sunday, 4 May were unsuccessful due to persistent large sea swell.
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is the largest lake in Waitaha/Canterbury and has no natural outlet to the sea. The lake is normally opened two to three times a year and closes naturally.
Openings are jointly managed by Ngāi Tahu and us and governed by the National Water Conservation Order and a suite of resource consents.
The cut made on Monday, 5 May remains open and is flowing well, although changing conditions could impact this.
“The sea is much calmer than it has been over the last week, which means the cut has developed well and scoured out from an initial width of 15 metres to 100 metres now”, says Leigh Griffiths, general manager hazards.
“While we can say the lake is open once we’ve made a connection to the sea, the cut can take a few days to scour out and fully develop. We consider the lake opening successful once the cut survives at least two high tides.”
The connection will be monitored over the next few days, and staff and machinery will remain onsite in case conditions change.
“Many things need to line up for an opening to be successful, including conditions set in the
National Water Conservation Order and the ability to safely mobilise people and machinery,” says Leigh.
The cost of each opening ranges from $20,000 to $200,000 depending on the amount of work. The operation is funded through targeted, works and services, and general rates. Central Plains Water Trust also contributes to the operation.
For more information, visit:
Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines
Three Auckland train stations where there have been dozens of near misses between pedestrians and trains during the past decade will have their pedestrian level crossings replaced by modern, accessible overbridges, Auckland Transport (AT) says.
New pedestrian overbridges at Glen Innes, Takaanini and Te Mahia stations will improve safety and support more frequent and reliable train services when the City Rail Link opens.
The Government and Auckland Council have brought forward funding to allow construction of the three pedestrian bridges to be fast-tracked, with work starting at Labour Weekend when the rail network is closed and continuing during the summer rail closure.
From this week, AT is asking for feedback on the proposed bridge designs for Glen Innes, Takaanini and Te Mahia stations.
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair Maria Meredith says it will be great to have safer access for the Glen Innes community.
“The City Rail Link will enable more efficient travel times from the Glen Innes station, but more importantly, the removal of the level crossing will also enable a far safer environment,” she says.
“By removing level crossing incidents, we’ll have a more efficient and safer network for all users.”
Papakura Local Board Chair Brent Catchpole says removing level crossings will help keep people moving safely.
“Many crossings were built back when there were less people and less trains operating,” he says.
“As our community grows and more people live near train lines, removing level crossings will help keep people moving safely with less congestion.”
Manurewa Local Board Chairperson Matt Winiata says he is pleased to see AT progressing plans for the replacement of the pedestrian level crossing at Te Mahia Station.
Te Mahia bridge design concept.
“The new pedestrian bridge will allow safer access to and from the station platform from both Great South Road and Ferguson Street,” he says.
“This follows significant investment by the Local Board in the Te Mahia pedestrian plaza, transforming a train station with a once uncertain future into a notable transport hub for the surrounding area.”
Auckland Transport Director of Infrastructure and Place Murray Burt says the new pedestrian bridges will make it safer to access the stations and are part of a broader level crossing programme that will support more frequent and reliable train services when the City Rail Link opens.
“Every single incident at a level crossing has an impact that can be deadly or life-changing, taking a huge toll on train drivers and those who narrowly miss a collision,” Mr Burt says.
Mr Burt says these three level crossings have been prioritised for replacement with accessible overbridges because of how busy the rail network is through those areas.
“Takaanini and Te Mahia stations have been prioritised because that section of the Southern Line is the busiest on the Auckland rail network with a large number of freight and passenger trains,” Mr Burt says.
“Removing the level crossing at Glen Innes Station is needed because it is the last remaining level crossing on the Eastern Line, which will have trains every five minutes at peak after City Rail Link opens.”
The designs for the three bridges have been developed to provide good access to the train stations, improve pedestrian safety, and to deliver value for money for ratepayers.
“We now want to hear feedback from our passengers and local communities about what the designs will mean for access, connection, and safety,” Mr Burt says.
This feedback will be used to finalise the bridge designs and to help with AT’s plans to integrate the bridges and station access into the wider neighbourhoods nearby.
Level crossings increase safety risks for pedestrians and people in vehicles and make travel time longer for both people travelling on trains and those wanting to cross the tracks.
Level crossings restrict train frequencies and have safety, productivity and accessibility implications on the road network, particularly when barrier arms need to be down longer.
AT, KiwiRail and NZTA are working together to remove or replace all remaining 42 level crossings in Auckland over the next 10-30 years.
The phasing of removals is driven by a range of factors including the frequency of trains, traffic delays, safety, available funding and future passenger growth in the years after City Rail Link opens.
Following the removal of crossings to support increased train frequencies when City Rail Link opens in 2026 the priority order of removals is:
Takanini – three new road bridges to replace level crossings. Funding has been confirmed and AT is beginning the detailed design, consenting, property acquisition and construction phase.
Inner Western Line and other high priority crossings on the Western Line from the 2030s when passenger numbers have grown.
Remaining Western Line crossings.
Southern Line Papakura to Pukekohe – aligned with KiwiRail’s four tracking.
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have welcomed the formation of the first two Fast-track expert panels.
“At this year’s Infrastructure Investment Summit we announced that the first project applications had been accepted by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA),” Mr Bishop says.
“Judge Borthwick, the Panel Convener, and Helen Atkins, Associate Panel Convener, have now appointed expert panels to assess the Maitahi Village project and Delmore project applications respectively. These panels will commence their work on Monday 12th of May.
“Maitahi Village is a retirement village development in Nelson of around 180 residential dwellings (50 being Iwi-led housing), a commercial centre, and a retirement village with approximately 194 townhouses and 36 in-care facility units, and Delmore is an Auckland project of approximately 1,250 residential units, including features such as parks.
“Each expert panel will assess the project, decide whether to consent it, and apply any relevant conditions. Final decisions are expected for these applications by the 12th of September.
“The expert panels include members with technical expertise relevant to the project and expertise in environmental matters.
“This Government is serious about growing our economy, and doing its part to make infrastructure and housing quicker, easier, and cheaper to build in New Zealand. I am pleased to see the formation of these panels and look forward to watching the process move forward.”
Notes to editor:
More details on the applications can be found here: www.fasttrack.govt.nz
Maitahi Village (Nelson):
Development of approximately 180 residential dwellings (50 to be Ngāti Koata iwi-led housing), a commercial centre, and a retirement village (approximately 194 townhouses, 36 in-care facility units, a clubhouse, and a pavilion).
Maitahi Village Expert Panel:
Honourable Lyn Stevens KC (chair)
Andrew Whaley
Glenice Paine
Sam Flewellen
Delmore (Auckland):
Subdivision and development of approximately 1,250 residential dwellings and associated features such as parks, including delivery of the State Highway 1 Grand Drive interchange and Wainui area connection.
Delmore Expert Panel:
Helen Atkins (Chair)
Lisa Mein
Nigel Mark-Brown
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement after Congressman Mark Amodei (R-NV-02) and House Republicans snuck in a hastily-drafted proposal to sell off Nevada public lands to pay for more tax cuts for billionaires.
“I am outraged that Congressman Amodei sold out Nevadans in the dead of night by passing a flawed, hastily-drafted proposal that undermines the careful balance struck in the Washoe County Lands Bill and would result in our state losing out on much-needed funding. For years, I’ve worked in good faith with a wide array of stakeholders to craft a balanced bill that makes more land available for housing and economic development in Washoe County, while at the same time conserving precious public lands and advancing Tribal priorities,” said Senator Rosen. “While I will always support taking steps to address Nevada’s housing crisis, I will not support a Washington-drafted proposal that will lead to Nevada losing out on millions of dollars in funding for our local priorities like education and restoration around the Truckee River, all so Republicans in Washington can pay for more tax cuts for billionaires.”
Without consulting Senator Rosen or the rest of the Nevada delegation, Congressman Amodei proposed and passed a flawed amendment in the House Natural Resources Committee that would sell off nearly 16,000 acres of public lands in Washoe County and hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands in Pershing County to pay for Congressional Republicans’ budget reconciliation proposal. This proposal abandons key provisions in the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act, also known as the Washoe County Lands Bill, and directs funds from public land sales in Nevada to the U.S. Treasury, instead of keeping the funding in Nevada. It also ignores the balance struck in Senator Rosen’s Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act.
Senator Rosen’s Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act would:
Permanently protect a million acres of public lands, which Congressman Amodei cut in his proposal.
Promote sustainable growth and economic development by directing over 15,200 acres of public lands to be made eligible for sale, all of which must be assessed for its suitability for new affordable housing. An additional 33 acres are set aside to only be sold for affordable housing. Any land sold for affordable housing would have to be sold at less than fair market value.
Support local Tribal communities by expanding land held in trust by more than 8,400 acres for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, 11,300 acres for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, and over 1,000 acres for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, none of which is in the Amodei proposal.
Provide local governments over 3,700 acres for public purposes such as parks, water treatment facilities, and schools, all of which is excluded from the Amodei proposal. Land is specifically conveyed to Washoe County, the City of Reno, the City of Sparks, the Incline Village General Improvement District, the Gerlach General Improvement District, the State of Nevada, the Truckee River Flood Management Authority, the Washoe County School District, and the University of Nevada, Reno.
Keep proceeds from land sales in Nevada for priorities like education and restoration around the Truckee River, unlike the Amodei proposal that sends money from land sales to the federal government in Washington, D.C.
For years, Senator Rosen has worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders across Washoe County to develop this comprehensive legislation. In 2023, she unveiled a working draft of the bill and collected feedback from hundreds of Nevadans during a public comment period, which she then incorporated into this legislation, which was previously introduced last year with the support of local government officials, conservation advocates, and business leaders.
Source: Save The Children
Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, research released by Save the Children and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) found that under current climate commitments – which will likely see a global temperature rise of 2.7°C above pre-industrial levels – about 100 million of the estimated 120 million children born in 2020, or 83%, will face “unprecedented” lifetime exposure to extreme heat.
However, if the world limits warming to the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target, this would reduce the number of five-year-olds impacted to 62 million – a difference of 38 million – highlighting the urgency to protect children through rapidly phasing out the use and subsidy of fossil fuels. Dangerous heat is deadly for children, taking an immense toll on their physical and mental health, disrupting access to food and clean water and forcing schools to close .
Researchers defined an “unprecedented” life as an exposure to climate extremes that someone would have less than a 1 in 10,000 chance of experiencing during their life in a world without human-induced climate change. The research, published in the report Born into the Climate Crisis 2. An Unprecedented Life: Protecting Children’s Rights in a Changing Climate also found that meeting the 1.5°C target would protect millions of children born in 2020 from the severest impacts of other climate related disasters such as crop failures, floods, tropical cyclones, droughts and wildfires.
The report found that, for children born in 2020, if global temperature rise is limited to 1.5°C rather than reaching 2.7°C above pre-industrial levels:
About 38 million would be spared from facing unprecedented lifetime exposure to heatwaves;
About 8 million would avoid unprecedented lifetime exposure to crop failures;
About 5 million would be spared from unprecedented lifetime exposure to river floods;
About 5 million would avoid unprecedented lifetime exposure to tropical cyclones;
About 2 million would avoid unprecedented lifetime exposure to droughts;
About 1.5 million children would be spared unprecedented lifetime exposure to wildfires.
Climate extremes – which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change – are increasingly harming children, forcing them from their homes, putting food out of reach, damaging schools and increasing risks like child marriage as they are forced out of education and into poverty and food shortages.
Denise-, 16, and her family were forced from their home in Brazil when the country’s worst floods in 80 years devastated their community last year. Their home, including Denise’s bedroom, was severely damaged, and she was out of school for nearly two months.
She said: “It really affected me mentally, and academically too. Catching up on all my grades to pass secondary school was really tough, especially at a state school. It massively impacted my schoolwork. My grades dropped significantly after the floods.”
Children impacted by inequality and discrimination and those in lower-and middle-income countries, are often worst affected . Meanwhile they have fewer resources to cope with climate shocks and are already at far greater risk from vector and waterborne diseases, hunger, and malnutrition, and their homes are often more vulnerable to increased risks from floods, cyclones and other extreme weather events.
Haruka, 16, whose poem is featured in the report, is from Vanuatu, which recently experienced three of the most severe types of cyclone in just a year.
She said: “Cyclones are scary. For me, they continue to destroy my home, every year – we don’t even bother trying to fix the ceiling anymore. “The past few years, I’ve seen ceaseless destruction and constant rebuilding. This seemingly never-ending cycle has become our reality, and most people aren’t even aware that it’s not just nature doing its thing, but it’s us bearing the brunt of a crisis that we did not cause.”
As well as comparing conditions under 1.5°C and 2.7°C scenarios, the report also examines a scenario in which global temperatures rise to 3.5°C by 2100, which will lead to about 92% of children born in 2020 – about 111 million children [5] – living with unprecedented heatwave exposure over their lifetime. While we need a rapid phase-out of the use and subsidy of fossil fuels to stick to the 1.5°C target, we must not lose sight of solutions, Save the Children said.
The report highlights initiatives like increased climate finance, child-centred and locally led adaptation and increasing the participation of children in shaping climate action.
Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, said: “Across the world, children are forced to bear the brunt of a crisis they are not responsible for. Dangerous heat that puts their health and learning at risk; cyclones that batter their homes and schools; creeping droughts that shrivel up crops and shrink what’s on their plates. “Amid this daily drumbeat of disasters, children plead with us not to switch off. This new research shows there is still hope, but only if we act urgently and ambitiously to rapidly limit warming temperatures to 1.5°C , and truly put children front and centre of our response to climate change at every level.”
As the world’s leading independent child rights organisation, Save the Children works in about 110 countries, tackling climate across everything we do.
Save the Children supports children and their communities globally in preventing, preparing for, adapting to, and recovering from climate disasters and gradual climate change. We have set up floating schools, rebuilt destroyed homes and provided cash grants to families hit by disasters. We also work to influence governments and other key stakeholders on climate policies, including at the UNFCCC COP summits, giving children a platform for their voices to be heard.
READ FULL REPORT HERE.
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
The Government is encouraging New Zealanders to mark Victory in Europe Day’s 80th anniversary today by paying tribute to those who fought for freedom and peace.
“On the 8th of May 1945, the Second World War in Europe came to an end, bringing relief and hope to millions after six years of devastating conflict,” Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“Today marks a significant milestone in world history, and a poignant moment for New Zealand.
“I encourage all New Zealanders to commemorate this day in their own way. Whether that is by laying a tribute at a local war memorial, pausing to take a moment of quiet reflection, or simply learning more about New Zealand’s effort in this global fight for peace,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“New Zealand played a crucial role in the Second World War, with about 140,000 New Zealanders serving in military forces overseas,” Defence Minister Judith Collins says.
“By the end of the war, nearly 12,000 New Zealanders had lost their lives, and 9,000 had been taken as prisoners of war. Many more served on the home front, supporting the war effort in numerous ways.”
“The nation’s contributions spanned various theatres of war, from Egypt, Italy, and Greece to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and our people lie in cemeteries around the world.
“We must never forget their service and their sacrifice,” Ms Collins says.
“VE day is a time to remember the immense sacrifice of all who contributed to the Second World War effort, in particular our veterans, of whom fewer than 100 remain with us,” Veterans Minister Chris Penk says.
“As we honour this significant anniversary, we reflect on the courage of those who fought for peace and acknowledge that the most meaningful way to uphold their legacy is by striving for a world free from conflict.”
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage has detailed a variety of ways people can commemorate this significant moment on its website.
The Second World War ended for New Zealand on 15 August 1945, when conflict ceased in the Asia-Pacific region with Japan’s surrender.
Source:
08 May 2025
UniSA’s Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP) will lead research into the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary and child friendly response to child sexual abuse in Europe.
ACCP has been awarded a $910,000 Oak Foundation grant to help evaluate the impact of the Barnahus response to child abuse.
The Barnahus model (translates to ‘Children’s House’ in Icelandic) is a multidisciplinary and child friendly response to child sexual abuse in Europe that aims to bring together all relevant professionals under one roof, creating a safe and child-centred environment for investigation and support.
Dr James Herbert will lead the million-dollar research project with partners in the United Kingdom and Germany to better understand the variations in how countries implement Barnahus and how to measure the impact of these different models for children.
“The project will evaluate the impact of Barnahus in Europe and look at the evidence,” says Dr Herbert.
“An Australian being awarded this grant for a project in Europe is a really important recognition of the work that ACCP has done to date in advancing research into multidisciplinary responses like Children’s Advocacy Centres (CAC) and Barnahus.”
Along with research into multi-disciplinary models in Australia, Dr Herbert has a strong track record of international collaboration.
This has included a national survey of CACs in the United States to identify the scale of resources they had to support children, contributing to a review of medical services at the Chicago CAC, supervising a research project in Canada into the alignment of multi-disciplinary teams, and serving on the international evaluation advisory committee for the Scottish ‘Bairns Hoose’.
The research team will work closely with the Barnahus Network and their membership on the project across 28 countries in Europe.
“The Barnahus approach is an excellent example of what systems change can look like and what’s possible when we put children at the centre of our considerations,” Dr Herbert says. “Long term, I’m hoping that we will be able to bring the learning and experience from this work back to Australia.”
The ACCP has received the Oak Foundation grant under their Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Programme.
The ACCP is Australia’s premier research centre for the prevention of child abuse and neglect; the Director is currently Professor Leah Bromfield (2025 Australian of the Year for SA). It was established by the Commonwealth Government in partnership with the University of South Australia in 2004 to better prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect by helping to not only grow the evidence base but also translate it into practice.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Contact for interview: Dr James Herbert M: +61 402 298 734 E: james.herbert@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets
Work is moving at pace on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass project, with geotech work beginning this week, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say.
“The Government is committed to supporting the fast-growing Waimakariri District. This much needed transport infrastructure will boost economic growth, reduce congestion, improve safety and access to housing growth areas. SH1 approaching Woodend currently carries around 21,500 vehicles per day, of which nine percent is freight. The traffic volume is expected to reach 28,000 vehicles per day by 2048. There have been 280 crashes on SH1 through Woodend between 2014 and 2023, with three fatalities and 25 serious injuries,” Mr Bishop says.
“The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board endorsed the investment case for the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance in November 2024, which proposes:
“In addition to endorsing the investment case in November last year, the NZTA Board also approved $68.1 million in initial funding to complete detailed design work and advance an early works package, as well as around $37 million for property acquisition. Further funding to begin and complete main construction will be considered by the NZTA Board in due course.
“Delivering this project has substantial benefits, including a three-minute travel time saving along the state highway, and up to 10 minutes at peak. It is also expected to reduce traffic through Woodend from 21,000 vehicles per day to 8,000, and a reduction in deaths and serious injuries from 5.6 to 1.25 per year.
“The investment case endorsed by the NZTA Board sets an investment envelope between $800 million and $1 billion to design, consent, and construct the project.
“The Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 (GPS) requires NZTA to consider tolling for all new RoNS. The investment case confirms tolling is possible and the revenue will support the construction and maintenance of the road. The Government will consider this recommendation and announce next steps of the process in due course.”
“NZTA is continuing to move at pace on the project with the detailed design contract awarded to Aurecon and Tonkin + Taylor in March this year. Getting geotech works underway is an essential part of the design phase of the project and will involve drilling around 70 boreholes up to 35 metres deep and digging pits at individual sites within the construction area,” Mr Meager says.
“The geotechnical investigations will look at ground conditions, including soil and rock types, groundwater depths and the strength of soil and rock. This work will take around two months to complete.
“Once geotechnical data is available, NZTA will confirm the scope and design of an early works package and prepare and lodge consent applications. The early works package will likely begin in early 2026, while main construction is likely to begin later in 2026. The project is expected to take four years to complete.
“SH1 is a nationally strategic freight route and provides critical access to Christchurch City, Christchurch International Airport, Lyttelton Port, and the major health, education, commercial and industrial services in the Canterbury region. Delivering the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance will significantly improve reliability of the corridor and ensure people and freight can get where they need to go, quickly and safely.
“I want to thank local Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey, Banks Peninsula MP Vanessa Weenink, Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith and Mayor Dan Gordon who have been a staunch advocates of this project, as well as wider Canterbury MPs Hamish Campbell and Nicola Grigg. I know we’re all looking forward to seeing more progress in the months and years ahead as we move into construction as soon as possible.”
For more information about the project, you can visit the NZTA website here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-belfast-to-pegasus-motorway-and-woodend-bypass/
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Relieving Wellington District Commander Inspector Lincoln Sycamore:
Police acknowledge the findings by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) regarding four complaints against Wellington Police officers obtaining a warrant and seizing vehicles for unpaid fines in 2022 and 2023.
The incidents occurred following the start of ‘Operation Cobalt’, a nationwide effort by Police to target and disrupt illegal gang activity. As part of this operation, Police staff would apply for warrants to seize property belonging to gang members with unpaid fines.
Police have reviewed the policy and practice regarding obtaining a warrant to seize property for unpaid fines and have addressed the recommendation made by the IPCA.
In March 2024, we updated our search instructions for officers to ensure they are aware of and understand their obligations. Officers are required to have Ministry of Justice bailiffs present at the search location, unless there is urgency and or good reason for Police to execute the warrant as part of a major event operation or criminal investigation.
We also agree with the second recommendation made by the IPCA and have already begun the process to engage with Ministry of Justice to update an internal form used by officers. This will ensure the form accurately reflects the scope of the search and seizure power under section 99 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
The Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the nine months ended 31 March 2025 were released by the Treasury today. The March results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2024 (HYEFU 2024), published on 17 December 2024, and the results for the same period for the previous year.
The majority of the key fiscal indicators for the nine months ended 31 March 2025 were better than forecast. The Government’s main operating indicator, the operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx), showed a deficit of $6.6 billion. This was $0.5 billion smaller than forecast largely due to lower than forecast core Crown expenditure. Net core Crown debt was $2.1 billion lower than forecast at $182.0 billion, or 42.6% of GDP.
Core Crown tax revenue, at $89.5 billion, was $0.2 billion (0.2%) higher than forecast. While GST and other individuals’ tax were both above forecast by $0.5 billion each, this was broadly offset by source deductions and corporate tax which were below forecast by $0.5 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively.
Core Crown expenses, at $104.1 billion, were $0.6 billion (0.5%) below forecast. This variance included some significant offsetting variances and was mostly timing in nature. In particular, core government services expenses were $0.6 billion above forecast, while transport and housing expenses were $0.6 billion and $0.3 billion below forecast, respectively. The remaining variance was spread across a range of agencies.
The OBEGALx was a deficit of $6.6 billion, $0.5 billion less than the forecast deficit. When including the revenue and expenses of ACC, the OBEGAL deficit was $8.4 billion, $0.4 billion less than the forecast deficit.
The operating balance deficit of $4.5 billion was $0.8 billion higher than the forecast deficit. This reflected net unfavourable valuation movements along with the favourable OBEGAL result. Net gains on financial instruments were $4.0 billion lower than forecast, driven by the performance of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZS Fund) and ACC’s investment portfolios. This unfavourable variance was partly offset by net losses on non-financial instruments being $2.6 billion less than forecast. This was largely owing to a $0.7 billion net actuarial gain on ACC’s outstanding claims liability compared to a forecast net loss of $1.0 billion, and the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme with net losses being $0.9 billion lower than forecast.
The core Crown residual cash deficit of $5.3 billion was $1.7 billion lower than forecast. While net operating cash flows were broadly in line with forecast, net core Crown capital cash outflows were $1.5 billion lower than forecast. This variance is expected to be timing in nature, mainly owing to net purchases of investments and net increases in advances which were both below forecast by $0.6 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively.
Net core Crown debt at $182.0 billion (42.6% of GDP) was $2.1 billion lower than forecast. This variance was largely due to the variance in core Crown residual cash deficit and the factors not impacting residual cash which improved net core Crown debt. Of these factors, the most significant was foreign exchange movements since the HYEFU 2024 forecast which have resulted in $0.5 billion of net gains improving net core Crown debt without impacting the core Crown residual cash indicator.
Gross debt at $206.0 billion (48.3% of GDP) was $0.5 billion higher than forecast, largely owing to higher than forecast government stock, partially offset by lower than forecast Treasury bills.
Net worth at $183.8 billion (43.1% of GDP) was $0.3 billion lower than forecast. The variance to forecast reflects a higher operating balance deficit discussed above, partially offset by net actuarial gains on retirement plan schemes ($0.5 billion). Net worth consisted of total Crown assets of $594.7 billion (in line with forecast) and total Crown liabilities of $410.9 billion ($0.3 billion higher than forecast).
Source: Washington State News
SEATTLE — Washington is co-leading a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from illegally terminating billions in congressionally approved funding for electric vehicle infrastructure – including a combined $1 billion in the plaintiff states, Attorney General Nick Brown announced today. Unless the courts check the president’s overreach, Washington stands to lose over $71 million in electric vehicle infrastructure funding.
“The president’s illegal claw-backs aren’t spending reductions – they’re cash grabs that rob taxpayers, steamroll Congress, and stifle critical economic development,” Brown said. “Washingtonians are switching to electric vehicles at one of the highest rates in the nation. They deserve safe, reliable infrastructure to get their families from Point A to B.”
The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed by Congress appropriated $5 billion for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, or the NEVI program, to fund states’ nationwide deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to improve reliability and accessibility for the public.
On Jan. 20, President Trump mandated federal agencies pause disbursement of all funds appropriated under the IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act, including NEVI program funding. Despite being mandated by Congress to fund the NEVI program, the Federal Highway Administration notified states in February the agency was unlawfully revoking previous state plan approvals and withholding or withdrawing NEVI program funds from the states.
Washington is a national leader in electric vehicle use, remaining in the top five states for electric vehicle adoption for more than a decade. The electric vehicle transition is critical to the success of Washington’s plans to cut transportation-related pollution.
Transportation is the largest source of carbon pollution in Washington. Vehicle pollution causes health problems, such as cancer and asthma, and contributes to climate change. To combat climate change and protect the health of its residents, Washington has adopted zero-emission vehicle standards that require a percentage of the vehicles sold in Washington to be zero emission, starting with the 2025 model year.
The state also has vehicle emissions standards that require all new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles sold in Washington be zero emission by 2035. The state has proactively invested in EV charging infrastructure for many years, but Washington’s ability to make this transition and meet its own statutory requirements is significantly hampered by the FHWA’s indefinite withholding of the NEVI program funds Congress directed to the state.
The lawsuit filed today by Brown and 16 other attorneys general seeks a court order against FHWA’s unlawful actions, and a restoration of the electric vehicle infrastructure funding for the states.
Brown is co-leading this lawsuit with California and Colorado. They are joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
A copy of the complaint is available here and a copy of the motion for a preliminary injunction is here.
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.
Analysis from organisations like the Open Source Centre has become even more vital in the wake of the expertise gap left by the 1718 Panel of Experts.
One year on, the UK deeply regrets Russia’s decision to veto the mandate renewal of the 1718 Panel of Experts.
This was a deliberate act used to obfuscate and embolden the DPRK’s unlawful pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, and to conceal Russia’s own erosion of the UN sanctions architecture, which it has a responsibility to uphold as a permanent member of this Council.
The Panel’s credible, objective and independent reporting enabled this Council and the international community to effectively monitor the implementation of UN sanctions on the DPRK.
Most importantly, the Panel helped prevent the DPRK’s unlawful and dangerous development of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
Since Russia’s veto last year, there have been over 40 missile tests, including one intercontinental ballistic missile test and one intermediate-range ballistic missile test.
This escalation represents multiple breaches of UN Security Council resolutions, for which we have been deprived of further analysis.
Colleagues, it is obvious that Russia’s objective was to clear the path for the expansion of their military relationship with the DPRK.
The DPRK is believed to have supplied 20,000 containers of munitions to Russia, and its artillery and mortar shells account for 60% of those used in Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.
And as we’ve heard, in the past week, Russia and the DPRK publicly flaunted their agreement to use DPRK troops as mere cannon fodder in that war.
Let me be clear, we cannot allow this brazen disregard towards UN sanctions to become normalised.
The UK will continue to work closely with partners to monitor sanctions evasion, to hold both Russia and the DPRK to account, and to call out those complicit in the DPRK’s violations of UN Security Council resolutions.
As we have heard over the course of the NPT Prepcom, this Council should stand firm in its defence of the global non-proliferation regime.
The UK remains steadfast with partners in our shared goal for the DPRK to abandon all nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.
Source: New Zealand Police
A young has been arrested as Police progress an investigation into several serious incidents in Invercargill.
It follows two aggravated robberies, two burglaries and an attempted burglary, all between 1.50am and 4.30am on Monday morning.
Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, but the victims were understandably upset and shaken by what occurred, Detective Inspector Stu Harvey said.
Police have arrested and charged a young person in relation to the incidents. He is facing a number of charges and has been remanded in custody to appear in the Invercargill Youth Court today.
“The investigation into this offending is still very much active. We understand these events are unnerving for our community, and we are working hard to locate those we believe to be involved,” Detective Inspector Harvey says.
“We still need the public’s help and want to hear from anyone who might be able to assist.
“In particular, Police are seeking information about two vehicles that were seen in the area of some of the incidents. One of them, a stolen red Toyota Vitz, was involved in the offending and has been recovered while the other vehicle is described only as a car.
“Police would like to speak to anyone who saw vehicles fitting these descriptions between 1am and 5am on Monday.”
Anyone with information about these vehicles or those involved is asked to call Police on 105. You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
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
BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to participants in a China-Russia cultural and humanitarian exchange event dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Great Patriotic War.
In his message, the Chinese leader noted that 80 years ago, the Chinese and Russian peoples jointly made an indelible historical contribution to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and sealed with blood an unbreakable great friendship, laying a solid foundation for the high-level development of interstate relations.
Xi said that after 80 years, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-Russia ties have shown new vitality and set a new model for major power relations.
He stressed that strengthening cultural and humanitarian exchanges is of great and profound significance for increasing mutual understanding, strengthening good-neighborliness and friendship, and increasing public and popular support for the development of bilateral relations.
The Chinese President expressed the hope that the media of both countries will take on a common mission and move forward hand in hand, conducting cultural and humanitarian exchanges that connect peoples, are close to life and filled with warmth. According to the Chinese leader, this will give new impetus to deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries, add new luster to the Sino-Russian relations of comprehensive strategic partnership and coordination in the new era, and make new contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The event was organized by China Media Corporation and the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to the participants of the event. –0–
Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines
A recent dog attack during a football training session at Tahurangi / Crum Park has highlighted the serious risk off-leash dogs pose to our communities.
A young girl, watching the football training with family members, was attacked by an uncontrolled dog. She will be left with a large scar and a life-long traumatic memory because of this preventable incident.
Auckland Council’s General Manager for Licensing and Compliance, Robert Irvine says this is not an isolated incident and off-leash dog attacks on sports fields are on the rise.
“Similar situations have occurred at other sports grounds where off-leash dogs have rushed at junior players during training,” Mr Irvine says.
“Week after week, dogs are walked off-leash across Auckland’s sports fields while children train, play, and compete; an attack can and does happen so quickly when there are kids running around and a dog is off leash,” he adds.
“This behaviour not only puts children and adults at risk of injury, but it also degrades the quality of our fields. Dog fouling on sports grounds is a persistent problem — one that poses health risks and ruins the experience for players.
Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee Councillor Josephine Bartley, herself a dog lover and owner, says it’s unacceptable to have dogs running uncontrolled across our playing fields.
“No parent wants to see their child land face-first in dog excrement while playing soccer or rugby.
“And not only children, but adults too, deserve a safe, clean environment to train and play,” Councillor Bartley says.
“Dogs must be always kept under control near playing fields. This sort of thoughtless behaviour has serious consequences; let’s keep our sports grounds safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.”
Auckland Council’s regional rule states that dogs are not on most sports playing surfaces at any time. This includes marked football pitches. These areas are for organised sport and recreation — not dog exercise. Dogs may still be allowed away from playing surfaces, including on a leash on the sidelines when sport is being played. Alternative off-leash dog parks and spaces are provided away from playing surfaces.
To find out where your dog can be exercised off-leash click here
Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house
Learn how bats, Fiordland tokoeka kiwi, and kākā are all benefiting from our landscape-scale predator control programme using 1080 to protect public conservation land.
DOC’s National Predator Control Programme protects native wildlife and forests at important conservation sites across New Zealand.
Currently, we control predators on a sustained, rotational basis over about 1.8 million hectares, which is nearly 20% of public conservation land.
It’s critical that rats, stoats, and possums are regularly controlled so that populations of threatened native species can survive and grow.
We use the most effective tools available, such as 1080 toxin and large-scale trapping, to protect vulnerable native species and forests.
While the tools and strategies are being developed to achieve Predator Free 2050, our National Predator Control Programme is holding the line for threatened native species by regularly controlling introduced predators across large forest areas.
We recently published our 2024 National Predator Control Programme report which shows we had some big wins for our native species last year.
You can read the full report here: National Predator Control Programme Annual Report 2024
Here’s our top five highlights of 2024 – from bustling bat roosts to turning the tide for one of our rarest kiwi species:
Before predator control, every single kiwi chick we monitored in Shy Lake died, meaning the species was facing extinction.
After predator control and eight years of research, last year’s kiwi chick survival rate climbed to 60%.
Our scientists carefully reviewed the results of how we time our operations around beech masts. With their advice, we changed tactics and targeted rats either before beech seed was produced or after it had germinated.
It paid off big time – all our operations suppressed rats effectively, in most cases down to undetectable levels.
There are an average of twice as many rock wrens at predator control sites compared to sites with no control.
Every year our team surveys alpine rock wren populations. Research across our 25 sites shows that aerial operations help rock wren populations recover and grow.
We discovered 275 bats in one tree roost in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation park where we undertake regular predator control operations. That’s a lot of bats!
Female kākā are more vulnerable to predation, especially when they’re confined to nest cavities during breeding season. Studying the ratio of kākā males to females can help us understand the health of a population and its predation pressures.
This year, kākā monitoring in Pureora Forest (an ongoing predator control site) revealed a 1:1 sex ratio – the most balanced we’ve ever recorded.
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Learn more about DOC’s National Predator Control Programme and read the full report here: National Predator Control Programme
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, organized a tabletop exercise with Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and other senators. The two-hour exercise tasked the participating senators with responding to a simulated Chinese campaign designed to strangle Taiwan’s energy imports. The exercise was led by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). FDD plans to convene a follow-on simulation this summer in Taipei with Taiwanese officials, including members of Taiwan’s National Security Council. After the exercise completed, Senator Ricketts gave the following comments:
“This exercise reflected the real risk that a Chinese energy quarantine presents to Taiwan,” said Ricketts. “Beijing would like nothing more than to force unification without war. However, Congress can play a decisive role in supporting our Taiwanese partners while also complicating Xi Jinping’s plans to coerce Taiwan into capitulation.”
Senate Foreign Relations Committee East Asia Subcommittee’s Tabletop exercise in Washington, DC on May 6, 2025. (Official U.S. Senate photo by Erin Sutherland)Ricketts also underscored the threat posed by Communist China’s dictator Xi Jinping, who has signaled his military to be ready to seize Taiwan by 2027.
“We seek peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” said Ricketts. “Increasing aggression from Communist China continues to threaten this long-standing status quo. Simulations and exercises like the one we did today are important for understanding the real-world impact of policy decisions. By working through potential actions by Communist China and planning an American response, we can take the steps necessary to deter this aggression.”
“As Senator Ricketts and I saw on our travel to East Asia last month, Taiwan plays a central role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific in the face of Chinese aggression,” said Senator Coons. “This exercise made clear the sheer number of tools China has at its disposal to threaten Taiwan and the many steps the United States and our partners and allies should take to prepare. It also demonstrated that Congress will have a clear role to play in shaping our nation’s response to any crisis in the Indo-Pacific region. Unified, bipartisan support for Taiwan in Congress is more important today than ever before.”
BACKGROUND
Last month, Senator Ricketts led a congressional delegation (CODEL) trip to Taiwan and the Philippines with Senators Coons and Ted Budd (R-NC). During the trip, the three senators met with senior Taiwanese officials including President Lai and Vice President Hsaio.
This tabletop exercise continues the work that Senators Ricketts and Coons are doing as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asia Subcommittee to foster bipartisan agreement around the island of Taiwan.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on May 2, 2025.
Eugene Hunts Horse, age 29, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
A federal grand jury indicted Hunts Horse in May 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 17, 2025.
On February 24, 2024, the victim arrived at a residence in Wounded Knee and attempted to gain entry into the home. The victim knew the occupants of the trailer and wanted to get inside. A male from within the home assaulted the victim with a weapon and ushered him down the driveway away from the home. Hunts Horse arrived around the time the victim was being escorted down the driveway and used an object to strike the victim several times in the head and body. Hunts Horse, who believed the victim had assaulted his cousin with a hammer earlier in the evening, became enraged and developed the heat of passion necessary to take the life of another. After killing the victim, Hunts Horse learned the victim was not the person who attacked his cousin. The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety responded to the residence and found the victim near the roadway and driveway of the residence with a large fracture to his skull. The victim was bleeding extensively from his head. The victim ultimately passed away from his head injury a short time after the officer arrived.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Hunts Horse was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Source: Greenpeace Statement –
PERTH, Thursday 8 May 2025 – Greenpeace Australia Pacific is challenging Woodside on its troubling track record of harming WA’s oceans at its AGM, and urged shareholders to reject Woodside’s plans to drill for gas near Scott Reef.
Environment groups and concerned community members will stage a protest outside Woodside’s AGM at the Crown Towers in Perth, and Greenpeace will also directly challenge Woodside’s leadership and its gas expansion plans during the AGM proceedings.
Due to participate in Woodside’s AGM as a proxy shareholder, David Ritter, CEO at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: “For the fourth year, Greenpeace has returned to Woodside’s AGM to expose its shameful environmental track record of harm to marine life, oil and chemical spills, and more. Woodside’s plans pose an unacceptable risk–this is a company that simply can’t be trusted with our oceans.
“Woodside’s planned Browse gas field would entail drilling up to 50 wells as close as 2 kilometres from Scott Reef, home to nesting sea turtles, endangered pygmy blue whales and dusky sea snakes. Its new carbon dumping plans involve repeated seismic blasting over the next 39 years, which can deafen whales, near Scott Reef.
“Woodside wants to turn Scott Reef into an industrial gas zone. We urge Woodside shareholders not to allow our precious oceans, whales, and turtles to face potentially irreversible harm, and call on Woodside to reconsider its plans.
“From leaving its trash in the ocean until Greenpeace pushed it to clean it up to delivering a climate plan that faced unprecedented rejection by shareholders last year, Woodside’s environmental and climate governance under its current leadership is not up to scratch with what shareholders or regulators expect.
“To protect the environment, Greenpeace is urging shareholders to vote down the re-election of board director Ann Pickard, who chairs Woodside’s sustainability committee. Between the multiple environmental failures on her watch and her history of leading Shell’s now-abandoned push to destroy the Arctic for oil, she does not inspire any confidence on sustainability.
“We are also calling on the newly re-elected Albanese government to listen to the millions of Australians who rejected the Coalition’s gas fast-track plans, and voted for nature protection and a safe climate future powered by renewables. Sentiment for climate action was also clear in WA, with a surge in support for Independent candidates championing the shift away from climate-wrecking gas expansion.
“In its second term, the Albanese government has an opportunity to stand up for oceans, marine life and clean energy. It must heed the evidence and reject Woodside’s proposals to extend its North West Shelf gas processing facility, and develop the Browse gas field. Doing so would protect Scott Reef from damage from industrial activity and prevent billions of tonnes of climate-wrecking emissions.
“We are halfway through the critical decade for action on climate change, and in the middle of a climate and biodiversity crisis. Corporations, shareholders, and governments alike must put an end to polluting fossil fuel projects, and accelerate the transition to clean, affordable renewable energy.”
—ENDS—
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 or [email protected].
Photos from the protest and file photos for editorial use will be available here after the protest: Google Drive folder
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By MD Rakib Jahan, PhD Student, Department of Political Studies, International Relations, Queen’s University, Ontario
In response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir last month,, India has launched “Operation Sindoor,” a series of targeted airstrikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The killing of 26 tourists in Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley on April 22 did more than shatter a moment of peace in one of South Asia’s most scenic regions. The assault has significantly increased India-Pakistan tensions and generated worries of possible military conflict between two nuclear-armed countries.
Though Pakistan denies the charges, India has specifically held Pakistan responsible for sheltering terrorist groups.
In response to the attack, India has taken several actions against Pakistan, including downgrading diplomatic ties, recalling diplomats, suspending participation in a vital water-sharing agreement and closing a significant border crossing.
This rapidly deteriorating situation underscores the broader consequences of the devastating Pahalgam assault.
Read more:
India and Pakistan have fought many wars in the past. Are we on the precipice of a new one?
Described by the region’s chief minister, Omar Abdullah, as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” the assault in Pahalgam is not only a humanitarian tragedy and a blow to Kashmir’s economy but a flashpoint in an already fragile regional relationship.
The Pahalgam attack’s timing coincided with United States Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India in April. This mirrors a grim pattern that includes former U.S. president Bill Clinton’s 2000 trip, when militants struck Chittisinghpura in Jammu and Kashmir hours before his arrival.
By staging violence during diplomatic milestones, militants aim to amplify global attention and send a message to the Indian government. As global attention shifts back to Kashmir, the Baisaran massacre appears to mark a new chapter in the long-fought battle over this territory — one that risks tourism, targets civilians and threatens to unravel regional stability.
Though Kashmir has seen warfare for decades, militant groups had mostly avoided targeting visitors because of the the economic significance of tourism to Kashmir.
The calculated selection of Pahalgam — one of Kashmir’s top tourist sites — reveals a plan to attack the core of Kashmir’s economy. According to counter-terrorism expert Ajai Sahni, the local community and militant groups have an implicit understanding not to compromise the tourism industry.
By breaking this unwritten rule, the militants have demonstrated a willingness to inflict economic harm on the population.
Nearly everyone in Kashmir, particularly in the valley, depends on tourism either directly or indirectly. Tourism, which has seen a resurgence since the COVID-19 pandemic, generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs and more than eight per cent of Kashmir’s GDP.
Experts like Amitabh Mattoo, from the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, warn that Kashmir may experience long-term devastating effects from a drop in tourism. A significant exodus of travellers from Kashmir has already taken place.
The assault also weakens India’s narrative on Kashmir, an area that has been disputed by both Pakistan and India since their independence from Britain in 1947.
The attack took place as India Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to open a multi-billion-dollar railway project to the Kashmir Valley, which his government contends will enhance tourism and economic development.
Modi’s administration has presented the rise in tourism as proof of “normalcy” coming back to Kashmir following India’s removal of special status to Kashmir.
The intentional targeting of visitors sends a message that the illusion of normalcy is misleading.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a rather unknown militant group founded in 2019 and designated as a “terrorist organization” by the Indian government in January 2023, claimed responsibility for the assault via social media. They offered no proof to back their assertion.
TRF represents a new breed of militant Kashmiri nationalism and resistance. Indian intelligence agencies have connected the group to the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba.
TRF’s communication regarding the assault emphasized resistance to new “outsider” residency rights. This corresponds with worries voiced by some Kashmiris after 2019 modifications permitted non-locals to acquire land and get employment in the area.
The government disclosed in April 2025 that 83,000 individuals have been given residence certificates under these new standards in the last two years.
Apart from causing obvious human sorrow, the Pahalgam slaughter also endangers years of economic development and could send Jammu and Kashmir back into a cycle of bloodshed and instability.
Targeting tourists could mean militants are willing to risk Kashmir’s economic core. The assault appears to be an attempt to internationalize the Kashmir problem at a time when worldwide interest had started to fade. It also exploits religious divides, and has succeeded in inciting severe security reactions.
The future seems more and more uncertain for ordinary Kashmiris caught between security crackdowns and militant brutality. Historical trends indicate that more militancy usually results in more security policies, putting more strain on civilian life.
For many teenagers and young people in Jammu and Kashmir, the lack of consistent income, mobility limitations and increased monitoring intensifies sensations of marginalization and anger.
Radical groups can take advantage of these frustrations. To counter this, economic policies must address these inequalities.
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India-Pakistan strikes: 5 essential reads on decades of rivalry and tensions over Kashmir
The Pahalgam incident calls for a counter-terrorism strategy that balances security with socio-economic stability.
For example, tourism profit-sharing systems could be implemented and tax advantages or subsidies could be offered to tour businesses, especially those employing young marginalized demographics. This could help to bring some financial respite as well as long-term stability and has been successful in countries like Rwanda.
The failure to pre-empt the attack despite heightened security during the Vance’s visit and the Hindu pilgrimage season reveals systematic intelligence failures.
The way ahead calls for tackling both security issues and the underlying complaints still driving militancy in Jammu and Kashmir as the region once again confronts the possibility of violence.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both nations to de-escalate and return to diplomacy.
MD Rakib Jahan 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. Indian airstrikes in Kashmir following tourist attack raises fears of a regional conflict – https://theconversation.com/indian-airstrikes-in-kashmir-following-tourist-attack-raises-fears-of-a-regional-conflict-256166
