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  • Analysis – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 9, 2025

    Analysis: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 9, 2025.

    MIL-Evening Report: Greek and Roman nymphs weren’t just sexy nature spirits. They had other important jobs too
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kitty Smith, PhD Candidate in Classical Greek and Roman History, University of Sydney Acteon, having accidentally seen the goddess Diana and her nymphs bathing, begins to change into a stag. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. George S. Amory, Object Number: 64.208. Could you ever be […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Some young people sexually abuse. Here’s how to reduce reoffending by up to 90%
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jesse Cale, Associate Professor of Criminology, Deputy Director Research (Griffith Youth Forensic Service), Griffith University When we think about who’s responsible for sexual abuse in Australia, we usually picture adults. But young people are responsible for a substantial proportion of sexual offences nationwide. Up to a third […]

    MIL-Evening Report: American science is in crisis. It’s a great opportunity for Australia to snap up top scientists
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Walker, Visiting Fellow, National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University Stellalevi / Getty Images Science in the United States in in trouble. The National Science Foundation, a key research funding agency, has suffered devastating funding cuts under the current administration. Critics say […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Can a pizza box go in the yellow bin – or not? An expert answers this and other messy recycling questions
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pooria Pasbakhsh, Research Fellow in Polymer Upcycling, The University of Melbourne ViDCan/Shutterstock Have you ever gone to toss something into the recycling bin – a jam jar, a pizza box, a takeaway container encrusted with yesterday’s lunch – and wondered if you’re doing it right? Perhaps you […]

    MIL-Evening Report: XFG could become the next dominant COVID variant. Here’s what to know about ‘Stratus’
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Griffin, Professor, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Queensland visualspace/Getty Images Given the number of times this has happened already, it should come as little surprise that we’re now faced with yet another new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID. This new subvariant […]

    MIL-OSI Analysis: How Philadelphia’s current sanitation strike differs from past labor disputes in the city
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Francis Ryan, Associate Professor of Labor Studies and Employment Relations, Rutgers University Curbside trash collection has been on pause in Philadelphia since July 1, 2025. AP Photo/Matt Slocum As the Philadelphia municipal worker strike enters its second week, so-called “Parker piles” – large collections of garbage that some […]

    MIL-Evening Report: AI is driving down the price of knowledge – universities have to rethink what they offer
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Dodd, Professional Teaching Fellow, Business School, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau For a long time, universities worked off a simple idea: knowledge was scarce. You paid for tuition, showed up to lectures, completed assignments and eventually earned a credential. That process did two things: it […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Brics is sliding towards irrelevance – the Rio summit made that clear
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amalendu Misra, Professor of International Politics, Lancaster University The Brics group of nations has just concluded its 17th annual summit in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. But, despite member states adopting a long list of commitments covering global governance, finance, health, AI and climate change, the […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: How to support someone who is grieving: five research-backed strategies
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lucy Poxon, Senior Lecturer in Counselling Psychology, Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care , School of Childhood and Social Care, University of East London PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock When someone we care about is grieving the loss of a loved one, our natural instinct is to […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: As Netanyahu meets Trump in Washington, what hope for peace in Gaza? Expert Q&A
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor The US government “remains upbeat” about the prospects for at least a ceasefire in Gaza, according to the latest reports from Washington, where the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been meeting the US president, Donald Trump. Netanyahu handed the […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Four reasons why many of us feel the global economy is not on our side
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cahal Moran, Visiting Fellow in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, London School of Economics and Political Science During my adult life, I have never experienced what it’s like to live in a “good” economy. Starting with the global financial crash in 2008, which hit just as […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: I rode the Tour de France to study its impact on the human body – here’s what I learned
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steve Faulkner, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, Nottingham Trent University The Tour de France is often called the world’s biggest annual sporting event. Each July up to 12 million people line the roadside, while the cumulative TV audience tops 3 billion viewers across 190 countries. In 2025, 184 […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Why many kidney patients are still choosing hospital dialysis – and how the NHS can help more people access care at home
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Leah McLaughlin, Research Fellow in Health Services, Bangor University PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Every week, thousands of people with kidney disease in the UK spend long hours in hospital receiving life-saving dialysis. For many, this means travelling to a kidney unit three times a week and sitting through […]

    MIL-OSI Analysis: Brics is sliding towards irrelevance – the Rio summit made that clear
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amalendu Misra, Professor of International Politics, Lancaster University The Brics group of nations has just concluded its 17th annual summit in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. But, despite member states adopting a long list of commitments covering global governance, finance, health, AI and climate change, the […]

    MIL-OSI Analysis: How to support someone who is grieving: five research-backed strategies
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lucy Poxon, Senior Lecturer in Counselling Psychology, Department of Social Work Counselling & Social Care , School of Childhood and Social Care, University of East London PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock When someone we care about is grieving the loss of a loved one, our natural instinct is to […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Norman Tebbit, Conservative minister known as Thatcher’s enforcer, dies at 94
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Farr, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary British History, Newcastle University No man more embodied Thatcherism in the eyes of the public in the 1980s than Norman Tebbit, who died on July 7, aged 94. Though certainly no yuppie, Lord Tebbit entitled his memoirs Upwardly Mobile. Margaret’s Thatcher’s triumph […]

    MIL-OSI Analysis: As Netanyahu meets Trump in Washington, what hope for peace in Gaza? Expert Q&A
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor The US government “remains upbeat” about the prospects for at least a ceasefire in Gaza, according to the latest reports from Washington, where the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been meeting the US president, Donald Trump. Netanyahu handed the […]

    MIL-OSI Analysis: Four reasons why many of us feel the global economy is not on our side
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cahal Moran, Visiting Fellow in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, London School of Economics and Political Science During my adult life, I have never experienced what it’s like to live in a “good” economy. Starting with the global financial crash in 2008, which hit just as […]

    MIL-OSI Analysis: I rode the Tour de France to study its impact on the human body – here’s what I learned
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steve Faulkner, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, Nottingham Trent University The Tour de France is often called the world’s biggest annual sporting event. Each July up to 12 million people line the roadside, while the cumulative TV audience tops 3 billion viewers across 190 countries. In 2025, 184 […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: The Shrouds: new Cronenberg film is an elusive meditation on death, grief and environmental ethics
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura O’Flanagan, PhD Candidate, School of English, Dublin City University American filmmaker David Cronenberg is a leading figure in body horror, a film genre that explores disturbing and often grotesque aspects of the human body. Films such as The Fly (1986), eXistenZ (1999) and Crimes of the Future […]

  • Technology – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 9, 2025

    Technology News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 9, 2025

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech – Avast Report Reveals Nearly Half of Older Kiwis Still Write their Passwords on Paper, According to Their Younger Loved Ones
    Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners & Passion for Avast If your parents still think “phishing” happens on a lake, it might be time for the talk Auckland, 9 July, 2025 – You had “the talk” once – as the awkward teen on the receiving end. Now it’s your turn to lead it, and this time, […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Workers absent from government’s AI “strategy”
    Source: NZCTU The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is concerned that the artificial intelligence (AI) “strategy” document released today by the Government ignores impacts on working people and replicates the corporate hype of Microsoft and other tech giants. “It is crucial that no workers are left behind as AI usage increases, […]

    MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier says Chinese economy capable of withstanding any external shocks
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends a symposium for Chinese enterprises operating in Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] RIO DE JANEIRO, July 8 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Tuesday that the Chinese economy is fully capable of withstanding any external […]

    India–Brazil bilateral trade to touch $20 billion over next five years: PM Modi in Brasilia
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India and Brazil will work to expand cooperation in trade, clean energy, defence, Artificial Intelligence, and digital public infrastructure, underlining that both countries share a common vision for inclusive development and a people-centric approach to innovation. Speaking at a […]

    MIL-OSI USA: U.S. and Israel Pledge to Work Together to Unleash AI Innovation with New Memorandum of Understanding
    Source: US Department of Energy WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, vice chair and chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance collaboration on energy and artificial intelligence (AI) with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Ambassador […]

    PM Modi shares highlights of meetings with Chile President, UN Chief and Rousseff at BRICS
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday shared glimpses of his meetings with key international figures — including Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff — held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. […]

    India–Brazil bilateral trade to touch $20 million over next five years: PM Modi in Brasilia
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India and Brazil will work to expand cooperation in trade, clean energy, defence, Artificial Intelligence, and digital public infrastructure, underlining that both countries share a common vision for inclusive development and a people-centric approach to innovation. Speaking at a […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Remarks of Commissioner Kristin N. Johnson at George Washington University
    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission Thank you to the George Washington University Regulatory Studies Center, Roger Nober, Susan Dudley, and the organizers of today’s event for allowing me to join virtually. As many of you are aware, I have spent the last several years engaging regulators and market participants from jurisdictions around the world […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: UN summit confronts AI’s dawn of wonders and warnings
    Source: United Nations 2 The AI for Good Global Summit 2025 brings together governments, tech leaders, academics, civil society and young people to explore how artificial intelligence can be directed toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and away from growing risks of inequality, disinformation and environmental strain. “We are the AI generation,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, […]

    India–Brazil bilateral trade to touch $20 million by 2028: PM Modi in Brasilia
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India and Brazil will work to expand cooperation in trade, clean energy, defence, Artificial Intelligence, and digital public infrastructure, underlining that both countries share a common vision for inclusive development and a people-centric approach to innovation. Speaking at a […]

    MIL-OSI: Oyster Enterprises II Acquisition Corp Announces the Separate Trading of its Class A Ordinary Shares and Rights, Commencing July 11, 2025
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) Miami, Florida, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oyster Enterprises II Acquisition Corp (Nasdaq: OYSEU) (the “Company”) announced today that, commencing July 11, 2025, holders of the units sold in the Company’s initial public offering may elect to separately trade the Company’s Class A ordinary shares and rights included in the units. […]

    MIL-Evening Report: American science is in crisis. It’s a great opportunity for Australia to snap up top scientists
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Walker, Visiting Fellow, National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University Stellalevi / Getty Images Science in the United States in in trouble. The National Science Foundation, a key research funding agency, has suffered devastating funding cuts under the current administration. Critics say […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Can a pizza box go in the yellow bin – or not? An expert answers this and other messy recycling questions
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pooria Pasbakhsh, Research Fellow in Polymer Upcycling, The University of Melbourne ViDCan/Shutterstock Have you ever gone to toss something into the recycling bin – a jam jar, a pizza box, a takeaway container encrusted with yesterday’s lunch – and wondered if you’re doing it right? Perhaps you […]

    MIL-OSI: PS Miner announces rapid progress in its AI cloud mining infrastructure after raising $350 million in Series B funding
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) London, UK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PS Miner, a UK cloud mining platform headquartered in Southwark, London, was founded in 2019. On July 1, 2025, it announced the successful completion of its Series B financing, receiving $350 million to support the integration of artificial intelligence technology into its cloud mining […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Protecting audiovisual dubbing professions – E-001819/2025(ASW)
    Source: European Parliament EU copyright law provides performers with exclusive rights to authorise or prohibit the use of their performances by third parties. The rights protecting performances however do not extend to the use of an artist’s voice, likeness or other characterising features. Under the General Data Protection Regulation[1] (GDPR) consent is one of the […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the rise of artificial intelligence on translation services – E-002680/2025
    Source: European Parliament Question for written answer  E-002680/2025to the CommissionRule 144Fernand Kartheiser (NI) Artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly, including in the field of translation. Specialised tools are already widely used in the translation services of the Commission and other EU institutions. These tools enable translators to work more efficiently, but they still have to check […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: In Dialogue with Viet Nam, Experts of the Human Rights Committee Commend the Strengthened Human Rights Framework, Raise Issues Concerning Discrimination and Reports of Media Repression
    Source: United Nations – Geneva The Human Rights Committee today concluded its consideration of the fourth periodic report of Viet Nam on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.  Committee Experts commended steps Viet Nam had taken to strengthen its legal and institutional framework for human rights, and raised issues concerning […]

    MIL-OSI Economics: Trade and gender group outlines priorities for gender equality work leading to MC14
    Source: WTO Headline: Trade and gender group outlines priorities for gender equality work leading to MC14 The 2025-2026 Work Plan reinforces the work initiated at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13), held in Abu Dhabi in 2024. An action plan to support its implementation will be drafted in consultation with members, with clear milestones, targets […]

    MIL-OSI: U.S. Based Company iDox.ai Expands Access to Scalable AI-Powered Redaction Tools for Privacy Compliance Across U.S. Sectors
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) Fremont, California, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iDox.ai, a U.S.-based company specializing in artificial intelligence-driven data protection, is expanding its reach across public and private sectors with redaction tools designed to meet national privacy compliance standards. As data privacy regulations grow increasingly complex, the need for accurate, scalable redaction software has […]

    MIL-OSI: Spartan Capital Securities, LLC Serves as Placement Agent in Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc.’s $5.0 Million Private Placement
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) New York, NY, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spartan Capital Securities, LLC, a premier investment banking firm, is pleased to announce the closing of a $5.0 million private placement for Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIXT), in which it served as the exclusive placement agent. Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc., a clinical-stage […]

  • MIL-OSI China: China achieves substantial reduction in degraded grasslands

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

    HOHHOT, July 8 — China has made significant progress in reversing grassland degradation over the past five years, with degraded grasslands shrinking by an average of 50 million mu (approximately 3.33 million hectares) annually, officials announced Tuesday at a national conservation conference in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

    The country has maintained stable grassland vegetation coverage exceeding 50 percent while significantly reducing degraded areas. Strict legal enforcement has addressed nearly 30,000 violations nationwide since 2021.

    Targeted measures successfully controlled overgrazing in key regions like Inner Mongolia, achieving balanced grassland-livestock capacity. Annual fresh grass production now surpasses 600 million tonnes nationwide.

    Grass seed supply shortages have been largely resolved. Support policies now benefit over 16 million farming households, according to the conference, which noted that future initiatives will prioritize artificial grassland development, sustainable grazing management, and stricter protection policies to strengthen ecological security.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to develop zero-carbon industrial parks to boost green transition

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

    BEIJING, July 8 — China on Tuesday issued a document to support the development of zero-carbon industrial parks, aiming to accelerate the country’s green transition.

    The document, released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and two other government departments, encourages localities to build zero-carbon industrial parks that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions to “near zero” through advanced planning, design, technology and management, and eventually achieve net zero emissions.

    The document outlines eight key tasks in areas such as transitioning energy structures, enhancing energy efficiency, optimizing industrial structures, promoting resource conservation, upgrading infrastructure, applying advanced technologies, improving energy and carbon management, and fostering reform and innovation in park operations.

    To support the building of zero-carbon industrial parks, the NDRC said it will leverage existing funding channels and encourage local governments to provide financial support through such means as the issuance of local government special-purpose bonds for eligible projects.

    Industrial parks will also be supported to bring in talent, technologies and professional institutions to assist with energy-saving upgrades, carbon emissions accounting and the carbon footprint certification of products. Resource allocation will be ensured for new industrial parks, and for renewable energy and power infrastructure, per the document.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail held in Beijing

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

    12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail held in Beijing

    Updated: July 9, 2025 08:26 Xinhua
    Guests attend the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail in Beijing, capital of China, July 8, 2025. Themed “High-Speed Rail: Innovation and Development for a Better Life”, the congress opened here on July 8. More than 2,000 participants, including railway technical personnel, enterprise leaders, government officials, and representatives from international organizations, attended the opening ceremony. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests attend the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail in Beijing, capital of China, July 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: East China province braces for Typhoon Danas

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

    East China’s Zhejiang Province has evacuated more than 71,000 residents from high-risk areas as Typhoon Danas nears.

    At 2 p.m. Tuesday, Danas was 118 km east of Wenzhou City, moving at a speed of 10 km per hour westward, according to the Zhejiang Meteorological Observatory.

    The provincial authorities have enacted comprehensive safety protocols, including suspending 118 ferry routes, grounding 577 pleasure boats and canceling 372 rail services. Attractions and high-risk tourism activities have been closed. Emergency teams have been deployed to 12 geological hazard zones in the cities of Wenzhou, Taizhou, and Lishui.

    Approximately 57,000 emergency rescue personnel across the province have been mobilized as standbys, according to the provincial emergency management department.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump says US will send more weapons to Ukraine

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

    Members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s national security team plan to discuss details of shipping weapons to Ukraine on Tuesday, after Trump said the United States would send more weapons to the country, according to media reports.

    “We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to,” Trump said Monday ahead of a dinner with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    In a statement Monday night, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the U.S. Department of Defense will provide further defensive military assistance to Ukraine.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday in a post on social media that he had discussed Ukraine’s air defense capabilities in a phone conversation with Trump. They agreed that they would work together to strengthen protecting the skies of Ukraine, he said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US Supreme Court lets Trump pursue mass federal layoffs

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

    The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted a lower court order that had blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring government agencies to lay off hundreds of thousands of federal employees.

    “Because the government is likely to succeed on its argument that the executive order and memorandum are lawful … we grant the application,” the court wrote in its brief order. “We express no view on the legality of any agency RIF (large-scale reductions in force) and reorganization plan produced or approved pursuant to the executive order and memorandum.”

    In February, Trump detailed an extensive plan instructing agency heads to prepare for RIFs. Later that month, the administration issued an accompanying memorandum alleging that the federal government is “costly, inefficient and deeply in debt” and blaming that inefficiency on “unproductive and unnecessary programs that benefit radical interest groups.”

    The memo required agency heads to submit initial layoff plans to the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management two weeks later.

    “The decision, another victory for Trump at the Supreme Court, allows the government to begin taking steps to dramatically overhaul 21 agencies and departments, including the departments of Commerce, Health and Human Services, Energy, Treasury and State,” reported ABC News on this subject. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Japan crush Hong Kong, China in East Asian Cup

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

    Japan secured a 6-1 victory over Hong Kong, China in the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, also known as the East Asian Cup on Tuesday.

    Sun Ming Him (front) of China’s Hong Kong competes during the men’s match between China’s Hong Kong and Japan at the EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final at Yongin Mireu Stadium in Yongin, South Korea, July 8, 2025. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)

    The reigning champion opened the scoring just four minutes into the match when forward Ryo Germain found the net with a scissor kick volley. He scored four goals within 26 minutes, completing an impressive four-goal haul.

    In the 20th minute, Sho Inagaki added to Japan’s tally with a powerful long-range strike. Hong Kong, China pulled one back in the 59th minute when Matt Orr headed home, marking the team’s return to scoring at the East Asian Cup after 22 years.

    In stoppage time, Sota Nakamura scored Japan’s sixth to complete the rout.

    The 2025 East Asian Cup is slated from July 7 to 16 in Suwon and Yongin of South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province, featuring four men’s teams: China, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, China. Hong Kong, China will face host South Korea in their next match on Friday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Recognize Remotely Piloted Aircraft Crew Service in Combat Operations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the 119th Air Wing “Happy Hooligans” in Fargo operating MQ-9 Reapers and the 319th Reconnaissance Wing in Grand Forks flying RQ-4 Global Hawks, North Dakota plays a critical and growing role in operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and is on the forefront of the next generation of technology.

    Despite flying and conducting missions in combat zones, RPA crews do not have a formal combat identifier in their records due to their remote operational environment. Without this important distinguishment, RPA crew members who are transitioning to other military careers or leaving the service may face barriers to timely, high-quality mental health care services.

    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), introduced the bipartisan Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act. The bill will establish a status identifier for RPA crews who conduct combat operations to provide them with the recognition and access to services they deserve.

    “Now more than ever, military missions use airborne ISR platforms to meet our national security objectives,” said Cramer. “Remotely Piloted Aircraft crews, including Fargo’s Happy Hooligans and the airmen from the 319th at Grand Forks, often play an integral role in achieving high-stakes, mission-critical objectives. The CARE for RPA Crews Act recognizes the accomplishments of RPA crews and identifies the appropriate resources to keep our airmen fit for duty.”

    “Remotely Piloted Aircraft crew like those at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada perform combat operations but have no status identifier in their records for having done so, making it challenging to receive the support and care they deserve once they transition,” said Rosen. “That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to establish a status identifier for these crews in order to help improve the recognition they’ve earned and to ensure their future care. I’ll always fight to support Nevada’s servicemembers.”

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Recognize Remotely Piloted Aircraft Crew Service in Combat Operations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the 119th Air Wing “Happy Hooligans” in Fargo operating MQ-9 Reapers and the 319th Reconnaissance Wing in Grand Forks flying RQ-4 Global Hawks, North Dakota plays a critical and growing role in operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and is on the forefront of the next generation of technology.
    Despite flying and conducting missions in combat zones, RPA crews do not have a formal combat identifier in their records due to their remote operational environment. Without this important distinguishment, RPA crew members who are transitioning to other military careers or leaving the service may face barriers to timely, high-quality mental health care services.
    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), introduced the bipartisan Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act. The bill will establish a status identifier for RPA crews who conduct combat operations to provide them with the recognition and access to services they deserve.
    “Now more than ever, military missions use airborne ISR platforms to meet our national security objectives,” said Cramer. “Remotely Piloted Aircraft crews, including Fargo’s Happy Hooligans and the airmen from the 319th at Grand Forks, often play an integral role in achieving high-stakes, mission-critical objectives. The CARE for RPA Crews Act recognizes the accomplishments of RPA crews and identifies the appropriate resources to keep our airmen fit for duty.”
    “Remotely Piloted Aircraft crew like those at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada perform combat operations but have no status identifier in their records for having done so, making it challenging to receive the support and care they deserve once they transition,” said Rosen. “That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to establish a status identifier for these crews in order to help improve the recognition they’ve earned and to ensure their future care. I’ll always fight to support Nevada’s servicemembers.”
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Recognize Remotely Piloted Aircraft Crew Service in Combat Operations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the 119th Air Wing “Happy Hooligans” in Fargo operating MQ-9 Reapers and the 319th Reconnaissance Wing in Grand Forks flying RQ-4 Global Hawks, North Dakota plays a critical and growing role in operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and is on the forefront of the next generation of technology.

    Despite flying and conducting missions in combat zones, RPA crews do not have a formal combat identifier in their records due to their remote operational environment. Without this important distinguishment, RPA crew members who are transitioning to other military careers or leaving the service may face barriers to timely, high-quality mental health care services.

    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), introduced the bipartisan Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act. The bill will establish a status identifier for RPA crews who conduct combat operations to provide them with the recognition and access to services they deserve.

    “Now more than ever, military missions use airborne ISR platforms to meet our national security objectives,” said Cramer. “Remotely Piloted Aircraft crews, including Fargo’s Happy Hooligans and the airmen from the 319th at Grand Forks, often play an integral role in achieving high-stakes, mission-critical objectives. The CARE for RPA Crews Act recognizes the accomplishments of RPA crews and identifies the appropriate resources to keep our airmen fit for duty.”

    “Remotely Piloted Aircraft crew like those at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada perform combat operations but have no status identifier in their records for having done so, making it challenging to receive the support and care they deserve once they transition,” said Rosen. “That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to establish a status identifier for these crews in order to help improve the recognition they’ve earned and to ensure their future care. I’ll always fight to support Nevada’s servicemembers.”

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Boozman Honor the Yell County Wildlife Federation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353July 8, 2025
    Cotton, Boozman Honor the Yell County Wildlife Federation 
    Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today introduced a resolution honoring the Yell County Wildlife Federation, the oldest conservation group of its kind in Arkansas.
    In part, the resolution states:
    “The Senate honors the past and present members of the Yell County Wildlife Federation for their service to the people and State of Arkansas.”
    Text of the resolution may be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Boozman Honor the Yell County Wildlife Federation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact:     Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    July 8, 2025

    Cotton, Boozman Honor the Yell County Wildlife Federation 

    Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today introduced a resolution honoring the Yell County Wildlife Federation, the oldest conservation group of its kind in Arkansas.

    In part, the resolution states:

    “The Senate honors the past and present members of the Yell County Wildlife Federation for their service to the people and State of Arkansas.”

    Text of the resolution may be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Boozman Honor the Yell County Wildlife Federation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact:     Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    July 8, 2025

    Cotton, Boozman Honor the Yell County Wildlife Federation 

    Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today introduced a resolution honoring the Yell County Wildlife Federation, the oldest conservation group of its kind in Arkansas.

    In part, the resolution states:

    “The Senate honors the past and present members of the Yell County Wildlife Federation for their service to the people and State of Arkansas.”

    Text of the resolution may be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Crapo, Hagerty, Introduce Legislation to Exclude Illegal Immigrants from Electoral College, Congressional District Count

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) led their colleagues in introducing the Equal Representation Act. 

    The legislation would ensure that only legal citizens are counted in determining Congressional districts and Electoral College map that determine presidential elections. Counting illegal immigrants toward voter apportionment dilutes the rights of Americans and creates a perverse incentive for open borders to boost the relative political power of states that court non-citizens.

    “Democrats are undermining the rights of U.S. citizens by encouraging illegal immigrants to enter our country and skew congressional redistricting for political gain,” said Risch. “The Equal Representation Act requires that the Census Bureau include a citizenship question ensuring American values and voices take priority.”

    “Only U.S. citizens should be included in Census Bureau counts to apportion congressional and Electoral College representation,” said Crapo. “This vital reform would prevent states like California and New York from padding their population totals with those here illegally to tip the scales and boost their political power in Washington, D.C.”

    “It is unconscionable that illegal immigrants and non-citizens are counted toward congressional district apportionment and our electoral map for the presidency, which also heavily skews the seat count in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Hagerty. “While people continue to flee Democrat-run cities, desperate Democrats have back-filled the mass exodus with illegal immigrants so that they do not lose their seats in Congress or their electoral votes, hence artificially boosting their political power and in turn diluting the power of other Americans’ votes. I’m pleased to lead my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation that would require a citizenship question on the census and will ensure that only citizens are counted in congressional redistricting.”

    The Equal Representation Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

    The Equal Representation Act would:

    • Require the Census Bureau to include a citizenship question in future censuses to provide a greater understanding of the U.S. population and delineate citizens and non-citizens for apportionment purposes;

    • Prohibit the counting of non-citizens for congressional district and Electoral College apportionment; and

    • Require the Census Bureau to publicly report on certain demographic data.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – Good news for renters as national rental price falls for another month

    Source: Brainchild for RealEstate.co.nz

    • The capital records greatest rental price drop
    • Rental prices in southern regions surge 
    • Year-on-year increase in new listings gives renters more choice of healthy homes.

    The latest data from realestate.co.nz shows average rental prices are on the decline in the majority of regions across New Zealand. The national average rental price was $636 in June this year, down 2.7% from $653 in June 2024.

    Renters in the capital had the greatest respite: Wellington’s average rental price dropped by a hefty 10.9% to $625 per week compared to $701 per week at the same time last year. Those renting property in Hawke’s Bay also experienced a greater than average drop in rental prices, down 6.6% from $677 in June 2024 to $632 this year.

    Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says declining rental prices in a tough economic climate is welcome news for renters. “We know that any reduced cost, no matter how big or small, does make a difference for many household budgets.

    Southern surge: average weekly rental prices increase in three key regions
    There’s no such respite for renters in the south. West Coast’s average weekly rental price of $433 is 9.1% higher than the same time last year ($396). The average weekly rental price in Otago has also increased, from $571 in June 2024 to $616 in June 2025, a year-on-year increase of 8.0%.

    Southland’s average weekly rent of $489 in June was the region’s highest on record, 6.1% more than June 2024 ($461). It’s a continuing trend for the Southland property market, which also set an all-time asking price high for the second month in a row in the June 2025 New Zealand Property Market (ref. https://news.realestate.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-property-market-2025-june )

    Williams says Southland’s performance has been an intriguing one to follow. “The region is certainly bucking the trend, for both home buyers and renters. It will be interesting to see what Southland’s property market does over the coming months as we move into spring.”

    Lift in listings: tenants continue to be able to take their pick
    The positive news continues for renters, with 15.3% more new listings coming onto the market than a year ago. Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington are the top three regions with the greatest year-on-year increase in new listings, reporting 96.0%, 84.9% and 82.2% respectively.

    Wellington’s 82.2% increase saw the number of new listings rise from 276 in June 2024 to 503 in June 2025; Waikato also saw a significant increase, rising from 479 in June 2024 to 647 in June 2025.

    “Greater choice in the market is also keeping prices honest,” says Williams. “And, with the Healthy Homes deadline having now passed, renters should be assured that a new listing should also be Healthy-Homes compliant.”

     

    About realestate.co.nz  

    We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.  

    Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property. 

    Glossary of terms:

    The average weekly rental rate is an indication of current market sentiment. It is calculated by taking the asking rental rate of every residential property listed during that month and dividing it by the total number of rental properties. The average is a truncated mean.

    New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for rent on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. Listings on the site include rental properties listed by Property Managers and private landlords and provide a representative view of the New Zealand rental property market.

    Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for rent on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – Good news for renters as national rental price falls for another month

    Source: Brainchild for RealEstate.co.nz

    • The capital records greatest rental price drop
    • Rental prices in southern regions surge 
    • Year-on-year increase in new listings gives renters more choice of healthy homes.

    The latest data from realestate.co.nz shows average rental prices are on the decline in the majority of regions across New Zealand. The national average rental price was $636 in June this year, down 2.7% from $653 in June 2024.

    Renters in the capital had the greatest respite: Wellington’s average rental price dropped by a hefty 10.9% to $625 per week compared to $701 per week at the same time last year. Those renting property in Hawke’s Bay also experienced a greater than average drop in rental prices, down 6.6% from $677 in June 2024 to $632 this year.

    Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says declining rental prices in a tough economic climate is welcome news for renters. “We know that any reduced cost, no matter how big or small, does make a difference for many household budgets.

    Southern surge: average weekly rental prices increase in three key regions
    There’s no such respite for renters in the south. West Coast’s average weekly rental price of $433 is 9.1% higher than the same time last year ($396). The average weekly rental price in Otago has also increased, from $571 in June 2024 to $616 in June 2025, a year-on-year increase of 8.0%.

    Southland’s average weekly rent of $489 in June was the region’s highest on record, 6.1% more than June 2024 ($461). It’s a continuing trend for the Southland property market, which also set an all-time asking price high for the second month in a row in the June 2025 New Zealand Property Market (ref. https://news.realestate.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-property-market-2025-june )

    Williams says Southland’s performance has been an intriguing one to follow. “The region is certainly bucking the trend, for both home buyers and renters. It will be interesting to see what Southland’s property market does over the coming months as we move into spring.”

    Lift in listings: tenants continue to be able to take their pick
    The positive news continues for renters, with 15.3% more new listings coming onto the market than a year ago. Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington are the top three regions with the greatest year-on-year increase in new listings, reporting 96.0%, 84.9% and 82.2% respectively.

    Wellington’s 82.2% increase saw the number of new listings rise from 276 in June 2024 to 503 in June 2025; Waikato also saw a significant increase, rising from 479 in June 2024 to 647 in June 2025.

    “Greater choice in the market is also keeping prices honest,” says Williams. “And, with the Healthy Homes deadline having now passed, renters should be assured that a new listing should also be Healthy-Homes compliant.”

     

    About realestate.co.nz  

    We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.  

    Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property. 

    Glossary of terms:

    The average weekly rental rate is an indication of current market sentiment. It is calculated by taking the asking rental rate of every residential property listed during that month and dividing it by the total number of rental properties. The average is a truncated mean.

    New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for rent on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. Listings on the site include rental properties listed by Property Managers and private landlords and provide a representative view of the New Zealand rental property market.

    Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for rent on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Utilities Disputes | Tautohetohe Whaipainga sorted over 8000 energy consumer complaints in the past year

    Source: Utilities Disputes

    Over 20,000 Kiwis reached out to Utilities Disputes in the last year; and it sorted 8356 energy consumer complaints.
    Utilities Disputes’ latest annual report reveals a 36% increase in complaints and queries by Kiwi energy consumers over the past year. (ref. https://www.udl.co.nz/report2025/ )
    “This increase is not necessarily a worrying sign for consumers”, says Utilities Disputes Commissioner Neil Mallon. “I think there are a number of considerations that are driving the increase in complaints. Economic conditions and price increases will have an impact, as more and more Kiwis are finding it difficult to pay for essential services like energy. I believe our efforts in raising awareness of Utilities Disputes is also a factor. It’s vital kiwi consumers and providers have access to a fair and independent channel to help them resolve complaints in these times and the increase shows this is happening.”
    The most common issue raised by consumers is concerns is about their bill (48%). Utilities Disputes has also seen an increase in the number of consumers who are reaching out when facing a potential disconnection (10%). “We are being contacted more often by people facing disconnections and we treat these cases as a priority, as you would expect. In my experience, a lot of companies are working hard to support their customers through difficult financial times. Our role is to make sure both parties can work together but also be ready and available to step in if there is an issue we need to address,” said the Commissioner.
    Utilities Disputes provides another key service, Complaint Summaries (2961), on behalf of consumers which is aimed at reducing the stress out of complaining – as Kiwis are often reluctant to make a complaint and unsure of how to go about it.
    “Essentially, when Utilities Disputes is contacted, a member of staff experienced in sorting complaints will talk them through the process, capture their complaint and what they want the company to do to fix it. This complaint summary then goes to straight to the right team at the company so they can resolve it. The feedback we receive about complaint summaries is really positive; from both consumers and companies,” said Neil Mallon, Commissioner.
    Background
    Utilities Disputes is a free and independent dispute resolution service resolving consumer complaints about electricity, gas, water, and broadband installation on shared property. It has a simple and clear purpose – to sort complaints between utility providers and consumers through prevention, education and complaint resolution. Our mission is to be fast, fair and effective.

    Key facts

    – Utilities Disputes is a free service for consumers
    – 21,020 kiwis contacted Utilities Disputes to access our services
    – 36% increase in complaints and queries
    – 8356 complaints (6997 in 2023-2024)
    – 2961 complaint summaries produced and sent to providers on behalf of consumers a 20% increase from previous year
    – Most common complaint billing at 48%.
    Utilities Disputes Commissioned Research
    Martin Jenkins research into the “squeezed middle” highlighted that 1.4M people only had just enough money to meet their everyday needs and were:
    –   more likely to experience problems with their electricity company than other utilities
    – typically had household incomes between $60,000 to $80,000
     – 50% in full time employment.
    NZIER Research highlighted:
    – up to $4.2 M in savings compared to alternative dispute resolution
    – up to $2.9M in savings by avoiding additional negotiation.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Utilities Disputes | Tautohetohe Whaipainga sorted over 8000 energy consumer complaints in the past year

    Source: Utilities Disputes

    Over 20,000 Kiwis reached out to Utilities Disputes in the last year; and it sorted 8356 energy consumer complaints.
    Utilities Disputes’ latest annual report reveals a 36% increase in complaints and queries by Kiwi energy consumers over the past year. (ref. https://www.udl.co.nz/report2025/ )
    “This increase is not necessarily a worrying sign for consumers”, says Utilities Disputes Commissioner Neil Mallon. “I think there are a number of considerations that are driving the increase in complaints. Economic conditions and price increases will have an impact, as more and more Kiwis are finding it difficult to pay for essential services like energy. I believe our efforts in raising awareness of Utilities Disputes is also a factor. It’s vital kiwi consumers and providers have access to a fair and independent channel to help them resolve complaints in these times and the increase shows this is happening.”
    The most common issue raised by consumers is concerns is about their bill (48%). Utilities Disputes has also seen an increase in the number of consumers who are reaching out when facing a potential disconnection (10%). “We are being contacted more often by people facing disconnections and we treat these cases as a priority, as you would expect. In my experience, a lot of companies are working hard to support their customers through difficult financial times. Our role is to make sure both parties can work together but also be ready and available to step in if there is an issue we need to address,” said the Commissioner.
    Utilities Disputes provides another key service, Complaint Summaries (2961), on behalf of consumers which is aimed at reducing the stress out of complaining – as Kiwis are often reluctant to make a complaint and unsure of how to go about it.
    “Essentially, when Utilities Disputes is contacted, a member of staff experienced in sorting complaints will talk them through the process, capture their complaint and what they want the company to do to fix it. This complaint summary then goes to straight to the right team at the company so they can resolve it. The feedback we receive about complaint summaries is really positive; from both consumers and companies,” said Neil Mallon, Commissioner.
    Background
    Utilities Disputes is a free and independent dispute resolution service resolving consumer complaints about electricity, gas, water, and broadband installation on shared property. It has a simple and clear purpose – to sort complaints between utility providers and consumers through prevention, education and complaint resolution. Our mission is to be fast, fair and effective.

    Key facts

    – Utilities Disputes is a free service for consumers
    – 21,020 kiwis contacted Utilities Disputes to access our services
    – 36% increase in complaints and queries
    – 8356 complaints (6997 in 2023-2024)
    – 2961 complaint summaries produced and sent to providers on behalf of consumers a 20% increase from previous year
    – Most common complaint billing at 48%.
    Utilities Disputes Commissioned Research
    Martin Jenkins research into the “squeezed middle” highlighted that 1.4M people only had just enough money to meet their everyday needs and were:
    –   more likely to experience problems with their electricity company than other utilities
    – typically had household incomes between $60,000 to $80,000
     – 50% in full time employment.
    NZIER Research highlighted:
    – up to $4.2 M in savings compared to alternative dispute resolution
    – up to $2.9M in savings by avoiding additional negotiation.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Finance – Comments from Leigh Hodgetts, country manager, Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ)

    Source: Comments from Leigh Hodgetts, country manager, Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ)

    Re: RBNZ interest rate decision – “Based on public commentary it does appear that the RBNZ will leave the OCR at 3.25 per cent, however we believe that a rate drop of .25 per cent now, and a similar decrease in August will benefit consumers. Ideally we’d like to see a cash rate of 3 per cent sooner rather than later.

    An interest rate reduction will bring immediate cost of living relief to Kiwis during these globally uncertain times of tariffs, global inflation and trade tensions, added to rising food costs and reports of increases in future inflation data and unemployment figures.  

    Finance and mortgage advisers are reporting that affordability still remains a significant challenge for homebuyers, particularly those trying to enter the market for the first time, while investors are not widely back in the market as yet. So every small rate drop helps.

    Currently the mortgage market is in a transitional phase, with rates easing and house values rebounding slowly. Advisers are receiving many questions around the loan structure, particularly fixed v variable or a split home loan.

    Our advice to consumers looking to purchase or refinance – irrespective of today’s OCR decision – is to consult a mortgage adviser first to discuss your individual circumstances. While the rate is very important, it is not the only factor to consider. You must look at what is best for your individual circumstances, and this is what your mortgage adviser can do. Banks are unable to do this as they are in the business of selling their products.

    Mortgage advisers also have access to specialist and non-bank lenders who can provide flexibility to those who need it, particularly those with unique borrowing circumstances or who are self-employed.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Finance – Comments from Leigh Hodgetts, country manager, Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ)

    Source: Comments from Leigh Hodgetts, country manager, Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ)

    Re: RBNZ interest rate decision – “Based on public commentary it does appear that the RBNZ will leave the OCR at 3.25 per cent, however we believe that a rate drop of .25 per cent now, and a similar decrease in August will benefit consumers. Ideally we’d like to see a cash rate of 3 per cent sooner rather than later.

    An interest rate reduction will bring immediate cost of living relief to Kiwis during these globally uncertain times of tariffs, global inflation and trade tensions, added to rising food costs and reports of increases in future inflation data and unemployment figures.  

    Finance and mortgage advisers are reporting that affordability still remains a significant challenge for homebuyers, particularly those trying to enter the market for the first time, while investors are not widely back in the market as yet. So every small rate drop helps.

    Currently the mortgage market is in a transitional phase, with rates easing and house values rebounding slowly. Advisers are receiving many questions around the loan structure, particularly fixed v variable or a split home loan.

    Our advice to consumers looking to purchase or refinance – irrespective of today’s OCR decision – is to consult a mortgage adviser first to discuss your individual circumstances. While the rate is very important, it is not the only factor to consider. You must look at what is best for your individual circumstances, and this is what your mortgage adviser can do. Banks are unable to do this as they are in the business of selling their products.

    Mortgage advisers also have access to specialist and non-bank lenders who can provide flexibility to those who need it, particularly those with unique borrowing circumstances or who are self-employed.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers: Flood-hit farmers need our help

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers is calling on Kiwis to get in behind flood-affected farming families at the top of the South Island, as recovery efforts ramp up and the scale of the damage becomes clearer.
    President Wayne Langford visited the area on Monday July 7 and says the destruction in parts of Nelson and Tasman is extensive, with some farms totally unrecognisable.
    “I drove back up through the Motueka River and you can just see where it’s come through and swallowed everything in its path. It’s total devastation,” he says.
    “One farm I visited had about 50 hectares taken out. The river changed course and just chewed right through it. Orchards nearby got absolutely smoked as well.”
    Langford says it’s clear some properties have been hit far worse than others – and that those farmers urgently need our support.
    “The damage can really vary. Some places have just lost boundary fences, but others have lost entire blocks. I met a guy who has lost a quarter of his farm.
    “It’s heartbreaking to see, and the real kicker is that the worst of the damage is to farms right by the river – which are also some of our most productive.”
    He says it’s now time for the rest of the farming community to do what we do best in times of adversity – to get in behind these families and show them some support.
    “We know what to do in these situations. The Rural Support Trust is doing good work on the ground, and local volunteers are already rolling up their sleeves.
    “For people who really want to help, the best thing they can do is donate to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust. That’s the best way to get the support to where it’s needed most.”
    The trust is designed to get funding directly to farmers who have suffered extraordinary loss – not just business-as-usual setbacks, Langford says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers: Flood-hit farmers need our help

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers is calling on Kiwis to get in behind flood-affected farming families at the top of the South Island, as recovery efforts ramp up and the scale of the damage becomes clearer.
    President Wayne Langford visited the area on Monday July 7 and says the destruction in parts of Nelson and Tasman is extensive, with some farms totally unrecognisable.
    “I drove back up through the Motueka River and you can just see where it’s come through and swallowed everything in its path. It’s total devastation,” he says.
    “One farm I visited had about 50 hectares taken out. The river changed course and just chewed right through it. Orchards nearby got absolutely smoked as well.”
    Langford says it’s clear some properties have been hit far worse than others – and that those farmers urgently need our support.
    “The damage can really vary. Some places have just lost boundary fences, but others have lost entire blocks. I met a guy who has lost a quarter of his farm.
    “It’s heartbreaking to see, and the real kicker is that the worst of the damage is to farms right by the river – which are also some of our most productive.”
    He says it’s now time for the rest of the farming community to do what we do best in times of adversity – to get in behind these families and show them some support.
    “We know what to do in these situations. The Rural Support Trust is doing good work on the ground, and local volunteers are already rolling up their sleeves.
    “For people who really want to help, the best thing they can do is donate to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust. That’s the best way to get the support to where it’s needed most.”
    The trust is designed to get funding directly to farmers who have suffered extraordinary loss – not just business-as-usual setbacks, Langford says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eyesore car park to be sold and redeveloped as ambitious city centre neighbourhood

    Source: City of Manchester

    An underused multistorey car park in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into a green, sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the unique and independent ethos of the area.  

    CBRE was appointed by Manchester City Council to market the Church Street site for disposal last year and, following a competitive process, it is proposed that the Council will sell the 1.54acre (0.62ha) Church Street site to Glenbrook, subject to formal decision making and planning permission.  

    The scheme will deliver more than 300 new homes, including 60 (20%) affordable homes, alongside new commercial opportunities and high-quality public spaces.  

    It is expected that the development should respect the heritage and architecture of the historic neighbourhood, helping to enhance the wider area and improve the car park site that has long fallen out of step with the wider locale.  

    The new neighbourhood will also feature four new public squares and green spaces, along with opportunities for pedestrianising the surrounding streets as part of the public realm, and to support active travel options to and through the area. A new flexible community and gallery space will also be part of the proposed development. 

    The commercial space within the ground floor will offer a mix of smaller, more affordable units to ensure local independent businesses can access the neighbourhood – alongside units for food and beverage outlets.  

    The development proposals commit to delivering high levels of sustainability, biodiversity and social value. 

    The final legal negotiations with Glenbrook will conclude over the summer prior to public consultation to inform a future planning application. 

    Leader of the Council Bev Craig said:

    “For too long the Church Street car park has been an eyesore and a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter. We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces.  

    “As part of this, we want to make sure that the businesses that make their home here reflect the independent ethos of this community, complementing and helping to enhance the wider neighbourhood. As such, this development will also celebrate the distinct architectural heritage of the Northern Quarter and honour the history of the area. 

    “We felt Glenbrook shared these ambitions, understood how the development of this site should sit within its context, and create a new neighbourhood that supports the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter and the wider city centre.” 

    Director at Glenbrook, Ian Sherry commented:  

    “The Church St site represents a unique opportunity in the heart of the Northern Quarter, a neighbourhood and community that is alive with energy and creativity, and Glenbrook is delighted to play an important role in its future growth.  

      “To be selected as the Council’s preferred purchaser is a huge accomplishment for our entire project team, who have all immersed themselves in the submission. We look forward to jointly delivering an outstanding project for the Northern Quarter community and supporting the city’s continued growth agenda that confidently projects its future as a globally recognised destination.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Workers absent from government’s AI “strategy”

    Source: NZCTU

    The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is concerned that the artificial intelligence (AI) “strategy” document released today by the Government ignores impacts on working people and replicates the corporate hype of Microsoft and other tech giants.

    “It is crucial that no workers are left behind as AI usage increases, and so it is deeply concerning that workers are absent from the document released by the Government today,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

    “AI technologies do provide opportunities for improving productivity and the quality of service. But this will only happen if workers are actively engaged on the implementation and governance of these technologies.

    “Workers also need to be properly trained on how to use AI safely and productively, but the strategy released today fails to set out a coherent plan for achieving this.

    “Some workers, particularly in clerical and administrative roles, are at a high risk of being displaced by AI. We need to deliver a just transition for any workers negatively affected by AI by supporting them to retrain and find good work.

    “The strategy also skates over the very real risks that AI technologies pose for workers. This includes the severe health and safety risks associated with AI surveillance systems, productivity monitoring, and automated management.

    “The “light touch” approach proposed by the Government will do nothing to protect New Zealand workers from the serious risks posed by AI,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Science and Conservation – Plans underway to resurrect the South Island Giant Moa and other Taonga Species

    Source: Colossal Biosciences

    The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre has entered into a strategic partnership with de-extinction company, Colossal Biosciences, and Sir Peter Jackson, to resurrect the South Island Giant Moa and other Taonga Species.

    The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre coordinated project aims to advance ecological restoration and develop tools for conservation in Te Waipounamu, New Zealand’s South Island

    July 8 2025 AT 1 PM EST – JULY 9, 2025 AT 5AM NZST, TE WAIPOUNAMU/SOUTH
    ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND – In a historic indigenous-coordinated initiative, the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre has entered into a collaboration with Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based genetic engineering and de-extinction company, and acclaimed filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson, to work together to resurrect the extinct South Island Giant Moa.

    The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre was established in 2011 to support the intellectual growth and development of Ngāi Tahu, the principal iwi (Māori tribe) of the southern region of New Zealand.

    A multi-disciplinary hub based at the University of Canterbury, the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre will direct all aspects of this project. This ext

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech – Avast Report Reveals Nearly Half of Older Kiwis Still Write their Passwords on Paper, According to Their Younger Loved Ones

    Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners & Passion for Avast

    If your parents still think “phishing” happens on a lake, it might be time for the talk

    Auckland, 9 July, 2025 – You had “the talk” once – as the awkward teen on the receiving end. Now it’s your turn to lead it, and this time, it’s for your parents and it’s about staying safe online. A new study from Avast, a consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), reveals a growing need for Kiwi families to have open and honest conversations with older loved ones about staying safe online. With cybercrime targeting older adults at alarming rates, the report exposes just how wide the generational Cyber Safety gap has become, and how family members often struggle to bridge it.

    According to the Avast Safe Tech Report, nearly 1 in 2 (45%) Kiwis with older loved ones have helped them avoid falling victim to a scam, and 84% of Kiwis with older loved ones have tried to warn them about risky online behavior or scams. But just like that first awkward talk years ago, not everyone’s listening. Only 53% changed their habits, while others didn’t understand the advice they were given (16%). Some older people even said their younger family members were overreacting (10%) or lied and said they’d change but didn’t (9%).

    When warning their older loved ones about risky online behaviour, New Zealanders raised concerns about six key behaviours: clicking on suspicious links (91%), oversharing personal information (78%), answering unknown calls (83%), responding to texts from strangers (84%), downloading unfamiliar apps (78%), and using weak passwords (70%). Shockingly, 44% report that their older loved ones still write their passwords on a piece of paper, a habit that might feel harmless, but creates an open invitation for criminal activity.

    Talking about online safety isn’t always comfortable, but it’s critical. And just like the original “talk,” it’s better to start early, speak clearly and repeat as needed.

    According to the Avast Safe Tech Report, almost half (46%) of people in New Zealand with older loved ones say their aging loved ones have already fallen victim to an online threat. Among those affected, 26% have fallen victim to scams, 17% experienced financial fraud, 10% suffered malware infections, and 7% were victims of identity theft. These aren’t just statistics – they represent real families facing serious, sometimes devastating, consequences.

    The most common scams targeting older adults:

    Tech Support Scams: Pop-up calls claiming a virus is on the device.
    Phishing: Emails or texts pretending to be from banks, police or family.
    Fake Invoice Scams: Fake payment requests, often imitating legitimate companies or service providers.

    “We see that many older adults genuinely want to stay safe online but weren’t raised with this technology where the rules are constantly changing,” says Mark Gorrie, APAC Managing Director for Avast. “The Avast Safe Tech Report shows that small behaviors – like jotting down passwords or trusting unsolicited calls – can open the door to massive fraud. That’s why families need to talk about it, openly and often.”

    “Nearly half (49%) of Kiwis with older loved ones agree that their older loved ones are susceptible to believing false or fraudulent information they see online. These conversations can be tricky, but we have to keep trying – the key is patience, respect, and making it a two-way exchange rather than a lecture.”

    Avast Safe Tech Tips: How to Have the Safe Tech Talk

    To take control of your Cyber Safety together with your loved ones, Avast experts encourage having the Safe Tech Talk and focusing on these top five best practices:

    Have the Safe Tech Talk

    Learn Cyber Safety best practices and share them with your loved ones.
    If you receive scam messages, texts, or calls, warn fri

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Heritage – He Waka Tipua Report offers insights into potential waka origins

    Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

    Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has released He Waka Tipua, a report providing observations and insights on the potential origins of the partially excavated waka on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island.
    “In consultation with Imi and Iwi, the Matanga Advisory Panel was commissioned to leverage the various areas of expertise to inform and guide background research and documentation. In April, the panel of whakairo, voyaging, waka construction, weaving and tikane/tikanga experts visited the island to view the site and the remains of the waka,” said.Glenis Philip-Barbara, Pou Mataaho o Te Hononga Deputy Secretary Māori Crown Partnerships at the Ministry. 
    ” He Waka Tipua reinforces the views as to the national and international significance of this unique waka discovery and presents more questions. The report says it is likely this waka is from a time before significant cultural separation in the Pacific; from a time before geographic distance and the decrease of long-distance voyaging meant independently developed techniques and artistic styles emerged.
    ” He Waka Tipua lays down a collective challenge for us all to navigate the next chapter of this work together. The recovery and conservation of the waka will require considerable investment. A unique opportunity exists for the island to work together with others to understand more about our origins, all while balancing the need to uphold the mana and the wairua of the waka,” Phillip-Barbara continues.
    “A research plan for the recovered materials is currently being prepared. This includes the dating and provenance of organic materials taken from the waka find site. We expect a progress report in the last quarter of 2025. The Ministry will then present the final Archaeological Report to Imi, Iwi, and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga in February 2026. It will also be published on the Ministry website.
    “There are many unanswered questions about the origin, age and journey of the waka. We are grateful for the funding of $1 million allocated to the waka project as part of Budget 2025 as it will help alleviate cost pressures and also help us to plan ahead for the next stage.
    “The Ministry will continue to be guided by Imi and Iwi, and we’ll work closely with the Department of Conservation, the Dix Family and others to ensure the care and conservation of the recovered waka is foremost in our thinking.” Philip-Barbara concludes. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – NZ residential construction costs edge higher, but pressures remain contained – Cotality

    Source: Cotality

    New Zealand’s residential construction costs rose 0.6% in the June 2025 quarter, according to Cotality’s latest Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) – up from a 0.3% increase in Q1. Despite this uptick, cost growth remains below the long-term average of 1.0% per quarter.

    Annual construction cost growth reached 2.7%, the fastest pace since Q3 2023. However, this modest acceleration largely reflects the removal of a sharp 1.1% drop in Q2 2024 from the annual comparison (i.e. a mathematical technicality), rather than a resurgence in price pressures.

    Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said that while the quarterly lift is worth noting, cost inflation across the residential building sector remains relatively subdued.
    “Although the annual growth rate has nudged higher, it’s important to recognise this is more about base effects than any significant reacceleration,” Mr Davidson said.
    “At 2.7%, annual cost growth is still well below the long-term average of 4.2%, and a far cry from the COVID-era peak of 10.4% in late 2022. Overall, construction cost pressures remain contained.”
    Mr Davidson noted that reduced workloads across the sector over the past two to three years have created a degree of spare capacity, helping to ease cost pressures.
    “New dwelling consents have dropped from more than 51,000 in the year to May 2022 to fewer than 34,000 now,” he said. “That decline has taken the heat off both wages – which account for around 40% of the CCCI – and material costs, which represent roughly 50%.”
    The June quarter revealed a varied picture across individual product lines. Weatherboard cladding saw a 6% increase, while prices for decking timber and ceiling batts fell 1%.
    “Cost movements are now being driven by specific supply and demand dynamics rather than broad-based inflation,” Mr Davidson said. “We’re seeing more nuanced and patchy shifts that reflect a normalising market.”
    While the pace of growth has slowed, Mr Davidson warned that overall build costs remain elevated.
    “Households can be more confident costs won’t run away during a project, but the total cost to build remains a hurdle. With ample existing stock on the market, builders may still face challenges attracting new projects in the short term.”
    Looking ahead, Mr Davidson said several factors could support a gradual lift in construction activity.
    “Population growth is still positive, mortgage rates have eased, and regulatory settings around loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios continue to favour new-builds. As the broader economy recovers, the construction sector should follow.”
    “Cost growth may well have bottomed out, with some renewed upward pressure possible in 2026. But a return to the double-digit growth rates of 2022 seems unlikely.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –