NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • Indian stock market opens higher as geopolitical tensions ease

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Equity benchmarks opened on a strong note on Tuesday, buoyed by easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and positive cues from global markets. The rally followed an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump declaring a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

    The BSE Sensex rose 756.5 points, or 0.92%, to 82,653.33 in early trade, while the NSE Nifty climbed 229 points, or 0.92%, to 25,200.90. Broad-based buying was seen across sectors, with auto, IT, PSU banks and financial services stocks leading the gains.

    Analysts noted that the de-escalation in West Asia is likely to reduce volatility in crude oil and equity markets. “The sharp reactions in the crude oil and stock markets suggest the geopolitical situation is limping back to normalcy,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    The Nifty Bank index gained 557.25 points, or 0.99%, to trade at 56,616.60. The Nifty Midcap 100 rose 411 points, or 0.71%, to 58,617.80, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 was up 123.05 points, or 0.67%, at 18,443.95.

    Aakash Shah, Technical Research Analyst at Choice Broking, said the recovery in the Nifty and Bank Nifty indicates buying interest at lower levels, but added that a breakout above 25,200 and 56,300 respectively would be needed for a sustained rally. “Given the current environment of heightened volatility, investors should remain cautiously optimistic,” he said.

    In the Sensex pack, Adani Ports, M&M, UltraTech Cement, L&T, Titan, SBI, Asian Paints, Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Finserv were among the top gainers. NTPC, BEL and Trent were trading in the red.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers on June 23, offloading equities worth ₹1,874.38 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth ₹5,591.77 crore.

    Asian markets mirrored the optimism, with indices in Bangkok, Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, Hong Kong and Jakarta trading in positive territory.

    Overnight in the U.S., the Dow Jones closed at 42,581.78, up 374.96 points (0.89%). The S&P 500 gained 0.96% to end at 6,025.17, while the Nasdaq advanced 0.94% to 19,630.97.

    -IANS

  • MIL-Evening Report: A carbon levy on global shipping promises to slash emissions. We calculated what that means for Australia’s biggest export

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Brear, Director, Melbourne Energy Institute, The University of Melbourne

    Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Moving people and things around the world by sea has a big climate impact. The shipping industry produces almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions – roughly the same as Germany – largely due to the movement of container ships, bulk carriers and tankers.

    Under international rules, these emissions are not included in any nation’s greenhouse gas reporting. That means they often escape scrutiny.

    Unlike cars, international shipping can’t shift to using low-emissions electricity – the batteries required are too big and heavy. So clean fuels must play a role.

    A proposed shake-up of the global shipping industry would encourage the use of clean fuels and penalise shipping companies that stick to cheaper, more polluting fuels. Should it proceed, emissions from global shipping would be regulated for the first time.

    Using our peer-reviewed modelling, we investigated how the changes might affect Australia’s largest export: iron ore.

    What is the proposed carbon levy all about?

    The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is the United Nations body responsible for regulating international shipping. It recently approved a draft plan to tackle the shipping sector’s contribution to climate change through a type of “cap and trade” scheme.

    The plan would involve setting a limit, or cap, on how much each shipping company can emit. Companies must then either buy credits or be penalised if they go over their limit. Companies that stay under their limit – for example, by using cleaner fuels – would earn credits, which they could then sell.

    In this way, high-emitting shipping companies are penalised and low-emitting companies are rewarded.

    Under the plan, the total limit for emissions from global shipping would fall each year. This increases the incentive for companies to switch to lower emission fuels and makes higher-emission fuels progressively more expensive to use.

    The plan is scheduled to be adopted by the shipping industry in October this year and would begin in 2027.

    Not all fuels are the same

    The proposed change is particularly significant for Australia. As a remote island nation, our imports and exports are heavily reliant on massive ships. This is most important for our commodity exports – iron ore in particular.

    Our recently published modelling estimated the emissions and financial impacts of various low-emission shipping options for Australia’s exports.

    We estimated Australia’s commodity exports create about 34 million tonnes of greenhouse gases a year. This is about 8% of Australia’s domestic greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s not included in Australia’s national reporting.

    Using the same modelling, we then examined how the proposed new regulation would affect the cost of shipping Australia’s largest export, iron ore. We chose a common route from Port Hedland in Western Australia to Shanghai in China.

    First, we looked at current fuel costs, as well as overall shipping costs measured per tonne of delivered ore. Shipping costs include both the fuel costs and the cost of the ships designed to use it. Then we estimated how much fuels and shipping might cost from 2030, assuming the proposed regulation has come into force.

    We also examined three types of fuel.

    The first was heavy fuel oil (HFO), one of the main fuels used in international shipping. It’s traditionally the cheapest shipping fuel and also has the highest greenhouse gas emissions.

    The second was “blue” ammonia. This fuel is typically made from natural gas using a manufacturing process where the carbon in the natural gas is captured and stored. It has lower greenhouse gas emissions than heavy fuel oil, but it is not a “green” fuel.

    Thirdly, we looked at “green” ammonia, which is produced using renewable energy. We examined two types of green ammonia – that produced using current technology, and “advanced” green ammonia, made using new technologies in development.

    Is green ammonia an answer?

    From about 2030, the overall cost of shipping powered by heavy fuel oil will start to rise significantly under the proposed regulation. That’s because shipping companies using this fuel must purchase credits from those using cleaner options.

    Blue ammonia may then make it cheaper to ship iron ore from Australia to Asia. Users of this fuel could generate and sell credits that higher-emitting fuel users buy, offsetting some of the shipping costs associated with using blue ammonia.

    But if international shipping is to reach the IMO’s goal of net-zero emissions by about 2050, this is very likely to require a green fuel.

    However, green ammonia is more expensive than heavy fuel oil and blue ammonia with current technology. And our analysis found the proposed regulation – and associated subsidy – doesn’t make it the lowest cost shipping option from 2030 onwards either.

    This is why technological innovation is important. CSIRO projections of the future costs of renewable energy and green-fuel manufacture suggest that, should technologies improve, green ammonia may compete on cost with heavy-fuel oil in the 2030s, even without subsidies.

    If so, this zero-emission fuel could become the cheapest way to export Australian iron ore.

    Looking ahead to net-zero

    As our calculations show, a combination of regulation and innovation could help international shipping achieve its goal of net-zero emissions.

    These fuels could be made in Australia, and potentially used by other industries such as rail, mining, road freight and even aviation.

    Such an industry would therefore contribute significantly to the world’s emission-reduction goals, and could help Australia realise its ambition to become a major global exporter of green fuels and other green products.

    Michael Brear receives research funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the Australian Research Council, the Future Energy Exports CRC and the Clean Marine Fuel Institute. He also receives funding from other government and industry organisations for work on other aspects of energy and transport decarbonisation.

    Gerhard (Gerry) F. Swiegers is an ARC Industry Laureate Fellow and the Chief Technology Officer of Hysata. Hysata is a manufacturer of electrolysers which are used for green hydrogen manufacture. Green hydrogen is a key feedstock for the manufacture of green ammonia.

    Michael Leslie Johns receives funding from the ARC and Future Energy Exports CRC.

    Nguyen Cao receives funding from the Future Energy Exports CRC and the Clean Marine Fuel Institute.

    Rose Amal is the leader of the Particles and Catalysis Research Group, Co-Director of ARC Training Centre for the Global Hydrogen Economy and the Lead of the PowerFuels Network under NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub. Rose receives funding from Australian Research Council (ARC) and Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Department of Education (Trailblazer Recycling and Clean Energy program), ARENA and NSW Environmental Trust. She was an ARC Laureate Fellow.

    – ref. A carbon levy on global shipping promises to slash emissions. We calculated what that means for Australia’s biggest export – https://theconversation.com/a-carbon-levy-on-global-shipping-promises-to-slash-emissions-we-calculated-what-that-means-for-australias-biggest-export-258915

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Media release: Vic Government’s rethink on gas ban recognises Victorians want choice – Australian Energy Producers

    Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

    Headline: Media release: Vic Government’s rethink on gas ban recognises Victorians want choice – Australian Energy Producers

    The Victorian Government’s partial backdown on its proposed ban on new gas appliances is welcome acknowledgment that Victorians want choice for their homes and businesses, but more needs to be done to address gas shortfalls facing the state, Australian Energy Producers Victorian Director Peter Kos said.

    “This is a welcome and pragmatic shift from the wider gas appliance ban the Victorian Government proposed earlier this year, which would have increased costs for households and businesses, stifled crucial gas investment and left Victorians facing higher energy bills and reduced energy security,” Mr Kos said.

    “It shows the Government has heard the clear message from households and industry that gas remains vital to Victoria’s energy security and that Victorians want to keep using gas.

    “However, the plan to force homes off gas hot water and banning gas connections in new commercial developments further adds to the Government’s mixed messages on gas and does not address the urgent need for more gas supply to avoid structural shortfalls forecast for Victoria from 2029.”

    Mr Kos said Victoria’s gas industry is committed to bringing new supply to market, but needs evidence-based energy policy that recognises the long-term role of gas in Victoria’s energy mix to encourage investment in new gas exploration and development.

    “Victoria has vast untapped gas reserves in Gippsland and the Otway Basin. The Government should work with industry to unlock this opportunity and ensure Victorians continue to have reliable and affordable energy,” Mr Kos said.

    Australian Energy Producers’ submission to the draft Regulatory Impact Statement highlighted the critical role of gas in Victoria’s energy mix, with over 2 million homes and businesses connected to the gas network. The natural gas industry employs over 40,000 Victorians and contributes $22 billion to the Victorian economy each year.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran’s internet blackout left people in the dark. How does a country shut down the internet?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mohiuddin Ahmed, Senior Lecturer of Computing and Security, Edith Cowan University

    Dylan Carr/Unsplash

    In recent days, Iranians experienced a near-complete internet blackout, with local service providers – including mobile services – repeatedly going offline. Iran’s government has cited cyber security concerns for ordering the shutdown.

    Shutting off the internet within an entire country is a serious action. It severely limits people’s ability to freely communicate and to find reliable information during times of conflict.

    In countries that have privatised mobile and internet providers, control is often exercised through legislation or through government directives – such as age restrictions on adult content. By contrast, Iran has spent years developing the capacity to directly control its telecommunications infrastructure.

    So how can a country have broad control over internet access, and could this happen anywhere in the world?

    How does ‘blocking the internet’ work?

    The “internet” is a broad term. It covers many types of applications, services and, of course, the websites we’re familiar with.

    There’s a range of ways to control access to internet services, but broadly speaking, there are two “simple” methods a nation could use to block citizens’ internet access.

    Hardware

    A nation may opt to physically disconnect the incoming internet connectivity at the point of entry to the country (imagine pulling the plug on a telephone exchange).

    This allows for easy recovery of service when the government is ready, but the impact will be far-reaching. Nobody in the country, including the government itself, will be able to connect to the internet – unless the government has its own additional, covert connectivity to the rest of the world.



    Read more:
    Undersea cables are the unseen backbone of the global internet

    Software and configuration

    This is where it gets more technical. Every internet-connected endpoint – laptop, computer, mobile phone – has an IP (internet protocol) address. They’re strings of numbers; for example, 77.237.87.95 is an address assigned to one of the internet service providers in Iran.

    IP addresses identify the device on the public internet. However, since strings of numbers are not easy to remember, humans use domain names to connect to services – theconversation.com is an example of a domain name.

    That connection between the IP address and the domain is controlled by the domain name system or DNS. It’s possible for a government to control access to key internet services by modifying the DNS – this manipulates the connection between domain names and their underlying numeric addresses.

    An additional way to control the internet involves manipulating the traffic flow. IP addresses allow devices to send and receive data across networks controlled by internet service providers. In turn, they rely on the border gateway protocol (BGP) – think of it like a series of traffic signs which direct internet traffic flow, allowing data to move around the world.

    Governments could force local internet service providers to remove their BGP routes from the internet. As a result, the devices they service wouldn’t be able to connect to the internet. In the same manner, the rest of the world would no longer be able to “see” into the country.



    Read more:
    Internet shutdowns: here’s how governments do it

    How common is this?

    In dozens of countries around the world, the internet is either routinely controlled or has been shut down in response to major incidents.

    A recent example is a wide-scale internet blackout in Bangladesh in July 2024 during student-led protests against government job quotas.

    In 2023, Senegal limited internet access to handle violent protests that erupted over the sentencing of a political leader. In 2020, India imposed a lengthy internet blackout on the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. In 2011, the Egyptian government withdrew BGP routes to address civil unrest.

    These events clearly show that if a government anywhere in the world wants to turn off the internet, it really can. The democratic state of the country is the most significant influence on the willingness to undertake such action – not the technical capability.

    However, in today’s world, being disconnected from the internet will heavily impact people’s lives, jobs and the economy. It’s not an action to be taken lightly.

    How can people evade internet controls?

    Virtual private networks or VPNs have long been used to hide communications in countries with strict internet controls, and continue to be an effective internet access method for many people. (However, there are indications Iran has clamped down on VPN use in recent times.)

    However, VPNs won’t help when the internet is physically disconnected. Depending on configuration, if BGP routes are blocked, this may also prevent any VPN traffic from reaching the target.

    This is where independent satellite internet services open up the most reliable alternative. Satellite internet is great for remote and rural areas where traditional internet service providers have yet to establish their cabling infrastructure – or can’t do so.

    Even if traditional wired or wireless internet connections are unavailable, services such as Starlink, Viasat, Hughesnet and others can provide internet access through satellites orbiting Earth.

    To use satellite internet, users rely on antenna kits supplied by providers. In Iran, Elon Musk’s Starlink was activated during the blackout, and independent reports suggest there are thousands of Starlink receivers secretly operating in the country.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Iran’s internet blackout left people in the dark. How does a country shut down the internet? – https://theconversation.com/irans-internet-blackout-left-people-in-the-dark-how-does-a-country-shut-down-the-internet-259546

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Global shares rally, oil slumps as Trump announces Iran-Israel ceasefire

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Global shares rallied and the dollar extended declines on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire, sending oil prices into a deep dive as concerns over supply disruptions ebbed.

    Writing on his Truth Social site, Trump implied a ceasefire would go into effect in 12 hours, after which the war would be considered “ended”.

    There was no immediate comment yet from Israel. While an Iranian official earlier confirmed that Tehran had agreed to a ceasefire, the country’s foreign minister said there would be no cessation of hostilities unless Israel stopped its attacks.

    Oil prices fell over 3%, having already slid 9% on Monday when Iran made a token retaliation against a U.S. base, which came to nothing and signalled it was done for now.

    With the immediate threat to the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane seemingly over, U.S. crude futures fell another 3.4% to $66.15 per barrel, the lowest since June 11.

    “With markets now viewing the escalation risk as over, market attention is likely to shift towards the looming tariff deadline in two weeks time,” said Prashant Newnaha, senior Asia-Pacific rates strategist at TD Securities.

    “Our sense is that the quicker than expected resolution to the Middle East conflict leads to expectations for a swifter resolution on tariffs and trade deals.”

    Risk assets rallied, with S&P 500 futures up 0.6% and Nasdaq futures 0.9% higher futures jumped 1.3% and futures rose 0.4%.

    The MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan jumped 1.8% while Japan’s Nikkei rallied 1.4%.

    Two sources told Reuters that Japan’s tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa is arranging his seventh visit to the United States for as early as June 26, aiming to end tariffs that are hurting Japan’s economy.

    China’s blue chips rose 1%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 1.7%.

    News of the ceasefire saw the dollar extend an overnight retreat and slip 0.3% to 145.70 yen, having come off a six-week high of 148 yen overnight. The euro rose 0.2% to $1.1594 on Tuesday, having gained 0.5% overnight.

    The yen and euro benefited from the slide in oil prices as both the EU and Japan rely heavily on imports of oil and liquefied natural gas, while the United States is a net exporter.

    “The market was so well hedged against a major tail-risk event to play out…the actions and the dialogue we’ve seen highlight that the tail risks have not and will highly unlikely materialise,” said Chris Weston, head of Research at Pepperstone.

    Ten-year Treasury yields were 2 basis points higher at 4.35%, having declined 5 bps overnight after Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman said the time to cut interest rates was getting nearer as risks to the job market may be on the rise.

    Fed Chair Jerome Powell will have his own chance to comment when appearing before Congress later on Tuesday and, so far, has been more cautious about a near-term easing.

    Markets still only imply around a 22% chance the Fed will cut at its next meeting on July 30.

    The risk-on mood saw gold prices ease 0.6% to $3,346 an ounce.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU students won six medals at the “I am a professional” Olympiad

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The results of the All-Russian Student Olympiad “I am a Professional” – one of the largest educational projects in the country – have been summed up. NSU students won six medals: three gold and three bronze.

    Master’s student Faculty of Information Technology Ivan Baksheev won the gold medal and became the winner of the Olympiad for the fourth time. This year, he immediately went to the final as last year’s medalist. The Olympiad included two rounds: theoretical and practical, both under strict online proctoring.

    — I have been participating in the Olympiad for several years now. This year was my last chance, as the Olympiad is not held for postgraduates. The most difficult tasks were those on the physical protection of critical facilities, but in the end I solved them best. And in the practical round, I had to urgently deal with memory dumps — quickly find the necessary software, install and use it. The results were expected: judging by the scores, it was already clear in April that the gold was in my pocket, — Ivan shares.

    The student is currently continuing his research work, with his interests focused on various aspects of information theory, including issues related to data protection:

    “I am studying various aspects of information theory and plan to enroll in graduate school at NSU or one of the institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, continuing to work in this field,” he says.

    The gold medal in the Psychology track was won by Lyubov Pecherina, a student at the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of NSU. The Olympiad was held in two stages – an online qualifying round and an in-person final, which Lyubov wrote at the TSU site.

    — During my school years, I actively participated in Olympiads — I won and took prizes. In my fourth year, I wanted to test my knowledge again, but in the direction of my studies at the university, that is, psychology. The result was the status of a gold medalist, that is, first place. The Olympiad tasks were really interesting, and completing them brought me considerable pleasure. I think the most difficult task was the one in which I had to read an English-language article from a scientific journal on cognitive sciences and write an abstract for it, also in English. But what I liked most was the task about the problems of the modern urban environment and the psychological consequences of living in the city, which required multidisciplinary knowledge. I was once again convinced that the main thing when solving problems in the Olympiad is not to be afraid to think and always go beyond the curriculum, to act creatively. I was amazed at such a high result. When I saw my gold medal diploma, tears came to my eyes, and I realized that all the effort I put into my studies was not wasted, says Lyubov.

    Lyubov is currently studying the characteristics of self-perception in people with autism spectrum disorders and is preparing to enter the NSU Master’s program in counseling and clinical psychology.

    — I study autism spectrum disorder, namely, what characterizes and distinguishes the perception of the surrounding world, oneself, one’s body and emotions in people with ASD from neurotypical people. In the future, I plan to enroll in a master’s program at NSU, finish and publish an article dedicated to the peculiarities of self-perception in autistic people, and, of course, take part in the Olympiad again, — Lyubov shares.

    Another gold medal winner is Alexander Tomilov, a student Faculty of Natural SciencesHe became the winner in the track “Chemistry”.

    — I have been participating in this Olympiad for the second year, because it gives an opportunity to demonstrate my knowledge and receive a reward in the form of an increased scholarship or cash prizes for medalists. This year I managed to become a gold medalist in Chemistry and a prize winner in Physics, which I am very happy about. The selection was held online, the semi-final included theoretical problems, and the final at Moscow State University was a practical course. There, it was necessary to work in a chemical laboratory: prepare solutions, carry out synthesis and analyze products. This year, the problems were closer to those we solve at the department, so I coped with them more confidently. The medal is both recognition and financial support, — says Alexander.

    Nazim Mustafin, a student of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, became a two-time bronze medalist of the Olympiad in two tracks at once: Chemistry and Biotechnology.

    — There is a qualifying round for both Olympiads, but I only wrote the chemistry qualifying round, since my diploma in biotechnology was accepted last year. The chemistry qualifying round was quite difficult, so I didn’t think I would make it to the final. However, I was lucky, — says Nazim.

    The final of the chemical track took place at Moscow State University. Nazim managed to meet friends in Moscow, visit various museums and become a prize winner.

    — Last year I won a silver medal in biotechnology and fourth place in chemistry — this year the results have shifted a little. The student track for the master’s degree is more difficult: I had to compete with graduates of the master’s degree. The final in chemistry itself was easier this year — I scored 99 points out of 100 for the practical. But in biotechnology they added a choice of problems, and it became more difficult to calculate the time correctly, — Nazim admits.

    Nazim calls participation in the Olympiad a challenge and an opportunity to earn money – there is a solid cash prize for medals. Next year, he plans to try his hand at mathematics and quantum computing.

    — I am very happy with this victory. Now the period of active study is over, so I plan to delve into the theoretical foundations of what I do in the laboratory, at the same time I am working there on a project to assemble an experimental setup, — the prize winner concludes.

    Also, a bronze medal in biotechnology was won by a student of the Faculty of Natural Sciences Anna Skotareva. This is her first participation in this track, and immediately – a prize place.

    — I have been participating in Olympiads since the first grade. At university I decided to continue — this year I tried myself in biotechnology for the first time and unexpectedly received bronze. The tasks were classic, without surprises. The topics about industrial ecology and synthetic structures turned out especially well — they are close to what I do, — Anna shares.

    In addition, Anna became the winner in the track “Ecology”. Now she studies genes associated with antibiotic resistance in prokaryotes, is interested in systems biology and bioinformatics.

    “These days it’s difficult to be a specialist in one field; you need to be able to adapt quickly,” says Anna.

    The All-Russian Olympiad “I am a Professional” is the flagship project of the presidential platform “Russia – the Land of Opportunities”. It is held with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, more than 35 leading universities in the country and over 500 companies, including Yandex, Sber, VTB, Rosatom, Russian Railways and others.

    Congratulations to the winners and prize winners!

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Another 46 jobs to go at DIA with a further 14 under threat – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The Department of Internal Affairs has told staff today that it is axing another 46 jobs, which the PSA says which will ramp up workload on remaining staff and put New Zealanders at risk.
    The changes confirmed to staff at briefings today will see many roles merged, such as the Manager Digital Violent Extremism being merged with a Manager Digital Messaging and Systems, says Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
    “Expecting one manager to do the work of two, especially at a time when the risk of violent extremism is escalating, is dangerous and makes no sense,” Fitzsimons says.
    The changes will also see Personal Assistants become responsible for two General Managers instead of one.
    “Reducing Personal Assistants is a false economy that will see senior managers spending more time doing administrative work, rather than the work they were employed to do. At the same time, it increases the likelihood of the Personal Assistants facing burn out from unreasonably increased workloads.
    “Personal Assistants do the type of vital support role performed predominantly by women that are dismissed by the Government but are the glue that hold organisations together,” Fitzsimons says.
    The changes follow proposals put forward for consultation in March, which aimed to save approximately $8 million a year to meet Government savings targets. They followed a wave of restructuring last year which saw, among many changes, the loss of key staff keeping children safe from online harm, and those stopping scams and international crime syndicates engaging in money laundering.
    As well as the 46 roles confirmed to today, another 69 fixed term roles were not renewed and the DIA is reconsulting on changes that may see another net reduction of 14 roles.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health, and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Introduces “End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    June 20th, 2025

     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

    Dr. Rand Paul Introduces “End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)  introduced the End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act, legislation to prohibit the Federal Reserve from paying interest on balances held at Federal Reserve banks by or on behalf of depository institutions.

    “Our country is over $36 trillion in debt,” said Dr. Paul. “But no one pays attention to the hundreds of billions of dollars the Federal Reserve unnecessarily paid to banks to NOT lend money to consumers.”

    Until 2008, the Federal Reserve paid no interest to banks on reserve balances. That changed after the financial crisis, when Congress authorized the payments as a tool to control the money supply. From 2008 to 2016, interest payments averaged just $5 billion annually. But with the Fed’s rate now above 4 percent, these payments have exploded.

    “In 2022, the Fed paid $60 billion to banks. In 2023, the Fed payments to banks rose to over $176 billion. And in 2024, the Fed’s subsidy to banks rose to about $186 billion. The Fed has been operating at a loss since September 2022,” Dr. Paul continued. “While the Fed no longer has profits and ceased returning those profits to the taxpayers by remitting those funds to the Treasury, it still, to this very day, pays what has amounted to hundreds of billions of dollars to banks.”

    The End the Fed’s Big Bank Bailout Act amends Section 19 of the Federal Reserve Act to eliminate the Fed’s authority to make these interest payments. Senator Paul argues this simple change could save more than a trillion dollars over the next decade.

    “At a time of persistent and self-imposed worsening losses at the Fed, the manipulators of the American economy continue to pay banks to do nothing but have their funds sit in a safe,” said Dr. Paul. “How can anybody, especially the populist Republicans and the entire Democratic Caucus, defend such a subsidy when supposed income inequality and the national debt is at the top of the political agenda?”

     Read the bill HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Money Market Operations as on June 23, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 6,18,964.90 5.19 1.50-6.55
         I. Call Money 16,996.13 5.27 4.75-5.35
         II. Triparty Repo 4,18,203.05 5.23 5.01-5.27
         III. Market Repo 1,81,187.07 5.09 1.50-5.40
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,578.65 5.48 5.40-6.55
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 95.00 5.17 5.00-5.25
         II. Term Money@@ 960.00 – 5.60-5.80
         III. Triparty Repo 1,250.00 5.30 5.27-5.32
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Mon, 23/06/2025 1 Tue, 24/06/2025 906.00 5.75
    4. SDFΔ# Mon, 23/06/2025 1 Tue, 24/06/2025 2,51,686.00 5.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -2,50,780.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,032.31  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     7,032.31  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -2,43,747.69  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on June 23, 2025 9,41,341.97  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending June 27, 2025 9,54,173.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ June 23, 2025 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on May 30, 2025 5,84,684.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/581

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Congressman Valadao’s Romance Scam Prevention Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 2481, the Romance Scam Prevention Act. Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the bipartisan legislation in April alongside Reps. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Craig Goldman (TX-12). This bill would require dating apps and services to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with a person removed from the app for fraudulent activity.

    Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the companion bill in the Senate, which passed out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on March 12, 2025.

    “Millions of Americans use online dating platforms to connect with romantic partners, but unfortunately, they’ve also become a way for scammers to target and exploit unsuspecting victims,” said Congressman Valadao. “As criminals become more sophisticated, it’s important we have safeguards in place to protect users. The Romance Scam Prevention Act is a bipartisan effort to enhance online safety and combat financial fraud, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this bill across the finish line.”

    “Online dating services are being used as a platform for bad actors to target and exploit individuals, yet protections continue to lag behind,” said Rep. Pettersen. “Notifying users if they have been in contact with a potential scammer is a basic security feature that every online dating service should provide. This bipartisan bill will help reduce online crime and keep people safe from online scammers. I’m grateful this legislation has passed the House with bipartisan support, and I will keep working to see it signed into law.”

    “These aren’t just creepy or shady tactics—they are life-ruining attacks that disproportionately target the elderly, as well as young men and women,” said Rep. Suozzi. “As a father, a former mayor and as a member of Congress, I’ll never stop fighting to protect people from exploitation—online or anywhere else.”

    Congressman Valadao spoke on the House Floor during debate on the legislation. Watch his remarks here or read as prepared below:

    Mr. Speaker,

    I rise to urge support for my bill, the Romance Scam Prevention Act. 

    Every year, millions of Americans from all ages and backgrounds use dating apps and websites to make connections. For many, online dating has made it easier to build relationships, but unfortunately there are countless stories of criminals using these sites for fraudulent activity.

    While it’s sadly common to see users lie about things like their age or occupation, romance scammers use fake profiles to develop connections and emotionally or financially exploit unsuspecting users.

    According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $1.1 billion in 2023 alone, with senior citizens being the most at-risk age group.

    There have been countless stories of people being conned out of their entire life savings, all because they believed they had found love online.

    People who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms and might not know they are talking to someone who has been removed. 

    This bill requires dating platforms to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with an account who has been removed for fraudulent activity.

    As criminals are becoming more sophisticated when it comes to exploiting victims online, it’s time to put safeguards in place to protect users from financial fraud. 

    I want to thank Chairman Guthrie and his staff at the Committee on Energy & Commerce for their work on this important bill as well as my co-leads, Reps. Brittany Pettersen, Tom Suozzi, and Craig Goldman.

    Thank you, and I yield back.

    Background:

    Over 60 million Americans used an online dating service in 2023, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that romance scams resulted in victims losing over $1.1 billion. Criminals use false names and stories to lure individuals into conversation before manipulating them to give up sensitive information. When an online dating service provider becomes aware of a user committing fraudulent activity, like illegally obtaining money, the online dating service provider immediately deactivates the fraudulent user’s account. However, individuals who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms, so even when a fraudulent account is removed, an individual might not know they are still communicating with someone who was banned from the platform.

    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sompo announces leadership changes for its Hong Kong Commercial P&C Insurance business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sompo, a leading global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty (re)insurance, today announced leadership changes to its Commercial P&C Insurance business in Hong Kong.

    Li Sheung Kin (S.K.) will retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sompo Insurance (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. (“Sompo Hong Kong”). Mr Li has held several leadership roles during his 24-year career with Sompo Hong Kong. He was appointed CEO in 2016 and has been instrumental in strengthening Sompo’s Hong Kong business. Mr Li will remain with Sompo Hong Kong until the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

    Alasdair Walker will succeed Mr Li as CEO of Sompo Hong Kong, subject to appropriate local regulatory and immigration approvals. In his new role, Mr Walker will be responsible for driving Sompo Hong Kong’s profitability and capabilities as a key Commercial business hub in the Asia Pacific region. He will report into Kenneth Reilly, CEO, Insurance, Asia Pacific and Deputy CEO, Commercial Insurance, Sompo Japan.

    Mr Walker joined Sompo in 2023 from another major international carrier where he held positions in London, Johannesburg and Singapore, and was Regional Head of Distribution.

    Mr Reilly said: “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to S.K. for his years of dedication and significant contributions to Sompo. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors. I am also pleased to welcome Alasdair to the Hong Kong and Asia Pacific leadership teams. With 15 years of international insurance experience across three continents in both underwriting and distribution, Alasdair is perfectly placed to oversee and execute our strategic plans in this important region for our insurance business.”

    About Sompo

    We are Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on the 135 years of innovation of our parent company, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Sompo employs approximately 9,500 people around the world who use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to help simplify and resolve your complex challenges. Because when you choose Sompo, you choose The Ease of Expertise™.

    “Sompo” refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualty (re)insurance businesses. Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of the leading property and casualty groups in the world with excellent financial strength as evidenced by ratings of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best (XV size category) and A+ (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s. Shares of Sompo Holdings, Inc. are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

    To learn more please follow us on LinkedIn or visit sompo-asia.com.

    Sompo Contacts  

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/935ad383-0d31-4b1c-9bfb-6baf5c23d27d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sompo announces leadership changes for its Hong Kong Commercial P&C Insurance business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sompo, a leading global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty (re)insurance, today announced leadership changes to its Commercial P&C Insurance business in Hong Kong.

    Li Sheung Kin (S.K.) will retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sompo Insurance (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. (“Sompo Hong Kong”). Mr Li has held several leadership roles during his 24-year career with Sompo Hong Kong. He was appointed CEO in 2016 and has been instrumental in strengthening Sompo’s Hong Kong business. Mr Li will remain with Sompo Hong Kong until the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

    Alasdair Walker will succeed Mr Li as CEO of Sompo Hong Kong, subject to appropriate local regulatory and immigration approvals. In his new role, Mr Walker will be responsible for driving Sompo Hong Kong’s profitability and capabilities as a key Commercial business hub in the Asia Pacific region. He will report into Kenneth Reilly, CEO, Insurance, Asia Pacific and Deputy CEO, Commercial Insurance, Sompo Japan.

    Mr Walker joined Sompo in 2023 from another major international carrier where he held positions in London, Johannesburg and Singapore, and was Regional Head of Distribution.

    Mr Reilly said: “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to S.K. for his years of dedication and significant contributions to Sompo. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors. I am also pleased to welcome Alasdair to the Hong Kong and Asia Pacific leadership teams. With 15 years of international insurance experience across three continents in both underwriting and distribution, Alasdair is perfectly placed to oversee and execute our strategic plans in this important region for our insurance business.”

    About Sompo

    We are Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on the 135 years of innovation of our parent company, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Sompo employs approximately 9,500 people around the world who use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to help simplify and resolve your complex challenges. Because when you choose Sompo, you choose The Ease of Expertise™.

    “Sompo” refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualty (re)insurance businesses. Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of the leading property and casualty groups in the world with excellent financial strength as evidenced by ratings of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best (XV size category) and A+ (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s. Shares of Sompo Holdings, Inc. are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

    To learn more please follow us on LinkedIn or visit sompo-asia.com.

    Sompo Contacts  

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/935ad383-0d31-4b1c-9bfb-6baf5c23d27d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The National Bank of Belarus raises the refinancing rate to 9.75 percent per annum

    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

    MINSK, June 24 /Xinhua/ — The National Bank of Belarus will raise the refinancing rate from 9.5 percent to 9.75 percent from June 25. This decision was made at a meeting of the board of the National Bank of the country dedicated to the development of the situation in the economy and monetary sphere. The relevant information was published by the press service of the Belarusian National Bank on Monday.

    As noted by the National Bank of Belarus, despite the continued positive dynamics of economic growth, the macroeconomic imbalance caused by the widening gap between the growth rates of labor productivity and wages is increasing. As a result of the increase in wages, consumption increases, leading to a significant increase in consumer imports. Income growth increases the creditworthiness of citizens, which, in turn, leads to increased demand for imported durable goods. The increase in consumer imports for the four months of 2025 amounted to 14.5 percent, which also indicates the risks of increased pressure on the current account balance of the balance of payments.

    At the same time, there is a stable liquidity surplus in the banking system and an annual growth of the money supply at a level above 15 percent. Given the emerging high inflation trajectory, the Board of the National Bank of Belarus considers it necessary to make decisions aimed at increasing the attractiveness of savings in the economy and, as a consequence, the growth of the resource base for investment activity.

    “In order to mitigate the above risks and stimulate investment activity, a decision was made to increase the refinancing rate by 25 basis points to 9.75 percent per annum from June 25, 2025, and the rates on permanently available liquidity support operations /overnight credit, overnight SWAP/ and bilateral liquidity support operations /lombard loans at a fixed rate and SWAP transactions/ by 25 basis points to 11.25 percent per annum,” said Roman Golovchenko, Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of Belarus. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: European stock markets outperform US amid shift in investor focus

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

    European stock markets were bullish in the first half of the year as investors in the United States increasingly turned to European capital markets in an effort to diversify, German media reported on Monday.

    According to the German news agency DPA, European stock markets have outpaced their U.S. counterparts in terms of growth, an unseen development in years.

    Despite the sluggish economy, the German stock markets have grown strongly and the benchmark DAX index has soared by 16 percent since the beginning of this year. Stock exchanges in Spain and Italy also recorded double-digit growth, in contrast to the moderate growth of less than two percent in the U.S. markets.

    Analysts from Munich Alliance and Deutsche Bank, cited by DPA, pointed to indications of capital shifting from the United States to Europe. They attributed this trend to investor concerns over the uncertainty sparked by erratic U.S. trade policies and the depreciation of the U.S. dollar.

    European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde also noted the trend during the monetary policy press conference earlier this month, highlighting growing investor confidence in Europe.

    “We perceive a serious momentum to improve, to change, to simplify, to streamline, and to encourage and … welcome capital into Europe,” Lagarde said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Britain unveils 10-year industrial strategy to cut energy costs, support key sectors

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

    The British government on Monday unveiled a comprehensive 10-year Industrial Strategy designed to tackle long-standing structural challenges facing British industry, including high energy costs and lengthy delays in electricity grid connections.

    The plan also outlines targeted support for eight high-growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technology.

    A major component of the strategy is the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, which aims to reduce electricity bills by up to 25 percent for more than 7,000 energy-intensive businesses – including those in the steel and chemicals sectors – starting in 2027. These savings will come from removing several existing charges on electricity bills that currently fund renewable energy generation and backup supply systems.

    Complementing this initiative, the British Industry Supercharger program will expand support for approximately 500 companies in sectors such as ceramics, glass, and aluminum. These firms currently receive a 60 percent discount on electricity network charges, which will increase to 90 percent from 2026, a move expected to lower operating costs and enhance global competitiveness.

    To address persistent delays in connecting to the electricity grid, the government plans to launch a Connections Accelerator Service by the end of 2025. The service will work in coordination with energy providers, devolved governments, and local authorities to expedite grid access for major investment projects.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the strategy as “a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.”

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves emphasized the plan’s investment-friendly approach, noting that it would ease business energy costs, unlock funding for advanced technologies, and support job creation. “It will boost our economy and create jobs that put more money in people’s pockets,” she said.

    The government stressed that the reforms would not lead to higher taxes or household energy bills. Instead, they will be financed through adjustments to the national energy system and increased revenues from carbon pricing.

    Beyond energy reforms, the strategy includes sector-specific support for eight high-potential industries: advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, defense, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences, and professional and business services. Each sector will receive tailored policy frameworks and funding packages over the next decade.

    While industry representatives have broadly welcomed the announcement, some experts and business leaders have voiced reservations. Critics argue that although the electricity price reforms may enhance competitiveness, they are unlikely to fully close the gap with lower industrial power costs in countries like France and Germany. Britain’s electricity prices remain closely linked to wholesale gas markets, which still account for a larger share of Britain’s energy mix than in many European countries.

    Others questioned the government’s ability to follow through on its long-term commitments, citing past inconsistencies in industrial policy. Several industry voices also called for faster implementation amid intensifying global competition for green investment.

    The government said detailed action plans for each sector will be published in phases over the coming months. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Community meeting to address future of Macetown road – Queenstown

    Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission

    Saving a high-country road, cherished for its history, views and the access it provides to a special area, is the mission of a public meeting next month.
    Arrowtown will host a crucial public meeting on 7 July, where residents, outdoor recreationalists, 4WD enthusiasts and other interested groups will gather to discuss the future of Macetown Road.
    The Mahu Whenua Access Advisory Group, which includes representation from Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, has been working for the past 14 months to develop a managed access system to preserve the road for future generations.
    Due to its ongoing deterioration, the road urgently needs a new management system, the group says. An unmanaged and unmanageable number of drivers are detracting from the iconic experience of 4WDers, mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders.
    Informally, Queenstown Lakes District Council has undertaken maintenance and repaired slips on the road in the past, but can no longer do so.
    “Without intervention, the road’s condition will worsen, and no one is available to repair it. We need to take proactive steps to prevent that from happening,” says Herenga ā Nuku Queenstown Lakes and Southland Regional Field Advisor Richard Ryall.
    The proposed system includes installing a squeeze barrier for cyclists and walkers alongside a locked vehicle gate. A fee-based online permit system will provide the code to unlock the gate for motorcycles and 4WD vehicles.
    “This system will not only help monitor the number of vehicles using the road and its seasonal patterns, but it also facilitates implementing caps on vehicle numbers during peak times. Our goal is to extend the life of this important track, which officially isn’t classified as a road,” Ryall says.
    Ryall emphasises the significance of Macetown Road, noting that losing access would be a blow to the 4WD community and other groups nationwide.
    “If we lose access irretrievably it will be a loss of national significance,” he says.
    “There’s a deep emotional value attached to this road, as reflected in the stories shared by the community.”
    At the meeting, the steering committee will explain its plans and engage with the local community.
    The Mahu Whenua Access Advisory Group has received some financial support and is awaiting responses to additional funding applications. With the support of the Shotover Four Wheel Drive Club and other outdoor recreation bodies, the project has gained momentum as the community rallies to safeguard their access to this cherished landmark.
    Herenga ā Nuku is working with the local council, Department of Conservation, Land Information NZ, Soho Properties and QEIINZ to develop an enduring legal access easement over the land.
    Ryall noted, “The terrain, multiple river crossings, and complex legal framework can make this a daunting task, but we are committed to seeing this project through.”
    Ryall is encouraging residents of Arrowtown and the surrounding areas to attend the meeting and participate in the discussions about the road’s future. “We want the community to help us ensure Macetown Road remains accessible for years to come.”
    Meeting details
    Date: 7 July 2025
    Time: 5:30-6:30pm
    Venue: Arrowtown Rugby Clubrooms
    Join us on 7 July to learn more about this important initiative and share your voice!
    The Advisory Group would like to acknowledge the generous support for the project from Community Trust South, Central Lakes Trust, New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association (and affiliated South Island Clubs), ACL Communications Ltd, Scope Surveying Ltd and Queenstown Lions Club.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cielo Provides Update on Settlement Agreement, Shareholder Meeting and Webinar, and Units for Debt Transactions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. (TSXV: CMC; OTC PINK: CWSFF) (“Cielo” or the “Company”) today provides an update on the Settlement Agreement, Securities for Debt Transactions, and Shareholder Meeting (each as defined below).

    Settlement Agreement

    Cielo had previously announced the execution of a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Expander Energy Inc. (“Expander”) and certain directors, shareholders and related parties of Expander (collectively and together with Expander, the “Settlement Parties”). The Settlement Agreement provides for the effective unwinding, to the extent possible, of certain previously disclosed transactions (the “Transactions”) completed between Cielo and the applicable Settlement Parties, including Expander, pursuant to and in connection with an amended and restated asset purchase agreement dated November 8, 2023, as amended on September 16, 2024 (the “APA”). The unwinding was expected to take effect on June 13, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), subject to completion of certain closing conditions, including the payment of an aggregate amount of C$748,208.79 (the “Payment”) to the applicable Settlement Parties, including Expander, in full and final satisfaction of all and any outstanding fees owing by the Company. Cielo was unable to make the Payment in accordance with the Settlement Agreement. Cielo has received a notice of breach of the Settlement Agreement from Expander as a result however Cielo continues to make efforts to make the Payment and is in discussions with Expander and the Settlement Parties with respect to the extension of the Closing Date on mutually agreeable terms.

    Shareholder Meeting and Webinar

    As previously disclosed, Cielo’s shareholder meeting (the “Shareholder Meeting”) will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. As the Company has received no advance notice of any other nominations in accordance with Cielo’s Advance Notice Policy, only the incumbent directors of the Company, being Mr. Ryan Jackson, Ms. Sheila Leggett, Mr. Peter MacKay and Mr. Larry Schafran, will be considered, and are anticipated to be elected, at the Shareholder Meeting.  

    Details on the Shareholder Meeting are contained in a Notice of Meeting and Management Information Circular (the “Meeting Materials”) that was mailed to shareholders of Cielo as of the record date filed on SEDAR+, and are also available on the Company’s profile on www.sedarplus.ca.

    The Shareholder Meeting will be held in person at 11am Mountain Time/1 pm Eastern Time. The formal portion of the Shareholder Meeting will be followed by a presentation and question answer period in person and by webcast (the “Webinar”). Shareholders who attend the Webinar will be able to hear the formal portion of the Shareholder Meeting but will not be able to vote at or otherwise participate. Once the formal portion of the Shareholder Meeting has concluded, those who attend the Webinar may view the presentation and participate in the question-and-answer period. Those who wish to attend the Webinar may register in advance of the Shareholder Meeting using the following link: Cielo AGM Webinar

    Securities for Debt Transactions

    In a news release issued on May 16, 2025 (the “May 16 PR”), Cielo announced the anticipated settlement of an aggregate $1,797,195 (the “Original Aggregate Debt Amount”) through the issuance of securities of the Company (the “Securities for Debt Transactions”), subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”). The Company would like to make a correction to the May 16 PR, which stated that the Company anticipated the issuance of 35,943,847 Repayment Units (as defined below), whereas the correct number of Repayment Units anticipated to be issued at the time of the May 16 PR was 33,433,120 Repayment Units.

    The Company has also agreed to increase the Original Debt Amount to $1,967,766 (the “Aggregate Debt Amount”). As a result of the increase, the Company intends to issue:

    • 33,523,132 units of the Company (each, a “Repayment Unit”, collectively the “Repayment Units”) in aggregate to the Creditors at a price of $0.05 per Unit, to settle $1,676,167 of the Aggregate Debt Amount (the “Units for Debt Transactions”), the terms of which were described in the May 16 PR; and
    • 5,832,180 common shares of the Company (the “Repayment Shares”, together with the Repayment Units, collectively the “Repayment Securities”) at a price of $0.05 per Repayment Share (the “Shares for Debt Transactions”) to two (2) Insiders of the Company (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) to settle $291,609 of the Aggregate Debt Amount owing to the Insiders. No warrants will be issued to the Insiders.

    The Shares for Debt Transactions with the Insiders are considered to be “related party transactions” under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transaction (“MI 61-101”). The Company will rely upon the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in section 5.5 (a) and 5.7(1) (a), as the fair market value of the Shares for Debt Transactions does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

    The Units for Debt Transactions and the Shares for Debt Transactions are subject to the approval of the Exchange. Upon approval and issuance, the Repayment Securities will be subject to a hold period of 4 months.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons as defined under applicable United States securities laws unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    ABOUT CIELO

    Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. is a publicly traded company focused on transforming waste materials into high-value renewable fuels. Cielo seeks to address global waste challenges while contributing to the circular economy and reducing carbon emissions. Cielo is fueling renewable change with a mission to be a leader in the wood by-product-to-fuels industry by using environmentally friendly, economically sustainable and market-ready technologies. Cielo is committed to helping society ‘change the fuel, not the vehicle’, which the Company believes will contribute to generating positive returns for shareholders. Cielo shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “CMC,” as well as on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “CWSFF.”

    For further information please contact:

    Cielo Investor Relations

    Ryan C. Jackson, CEO
    Phone: (403) 348-2972
    Email: investors@cielows.com

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Cielo, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements and information are based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and are subject to certain factors and assumptions. The Company is making forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, with respect to: the Settlement Agreement, including any extension to the Closing Date and related terms; the Shareholder Meeting, including the date thereof, the re-election of incumbent directors, and the Webinar; and the Securities for Debt Transactions, including the amounts and other terms of the Units for Debt Transactions and Shares for Debt Transactions, including but not limited to the number of Repayment Shares and Repayment Units to be issued, the price, and the MI 61-101 exemptions to be relied upon.

    Investors should continue to review and consider information disseminated through news releases and filed by Cielo on SEDAR+. Although the Company has attempted to identify crucial factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

    Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Cielo’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Data gaps and demographic change: the end of the NZ census will create big blind spots

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Spoonley, Distinguished Professor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Getty Images

    Ending the New Zealand census as we’ve known it will save money – it was “no longer financially viable”, according to Statistics Minister Shane Reti – but the true cost of those savings could be considerable.

    Of course, it’s no secret the two previous censuses raised major questions about the quality of census data and the process. In 2018, an untested experiment with online returns, and a reduced workforce in the field, saw “an unacceptably low response rate”.

    In 2023, StatsNZ had to apologise again, this time for failing to keep the collected data safe and for another low response rate, especially for Māori. The problems were compounded by low trust in government and an unwillingness to share private information in the wake of COVID-related misinformation.

    It didn’t help that the 2023 census cost NZ$325 million, up from $104 million in 2013 – double the amount per capita, for reasons that remain unclear.

    That was enough. Cabinet papers between March and May last year signalled the government was going to move to an alternative system of data collection. The shift was characterised as “modernising the census” – except there will be no census.

    But the change has been made without any apparent consideration of how the census is used – specifically, that it is crucial to the management of a modern society and economy – and what will be lost in the process.

    Comparison across time

    One of the primary functions of a census is to allow comparison with previous censuses over time. And these go back a long way.

    The first census, in 1851, collected data on Europeans only, although the Native Secretary provided details of Māori from 1849 to 1850. The Census Act of 1858 required that a national census of all Europeans take place every three years. A new act in 1877 introduced the five-yearly census we’ve become used to.

    Data on Māori was collected separately until 1916 when a question on “race” appeared. The 1926 Census and Statistical Act then required all individuals, including Māori, to complete the census forms.

    Depression and war meant there were no censuses in 1931 and 1941, and the 2011 census was delayed because of the Christchurch earthquakes. Otherwise, we have had regular updates from nearly all the resident population on a whole range of aspects of life in New Zealand.

    This comprehensive picture of New Zealanders and the way we live underpins nearly every aspect of political decision-making and policy development. But no more.

    The new approach will use existing administrative data collected by government departments and agencies as part of their normal business. ACC, Inland Revenue, the Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education, and Department of Internal Affairs will be key data sources.

    The data gaps will be addressed by asking those departments and agencies to change some of what they collect. But the main change will involve surveys – as yet unspecified in terms of sample size or frame, or the questions and topics to be covered – which will “verify data quality and fill gaps”.

    As well as saving money, the statistics minister says, this approach will provide “more timely insights”. But this all leaves important questions unanswered.

    Inadequate administrative data

    Administrative data is collected for specific purposes and in different ways by government departments and agencies. The coverage is incomplete, there is often no consistency in what is collected, and there are issues about data quality and robustness.

    Moreover, information management is not a particular strength of most public sector agencies (Inland Revenue might be one of the few exceptions). It will be interesting to see whether the government is prepared to fund new technology options and methods to help improve this data collection.

    For example, the Understanding Policing Delivery research project has identified issues with data collection, especially in relation to ethnicity: national intelligence activities collect and hold data on ethnicity, iwi and hapū affiliations, but the process for issuing police infringement notices for offending does not.

    As a StatsNZ exercise which looked at ethnicity data collection across the government sector noted:

    The question asked for ethnicity differs widely across administrative data sources and often differs within each administrative source depending on the mode of collection or the form used.

    Such inconsistencies will need to be rectified if administrative data is to be anything like as comprehensive and consistent as the data provided by the census.

    Major demographic change

    New Zealand is also undergoing major demographic change, including the following trends:

    • fertility has declined and is at sub-replacement levels

    • the population is rapidly ageing

    • the proportion of population living in the top half of the North Island is increasing

    • and immigration has contributed significantly to population growth and diversity.

    I am not convinced the new administrative approach will capture these demographic changes, much less good data on the wellbeing of various communities or the nature of families and households.

    Administrative data, by definition, is partial and suited to the particular activities and concerns of the agency or department in question. But in a modern, complex society, data is key. We have just lost one of the most powerful tools available for understanding this country in the 21st century.

    The author acknowledges Len Cook, former Government Statistician of New Zealand, for his comments and suggestions.

    Paul Spoonley has received funding from MBIE and is associated with Koi Tu.

    – ref. Data gaps and demographic change: the end of the NZ census will create big blind spots – https://theconversation.com/data-gaps-and-demographic-change-the-end-of-the-nz-census-will-create-big-blind-spots-259663

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stay safe on winter walks

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Stay safe on winter walks

    Tuesday, 24 June 2025 – 12:44 pm.

    Walking in Tasmania’s wilderness areas in winter comes with special reward, but Tasmania Police warns there are also greater risks.The Tasmania Police search and rescue helicopter crew has been called out to almost 200 missions in the 2024/25 financial year, with a number of these rescue incidents avoidable had people undertaken better planning and preparation.Tasmania Police Search and Rescue Acting Inspector Paul Johns said the winter period often involved the crew attending missions where people had not been prepared for the often-harsh conditions of the Tasmanian wilderness.One incident involved two walkers who underestimated the terrain and distance of a walk, believing they would complete the track in six hours. The pair was rescued by the helicopter crew after spending a night in near-freezing conditions.A similar incident involved a family with a small child that spent two nights huddled together in blizzard conditions in the state’s north.The group was unprepared and only equipped for a day’s walking. When the weather turned, they became disorientated and lost.Remote search and rescue personnel located the group the next day and provided medical assistance until the rescue helicopter could attend and extract the group.Tasmania Police and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania joined forces on Tuesday (June 24) to reinforce a winter walking safety message.Acting Inspector Johns urged people to adequately plan and prepare before they ventured into the Tasmanian outdoors.“At any time of the year, it’s important people research their intended trip, have appropriate equipment and that the walk or the track they are attempting is within their abilities and fitness level,” he said.“Tasmania’s weather conditions, particularly in our alpine areas, can change quickly.“In winter, you have added layers of complexity brought on by difficult conditions such as strong wind, rain, sleet and snow; there are much shorter daylight hours, and you can have very cold to freezing temperatures.”Acting Inspector Johns said it was important people who felt they were in difficulty did not leave it to the last minute to seek advice or raise the alarm.“Due to the harsh and inclement weather conditions experienced in Tasmania there are times the rescue helicopter will not be able to reach certain locations,” he said.“Rescue personnel will be in attendance however, if you find yourself in a situation where you believe you require assistance, let people or emergency services know as soon as possible.“Being able to locate people in the wilderness from the helicopter during daylight hours is safer and far less complex than when the sun goes down.“If, however, you do find yourself requiring assistance at night, a light source of any kind is invaluable. The crew on board the helicopter utilises night vision goggles which enhance any light source, be it a torch or mobile phone.”Advice for bushwalkersTasmania Police offers the following advice in reminding bushwalkers of the potential risks in the Tasmanian wilderness.• Police strongly advise bushwalkers against walking alone, and to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices. A Personal Locator Beacon and preferably also a two-way messaging emergency device (known as a ‘SEND’ – Satellite Emergency Notification Device) should also be carried. Take sufficient resources even if you are only undertaking a day walk.• Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions. Have a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water and first-aid kit.• Research your intended trip. Ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast. Note that some walks are extremely demanding and should not be conducted without sufficient experience, and ensure you are mentally and physically prepared.• Let someone know before you go. Ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.• Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and consider a portable charger to extend battery life. Batteries do not last as long when cold and mobile navigation apps deplete batteries quicker than other apps.• Be aware that a PLB is a one-way communication device only and the nature of the emergency will not be known by rescue authorities.• Be mindful that assistance may take some time to arrive depending on the location and weather. You must be prepared to survive until assistance arrives.• Be flexible and have a contingency plan. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk, or the trip is harder than you thought. Making the decision to push on when you should turn back can put you in danger.

    Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger-in-Charge Brendan Moodie, left, and Tasmania Police Search and Rescue Senior Constable Phil Rule urge bushwalkers to be fully prepared for adventures in the Tasmanian wilderness. Picture: Tasmania Police

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Leads Senators in Demanding Answers on Trump Administration’s Cuts to Veteran Education Benefits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led Senate colleagues in a letter to the Trump Administration expressing deep concern over the administration’s recent budget and staffing cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Education, and demanding answers on how these cuts will negatively impact critical education benefits for veterans and programs that support veterans as they transition to civilian life, pursue higher education, or reenter the workforce. Rosen was joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus King (I-ME), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Andy Kim (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tina Smith (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Tim Kaine (D-VA). 
    “With nearly 16 million veterans across our nation who have selflessly served and sacrificed in defense of our country, it is imperative that these cuts do not undermine essential programs that support veterans transitioning to civilian life and building successful careers,” wrote the Senators. “Education programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) have empowered countless veterans to pursue higher education, gain critical skills, and become integral contributors to our economy and society. Laws and regulations enforced by the Department of Education, such as the 90/10 rule and borrower defense to repayment, have also historically prevented veterans from being taken advantage of by predatory programs. Weakening or eliminating any of these programs or protections would not only harm veterans but also jeopardize our national workforce readiness and long-term economic resilience.”
    “As a country, we carry a moral and strategic responsibility to ensure our veterans are equipped for success after service. Safeguarding the educational benefits veterans rely upon is not only a commitment to our promises, but also an investment in our nation’s future and vital for military recruitment,” the Senators’ letter continued. “We respectfully request a detailed explanation of the impacts these budget and staffing cuts and planned changes to federal oversight and accreditation policy will have on veterans’ access to, and success in, higher education, vocational training, and associated support services nationwide.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been a steadfast advocate for veterans in Nevada and nationwide. In January 2025, she co-sponsored the bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, now law, which authorized funds to County Veterans Service Officers and local efforts to connect veterans with benefits related to education, housing, disability, and other services. In February 2025, she helped introduce the Purple Heart Veterans Education Act, closing a loophole so that every Purple Heart recipient can transfer their GI Bill benefits to their dependents. In 2024, Rosen led the bipartisan Education Flexibility for Veteran Parents Act, allowing veteran parents to receive full GI Bill housing stipends regardless of whether the program is in-person or online. Her bipartisan bill to require the VA to maintain a permanent helpline for veterans to use for information on VA services was signed into law last year as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. These efforts underscore her unwavering commitment to ensuring veterans and their families receive the education benefits they’ve earned through service.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Leads Senators in Demanding Answers on Trump Administration’s Cuts to Veteran Education Benefits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led Senate colleagues in a letter to the Trump Administration expressing deep concern over the administration’s recent budget and staffing cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Education, and demanding answers on how these cuts will negatively impact critical education benefits for veterans and programs that support veterans as they transition to civilian life, pursue higher education, or reenter the workforce. Rosen was joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus King (I-ME), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Andy Kim (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tina Smith (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Tim Kaine (D-VA). 
    “With nearly 16 million veterans across our nation who have selflessly served and sacrificed in defense of our country, it is imperative that these cuts do not undermine essential programs that support veterans transitioning to civilian life and building successful careers,” wrote the Senators. “Education programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) have empowered countless veterans to pursue higher education, gain critical skills, and become integral contributors to our economy and society. Laws and regulations enforced by the Department of Education, such as the 90/10 rule and borrower defense to repayment, have also historically prevented veterans from being taken advantage of by predatory programs. Weakening or eliminating any of these programs or protections would not only harm veterans but also jeopardize our national workforce readiness and long-term economic resilience.”
    “As a country, we carry a moral and strategic responsibility to ensure our veterans are equipped for success after service. Safeguarding the educational benefits veterans rely upon is not only a commitment to our promises, but also an investment in our nation’s future and vital for military recruitment,” the Senators’ letter continued. “We respectfully request a detailed explanation of the impacts these budget and staffing cuts and planned changes to federal oversight and accreditation policy will have on veterans’ access to, and success in, higher education, vocational training, and associated support services nationwide.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has been a steadfast advocate for veterans in Nevada and nationwide. In January 2025, she co-sponsored the bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, now law, which authorized funds to County Veterans Service Officers and local efforts to connect veterans with benefits related to education, housing, disability, and other services. In February 2025, she helped introduce the Purple Heart Veterans Education Act, closing a loophole so that every Purple Heart recipient can transfer their GI Bill benefits to their dependents. In 2024, Rosen led the bipartisan Education Flexibility for Veteran Parents Act, allowing veteran parents to receive full GI Bill housing stipends regardless of whether the program is in-person or online. Her bipartisan bill to require the VA to maintain a permanent helpline for veterans to use for information on VA services was signed into law last year as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. These efforts underscore her unwavering commitment to ensuring veterans and their families receive the education benefits they’ve earned through service.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Entire Senate Democratic Caucus Urge Leader Thune to Change Course on Proposed Cuts to Health Care and Food Assistance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
     
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined every member of the Senate Democratic Caucus in calling on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to change course on Republicans’ plan to take health care and food assistance away from millions of Americans—including seniors, children, people with disabilities, and veterans—to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest.
    “If enacted, these cuts to food assistance and health care will mean widespread hardship for Americans, including seniors, children, people with disabilities, and veterans; irreversibly weaken state and local governments; and pull the rug out from under rural hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, farmers, independent grocers, food banks, and so many others,” wrote the senators.
    “Just because the House has acted in this regard does not mean the U.S. Senate must make the same mistakes,” continued the senators. “Congress should be enacting policies that lower costs and make it easier for American families to thrive rather than raising the costs of food, health care, and other vital services.” 
    U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also signed the letter.
    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.
    Dear Senator Thune:
    At a time when American families are struggling with the high prices of food, health care, housing, and other essentials, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that will raise costs even more by terminating health insurance for millions of Americans and taking food assistance from millions — all to provide tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and corporations.  
    If enacted, these cuts to food assistance and health care will mean widespread hardship for Americans, including seniors, children, people with disabilities, and veterans; irreversibly weaken state and local governments; and pull the rug out from under rural hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, farmers, independent grocers, food banks, and so many others. Just because the House has acted in this regard does not mean the U.S. Senate must make the same mistakes. Congress should be enacting policies that lower costs and make it easier for American families to thrive rather than raising the costs of food, health care, and other vital services. 
    Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guarantee access to affordable health care for millions of working and middle-class families across the country.  More than 80 million people are enrolled in Medicaid, while more than 24 million buy their own health insurance through the ACA Marketplaces. The nation’s uninsured rate has dropped to historic lows because of the health coverage and security afforded by these essential programs. The House-passed Republican reconciliation bill includes over $1 trillion in health care cuts, decimating Medicaid and dismantling the ACA. 
    The non-partisan, independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) finds the entirety of Republicans’ health care cuts will terminate health care coverage for 16 million people. These coverage losses are not without consequence. New analyses find more than 51,000 Americans will die as a result of the bill’s Medicaid cuts, which will also lead to the loss of 850,000 jobs. The Republican bill will increase costs for everyone and damage local economies; raise premiums and health care costs across markets; shutter rural hospitals and nursing homes; worsen unemployment from resulting job loss; and slam state budgets with new, unaffordable costs. 
    The House-passed bill includes the largest health care cuts in history. Its Medicaid policies will ensnare millions in red tape, making it impossible for them to enroll in coverage; increase premiums and cost-sharing for low-income seniors and families; and slash Medicaid payments to hospitals, community health centers, nursing homes, and other health care providers; among other draconian, harmful cuts. 
    The Republican bill’s underhanded cuts to the ACA will dismantle and destabilize the Marketplaces. A thicket of new red tape requirements will make it nearly impossible for working and middle-class Americans to access tax credits that make their premiums affordable and enroll in coverage through the Marketplaces. Republican cuts will more than double ACA premiums for tens of millions of Americans, putting coverage out of reach for small businesses, gig workers, family caregivers, and millions of others who buy their own health insurance through the Marketplaces. 
    The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the cornerstone of America’s anti-hunger efforts, helping to put food on the table for 42 million Americans, including nearly 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. The effectiveness of SNAP has been shown time and again. SNAP reduces food insecurity and poverty; lowers health care costs; supports farmers, grocers and local economies; provides a long-term return on investment in our children and their future; and acts as an automatic economic stabilizer during times of weak economic conditions. 
    The House-passed reconciliation bill proposes nearly $300 billion in cuts to SNAP — the deepest cuts to food assistance in history. If enacted into law, CBO estimates that over 3 million Americans – including seniors, kids 7 or older, and families living in areas with a weak economy – will lose their food assistance entirely because of stricter eligibility requirements and red tape. Another 1.3 million Americans will lose SNAP entirely or have their benefits cut as a result of the provision requiring states to pay for a significant portion of SNAP — forcing states to choose between helping their residents afford groceries and funding education, public safety, investment in workforce and education, and other critical priorities. 
    Other provisions in the bill will reduce future benefits for tens of millions of additional Americans. In addition, hundreds of thousands of children will lose free and reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program. In total, tens of millions of Americans will see their grocery costs increase, and many will go hungry as a result.
    Just because the House has rushed to pass damaging policies that will raise costs and result in millions losing access to health care or food does not mean that it is too late for the Senate to change course. We urge you to set aside the House bill and instead work with us to lower costs and ensure all Americans can access the health care and food they need to survive.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Romania’s new government sworn in

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

    Romanian President Nicusor Dan (C, Front) poses with members of the new government headed by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan (3rd L, Front) after a swearing-in ceremony at the Cotroceni presidential palace in Bucharest, Romania, on June 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Romania’s new pro-European government, led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, was sworn in Monday evening before President Nicusor Dan, marking the end of a period of political instability and interim leadership.

    The new cabinet is backed by a broad ruling coalition comprising the Social Democratic Party (PSD), National Liberal Party (PNL), Save Romania Union (USR), and the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR). Earlier in the day, the coalition secured a strong parliamentary mandate with 301 votes in favor and only 9 against.

    Following the swearing-in ceremony, Bolojan outlined the government’s core priorities: restoring public financial order, ensuring effective governance, and safeguarding citizens’ rights.

    President Dan welcomed the formation of the new cabinet, emphasizing the urgent need for fiscal reform and expressing optimism about Romania’s economic outlook. He cited the country’s dynamic private sector and reiterated the national goal of joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by the end of 2026 – a move he said could enhance foreign investment and reduce borrowing costs.

    Dan also underscored the importance of state reform and rebuilding public trust, urging both the coalition and minority representatives to act in the national interest.

    The newly formed government includes 16 ministers and five deputy prime ministers, one of whom is an independent tasked with overseeing state reform. Cabinet portfolios have been distributed proportionally among the coalition parties.

    With 311 seats in Romania’s 464-member Parliament, the ruling coalition holds an outright majority. Earlier on Monday, party leaders signed a political agreement outlining a pro-Western agenda, a rotating premiership, and key policy objectives, including structural reforms and increased administrative transparency. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: European executives eye huge opportunities in Chinese market

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

    A humanoid robot asks questions at the sixth Qingdao Multinationals Summit in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, on June 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At the venue of the 6th Qingdao Multinationals Summit, Umberto Englmann, director of operations at German e-commerce firm Internet Up GmbH, looked out over the coastline of the eastern Chinese host city and reflected on its vitality.

    “It’s dynamic, open and innovative,” he said. “You can feel China is ready to grow with international companies from Europe and other regions.”

    His observations reflect a broader view shared by many European executives attending the summit, which was held last week and drew 570 participants from 43 countries and regions. For many, China’s vast market, high-level opening up and reputation for being an innovative manufacturing powerhouse continue to make it a key driver of sustainable growth.

    Roland Lukas, chief financial officer of Internet Up GmbH, said that the company’s success was closely tied to China.

    “Our Snapbuy platform bridges Asian sellers and Western consumers, and it is easy to bring goods from China to Europe and the U.S., because the supply chains are very well organized in China,” he said. “The opportunities are huge, and China is very important for our growth.”

    Internet Up, one of the fastest-growing e-commerce firms in Europe, is seeking new manufacturing and logistics partners in China to further expand its presence, according to Lukas.

    A report released during the summit revealed that the operating revenue and profits of major foreign-invested industrial enterprises in China increased by 14.5 percent and 12.5 percent, respectively, in 2024 compared to 2019 levels.

    China’s strong innovation capabilities and robust industrial and supply chain systems have helped multinationals maintain their competitive edge globally.

    Belgium-based Bekaert Group, a global leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies, is a long-term participant in China’s market. The company has invested more than 1.5 billion euros in China since 1993 and plans to invest further.

    “We are upgrading our product portfolio, especially in low-energy and green technologies,” said Kurt Van Rysselberge, head of Bekaert China, adding that China is becoming an innovative manufacturing powerhouse, which is a very favorable environment for multinational companies.

    China is rapidly deploying green energy and Bekaert is part of these value chains, the executive said, adding that this offers tremendous opportunities to create a virtuous cycle to create low-carbon products that will be very competitive on the world markets.

    Bekaert is ramping up innovation in areas like hydrogen generation, tire reinforcement, offshore wind components, and sustainable construction, and many of the innovations come from China.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. The two sides have become each other’s major trading partners, with the annual bilateral trade growing from 2.4 billion U.S. dollars to 780 billion U.S. dollars over the past 50 years.

    “Over the past 50 years, China-EU cooperation has created immense value on both sides,” said Jens Eskelund, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. “Access to China’s supply chain has enhanced additional purchasing power for European consumers and integrated China into the global value chain.”

    Eskelund added that China’s investment in human capital, including the annual output of engineers, has made it a natural partner for R&D collaboration. For many European companies, China isn’t just a market, but a place to innovate and co-create, he said.

    China’s efforts to build a first-class business environment, including expanded visa-free travel, national treatment for foreign investment and shortened negative lists for greater market access, have boosted investor confidence.

    Looking ahead, European executives said the momentum of collaboration is only building. “China’s opening up is very beneficial for the world, and also for China itself. We can work together and do great business,” said Lukas. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: German industry sees dim outlook as U.S. tariffs weigh on economy

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

    Germany’s leading industry association has slashed its 2025 economic forecast, warning that escalating global trade tensions driven by U.S. tariff policies could plunge Europe’s largest economy into its third consecutive year of recession.

    At the annual “Day of Industry” event, the Federation of German Industries (BDI) projected a 0.3 percent contraction in German GDP this year, down from its earlier estimate of a 0.1 percent decline.

    “U.S. tariff policies — including announced and partially implemented duties on a wide range of imports — combined with geopolitical uncertainties, are dampening global growth,” BDI Director General Tanja Goenner said on Monday.

    BDI now expects global GDP to grow by 2.7 percent in 2025, half a percentage point lower than its earlier forecast, with the United States among the most affected.

    Although Washington has temporarily suspended “reciprocal tariffs” on European Union goods, the levies are set to resume on July 9. BDI estimates that, together with existing U.S. tariffs on EU-made cars and steel, these measures could reduce Germany’s 2025 growth by around 0.3 percentage points.

    “The German industrial sector is bracing for another difficult year,” Goenner said, noting that industrial output remains 9 percent below pre-pandemic levels and factory utilization is stuck below 80 percent. Despite some signs of stabilization, she added, “there is no sign of a real recovery.”

    Germany’s economy contracted in both 2023 and 2024, its first consecutive recession in two decades, driven largely by a prolonged downturn in manufacturing.

    “There is still a long road ahead to emerge from recession,” BDI President Peter Leibinger said. While he welcomed recent government measures such as tax relief, he stressed the need for more substantial reforms.

    Leibinger called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition to implement bold structural changes, including cutting red tape and permanently lowering energy costs to restore Germany’s long-term industrial competitiveness. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 Summer Davos spotlights entrepreneurship amid global challenges

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

    This photo taken on June 22, 2025 shows the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Tianjin) in Tianjin Municipality, north China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The upcoming 2025 Summer Davos Forum in north China’s Tianjin offers a timely opportunity for participants to explore how entrepreneurship can unlock economic growth potential amid global challenges.

    Exceptional economic uncertainty, rising tensions, major technological disruptions and the climate emergency are what chief economists refer to as the “exceptional uncertainty” facing the world today, Gim Huay Neo, managing director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), told Xinhua in Beijing ahead of the event, scheduled from June 24 to 26.

    According to the WEF, the world is undergoing a fundamental economic transformation as geopolitics, technology, sustainability, and demographic changes reshape traditional growth engines. Meanwhile, complex and shared challenges in development and climate change require urgent cooperation, innovative thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

    Gong Ke, research lead for the 2025 Summer Davos topics, said that the entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in innovation, social responsibility and teamwork, plays a vital role as a new driving force and leader in economic development.

    “Entrepreneurs in the new era contribute to optimizing global resource utilization and promoting resource sharing, providing an important economic foundation for building a community with a shared future for humankind,” he added.

    The Summer Davos Forum, also known as the 16th Annual Meeting of New Champions of the WEF, carries the theme “Entrepreneurship in the New Era” this year. The forum will focus on five key areas — deciphering the world economy, outlook on China, industries disrupted, investing in people and the planet, and new energy and materials.

    The event is expected to bring together around 1,800 participants from over 90 countries and regions, according to the organizers.

    Explaining the choice of theme, Neo said the entrepreneurial spirit is centered on solutions and inspires hope and optimism. She emphasized the importance of focusing on areas with opportunities and potential for innovation to tackle the many challenges ahead, while maintaining a long-term perspective.

    At a time like this, it is important for all of us to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, to view the challenges we face as opportunities, to create business solutions that address issues affecting people and the planet, and to be open to learning from one another in order to constantly improve and adapt, she said.

    Neo added that the record number of participants at the forum since the COVID-19 pandemic reflects the global community’s strong interest in gaining first-hand insights into China’s evolution, artificial intelligence (AI), and the broader innovation ecosystem, as well as exploring potential business opportunities and partnerships.

    Li Jiayi, a member of the forum’s preparation team, noted that the economic growth model driven by science and technology has injected new vitality into China’s development, making AI, green energy, and the country’s innovative momentum key topics of discussion among participants.

    Hailing China’s progress in green growth, Neo said the country has seized the global environmental crisis as an opportunity to transform industries and stimulate the growth of new green industries.

    At a press conference last week on the upcoming Summer Davos Forum, Chen Shuai, an official from the National Development and Reform Commission, reaffirmed China’s commitment to pursuing high-level opening up and to sharing the opportunities created by its development with the rest of the world.

    The Annual Meeting of the New Champions was established in 2007 through a collaboration between the WEF and China. What began as an initiative to spotlight emerging economies and future-oriented businesses has grown into a global platform for economic dialogue.

    Now in its 16th edition, the 2025 meeting reinforces the forum’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and addressing complex global issues.

    “Through action-oriented dialogues, the meeting aims to accelerate progress on shared imperatives and offer participants the opportunity to explore how entrepreneurship and emerging technologies can unlock more dynamic and resilient economies,” reads the introduction on the event’s official site. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Business is buzzing in Porirua

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Porirua’s commitment to business has meant a busy schedule of activities and events this year.
    While the sold-out BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae – Light up the Horizon will be a great opportunity to learn, network and connect, there are a number of other events in Porirua to help boost businesses.
    BizFest is at Te Rauparaha Arena on 1 July, with double Olympic gold winner, Dame Valerie Adams, and Black Grace founder and director Neil Ieremia among the speakers.
    With an awesome lineup of sessions and kōrero, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says it will be a fantastic day for the city’s business sector.
    “Porirua is a great place to do business and with the events we have on the calendar now, it means our city is humming. We’re always looking to keep moving forward,” she says.
    A new pop-up initiative – BizHub – will kick off at Kai Tahi from 1 August. BizHub aims to keep the momentum from BizFest going and bring the business community together every second Friday, as a hub for advice, connections and support.
    “BizFest and BizHub are both collaborations between Porirua City Council and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and it’s a partnership approach that’s focusing on uplifting and connecting Porirua businesses,” Mayor Baker says.
    Earlier this month the Love Local Expo showcased the best of our local products, services, crafts and community services – with more than 130 stalls and thousands of people coming through the Arena on 7 June.
    Other events coming up on the calendar are Visa Wellington on a Plate and the ever-popular ChoctoberFest.
    Visa WOAP will be held from 1-31 August in Porirua and there’ll be outstanding burger creations to tempt your tastebuds from businesses across Porirua. It’s not to be missed.
    ChoctoberFest is always a sweet spot with Porirua locals, visitors and businesses. In 2024, the third year of the festival, 20 cafes, eateries and bars took part. More than 13,000 baked treats and drinks were consumed in October, pumping $131,000 into the Porirua economy.
    “What I love about the events that we host now for businesses is that they’re not just for residents, but they attract visitors to our city,” Mayor Baker says.
    Also coming up is a three-day Bizezi Spark Programme on 30 and 31 July and 1 August. It’s a hands-on business incubator programme, for those thinking about starting a business or wanting to build stronger foundations. You’ll work with experts over three days to shape your business plan and set yourself up for success.
    Later in the month, on 20 August, there’s a subsidised half-day workshop Business Growth and Resilience through the Circular Economy, where you can learn how the circular economy can unlock new revenue streams, reduce costs, and future-proof your business.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ Planning Forecast: Improving forecast for some areas

    Source: BusinessNZ

    The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the June quarter indicates the NZ economy will likely grow at nearly 3% by 2027, however it is facing strong headwinds caused by international and domestic issues.
    BusinessNZ economist John Pask says the uncertain, rapidly-changing international environment is affecting New Zealand’s trade and economic prospects.
    “Not just war and threats of war, but also threats to trade and the international trade rules-based order are bringing uncertainty and caution.
    “NZ is a trading nation, linked to the rest of the world by key markets, supply chains and global investment flows, and vulnerable to economic shocks and international tensions. Forecasts of future growth will be heavily conditional on world events,” Mr Pask said.
    “Domestically, there is some good news, as statistics indicate GDP improvement, inflation is still contained, lower interest rates are reducing the pressure on businesses and households, dairy and meat prices are positive, and the Government’s moves to allow greater deductions on business purchases and address poor regulation are all positive.”
    The BusinessNZ Economic Conditions Index (ECI), a measure of NZ’s major economic indicators, sits at 8 for the June 2025 quarter, an improvement of 2 on the previous quarter, and an improvement of 12 on a year ago.
    An ECI reading above 0 indicates that economic conditions are generally improving overall; below 0 means economic conditions are generally declining.
    The full BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the June quarter is on www.businessnz.org.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Unveils Discussion Draft Expressing Support for Digital Assets

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a discussion draft of his resolution expressing support for digital assets, blockchain technology, U.S.-led innovation in payments, and a corresponding tax regime tailored to digital assets.
    “It is in America’s national security interest to remain the safest and most attractive place to build and use blockchain-based technologies,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The U.S. has led in increasing access to financial innovation to all Americans and everyone in the world.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Whitireia Foundation scholarships enable study for nearly 900 students across 20+ years

    Source: Whitireia and WelTec

    Since its inception in 2002, the Whitireia Foundation has awarded scholarships to nearly 900 ākonga (students), supporting their journeys through tertiary study and into careers that make a meaningful impact in their communities.
    From nursing and paramedicine to construction, hospitality, IT and more, the Foundation’s impact spans a wide range of industries. More than half of all scholarship recipients have gone on to study in healthcare and social services, helping to fill essential roles in our communities.
    The annual Whitireia Foundation Scholarship Awards ceremony took place this month, celebrating ākonga who have received scholarships to support their study at Whitireia and WelTec in 2025. The event brought together ākonga, whānau, sponsors, Foundation trustees, staff and community leaders including Porirua Mayor Anita Baker and Ngāti Toa Rangatira Dr Te Taku Parai to acknowledge the achievements of this year’s recipients.
    Dr Leanne Ivil, Whitireia and WelTec Operations Lead and Director Teaching and Learning, says the Foundation plays a vital role in helping ākonga succeed.
    “Not only do these scholarships provide financial assistance, but they also give ākonga a sense of belonging, of being seen and supported. For many, the moment they realise that others believe in their future is a significant turning point.”
    Chair of the Whitireia Foundation, Kelvin Irvine, says the power of the scholarships lies in the connections they represent.
    “Education isn’t a solo journey. These awards reflect a wider community of sponsors, staff, mentors and whānau who come together to champion our ākonga. We’reincredibly proud to have supported nearly 900 ākonga to date, and we look forward to continuing that legacy.”
    Delia (Dee) Pahina-Kopa, a third-year Bachelor of Nursing Māori student, was awarded a Whitireia Foundation Scholarship sponsored by Tū Ora Compass Health for her second and third year of studies.
    “This scholarship has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders,” she says. ” It’s allowed me to focus fully on my learning and I’m incredibly grateful to the Whitireia Foundation and Tū Ora Compass Health for making that possible.”
    The Whitireia Foundation relies on the strong relationship between its trustees and sponsors who work together each year to support ākonga in their studies. Kelvin Irvine says sponsors come from a wide range of industries and their ongoing support reflects a shared commitment to helping ākonga succeed.
    “Many of our sponsors have supported the Foundation for years, while others have come on board more recently. What they all have in common is a belief in the value of education and a commitment to invest in the future of our young people and communities,” says Kelvin.
    This year’s scholarships will support students across a range of programmes at Whitireia and WelTec, including nursing, social work, IT, business, construction, creativity, hospitality and trades.
    The Whitireia Foundation, a volunteer-run Charity, aims to promote knowledge, interest and support for the educational activities of Whitireia and WelTec ākonga. The Whitireia Foundation would like to acknowledge the generous support of 2025 sponsors:
    – Alpha NZ
    – Aspiring Wallpaper Ltd
    – Britton House Movers Ltd
    – Dr Sally Hasell
    – Focus Projects Ltd
    – Ford Sumner Lawyers
    – Foster + Melville Architects
    – Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors
    – Geraldine Lyndhurst
    – Graduate Women Wellington
    – J A Russell Ltd
    – James and Janet Goggin
    – Kirk-Burnnand Family
    – Maude Legal
    – Montage NZ
    – Ngāti Toa Rangatira
    – Nikau Foundation
    – P & M Waite
    – Porirua City Council
    – Red Wolf  Security
    – Tanya and Neil Macdonald
    – The Y Foundation (YMCA)
    – Tu Ora Compass Health
    – Whitireia Foundation

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –