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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK promotes Hong Kong’s biotech edge at BIO International Convention 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    InvestHK promotes Hong Kong’s biotech edge at BIO International Convention 2025
         A delegation of 16 Hong Kong life science and health technology companies will be joining InvestHK and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to the BIO International Convention 2025, the world’s premier biotechnology event, running June 16 to 19 (Boston time) at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. This joint effort underscores the strong partnership between InvestHK and the HKSTP to promote Hong Kong’s vibrant biotech ecosystem on a global stage.

         At the Hong Kong pavilion, the delegation will showcase the city’s unrivalled advantages and opportunities for American biotech companies seeking to expand into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Asia Pacific. InvestHK will connect with global industry pioneers, sharing insights and forging partnerships to spotlight Hong Kong’s strategic strengths as a biotech powerhouse. Through dynamic presentations, one-on-one discussions, and interactive showcases, InvestHK will highlight the city’s cutting-edge ecosystem, which is tailored to empower American biotech firms to thrive in Asia’s fast-growing markets.

         Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Charles Ng said, “Amid a climate of global economic uncertainty and unprecedented challenges, businesses are increasingly focused on resilience, diversification, and innovation. Hong Kong, as a global biotech hub and one of the world’s leading fundraising hubs for life science and biotech, offers unique advantages for American biotechnology companies. These include a top-tier academic research and talent pool, world-class research and development infrastructure, financial strength, robust intellectual property protection, high-quality clinical trial data and strong government commitment. All these make Hong Kong an ideal location for establishing a regional headquarters to expand into the GBA and Asia-Pacific region.”
     
         The Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Albert Wong, said, “The United States is the world’s largest healthcare market. For technology companies to succeed in the US market, it is essential to understand how the local healthcare system operates and effectively communicates the unique value of their R&D capabilities to investors. The goal of this visit goes beyond seeking immediate investment – it is also about building long-term bridges between innovation ecosystems; offering a globally connected environment to exchange ideas, collaborate and scale. I expect the delegation will begin to see tangible results within the next 12 to 18 months.”

         Hong Kong’s biotech sector is driven by innovations such as smart hospitals and telehealth, addressing rising healthcare demands with sustainable solutions. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is enhancing the city’s capabilities through the establishment of the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park. The 2024 Policy Address also introduced a HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund to channel investment into strategic industries, including life and health technology.

         The GBA presents significant opportunities for American biotech firms. Designated GBA healthcare institutions can utilise Hong Kong-registered drugs and medical devices approved for public hospitals, with 51 drugs and 63 medical devices having been allowed by the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration as of April 30, 2025. Additionally, the Listing Rules reform by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has positioned it as a leading exchange for biotech initial public offerings, enabling pre-revenue biotech companies to list on the main board and access robust capital markets.

         InvestHK has seen strong momentum in attracting innovation and technology (I&T) companies to establish or expand their presence in the city. In 2024, the number of I&T companies assisted by InvestHK rose to 120, up from 82 in 2023, making it the top-performing sector among all sectors supported by the department. This growth reflects both the increasing global confidence in Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem and the city’s strategic role as a springboard for I&T businesses looking to access Mainland China and Asia-Pacific markets.

         The BIO International Convention 2025 unites over 20 000 global industry leaders, representing virtually the entire biotechnology ecosystem. In an era of transformative discovery, biotechnology is revolutionising healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, offering hope and solutions to global challenges.
    Issued at HKT 10:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 55th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open June 16 to 19

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    55th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open June 16 to 19 
    Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 10:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK concludes fruitful Canada visit to deepen economic and business ties (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

         Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Charles Ng today (June 14) concluded his visit to Canada, deepening economic and business ties with Canadian investors and enterprises.

         During his visit June 8 to 14 to Waterloo, Toronto, and Montreal, Mr Ng met with investors, family offices, start-ups, academia, and business leaders, emphasising Hong Kong’s role as a global financial hub and gateway to Mainland China and international markets. He hosted roundtables highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths in wealth management and cross-border investments and discussed how Canadian enterprises can leverage Hong Kong for global expansion. He toured innovation labs and facilities at universities and discussed Asian expansion plans with Canadian founders. The meetings connected researchers and ecosystem builders across life sciences, medtech, cleantech, AI, and more.

         Mr Ng also highlighted the upcoming Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025, inviting Canadian investors and entrepreneurs to visit Hong Kong from November 3 to 7 and explore Asia’s dynamic markets. The event offers unparalleled access to industry leaders, cutting-edge fintech trends, and high-growth opportunities for positioning companies at the forefront of innovation.

         Mr Ng said, “The visit was highly fruitful, underscoring the strong economic relationship and vibrant investment exchanges between Hong Kong and Canada. It highlighted Hong Kong’s distinctive role as a ‘super connector’ linking global markets, offering Canadian businesses valuable pathways for expansion into Asia. This engagement not only reinforced ties between the two markets but also unlocked exciting collaborative opportunities.”

         Participants at the events expressed keen interest in Hong Kong’s business environment and connectivity. Investor Relations Officer, Velocity Incubator, University of Waterloo, Mr Andrew Martinko, said, “We learned from Invest Hong Kong about their strong commitment to driving tech innovation through action. They presented a dynamic and expanding start-up ecosystem, clearly focused on welcoming talented Canadian founders and connecting them with high-potential Asian markets and diverse funding opportunities, all within close geographic reach.”

         Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of XSIM AI Canada Inc, Ms Shan Tao, said “Participating in the StartmeUpHK Festival was a pivotal moment for XSIM AI Canada Inc. The support and insights from InvestHK and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association helped us uncover the unique opportunities within Hong Kong’s ecosystem. It ultimately led to a conditional offer from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation’s Soft Landing Programme, and the establishment of our business there. Hong Kong is where our vision for practical, scalable, purpose-driven industrial AI found both strategic alignment and real momentum – advancing economic value and environmental impact.”

         Partner at DS Avocats and Honorary Secretary of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, Ms Cindy Ho, facilitated high-level connections during the trip and shared her insights. She said, “Canada and Hong Kong share a robust and time-tested business relationship, driving trade, investment, and innovation. With Hong Kong serving as a vital hub for Canadian businesses expanding into Asia, and Canadian expertise fuelling innovation in Hong Kong, this dynamic exchange is unlocking new opportunities and reinforcing bilateral trade and investment in the global economy. As a legal professional working closely with international businesses, I have seen firsthand how Canada and Hong Kong businesses can benefit namely through the Hong Kong-Canada Income Tax Agreement. Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity and ambition, backed by strong trade and investment agreements and a long-term commitment to sustainable growth.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Curiosity Blog, Sols 4568-4569: A Close Look at the Altadena Drill Hole and Tailings

    Source: NASA

    Written by Sharon Wilson Purdy, Planetary Geologist at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
    Earth planning date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
    As we near the end of our Altadena drill campaign, Curiosity continued her exploration of the Martian bedrock within the boxwork structures on Mount Sharp. After successfully delivering a powdered rock sample to both the CheMin (Chemistry and Mineralogy) and SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) instruments, the focus for sols 4568 and 4569 was to take a closer look at the drill hole itself — specifically, the interior walls of the drill hole and the associated tailings (the rock material pushed out by the drill).
    In the image above, you can see that the tone (or color) of the rock exposed within the wall of the drill hole appears to change slightly with depth, and the drill tailings are a mixture of fine powder and more solid clumps. If you compare the Altadena drill site with the 42 drill sites that came before, one can really appreciate the impressive range of colors, textures, and grain sizes in the rocks that Curiosity has analyzed over the past 12 years. Every drill hole marks a window into the past and can help us understand how the ancient environment and climate on Mars evolved over time.
     In this two-sol plan, the ChemCam, Mastcam, APXS, and MAHLI instruments coordinated their observations to image and characterize the chemistry of the wall of the drill hole and tailings before we drive away from this site over the coming weekend. Outside of our immediate workspace, Mastcam created two stereo mosaics that will image the boxwork structures nearby as well as the layers within Texoli butte. ChemCam assembled three long-distance RMI images that will help assess the layers at the base of the “Mishe Mokwa” hill, complete the imaging of the nearby boxwork structures, and image the very distant crater rim (about 90 kilometers, or 56 miles away) and sky to investigate the scattering properties of the atmosphere. The environmental theme group included observations that will measure the properties of the atmosphere and also included a dust-devil survey.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA to End In-Person Presence at Recovery Centers

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>LAHAINA, MAUI – As Maui continues to heal from the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires, FEMA continues to provide support on-island and remains available to survivors. As the demand for FEMA’s in-person services has diminished over time, FEMA will end in-person staffing at the two public-facing recovery centers on June 18 at the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center in Central Maui and July 3 at the Lahaina Resource Center in West Maui. There are still many other ways to contact FEMA and wildfire survivors are encouraged to stay in touch.    
    Current Recovery Center Locations and Hours

    Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center located at 70 E Kaʻahumanu, Unit D-1 in Kahului. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. HST Monday to Friday.
    Lahaina Resource Center at the Lahaina Gateway, Unit 102-B (near Ace Hardware) located at 325 Keawe St. in Lahaina. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. HST Monday – Tuesday and Thursday – Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. HST Wednesday.

    Both facilities, operated by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, will continue to remain open and offer support with building permits, legal assistance, interim housing, business support and more. 
    In-person FEMA assistance was established August 16, 2023, and has continued for twenty-one months. During this time, survivors could work directly with FEMA and other federal staff to assess their needs, register for assistance, receive in-person case management, and connect with voluntary agencies for additional support. 
     Survivors can still contact FEMA by:

    Calling FEMA’s national, toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362 (7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week) for assistance with general inquiries.
    Contacting their assigned Recertification/Revocations Advisors and/or Disaster Case Managers.
    Submitting documentation via their online account, mailing letters and supporting files via USPS/mail, or faxing documents to 800-827-8112 (Attn: FEMA).  

    FEMA’s Long Term Recovery Office will continue to operate on Maui and help Maui wildfire survivors. For those in FEMA temporary housing, it is essential to remain in contact with FEMA to continue receiving assistance while working towards permanent housing.  
    For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires – YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires.  
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                                                                                  FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, DoD Practice Abort Scenarios Ahead of Artemis II Moon Mission

    Source: NASA

    NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) teamed up June 11 and 12 to simulate emergency procedures they would use to rescue the Artemis II crew in the event of a launch emergency. The simulations, which took place off the coast of Florida and were supported by launch and flight control teams, are preparing NASA to send four astronauts around the Moon and back next year as part of the agency’s first crewed Artemis mission.
    The team rehearsed procedures they would use to rescue the crew during an abort of NASA’s Orion spacecraft while the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket is still on the launch pad, as well as during ascent to space. A set of test mannequins and a representative version of Orion called the Crew Module Test Article, were used during the tests.
    The launch team at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, flight controllers in mission control at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, as well as the mission management team, all worked together, exercising their integrated procedures for these emergency scenarios.

    “Part of preparing to send humans to the Moon is ensuring our teams are ready for any scenario on launch day,” said Lakiesha Hawkins, NASA’s assistant deputy associate administrator for the Moon to Mars Program, and who also is chair of the mission management team for Artemis II. “We’re getting closer to our bold mission to send four astronauts around the Moon, and our integrated testing helps ensure we’re ready to bring them home in any scenario.”
    The launch pad abort scenario was up first. The teams conducted a normal launch countdown before declaring an abort before the rocket was scheduled to launch. During a real pad emergency, Orion’s launch abort system would propel Orion and its crew a safe distance away and orient it for splashdown before the capsule’s parachutes would then deploy ahead of a safe splashdown off the coast of Florida.

    For the simulated splashdown, the test Orion with mannequins aboard was placed in the water five miles east of Kennedy. Once the launch team made the simulated pad abort call, two Navy helicopters carrying U.S. Air Force pararescuers departed nearby Patrick Space Force Base. The rescuers jumped into the water with unique DoD and NASA rescue equipment to safely approach the spacecraft, retrieve the mannequin crew, and transport them for medical care in the helicopters, just as they would do in the event of an actual pad abort during the Artemis II mission.
    The next day focused on an abort scenario during ascent to space.
    The Artemis recovery team set up another simulation at sea 12 miles east of Kennedy, using the Orion crew module test article and mannequins. With launch and flight control teams supporting, as was the Artemis II crew inside a simulator at Johnson, the rescue team sprung into action after receiving the simulated ascent abort call and began rescue procedures using a C-17 aircraft and U.S. Air Force pararescuers. Upon reaching the capsule, the rescuers jumped from the C-17 with DoD and NASA unique rescue gear. In an actual ascent abort, Orion would separate from the rocket in milliseconds to safely get away prior to deploying parachutes and splashing down.

    Rescue procedures are similar to those used in the Underway Recovery Test conducted off the California coast in March. This demonstration ended with opening the hatch and extracting the mannequins from the capsule, so teams stopped without completing the helicopter transportation that would be used during a real rescue.
    Exercising procedures for extreme scenarios is part of NASA’s work to execute its mission and keep the crew safe. Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars – for the benefit of all. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HAWAIʻI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ISSUES TEST ALERT – NO THREAT TO THE STATE – 2025-007

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    HAWAIʻI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ISSUES TEST ALERT – NO THREAT TO THE STATE – 2025-007

    Posted on Jun 13, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KAUA

     

    MAJOR GENERAL STEPHEN F. LOGAN

    DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    LUNA HOʻOMALU PŌULIA

     

    HAWAIʻI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

    KEʻENA HOʻOMALU PŌULIA O HAWAIʻI

    JAMES DS. BARROS

    ADMINISTRATOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    KAHU HOʻOMALU PŌULIA

    HAWAIʻI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ISSUES TEST ALERT – NO THREAT TO THE STATE

     

    For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                      2025-007

    JUNE 13, 2025

     

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) would like to inform the public that a test alert was issued today around 11:03 a.m. at one of its alternate alert notification sites. This test is a routine procedure designed to ensure that our emergency communication systems are functioning properly and can effectively provide critical information during actual emergencies.

    There is no current threat to the state of Hawaiʻi. This test was intended solely to validate our systems.

    HIEMA emphasizes the importance of these routine tests, as the agency continues to ensure that our communication systems are reliable and ready to be used in the event of an emergency. We understand that alerts can cause concerns; however, we want to assure the community that this was a planned and harmless test.

    “We are committed to keeping our kamaʻāina informed and safe,” said HIEMA Administrator James Barros. “The reliability of our emergency communication systems is critical, especially during times of crisis.”

    The public is encouraged to participate in preparedness efforts by staying informed and ready for emergencies. For guidance on how to prepare for disasters and to receive alerts, please visit HIEMA’s website of www.ready.hawaii.gov.

    # # #

     

     

     

    Contact:

    1. Kīelekū Amundson

    Communications Director

    Phone: 808-733-4300 Ext 522

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Here’s how Trump’s illegal military deployment weakens firefighting resources – already strained by his dangerous U.S. Forest Service cuts

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 13, 2025

    What you need to know: President Trump’s illegal military deployment impacts firefighting resources already seeing cuts by the U.S. Forest Service.

    SACRAMENTO – With the risk of catastrophic wildfire on the rise as peak fire season sets in across California, the state’s firefighting and prevention resources are facing new strain resulting from President Trump’s actions. 

    President Trump’s illegal militarization of Los Angeles is cutting into valuable firefighting resources. As a federal judge noted yesterday in ruling that President Trump’s actions are illegal and should be halted, five of California’s 14 National Guard fire crews – who staff Joint Task Force Rattlesnake – are now understaffed due to the federalization and diversion of 300 California National Guard (CalGuard) soldiers from those crews to armories in the Los Angeles region. That represents three-quarters of CalGuard’s fire response and prevention resources. 

    Trump is endangering communities across California. He’s pulling National Guard members off of critical wildfire prevention and response missions for his political stunt in Los Angeles. And this is on top of his dangerous cuts to the Forest Service.

    It’s critical that Trump heeds his own advice: restore funding to the Forest Service, support federal firefighters and Make America Rake Again.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The National Guard impact is on top of the Trump administration’s dangerous cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, which also threatens the safety of communities across the state. The U.S. Forest Service has lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire response – both of which are likely to impact wildfire response this year. The cuts come as the President issued an executive order yesterday on wildfire response – another order that rings hollow given the President’s actions.

    “In just the first five months of 2025 California has experienced more than 2,300 wildfires,” said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “Having the necessary firefighting apparatus and personnel is critical to our mission at CAL FIRE.”

    Trump cuts to the U.S. Forest Service

    The California Natural Resources Agency recently outlined impacts of President Trump’s cuts to the U.S. Forest Service: “State agencies in California are concerned that these cuts could jeopardize our nation-leading wildfire response capability, and result in a shift in emphasis from protecting communities to generating revenue from National Forests within the state.”

    • More staffing losses ahead: The USFS has already lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire suppression, and a reorganization proposal to be announced soon is likely to include significant additional reductions.
    • Suppression operations will likely suffer: The USFS claims that federal suppression resources are in good shape, but the reality is that deep cuts in related logistical staff are likely to have a major impact on fire operations.
    • Weather forecasts will be hampered: National Weather Service cuts will reduce the availability of meteorologists for incident support, briefings, and overall coverage. CAL FIRE relies on NWS meteorologists for weather predictions, intelligence, and briefings on all major incidents.
    • Timber targets may shift emphasis away from wildfire resilience: To generate more revenue from National Forests, the USFS is proposing to increase timber sales by 25% over five years. But because there is a mismatch between areas with high potential for timber sales (found at roughly 6,000-8,000 feet elevation) and areas most at risk from wildfire (1,000-4,000 feet elevation, including the Sierra Nevada and Southern California foothills), this could shift the focus of federal agencies away from protecting the state’s most vulnerable communities.
    • State, private, and tribal grants programs proposed to be eliminated: The President’s proposed budget eliminates annual block grants to the states to support state, private landowner, tribal, and urban forestry programs. This will have a small impact in California, but will have dramatic impact on other Western states that are highly dependent on federal funding to support their wildfire resilience programs.  
    • Regional offices could be combined or eliminated: The Pacific Southwest Regional Office in Vallejo is currently largely vacant, with senior leadership positions no longer there. The office is considered likely to be eliminated as part of the reorganization.
    • Key scientific data will be lost and researchers laid off: The President’s proposed budget eliminates all USFS Research Stations and key scientific data to better design, implement, and assess the benefits of projects is being removed and will be unlikely to remain available. 

    California’s unprecedented wildfire readiness 

    As part of the state’s ongoing investment in wildfire resilience and emergency response, CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually – nearly double that from the previous administration. Over the next four years and beyond, CAL FIRE will be hiring thousands of additional firefighters, natural resource professionals, and support personnel to meet the state’s growing demands.

    Late last month, the Governor announced $72 million for projects across the state that help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk. Additionally,16 new vegetation management and community protection projects spanning more than 7,000 acres have already been approved for fast-tracking under the Governor’s new streamlining initiative.

    This builds on consecutive years of intensive and focused work by California to confront the severe ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires, and Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamation signed in March to fast-track forest and vegetation management projects throughout the state. Additionally, to bolster the state’s ability to respond to fires, Governor Newsom announced last week that the state’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is ready for firefighting operations, adding to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. 

    New, bold moves to streamline state-level regulatory processes builds long-term efforts already underway in California to increase wildfire response and forest management in the face of a hotter, drier climate. A full list of California’s progress on wildfire resilience is available here.

    Highlights of achievements to date include:

    • Historic investments — Overall, the state has more than doubled investments in wildfire prevention and landscape resilience efforts, providing more than $2.5 billion in wildfire resilience since 2020, with an additional $1.5 billion to be allocated from the 2024 Climate Bond.
    • On-the-ground progress — More than 2,200 landscape health and fire prevention projects are complete or underway, and from 2021-2023, the State and its partners treated nearly 1.9 million acres, including nearly 730,000 acres in 2023.
    • Increasing transparency — The Governor’s Task Force launched an Interagency Treatment Dashboard to display wildfire resilience work across federal, state, local, and privately managed lands across the State. The Dashboard, launched in 2023, provides transparency, tracks progress, facilitates planning, and informs firefighting efforts.
    • Hardening communities — Adding to California’s nation-leading fire safety  standards, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to further improve community hardening and wildfire mitigation strategies to neighborhood resilience statewide. Since 2019, CAL FIRE has awarded more than $450 million for 450 wildfire prevention projects across the state and conducts Defensible Space Inspections on more than 250,000 homes each year.
    • Leveraging cutting-edge technology — On top of expanding the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet, CAL FIRE has doubled its use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and the state is utilizing AI-powered tools to spot fires quicker.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom ordered the pre-deployment of safety and security resources across California to protect the public’s safety during anticipated demonstrations over the weekend. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced he ordered…

    Jun 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: Following new reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has shared Medicaid beneficiary information with the Department of Homeland Security, Governor Newsom slammed the Trump administration for their dangerous abuse of…

    Jun 12, 2025

    News “A win for all Americans” What you need to know: Standing up for American citizens and the nation’s foundational ban on martial law in peacetime, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta today secured an emergency restraining order blocking President Trump’s…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom pre-deploys safety resources ahead of anticipated demonstrations

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 13, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom ordered the pre-deployment of safety and security resources across California to protect the public’s safety during anticipated demonstrations over the weekend.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced he ordered the state to pre-deploy safety and security resources to communities throughout California to aid and support local law enforcement, ahead of anticipated nationwide demonstrations. 

    The resources from the California Highway Patrol and those coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) will help local governments protect the safety of peaceful demonstrators and the public – as well as enforce strict laws against the destruction of property, vandalism, and looting.  

    In the United States, the office of citizen is the most important office we can hold. We respect and protect those who exercise their First Amendment rights when they do so peacefully and respectfully.

    California has zero tolerance for those who plan to take advantage of peaceful demonstrations with violence. We’re pre-deploying resources to maintain safety – and we will prosecute those who break the law.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    All eight of CHP’s Special Response Teams (SRT) are activated and pre-staged throughout California, a surge of nearly 700 officers. The CHP’s Southern Division remains on tactical alert, which ensures every available uniformed employee is prepared should they be needed. The CHP is coordinating with local law enforcement partners and Cal OES.

    “The California Highway Patrol actively protects and upholds every individual’s First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and express their views,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our officers stand ready to ensure these rights are exercised safely and lawfully. If anyone attempts to violate the rights of others, destroy property, or obstruct public movement, we will respond swiftly and decisively to enforce the law.”

    Cal OES has coordinated with state and local partners to ensure communities have resources to help keep people safe. At this time, CalOES has not received significant requests from local governments for mutual aid in advance of this coming weekend. CalOES remains in close communication with local government partners and stands ready to coordinate any future requests for mutual aid or support. 

    “Cal OES remains prepared to assist and respond,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “We’re in close contact with local government partners and stand ready to assist with any requests for support or mutual aid.” 

    Stay peaceful, never resort to violence

    This is a reminder to Californians that they have a right to speak out, but they must remain peaceful. Those who engage in protests and demonstrations must always emphasize partnership, unity and non-violence.

    Recent news

    Jun 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: Following new reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has shared Medicaid beneficiary information with the Department of Homeland Security, Governor Newsom slammed the Trump administration for their dangerous abuse of…

    Jun 12, 2025

    News “A win for all Americans” What you need to know: Standing up for American citizens and the nation’s foundational ban on martial law in peacetime, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta today secured an emergency restraining order blocking President Trump’s…

    Jun 12, 2025

    News What you need to know: Former secretaries of the Army and Navy and retired four-star admirals and generals filed an amicus brief in support of the Governor’s motion to block the Trump administration’s illegal militarization of downtown Los Angeles. SACRAMENTO –…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Governor Lombardo Following Completion of Bill Signings

    Source: US State of Nevada

    Carson City – June 13, 2025

    Today marks the conclusion of the 10-day period Governor Lombardo has to veto or sign bills into law following the adjournment of the 83rd (2025) Session of the Nevada Legislature. In total, Governor Lombardo received 605 bills, ultimately signing 518 bills into law and vetoing 87 bills.

    Please see the full statement from Governor Lombardo below:

    “I am proud of the meaningful progress we made this session – particularly in the areas of education and housing. Working together, we’ve taken important steps to expand educational opportunity, begin restoring accountability in our public schools, and make housing more attainable for working families across our state.

    “That said, I did not take lightly the decision to veto 87 bills. I do not enjoy using the veto pen, but as Governor, it is my responsibility to protect Nevadans from legislation that goes too far, expands government unnecessarily, or creates unintended consequences that hurt families, businesses, or our economy.

    “Each veto was carefully considered. My priority will always be to ensure that every law enacted serves the best interest of the people of Nevada – not special interests, and not bigger government.

    “To the legislators who worked in good faith throughout this session: thank you. I remain committed to working with you to build a stronger, safer, and more affordable Nevada for all.”

    In the coming weeks, Governor Lombardo will host ceremonial bill signings for Senate Bill 460, the landmark bipartisan education reform package, and Assembly Bill 540, the Nevada Housing Access and Attainability Act. Media advisories to follow.

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Unprecedented boost for clinical trials under 10 Year Health Plan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Unprecedented boost for clinical trials under 10 Year Health Plan

    Millions will take part in clinical trials under the 10 Year Health Plan which will speed up clinical research.

    • Millions to take part in clinical trials under 10 Year Health Plan, transforming patient care with groundbreaking treatments, while driving growth.
    • Unparalleled access to trials via NHS App, and public reporting of Trusts to show who is and isn’t delivering on trials, with funding prioritised for best performers
    • Plan for Change will turbocharge clinical research to regain UK’s clout on world stage and deliver most ambitious reduction in trial set-up times in British history  

    Patients will receive the most cutting-edge treatments years earlier than planned under the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which will speed-up clinical trials so the UK becomes a hotbed of innovation.

    Millions of people will now be able to search for and sign up to lifechanging clinical trials, via the NIHR Be Part of Research service on the NHS App, allowing patients to browse and find the trials best suited to their interests and needs.

    Eventually the plan will see the NHS App automatically match patients with studies based on their own health data and interests, sending push notifications to your phone about relevant new trials to sign up to.

    It comes as the NIHR launches a UK-wide recruitment drive for clinical trials – the biggest ever health research campaign – to get as many people involved in research as possible. Adults across the UK are being urged to register, with underrepresented groups including young people, Black people and people of South Asian heritage particularly encouraged to sign up, at bepartofresearch.uk

    The 10 Year Health Plan will bring transparency to which Trusts are performing well in clinical trials – and which are not. All NHS Trusts and organisations will need to submit data on the number of trials being conducted and the amount of progress being made – as we rebuild the country’s global status as the epicentre of research.

    Public reporting will show the number of trials sponsored by both commercial and non-commercial sponsors at specific Trusts and other organisations, including universities or Primary Care sites. It will reveal to the government, patients, investors, and Trust boards which NHS organisations are performing well and which are falling behind. Government investment will only be prioritised for the Trusts that can prove they can support the NHS to deliver the treatments of tomorrow.  

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    The UK was has been at the forefront of scientific and medical discovery throughout our history. Some country will lead the charge in the emerging revolution in life sciences, and why shouldn’t it be Britain?

    The 10 year plan for health will marry the genius of our country’s leading scientific minds, with the care and compassion of our health service, to put NHS patients at the front of the queue for new cutting-edge treatments.

    The NHS App will become the digital front door to the NHS, and enable all of us as citizens to play our part in developing the medicines of the future. The British people showed they were willing to be part of finding the vaccine for Covid, so why not do it again to cure cancer and dementia?

    By slashing through red tape and making it easier for patients to take part, reforms in our ten year plan will grow our life sciences sector, generate news funds for the NHS to reinvest in frontline care, and benefit patients through better medicines.

    In recent years, the UK has fallen behind as a global destination for these trials, with patients and the wider economy missing out. It takes around 100 days to set up a trial in Spain, but around 250 days in the NHS. The plan will see commercial clinical trial set-up times fall to 150 days or less by March 2026 – this will be the most ambitious reduction in trial set-up times in British history.

    Currently set up processes for clinical trials take too long as a result of unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication of activities across different agencies and sites.

    Government will cut set up times for clinical trials. Currently, trials have to agree separate contracts with each part of the NHS they want to be involved. The plan will introduce a national standardised contract which can save months of wasted time, as well as simplifying paperwork to remove duplication on technical assurances.

    This means if any authority asks for evidence from a study, they can provide it once without having to spend time reframing that evidence differently to meet a separate criteria for another authority.

    In the coming weeks, the government will publish its 10 Year Health Plan. Through the plan, we will restore our position as a world leader in clinical trials, so we attract the world’s greatest minds and drive vital investment into the UK. This will spur economic growth, improve the standard of care to support a healthier population, and make the NHS more financially sustainable.

    Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR said:

    We know the benefits of embedding clinical research across the NHS and beyond. It leads to better care for patients, more opportunities for our workforce and provides a huge economic benefit for our health and care system. Integrated into the NHS App, the NIHR Be Part of Research service enables members of the public to be matched to vital trials, ensuring the best and latest treatments and care get to the NHS quicker.

    Ensuring all sites are consistently meeting the 150-day or less set-up time will bring us to the starting line, but together we aim to go further, faster to ensure the UK is a global destination for clinical research to improve the health and wealth of the nation.

    Dr Vin Diwakar, Clinical Transformation Director at NHS England, said:

    The NHS App is transforming how people manage their healthcare, with new features letting them see their test results or check when prescriptions are ready to collect – all at the tap of a screen.

    We’re making it easier to sign up for clinical trials through the NHS App so patients can access new treatments and technologies earlier, improving their quality of care.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) – which makes sure that medicines and healthcare products available in the UK are safe and effective – has already improved its performance.

    All clinical trial approval backlogs are cleared, and performance targets are now being met. Building on this, the 10 Year Health Plan will see the MHRA focus its attention on the most complex and potentially transformational new treatments – like individually personalised cancer vaccines, and the regulation of artificial intelligence. 

    Nicola Perrin, Chief Executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities, said:

    Clinical trials are good for patients, the NHS and the economy. But both commercial and non-commercial trials in the UK have closed because of failures to recruit.

    Today’s announcements will help to maximise opportunities for everyone to take part in research and speed up access to innovative treatments. We warmly welcome the focus on driving up the participation of diverse and under-served groups – something that is incredibly important to our member charities.

    It’s encouraging to see the government recognise that boosting access to clinical trials must be a key part of the 10 Year Health Plan. Transforming clinical trials is an important step in truly embedding research in the NHS, securing the UK’s position as a leader in life sciences and offering a lifeline to patients.

    Professor Andrew Morris CBE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: 

    This announcement marks a significant commitment to strengthening the UK’s leadership in clinical research. The global clinical trials market is estimated to be worth at least $80 billion by 2030 and countries that can demonstrate speed, quality and cost will have a competitive edge.

    This commitment is very welcome as streamlined trial set-up times and enhanced public access through the NHS App will accelerate the translation of cutting-edge treatments from laboratory to bedside, directly benefiting patients whilst driving economic growth and ensuring policymakers have the evidence needed for informed healthcare decisions. 

    The focus on improving participation from under-represented communities is important, though success will depend on earning trust and addressing the broader barriers to diverse participation. By embedding research throughout the NHS and making it accessible to all communities, we can ensure that medical innovation benefits reach every corner of society whilst strengthening the UK’s position as a hub for life sciences investment and discovery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: North Canterbury Community Vehicle Trust celebrates new garage

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    The trust’s garage has been named after one of its pioneers, Don Fairbrother, who helped set-up the organisation in 1986, alongside Dorothy Mitchell, Mary Sparrow and Wayne Mitchell. All four of “the originals” as they dubbed themselves, were at the opening of the garage in early June.

    At the event, Don expressed his gratitude to the many volunteers, trustees, organisations and businesses who helped them get the build across the line.

    “We are very proud of our new garage; this has been a huge team effort. We are so grateful for every contribution to the build,” he said.

    The grand opening the Community Vehicle Trust’s new garage with Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon

    For the past almost 40 years, the trust’s vehicles have been parked at local businesses that had offered them the spaces. The garage is 369sqm in size, with nine large garage doors, complete with a reception/office area, small kitchen, storage space and bathroom. A separate garage has been reserved for equipment storage.

    Made possible through a generous donation and saving

    The Rātā Foundation donated $100,000 towards the building, and the rest of the money was intentionally put aside from the trust’s vehicle upgrade fund over years to cover the cost.

    “We don’t have a mortgage on the building—we paid the entire $695,000 for it. It has meant we have sacrificed upgrading our vehicles for quite a while now, so that will be the next focus for the trust as some of them are getting quite old,” Don said.

    Over 50 volunteers drive the trust’s vehicles, and the trustees help coordinate and fundraise.

    Vehicles parked outside the trust’s new garage

    “The trust has done an incredible job getting its garage in place – this will provide a vital space for its work long into the future,” public transport general manager Stewart Gibbon said.

    What the Community Vehicle Trust offers

    The service runs four types of transport for locals:

    • a shopper service, which takes locals from their homes to the supermarket every Tuesday and Thursday for $2.00 return
    • a hospital shuttle which takes patients and a chosen support person from Rangiora into the city for appointments for $45.00 return
    • a local service which takes people to appointments in surrounding areas which requires booking two days in advance and costs $2.00 return
    • on-demand vehicle hires.

    For bookings, volunteering or other enquiries, visit the

    North Canterbury Community Vehicle Trust website.

    Environment Canterbury © 2025
    Retrieved: 11:29am, Mon 16 Jun 2025
    ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/north-canterbury-community-vehicle-trust-celebrates-new-garage/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Peace Action Wellington – Israel’s pre-emptive war illegal, unjustified

    Source: Peace Action Wellington

    14 June 2025 – Israel’s unprovoked and extensive bombing of Iran yesterday is illegal under international law. There is no allowable claim of self-defence for a pre-emptive attack; such a claim would validate Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and the US’s attack on Iraq in 2003. 

    “The New Zealand Government needs to be unequivocal in its condemnation of Israel now,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

    “The bombing of Iran has no justification. The Israeli state appears to consider itself beyond reproach in its conduct: in the past six months, it has bombed Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran all while it conducts the most vile genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and daily attacks against civilians in the occupied West Bank.” 

    “No one believes Israel’s lies anymore. Time after time, Israel’s claims have been shown to be completely fabricated. We didn’t buy US President George W. Bush’s claims about Iraq having ‘weapons of mass destruction’ in 2003 that precipitated the US invasion and murder of 1 million Iraqi people; and we are not about to buy Netanyahu’s claims about an ‘existential threat’ now. ”

    “No one is buying Israel’s false victimhood either: it possesses nuclear weapons and continues to be the largest recipient of US aid and weapons. Netanyahu has spent all of Israel’s political capital with his craven determination to remain in power. The international consensus that has funded and facilitated the ongoing occupation of Palestinian lands is crumbling. Now he is trying to drag the entire world into war. He will be the last Israeli prime minister because he will destroy the Israeli state with his self-serving violence and war-making.”

    “Aggressive war cannot be tolerated. Genocide cannot be tolerated. New Zealanders want our government to take concrete actions: expel the Israeli Ambassador, sanction the Israeli state and recognise Palestine.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Employment Advisory: Senior medical and dental officers 24-hour strike in Te Tai Tokerau

    Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

    Senior medical and dental officers who are members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Toi Mata Hauora (ASMS) and are employed in the Te Tai Tokerau district of Health New Zealand will be on strike for 24 hours from 10.00am Wednesday 18 June until 10.00am Thursday 19 June.
    During that time and as required ASMS members will ensure life preserving services are maintained across the region’s four hospital sites in Whangarei, Dargaville, Kaitaia and Bay of Islands.
    ASMS has 240 members in the Te Tai Tokerau district.
    Members voted 83 per cent in favour of the strike.
    On Tuesday 17 June at 6pm in the Calfer Suite of Forum North in Whangārei ASMS and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation are hosting a public meeting “Your Health System in Crisis” to give members of the public a chance to hear from doctors and nurses about what is really happening in their hospital.
    At 10am on Wednesday 18 June ASMS members will stage a mass walk out from Whangārei Hospital and picket on the corner of Maunu and Hospital Rds. There will also be a picket outside Kaitaia Hospital on Redan Rd. Both pickets will run for forty-five minutes.
    This district strike is part of an ongoing industrial dispute.
    The collective employment agreement between ASMS and Health New Zealand expired in August 2024. Health New Zealand’s pay offer is well below CPI . The parties are still far apart and are currently in facilitated bargaining. Facilitated bargaining is a confidential process.
    On 1 May ASMS members undertook a 24-hour nationwide strike. And on 28 May ASMS members in Tairāwhiti held a 24-hour district strike. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Amnesty International calls for the release of British father, Ahmed Al-Doush, ahead of appeal hearing on Father’s Day

    Source: Amnesty International –

    As families across the UK celebrate Father’s Day on June 15, British national Ahmed Al-Doush will have a scheduled appeal hearing to review his ten-year prison sentence in Saudi Arabia.

    Manchester-based Ahmed was sentenced to ten years in prison last month on May 10, 2025. His family and UK legal team understand that he was tried and convicted under terrorism legislation for social media posts and for associating with an individual critical of the Saudi government.

    However, the trial has been marred by a lack of transparency regarding the exact charges and evidence, even to the UK government. Information indicates that he is being tried for exercising his right to free expression and has faced multiple violations of his fair trial rights.

    Ahmed, a senior business analyst with Bank of America, was arrested while on a family holiday in August 2024. His domestic lawyer in Saudi Arabia has refused to share details of the charges and evidence nor provided a copy of the judgment and sentence to Ahmed’s family or UK legal team. At the time of arrest, his wife, Amaher, was in the late stages of pregnancy, meaning Ahmed missed the birth of his fourth child.

    Ahmed has faced numerous violations of his fair trial rights following his arrest. He has been subjected to extensive interrogation without legal representation, where he was forced to sign a statement before being informed of the charges against him. For over two and a half months after he was first detained, his family had no contact with him and received no information about his condition or the reasons for his detention. He was also denied consular access. Since then, contact with his family and UK-based legal team has been severely restricted, and he has been threatened with losing access to communication with them if he tries to disclose anything regarding his trial, proceedings, treatment, or health.

    Haydee Dijkstal, Barrister at 33 Bedford Row Chambers and counsel for Ahmed Al-Doush, stated: “The UK government must demand answers and clarity on a process that has been marked by a lack of transparency, even to the UK government regarding its own citizen. It should take a strong stand against a British national’s imprisonment for ten years for allegedly exercising his right to free expression. This is essential to fully protect a British national’s rights, as well as the rights of his wife and four British children living in the UK who have been thrown into an unexpected and incomprehensible nightmare.”

    Amaher Al-Doush, wife of Ahmed, expressed her feelings: “Frankly, I have no faith in the Saudi government to deliver justice in the appeal. I’m completely disillusioned with both the Saudi and UK governments on every level. The children have been making Father’s Day cards at school, at a time when other families are celebrating it’s incredibly painful for them, especially as we prepare to mark Eid without their father once again. They’re really struggling.

    “I’m exhausted too. The pressure is relentless, not just emotionally, but physically and mentally. Honestly, I’m so overwhelmed that I struggle to even speak about it anymore. At the heart of it all, what matters most is that my husband, the father of my children, is still not home. None of the efforts so far have brought him back.”

    Eilidh Macpherson, Campaigns Manager for Individuals at Risk at Amnesty International UK, said: “We reiterate our urgent call on the Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Ahmed Al-Doush if he is being held solely for peacefully exercising his human rights. He must be allowed to return to his family in the UK without delay. In the meantime, Saudi authorities must uphold his fair trial rights, promptly share his court documents, and guarantee regular access to both his family and legal counsel.

    “We also urge the UK government to take all necessary steps to secure his immediate and unconditional release. The arbitrary detention of another British national abroad cannot be tolerated. Immediate and decisive action is essential.”

    ENDS

    Amnesty media contacts: 

    Out of hours: media@amnesty.org.uk / 07721 398984 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Northern Ireland: Anti-racism rally hears criticism of politicians for ‘fanning the flames of hate’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Addressing an anti-racism rally in Belfast today, Amnesty International Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan, will say:

    “Once again, racism has shown its ugly face on our streets. We have come very close this week to the loss of life. We are just one petrol bomb away from racially motivated murder.

    “Too many political representatives have chosen to fan the flames of hate rather than put them out. By linking immigration to crime, by blaming migrants for pressure on housing or public services, they seek to turn neighbour against neighbour.

    “This rhetoric is not only dangerous — it is dishonest. It gives cover to racism.

    “People working in our hospitals, in social care or in factories are not the problem. People fleeing war, persecution or poverty are not the problem. Racism is the problem.

    “When leaders suggest that migrants are to blame for our social ills, they distract from their own failures to address those challenges.

    “What Northern Ireland needs is not more division. It needs real leadership — leadership that stands up for human rights, that protects all communities, and that recognises the value of diversity.

    “We call on every political party to end the language of scapegoating. To condemn racist attacks without qualification. To commit to serious action against hate crime, and to put in place an Executive anti-racism strategy which is worthy of the name.”

    The rally, called ‘stop the violence, stop the hate’ is due to take place at Belfast City Hall today (Saturday) at 12 noon.

    ENDS 

    Amnesty media contacts: 

    Patrick Corrigan, email: Patrick.Corrigan@amnesty.org.uk / 07740 623155 

    Out of hours: media@amnesty.org.uk / 07721 398984 

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Public art’s star turn in the regeneration of midtown

    Source: Auckland Council

    Emily Trent is Head of Arts and Culture at Auckland Council so she knows why a city needs art, and how art contributes to the quality of our regenerating midtown.

    The Auckland Council group is reinventing midtown, ensuring it’s ready to serve the city well ahead of the City Rail Link opening in 2026.

    Projects include:

    • Te Hā Noa – Victoria Street linear park (Albert Street to Elliott Street) – first section complete – story and timelapse; second section complete – story and timelapse.
    • Federal Street upgrade, extension of the shared path laneway circuit – complete. Artwork Lost & Found by Joe Sheehan
    • Queen Street – upgrade complete – story and timelapse
    • Myers Park – upgrade and artwork Waimahara by Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu) is complete – story and video
    • Wellesley Street bus interchange – Auckland Transport’s works are in progress

    Against a backdrop of the city’s magnificent, multi-sensory artwork Waimahara in Myers Park, we ask Emily why art is important in any urban regeneration, and in this regeneration in particular.

    This Q&A is part of an occasional series shining light on the regeneration of midtown and some of the people who are playing a part in it. The Auckland Council group announced an investment of $155 million in multiple projects to regenerate midtown in September 2021. Many are delivered already.

    Our Q&A with Emily Trent:

    Why does a city need public art?

    Art is the way a city tells its story. Art defines who we are in the world. It delights and surprises. And right now Auckland’s midtown is a living example of that.

    How is art playing a part in the midtown regeneration?

    Anywhere in the world, art is central to a city’s regeneration.

    In Myers Park, which is part of midtown, people can come and enjoy Waimahara, an extraordinary immersive public artwork by mana whenua artist Graham Tipene in collaboration with a group of composers and creatives.

    Can you tell us about Waimahara?

    Waimahara is a celebration of te ao Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau, and it invites us to remember water. It references Te Waihorotiu stream, which flows beneath Queen Street and has its source here in Myers Park.

    Within Waimahara, we see references to water. We hear immersive elements such as birdsong, taonga pūoro (traditional musical instruments), and we see references to taiao (nature) like kauri and hīnaki (fish trap) forms.

    Are there other forms of expression?

    Within this space, there’s art all around. There’s art in the planting, there’s art in the boardwalk, there’s art in the stairway by Tessa Harris. And art is in the cultural identity and the story we tell through this built environment.

    Public art, and the arts, culture and creativity, are the thread that connects us as humans. It can bring joy and play. It can make a place safe and liveable. It invites you to linger, to be inspired and to find joy just around the corner.

    How does Auckland Council’s public art collection take shape?

    Auckland Council partners with artists and creatives to bring public art to the Auckland region. The Auckland Council Regional Art Collection has over 400 artworks all across the region that bring joy and creativity.

    What other art can people see in this area?

    In addition to Waimahara, we have Lost & Found in Federal Street by Joe Sheehan.

    We’ve got new works coming to Victoria Street. And we’ve got murals. The regeneration of midtown is providing amazing opportunities for new works and also to refresh existing works.

    What about the City Rail Link stations?

    Next year Aucklanders will be able to step into the City Rail Link stations. These stations provide an amazing canvas for public art. We’ll be able to see our cultural identity expressed through art in the stations.

    Is this, in effect, a free, all-weather, outdoor art gallery?

    Our city’s expression is visible in the built environment through public art. It can delight us, it can connect us, and it can provide an opportunity for discussion and consideration. It’s accessible to everyone. Art tells the story of our place in the world.

    [embedded content]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pharmac to fund two brands of oestradiol patches from 1 December 2025

    Source: PHARMAC

    Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches – Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan – from 1 December 2025.

    People will be able to use either brand of patch, subject to availability. From this date, the other currently funded brands of oestradiol patches will no longer be funded.

    “We know how important it is for people to have access to the treatment that works best for them,” says Pharmac’s Manager of Pharmaceutical Funding, Adrienne Martin. “We’ve heard very clearly from many people, that while different brands of patches should work the same, this is not everyone’s experience.

    “That’s why we’re funding two brands – so that people can access the oestradiol patches they need, depending on availability.”

    Earlier this year, Pharmac asked for feedback on a proposal to fund both the Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan brands of oestradiol patches. More than 1,100 people responded to the consultation.

    “Most people supported the proposal, especially the continued funding of Estradot. Some people expressed concerns about also funding the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand, while others wanted more brands funded alongside Estradot.

    “We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences with menopause and using oestradiol patches,” says Martin. “Your feedback has had a real impact on this decision.”

    Pharmac has secured as much Estradot as the supplier can provide. However, global supply issues remain. Demand for oestradiol patches has increased significantly in New Zealand and internationally, and the manufacturer of Estradot has not been able to produce enough to meet this growing demand.

    “There may still be times when Estradot isn’t available for everyone who needs it,” says Martin. “That’s why having another funded brand available is so important.”

    To help manage supply, both brands will continue to have a ‘2 patch per week’ limit on each strength. People will also continue to receive one month’s supply at a time from their pharmacy.

    We heard from people who wanted us to remove the patch limit and change the dispensing rules,” says Martin. “We acknowledge how frustrating these limits are for people but changing or removing them would put pressure on demand, which would increase the risk of these patches not being available.

    “We will review the patch limit and dispensing rules in 12 months depending on the supply outlook.”

    Pharmac will continue to monitor supply and work to ensure people can access the treatments they need.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pharmac funding u-turn for patients

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the oestradiol patch funding decision is an example of Pharmac’s new patient-centric approach.

    From December 2025 Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches, Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan. 

    “Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to Estradiol TDP Mylan as the only funded brand of oestradiol patch. They heard very clearly that the TDP Mylan brand of patch did not work for everyone, and that people wanted options,” Mr Seymour says.  

    “I’m pleased to see Pharmac’s responsiveness to the voices of patients by funding both brands. This decision reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centric approach.

    “The community let Pharmac know that they weren’t consulted enough on the original decision. Pharmac has learnt from this, and has added an additional consultation step to its annual tender process to seek feedback when considering a medicine brand change. This patient-centric approach was taken in today’s funding decision. 

    “Pharmac worked and engaged with people who use oestradiol patches, menopause specialists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, advocacy groups and petition founders in making the decision to fund both brands of patches. 

    “People should have the opportunity to share what the impact of brand changes would be for them, and what support would be required if there was a change to their current medicine.

    “Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people living with an illness, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines, this is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement.

    “I expect all key groups to be involved in changes to funded medicine brands through the annual tender. This approach ensures stakeholder engagement while managing financial and operational impacts.

    The annual tender process is a key mechanism for Pharmac to manage pharmaceutical expenditure at a relatively low transactional cost. Once a year Pharmac invites suppliers to bid to be the main suppliers of certain medicines. This process can realise between $30 million and $50 million savings per year to spend on new treatments.

    “The redirection of Pharmac remains positive and continues towards a more adaptable and patient-centred approach to funding medicines,” says Mr Seymour.

    “The decisions to fund Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan, and to improve consultation criteria on the annual tender process follows the Pharmac Consumer Engagement Workshop Report, and my letter of expectations, are positive steps towards a system which works for the people it serves.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kaitake cameras reveal impact of sustained predator control

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  16 June 2025

    The western-most of three mountain ranges in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, Kaitake is the focus for a joint predator control programme involving the Department of Conservation (DOC), Taranaki Maunga Project, iwi and other community collaborators.

    DOC Biodiversity Ranger Brandon Kingi says a comparison of images captured by the trail cameras dotted across the Kaitake shows a dramatic decrease in predators like possums, stoats and feral cats – and a notable increase in protected native species like kiwi, which have been successfully reintroduced to the area.

    “We’ve seen a big fall in the number of feral cats caught on our cameras, which shows the 1080 operation has effectively controlled them,” says Brandon.

    “Immediately after the operation in November last year, the number of cats detected dropped almost overnight — from about 95 per cent of the cameras showing feral cats, to about 1 per cent.

    “There was a similar result for stoats — they were seen on our cameras before the operation, then they had almost vanished when we checked the cameras afterwards.”

    The predator control methods used at Kaitake also include bait stations and leg-hold possum traps.

    Brandon says keeping predator numbers down requires hard physical labour, carried out by staff from DOC and Taranaki Maunga Project, as well as volunteers and paid staff from iwi and community groups.

    “The community collaborators contributing to Kaitake working to protect biodiversity on the maunga have also helped control rats and mustelids.”

    Brandon says the successful measured reduction of predators at Kaitake demonstrates how a trapping network extends the benefits from aerial operations by reducing predator reinvasion. There are also anecdotal observations of more birdlife across the range and a healthier forest.

    “The camera data is another tangible measure that the hard work by kaimahi and volunteers removing predators and reintroducing kiwi is paying off,” says Sean Zieltjes, Taranaki Maunga Project Pou Whakahaere Taurua/Co-Project Director.

    “It shows the power of community involvement to really make a difference in driving biodiversity improvements.

    “Kaitake didn’t have a particular focus for Taranaki Mounga Project when we started nearly a decade ago but then the community support changed that. Relationships fostered with Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri, the Kaitake Conservation Ranges Trust, schools, landowners, and other groups and agencies, have snowballed into achieving much more than we could ever have done working separately.”

    Organisations contributing to predator control and species protection at Kaitake are Kaitake Conservation Ranges Trust, Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri hapu, environmental educators Te Ara Taio, and numerous schools. Taranaki Kiwi Trust, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Save the Kiwi have all contributed to the return of kiwi to the maunga.

    Invasive species are putting immense pressure on New Zealand’s ecosystems. Aotearoa has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world – 4,000. Once our unique native species are gone, they are gone for good. The results at Kaitake demonstrate a small but important success in protecting native species.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested following Hawks v Crows Match at UTAS Stadium

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Man arrested following Hawks v Crows Match at UTAS Stadium

    Saturday, 14 June 2025 – 9:15 am.

    A 42-year-old man from Launceston was arrested following an incident at UTAS Stadium on Friday night.
    Shortly after the final siren of the AFL match, the man entered the playing surface, disrupting post-match activities while players and umpires were leaving the ground. Security personnel swiftly intervened, but during the incident, two security guards were assaulted.
    Police attended and arrested the man, who appeared to be intoxicated.
    No injuries were reported. The man was charged with trespass, assault and disorderly conduct, and will appear in court at a later date.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard interdicts 11 aliens off the coast of La Jolla

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/15/2025 07:15 PM EDT

     

    06/15/2025 06:56 PM EDT

    SAN DIEGO — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC-618) interdicted 11 aliens found aboard a 20-foot cabin cruiser vessel approximately 22 miles west of La Jolla, Saturday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Work of voluntary fishery officers crucial to ensuring plenty of fish for the future

    Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

    The work of honorary fishery officers (HFOs) is crucial for protecting our shared fisheries resources and this week they’re among the many volunteers being recognised during National Volunteer Week.

    National Volunteer Week – Tūao Aotearoa Volunteering NZ

    HFOs support Fisheries New Zealand fishery officers by carrying out around 40% of recreational compliance work throughout the country.

    “This year’s theme: Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together celebrates how volunteers make their mark throughout communities. We have around 180 HFOs patrolling throughout the country and it’s working together that makes the difference on the coasts and on the water.

    “Our HFOs give up their time to provide education and advice on rules, while keeping a close eye on fishing activities in the name of sustainability into the future,” says Fisheries New Zealand director fisheries compliance, Steve Ham.

    HFOs were first introduced in Auckland in 1967 as a way for people in the community to help get involved in protecting local fisheries from overfishing.

    “They’re an important part of our work to maintain sustainability for New Zealand’s recreational fishers. In one recent example we got a call on our 0800 4 POACHER hotline from an off-duty Manukau HFO, who reported seeing people gathering cockles from the closed Eastern Beach in Auckland.

    “Fishery officers were able to locate the people and found they had 1,348 cockles and will likely face prosecution, thanks to the work of an HFO.”

    Following another call on the Poacher hotline – patrolling Manukau HFOs working in the Kawakawa Bay area responded to the report of people gathering oysters at Waitawa Regional Park. The HFOs inspected the boot of a car and the 2 people in the car were found to have 1,442 oysters and will likely also face prosecution.

    “If your lines are tight while fishing during National Volunteer Week, it might be because of the tireless voluntary work of our HFO network throughout the country who play their part in keeping fisheries sustainable. They’re invaluable people and one of the reasons the recreational fishing compliance rate sits at 94% across the country.

    “A big part of what they do is talk to people, answer questions, and explain the rules. If you’re new to fishing and come in contact with an HFO, don’t be shy, they’re there to help.”

    HFOs contribute a minimum of 100 hours voluntary work a year to looking after recreational fishing areas. They’re put through intensive training, wear a uniform, and have a warrant under the Fisheries Act.

    “HFOs are front and centre on New Zealand’s coastlines, conducting between 11,000 and 14,000 inspections annually in recent years.”

    One of the best things all recreational fishers can do to understand the rules in their area is download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app before heading out,” says Steve Ham.

    NZ Fishing Rules mobile app

    If you have questions about becoming an HFO, email HFO@mpi.govt.nz

    For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Monetary policy affects some parts of the economy differently: RBNZ Analytical Note

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    16 June 2025 – Some parts of the economy and prices for some products are more sensitive to a rise in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) than others.

    Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua research found that sectors that make or trade goods, as well as housing and real estate related sectors are among the most sensitive to changes in the Official Cash Rate.

    “When the OCR increases, these sectors tend to cool more quickly. On the other hand, sectors like primary production including dairy and meat, are less sensitive,” the Analytical Note authors say.  

    The research also looked at how monetary policy affects prices across a wide range of domestic goods and services, which do not face as much foreign competition as internationally traded goods.

    “We found that prices for accommodation are quite sensitive. So, when the OCR increases, it puts downward pressure on the cost of going on holiday or business,” the authors say.  

    An OCR increase also has a strong impact on the cost of building a home. This means when the OCR increases, there is relatively more downward pressure on these costs than for prices of other domestic goods and services in the economy. Some services, like household power prices and insurance, are slower to respond to increases in the OCR.

    We carried out this research because identifying which parts of the economy are relatively more sensitive to monetary policy allows us to better understand how various parts of the economy may react when interest rates change. It also means we can see more clearly if past policy decisions are working through to the economy as expected.

    More information:

    Read the Analytical Note
    A research paper by Magnus Astebol and Nimesh Patel: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=30c1814904&e=f3c68946f8

    Watch a short video: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=f4070f8fec&e=f3c68946f8

    Other Analytical Notes: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=8a021ec357&e=f3c68946f8

    Key findings:

    We investigate the sensitivity of output and prices to monetary policy at a disaggregated level, focusing on GDP sectors and CPI non-tradables subgroups in New Zealand. Identifying which parts of the economy are relatively more responsive to monetary policy allows us to better understand how various parts of the economy may evolve in response to policy decisions and to better assess whether past policy decisions are transmitting to the economy as expected.  
    For GDP, we find that goods-producing and goods-trading sectors are the most sensitive to monetary policy, while primary production and public services are the least sensitive.
    For CPI non-tradables inflation, we find subgroups such as housing construction costs and accommodation services are more sensitive to monetary policy, while subgroups such as energy and insurance are less sensitive.
    The small sample size leads to greater variation in estimated effects across model variations. As such, this analysis aims to serve as a starting point for further work in this area.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – Three greyhounds dead within three days: SAFE says shut it down

    Source: SAFE For Animals

    SAFE is calling for immediate action following the deaths of three greyhounds in the space of just three days. With the industry now resorting to legal action to delay the Government’s promised ban, SAFE says the Government must step in and finish what they started.
    On 11 June, Homebush Sydney suffered a spiral fracture of her left femur during a race at Ascot Park Raceway in Southland. The injury was so severe that she was euthanised. Just two days later, Homebush Feijoa collapsed and died at the lure at Addington Raceway in Christchurch. The cause of death is unknown. That same day at Hatrick Raceway in Whanganui, Midnight Brockie sustained a catastrophic fracture to his right hock and tibia and was also euthanised.
    These deaths bring the number of fatalities this racing season to 16, already surpassing last season’s death toll of 13, with six weeks still to go.
    “Three dogs in three days is not just a tragedy – it’s a damning indictment of an industry that treats these animals as expendable,” says SAFE Campaigns Manager Emma Brodie.
    “We must remember that behind every number is a dog who felt pain, fear, and suffering in their final moments. That should shake us to our core.”
    This surge in deaths comes just weeks after Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) filed proceedings in the High Court seeking a judicial review of the Government’s decision to ban greyhound racing.
    “GRNZ is dragging the Government through the courts while greyhounds are dying on their watch,” says Brodie. “But the court of public opinion has already delivered its verdict: this cruelty has to stop.”
    SAFE is urging the racing industry to accept the Government’s decision and begin working in good faith to rehome the thousands of dogs who remain trapped in the system. At the same time, urgent direction is now needed from Government to begin winding the industry down and to progress legislation that will bring an end to greyhound racing once and for all.
    “Every dog still in this system is a life at risk. We need the Government to step in now to give these dogs a fighting chance at life beyond the track.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Retirement – New Sorted retirement navigator a one-of-a-kind tool for spending in golden years

    Source: Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission
    A groundbreaking new Sorted tool has been released to help New Zealanders nearing or already in retirement feel more confident about their financial future and how to plan for it. 
    Launched by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission, the retirement navigator is free to use on sorted.org.nz. 
    Working out how to turn a saved lump sum into a steady income to live on in retirement is a financially and mathematically challenging task. Partnering with the Retirement Income Interest Group (RIIG) of the New Zealand Society of Actuaries (NZSA), the Retirement Commission has created a customisable tool that takes care of the calculations.  
    Based on extensive modelling and drawdown ‘rules of thumb’ created by the RIIG, the retirement navigator addresses a common dilemma – how not to spend too much and run out of money or spend too little and unnecessarily compromise quality of life. 
    Taking into account people’s invested savings (for example, KiwiSaver) and NZ Super, the tool helps users determine the optimal income they can draw down over their retirement. By adjusting variables such as when they expect their retirement to start and their desired lifestyle, people can see how long their savings might last in different scenarios. 
    Sorted’s new retirement navigator is the first digital tool of its kind to be built by the Retirement Commission, and the first entirely new Sorted tool in several years. There are currently no other publicly available tools like it. 
    “There’s a lot at stake for retirees when they start living off their invested savings,” says the Retirement Commission’s Personal Finance Lead Tom Hartmann. “They don’t get any practise at it, or the option to go back in time and grow that money all over again. There are uncertainties about how long they’ll live, how high prices will rise with inflation, how investment markets will do, and how much all of this will shape their lifestyle. 
    “It’s been such a privilege to work alongside the RIIG actuaries and bring their modelling to life to enable people to forward plan. The retirement navigator puts it to real use for pre-retirees and retirees, so they can plan their spending wisely.” 
    Recognising that retirement takes different shapes and forms, the new tool offers four rules of thumb to match personal preferences and lifestyles: 
    • * The Inflated 4% Rule: For those who are concerned about longevity and want to leave an inheritance. 
    • * The 6% Rule: For those wanting to spend more in their early retirement years. 
    • * The Life Expectancy Rule: For maximising income throughout retirement. 
    • * The Fixed Date Rule: For those planning to rely on NZ Super after a certain period. 
    Each option comes with clear guidance and practical solutions to real-life financial challenges.  
    The NZSA’s Ian Perera, Convenor of the RIIG says, “We’re thrilled to see our work on rules of thumb for drawdown come to life thanks to Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission. 
    “We always hoped people thinking about their retirement would find our work helpful, and the Sorted retirement navigator tool takes it to the next level of access and understanding. Moving from accumulating savings to drawing them down is not straightforward. We admire how Sorted’s experts have embraced our actuarial work while making the retirement journey as easy to navigate as possible.” 
    Sorted’s retirement navigator tool aims to help New Zealanders: 
    • * Effectively integrate their NZ Super with other retirement savings 
    • * Make more informed decisions about their savings 
    • * Better understand their options for creating sustainable retirement income  
    • * Adapt their spending strategies as circumstances change 
    • * Approach and enjoy retirement feeling less stressed and more secure.  
    Potential applications include use by KiwiSaver providers and financial advisers throughout Aotearoa when offering tailored guidance to clients and customers.  
    Although intended for those who are nearing or already in retirement, the retirement navigator can be useful to people of any age who wish to examine how they might best manage their projected savings. Those who are more than a decade away from stopping paid work can forecast how much they’re on track to have by using Sorted’s existing retirement calculator and KiwiSaver calculator. 
    To try the new retirement navigator, visit sorted.org.nz/tools/retirement-navigator.
    About Sorted and the retirement navigator 
    Driven by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission to improve New Zealanders’ financial wellbeing through accessible, actionable, relatable financial education, Sorted offers a range of free digital tools and calculators. Click here to view them. 
    To read the new guide to using the retirement navigator, click here. 
    About the New Zealand Society of Actuaries 
    The New Zealand Society of Actuaries (NZSA) is the professional body for actuaries practising in New Zealand. It supports a highly specialised pool of around 400 members, of which around 250 are fully qualified actuaries. It sets, maintains and upholds actuarial professional standards and conduct, and supports members as they advance their skills and knowledge. 
    NZSA also contributes to the development of actuarial thinking and its application through thought leadership activities, and provides a source of reference on actuarial matters for government and other interested bodies. 
    NZSA’s Retirement Income Interest Group (RIIG) provides a forum for Society members’ concerns and ideas relating to retirement income, longevity and related issues. The RIIG has published significant work on retirement income including its drawdown ‘rules of thumb’. See the RIIG’s work here. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Immigration changes a win for productivity and workforce development – EMA

    Source: EMA

    The expansion of the Work to Residence immigration pathway to include more skilled tradespeople reflects the real needs of businesses, says the EMA.
    From 18 August, 10 trades occupations, including welders, fitters, metal fabricators, panel beaters and paving plant operators, will be added to the Green List’s Work to Residence pathway.
    EMA Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement Lead Joanna Hall says the announcement acknowledges what businesses have long been expressing.
    “These are roles that our members have been struggling to fill for some time,” she says.
    “The EMA has been pushing hard for greater recognition of these skilled trades roles in our immigration settings.
    “These aren’t just labour shortages, these are productivity chokepoints.”
    The policy change supports the government’s effort to better balance the immigration system, which has traditionally favoured tertiary-qualified applicants.
    “Immigration Minister Erica Stanford’s comments around ensuring the system better reflects a broader set of valuable skills – not just those tied to a university degree – is a positive step in the right direction,” says Hall.
    “Skilled trades are essential to New Zealand’s manufacturing, construction and infrastructure sectors. These businesses make up the bulk of our membership, so we’re well aware of the struggles they have faced in filling key roles.
    “Migrants help lift productivity and pass on knowledge that strengthens the local workforce.”
    The new Work to Residence eligibility criteria require applicants to have two years of relevant experience in New Zealand and meet health, character, and wage thresholds.
    Hourly wage thresholds range from $38.59 to $43.63 depending on the role, with annual salaries between $80,267 and $90,750 based on a 40-hour week.
    However, Hall says some of these thresholds may be out of sync with real market conditions.
    “While we support mechanisms that uphold quality, the wage thresholds do seem high for certain roles and could limit access if they aren’t aligned with industry rates.
    “We urge Immigration NZ to ensure these thresholds are grounded in reality.
    “In addition, it’s important that the value of these trades is recognised not only in the Green List but also in the Skilled Migrant Category.”
    The EMA continues to support balanced and evidence-based immigration policy that reflects workforce realities and helps New Zealand businesses grow.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious Crash at Pages Road, Moorleah

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Serious Crash at Pages Road, Moorleah

    Sunday, 15 June 2025 – 4:06 pm.

    Emergency Services were contacted at 11:37pm on 14 June 2025 regarding a serious traffic crash on Pages Road, Moorleah near the intersection of Cryans Road.
    The vehicle, a grey 2004 Holden Calais sedan, was travelling east, has left the road and then hit trees. The occupants of the vehicle were a 44-year-old man (driver), a 26-year-old woman and a 10-year-old child. The female passenger was transported to the North-West Regional Hospital by ambulance and then flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital via helicopter in a serious condition with head injuries. The male driver and child were uninjured. It is not believed there were any other vehicles involved in the crash.
    The crash is under investigation by Western Crash Investigation Services. Anyone with information, or relevant dash cam footage, is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.
    Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: RBNZ How are different parts of the economy impacted by Official Cash Rate changes?

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_y7hUYSDtQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Council calls for applications to help transform water quality across Auckland

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Council’s Regional Waterway Protection Fund (RWPF) and Making Space for Rural Water Fund are now open for applications, offering up to $800,000 in grants to rural landowners committed to improving freshwater quality and restoring biodiversity across the region.

    Applications are open from 16 June to 27 July 2025.

    Now in its 10th year, the RWPF supports fencing and native planting projects that protect waterways from livestock, reduce sediment runoff, and enhance aquatic ecosystems.

    The fund operates on a 50/50 partnership model, with Auckland Council providing financial support, restoration plans and technical advice, and landowners contributing cash or in-kind labour.

    This year, priority areas include the Papakura Stream, Matakana River, Ōrere River, Āwhitu Catchment, and Aotea / Great Barrier Island. Grants will also be available through the Making Space for Water Fund, designed to complement these efforts.

    Tom Mansell, Auckland Council’s Head of Sustainable Partnerships, says the fund continues to deliver real change.

    “Improving rural water quality is one of the most meaningful actions we can take to protect our environment. It benefits not only the land and water but the communities that depend on them,” says Mr Mansell.

    The projects, funded through the RWPF, are a long-term investment in the health of our ecosystems. These initiatives are a powerful example of how collaboration between landowners, council and community can restore balance to our natural landscapes.

    Projects eligible for funding include:

    • stock-exclusion fencing
    • riparian planting using eco-sourced natives
    • fish passage improvements
    • alternative water supplies for livestock.

    Applications will be assessed on environmental outcomes, project feasibility, community involvement, and alignment with iwi and hapū values.

    RWPF and Making Space for Rural Water funded projects are already reshaping rural Auckland—restoring wetlands, protecting native species, and building stronger connections between people and place.

    For more information and to apply, read more on the main Auckland Council website. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –