NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Pacific leads at UN Ocean Conference, Australia urged to step up commitments

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, Tuesday 10 June 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has congratulated seven Pacific Island nations for their commitment to ocean protection at the UN Ocean Conference overnight, calling it “a powerful wave of global Pacific leadership.”

    On the first day of the UN Ocean Conference, the Republic of the Marshall Islands announced its support for a global moratorium on deep sea mining. Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands ratified the Global Ocean Treaty, and Papua New Guinea and Niue signed. 

    Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “The power of the Pacific is on display at the UN Ocean Conference. These announcements are a blue wave of change by the Pacific at one of the world’s biggest ocean summits. The people of the Pacific have the moral authority to lead the charge on ocean protection, and world leaders must follow suit.

    “The Marshall Islands backing a moratorium on deep sea mining, 40 years after the US forcefully used their atolls as a nuclear weapon testing ground, shows the Pacific will and must push against neocolonialism in all of its emerging forms. Deep sea mining could destroy Pacific waters, and global leaders must stop it before it starts.” 

    The Republic of the Marshall Islands was one of the first Pacific nations to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty, and this year proposed a large marine protected area covering more than 260 times the size of its land mass.

    The Global Ocean Treaty requires ratification by 60 states to bring it into force. Australia has committed to ratifying the treaty, but has not supported a moratorium on deep sea mining. Greenpeace is calling on the Australian government to follow the leadership of the Pacific and say no to deep sea mining, expand domestic marine sanctuaries, and champion large, high seas marine sanctuaries.

    —ENDS—

    Photos and footage available on deep sea mining and oceans

    For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kimberley Bernard on +61 407 581 404 or [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Summit “Africa for the Ocean” [All-French, as delivered; scroll down for All-English]

    Source: United Nations – English

    otre Altesse Royale, Princesse Lalla Hasnaa du Royaume du Maroc,
    Monsieur le Président de la République française, Cher Emmanuel Macron,
    Excellences, Chers amis,

    Je vous remercie d’organiser ce sommet afin de réaffirmer un message clair :

    Les destins de l’Afrique et de l’océan sont profondément liés.

    Pour des millions de personnes à travers le continent, l’océan est source de vie, d’identité, de promesses.

    Avec plus de 30 000 kilomètres de littoral et 38 États côtiers, l’Afrique est une puissance maritime.

    Son avenir s’écrit aussi dans ses eaux.

    Mais cette richesse bleue est trop souvent sous-évaluée et surexploitée.

    L’insécurité maritime menace la paix.

    La pollution empoisonne les côtes et les écosystèmes.

    Et la crise climatique – dont l’Afrique n’est pourtant pas responsable – ravage ses rivages.

    Face à ces défis, l’Afrique propose, innove, agit.

    Elle forge des solutions qui inspirent bien au-delà du continent.

    Nous le voyons dans des projets ambitieux de coopération régionale – ou encore la Stratégie intégrée de l’Union africaine pour les mers et les océans à l’horizon 2050.

    Et nous le voyons dans les négociations internationales, où l’Afrique fait entendre sa voix avec force.

    L’Accord sur la diversité biologique marine des zones ne relevant pas de la juridiction nationale – l’Accord BBNJ – en est un exemple.

    Le Groupe africain a été un acteur central des négociations, obtenant des engagements sur le partage équitable des avantages, le renforcement des capacités et le transfert de technologies marines.

    À ce jour, 28 États africains ont signé l’Accord. Trois l’ont déjà ratifié. Peut-être que ces chiffres sont déjà surpassés par les chiffres que le Président de la République a annoncé ce matin.

    Et plusieurs autres prévoient de le faire aujourd’hui, lors de la cérémonie spéciale sur les traités pour l’Accord BBNJ.

    C’est un signal fort : l’Afrique est au cœur de l’action pour les océans.

    Mais pour libérer pleinement ce potentiel, il faut un sursaut politique et financier.

    Cela commence par renforcer la sécurité maritime face aux menaces transnationales – piraterie, trafic d’armes et d’êtres humains et crime organisé.

    Les Nations Unies continueront de soutenir les efforts africains, notamment à travers l’Architecture de Yaoundé, qui a contribué à une baisse significative des actes de piraterie dans le golfe de Guinée.

    Cela passe également par une gouvernance océanique fondée sur la science et la coopération.

    Il faut lutter contre la pollution et la pêche illicite, non déclarée et non réglementée, renforcer les capacités de collecte et de partage des données océanographiques, et protéger la biodiversité.

    Nous devons valoriser les énergies marines renouvelables, l’aquaculture et le tourisme durable, autant de sources d’emplois décents – notamment pour les jeunes et les femmes.

    Mais ces efforts ne porteront pleinement leurs fruits que si l’Afrique est connectée – dans ses territoires et avec le reste du monde.

    Les océans africains doivent devenir de véritables corridors d’intégration – reliant pays côtiers et enclavés, au service d’une croissance partagée.

    Cela suppose des investissements concrets dans les infrastructures maritimes et portuaires : des ports interconnectés, résilients face au changement climatique, capables de répondre aux besoins d’un commerce en croissance.

    Les États sans littoral doivent être reliés aux chaînes de valeur mondiales.

    Aucun pays ne doit rester à quai.

    Mais pour que cette transformation soit durable et équitable, nous devons mettre fin aux injustices historiques.

    Ces injustices se traduisent aussi dans l’océan : les investissements ont trop souvent contourné l’Afrique, alors même que ses ressources marines étaient exploitées par d’autres.

    Le Pacte pour l’Avenir, adopté en septembre dernier, appelle à une réforme profond des institutions financières mondiales – afin qu’elles soient au service de tous.

    Il est temps que les pays en développement soient équitablement représentés dans ces institutions. D’ailleurs, comme au Conseil de Sécurité des Nations-Unies.

    Nous avons besoin d’un système qui reflète les réalités du XXIème siècle – un système plus juste, plus solidaire et plus efficace.

    C’est pourquoi j’appelle les institutions financières, les bailleurs bilatéraux et multilatéraux, les banques de développement et le secteur privé à répondre présent – y compris lors de la quatrième Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement à Séville.

    Chers amis,

    De Dakar à Djibouti, du Cap à Casablanca, l’Afrique prouve qu’on peut conjuguer prospérité et préservation.

    Le monde a besoin de l’Afrique pour répondre aux défis de l’océan.

    Et l’océan a besoin d’une Afrique qui trace sa voie et navigue résolument vers l’avenir.

    Je vous remercie.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Your Royal Highness, Princess Lalla Hasnaa of the Kingdom of Morocco,
    Mr. President of the French Republic, Dear Emmanuel Macron,
    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    Thank you for organizing this summit to reaffirm a clear message:

    The destinies of Africa and the ocean are deeply linked.

    For millions of people across the continent, the ocean is a source of life, identity and promise.

    With over 30,000 kilometers of coastline and 38 coastal states, Africa is a maritime powerhouse.

    Its future is also written in its waters.

    But this blue wealth is too often undervalued and overexploited.

    Maritime insecurity threatens peace.

    Pollution poisons coasts and ecosystems.

    And the climate crisis – that Africa did little to cause – is ravaging its shores.

    In the face of these challenges, Africa is proposing, innovating, taking action.

    It is forging solutions that inspire far beyond the continent.

    We see this in ambitious regional cooperation projects – and in the African Union’s 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy for the Seas and Oceans to 2050.

    And we see it in international negotiations, where Africa is making its voice heard loud and clear.

    The Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction – the BBNJ Agreement – is one example.

    The African Group was a key player in the negotiations, securing commitments on equitable benefit sharing, capacity building and marine technology transfer.

    To date, 28 African states have signed the Agreement. Three have already ratified it. These numbers have increased with the news that President Macron shared with us earlier today.

    And several more are planning to do so today, at the special treaty ceremony for the BBNJ Agreement.

    This is a strong signal: Africa is at the heart of ocean action.

    But to fully unleash this potential, we need a political and financial surge.

    This begins by strengthening maritime security in the face of transnational threats – piracy, arms and human trafficking and organized crime.

    The United Nations will continue to support African efforts, notably through the Yaoundé Architecture, which has contributed to a significant decline in acts of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

    This also requires ocean governance based on science and cooperation.

    We must combat pollution and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, strengthen capacities for collecting and sharing oceanographic data, and protect biodiversity.

    We must promote renewable marine energies, sustainable aquaculture and tourism – all of which create decent jobs, in particular for young people and women.

    But these efforts will only bear fruit if Africa is connected — within its territories and with the rest of the world.

    Africa’s oceans must become integration corridors – linking coastal and landlocked countries, for a shared growth.

    This calls for concrete investments in maritime infrastructures – interconnected ports, resilient to climate change, capable of meeting the needs of growing trade.

    Landlocked states must be connected to global value chains.

    No country should be left behind.

    But for this transformation to be sustainable and equitable, we must put an end to historical injustices.

    These injustices are also reflected in the ocean: investments have too often bypassed Africa, even as its marine resources were exploited by others.

    The Pact for the Future, adopted last September, calls for deep reforms of global financial institutions – so that they serve everyone.

    It is time for developing countries to be fairly represented in these institutions.

    We need a system that reflects the realities of the 21st century – a system that is more just, more supportive, and more effective. As is the the case with the United Nations Security Council.

    That is why I call on financial institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, development banks and the private sector to step up – including at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville.

    Dear friends,

    From Dakar to Djibouti, from Cape Town to Casablanca, Africa is proving that prosperity and preservation can go hand in hand.

    The world needs Africa to meet the ocean’s challenges.

    And the ocean needs an Africa that charts its own course and navigates decisively toward the future.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the opening of the UN Ocean Conference [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    onsieur le Président de la République française, Cher Emmanuel Macron
    Señor Presidente de la República de Costa Rica, Estimado Rodrigo Chaves Robles
     
    Excellences, chers amis,
    Dear President of the French Republic, Dear Emmanuel Macron
    Mr. President of the Republic of Costa Rica, Dear Rodrigo Chaves Robles
    Excellencies, dear friends,
     
    Permettez-moi tout d’abord de remercier nos hôtes, les gouvernements de la France et du Costa Rica, d’avoir organisé cette conférence.
    Let me begin by thanking our hosts, the Governments of France and Costa Rica, for convening this conference.
     
    Et merci à tous d’être là, à Nissa la bella – ville à la mer d’azur et au ciel pur.
    And thank you all for being here, in “Nissa la bella” – city of azure seas and clear skies.
     
    Nous voici réunis sur les rives de la Méditerranée, carrefour de continents, de cultures et de commerce.
    We gather beside the Mediterranean –  a crossroads of continents, cultures, and commerce.
     
    Une mer qui, depuis des millénaires, est source de vie – et qui nous rappelle notre profonde dépendance à l’égard de l’océan.
    A sea that has sustained life for millennia –reminding us of our deep dependence on the ocean.
     
    L’océan produit la moitié de l’oxygène que nous respirons.
    The ocean generates half of the oxygen we breathe.  
     
    Il nourrit 3 milliards de personnes et fait vivre 600 millions d’autres.
    It feeds 3 billion people and sustains 600 million livelihoods.
     
    L’économie des océans a plus que doublé en 30 ans – et elle continue de croître.
    The ocean economy has more than doubled in 30 years – and keeps growing.
     
    Le transport maritime assure, à lui seul, plus de 80 % du commerce mondial.
    Maritime transport alone moves over 80 per cent of global trade.
     
    L’océan est notre bien commun par excellence.
    The ocean is the ultimate shared resource.
     
    Pourtant, nous sommes en train de le piller.
    But we are failing it.
     
    Les stocks de poissons s’effondrent.
    Fish stocks are collapsing.
     
    La surconsommation et la pêche illégale poussent des espèces au bord de l’extinction.
    Over-consumption and illegal fishing are pushing marine life to the brink.
     
    Chaque année, 23 millions de tonnes de plastique sont déversées dans les eaux et asphyxient les écosystèmes.
    Plastic pollution is choking ecosystems – with 23 million tonnes of waste entering waters every year.
     
    Les émissions de carbone provoquent l’acidification et le réchauffement des océans – détruisant les récifs de corail et accélérant la montée des eaux.
    Carbon emissions are driving ocean acidification and heating – destroying coral reefs and accelerating sea level rise.
     
    Si on ne change pas de cap, cette acceleration va submerger les deltas, detruire les récoltes et engloutir les littoraux, menaçant la survie même de nombreuses îles.
    If we do not change course, this rise will submerge deltas, destroy crops, and swallow coastlines – threatening many islands’ survival.
     
    L’océan absorbe désormais 90 % de l’excédent de chaleur piégé par les gaz à effet de serre.
    The ocean now stores 90 per cent of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases.
     
    Autant de symptômes d’un système en crise… et qui s’auto-alimente.
    These are symptoms of a system in crisis – and they are feeding off each other.
     
    Brisant les chaînes alimentaires… Anéantissant les moyens de subsistance… Augmentant l’insécurité.
    Unravelling food chains. Destroying livelihoods. Deepening insecurity.
     
    Cette insécurité est exacerbée par la criminalité : piraterie, trafic d’êtres humains, réseaux organisés et pillage des ressources volent des vies, freinent le développement et privent les communautés côtières de leurs droits.
    And insecurity is rising not only from natural forces – but from criminal ones.  Piracy, organized crime, human trafficking, and the looting of natural resources are threatening lives, undermining development, and robbing coastal communities of their rights.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Since the last UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, we have seen progress.
     
    We have also seen a growing awareness of the deep interconnection between preserving biodiversity and marine ecosystems, combatting climate change, and stopping pollution.
     
    The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework set a bold pledge:
     
    To conserve and manage at least 30 per cent of marine and coastal areas by 2030.
     
    Member States also adopted the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction – a historic breakthrough.
     
    I urge all delegations to ratify it – and welcome good news delivered by President Macron and the momentum this Conference is generating toward its swift entry into force.
                    
    I also call on all countries to agree on an ambitious and legally binding treaty on plastic pollution – this year.
     
    It is essential to successfully conclude the agreement on fisheries currently discussed at World Trade Organization.
     
    The International Maritime Organization committed to reach net-zero emissions from shipping by 2050.
     
    And last year’s General Assembly Meeting on Sea Level Rise underscored that statehood and sovereignty cannot be undermined by rising seas.
     
    This proves multilateralism works – but only if we match words with action.
     
    By developing concrete national plans aligned with global targets;
     
    By harnessing science, driving innovation, and ensuring fair access to technology;
     
    By empowering fishers, Indigenous peoples, and youth;
     
    And above all, by investing.
     
    SDG 14 on life below water remains one of the least funded Sustainable Development Goals.
     
    This must change – through increased public finance, greater support from development banks, and bold models to unlock private capital. 
     
    I urge all countries to come forward with bold pledges.
     
    Small Island Developing States need support to build resilience and thrive in the blue economy.
     
    Many struggle to access healthy, affordable food –  underscoring the urgent need to restore local fisheries and strengthen ocean-based food systems.
     
    We must also strengthen maritime security as a pillar of sustainable development.
     
    And we must embed ocean priorities across climate, food systems and sustainable finance.
     
    Because without a healthy ocean, there can be no healthy planet.
     
    Finally, nations are also navigating new waters on seabed mining:
     
    I support the ongoing work of the International Seabed Authority on this important issue.
     
    The deep sea cannot become the Wild West.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    We live in an age of turmoil, but the resolve I see here gives me hope.
     
    Hope that we can turn the tide.
     
    That we can move from plunder to protection.
     
    From exclusion to equity.
     
    From short-term exploitation to long-term stewardship.
     
    We know it’s possible.
     
    When we reached a global moratorium on commercial whaling, whale populations recovered.
     
    When we protect marine areas, life returns.
     
    Today, we have the opportunity to restore marine abundance.
     
    What was lost in a generation can return in a generation.
     
    The ocean of our ancestors – teeming with life and diversity – can be more than legend.
     
    It can be our legacy.
     
    I wish you a successful conference.
     
    Thank you.

    **** 

    [All-French]
     
    Monsieur le Président de la République française, Cher Emmanuel Macron
    Monsieur le Président de la République du Costa Rica, Cher Rodrigo Chaves Robles
     
    Excellences, chers amis,
     
    Permettez-moi tout d’abord de remercier nos hôtes, les gouvernements de la France et du Costa Rica, d’avoir organisé cette conférence.
     
    Et merci à tous d’être là, à Nissa la bella – ville à la mer d’azur et au ciel pur.
     
    Nous voici réunis sur les rives de la Méditerranée, carrefour de continents, de cultures et de commerce.
     
    Une mer qui, depuis des millénaires, est source de vie – et qui nous rappelle notre profonde dépendance à l’égard de l’océan.
     
    L’océan produit la moitié de l’oxygène que nous respirons.
     
    Il nourrit 3 milliards de personnes et fait vivre 600 millions d’autres.
     
    L’économie des océans a plus que doublé en 30 ans – et elle continue de croître.
     
    Le transport maritime assure, à lui seul, plus de 80 % du commerce mondial.
     
    L’océan est notre bien commun par excellence.
     
    Pourtant, nous sommes en train de le piller.
     
    Les stocks de poissons s’effondrent.
     
    La surconsommation et la pêche illégale poussent des espèces au bord de l’extinction.
     
    Chaque année, 23 millions de tonnes de plastique sont déversées dans les eaux et asphyxient les écosystèmes.
     
    Les émissions de carbone provoquent l’acidification et le réchauffement des océans – détruisant les récifs de corail et accélérant la montée des eaux.
     
    Si on ne change pas de cap, cette accélération va submerger les deltas, détruire les récoltes et engloutir les littoraux – menaçant la survie même de nombreuses îles.
     
    L’océan absorbe désormais 90 % de l’excédent de chaleur piégé par les gaz à effet de serre.
     
    Autant de symptômes d’un système en crise… et qui s’auto-alimente.
     
    La montée des eaux submerge les deltas, détruit les récoltes et engloutit les littoraux, menaçant la survie même de nombreuses îles.
     
    L’océan est pris au piège d’un cercle vicieux – victime et accélérateur du changement climatique.
     
    Brisant les chaînes alimentaires… Anéantissant les moyens de subsistance… Augmentant l’insécurité.
     
    Cette insécurité est exacerbée par la criminalité : piraterie, trafic d’êtres humains, réseaux organisés et pillage des ressources volent des vies, freinent le développement et privent les communautés côtières de leurs droits.
     
    Mesdames et Messieurs,
     
    Depuis la dernière Conférence des Nations Unies sur l’océan, qui s’est tenue à Lisbonne, des progrès ont été accomplis.
     
    Nous avons également vu une prise de conscience croissante des liens profonds entre la préservation de la biodiversité et des écosystèmes marins, la lutte contre le changement climatique et l’arrêt de la pollution.
     
    Le Cadre mondial de la biodiversité de Kunming-Montréal contient un engagement audacieux :
     
    Conserver et gérer au moins 30 % des zones marines et côtières d’ici à 2030.
     
    Les États Membres ont également adopté l’Accord portant sur la diversité biologique marine des zones ne relevant pas de la juridiction nationale, qui marque une avancée historique.
     
    J’exhorte toutes les délégations à ratifier cet accord et je me félicite des bonnes nouvelles partagées par le President Macron et de l’impulsion donnée par la Conférence pour en favoriser l’entrée en vigueur rapide.
     
    Par ailleurs, j’appelle tous les pays à s’entendre cette année sur un traité ambitieux et juridiquement contraignant sur la pollution plastique.
     
    Il est également essentiel de conclure avec succès l’accord sur la pêche actuellement discuté à l’Organisation mondiale du commerce.
     
    L’Organisation maritime internationale est résolue à faire en sorte que, d’ici à 2025, le transport maritime ne produise plus aucune émission nette.
     
    L’année dernière, durant la réunion de l’Assemblée générale sur l’élévation du niveau de la mer, il a été dit avec force que la montée des eaux ne saurait porter atteinte à la souveraineté et à l’intégrité des États.
     
    Toutes ces initiatives montrent que le multilatéralisme fonctionne, mais seulement si nous traduisons nos paroles en actes.
     
    En développant des plans nationaux concrets alignés sur les objectifs mondiaux.
     
    En exploitant la science, en stimulant l’innovation, et en garantissant un accès équitable à la technologie.
     
    En donnant des moyens d’action aux pêcheurs, aux populations autochtones, aux scientifiques et aux jeunes.
     
    Et, par-dessus tout, en investissant.
     
    L’objectif de développement durable no 14 relatif à la vie aquatique demeure l’un des objectifs de développement durable les moins bien financés.
     
    Les choses doivent changer. Pour cela, il faut augmenter les financements publics, accroître l’appui apporté par les banques de développement et favoriser l’afflux de capitaux privés grâce à des modèles de financement audacieux.
     
    J’exhorte tous les pays à prendre des engagements ambitieux [et je remercie ceux qui l’ont déjà fait].
     
    Les petits États insulaires en développement ont besoin d’aide pour renforcer leur résilience et prospérer dans l’économie bleue.
     
    Nombreux sont ceux qui peinent à se procurer une alimentation saine à un coût abordable, ce qui montre combien il est urgent de restaurer les pêches locales et de renforcer les systèmes alimentaires basés sur l’océan.
     
    Nous devons également renforcer la sécurité maritime qui est l’un des piliers du développement durable.
     
    Nous devons intégrer les priorités liées à l’océan dans toutes nos activités touchant le climat, les systèmes alimentaires et la finance durable.
     
    Car sans un océan en bonne santé, il ne peut y avoir de planète en bonne santé.
     
    Enfin, l’exploitation minière des fonds marins pose aux pays de nouveaux défis.
     
    Je soutiens les travaux en cours de l’Autorité internationale des fonds marins sur cet enjeu important.
     
    Les grands fonds ne peuvent pas devenir un Far West.
     
    Mesdames et Messieurs,
     
    Nous vivons une époque de troubles, mais la détermination que je constate ici me donne de l’espoir.
     
    J’espère que nous pourrons redresser la situation.
     
    Que nous pourrons remplacer le pillage par la protection.
     
    L’exclusion par l’équité.
     
    La surexploitation à court terme par la bonne gestion à long terme.
     
    Nous savons que c’est possible.
     
    Lorsque nous sommes parvenus à un moratoire mondial sur la chasse commerciale à la baleine, les populations de baleines se sont reconstituées.
     
    Lorsque nous protégeons des aires marines, la vie revient.
     
    Aujourd’hui, nous avons la possibilité de redonner à l’océan son abondance.
     
    Ce qui a été perdu en l’espace d’une génération peut renaître en l’espace d’une autre.
     
    L’océan qu’ont connu nos ancêtres, qui regorgeait de vie et de diversité, peut être davantage qu’une légende.
     
    Il peut être notre héritage.
     
    Que votre conférence soit couronnée de succès.
     
    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Climate legal action necessary response to Government inaction

    Source: NZCTU

    The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi welcomes the legal action taken against the Minister of Climate Change by a coalition of legal experts as an important step in ensuring that Aotearoa meets its climate action obligations.

    “We strongly support legal action to ensure that the Government is held to account for its legal obligations under the Climate Change Response Act,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

    “The union movement is deeply concerned by the Emissions Reduction Plan 2026-2030, which contains no significant policies to reduce emissions and will fail to get New Zealand meaningfully closer to our 2050 net-zero commitment.

    “The actions – or lack of them – by this Government on climate change are the actions of climate deniers, not responsible leaders.

    “Workers and communities need real political leadership that combats global emissions and invests in creating a just transition for industries and workers. We need leadership that develops and upholds long term consensus, not more U-turns.

    “Instead, we have a government that cancelled 35 climate policies without consulting the public first, as required by law. Robust public engagement is essential.

    “Climate policy is yet another area where this Government is prioritising corporate interests over democratic accountability and the interests of working people.

    “Evidence is clear that a near-total focus on tree planting through vast pine forests is not a sufficient response – we must reduce emissions at source.

    “Alongside the weak emissions budget, in Budget 2025 we saw a total abdication of responsibility on climate change and ensuring a Just Transition for working people in an increasingly volatile world.

    “The NZCTU supports bold climate action to reduce emissions, adapt to the changing climate, and transition to a zero emissions economy that provides full employment for workers,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government rightfully sued over illegal climate ‘plan’

    Source: Green Party

    Last week, world-leading climate scientists called out the Government’s approach to agricultural emissions. This week, climate lawyers have sued the Government because its Emissions Reductions Plans do not add up.

    “Luxon’s Government has chosen to pour oil, coal and gas on the climate crisis fire. Their climate ‘plan’ is not worth the paper it is written on. That’s why they’re being sued today,” says the Green Party’s co-leader and spokesperson for climate change, Chlöe Swarbrick. 

    “I called it a demonstrable lie when the Prime Minister told Parliament in December 2023 that he wasn’t weakening actions on climate – while he was actively weakening actions on climate. It was and remains a demonstrable lie. This is the first leg of the legal case.

    “The Luxon Government’s second Emissions Reduction Plan relies on unproven, economically unfeasible technologies and plastering our country in pine trees. This is the second leg of the legal case.

    “Christopher Luxon has spent the better part of two years telling the country everything is fine while he dismantles effective climate policy, gives handouts to the fossil fuel sector and platforms lobbyist’s pseudoscience on agricultural emissions. This would be a meme – a joke – if it wasn’t so serious.

    “The Greens have shown we can reduce climate-changing emissions five times faster than the Government’s ‘plan,’ while reducing the cost of living and improving our quality of life.

    “New Zealanders deserve so much better than this Government taking them for chumps,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.

    NOTES:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 10, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 10, 2025.

    Why won’t my cough go away?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David King, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, The University of Queensland Mladen Zivkovic/Shutterstock A persistent cough can be embarrassing, especially if people think you have COVID. Coughing frequently can also make you physically tired, interfere with sleep and trigger urinary incontinence. As a GP, I have even

    Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Illume is spectacle with heart and spirit, a thrilling manifestation of Country
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Brannigan, Associate Professor, Theatre and Performance, UNSW Sydney Bangarra/Daniel Boud The stage is covered in stars that fill the depth of the space. When the 18 dancers slowly gather, they move through a night sky. This sky, and the scenes that unfold in Bangarra’s Illume are

    Starlink is transforming Pacific internet access – but in some countries it’s still illegal
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda H.A. Watson, Fellow, Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University Solomon aligning the Starlink dish on the roof of his friend’s home in Vanuatu. Paul Basant In the past few years, Starlink’s satellite internet service has become available across much of the Pacific. This has created

    9 myths about electric vehicles have taken hold. A new study shows how many people fall for them
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Bretter, Senior Research Fellow in Environmental Psychology, The University of Queensland More people believe misinformation about electric vehicles than disagree with it and even EV owners tend to believe the myths, our new research shows. We investigated the prevalence of misinformation about EVs in four countries

    Keith Rankin Analysis – Remembering New Zealand’s Missing Tragedy
    Analysis by Keith Rankin. Every country has its tragedies. A few are highly remembered. Most are semi-remembered. Others are almost entirely forgotten. Sometimes the loss of memory is due to these tragedies being to a degree international, seemingly making it somebody else’s ‘duty’ to remember them. This could have been the case with the Air

    A 10-fold increase in rocket launches would start harming the ozone layer – new research
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Revell, Associate Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Canterbury Han Jiajun/VCG via Getty Images The international space industry is on a growth trajectory, but new research shows a rapid increase in rocket launches would damage the ozone layer. Several hundred rockets are launched globally each year

    For the first time, fossil stomach contents of a sauropod dinosaur reveal what they really ate
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Poropat, Research Associate, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University Artist’s reconstruction of Judy. Travis Tischler Since the late 19th century, sauropod dinosaurs (long-necks like Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus) have been almost universally regarded as herbivores, or plant eaters. However, until recently, no direct evidence –

    The Racial Discrimination Act at 50: the bumpy, years-long journey to Australia’s first human rights laws
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Azadeh Dastyari, Director, Research and Policy, Whitlam Institute, Western Sydney University On June 11, Australia marks 50 years since the Racial Discrimination Act became law. This important legislation helps make sure people are treated equally no matter their race, skin colour, background, or where they come from.

    Fake news and real cannibalism: a cautionary tale from the Dutch Golden Age
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato The Corpses of the De Witt Brothers, attributed to Jan de Baen, c. 1672-1675. Rijksmuseum The Dutch Golden Age, beginning in 1588, is known for the art of Rembrandt, the invention of the microscope, and the

    Some economists have called for a radical ‘global wealth tax’ on billionaires. How would that work?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Venkat Narayanan, Senior Lecturer – Accounting and Tax, RMIT University Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock Earlier this year, I attended a housing conference in Sydney. The event’s opening address centred on the way Australia seems to be becoming like 18th-century England – a country where inheritance largely determines one’s opportunities

    Australia’s whooping cough surge is not over – and it doesn’t just affect babies
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niall Johnston, Conjoint Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney Tomsickova Tatyana/Shutterstock Whooping cough (pertussis) is always circulating in Australia, and epidemics are expected every three to four years. However, the numbers we’re seeing with the current surge – which started in 2024 – are higher than

    As livestock numbers grow, wild animal populations plummet. Giving all creatures a better future will take a major rethink
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clive Phillips, Adjunct Professor in Animal Welfare, Curtin University Toa55/Shutterstock As a teenager in the 1970s, I worked on a typical dairy farm in England. Fifty cows grazed on lush pastures for most of their long lives, each producing about 12 litres of milk daily. They were

    Johannesburg’s problems can be solved – but it’s a long journey to fix South Africa’s economic powerhouse
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philip Harrison, Professor School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand South African president Cyril Ramaphosa met senior leaders of Johannesburg and Gauteng, the province it’s located in, in March 2025 to discuss ways to arrest the steep decline in South Africa’s largest city. Ramaphosa announced

    Albanese says the government’s focus on delivering commitments is essential to reinforce faith in democracy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his second term government is “focused on delivery” of its commitments, declaring this is important not only for the economy but also for Australians’ faith in our democracy. In a speech to the National Press

    Why Israel’s ‘humane’ propaganda is such a sinister facade
    COMMENTARY: By Cole Martin in Occupied Bethlehem Many people have been closely following the journey this week of the Madleen, a small humanitarian yacht seeking to break Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza with a crew of 12 on board, including humanitarian activists and journalists. This morning we woke to the harrowing, yet not unexpected, news

    Trump has long speculated about using force against his own people. Now he has the pretext to do so
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University “You just [expletive] shot the reporter!” Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was in the middle of a live cross, covering the protests against the Trump administration’s mass deportation policy in Los Angeles, California. As

    Palestinian supporters in NZ accuse Israel of ‘state piracy’ and condemn silence
    Asia Pacific Report Israel’s military attack and boarding of the humanitarian boat Madleen attempting to deliver food and medical aid to the besieged people of Gaza has been condemned by New Zealand Palestinian advocacy groups as a “staggering act of state piracy”. The vessel was in international waters, carrying aid workers, doctors, journalists, and supplies

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is the World Test Championship and how did Australia qualify for the final?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania

    HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images

    Cricket’s third World Test Championship final will begin on Wednesday night in London. Reigning champions Australia will compete with South Africa to be crowned the world’s best men’s Test cricket team.

    This new tournament has faced controversy because of the points system used to determine the two finalists, with South Africa also criticised in recent years for allowing many key players to compete in T20 tournaments instead of Test matches.

    Despite this, South Africa has earned its right to take on the Australians at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

    What is the World Test Championship?

    The World Test Championship is a tournament played between nine full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC): Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

    The previous winners were New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023).

    The ICC introduced this tournament as a way to increase the relevance and importance of Test cricket in a world dominated by popular Twenty 20 tournaments such as the Big Bash and Indian Premier League.

    Each country plays three series of between two and five Test matches at home, and three away.

    The tournament takes two years to complete because each Test match can take five days and there are no dedicated times for Test match cricket throughout the year. This is because many cricketers also play in T20 and one-day tournaments.

    Teams are awarded points for wins (12 points), ties (six) and draws (four) – there are zero points for a loss. Teams lose points if they bowl their overs too slowly.

    While this point system is simple enough, ranking teams in the results table is more confusing, because some teams play more Tests than others.

    Bigger, wealthier countries such as England, India and Australia commonly play four or five Tests in a series, whereas less affluent countries often play series with only two or three Tests.

    Because of this difference, the results table is based on the percentage of points teams have won (how many points they won divided by how many points they could have won).

    For example, if a team played ten tests, the maximum points they could earn would be 120 (10 x 12 points for each win). If they earned 60 points, then they would be ranked on the results table as winning 50% (60 divided by 120).

    How did Australia and South Africa reach the final?

    South Africa finished on top of the table by winning series against the West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They also drew with India and lost to New Zealand.

    Australia beat Pakistan and India at home and New Zealand and Sri Lanka away. They also drew series with England (away) and the West Indies (home).

    The final will be played at the “home of cricket”: Lord’s in London.

    Neutral territory

    Test matches are rarely played at neutral venues but the World Test Championship final is played in England for a variety of reasons.

    The current two-year World Test Championship cycle ends in June, which is early summer in England and winter or monsoon season in most other major cricket nations.

    England also offers good infrastructure, strong crowds, a time zone that aligns favourably with prime time viewing hours in India, and pitches that offer a fair contest between bat and ball, allowing for exciting and competitive cricket.

    Despite these reasons, the repeated scheduling of finals in England has been criticised, predominantly by India.

    Criticisms of the championship

    South Africa’s qualification for the final has been criticised because they have played the least number of Tests and avoided playing some stronger teams.

    While these criticisms are not unfounded, they are also not South Africa’s fault: the ICC is responsible for ensuring scheduling is fair.

    Richer countries such as Australia, England and India face a dilemma in that five-Test series between them are generally high quality, exciting and profitable but are also difficult to win.

    Smaller nations playing two-Test series receive less interest and money but also easier opponents and less fixture fatigue. This situation can make it easier for smaller, less affluent teams to have a higher winning percentage.

    Other criticisms have focused on the points deductions for slow overs and the exclusion of Test playing nations Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe. When the World Test Championship was launched in 2019, only the nine full members were included. No specific reasons were given for the exclusion of Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland.

    Including these countries and having two six-team divisions – with teams being relegated and promoted each year – has been suggested as way to make the Test championship more fair and more competitive.

    However, this idea has also been criticised as focusing on profits instead of protecting and nurturing the game around the world.

    These deductions and divisions, and other potential changes, were considered at a recent ICC meeting but no changes were made.

    Final preparations

    Australian players have prepared for the final in a variety of ways, such as playing in the IPL, county cricket in the United Kingdom and practice sessions at home.

    They are favourites for the final and have a strong squad to choose from.

    South Africa also has a strong team with several key players returning from injuries and a drugs ban.

    A win for Australia would solidify its standing as the premier Test cricket team in the world. For South Africa, a victory would showcase a remarkable turnaround after being criticised for picking a weak squad for a tour of New Zealand, with most of its better players instead competing in T20 tournaments.

    There is also record prize money at stake.

    If the match is a draw, tie or washed out, Australia and South Africa will share the trophy. But there is a reserve day available in case of wet weather.

    Vaughan Cruickshank does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What is the World Test Championship and how did Australia qualify for the final? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-world-test-championship-and-how-did-australia-qualify-for-the-final-256999

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: How ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ deepens US debt problem

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

    This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2023 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The political marriage between U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. billionaire Elon Musk came to a dramatic and public end, after the latter scathingly condemned the administration’s flagship economic proposal, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” labelling it a “disgusting abomination.”

    Musk’s high-profile break with Trump has amplified a wave of bipartisan disputes over the bill, which was passed narrowly in the House. Although designed to deliver sweeping tax cuts and fulfill campaign promises, economists and budget analysts argue that the bill may exacerbate an already unsustainable debt burden and even lead to a debt crisis in the long run.

    Why so controversial? 

    Trump’s megabill is a legislative package that combines tax and spending cuts with provisions on issues such as border security, energy exploration, and welfare reform. The bill was passed in the House last month by a 215-214 vote and is currently awaiting deliberation by the Senate. At its core, the bill aims to extend the 2017 tax cuts — Trump’s most significant legislative achievement during his first term.

    Musk repeatedly took to his social media platform X to denounce the bill — which called for cuts to electric vehicle credits — as wasteful.

    The bill includes 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars in spending cuts over a decade but would raise budget deficits by 2.4 trillion dollars, according to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate released Wednesday.

    The nonpartisan budget office also projected that close to 11 million more people would be uninsured in 2034 because of changes to Medicaid included in Trump’s megabill.

    Proponents argue that the bill will unleash growth and reduce the deficit “in the long run.”

    Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, claimed that Trump’s bill would reduce the deficit “when you adjust for CBO’s one big gimmick — not using a realistic current policy baseline.” The White House maintains that the CBO has an “artificial baseline” that does not factor in the 2017 tax cuts.

    However, budget experts have voiced concerns that the debt crisis, which was once dismissed as alarmism, is now alarmingly close to becoming a reality.

    Peter Orszag, chief executive of investment bank Lazard and a former U.S. budget director, was quoted by The Wall Street Journal as saying that those who bemoaned the unsustainability of deficit spending and debt levels during his time in government “seemed to cry wolf — a lot.”

    Now he is worried, too, because the wolf is “lurking much closer to our door.” As he put it, the current fiscal strategy looks less like sound policy and more like “budgetary wolf bait.”

    The CBO estimated that the bill would add about 3.8 trillion dollars to the federal government’s debt over the next decade.

    According to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, it would add around 3 trillion dollars to debt levels over the next decade compared with existing estimates and 5 trillion dollars if certain temporary features were made permanent.

    This file photo taken on Jan. 20, 2025 shows Elon Musk delivering a speech at Capital One arena in Washington, D.C., the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    How bad is debt situation? 

    So why are many now alarmed? Because the numbers have become overwhelming. Annual interest payments on the national debt have surpassed 1 trillion dollars, and policymakers in Washington continue to spend with little restraint. The fiscal state of the United States is increasingly dire.

    As of mid-2025, the U.S. national debt stands at over 36.2 trillion dollars, and the debt-to-GDP ratio has exceeded its peak during World War II. According to the CBO’s January 2025 Budget and Economic Outlook, this ratio is on track to hit 118 percent by 2035.

    The U.S. federal deficit for fiscal year 2025 had already reached 1.1 trillion dollars by April — a 13 percent increase from the same period last year. Although revenues have risen by 5 percent, government outlays have increased even faster, growing by 7 percent.

    At the same time, borrowing is becoming more expensive. The 10-year Treasury yield has climbed from 3.6 percent in September 2024 to 4.4 percent in mid-2025.

    If the 10-year were to hover around 4.4 percent permanently and yields on other Treasury securities were to increase equally, it would add an extra 1.8 trillion dollars to the debt above projections over the next decade, which is enough to counter the likely revenue gains from tariffs if they were to go into effect after the 90-day pause, said the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget in a report.

    Notably, about 30 percent of U.S. federal debt is held by foreign investors.

    Moody’s Ratings last month slashed U.S. long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings to Aa1 from Aaa citing rising government debt and interest payment ratios.

    “This one-notch downgrade on our 21-notch rating scale reflects the increase over more than a decade in government debt and interest payment ratios to levels that are significantly higher than similarly rated sovereigns,” said a release by Moody’s Ratings.

    Rising tariffs and political instability discourage foreign investment, pushing the government to rely more heavily on domestic borrowing and at higher costs, warned Kent Smetters, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and faculty director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model.

    If foreign demand for U.S. Treasuries wanes, the result could be a vicious cycle of rising rates, shrinking demand, and ballooning debt.

    This photo taken on Jan. 20, 2023 shows the U.S. Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C., the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    What led to US debt crisis? 

    The debt ceiling, or the U.S. Treasury Department’s “credit limit,” is the maximum amount of debt set by the U.S. Congress for the federal government to fulfill its payment obligations.

    When created in 1917, the debt ceiling was designed to maintain a regular check on government spending and control debt growth. However, in recent years, it has become a more frequent topic in partisan debates between Democrats and Republicans.

    Since 1960, the U.S. Congress has acted 78 separate times to permanently raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit.

    Much of the debt accumulation in recent years has not been driven by emergencies like wars or recessions, but by political choices to cut taxes while maintaining or expanding spending.

    While reining in the debt growth will benefit the U.S. economy in the long run, no administration or party wants to upset voters with funding cuts or tax increases. Instead of funding these additional expenditures through fiscal reform, they keep borrowing, thus driving up debt to an unprecedented scale.

    The fact that America continues to borrow recklessly without going bankrupt is a result of the dollar’s hegemony.

    As the dominant global reserve currency, the U.S. dollar still accounts for nearly 60 percent of international reserves, and roughly 48 percent in the global payment system.

    Due to the global dominance of the dollar, U.S. Treasury bonds, with their safety and liquidity, are widely considered safe-haven assets.

    Driven by the impulse to profit from dollar hegemony, the United States has long maintained a trade deficit, exporting both dollars and inflation. Through massive debt issuance, it encourages the repatriation of dollars, creating a cyclical system of “debt monetization.” As a result, fiscal deficits have ballooned, budgetary discipline has eroded, and U.S. government debt has become an unwieldy burden.

    From a market supply-and-demand perspective, as long as there are willing buyers, the U.S. debt cycle can go on indefinitely. However, without real repayment capacity, the practice of endlessly rolling over old debt with new debt increasingly resembles a Ponzi scheme in essence.

    The moment international markets begin to question America’s willingness or ability to manage its finances, the consequences could be swift and severe. The ultimate question isn’t just whether the United States can afford another “Big Beautiful Bill,” but whether the world can continue affording America’s debt addiction. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US stocks close mixed as investors monitor trade talks

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

    U.S. stocks ended mixed on Monday, as investors looked ahead to a key round of China-U.S. trade negotiations.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down 1.11 points to 42,761.76. The S&P 500 added 5.52 points, or 0.09 percent, to 6,005.88. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 61.28 points, or 0.31 percent, to 19,591.24.

    Six of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in red, with utilities and financials leading the laggards by losing 0.66 percent and 0.55 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, consumer discretionary and materials led the gainers by going up 1.08 percent and 0.62 percent, respectively.

    The first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism opened in London on Monday. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the meeting with U.S. representatives.

    In an interview with American outlet CNBC, Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council at the White House, on Monday said that the U.S. expectation was that “immediately after the handshake, any export controls from the U.S. will be eased, and the rare earths will be released in volume, and then we can go back to negotiating smaller matters.”

    Meanwhile, investors are also keeping a wary eye on escalating tensions in Los Angeles after U.S. President Donald Trump sent in the National Guard to deal with anti-deportation protests.

    Shares of major technology companies, which have been central to the market’s momentum, were mostly higher. Amazon and Alphabet both advanced nearly 1.5 percent, while Tesla rose 4.55 percent, continuing its volatile stretch following last week’s public clash between its CEO Elon Musk and Trump. Microsoft and Nvidia posted modest gains. In contrast, Apple shares slipped 1.2 percent as the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference opened with a keynote from Apple’s CEO Tim Cook. Broadcom and Meta also fell.

    Semiconductor stocks posted strong gains to start the week. The iShares Semiconductor ETF jumped 2.36 percent, fueled by a 4.77 percent gain in Advanced Micro Devices, a 4.41 percent rise in ON Semiconductor, and a 4.13 percent surge in Arm Holdings.

    Elsewhere, shares of Robinhood Markets and Applovin declined by 1.98 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively. Both companies had recently hit milestones that raised speculation about their potential addition to the S&P 500, but the index’s rebalancing did not include either stock, disappointing some investors.

    Wall Street strategists are growing more confident about the outlook for U.S. equities, with analysts at Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs now signaling a more optimistic tone. “We have high conviction that the sharp drawdown in April was the end of a much longer correction that began a year ago with the peak rate of change on earnings revisions breadth,” Morgan Stanley strategist Michael Wilson wrote in a note. A pick-up in analyst upgrades “keeps us positive on U.S. equities on a 12-month basis.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Bank of Spain cuts growth forecasts amid US tariff uncertainty

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

    The Bank of Spain has revised downward its economic growth forecasts for the country, cutting the projection for 2025 from 2.7 percent to 2.4 percent, and that for 2026 to 1.8 percent, due to uncertainty stemming from U.S. tariff policies.

    Jose Luis Escriva, the bank’s governor, made the announcement on Monday during a speech to parliament’s economic commission, ahead of the publication of the bank’s quarterly report on the Spanish economy, scheduled for June 10.

    Escriva used the word “uncertainty” no fewer than 18 times in his speech, underlining that while Spain’s direct trade exposure to the U.S. is lower than that of other major European Union economies, the country is indirectly vulnerable, particularly in sectors such as chemicals, due to its integration into global value chains.

    He also warned that prolonged uncertainty could increasingly weigh on Spain’s economy. He noted that uncertainty remains the major concern for businesses, with many Spanish companies reporting impacts from the tariffs.

    Despite the downgraded growth forecast, the bank has retained its projection for the unemployment rate in 2025 at 10.5 percent, while slightly improving the estimate for 2026, lowering it to 10.2 percent from the previous report. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Betis to make Natan loan move from Napoli permanent

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

    Spanish La Liga side Betis has moved to turn the loan deal for Brazilian defender, Natan Bernardo de Souza into a permanent signing.

    24-year-old Natan spent last season on loan at the Spanish club from Napoli and was a key part of the team that finished sixth in La Liga last season and also reached the final of the UEFA Conference League, before eventually losing to Chelsea.

    He played 31 times in La Liga and made 17 appearances in the Conference League, to finish with over 4,000 minutes competitive football in his legs – more than anyone else in the squad of the Seville-based outfit.

    Betis will pay around nine million euros for Natan (10.25 million US dollars) and the player has agreed a contract until the end of June 2030.

    The club’s performances last season mean it will play in the Europa League in the 2025-26 campaign and the club is still looking into ways to try and keep hold of Natan’s fellow Brazilian, Antony.

    Antony arrived on loan from Manchester United in January and gave the club’s season a major boost with his brilliant displays on the wing and nine goals in 26 appearances in all competitions.

    Betis wants to make Antony’s loan permanent, but will struggle to match United’s asking price for a player who cost over 80 million pounds and has wages to match.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Man City sign Wolves defender Ait-Nouri for £31m

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

    Manchester City has completed the signing of Algerian left-back Rayan Ait Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

    Ait Nouri has agreed a five-year contract after passing a medical over the weekend and will cost City 31 million pounds (42 million U.S. dollars).

    “Manchester City is delighted to announce the signing of Rayan Ait Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 24-year-old left-back has penned a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, meaning he will remain at the club until the summer of 2030,” informs the Man City website.

    “It was an easy decision. My choice was Manchester City in the beginning – what I said with my family, I want to play for this team – I like how they play. I am very happy to be here – it is a big pleasure for me,” said Ait Nouri.

    “We know the team and they have shown the last few years they were the best team in the world. The players are amazing and the coach also – it will be a pleasure to train with Pep Guardiola.

    “I have come here to learn and show also what I can do, and I will give my best,” he added.

    The defender should give balance to a team that lacked a specialist left-back last season and he becomes the club’s first signing of the summer.

    Ait Nouri’s deal has been finalized in time for him to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup, with City’s first match against Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia on June 18. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s rare earth regulations responsible step toward sustainable global supply, security

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

    China’s rare earth regulations responsible step toward sustainable global supply, security

    An aerial drone photo shows a container vessel berthing at Qianwan Port in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Yu Fangping/Xinhua)

    China’s recent announcement of new regulations to strengthen export control measures on certain rare earth-related items is a measure driven by its domestic industrial sustainable development needs. The move aligns with international management standards and reflects China’s responsibilities as a major country — and is not, as some claim, a so-called “tactical countermeasure.”

    This step also underscores China’s sense of responsibility as a key global supplier of critical minerals and its commitment to advancing shared global development.

    China’s export controls on certain rare earth-related items are not trade barriers targeting specific countries, but a responsible measure to uphold international non-proliferation obligations. Implemented under the principle of non-discrimination, these controls reflect China’s commitment to maintaining global peace and regional stability.

    Rare earth elements are not only crucial for manufacturing new energy vehicles, consumer electronics and wind turbines, but also play an indispensable role in advanced military equipment such as fighter jets and nuclear facilities. Preventing such strategic resources from being used to undermine international peace and security is a shared non-proliferation obligation for all nations.

    In fact, export controls on dual-use strategic materials are an internationally accepted practice and a legitimate right of sovereign states to safeguard national security and fulfill international responsibilities.

    What is more, China’s new rare earth regulations reflect necessary industrial reforms. In the past, extensive and unregulated development led to the undervaluation of resources and severe ecological damage. This unsustainable model not only depleted the country’s natural resource endowment but also posed risks to the long-term stability of global industrial supply chains.

    China’s new moves, including new regulations on rare earth administration announced in 2024, have demonstrated China’s commitment to transitioning toward high-quality and sustainable development. These measures not only safeguard the domestic ecosystem but also ensure more reliable and transparent rare earth supplies for global industrial chains. A well-regulated and eco-friendly Chinese rare earth industry will ultimately benefit global users.

    Despite misleading hype from some Western media, China’s objective is to regulate exports and not ban them, and to facilitate trade that adheres to established regulations rather than disrupt normal commercial activity. For example, in response to concerns raised by the European Union (EU) and others recently, China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao assured the EU side that China is willing to establish a green channel for eligible applications and expedite the approval process. Relevant work teams have also been instructed to maintain timely communication on this matter.

    These constructive responses and practical adjustments demonstrate China’s sincere commitment to working with its partners to minimize the impact of regulatory measures on legitimate trade.

    As China-U.S. economic and trade frictions deepen and critical technology sectors face unjustified restrictions, China’s efforts to strengthen the management of its strategic resources have often become subject to speculation. However, viewing these measures as mere short-term bargaining tools underestimates the strategic depth of China’s policy decisions.

    China’s rare earth regulations are a prudent decision grounded in widely accepted international norms, the country’s need for sustainable industrial development, and its responsibilities as a major country.

    Rather than succumbing to anxiety over “decoupling” or misconceptions of rare earths as a “strategic weapon,” it would be more constructive for the West to focus on understanding and adapting to China’s new measures.

    Only through candid dialogue and cooperation can all parties help ensure that this critical resource continues to support global technological advancement and the green transition within a peaceful and sustainable framework.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Major changes to proposed anti-stalking law

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is welcoming changes to toughen up the proposed anti-stalking law, including being triggered after two specified acts within 24 months. 

    “This change better recognises patterns in stalking behaviour and time that can pass between incidents. For example, stalking that occurs around anniversaries would not be covered under the original 12-month period,” Mr Goldsmith says.

    “We’ve said from day one victims are our priority. Returning them to the heart of our justice system underpins all our work to restore law and order.

    “Stalkers have been able to evade real consequences for their actions for far too long. As I announced in November, the offence will have a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.

    “This builds on our work already underway to restore real consequences for crime, with our sentencing reforms coming into effect at the end of this month. 

    “I want to thank those who made submissions during the select committee process. Your input has identified some important ways we can combat this insidious behaviour.

    “The Justice Committee has now put forward a raft of recommendations, which government parties have agreed to. 

    “This includes strengthening the pattern of behaviour definition to only require two specified acts, and within a two-year period.”

    Other changes made to the Bill by the Committee to enhance its effectiveness include: 

    • Addressing the publishing of any statement or other material relating to the other person, or purporting to originate from that person (also known as doxing).
    • Adding new sections to enable the disposal of any intimate visual recordings possessed by a person convicted of the new stalking and harassment offence.
    • Adding the new offence to the Firearms Prohibition Orders regime, allowing those orders to be made when a person is convicted of the new offence.
    • Clarifying the new aggravating factor relating to stalking by more clearly linking the associated stalking and harassment-type behaviours to the offence the person is charged with.
    • Making it clear that restraining orders under the Harassment Act 1997 and orders under the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 can be made when a person is discharged without conviction in relation to the new offence.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information: Aggravated robbery Oxford Terrace

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are asking for the public’s help after an aggravated robbery on Wednesday 4 June.

    Police were called to the Oxford Terrace store about 8pm on Wednesday, after three males entered the premises and threatened a worker.

    The offenders then fled in a vehicle, after stealing a number of items.

    Thankfully the worker was not physically injured.

    The vehicle used was a Black Mitsubishi Colt, registration KCB102, and was reported stolen prior to this incident.

    Police are requesting the public’s help to identify the individuals pictured, including the male in the 4th picture who was seen with the stolen vehicle 2 days earlier.

    Anyone with information about them, or anyone who witnessed the robbery, is urged to contact Police as soon as possible via 105.

    If you can help, please call 105 and quote reference number 250604/5483.

    You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Release Stacked SPAD Depth Sensor for Automotive LiDAR Applications

    Source: Sony

    Atsugi, Japan — Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) today announced the upcoming release of the IMX479 stacked, direct Time of Flight (dToF) SPAD depth sensor for automotive LiDAR systems, delivering both high-resolution and high-speed performance.

    The new sensor product employs a dToF pixel unit composed of 3×3 (horizontal × vertical) SPAD pixels as a minimum element to enhance measurement accuracy using a line scan methodology. In addition, SSSs proprietary device structure enables a frame rate of up to 20 fps*1, which is the fastest for such a high-resolution SPAD depth sensor having 520 dToF pixels.*2 

    The new product enables the high-resolution and high-speed distance measuring performance demanded for an automotive LiDAR required in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving (AD), contributing to safer and more reliable future mobility.

    *1  The frame rate may vary depending on horizontal FoV (Field of View) and its resolution.
    *2  According to SSS research (as of announcement on Jun 10, 2025)

    IMX479 stacked dToF SPAD depth sensor for automotive LiDAR applications

     

    Model name Sample shipment date (planned)

    Sample price

    (including tax)*3

    IMX479 1-type (15.8 mm diagonal)
    520-dToF-pixel SPAD depth sensor

    		 Autumn 2025 ¥35,000

    *3  Differs depending on the handling quantity.

    LiDAR technology is crucial for the high-precision detection and recognition of road conditions and the position and shape of the objects, such as vehicles, pedestrians. There is a growing demand for further technical advancements and developments progress in LiDAR toward Level 3 automated driving, which allows for autonomous control. SPAD depth sensors use the dToF measurement method, one of the LiDAR ranging methods, that measures the distance to an object by detecting the time of flight (time difference) of light emitted from a source until it returns to the sensor after being reflected by the object.

    The new sensor harnesses SSS’s proprietary technologies acquired in the development of CMOS image sensors, including the back-side illuminated, stacked structure and Cu-Cu (copper-copper) connections.*4By integrating the newly developed distance measurement circuits and dToF pixels on a single chip, the new product has achieved a high-speed frame rate of up to 20 fps while delivering a high resolution of 520 dToF pixels with a small pixel size of 10 μm square.

    *4  A technology used when a pixel chip (top) is stacked with a logic chip (bottom), to achieve electrical continuity by connecting the Cu (copper) pads to each other. This increases the flexibility in the design, improves productivity, and enables a smaller size and higher performance compared with Through-Silicon Vias (TSV), where the upper and lower chips are connected via electrodes around the circumference of the pixel area.

     

    Main Features
    ■ Up to     20 fps frame rate, the fastest for a 520 dToF pixel SPAD depth sensor*2
    This product consists of a pixel chip (top) with back-illuminated dToF pixels and a logic chip equipped with newly developed distance measurement circuits (bottom) using a Cu-Cu connection on a single chip. This design enables a small pixel size of 10 μm square, achieving high resolution of 520 dToF pixels. The new distance measurement circuits handle multiple processes in parallel for even better high-speed processing.

    These technologies achieve a frame rate of up to 20 fps, the fastest for a 520 dToF pixel SPAD depth sensor.*1They also deliver capabilities equivalent to 0.05 degrees vertical angular resolution, improving the vertical detection accuracy by 2.7 times that of conventional products.*5These elements allow detection of three-dimensional objects that are vital to automotive LiDAR, including objects as high as 25 cm (such as a tire or other objects in the road) at a distance of 250 m. 

    *5  Compared with SSS’ IMX459 1/2.9-type 100,000-effective pixel SPAD depth sensor.

    ■ Excellent distance resolution of 5 cm intervals
    The proprietary circuits SSS developed to enhance the distance resolution of this product individually processes each SPAD pixel data and calculates the distance. Doing so successfully improved the LiDAR distance resolution to 5 cm intervals.

    ■ High, 37% photon detection efficiency enabling detection of objects up to a distance of 300 m
    This product features an uneven texture on both the incident plane and the bottom of the pixels, along with an optimized on-chip lens shape. Incident light is diffracted to enhance the absorption rate to achieve a high, 37% photon detection efficiency for the 940 nm wavelength, which is commonly used on automotive LiDAR laser light sources. It allows the system to detect and recognize objects with high precision up to 300 m away even in bright light conditions where the background light is at 100,000 lux or higher.

    SPAD Pixel cross-sectional structure

    Key Specifications
    Model name IMX479
    Effective SPAD pixels 105 × 1,568 pixels (H × V), approx. 164,000 pixels
    Vertical effective dToF pixel count 520 dToF pixels
    Image size Diagonal 15.8 mm (1-type)
    Recommended light source wavelength 940 nm
    SPAD unit cell size 10.08 μm ×10.08 μm (H × V)
    Element size （dToF pixel unit） Minimum 3 × 3 (H × V)）
    Photon detection efficiency 37%  (940 nm wavelength)
    Response speed Approx. 6 ns
    Power supply SPAD breakdown voltage -20.5 V
    SPAD excess voltage 3.3 V
    Analog 3.3 V
    Digital 1.125 V
    Interface 1.8 V
    Interface MIPI CSI-2 serial output （4 lane）
    Chip size 12.2 mm（H）×20.0 mm（V）
    Max. detection distance 300 m
    Distance precision at 300 m Minimum 5 cm equivalent

    Mechanical scan LiDAR for evaluating the product
    SSS has developed a mechanical scanning*6 LiDAR unit equipped with this new sensor for product evaluation, which will be provided to customers and partners. This will contribute to customer and partner LiDAR development and product evaluation initiatives.

    *6  A method in which a rotating mirror reflects the beam from a fixed laser light source for wide area horizontal scanning.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is cricket’s World Test Championship and how did Australia qualify for the final?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania

    HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images

    Cricket’s third World Test Championship final will begin on Wednesday night in London. Reigning champions Australia will compete with South Africa to be crowned the world’s best men’s Test cricket team.

    This new tournament has faced controversy because of the points system used to determine the two finalists, with South Africa also criticised in recent years for allowing many key players to compete in T20 tournaments instead of Test matches.

    Despite this, South Africa has earned its right to take on the Australians at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

    What is the World Test Championship?

    The World Test Championship is a tournament played between nine full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC): Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

    The previous winners were New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023).

    The ICC introduced this tournament as a way to increase the relevance and importance of Test cricket in a world dominated by popular Twenty 20 tournaments such as the Big Bash and Indian Premier League.

    Each country plays three series of between two and five Test matches at home, and three away.

    The tournament takes two years to complete because each Test match can take five days and there are no dedicated times for Test match cricket throughout the year. This is because many cricketers also play in T20 and one-day tournaments.

    Teams are awarded points for wins (12 points), ties (six) and draws (four) – there are zero points for a loss. Teams lose points if they bowl their overs too slowly.

    While this point system is simple enough, ranking teams in the results table is more confusing, because some teams play more Tests than others.

    Bigger, wealthier countries such as England, India and Australia commonly play four or five Tests in a series, whereas less affluent countries often play series with only two or three Tests.

    Because of this difference, the results table is based on the percentage of points teams have won (how many points they won divided by how many points they could have won).

    For example, if a team played ten tests, the maximum points they could earn would be 120 (10 x 12 points for each win). If they earned 60 points, then they would be ranked on the results table as winning 50% (60 divided by 120).

    How did Australia and South Africa reach the final?

    South Africa finished on top of the table by winning series against the West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They also drew with India and lost to New Zealand.

    Australia beat Pakistan and India at home and New Zealand and Sri Lanka away. They also drew series with England (away) and the West Indies (home).

    The final will be played at the “home of cricket”: Lord’s in London.

    Neutral territory

    Test matches are rarely played at neutral venues but the World Test Championship final is played in England for a variety of reasons.

    The current two-year World Test Championship cycle ends in June, which is early summer in England and winter or monsoon season in most other major cricket nations.

    England also offers good infrastructure, strong crowds, a time zone that aligns favourably with prime time viewing hours in India, and pitches that offer a fair contest between bat and ball, allowing for exciting and competitive cricket.

    Despite these reasons, the repeated scheduling of finals in England has been criticised, predominantly by India.

    Criticisms of the championship

    South Africa’s qualification for the final has been criticised because they have played the least number of Tests and avoided playing some stronger teams.

    While these criticisms are not unfounded, they are also not South Africa’s fault: the ICC is responsible for ensuring scheduling is fair.

    Richer countries such as Australia, England and India face a dilemma in that five-Test series between them are generally high quality, exciting and profitable but are also difficult to win.

    Smaller nations playing two-Test series receive less interest and money but also easier opponents and less fixture fatigue. This situation can make it easier for smaller, less affluent teams to have a higher winning percentage.

    Other criticisms have focused on the points deductions for slow overs and the exclusion of Test playing nations Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe. When the World Test Championship was launched in 2019, only the nine full members were included. No specific reasons were given for the exclusion of Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland.

    Including these countries and having two six-team divisions – with teams being relegated and promoted each year – has been suggested as way to make the Test championship more fair and more competitive.

    However, this idea has also been criticised as focusing on profits instead of protecting and nurturing the game around the world.

    These deductions and divisions, and other potential changes, were considered at a recent ICC meeting but no changes were made.

    Final preparations

    Australian players have prepared for the final in a variety of ways, such as playing in the IPL, county cricket in the United Kingdom and practice sessions at home.

    They are favourites for the final and have a strong squad to choose from.

    South Africa also has a strong team with several key players returning from injuries and a drugs ban.

    A win for Australia would solidify its standing as the premier Test cricket team in the world. For South Africa, a victory would showcase a remarkable turnaround after being criticised for picking a weak squad for a tour of New Zealand, with most of its better players instead competing in T20 tournaments.

    There is also record prize money at stake.

    If the match is a draw, tie or washed out, Australia and South Africa will share the trophy. But there is a reserve day available in case of wet weather.

    Vaughan Cruickshank does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What is cricket’s World Test Championship and how did Australia qualify for the final? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-crickets-world-test-championship-and-how-did-australia-qualify-for-the-final-256999

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, fatal crash, Waikoha Road

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are now in the position to release the name of the man who died following a crash on Waikoha Road on 30 May.

    He was 30-year-old Shaun Timothy Rich, from Te Pahu.

    Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release and appeal for information: Unexplained death, Newtown

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who was found deceased in an apartment on Mansfield Street, Newtown on Saturday.

    He was 40 year old, Oliver Hayes.

    Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of Mr Hayes’ death are ongoing.

    Police are appealing for anyone who knew Mr Hayes and who had recent contact with him, to please contact us immediately.

    Police would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen Mr Hayes in the days prior to Saturday evening, in particular residents of the apartment complex who may have seen him moving about.

    If you have information or saw Mr Hayes, please contact Police on 105 either over the phone or online, and reference file number 250607/5712

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Illume is spectacle with heart and spirit, a thrilling manifestation of Country

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Brannigan, Associate Professor, Theatre and Performance, UNSW Sydney

    Bangarra/Daniel Boud

    The stage is covered in stars that fill the depth of the space. When the 18 dancers slowly gather, they move through a night sky.

    This sky, and the scenes that unfold in Bangarra’s Illume are tied to the Goolarrgon clan of the Bardi Jawi people, the First Peoples of the Dampier Peninsula on the west coast of the Kimberley. Choreographer Frances Rings chose as her primary collaborator visual artist Darrell Sibosado who brings his cultural knowledge of that Country to the work, alongside cultural consultants Trevor Sampi and Audrey (Pippi) Bin Swani, also from Bardi Country.

    The 70-minute work moves through 11 sections, and over three phases. A short synopsis for each in the program guides visitors through this manifestation of Country.

    The opening segments are immersive, integrated worlds where the dancers move at one with the design elements.

    In Niman Aarl (Many Fish), a thrilling whirlpool of tiny light fish spiral around a giant conch shell. The dancers spiral among them with flowing, fluid movements.

    The central section, Light Pollution, interrupts the flow, representing the displacement caused by settler invasion. The dancers carry brown blocks, simply and effectively introducing inorganic and uniform shapes into this natural environment. They are suggestive of bricks, burdens and baggage. Movements depict trauma and a burning crucifix-like form that brings religious movements (as if seated at prayer) and music themes (church bells) to a dramatic climax.

    Brown blocks are suggestive of bricks, burdens and baggage.
    Bangarra/Daniel Boud

    The final sections return us to the sea and land. The work culminates with a beautifully crafted kaleidoscope of mother of pearl opalescence that washes over the front scrim.

    Bringing remote cultures to broad audiences

    Coinciding with Sydney’s Vivid light festival, the difference could not be starker between the tired, candy-coloured neon display spilling across Sydney Harbour and the immersive, detailed and sometimes breathtaking light (designed by Damien Cooper) and video design (from Craig Wilkinson) that gives this work its name.

    The stage floor shimmers: Charles Davis’ set is a reflective surface that amplifies the stunning light work. Upstage left, poles cluster like a stand of trees and occasionally pulse with light in time with the score from Brendon Boney.

    On the back scrim, lights twinkle and constellate. Many images emerge, including what seem to be fragments of a stuttering calligraphy.

    The stage floor shimmers.
    Bangarra/Daniel Boud

    In the final moments of the work, the lights consolidate into an intriguing set of symbols. These echo previous work of Sibosado, such as Galalan at Gumiri featured at the 2024 Biennale of Sydney.

    Blocky, maze-like, and recalling Aztec or Indonesian patterns, these designs appear like a collision of more familiar Indigenous pattern work, south-east Asian influences, and contemporary abstraction.

    Sibosado works primarily with Bardi Jawi riji – pearl shell carving designs from his Country Lullmardinard/Lombadina. He enlarges the small pearl carvings in scale and fabricates them using contemporary materials such as metal and light.

    Designs appear like a collision of Indigenous pattern work, south-east Asian influences, and contemporary abstraction.
    Bangarra/Daniel Boud

    Sibosado is an alumnus of NAISDA, Australia’s National Indigenous dance college and feeder program for the Bangarra company. He has described how he brings story elements usually held in dance and song into his visual art, demonstrating an integration of the creative disciplines characteristic of many NAISDA graduates’ work.

    NAISDA’s practice of working with Indigenous communities from across the country makes the College a living repository of ephemeral and material culture.

    This approach to First Peoples’ culture continues at Bangarra. Bangarra’s deep dive into the traditional knowledges of the Bardi Jawi people through the creative practice of Sibosado, alongside cultural consultants Trevor Sampi and Audrey (Pippi) Bin Swani, brings remote cultures to broad audiences.

    Ambitious, smart and timely

    Watching the show from the dress circle, the impact of all the elements was clear but it was difficult to distinguish individual dancers. The large company was well rehearsed with some stellar performances throughout. However, the choreographic detail was largely absorbed into the overall effects of the work.

    Rings demonstrates her finely tuned attention to movement language specific to each section. From the snaking arms forming the branches of the Manawan or Wollybutt trees, to the south-east Asian inflections in the Mother of Pearl (Guan) sections referencing the pearl divers from that region who were part of the local industry (sometimes against their will), Rings’ choreographic vision is clear – if not always given space and focus among the design.

    Rings demonstrates her finely tuned attention to movement language.
    Bangarra/Daniel Boud

    Rings’ ability to lead a collaborative vision is made possible through the creative team she has gathered. Rings’ and Sibosado’s vision is supported by the set, lighting and video design. Costume designer Elizabeth Gadsby, working with emerging costumer Rika Hamaguchi, has produced unique looks for each section of the work. Boney’s compositions strike a balance between ancient sounds and rhythms and a synthetic sheen that parallels the glossy production elements.

    Illume is ambitious, smart and timely, with its powerful combination of visual and choreographic arts and stories from the ecologically precious and precarious Kimberley region.

    Bangarra is our leading Indigenous performing arts company whose work extends from a rich education and outreach program to their stellar track in international touring. With this work, Bangarra is giving Australia’s other major performing arts companies an object lesson in spectacle with heart and spirit.

    Illume is at the Sydney Opera House until June 14, then touring nationally.

    Erin Brannigan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Illume is spectacle with heart and spirit, a thrilling manifestation of Country – https://theconversation.com/bangarra-dance-theatres-illume-is-spectacle-with-heart-and-spirit-a-thrilling-manifestation-of-country-257963

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why won’t my cough go away?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David King, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, The University of Queensland

    Mladen Zivkovic/Shutterstock

    A persistent cough can be embarrassing, especially if people think you have COVID.

    Coughing frequently can also make you physically tired, interfere with sleep and trigger urinary incontinence. As a GP, I have even treated patients whose repetitive forceful coughing has caused stress fractures in their ribs.

    So, why do some coughs linger so long? Here are some of the most common causes – and signs you should get checked for something more serious.

    Why do we cough?

    The cough reflex is an important protective mechanism. Forcefully expelling air helps clear our lungs and keep them safe from irritants, infections and the risk of choking.

    Some people who have long-term conditions, such as chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis, have to cough frequently. This is because the lung’s cilia – tiny hair-like structures that move mucus, debris and germs – no longer work to clear the lungs.

    A wet or “productive” cough means coughing up a lot of mucus.

    A cough can also be dry or “unproductive”. This happens when the cough receptors in the airways, throat and upper oesophagus have become overly sensitised, triggering a cough even when there’s no mucus to clear.

    Causes of a chronic cough

    A cough is considered chronic when it lasts longer than eight weeks in adults, or four weeks in children.

    The three most common causes are:

    • post-nasal drip (where mucus drips from the back of the nose into the throat)
    • asthma
    • acid reflux from the stomach.

    These often go together. One study found 23% of people with chronic cough had two of these conditions, and 3% had all three.

    This makes sense – people prone to airway allergies are more likely to develop both asthma and hayfever (allergic rhinitis). Hayfever is probably the main cause of persistent post-nasal drip.

    Meanwhile, prolonged, vigorous coughing can also cause reflux, possibly triggering further coughing.

    Chronic cough is the primary symptom of two other conditions, although these can be more challenging to diagnose: cough-variant asthma and eosinophilic bronchitis. Both conditions inflame the airways. However, they don’t rapidly improve with ventolin (the standard clinic test to diagnose asthma).

    Allergies can cause inflammation that triggers a chronic cough.
    Kmpzzz/Shutterstock

    Coughs after respiratory infections

    Coughs can also persist long after a viral or bacterial infection. In children with colds, one systematic review found it took 25 days for more than 90% to be free of their cough.

    After an infection, cough hypersensitivity may develop thanks to inflamed airways and over-responsive cough receptors. Even minor irritants will then trigger the coughing reflex.

    The body’s response to infection makes the mucus more sticky – and more difficult for the overworked, recovering cilia to clear. Allergens in the air can also more easily penetrate the upper airway’s damaged lining.

    This can trigger an unhelpful feedback loop that slows the body’s recovery after an infection. Excessive and unhelpful coughing tends to further fatigue the recovering cilia and irritate the airway lining.

    Could I still have an infection?

    When a cough persists, a common concern is whether a secondary bacterial infection has followed the first viral infection, requiring antibiotics.

    Simply coughing up yellow or green phlegm is not enough to tell.

    To diagnose a serious chest infection, your doctor will consider the whole picture of your symptoms. For example, whether you also have shortness of breath, worsening fever or your lungs make abnormal sounds through a stethoscope.

    The possibility you have undiagnosed asthma or allergies should also be considered.



    Read more:
    Health Check: why do I have a cough and what can I do about it?

    What treats a persistent cough?

    People with a persistent cough who are otherwise healthy may request and be prescribed antibiotics. But these rarely shorten how long your cough lasts, as irritation – not infection – is the primary cause of cough.

    The most effective treatments for shifting sticky mucus from the airways are simple ones: saline nose sprays and washes, steam inhalation and medicated sore throat sprays.

    Honey has also been shown to reduce throat irritation and the need to cough.

    The effectiveness of cough syrup is less clear. As these mixtures have potential side effects, they should be used with care.

    The most effective treatments are simple ones, including steam inhalation.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    Signs of something more serious

    Sometimes, a cough that won’t go away could be the sign of a serious condition, including lung cancer or unusual infections. Fortunately, these aren’t common.

    To rule them out, Australia’s chronic cough guidelines recommend a chest x-ray and spirometry (which tests lung volume and flow) for anyone presenting to their doctor with a chronic cough.

    You should seek prompt medical attention if, in addition to your cough, you:

    • cough up blood
    • produce a lot of phlegm
    • are very short of breath, especially when resting or at night
    • have difficulty swallowing
    • lose weight or have a fever
    • have recurring pneumonia
    • are a smoker older than 45, with a new or changed cough.

    What if there’s no clear cause?

    Very occasionally, despite thorough testing and treatment, a cough persists. This is called refractory chronic cough.

    When no cause can be identified, it’s known as unexplained chronic cough. In the past, unexplained cough may have been diagnosed as a “psychogenic” or “habit” cough, a term which has fallen from favour.

    We now understand that cough hypersensitivity makes a person cough out of proportion to the trigger, and that both the peripheral and central nervous systems play a role in this. But our understanding of the relationship between hypersensitivity and chronic cough remains incomplete.

    These are disabling conditions and should be referred to a respiratory clinic or a chronic cough specialist. Speech pathology treatments may also be effective for refractory and unexplained coughs.

    There are a class of new medications in the pipeline that block cough receptors, and seem promising for persisting, troublesome coughs.

    I was on the team that updated the chronic cough guidelines for the Lung foundation (CICADA position statement 2022). I received no payment for this work, and I’m not a member or currently associated with the Lung Foundation.

    – ref. Why won’t my cough go away? – https://theconversation.com/why-wont-my-cough-go-away-241899

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump orders Marines to Los Angeles as protests escalate over immigration raids, demonstrating the president’s power to deploy troops on US soil

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By William C. Banks, Professor Emeritus of Public Administration and International Affairs, Syracuse University

    National Guard members watch protests in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025. Luke Johnson/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    President Donald Trump ordered a contingent of about 700 Marines to Los Angeles on June 9, 2025, in response to what Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described as “increased threats to federal law enforcement officers and federal buildings.”

    This dramatic escalation of the military presence in Los Angeles followed Trump’s June 7 order to send about 2,000 National Guard troops into the city.

    Both measures were Trump’s response to what he called “numerous incidents of violence and disorder” by those protesting his administration’s actions rounding up and deporting immigrants in the Los Angeles area.

    State and local officials decried Trump’s actions, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom calling the move “purposefully inflammatory,” as well as “an illegal act.” California sued the Trump administration on June 9 to block its deployment of National Guard members. Other critics of Trump’s actions said the scale and character of the protests did not warrant such extreme measures.

    Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with William C. Banks, a scholar of the role of the military in domestic affairs, to understand the extent of a president’s power to send American troops to Los Angeles.

    Hundreds of protesters march in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025, demanding an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement workplace raids.
    Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

    Can American troops be used inside the country?

    They can, but it is an extraordinary exercise of authority to use troops domestically. It has rarely been done in the U.S. as a way of responding to a civil disturbance.

    Congress has delegated that authority of deploying American troops domestically to the president in limited circumstances. Otherwise, the only authority is exercised by governors, who have control of the National Guard.

    Why was American law set up this way?

    The U.S. was founded in response to heavy-handed English use of the military by King George to interfere with the civil liberties and rights of the colonists in the lead-up to the American Revolution. So, when the founders created the U.S. Constitution, they were very careful to insert roadblocks that would make it difficult for the government to use troops to carry out its own programs.

    The country’s framers also understood there might be occasions when it would be necessary to use the military domestically. They did a couple of things to control the exercise of military authority. One was to ensure that the commander in chief of the military was a civilian. Second, they gave the authority to call up the National Guard, what was known as the “militia” in those days, to Congress, not to the president, in order to create a separation of powers.

    Under what circumstances can the president deploy troops to an American city?

    Under the Insurrection Act, which was signed into law in 1807, a president can deploy troops during what is called an insurrection, simply meaning when all hell breaks loose. The president can decide that it is “impracticable,” according to the Insurrection Act, to enforce the laws of the U.S. in a given city, and he may call forth the military or the National Guard to help restore law and order.

    In order to invoke the Insurrection Act, the president first has to make a proclamation to those he calls the insurrectionists to cease and desist. Unless the alleged insurrectionists immediately do what the president says, the president then has the authority to deploy forces.

    Trump has repeatedly called the protesters in Los Angeles “insurrectionists,” but has also walked those remarks back and hasn’t made any kind of formal proclamation yet. When Trump ordered California’s National Guard members to deploy to Los Angeles on June 7, he did so on a narrow statutory authority to protect federal buildings, properties and personnel that were trying to enforce immigration laws.

    What is the Posse Comitatus Act and how does it apply to the current situation in Los Angeles?

    Congress passed the Posse Comitatus Act in 1878. This act’s name derives from an arcane Latin term that means “the power of the county.” This law establishes a legal presumption in the U.S. that the military, if it is deployed domestically, should not engage in law enforcement.

    This act is an important part of American law. It means that the military and National Guard are trained on this principle that they are not to engage in domestic law enforcement activities. Those are reserved for police, sheriffs and marshals. Invoking the Insurrection Act is the principal exception to this law.

    So the Insurrection Act allows the military to act as law enforcement officials?

    That’s right. By invoking the Insurrection Act the military could act as cops and have the right to arrest, investigate and detain civilians, with only the Constitution as a check on its power.

    This is not a situation that California National Guard members have trained for. They are trained to fight actual wildfires, but this is something entirely different.

    Demonstrators hold signs and fly flags, facing California National Guard members, in Los Angeles on June 9, 2024.
    Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images

    Are there any legal roadblocks that could curb the president’s authority to send U.S. troops to Los Angeles?

    The short answer to this question is no.

    Can state governors or other elected officials prevent U.S. troops from being sent to their cities?

    In many ways that is the main question right now. California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, has said that the state doen’t need these military forces. Newsom’s June 9 lawsuit against the Trump administration argues that the authority over the National Guard is reserved for states, “unless the State requests or consents to federal control.” That has not happened in this case.

    William C. Banks does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump orders Marines to Los Angeles as protests escalate over immigration raids, demonstrating the president’s power to deploy troops on US soil – https://theconversation.com/trump-orders-marines-to-los-angeles-as-protests-escalate-over-immigration-raids-demonstrating-the-presidents-power-to-deploy-troops-on-us-soil-258527

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kustoff Op-Ed: The ‘one big, beautiful bill’ will restore the American dream

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner titled, “The ‘one big, beautiful bill’ will restore the American dream.” In the op-ed, Congressman Kustoff highlights the historic tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and lays out how they will jumpstart the economy. He urges the Senate to pass this bill as soon as possible.

    The ‘one big, beautiful bill’ will restore the American dream
    By: Congressman David Kustoff 

    When President Donald Trump was elected in November, he made a series of promises to the people. One of those promises was to reinvigorate our economy and create more opportunities for families, farms, and small businesses across the nation.

    Republicans in Congress have worked in lockstep with Trump to deliver on that promise. The key to jumpstarting our economy is for Congress to extend the successful provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 through a wonky legislative process known as reconciliation. Reconciliation allows lawmakers to expedite legislation and enact policy quickly. Trump has dubbed this the “one big, beautiful bill.”

    Passed in 2017, TCJA was one of the hallmarks of the first Trump administration and was the first major reform to the federal tax code in over 30 years. It lowered individual income rates, reduced the corporate tax rate, changed rules for estate and retirement planning, and minimized taxes for small businesses. Essentially, it cut taxes across the board. 

    The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ignited a red-hot economy that lit an economic fire across our nation. After its passage, businesses were expanding, and families had more money in their pockets.

    Unfortunately, if Congress does not act, many of the provisions in TCJA will expire at the end of the year. If that happens, the average family in my district of West Tennessee will face a nearly 26% tax hike. A child inheriting the family farm could pay such steep estate taxes that he is forced to sell it. And a small business owner competing with larger corporations could see her taxes nearly double.

    These are not just numbers on a chart in Washington. These provisions affect each and every one of us. If they expire, the American dream could be unachievable for many of our citizens. 

    While Democrats were spending tax dollars over the past few years like our economy was a game of Monopoly, the House Ways and Means Committee was preparing for this moment. 

    As the chief tax writing committee in Congress, we held hearings across the nation to hear directly from individuals, business owners, manufacturers, and farmers. The number one thing they told us was that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act worked, and we cannot let its important provisions expire. 

    If we want to revitalize our economy, we must ensure that workers and businesses have the support they need from our tax code. My colleagues and I took what the public told us and crafted a tax bill that benefits both businesses and workers, incentivizes innovation, and creates more opportunities from coast to coast. 

    This tax bill prioritizes pocketbooks by solidifying and increasing the doubled standard deduction, boosting the doubled child tax credit, expanding the small business deduction, and making the doubled death tax exemption permanent for family-owned farms. It even goes a step further and incorporates Trump’s priorities of no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and tax relief for seniors.  

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will be the cornerstone of Trump’s “America First” agenda. I am proud that the House of Representatives did its part and passed this historic legislation to ensure families and businesses are not forced to give more of their hard-earned money to Uncle Sam. 

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is once-in-a-generation, nation-building legislation that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and prioritize American families and businesses. Time is of the essence. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill that will safeguard the American dream for all.
     

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Three arrests, stolen property recovered from Nelson burglaries

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A 45-year-old man has been arrested and faces charges relating to a series of burglaries and thefts from vehicles in the Richmond and Stoke areas in recent months.

    A number of search warrants were executed in the Nelson area over the last couple of weeks, where Police recovered numerous items of stolen property, as well as two firearms and both class A and class C drugs.

    A 33-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were also arrested following one of the warrants, charged with receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of firearms and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

    We would like to thank the members of the public who reported these incidents to Police, as the information provided assisted greatly in making the arrests.

    We would also like to remind everybody to lock their vehicles and not keep any valuables inside if your vehicle is unoccupied. If you own any tools, ensure these remain out of sight and you have recorded a list of all the serial numbers, or engrave your initials into them.

    The 45-year-old man is due to appear in the Nelson District Court on 1 September, facing a number of charges including burglary and unlawfully being in an enclosed area.

    The 33-year-old man is due to reappear in the Nelson District Court on 7 July, and the 31-year-old woman will reappear in the Nelson District Court on 16 June.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Indo-Pacific command officials, FSM representatives partner on regional security, prosperity during Joint Committee Meeting

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    GUAM — U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, Indo-Pacific Command senior military official for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the U.S. Ambassador to the FSM Jennifer Johnson, and FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert led a delegation in Guam for the semi-annual bilateral Joint Committee Meeting (JCM), June 4-5, held at the Joint Region Marianas Headquarters.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE 2: Coast Guard responds to vessel fire offshore Adak, Alaska

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/09/2025 09:45 PM EDT

    News Release

    		  

    U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska
    Contact: 17th District Public Affairs
    Office: (907) 463-2065
    After Hours: (907) 463-2065
    17th District online newsroom

     

    06/09/2025 09:21 PM EDT

    UPDATE 2: Coast Guard responds to vessel fire offshore Adak, Alaska

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Canadian scholar delves into Chinese literature in Nanchang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    In 2005, Canadian Brandon Collins-Green moved to Shanghai to join his girlfriend and live with a family who didn’t speak English. “The first few weeks [of communication] were really tough, but that’s when I fell in love with Mandarin,” he recalls. This passion for the language changed the trajectory of his life – he abandoned an exchange program in Singapore and earned a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language education from Jiamusi University. After that, after reading the famous novel “Dream of the Red Chamber,” he became fascinated with ancient Chinese literature and in 2018 entered the doctoral program at Jiangxi Normal University, where he continued his “deep immersion” in academia.

    Since 2018, Brandon has painted over 4,800 paintings inspired by ancient Chinese literature and poetry (Source: China Daily)

    The decision to live in Nanchang (Jiangxi Province) was a conscious one for the young scientist. Although the city is inferior in development to some megacities, Brandon admires its rich history and culture, as well as the atmosphere filled with energy and movement: “There is peace, safety and trust here.”

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum: President Trump is Deliberately Escalating Tensions in L.A.

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

    SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Sunday in response to President Trump’s decision to activate the California National Guard in defiance of Governor Gavin Newsom:

    “President Trump is deliberately escalating the situation in Los Angeles by calling up the National Guard without a request from Governor Newsom. This decision is downright dangerous. Secretary Hegseth’s statement implying active duty Marines could also be called up is outrageous. The active duty military has absolutely no legal role in domestic law enforcement. President Trump and Secretary Hegseth should read the Constitution and follow the law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member McCollum: Defense Funding Bill Hurts Our Servicemembers, Undermines Military Readiness and Our Allies in Ukraine

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

    WASHINGTON — House Appropriations Committee Republicans today released their 2026 Defense funding bill, which will be considered by the Defense subcommittee tomorrow. Instead of working with House Democrats to strengthen our national security and prioritize the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families, the bill undermines democracy at home and abroad and includes harmful and divisive policy riders that would hurt military readiness.

    For fiscal year 2026, the bill provides $831.5 billion, which is equal to current funding levels and $1.3 billion above the Administration’s fiscal year 2026 request.

    Republicans have included language directing the Department of Defense to determine $7.75 billion in cuts to amounts listed in the bill. This jeopardizes every program other than intelligence activities. If made uniformly, it would reduce everything by approximately 1 percent, which would mean cuts of almost $2 billion for troop pay, over $2 billion for troop readiness, $409 million for health programs, $5 million each for Israel and Jordan, and over $2 billion for the procurement and modernization of weapons systems. At a time when the Trump Administration is already illegally stealing from American communities by refusing to spend funds, it is unfathomable that the Appropriations Committee would allow the administration to unilaterally make nearly $8 billion in cuts to defense investments.

    The legislation:

    • Weakens Ukraine and empowers Russia by eliminating support for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
    • Undermines democracy at home and abroad by allowing disinformation and extremist views to flourish.
    • Limits women’s access to abortion by preventing service personnel from traveling to seek reproductive health care
    • Harms our military readiness with divisive provisions that undermine morale and fail to support our service personnel, by:
      • Continuing DOGE and the Administration’s cuts to vital civilian positions;
      • Attacking the LGBTQ+ community with hateful policies; and
      • Banning funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

    “It disappoints me that I’m unable to support this bill as written, and we find ourselves in this position because the Trump administration has failed to get us the information we need in time to produce a complete budget request. The nation’s defense programs require a detailed annual review. But without the President’s budget request, this committee is unable to complete its work in a thoughtful and timely manner,” Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) said. “The president proposes, Congress disposes – that’s the way our system works. There are consequences to the taxpayer and to our military’s readiness when this process is not adhered to. It is deeply unfortunate that the Trump administration has put the Committee in this position. I look forward to working with the committee to improve the bill as it goes through the process in the subcommittee, in full committee, on the floor, and in conference. Our national security and strategic defense priorities are too important to risk getting it wrong.”

    “Our allies and our adversaries are watching as House Republicans propose a Defense funding bill that will empower Russia, impair our own military readiness and national security, and put politics above our own servicemembers,” Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “This is not a bill meant to responsibly fund our nation’s defense and promote and protect democracy. Instead, this bill advances and acquiesces to Elon Musk’s and President Trump’s reckless purging of critical civilian personnel, their equivocation on support for Ukraine, and their relentless politicizing of our troops. It is deeply regrettable that the conflicts our military must confront abroad, the issues we must confront within the Department of Defense, and the quality of life for our servicemembers and military families are not priorities of President Trump and House Republicans.”

    A summary of House Republicans’ 2026 Defense bill is here. A fact sheet of the bill is here. The full text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal house fire, Trentham

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died following a house fire in Upper Hutt overnight.

    Emergency services were called to the Tararua Street property, between Ross Grove and Louis Street, about 2.25am, and found the house fully ablaze.

    Sadly, one person was found deceased at the property.

    A scene guard was in place overnight and Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators carried out a scene examination this morning. The cause of the fire is still to be determined, but it is not believed to be suspicious.

    At this time, no further details are available.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –