Source:
We’ve reviewed our advice and continue to advise do not travel to Libya due to the dangerous security situation and the high threat of terrorism and kidnapping. If you’re in Libya, you should leave as soon as possible if it’s safe to do so. Due to the ongoing unrest, our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Libya is severely limited.
Source: United States Attorneys General 7
Mumbai Attacks in 2008 Killed More than 160 People, Including Six Americans, and Wounded Hundreds More
The United States on Wednesday extradited convicted terrorist Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, to stand trial in India on 10 criminal charges stemming from his alleged role in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Rana’s extradition is a critical step toward seeking justice for the six Americans and scores of other victims who were killed in the heinous attacks.
Rana, 64, is charged in India with numerous offenses, including conspiracy, murder, commission of a terrorist act, and forgery, related to his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks committed by Laskhar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Between November 26 and 29, 2008, ten LeT terrorists carried out a series of 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks in Mumbai. They infiltrated the city by sea and then broke into teams, dispersing to multiple locations. Attackers at a train station fired guns and threw grenades into crowds. Attackers at two restaurants shot indiscriminately at patrons. Attackers at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel gunned people down and detonated explosives. Attackers also shot and killed people at a Jewish community center. When the terror finally subsided, 166 victims, including six Americans, were dead, along with all but one of the LeT terrorists. Hundreds more were injured, and Mumbai sustained more than $1.5 billion in property damage. The attacks were among the most horrific and catastrophic in India’s history.
India alleges that Rana facilitated a fraudulent cover so that his childhood friend David Coleman Headley (Headley), a U.S. citizen born Daood Gilani, could freely travel to Mumbai for the purpose of conducting surveillance of potential attack sites for LeT. As India alleges, Headley had received training from LeT members in Pakistan and was in direct communication with LeT about plans to attack Mumbai. Among other things, Rana allegedly agreed to open a Mumbai branch of his immigration business and appoint Headley as the manager of the office, despite Headley’s having no immigration experience. On two separate occasions, Rana allegedly helped Headley prepare and submit visa applications to Indian authorities that contained information Rana knew to be false. Rana also allegedly supplied, through his unsuspecting business partner, documentation in support of Headley’s attempt to secure formal approval from Indian authorities to open a branch office of Rana’s business. Over the course of more than two years, Headley allegedly repeatedly met with Rana in Chicago and described his surveillance activities on behalf of LeT, LeT’s responses to Headley’s activities, and LeT’s potential plans for attacking Mumbai.
After the attacks were complete, Rana allegedly told Headley that the Indians “deserved it.” In an intercepted conversation with Headley, Rana allegedly commended the nine LeT terrorists who had been killed committing the attacks, saying that “[t]hey should be given Nishan-e-Haider”—Pakistan’s “highest award for gallantry in battle,” which is reserved for fallen soldiers.
India’s pending proceedings against Rana are not the first proceedings in which Rana has been accused of conspiring to commit violent acts of terrorism. In 2013, Rana was sentenced to 14 years in prison following his trial conviction in the Northern District of Illinois for conspiring to provide material support to LeT and to a foiled LeT-sponsored terrorist plot in Copenhagen, Denmark. As part of those same criminal proceedings, Headley pleaded guilty to 12 federal terrorism charges, including aiding and abetting the murders of the six Americans in Mumbai and later planning to attack a Danish newspaper, and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
In June 2020, the United States acted on a request for Rana’s extradition submitted by the Republic of India, which Rana contested for almost five years. On May 16, 2023, a U.S. magistrate judge in the Central District of California certified Rana’s extradition to India. Rana then filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, which the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California denied on August 10, 2023. On August 15, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed that decision. The Supreme Court likewise denied Rana’s petition for certiorari on January 21, 2025. The Secretary of State issued a warrant ordering Rana’s surrender to Indian authorities. Both the district court and the Ninth Circuit denied Rana’s application for a stay of extradition, and on April 7, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Rana’s application for a stay of extradition.
On April 9, the U.S. Marshals Service executed the Secretary’s surrender warrant by surrendering Rana to Indian authorities for transportation to India. Rana’s extradition is now complete.
The extradition litigation was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Lulejian and David R. Friedman and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bram M. Alden of the Central District of California and Deputy Director Christopher J. Smith, Associate Director Kerry A. Monaco, and former Associate Director Rebecca A. Haciski of the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs. The U.S. Marshals Service and attorneys and international affairs specialists in the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided support to this extradition. The FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in New Delhi also provided assistance.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Staff members transport supplies at Yangon International Airport in Myanmar on April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
China will send another batch of emergency humanitarian supplies to Myanmar, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
Spokesperson Lin Jian shared details on China’s earthquake rescue and relief assistance to Myanmar at a daily news briefing in response to a related query.
According to Lin, China was the first country that announced emergency assistance to Myanmar, sent rescue forces to the country, and set up settlement centers in the affected areas. “The Chinese rescue team found the first trapped survivor,” he said.
“More than 30 rescue teams of over 600 members rushed to Myanmar for rescue work and we offered several batches of supplies, which demonstrated China’s speed, contribution and kindness,” he said. “This is warmly welcomed and appreciated by the people in Myanmar,” he added.
“As a friendly neighbor and ‘pauk-phaw’ brother, China has decided to send another batch of emergency humanitarian supplies, which include the most needed refined oil, prefabricated houses, operating rooms, medicines, and vaccines,” he said.
“China will also dispatch medical and epidemic prevention experts for treatment and disinfection, as well as experts to examine, assess, reinforce, and repair affected buildings and cultural relics,” Lin added.
The spokesperson noted that China will continue to promote the China-Myanmar “pauk-phaw” friendship and, upholding the spirit of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future, help the people in Myanmar overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes.
Source: China State Council Information Office
General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15, at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Friday.
President Xi will also pay state visits to Malaysia and Cambodia from April 15 to 18, at the invitation of King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, the spokesperson said.
Source: China State Council Information Office
This photo shows a view of Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, the main venue for the 21st China-ASEAN Expo, in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese ambassadors say they are upbeat about building on historic achievements to open new prospects for China’s relations with neighboring countries, after a key meeting outlined goals and tasks for the next phase of the country’s neighborhood work.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries and striving to open new ground for the country’s neighborhood work, at a central conference on work related to neighboring countries held in Beijing from Tuesday to Wednesday.
China’s relations with neighboring countries are at the best level seen in modern times, and they are entering a critical phase in which regional dynamics and global transformations are deeply intertwined, the conference noted.
“China always places its neighborhood diplomacy at the top of its diplomatic agenda, and ASEAN is the priority in this neighborhood diplomacy,” Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said.
Chinese and Malaysian leaders have reached a consensus on building a community with a shared future, and China-Malaysia trade accounts for one-fifth of China-ASEAN trade. In addition to the East Coast Rail Link project and other joint infrastructure projects, both countries are cooperating in such fields as 5G, artificial intelligence, big data, electric vehicles and photovoltaic products.
“Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Malaysia relations will further grow, and cooperation between China and ASEAN will also expand,” the ambassador said.
Representatives of China and five Central Asian countries attend a launching ceremony of the secretariat of the China-Central Asian cooperation mechanism in Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, March 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
China-Central Asia relations have seen leapfrog progress with the establishment of comprehensive strategic partnerships between China and the five Central Asian countries, the launch of the China-Central Asia mechanism, and joint efforts to promote the growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin.
President Xi’s vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and his three global initiatives offer important guidance for the China-Central Asia mechanism and SCO development, Han noted.
A drone photo taken on June 23, 2024 shows a view of Rashakai Special Economic Zone under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Nowshera, Pakistan’s northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. [Photo/Xinhua]
As a pilot project under the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has seen more than 25 billion U.S. dollars in direct investment and created more than 230,000 jobs. It has raised the level of China-Pakistan cooperation and promoted Pakistan’s economic and social development, according to Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong.
“We will continue to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, make greater contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, and safeguard China’s overseas interests,” Jiang said.
China continues to bring development opportunities and certainty to its neighboring countries through its own development, said Shen Minjuan, Chinese ambassador to Mongolia. “In Mongolia, people remember President Xi’s offer of welcoming them to ride China’s fast train of development.”
The 21st century will undoubtedly be the Asian Century, and China’s diplomacy with its neighboring countries holds immense potential, Shen said, adding that Asia should remain stable and thriving, thereby supporting China’s modernization drive.
China and ASEAN have been each other’s largest trading partners for five consecutive years. ASEAN regards China as an indispensable partner for regional countries to achieve modernization, and China firmly supports ASEAN’s centrality in regional cooperation, said Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Hou Yanqi.
China encourages ASEAN to forge close ties with the SCO and BRICS, together practice genuine multilateralism and open regionalism, and safeguard international fairness and justice as well as the interests of developing countries, Hou said.
An aerial drone photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows the Qingdao SCODA Pearl International Expo Center in the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA) in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, noted that the world today is undergoing both transformation and upheaval, and that changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace.
“The CPC Central Committee exercises overall leadership, maintains strong strategic resolve, and responds to challenges with steadfastness and prudence. This is our greatest source of confidence in advancing our diplomatic endeavors, and the root cause of the respect and growing influence China gains on the global stage,” Fu said.
“We must unwaveringly uphold the vision of a global community with a shared future, continuously advance the reform and improvement of global governance, and safeguard the interests of developing countries,” Fu said.
The ambassadors expressed opposition to the United States’ indiscriminate tariffs on all of its trading partners, saying that China and neighboring countries should oppose the fallacy of “might makes right” and work together to safeguard international fairness and justice, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of all countries.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
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Source: China State Council Information Office
The New Development Bank (NDB) has issued a three-year Panda bond worth 7 billion yuan (about 971 million U.S. dollars) in China’s Interbank Bond Market, the bank announced on Thursday.
Panda bonds are yuan-denominated debts sold by overseas issuers to meet financing demand. The latest issuance reinforces NDB’s position as the largest Panda bond issuer in the China Interbank Bond Market, with a cumulative issuance scale of 68.5 billion yuan.
The latest issuance has attracted strong interest from a diversified local and foreign investor base, including central banks, insurance companies and bank treasuries, the bank noted, adding that the net proceeds from the sale of the bond will be used to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in NDB member countries.
“The New Development Bank is committed to maintaining a consistent and robust presence in capital markets while diversifying its funding across various instruments, currencies and tenors. In line with the general strategy, NDB is actively expanding its funding sources through local currency-denominated bond issuances, enhancing the Bank’s capability to finance sustainable development projects,” said Monale Ratsoma, NDB vice president and chief financial officer.
Headquartered in Shanghai, the NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in 2014 to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS member nations, and in other emerging market economies and developing countries.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 11, 2025.
Do Inuit languages really have many words for snow? The most interesting finds from our study of 616 languages
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charles Kemp, Professor, School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Languages are windows into the worlds of the people who speak them – reflecting what they value and experience daily. So perhaps it’s no surprise different languages highlight different areas of vocabulary. Scholars have noted
Labor gains 5-point lead in a YouGov poll, taken during Trump tariff chaos
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne A national YouGov poll, conducted April 4–10 from a sample of 1,505, gave Labor a 52.5–47.5 lead, a 1.5-point gain for Labor since the March 28 to
Better cleaning of hospital equipment could cut patient infections by one-third – and save money
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brett Mitchell, Professor of Nursing and Health Services Research, University of Newcastle Annie Spratt/Unsplash Hospital-acquired infections are infections patients didn’t have when they were admitted to hospital. The most common include wound infections after surgery, urinary tract infections and pneumonia. These can have a big impact for
As more communities have to consider relocation, we explore what happens to the land after people leave
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Hanna, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Planning, University of Waikato Christina Hanna, CC BY-SA Once floodwaters subside, talk of planned retreat inevitably rises. Within Aotearoa New Zealand, several communities from north to south – including Kumeū, Kawatiri Westport and parts of Ōtepoti Dunedin – are considering future
Extinctions of Australian mammals have long been blamed on foxes and cats – but where’s the evidence?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arian Wallach, Future Fellow in Ecology, Queensland University of Technology michael garner/Shutterstock In 1938, zoologist Ellis Le Geyt Troughton mourned that Australia’s “gentle and specialized creatures” were “unable to cope with changed conditions and introduced enemies”. The role of these “enemies” – namely, foxes and feral cats
Yes, government influences wages – but not just in the way you might think
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Peetz, Laurie Carmichael Distinguished Research Fellow at the Centre for Future Work, and Professor Emeritus, Griffith Business School, Griffith University doublelee/Shutterstock Can the government actually make a difference to the wages Australians earn? A lot of attention always falls on the government’s submission to the Fair
Sorry gamers, Nintendo’s hefty Switch 2 price tag signals the new normal – and it might still go up
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Egliston, Senior Lecturer in Digital Cultures, Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow, University of Sydney Last week, Nintendo announced the June 5 release of its long anticipated Switch 2. But the biggest talking point wasn’t the console’s launch titles or features. At US$449 in the United States,
A fair go for young Australians in this election? Voters are weighing up intergenerational inequity
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Woodman, TR Ashworth Professor in Sociology, The University of Melbourne Securing the welfare of future generations seems like solid grounds for judging policies and politicians, especially during an election campaign. Political legacies are on the line because the stakes are so high. There is a real
The Coalition prepares to soften Australia’s 2030 climate target, while reaffirming its commitment to the Paris Agreement
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute The Coalition has been forced to reassert its commitment to the Paris climate agreement after its energy spokesman Ted O’Brien appeared to waver on the pledge on Thursday. O’Brien faced off against Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen at
Grattan on Friday: Will there be leadership changes on both sides of politics next parliamentary term?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor met for this week’s treasurers’ debate, the moderator observed that in three or six years they might be facing each other as prime minister and opposition leader. Election results trigger, or subsequently lead to,
‘Alarmist nonsense’: Labor and Coalition dismissed security risks over the Port of Darwin for years. What’s changed?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Laurenceson, Director and Professor, Australia-China Relations Institute (UTS:ACRI), University of Technology Sydney Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have both committed to stripping a Chinese company, Landbridge, of the lease to operate Darwin Port. Landbridge paid A$506 million for the 99-year lease from
This chart explains why Trump backflipped on tariffs. The economic damage would have been huge
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Giesecke, Professor, Centre of Policy Studies and the Impact Project, Victoria University The Trump administration has announced a 90-day pause on its plan to impose so-called “reciprocal” tariffs on nearly all US imports. But the pause does not extend to China, where import duties will rise
Big changes are planned for aged care in 2025. But you’d never know from the major parties
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hal Swerissen, Emeritus Professor of Public Health, La Trobe University Ground Picture/Shutterstock There has been little new in pre-election promises for Australia’s aged-care workers, providers or the 1.3 million people who use aged care. In March, Labor announced A$2.6 billion for another pay rise for aged-care nurses
Good boy or bad dog? Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bill Bateman, Associate Professor, Behavioural Ecology, Curtin University William Edge/Shutterstock There are an estimated 1 billion domesticated dogs in the world. Most are owned animals – pets, companions or working animals who share their lives with humans. They are the most common large predator in the world.
A damning study of online abuse of female MPs shows urgent legal reform is needed
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Mudgway, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Canterbury Media Whale Stock/Shutterstock Women MPs are increasingly targets of misogynistic, racist and sexual online abuse, but New Zealand’s legal framework to protect them is simply not fit for purpose. Recently released research found online threats of physical and
Fresh details emerge on Australia’s new climate migration visa for Tuvalu residents. An expert explains
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate Fellow, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney The details of a new visa enabling Tuvaluan citizens to permanently migrate to Australia were released this week. The visa was created as part of a bilateral treaty Australia and Tuvalu
ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 10, 2025
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 10, 2025.
Source: Auckland Council
Thanks to a technology called anaerobic digestion, Aucklanders’ food scraps now provide renewable energy to help power the tomatoes that may very well end up on Aucklanders’ plates, contributing to New Zealand’s circular economy and reducing waste disposal costs.
Anaerobic digestion extracts the powerhouse of energy and nutrients locked inside food scraps and other organic waste, with the EcoGas facility in Reporoa leading the way in implementing this technology in New Zealand.
The facility collects food scraps and other organic waste from a range of sources, including Auckland Council’s food scraps collection, and produces enough heat from the waste to keep a neighbouring five-hectare glasshouse at ideal temperatures to grow its tomatoes – the equivalent of heating about 2,000 homes. Soon, the glasshouse will also gain bio-carbon dioxide produced by the food scraps to enhance tomato growth, as excess energy generated from the food scraps is fed into the national gas grid.
The residual material that remains after biogas is extracted is transformed into liquid fertiliser, replacing synthetic fertilisers in New Zealand’s agriculture, which is much better for soil health.
Auckland Council GM Waste Solutions Justine Haves says diverting Auckland’s food scraps from landfill to be turned into clean energy and other resources helps move Auckland towards its goal of Zero Waste by 2040.
“Sending waste to landfill is the most expensive way to dispose of a community’s waste from an environmental perspective,” Ms Haves says.
“The more waste we have going to landfill, the more harmful emissions we have and the more landfill capacity we need, which comes at a significant cost to communities,” she says.
“With our finite resources, it makes sense to use the best environmentally sustainable technologies available to us to recover valuable resources from food scraps, and by diverting Auckland’s food scraps away from landfills towards processing for beneficial uses, the cost of the food scraps service is reduced.
“The food scraps sent from Auckland to Reporoa travel in aggregate trucks that were previously heading back there empty, so this is a truly circular initiative.”
Separating food scraps from rubbish is an easy way to reduce a household’s carbon footprint and provide a renewable resource for energy and fertiliser, so if you haven’t yet made use of your food scraps bin, it’s never too late to start! Simply put your food scraps bin out each week and it will be picked up as part of Auckland Council’s kerbside collection.
Watch the Journey of Food Scraps video below.
[embedded content]
Food scraps bins go out weekly, on council collection day. The small bins are emptied into food scraps collection vehicles – a third of which are electric – and the food scraps are transported to a facility in Papakura before being transferred into trucks bound for Reporoa.
The food scraps are loaded into vehicles which have delivered gravel and aggregate to Auckland from Taupō. Instead of returning to Taupō empty, they make the return trip south carrying food scraps. We are using an existing trip that would still happen without food scraps.
Food scraps arrive at the Ecogas Organics Processing Facility where they begin the process of anaerobic digestion.
Imagine a huge tank. You mash up all your food scraps, like banana peels, corn cobs, and bones until it looks like a thick soup and pour it into the tank. Inside it, there are tiny, invisible helpers – the bacteria. These helpers love to eat the food scraps, but they don’t need any air to do it.
As they munch away, they make two special things: bio-gas for energy use and a liquid fertiliser that can be applied onto pasture to help grass thrive. This whole process is called anaerobic digestion because it happens without any oxygen.
The huge tanks turn Auckland’s food scraps into renewable energy and fertiliser which is spread on neighbouring farms. The energy helps to grow tasty tomatoes and the fertiliser helps grow grass to feed cows. Both the tomatoes and milk end up in your supermarket and on your plate. This energy is also used to run the facility itself making it self-sufficient and supplying renewable gas to the local gas grid.
Place your food scraps bin at the kerbside on your collection day and rest assured that you’re making a difference now and for the future.
Source: New Zealand Labour Party
“It is unacceptable that struggling students can’t eat and pay their rent because they can’t access their student loan or allowance,” said Labour’s tertiary spokesperson Shanan Halbert.
“With unemployment rapidly increasing, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds and Minister for Universities Shane Reti both should have known that enrolments would increase but failed to ensure that support systems were in place.
“Students are now halfway through the semester and more than 14,000 have not been paid their student allowance. This is appalling.
“We said that job cuts to the back office were going to mean more paperwork flowing through to the frontline. Our students are feeling the brunt of this today.
“With no update in sight about Te Pūkenga and university funding still on the line with no reassurances from either Minister, I worry they’re going to drop the ball on a sector that supports hundreds of thousands into work
“This is all in addition to a measly increase to the minimum wage which was well below inflation, power bills going up, and student loan interest rates increasing for those overseas.
“If we want our students to secure jobs, be in good health and have a place to live, we need to ensure our support systems are providing relief to those who need it now to achieve those things,” Shanan Halbert said.
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Source: Australian Green Party
NSW Health is warning people to take precautions as smoke from hazard reduction burns in and around the Blue Mountains may affect air quality today and into the weekend, especially in the mountains and Western Sydney.
NSW Health’s Director of Environmental Health Dr Stephen Conaty said smoke can have serious health effects, especially for people with existing heart and lung conditions.
“Smoke particles in the air can irritate the eyes and airways, and for most people, this causes temporary symptoms like a cough and a sore throat,” Dr Conaty said.
“However, smoke particles that get into the lung can worsen pre-existing health conditions like angina, asthma, emphysema and diabetes, potentially causing serious illness.
“In particular we’re urging people to take precautions with infants, young children, and people over 65 years of age who may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke.”
People across Sydney should monitor the air quality levels where they are and follow the recommended health advice. Air quality information and health messages are available at NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Air Quality Index (AQI) data.
General tips to decrease risk from smoke:
Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and your asthma management plan if you have one. Keep your medication close at hand. Consult your doctor if symptoms worsen. In an emergency always call 000.
Monitor air quality: Air quality information and a health activity guide are available at Air quality concentration data.
Avoid vigorous outdoor activity when it’s smoky, children especially should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities including vigorous exercise, sightseeing and outdoor play when it is smoky.
Spend more time indoors: Keep doors and windows closed in your home until the smoke clears. Air quality is also generally better in air-conditioned venues such as cinemas, libraries and shopping centres.
Keep indoor air cleaner by ensuring if you have an air purifier with a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter or an air-conditioner that it does not draw in air from outside to keep indoor air cleaner.
Spend time in air-conditioned buildings like public libraries and shopping centres or the home of a friend or family member where there is less smoke.
Wear a P2 or N95 mask to protect from some of the smoke if you are unable to avoid it. To be effective the mask must fit your face well with an air-tight seal.
More information can be found at the NSW Health website: Protect yourself from bushfire smoke.
Source: Worksafe New Zealand
WorkSafe has created new guidance to help adventure activity operators and outdoor recreation providers manage risks from natural hazards such as flooding, landslips, and snowfall.
The guidance is relevant for:
Adventure activities, like bungy jumping, rock climbing, and white-water rafting, are popular in New Zealand and important to our tourism industry – but they also come with risks. All adventure activity businesses must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and have processes to keep workers, participants, and others safe.
Recreation providers, such as schools, sports clubs, and tertiary education providers, also have duties under HSWA.
The guidance helps businesses and organisations:
Read more about the adventure activities guidance here Adventure Activities – Managing the risks from natural hazards
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) joined a letter to Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, led by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, demanding answers regarding the administration’s decision to cancel funding for 10 National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across the country. In addition to Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester, and Cantwell, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) also signed on.
MEP Centers serve as a crucial bridge between small businesses and federal research facilities, providing businesses with key technologies and knowledge to improve manufacturing, make supply chains more efficient, and strengthen business practices. The affected centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota and Wyoming have boosted the productivity and competitiveness of thousands of small American manufacturers across the country for decades. Delaware’s program has helped create or retain 423 jobs within the last year, and generate or maintain $34.3 million in sales and $42.5 million in new client investments.
“Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance,” the senators wrote. “These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.
Since 1988, the MEP has worked to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturing through a nationwide network of MEP Centers. The MEP National Network is comprised of 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and over 1,450 trusted advisors and experts at more than 430 MEP service locations that provide any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.
The economic impact of these centers has been substantial. A report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated an economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 on the $175 million in funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Centers contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs nationwide.
The full letter can be read here and below.
Dear Secretary Lutnick,
We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Commerce’s recent decision to cancel future funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming. This decision has raised widespread concern across the entire national network of MEP Centers, prompting fears about whether these initial cancellations are the first step in a broader effort to dismantle the program and eliminate federal funding for all 51 centers, with centers in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin expected to be notified about their status shortly. Given the MEP program’s long-standing, bipartisan support in strengthening small and medium-sized American manufacturers, we share these concerns and urge you to provide clarity and certainty on your plans for the future of the MEP program.
According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 93% of manufacturers have fewer than 100 employees, while 75% have fewer than 20 employees.[1] Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance. These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.
Dismantling this program would not only disrupt benefits for small businesses but also undermine decades of federal investment in domestic manufacturing resilience, which Congress prioritized in the MEP program in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Congress also reauthorized the MEP program in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. NIST was provided $175 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to fund the MEP Centers. In FY2024 alone, the MEP National Network resulted in $2.6 billion in cost savings, $15 billion in new and retained sales, $5 billion in new client investments, and over 108,000 jobs created or retained.[2] Additionally, a report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs across the United States.[3]
Given these benefits and the funding in the FY 2025 Continuing Resolution, we request a full explanation of the rationale behind this funding decision and ask that you promptly reconsider. Additionally, we urge the Department of Commerce to provide Congress with an impact assessment detailing how this decision will affect manufacturers in the affected states and regions. This action has caused tremendous uncertainty for all MEP Centers and the thousands of American manufacturing companies and their workers. Therefore, to better understand your plans for renewals across other states in the future, we request a briefing on the way ahead for the overall MEP program prior to making any final non-renewal decisions by April 30, 2025.
Eliminating federal support for MEP Centers would hamper American small and medium-sized manufacturers. We urge you to take immediate action to protect the MEP program and the manufacturers that rely on it. We look forward to your response no later than April 30, 2025, and are ready to work with you to find solutions that maintain and enhance the MEP program’s ability to serve America’s manufacturing sector.
Sincerely,
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Murray: “Whatever Trump tweets today, he can reverse tomorrow. Whatever deal he may strike one minute, he may rip up the next… We, here in Congress—we are the off ramp, IF Republicans decide to be… I will not let Republicans off the hook for this.”
Even with his “pause,” Trump’s new tariff rates are the largest tax increase since 1968—and will cost American families more than $4,000 per year
ICYMI: Senator Murray, Commerce Director Nguyễn, WA Businesses and Agriculture Respond to Trump Tariffs Raising Costs on Americans, Tanking Economy
***WATCH HERE***
Washington, D.C. — Today,U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, took to the Senate floor to lay out how Trump’s chaotic trade war—which is sending the markets whipsawing back and forth every time he posts—is seriously threatening our economy, American businesses, families’ retirement savings, and so much else. Senator Murray hammered Republicans in Congress for their outright refusal to end President Trump’s trade war—which Congress has the power to do—and their willingness to hand over Congress’ Constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs.
Murray also made clear that, while Trump may be retreating from some of his most extreme tariffs for now, his trade war is far from over—Trump is still taxing goods from every country, across the board, at 10 percent at least, and he is escalating his trade war with China, with 145 percent tariffs—which will mean higher prices and serious pain for families and small business across the country. Murray has been vocal about the need to out-compete China but warned that waging an all-out trade war with China on a whim will mean serious economic pain for consumers and small businesses across the country. China is the world’s second largest economy and Washington state exported over $12 billion in goods to China last year—making China Washington state’s top export partner—and imported $11.2 billion in goods from China, the second-most in imports to Washington state from any country aside from Canada. The economic fallout from Trump’s trade war will be felt especially in Washington state, one of the most trade-dependent states in the entire country.
Even with his “pause,” Trump’s new tariff rates are still the largest tax increase since 1968—and will cost American families more than $4,000 per year.
“When it comes to new tax breaks for billionaires Republicans they are going to work around the clock, stay through the night. But when it comes to stopping Trump’s trade war for good, when it comes to stopping a tax increase aimed squarely at working families, when it comes to stopping the complete uncertainty that is chipping away at confidence in our economy—most Republicans can’t be bothered,” Senator Murray said on the Senate floor today. “Never mind, that Trump is now pushing us into a recession and sending the markets whipsawing back and forth every time he tweets.”
“Trump may be retreating from some of his most outlandish tariffs, but make no mistake: his trade war is far from over,” Senator Murray continued. “The threat of even larger taxes—that American families simply cannot afford—is still like a time bomb, set to blow up our economy in 90 days. And if Congress does not defuse that economic bomb there is a real threat that it will blow up balance sheets for small businesses and farms, college savings accounts for our students, and your retirement savings—along with a lot more. […] Trump has no exit strategy. That much is already painfully clear. It was clear when he announced tariffs that were calculated using ridiculous math, it was clear when he repeatedly doubled down on these threats against our allies, and it was clearer than ever when he backtracked on the most absurd tax hikes. This does not have the hallmarks of a grand strategy—and it’s all the more reason Congress, us, needs to step in and put this mess to an end.”
Earlier this week, Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state who highlighted how Trump’s ongoing trade war is already a devastating hit to Washington state’s economy, businesses, and our agriculture sector. Trump’s price hikes on working families are coming at the very same time that Republicans are forcing massive new tax cuts for billionaires through Congress via the reconciliation process, which only requires a simple majority to pass.
40 percent of jobs in Washington state are tied to international commerce. Washington state is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will be unlikely to be able to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—for example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.
Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered on the Senate floor, are below and video is HERE:
“Thank you, Mr. President.
“When it comes to new tax breaks for billionaires Republicans they are going to work around the clock, stay through the night. But when it comes to stopping Trump’s trade war for good, when it comes to stopping a tax increase aimed squarely at working families, when it comes to stopping the complete uncertainty that is chipping away at confidence in our economy—most Republicans can’t be bothered.
“Never mind, that Trump is now pushing us into a recession and sending the markets whipsawing back and forth every time he tweets. Trump may be retreating from some of his most outlandish tariffs, but make no mistake, his trade war is far from over.
“First of all, he is still taxing goods from every country—across the board—at 10 percent at least. That means higher prices, and serious pain, for families and small businesses across our country. Not to mention, he is only escalating his boneheaded trade war with China with 145 percent tariffs!
“There is no question we are in fierce competition with China. I chaired a committee hearing focused on this. We need to be competing to win—but that is not what Trump is doing.
“Do my Republican colleagues understand it is not setting America up for success to launch an all-out trade war with the second largest economy in the world, on a whim?
“And while people might be temporarily relieved by a so-called pause on the even higher tariffs, the fact of the matter is that Trump is only delaying them.
“The threat of even larger taxes—that American families simply cannot afford—is still like a time bomb, set to blow up our economy in 90 days. And if Congress does not defuse that economic bomb there is a real threat that it will blow up balance sheets for small businesses and farms, college savings accounts for our students, and your retirement savings—along with a lot more.
“And—I have to emphasize—the uncertainty, the constant by-the-hour reversal of federal policy, that alone is already causing massive harm. How on earth are you supposed to build your business—if your costs skyrocket on a tweet? How are you supposed to plan for retirement—when the President is sending your 401k on a rollercoaster ride every time he is in a bad mood?
“How are we ever going to rebuild trust, trust, with our trading partners across the world when the message the United States is sending right now is that our trade relationships are built on sand and there is no logic to the tariffs the United States will impose.
“How are they supposed to feel good about negotiating with a country—where one man can totally burn down the economy and Congress will not lift a finger to stop him.
“Instead of building stronger trade agreements—Trump is pushing our partners away and pushing them towards striking deals with China and our other adversaries. And mark my words, this chaotic chapter is not over—as much as Republicans want to pretend otherwise.
“I have been hearing from small businesses who are in an absolute panic because of Trump’s tariff threats. Car dealerships are seeing sales plummet because Trump is sending prices higher, restaurants are trying to stock up on any goods they can because their ingredients are about to get more expensive, our growers are bracing for rising operating costs and retaliatory tariffs—and that is going to drive up prices at the grocery store.
“10 percent across-the-board tariffs are still bad enough to ruin families’ finances.
“And while Republicans are showing with their own actions that they couldn’t care more about shoveling trillions—yes, that is T—trillions—at billionaires, Trump has said, in his own words—that he, ‘couldn’t care less’ about the pain his tariffs are already causing for Americans. I’m not kidding—he actually said that about automobile tariffs.
“This is what happens when you only have billionaires in charge. Because, of course, Trump doesn’t care if car prices go up by a couple thousand dollars.
“Of course, Elon Musk doesn’t care if your groceries are getting more expensive, at the same time Republicans are cutting nutrition programs by the way.
“Of course, the richest people in the world don’t care if your nest egg is crushed, if your small business shutters, if your house gets foreclosed on, or your kid can’t go to college. Billionaires are going to be fine—after all, they are still getting a tax cut!
“But I wasn’t sent here to fight for the billionaires—actually none of us were. We are here to fight for families back home and they are already starting to get crushed by Trump’s tariffs.
“And they are bracing for impact if Trump doubles down in 90 days.
“Or who knows, maybe Trump changes his mind again tomorrow! It’s anyone’s guess at this point—which is by the way the problem here!
“And another thing—if this is about American manufacturing, tell us why are plants and new investments being cancelled? Why has Trump been freezing and outright cancelling grants we passed to support chips manufacturing, or clean energy, and more—killing American jobs.
“And let’s keep in mind, these tariffs affect building and construction too. Trump is actually making it more expensive to build factories in America. And don’t forget—President Trump is still promising more tariffs.
“He said this week, this week, he wants to put tariffs on medicine. Well, I got to tell you, one thing I have never heard—not in a single meeting, not once in my entire career as a Senator—is someone saying ‘Gee I really wish my prescriptions were more expensive.’
“Drug costs are out of control. Families are already skipping meals… or rationing doses. There are real stakes here—there is real damage already happening in this country because of Trump’s new taxes and his ongoing chaos. We here cannot ignore this harm, especially when the threat is still there.
“When you are putting out a fire, you don’t say ‘oh great, it’s smaller—job done!’ You keep going until the fire is put out.
“This fire, this fire is still raging. If we don’t act, folks back home are the ones who are going to get burned, and before too long—in 90 days—we could see even worse price increases come roaring back. Because let’s be real, Trump has no exit strategy. That much is already painfully clear.
“It was clear when he announced tariffs that were calculated using ridiculous math, it was clear when he repeatedly doubled down on these threats against our allies, and it was clearer than ever when he backtracked on the most absurd tax hikes.
“This does not have the hallmarks of a grand strategy—and it’s all the more reason Congress, us, needs to step in and put this mess to an end. Trump’s trade war is all pain and no plan.
“We could be passing legislation right here to reject this chaos. Here’s what everyone—my colleagues, my constituents, the markets around the world—all need to understand. This chaos will not be over for good unless we, here in congress, vote to end it. Because whatever Trump tweets today, he can reverse tomorrow. Whatever deal he may strike one minute, he may rip up the next. We know this about him. He proves it at every opportunity.
“We—here in Congress—we are the off ramp if Republicans decide to be. We are the check on Presidential power. We are the kill switch for Trump’s trade war. And by the way, we are about to be out of town for two weeks.
“I cannot understand why any Republican would want to leave this business unfinished, want to leave this economic time bomb ticking, want to hand over our constitutionally granted power to impose tariffs.
“But I can tell you, for the next two weeks, I am going to be going across my home state of Washington raising this alarm. I am going to be meeting with families, small businesses, people who are paying the cost of Trump’s new tax increase and who are going to see their world turned upside down if we do not take action to stop this from getting worse.
“And when we are back here in two weeks—you can bet your bottom dollar I will lift those stories up as high as I can, I will call for action as loud as I can, and I am going tokeep a bright and burning spotlight on all of the chaos Trump has caused, and I will keep the pressure on all of our colleagues—I will not let Republicans off the hook for this. We can put an end to this.
“The costs are just going to keep adding up. The carnage is just going to keep piling higher. How long do you want to wait?
“My vote—not one more second.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Senator Murray has worked tirelessly to fund the Northwest Straits Commission every single year since 1998
Washington, D.C. — Today, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), introduced the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025, legislation to permanently reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission in the Puget Sound, and fund it at $10 million each fiscal year for the next six years, through Fiscal Year 2031. Joining Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell, and Rep. Larsen in introducing the legislation today was U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06).
The Northwest Straits Commission is a community-led effort to restore marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region and address local threats to marine environments with projects such as restoring shellfish populations, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and promoting growth for native water and shore-based plants. The Northwest Straits Commission provides funding, training, and support to seven county-based Marine Resources Committees (MRCs) and 15 Tribes. The Commission advises local officials on how to best carry out environmental projects and provides expertise to community organizations to help them be partners in their work by, for example, training volunteers to identify forage fish spawning sites. Senator Murray led the authorization of the Northwest Straits Commission in 1998 and has secured federal funding for the Commission every single year in the decades since.
“Ensuring our rich marine resources in the Northwest Straits stay healthy is critical not only for local communities and Tribes, but also for our economy in Washington state. That’s why I first established the Northwest Straits Commission in a bipartisan way back in 1998, and fight to secure funding for it every single year,” said Senator Murray. “The Commission remains a model for how successful investments in community-led restoration projects can be, and how vital they are for restoration work that help our marine habitats recover and thrive. I am excited to continue leading the charge to permanently authorize the Northwest Straits Commission with this legislation, which would also provide a strong and consistent funding stream for the Commission over the next decade—making sure partners on the ground can expand their efforts to protect our marine species and habitats and support our outdoor recreation economy. I’ll continue fighting every way I can to secure the federal funding necessary to protect our natural resources for generations to come.”
“The Northwest Straits Commission has an impressive track record of community-led, well-executed projects that protect Washington state’s environment,” said Rep. Larsen, the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “I am proud to support the Commission as it brings together a diverse group of local, state, tribal and federal stakeholders to restore marine habitats and create good jobs in Northwest Washington. I look forward to working with Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell and Rep. Randall to pass this bill to reauthorize the Commission so it can continue its important work for decades to come.”
“The Northwest Straits bill is critical to supporting our robust coastal economy and fishing jobs, while preserving Washington’s coastal environment for generations to come,” Senator Cantwell said. “This legislation ensures we continue to support the health and sustainability of our diverse marine resources.”
“From abalone beds and oysters, to the rugged coastline that stretches for hundreds of miles, folks from Washington’s 6th District know there’s no place quite like home. The Northwest Straits Commission has been a lifeline for our communities, providing critical resources like the Marine Resources Committees in Jefferson and Clallam counties, and working alongside Tribes all across the state,” said Rep. Randall. “Their collaborative efforts to restore and protect our marine habitats are a testament to what makes this place so special. I’m proud to co-lead this legislation to reauthorize and continue the Commission’s important work so we can continue working together to safeguard the precious marine resources that make our community and our state one-of-a-kind.”
The Northwest Straits Commission is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, elected leaders, and Tribal partners throughout the Puget Sound Region.
“I am continually amazed by how well the Northwest Straits Initiative builds successful partnerships and brings people together to protect and restore the marine resources of Washington’s Northwest Straits region. Using a bottom-up approach, the Initiative encourages people and communities to take positive action, often as volunteers, to conserve our marine waters and shorelines,” said Lucas Hart, Director of Northwest Straits Commission. “Last year, we worked with over 70 partners and generated more than 10,000 volunteer hours to implement a range of local and regional marine resource stewardship projects. Sen. Murray’s legislation to reauthorize the Initiative will help continue these critical partnerships and ongoing volunteer engagement.”
“The NWS Initiative connects across a wide range of partners to restore and recover Puget Sound ecosystems that support species like salmon and Dungeness crab. Achieving true restoration will require a collective effort, and the Initiative plays a key role by cultivating community-driven collaboration,” said Cecilia Gobin, Tribal Delegate to Northwest Straits Commission, and conservation policy analyst with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. “This work is crucial to our region, which has a long history of relying on and enjoying marine resources. We are very happy to see Senator Murray moving forward with this reauthorization bill.”
“The Northwest Straits Initiative is a unique bottom-up approach to marine resource stewardship in north Puget Sound. The work benefits commercial fishing, aquaculture, rural businesses, and recreational boating that all rely on healthy marine waters,” said Jamie Stevens, Governor’s appointee to Northwest Straits Commission.
“Senator Murray has been a tireless advocate for Washington’s environment,” said Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson. “The Initiative brings together people representing different economic, recreational, and environmental interests to prevent derelict boats, restore native oysters, and control invasive green crab. The reauthorization bill will continue to help preserve Washington’s marine waters and shorelines for future generations.”
“I have had the privilege of working for and with Senator Murray to develop and support the Northwest Straits Initiative. It is exciting to see this vital preservation work continue for nearly three decades,” said Casey Sixkiller, Director of Washington State Department of Ecology. “The Initiative has stood the test of time by empowering and helping local people steward the marine resources in their backyards. It has been invaluable in helping restore forage fish for salmon and better understanding the value of vibrant kelp forests in Puget Sound. I am incredibly thankful to Senator Murray for championing this important legislation.”
“Since 1998, the Northwest Straits Initiative has been integral in working with communities across Puget Sound to restore marine resources,” said Alan Clark, Clallam County Marine Resources Committee. “By partnering with volunteers, Tribes, agencies, ports, and a variety of other partners, the Initiative has built a large network—from fishermen and Tribal biologists to educators and shellfish growers—working together to restore species like the Pinto abalone and promote stewardship through efforts like ‘Be Whale Wise.’ This growing community is the heart of lasting, effective marine conservation in our region.”
“In Jefferson County we look to our MRC as local experts on marine issues. Through MRCs, the NW Straits Initiative serves a vital role in shaping local and regional policies, including our Comprehensive Plans and Shoreline Master Programs, and have proven themselves to be creative and thoughtful leaders on behalf of our marine environment,” said Heidi Eisenhour, Jefferson County Commissioner.
“Eelgrass in the San Juans is struggling more than elsewhere in Puget Sound. We need to identify actions that preserve these critical habitats, but that also support a positive boating experience and provide for unhindered access to usual and accustomed treaty tribal fishing areas,” said Frances Robertson, San Juan Marine Resources Committee boater impact project lead. “Being recognized as a federal program highlights the important role of the Northwest Straits Initiative in uniting local communities, regional, (and transboundary) partners for marine conservation and restoration efforts that fosters a healthy and vibrant marine environment for all.”
“We have deeply benefited from our partnership with the Northwest Straits Initiative over the years,” said Jodie Toft, Executive Director of Puget Sound Restoration Fund. “While the focus of our shared work has been on shellfish and kelp restoration, the Initiative’s support of local engagement in marine resource stewardship is broader. Their efforts have been invaluable as we all work towards preserving recreational and economic opportunities in Puget Sound. We are excited to see Senator Murray’s leadership to reauthorize this important program and ensure long-term community engagement for the marine waters and people of this region.”
The Northwest Straits Commission was established following the bipartisan partnership of Senator Murray and former Congressman Jack Metcalf. Murray and Metcalf released a report in 1998 that laid the groundwork for the Northwest Straits Commission and its work protecting marine habitats, and later that year, Senator Murray successfully authorized the Northwest Straits Commission for a six-year period. Over the years, Senator Murray has helped secure tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for the Northwest Straits Commission’s restoration work and research—part of Senator Murray’s longtime, steadfast commitment to salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest.
Last year, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray secured $1 million for the Northwest Straits Initiative through programmatic funding in the appropriations bills she wrote and passed into law in March 2024—this was the first time Northwest Straits received programmatic funding since the original authorization expired in 2004, and is significant in helping to ensure the Commission is funded long into the future. In the appropriations bills for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, Senator Murray secured a total of $6 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding for the Northwest Straits Commission; that funding was essential to the removal of the “Windjammer” sailboat that had been partially submerged near the Kukutali Preserve since 2009 on Swinomish Tribal tideland. Prior to the return of Congressionally Directed Spending in Fiscal Year 2022, Murray ensured the Northwest Straits Commission received annual funding through the EPA’s Puget Sound Geographic Program. Prior to that, Murray secured CDS funding for the Northwest Straits Commission after the original authorization for the Commission expired in 2004.
The text of the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 is HERE.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
A pair of alleged thieves responsible for a string of burglaries in the beachside suburb of Piha are now facing court.
Between late January and 10 April, Police has received 14 reports relating to burglary, theft and suspicious activity in the Piha area.
Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Kelly Farrant, says Police have spent the past few months investigating the reports and making a number of enquiries, including the use of CCTV.
“We were subsequently able to identify two people of interest in relation to four of the reports.
“Yesterday, with the assistance of the Police Dog Unit, Delta, we executed a search warrant at a West Coast Road property and took two people into custody.”
Inspector Farrant says a number of stolen items were recovered and enquiries remain ongoing.
“Our community deserves to go about their business without the threat of being a victim of crime and we will continue to respond and hold these offenders to account.
“We will continue to actively target burglary offenders every single day, and we continue to ask members of the public to report any instances of suspicious behaviour in a timely manner.”
A 34-year-old man will appear in Waitākere District Court today charged with two counts of burglary, unlawful possession of ammunition and failure to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search.
A 32-year-old woman charged with burglary, unlawfully in an enclosed area, possession of methamphetamine utensils and failure to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search will appear in Waitākere District Court on 16 April.
Police are not ruling out further charges.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charles Kemp, Professor, School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne
Languages are windows into the worlds of the people who speak them – reflecting what they value and experience daily.
So perhaps it’s no surprise different languages highlight different areas of vocabulary. Scholars have noted that Mongolian has many horse-related words, that Maori has many words for ferns, and Japanese has many words related to taste.
Some links are unsurprising, such as German having many words related to beer, or Fijian having many words for fish. The linguist Paul Zinsli wrote an entire book on Swiss-German words related to mountains.
In our recently-published study we took a broad approach towards understanding the links between different languages and concepts.
Using computational methods, we identified areas of vocabulary that are characteristic of specific languages, to provide insight into linguistic and cultural variation.
Our work adds to a growing understanding of language, culture, and the way they both relate.
We tested 163 links between languages and concepts, drawn from the literature.
We compiled a digital dataset of 1574 bilingual dictionaries that translate between English and 616 different languages. Since many of these dictionaries were still under copyright, we only had access to counts of how often a particular word appeared in each dictionary.
One example of a concept we looked at was “horse”, for which the top-scoring languages included French, German, Kazakh and Mongolian. This means dictionaries in these languages had a relatively high number of
However, it is also possible the counts were influenced by “horse” appearing in example sentences for unrelated terms.
Our findings support most links previously highlighted by researchers, including that Hindi has many words related to love and Japanese has many words related to obligation and duty.
We were especially interested in testing the idea that Inuit languages have many words for snow. This notorious claim has long been distorted and exaggerated. It has even been dismissed as the “great Eskimo vocabulary hoax”, with some experts saying it simply isn’t true.
But our results suggest the Inuit snow vocabulary is indeed exceptional. Out of 616 languages, the language with the top score for “snow” was Eastern Canadian Inuktitut. The other two Inuit languages in our data set (Western Canadian Inuktitut and North Alaskan Inupiatun) also achieved high scores for “snow”.
The Eastern Canadian Inuktitut dictionary in our dataset includes terms such as kikalukpok, which means “noisy walking on hard snow”, and apingaut, which means “first snow fall”.
The top 20 languages for “snow” included several other languages of Alaska, such as Ahtena, Dena’ina and Central Alaskan Yupik, as well as Japanese and Scots.
Scots includes terms such as doon-lay, meaning “a heavy fall of snow”, feughter meaning “a sudden, slight fall of snow”, and fuddum, meaning “snow drifting at intervals”.
You can explore our findings using the tool below, which allows you to identify the top languages for any given concept, and the top concepts for a particular language.
Although the languages with top scores for “snow” are all spoken in snowy regions, the top-ranked languages for “rain” were not always from the rainiest parts of the world.
For instance, South Africa has a medium level of rainfall, but languages from this region, such as Nyanja, East Taa and Shona, have many rain-related words. This is probably because, unlike snow, rain is important for human survival – which means people still talk about it in its absence.
For speakers of East Taa, rain is both relatively rare and desirable. This is reflected in terms such as lábe ||núu-bâ, an “honorific form of address to thunder to bring rain” and |qába, which refers to the “ritual sprinkling of water or urine to bring rain”.
Our tool can also be used to explore various concepts related to perception (“smell”), emotion (“love”) and cultural beliefs (“ghost”).
The top-scoring languages for “smell” include a cluster of Oceanic languages such as Marshallese, which has terms such as jatbo meaning “smell of damp clothing”, meļļā meaning “smell of blood”, and aelel meaning “smell of fish, lingering on hands, body, or utensils”.
Prior to our research, the smell terms of the Pacific Islands had received little attention.
Although our analysis reveals many interesting links between languages and concepts, the results aren’t always reliable – and should be checked against original dictionaries where possible.
For example, the top concepts for Plautdietsch (Mennonite Low German) include von (“of”), den (“the”) and und (“and”) – all of which are unrevealing. We excluded similar words from other languages using Wiktionary, but our method did not filter out these common words for Plautdietsch.
Also, the word counts reflect both dictionary definitions and other elements, such as example sentences. While our analysis excluded words that are especially likely to appear in example sentences (such as “woman” and “father”), such words could have still influenced our results to some extent.
Most importantly, our results run the risk of perpetuating potentially harmful stereotypes if taken at face value. So we urge caution and respect while using the tool. The concepts it lists for any given language provide, at best, a crude reflection of the cultures associated with that language.
Charles Kemp was supported by a Future Fellowship (FT190100200) awarded by the Australian Research Council.
Temuulen Khishigsuren was supported by a Future Fellowship (FT190100200) awarded by the Australian Research Council.
Ekaterina Vylomova and Terry Regier 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. Do Inuit languages really have many words for snow? The most interesting finds from our study of 616 languages – https://theconversation.com/do-inuit-languages-really-have-many-words-for-snow-the-most-interesting-finds-from-our-study-of-616-languages-252522
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)—Chairman of the the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism—sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, inviting him to testify under oath following former Facebook employee Sarah Wynn-Williams’s explosive allegations against the Big Tech giant.
In a subcommittee hearing yesterday, Wynn-Williams detailed Meta’s alleged censorship collusion with the Chinese Communist Party, the company’s mishandling of artificial intelligence know-how, as well as Meta’s lies to Congress.
“The public deserves to hear your response to these serious allegations, particularly since they pertain to American national security,” Senator Hawley wrote.
“To that end, we request your testimony at a forthcoming Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, hearing entitled “A Time for Truth, Part II: Oversight of Meta’s Foreign Relations and Representations to the United States Congress. […] We look forward to hearing the truth,” he concluded.
Read the full letter here or below.
April 10, 2025
Mr. Mark ZuckerbergChief Executive OfficerMeta Platforms, Inc.1 Hacker WayMenlo Park, CA 94025
Dear Mr. Zuckerberg:
The American people deserve to know the truth about your company. Yesterday, whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, which I chair. Her testimony was filled with explosive allegations about your company’s willingness to jeopardize American national interests, betray American users and Chinese dissidents alike, and lie about it to Congress. For example:
Wynn-Williams testified that your company briefed Chinese Communist Party officials on AI technology, enabling them to compete effectively against American interests, and that Meta’s own AI technology has been used for Chinese military purposes.
Wynn-Williams testified that your company was willing to hand over Chinese and Hong Kongese user data to the Chinese Communist Party—a sweetheart deal. Worse, Wynn-Williams testified that your company planned to deploy point-of-presence (PoP) servers in China, knowing that this would give the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans’ user data potentially hosted on those servers.
Wynn-Williams testified that in order to curry favor with the Chinese Communist Party, your company muzzled Guo Wengui, a Chinese dissident based in America.
Worse, your company lied directly to Congress about deplatforming Guo Wengui. A top executive of your company, under oath, claimed that Facebook did so according to its normal policies. Documentary evidence unveiled in the hearing, authenticated by the whistleblower, proves that the action was taken due to pressure from China.
Wynn-Williams testified that Facebook developed a censorship tool, to be led by a “Chief Editor,” that would review all posts in China that garnered over 10,000 views—a tool that extended to content in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Wynn-Williams testified that your company is currently seeking $50,000 in damages from her for every single criticism she makes of your company, even if those statements are true.
The public deserves to hear your response to these serious allegations, particularly since they pertain to American national security. To that end, we request your testimony at a forthcoming Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, hearing entitled “A Time for Truth, Part II: Oversight of Meta’s Foreign Relations and Representations to the United States Congress.”
My office will work with you to find a suitable time and date for your testimony. We look forward to hearing the truth.
Sincerely,Josh HawleyUnited States Senator
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla, McCormick, Gallego, Britt Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help House Disabled Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure veterans experiencing homelessness and receiving disability payments maintain access to crucial housing support. The Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act (HUDVA) would permanently exclude disability payments received by veterans from annual income for housing assistance eligibility purposes under the Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program.
The HUD-VASH program plays a pivotal role in addressing homelessness among veterans by providing rental assistance from HUD along with supportive services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Unfortunately, some of our country’s most disabled veterans receiving disability payments have historically been unable to access veterans housing programs like HUD-VASH because HUD included disability benefits as part of their total income. Up until recently, the more severe a disability was, the more disability benefits a veteran received, and the less likely it was that they could access veterans housing assistance. In Los Angeles, for example, veterans receiving the maximum service-connected disability payment had been ineligible for HUD-VASH because they were considered over-income. As a result, many homeless disabled veterans were unjustly disqualified from accessing this vital support.
Following advocacy from Senator Padilla and other members of Congress, last year, HUD finally changed its policies to exclude VA disability benefits from income for purposes of eligibility for the HUD-VASH program. Now that homeless veterans with disabilities can finally access this assistance, HUDVA would codify this important policy change to ensure that access continues permanently.
“Veterans who have given so much for our country’s freedom deserve the right to a stable roof over their heads,” said Senator Padilla. “Outdated income definitions shouldn’t mean that some of our country’s most disabled veterans are unable to access the housing assistance they need to survive. This simple, bipartisan fix would permanently exclude disability benefits from the HUD-VASH income eligibility calculation to ensure our most vulnerable veterans have a safe place to sleep at night.”
“As an Army veteran, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult the return to civilian life can be for so many servicemembers. Making this small correction would be a huge step toward helping our nation’s heroes obtain the support they have earned and finally tackle the epidemic of veteran homelessness,” said Senator McCormick. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on behalf of those who have sacrificed so much for America.”
“It is devastating when I see fellow veterans on the streets. Arizona is in the midst of a housing crisis, and it is too often our disabled veterans who are impacted most,” said Senator Gallego. “This bipartisan bill makes a simple, commonsense fix to get more disabled veterans into safe, affordable housing, and I’m proud to give it my support.”
“Our nation’s veterans made tremendous sacrifices to serve our country and protect their fellow Americans, and they deserve our utmost support to help access housing opportunities,” said Senator Britt. “This commonsense bill would simply exclude disability benefits from HUD’s annual income calculation, so disabled veterans are not unfairly disqualified from accessing these vital services. I will always work to ensure our veterans and servicemembers are treated like the heroes that they are.”
“Veterans should never have to make the choice between a permanent roof over their heads and receiving the benefits they earned. Yet, federal policies have counted veterans’ benefits against veterans looking to receive homelessness assistance and housing vouchers for years. Our bill will fix this unjust policy and rightfully ensure veterans are not punished for receiving their earned benefits. There is not a single valid reason any veteran should be homeless in America, and Congress must move swiftly to codify this change,” said Senator Blumenthal.
The bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). Representatives Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32) and Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas-15) are leading companion legislation in the House.
California has the most veterans in the nation and was home to 28 percent of all veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States last year.
Senator Padilla has consistently fought to improve veterans’ access to housing. Last year, Padilla passed a bipartisan amendment into law to increase and streamline veterans’ access to HUD-VASH housing vouchers through the FY24 appropriations package. Last month, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) urged VA Secretary Doug Collins to provide emergency housing and health care for veterans affected by the Los Angeles fires.
Full text of the bill is available here.
Source:
We’ve reviewed our advice for China and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution. As previously advised, authorities have detained foreigners on the grounds of ‘endangering national security’. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws, including broadly defined National Security Laws.
Source: Press Release Service – Press Release/Statement:
Headline: Upwell Scaffolding for Safe and Reliable Access Solutions
Upwell Scaffolding, a New Zealand-owned business, is making waves in the construction industry by delivering safe, reliable, and customised scaffolding solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial projects with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
The post Upwell Scaffolding for Safe and Reliable Access Solutions first appeared on PR.co.nz.
– –
Source: Auckland Council
Today marks a major milestone in Auckland’s flood recovery programme, with the official groundbreaking of the first flood resilience (blue-green) projects under Auckland Council’s Making Space for Water programme.
The two Māngere projects, including replacing a busy bridge and lifting New Zealand’s largest sewerage pipe, will significantly reduce flood risk for hundreds of homes in neighbourhoods surrounding the Te Ararata Stream and Harania Creek. Some of these homes have a serious risk to life from flooding.
The projects are the first under the council’s 10-year Making Space for Water programme and were the first to be funded as part of a $2-billion co-funding agreement with local and central government following the severe weather events in early 2023.
The area was blessed at dawn by mana whenua representatives from Te Ākitai Waiohua and supported by Ngāti Tamaoho and Te Ahiwaru, with Mayor Wayne Brown officially breaking ground, alongside local Member of Parliament Lemauga Lydia Sosene, Ward Councillors and members of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board.
Mayor Wayne Brown and local iwi at sod turning ceremony in Mangere.
“Māngere was one of the hardest hit communities when Tāmaki Makaurau experienced its worst rainfall on record in 2023, and the community has shown incredible resilience during some difficult times,” says Mayor Brown.
“It’s fitting that the first blue-green projects delivered under the council’s Making Space for Water programme are right here in Māngere.
“Fixing Auckland’s infrastructure and making the most of our environment were among my key policies and why I supported this programme, and the commitment of budget to get projects like these done quickly, to ensure a positive outcome for the local community.”
Mana whenua acknowledged the importance of restoring the mauri (life force) of local waterways, ensuring they can continue to sustain and support both people and the environment.
Manukau ward councillors Alf Filipaina and Lotu Fuli celebrated this milestones and acknowledged the importance of the council working with central government with strong community support to accelerate the progress of these projects, including the Order in Council.
“Community backing for an Order in Council was absolutely crucial in getting these projects approved and shovel-ready in record time. I also want to acknowledge the role that council staff, especially the Healthy Waters and Recovery Office teams, played in getting us to this point and all their hard work and dedication. Our communities were one of the hardest hit during the severe weather in 2023 and these projects will increase flood resilience for hundreds of properties – it’s certainly something to celebrate,” says Cr Filipaina.
“This is about more than just managing the flow of water – these projects are about building healthier and more resilient communities for people to live. This work is about reducing an intolerable risk to life and supporting our Māngere communities through some challenging conversations. It was great to acknowledge this milestone for the wider regional programme with more flood resilience projects to come,” says Cr Fuli.
A Stakeholder Advisory Group, made up of key community organisations and locals, has been serving as a bridge between the council and the broader community, ensuring that local knowledge is contributed, and broader outcomes are considered.
“These projects are a great example of how Auckland Council and communities can collaborate to create outcomes that benefit everyone,” said Toni Helleur, CEO of I Am Māngere.
“In addition to the flood resilience outcomes we’re also delivering social outcomes for South Auckland. Heb, the contractor for the Te Ararata project have employed seven people into full-time employment through council’s Nga Puna Pukenga Skills for Industry programme.
Work in both catchment areas will address key blockage points so that in extreme storms rainwater can flow more easily out into the Manukau Harbour.
In Te Ararata, the Walmsley Road bridge will be upgraded to increase water flow beneath it and a debris trap will be installed to reduce potential blockages upstream. A permanent maintenance platform and accessway to the Mahunga Drive culverts will also be built to enable quicker and easier access for maintenance crews.
In Harania, the embankment between Blake and Bicknell roads will be removed and replaced with a pedestrian bridge and a pipe bridge for the Eastern Interceptor, which carries roughly 70 per cent of Auckland’s wastewater from Okahu Bay to Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Harania Stream part of the Making Space for Water projects.
These improvements will enable the waterways around Blake Road Reserve to flow more freely and lessen the likelihood of flooding in the future. Construction on the projects will start later this month, with completion expected in mid-2026.
Many communities were heavily impacted by the severe weather events of early 2023. Further areas across Tāmaki Makaurau continue to be assessed and prioritised for future blue-green works.
You can find out more information about these projects on the council’s website or you can reach out to the team at bluegreen@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Labour Party
More children are going hungry and statistics showing children in material hardship continue to get worse.
“I’m worried about children in this country, who seem to be becoming more and more of an afterthought by the day,” Labour child poverty reduction spokesperson Jan Tinetti said.
“The Government has reversed the measure Labour put in place to ensure benefits rise with the average wage – which the Children’s Commissioner said at the time was the single best thing a government could do to lift children out of poverty.
“They are running the school lunch programme into the ground, meaning more children aren’t getting the hot, healthy meal that was sometimes their only one in the day.
“They’ve squeezed lower-paid Kiwis, by refusing to lift the minimum wage in line with inflation – while at the same time they are failing to tackle cost of living issues like they promised.
“They cut public services for measly tax cuts, which have been more than offset by their decisions to cut free prescriptions, cut free and half-price public transport, and introduced a rebate scheme for childcare that isn’t delivering what was promised.
“Just this week, Nicola Willis wouldn’t commit to not cutting the best start payment, which helps out new parents and the winter energy payment which helps families heat their homes in winter.
“The Government must prioritise investment in children and stop making cuts that make families’ lives harder,” Jan Tinetti said.
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Annual commemorative event at Kāhui St David’s to mark Anzac Eve with a moving musical tribute featuring Soprano Felicity Tomkins, Michelle Thorne, and friends. A bronze plaque honouring the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps will be unveiled.
11 April 2025 – Auckland, New Zealand – To mark Anzac week, Kāhui St David’s, Auckland’s centre for music-making, inspiration and social connection, will host the 10th annual Art of Remembrance event on Anzac Eve, Thursday 24 April, with a powerful evening of music, reflection and tribute.
Event: Art of Remembrance 2025 – we will will remember them
When: Thursday 24 April | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland
Tickets: Free entry – all welcome – tickets available via Eventfinda | www.kahuistdavids.nz
St David’s Memorial Church, whose foundation stone was laid on Anzac Day 1927 as a memorial to World War One, was originally dedicated as The Soldiers’ Memorial Church. Today, it is home to Kāhui St David’s, a charitable trust, and serves as a place of remembrance for all branches of the New Zealand Defence Force, as well as Auckland’s centre for cultural connection, community gathering, as a living memorial. .
Honouring the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps
This year’s Art of Remembrance pays special tribute to the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps, past and present, for their service in war, conflict and peacekeeping. It also recognises the vital role nurses play across Aotearoa – providing care in hospitals, communities, both at home and abroad.
Georgina Greville, a senior nurse at Middlemore Hospital, whose immediate family included five World War One service members, says: “There were two nurses, two doctors, and one soldier with the Auckland Mounted Rifles.
“My grandmother and sister were both nurses, serving in Egypt, Lemnos, and on the Western front, including at the Battle of the Somme.
“The role of nurses in conflict and peacekeeping has historically been overlooked for many reasons. Having this permanent display in the Great Hall of Kāhui St David’s, near the Lamp of Remembrance, the RNZE memorial window, the Sappers’ Chapel, and plaques dedicated to the 28th Māori Battalion and 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions, will be deeply meaningful to all nurses.
“It recognises the contribution of nursing across all areas we serve – in both military and civilian contexts.”
Kāhui St David’s is located in Grafton, near the medical and nursing schools and Auckland Hospital.
As part of this year’s commemoration, a bronze plaque dedicated to the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps will be unveiled and permanently installed in the Great Hall of Kāhui St David’s.
Paul Baragwanath, Director of Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū, says: “Nurses have served with courage and compassion in every major conflict New Zealand has faced. In what is our 10th year of Art of Remembrance, we honour their legacy, their ongoing service, and their place at the heart of care – both in uniform and throughout our hospitals and communities.
“We also hope that all nurses will see Kāhui St David’s as their place, together with whānau of the RNZE (Royal New Zealand Engineers), 28 Battalion and Veterans.” says Baragwanath.
Since launching in 2015 with the Max Gimblett quatrefoil installation, the Art of Remembrance has become a nationally recognised tradition. In 2023, Brigadier Rose King (now Chief of Army) lit the Lamp of Remembrance, which continues to shine daily at Kāhui St David’s, honouring all who have served across the Defence Force and veteran community. Today, the building stands as a memorial for all branches of service.
Many are expected to attend Art of Remembrance, experiencing the magnificent acoustics of this revitalised heritage space, with performances by Soprano Felicity Tomkins and Michelle Thorne, David Harvey on bagpipes, the Off Broadway Big Band, Helen Lukman-Fox on the 1905 Croft Organ and the audience singing together.
Paul Baragwanath concludes: “Kāhui St David’s is a place where remembrance lives on – through art, music, and community, and New Zealand’s military remembrance.
“This much-loved annual event brings together veterans, whānau, musicians and the wider public in a space known for its magnificent acoustics and deep sense of purpose.
“This new plaque ensures our nurses, so often unsung, are acknowledged in this special space for generations to come.”
For more information, visit www.kahuistdavids.nz, and to secure your free ticket for Art of Remembrance, head to Eventfinda: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/a-musical-evening-of-remembrance2/auckland
Art of Remembrance 2025 – Order of Service
PŪORO
The evening opens with taonga pūoro
PROCESSION
The Hills of Argyll
Composed by George McIntyre, a Scottish prisoner of war during World War Two
David Harvey, Bagpipes
KARAKIA & MIHI WHAKATAU
Kaumātua Tautoko Witika
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Led by Soprano Michelle Thorne-McHugh and Felicity Thomkins, The Off Broadway Big Band and Helen Lukman-Fox (organ)
THANK YOU
Paul Baragwanath, Director, Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pǔpū
MUSIC
Led by The Off Broadway Big Band, vocalist Michelle Thorne-McHugh, and organist Helen Lukman-Fox
ADDRESS
Reflections by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Jones ED, former Commanding Officer, 3/6 Battalion together and Georgina Greville, a senior nurse at Middlemore Hospital
MUSIC
Felicity Tomkins with Helen Lukman-Fox (organ)
White Cliffs of Dover
Composed by Vera Lynn
ADDRESS
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Jones, ED, former Commanding Officer of 3/6 Battalion, RNZIR
MUSIC
Felicity Tomkins with Helen Lukman-Fox (organ)
White Cliffs of Dover
Composed by Vera Lynn
ADDRESS
Georgina Greville, senior nurse at Middlemore Hospital
MUSIC
Felicity Tomkins with Helen Lukman-Fox (piano)
The Rose of No Man’s Land
HONOURING THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NURSING CORPS
Lieutenant Colonel David Foote, Chief Nursing Officer / RNZNC Regimental Colonel unveils the plaque of remembrance
MUSIC
The Off Broadway Big Band with vocalist Kaitlyn Tanoa’i
N.Z.A.N.S.: the Army nurses’ song
Corporal Anaia Amohau, 1939 – 45
LAYING OF THE WREATHS
RNZNC
All soldiers, sailors, aviators
Royal New Zealand Engineers
28th Māori Battalion
All wreaths welcome
THE ODE
THE LAST POST
MINUTE OF SILENCE
THE ROUSE
HYMNN
HOSPITALITY.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police can confirm the name of the man who died following a crash on Tennent Drive/SH57, southwest of Linton on 21 March.
He was 64-year-old Patrick Arundel-Lambert from Cloverlea.
Police extend our condolences during this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
The Police Media Centre will close at 6pm on Saturday 12 April due to staffing constraints.
Prior to that time, we will be operating with reduced staff numbers and prioritising urgent/serious incidents.
After 6pm, information on any significant public safety issues will be released proactively.
The centre will reopen at the usual time of 7am on Sunday 13 April.
We appreciate our media colleagues’ continued patience and understanding.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Gore on Saturday 5 April.
He was 18-year-old Cyris Michael Wakefield, of Charlton, Gore.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
Police are working to determine the circumstances of the crash.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 11/04/2025
On the one-year anniversary of the ACT Disability Strategy, the ACT Government is reinforcing our commitment to fostering a more inclusive city for people with disability.
The development of the 10-year Strategy and associated action plans set a high bar as an example of extensive community-led co-design approaches with people with disability, advocates, carers and service providers.
The Government has committed more than $5.5 million to support delivering on the Strategy’s priorities to continue removing barriers and enhancing accessibility for people with disability in the ACT.
Key achievements in the first year of the Strategy and First Action Plan include:
The Government acknowledges there is still more to do to ensure Canberrans living with a disability have full and equal participation in all aspects of community life.
Key focus of the work ahead includes:
The progression of this important work will continue to be guided and informed by the experiences of people with disability and the broader ACT Disability Community.
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services Suzanne Orr:
“Today marks an important milestone in our journey to ensuring Canberra is as inclusive as it can be and a place where people with disability can fully and easily participate in all aspects of our community.
“I would like to thank everyone who has shared their time, expertise and experience in the last year to ensure the needs of people with disability are heard and we are making the change that is needed.
“Making our city truly inclusive won’t happen straight away and I look forward to working with the community as we continue to build on our work to date.”
Quote attributable to Renée Heaton, Chair of Disability Reference Group:
“It has been 12 months since the ACT Disability Strategy was launched and with so much reform yet to come the DRG are pleased that the Strategy and first action plan is delivering for Canberrans with disability now.
“The actions delivered to date cross directorates and interlink to make sure that however a person with disability wants to live their life, they can.
“For example, if they want to go out to the multicultural festival, they can knowing there’s an accessible changing places bathroom available.
“People with disability deserve to have great lives so we look forward to the ACT Government continuing to deliver on the First Action Plan and showing the rest of Australia how it’s done.”
– Statement ends –
Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing on force posture and budget requirements in the Indo-Pacific region and U.S. Forces Korea. Throughout the full committee hearing, the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Admiral Paparo, and the Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, General Xavier Brunson, testified on force requirements, budget necessities and our capabilities in the region.
During his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker addressed the growing threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party in the region with respect to Taiwan, along with security issues linked to Russian and North Korean cooperation. Specifically, Chairman Wicker made clear that our underinvestment in INDOPACOM has allowed the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to contest our ability to gain air superiority in a conflict in East Asia. Chairman Wicker also stressed that a reduction of our military presence in South Korea would undermine deterrence of both North Korea and China. Chairman Wicker concluded by noting the centrality of the role played by nuclear weapons in deterring conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.
At this point, we hold a hearing on U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Force Korea. At the outset, I would like to thank Admiral Paparo and General Brunson for their distinguished service to our country.
Last year at this hearing, I stated that the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific was shifting in China’s favor. Since then, the Chinese Communist Party has significantly increased its coercive activity toward Taiwan and the Philippines. Last week, the Chinese conducted an exercise called Strait Thunder 2025A. This exercise demonstrated the extent to which the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could execute a maritime blockade of Taiwan and pummel it with missile strikes. As China conducts more exercises with Taiwan in mind, it also escalates the rhetoric against the island. Last week, a Chinese military officials called Taiwan’s democratically elected president a “parasite.”
The Chinese have also substantially increased their harassment of our Filipino allies. China’s vast Maritime Militia, backed by the PLA Navy and Chinese Coast Guard, is using increasingly aggressive tactics to advance its expansive claims in the South China Sea. The Second Thomas Shoal remains a major flashpoint. Chinese maritime militias have tried to keep the grounded Filipino Navy ship, the Sierra Madre, from being resupplied. Secretary Hegseth recently visited the region. I was pleased to see that he reaffirmed our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, reminding the world that the treaty applies to attacks on the Filipino armed forces anywhere in the South China Sea. Even so, it is clear that the Chinese have been emboldened by four years of weakness during the past administration.
There is another reason China has become so confident in its malign schemes. Xi Jinping has steadily modernized his military, and that hardware has made him more brazen. China boasts the world’s largest navy. It also has an air force that is capable of denying the U.S. air superiority in the First Island Chain- we’ll certainly want to ask about that, gentlemen. Its missile force can saturate our theater defenses. China has been expanding its nuclear arsenal at a pace that far outstrips our own. Multiple STRATCOM commanders have called China’s growth ‘breathtaking.’ In just a few short years, Beijing has built more intercontinental ballistic missile launchers than the United States. Meanwhile, our own modernization programs languish from past neglect.
But China is not the only urgent threat in the Indo-Pacific. The Biden administration chose to ignore North Korea. It allowed Kim Jong Un to increase his nuclear arsenal and project his military into the European theater to aid Vladimir Putin in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Kim Jong Un has abandoned the goal of unification of the Korean Peninsula – and again, we’ll want to talk about that – and has declared South Korea to be the principal enemy. The North Korean nuclear and missile arsenal continues to grow and diversify. With the rogue nation adopting a strategic doctrine that embraces nuclear first use.
Kim will surely seek remuneration for his support to Moscow. The Russian technology transfers and military assistance Kim receives will help him to further strengthen his strategic missile forces. The continued demonstrations of Russia, China, and North Korea aligning and cooperating should be of great concern to all in the West. This concern should then lead to action. If we are to maintain global peace and stability, we must continue taking steps now to rebuild our military and reestablish deterrence.
As I noted in my Peace Through Strength report last May, it is time to make a generational investment in our national security- and I do believe that view is bipartisan. We must be able not only to deter and defeat the People’s Liberation Army, but also to maintain deterrence in other theaters. Our adversaries, led by Bejing, are playing a global game. We must be smarter and more agile than they are across the board.
Last year, INDOPACOM’s unfunded requirements list totaled $3.5 billion dollars. This year’s unfunded requirement list was $11 billion, and virtually none of that was funded under the full-year CR. This is unacceptable – and also, I hope we’re going to get from everyone an accurate and full assessment of the various unfunded requirements. We need real growth in the FY26 budget request, in addition to a historic defense reconciliation package.
We need more survivable long-range munitions, more assured U.S. command and control systems, and an improved ability to counter China’s increasingly capable cyber and space systems. We need a wholesale overhaul of our logistics infrastructure and a rapid deployment of unmanned systems. We need a renaissance in our camouflage and deception programs, and we need a drastic improvement in our shipbuilding. The risk is simply too high for us to avoid making these changes.
So, I look forward to hearing our distinguished, and well-informed witnesses and having a candid conversation about what this committee and this Senate and this Congress can do – this year – to begin address these challenges.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
April 10, 2025
Response from Education Department Inspector General (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – Following a request led by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the Department of Education’s Acting Inspector General (IG) agreed to open an investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED). The investigation will cover how recent mass firings and buyouts for ED’s workforce affect the Department’s efficiency and effectiveness in serving students, teachers, and families across the country.
“This investigation will help reveal what’s at stake for those families. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk side with the billionaires, I will never stop fighting for our kids,” said Senator Warren in response to the investigation announcement.
In early March, ED fired nearly 50 percent of the Department’s staff. Just one week later, President Trump signed an executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take “all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education.” Soon after, the President also announced that he would move management of federal student loans to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and shift programs for students with disabilities to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“We will be conducting reviews…in order to identify the cumulative effect of staffing reductions…along with any actions that the Department should consider to help ensure productive and efficient operations following its workforce changes,” wrote the Acting Inspector General, René Roque. “We hope to begin issuing these reports in the summer of 2025, and we may identify additional work to be performed based on the results of our initial reviews.”
On March 27, 2025, Senator Warren led the call for this independent investigation into the Trump administration’s actions. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) also joined the letter.
Last week, Senator Warren launched the Save Our Schools campaign to fight back against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle ED and highlight the consequences for every student and public school in America.
As part of the campaign, Senator Warren will amplify the real-life impacts of cuts to ED; lead investigations to hold the Trump administration accountable, including ED Secretary Linda McMahon and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE); and bring students, teachers, parents, and unions into the fight to protect access to public education.
