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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – ABC Northern Tasmania radio

    Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements

    EVAN WALLACE: Against the political backdrop of the state government’s bungled delivery of the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King, has been in Burnie to check out a number of projects that are set to benefit Tasmania’s north west. The Burnie shiploader, which is now complete and will assist in shipping materials off for export, and sections of the Burnie Cultural Precinct, which are now open to the public. Minister, good morning.

    CATHERINE KING: Good morning, Evan. It’s lovely to be with you.

    EVAN WALLACE: Now, before we talk infrastructure, you’re a mum. We just heard some lovely reflections for National Children’s Week. Do you have a favourite nursery rhyme?

    CATHERINE KING: Oh gosh. Isn’t that funny? I had this little – there was a little Italian one called Sleep My Baby that I used to sing to my little boy, which I – [indistinct], I think it was called. And I used to sing that to him, so that was my favourite one, but hasn’t rubbed off. My son is now six foot five and 16, knows everything and towers over me and doesn’t sing or speak any Italian.

    EVAN WALLACE: Oh, shame, shame. Now, look, you’ve been in Burnie, checking out some major infrastructure projects, including the new Port of Burnie shiploader. What sort of difference will the new shiploader make to communities and businesses who call north and north west Tasmania home?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, what it does is – I actually had a chance to look at the old shiploader back in 2022. It was one of the first projects I visited after we came to government with Senator Anne Urquhart. It was a pretty rainy old day then, and you could tell this 1968 facility, whilst it had done Burnie proud and the people of the community proud, she was a bit tired and wasn’t working and functioning in the way that it should do. In particular, what you could see was that it didn’t meet OH&S standards. Workers really were stringing it together and trying to make it work. So this new shiploader meets all the new OH&S standards, the new cabin’s really comfortable, but it also loads more. It’s loaded already over 40,000 tonnes in freight. But what it also does is it’s very much part of the entire freight system here in Tasmania, getting those minerals to export, getting trucks off the road. So making sure that you’ve got those facilities. We’ve also- there’s also the bulk minerals export facility. There’s further money to go in that project. So really it’s about making sure Tasmania and the north west continues to have great facilities to export its products.

    EVAN WALLACE: But if you are in the north and north west and you’re scratching your head and think, oh, it might just be a bit of a politician ease there, just what sort of tangible difference will it make if you’re a business or a community member?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, it means that you can load more of your products onto the ships and more quickly, and that’s more efficient for the way in which you go about doing business. It means, potentially, that there can be more investment in some of the mines, more minerals coming out of Tasmania, and that means jobs.

    EVAN WALLACE: Succinctly put. Now, your government is contributing to a number of major infrastructure projects in Tasmania. In Launceston, you’ve allocated $65 million for the UTAS Stadium; in Hobart, $240 million for the Macquarie Point Precinct. On the mines, wherever you go in Launceston, where I am, people are talking about the state government’s bungled handling of the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries. Do you still have faith in the state government as an infrastructure partner after its bungled handling of the new Spirits, Minister?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, obviously, in terms of TasPorts and the Spirit of Tasmania as a government business enterprise, it has to work in the best interests of Tasmanians and I’m sure it’s under a fair bit of scrutiny at the moment and the government will need to deal with that. I’m really confident we’ve been delivering really big projects with the Tasmanian government for a long time. The Bridgeport Bridge is probably the largest of those at the moment. But I just drove over in Burnie, the upgrades to the bridge there, the walking tracks and the shiploader obviously is something I think Tasmanians can be very proud of.

    It has been delivered largely- it’s been delivered by TasRail, but it has been delivered by contracts with Tasmanian companies, built for Tasmania by Tasmanians, as we heard yesterday. The steel manufacturer from Haywards, I think also the builder. You’ve got some terrific companies here, and the- really, the issue with mega projects and these sorts of things is that, you know, really making sure that we’ve got good scrutiny on those is part of what my department is involved in, and also why I’ve stepped Infrastructure Australia up much more into the space of evaluation, learning from projects as we go. So we build a lot of things with the Tasmanian government, so I’m sure the Tasmanian Government will be looking at what’s gone wrong in terms of TasPorts and the ships as well, and learning lessons from that.

    EVAN WALLACE: But you still have full faith in the Tasmanian Government as an infrastructure partner?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah. Well the projects we’re delivering with them, they have done well at and we continue to work really closely with them in terms of that. And I look forward to continuing to do that as well as delivering with the local councils along this coast.

    EVAN WALLACE: So you’re confident that with the likes of the UTAS Stadium, the Macquarie Point precinct, that these projects will be delivered on time and on budget?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, my department works really closely with the Tasmanian Government. We get project status reports, we make milestone payments, we’re all over it. And so we have a lot of confidence in working with the Tasmanian Government. They’ve been a proven delivery partner for many, years on projects that we co-invest with them on.

    EVAN WALLCE: You’ve talked about some of the steps that you might be taking with respect to oversight, and there are probably a lot of listeners wondering whether your government is going to take any extra steps, given what we’ve seen with the bungled handling of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries to ensure these projects stay on track. So speaking directly to those individuals who are feeling a bit dubious, or feeling- questioning just how well and how effectively these projects could get off the ground, what are those steps that your government is going to take to ensure that they do remain on track and on budget?

    CATHERINE KING: So every project requires a report to me before we release any money. And then there are milestone payments that happen across that. I’ve got department officials looking through that all the time and basically making decisions about where projects are ready. We do a lot of planning work before we start projects, before we commit any money to them, to make sure we actually have a really good handle on what the costs are going to be. Obviously, there are always things that happen from supply chain issues to labour, conditions. Obviously COVID added costs as well. And we factor those in when we’re doing some of the planning work and we’ve got much better at doing that. So that always happens. Milestone payments are through. And then the other thing I’ve done is introduced with Infrastructure Australia some post-evaluation work, so we learn. But mega projects, really- those ones we call them over 250 million, are always really difficult and they do require extra level of scrutiny. And that’s what we do when we’re co-investing with the Tasmanian government.

    EVAN WALLACE: So does that mean if that those projects fall off track, that they’re behind schedule, that you’ll just withhold payment from the Tasmanian Government?

    CATHERINE KING: We can do that. Or there can be other mitigation measures put in place. So certainly the first thing we ask is what’s happening. But really the way in which it works between the Commonwealth and the Tasmanian Government is we are in constant contact about where projects are up to, where milestones are up to, and that work is constant. So really our expectation is that- we don’t- there’s no surprises. We don’t suddenly hear that there is something going wrong with the project. We know if something’s happening and we can work out what mitigation needs to be put in place for that. But of course, ultimately under the deeds that we have, the agreements we have with- we can withhold payments and we don’t make final payments until quite some time after a project has actually been finished.

    EVAN WALLACE: And very quickly Catherine King, in 30 seconds or so, there is an election around the corner. You are in Tasmania’s north west today. If you’re someone listening in the north west and you’re struggling to keep a roof above your family’s head and put food on the table, what’s the one thing that your government has done that’s made the biggest difference to make their lives easier?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, the biggest thing that we’ve done is absolutely tackle inflation We’ve halved inflation since we came to office at the same time as providing cost of living relief, to take the sting out of this cost of living crisis where we can. So obviously the tax breaks, cheaper medicines, really concentrating on getting childcare fees down and investing in that, is an investment into our futures.

    EVAN WALLACE: More than one thing there, Minister. But before I let you go…

    CATHERINE KING: [Interrupts] There’s never one.

    EVAN WALLACE: … your favourite TV variety show?

    CATHERINE KING: Oh gosh, I knew you were going to ask me that, and it’s funny, I don’t watch a lot of TV, what I have been watching on, I think, Apple TV, is Slow Horses. If everyone hasn’t seen it, it’s not really a variety TV show, but that’s the one thing. And I think last Christmas my favourite thing I did over summer, was I lay on the couch, and I watched the entire series of Ted Lasso.

    EVAN WALLACE: Always good to have a laugh. Minister Catherine King, thanks for joining us on Northern Tasmania Breakfast.

    CATHERINE KING: Really good to be with you, Evan.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: High Commissioner to Niue

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Today I announce the appointment of Ms Olivia Phongkham as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Niue.

    Australia and Niue have over 50 years of friendship. We work closely together to advance regional priorities on climate change and the environment, and acknowledge Niue’s leadership on ocean preservation and conservation.

    Australia will continue to work in partnership with Niue to support its development goals and economic resilience, and strengthen climate-resilient critical infrastructure, including through our new water and sanitation program.

    Australia is one of only two countries with a permanent diplomatic presence in Niue, demonstrating the strength of our relationship.

    Ms Phongkham is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently posted as an adviser to the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in Samoa.

    I thank outgoing High Commissioner Katy Stuart for her contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Niue since 2023.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Appointment of High Commissioners and Ambassadors

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Today I announce appointments of five highly qualified individuals to lead Australian posts in Alofi, Funafuti, Ottawa, Paris and Rome.

    Australia’s engagement with the world is driven by our diplomats. Their ability to build influence and advocate for Australia is critical to promoting our national interests abroad.

    I am pleased to announce the following appointments:

    I thank the outgoing high commissioners and ambassadors for their contributions to advancing Australia’s national interests.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Deadly bus ambush in PNG’s Enga province kills, wounds many

    By Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby

    A deadly ambush unfolded in Enga province between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. last night, leaving multiple people dead after a bus was attacked by armed men.

    Police confirmed to the Post-Courier that bodies were found both inside the bus and scattered in nearby bushland. Men and women attempting to flee the gunfire were gunned down before they could get far.

    Witnesses reported that the bus, a public motor vehicle (PMV), was riddled with bullets during the ambush.

    Blood and bodies lay strewn across the area when a distress call alerted police at Surunki station to the tragic scene.

    The PMV was later escorted to Wabag General Hospital, where the bodies were removed. Hospital staff have warned that more victims may still arrive.

    Local MP Aimos Akem attributed the deaths to escalating violence linked to ongoing conflict in Porgera, saying it continues to take a heavy toll on the people of Lagaip.

    Republished from the PNG Post-Courier with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: General electorates down by one, number of Māori electorates stays at seven – Stats NZ media and information release: Number of electorates and electoral populations: 2023 Census

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    General electorates down by one, number of Māori electorates stays at seven – 23 October 2024 – Aotearoa New Zealand has 120 parliamentary seats. These are made up of general electorate, Māori electorate, and list seats.

    The number of general electorates in Aotearoa New Zealand will decrease from 65 to 64 at the next general election. There is no change to the number of Māori electorates, which remains at seven, Stats NZ said today.

    The number of electorates in the North Island will decrease by one from 49 to 48.

    “This means there will be one more list seat in a 120-member Parliament,” acting deputy government statistician Kathy Connolly said.

    Data from the 2023 Census and Māori Electoral Option was used to determine these results.

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on New Brunswick election

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Susan Holt and the Liberal Party of New Brunswick on their success in yesterday’s election.

    “This is truly a historic moment, not just for New Brunswick but for all of Canada, as Premier-designate Holt will become the first woman to serve as Premier in the province’s history. Her success marks a significant milestone for leadership, gender equality and the advancement of progressive politics across our country.

    • Read more about Statement from Premier Pillai on New Brunswick election
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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New and updated curriculum units on Residential Schools launched for Yukon students

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Government of Yukon’s Department of Education is launching two Social Studies curriculum units – one new and one updated – for Grades 5 and 10, focusing on the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools in the Yukon and Canada. These resources, designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the impacts of residential schools, represent a significant step toward truth and reconciliation in the Yukon’s education system.

    • Read more about New and updated curriculum units on Residential Schools launched for Yukon students
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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Conservation and Action Plan released for Aishihik bison population

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Government of Yukon has released a new Conservation and Action Plan for the Aishihik bison population. The new collaborative plan articulates a longer-term vision and recommendations for conservation and management of the Aishihik bison population.

    The plan promotes:

    • Read more about New Conservation and Action Plan released for Aishihik bison population
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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Harris to visit Texas where Senate race tightens

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    In the final weeks to Election Day, U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is to make a surprise visit to Houston, Texas, on Friday, as the Senate race between Democratic Congressman Colin Allred and Republican Senator Ted Cruz has become more competitive in the largest red state.

    This marks Harris’ first stop in Texas since July, where she will appear with Allred at a Friday afternoon rally, reportedly focusing on abortion rights, an issue central to elections nationwide.

    Allred, a three-term U.S. representative from Dallas, has been narrowing the polling gap with Cruz and consistently outraising him. National Democratic groups have poured millions of dollars into Allred’s campaign.

    Cruz, who is seeking for his third term, is still favored to win with an average lead of about four percentage points in recent public polls. However, two leading election forecasters now shifted the race from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican.”

    On Sunday, the Dallas Morning News, the state’s top newspaper by daily circulation, endorsed Allred, dealing another setback to Cruz. Some Democrats now view Texas as one of their best opportunities to gain a Senate seat.

    Allred has centered his campaign on Texas’ abortion ban, one of the strictest in the country, blasting Cruz for supporting a law with no exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother. He also slammed Cruz for “only focused on himself,” citing the two-term senator’s 2021 Cancun vacation when millions of Texans lost power for days in a deadly historic winter storm.

    Cruz, on the other hand, has leaned heavily into immigration issues, accusing Allred and Harris of repeatedly voting for “open borders,” while largely avoiding addressing abortion exceptions, deferring the issue to state control.

    Harris County, which includes much of Houston, is a Democratic stronghold. In 2020, Biden won the county by 13 points, but Trump carried Texas by 5.6 points. Texas has remained the largest red state since Jimmy Carter’s victory in 1976.

    Early voting began across Texas on Monday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK top leader inspects strategic missile bases: KCNA

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has inspected strategic missile bases, calling for the country’s strategic missile force to keep counteraction posture in response to the ever-increasing threat by the United States, state media reported on Wednesday.

    Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, examined the readiness for action of strategic deterrence directly connected with the state security, including the functions and capabilities of missile-launching facilities in the missile bases and the strategic missile combat duty, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, without specifying the exact date of the inspection tour.

    Noting that the strategic missile force is the “core force” of the country’s war deterrence, Kim stressed an important principle of the national defense strategy of “technically modernizing the overall armed forces with the strategic missile force as a priority,” the KCNA said.

    As the U.S. strategic nuclear means pose an ever-increasing threat to the DPRK security, it is an urgent imperative for the country to “more definitely bolster its war deterrence and take a thorough and strict counteraction posture of the nuclear forces,” he was quoted by the KCNA as saying.

    The DPRK leader also stressed the need to “further modernize and fortify the strategic missile bases and make all bases fully ready to keep thorough counteraction posture capable of promptly dealing a strategic counterblow to the enemies at any time and under any circumstances,” the KCNA report said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: IMF maintains 2024 global growth forecast at 3.2 pct, warns of geopolitical tensions

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday maintained its global growth forecast in 2024 at 3.2 percent, consistent with its projection in July, according to its newly released World Economic Outlook (WEO).

    The level of uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook is high, the report noted.

    “Newly elected governments (about half of the world population has gone or will go to the polls in 2024) could introduce significant shifts in trade and fiscal policy,” the report said.

    IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas speaks at a press conference in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

    “Moreover, the return of financial market volatility over the summer has stirred old fears about hidden vulnerabilities. This has heightened anxiety over the appropriate monetary policy stance — especially in countries where inflation is persistent and signs of slowdown are emerging,” it further said.

    The report also noted that a further intensification of geopolitical rifts could weigh on trade, investment and the free flow of ideas. “This could affect long-term growth, threaten the resilience of supply chains, and create difficult trade-offs for central banks,” it said.

    In response to a question from Xinhua, IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said at a press conference that rising geopolitical tensions are “something that we are very concerned about,” noting that there are two dimensions of the impact.

    “One is, of course, if you increase tariffs, for instance, between different blocks, that will disrupt trade, that will misallocate resources, that will weigh down on economic activity,” said Gourinchas.

    “But there is also an associated layer that comes from the uncertainty that increases related to future trade policy, and it will also depress investment, depress economic activity and consumption,” he continued.

    The chief economist noted that the IMF has found an impact on global output levels of approximately 0.5 percent in 2026. “So it’s a quite sizable effect of both an increase in tariffs between different countries and an increase in trade policy uncertainty,” he said.

    According to the latest WEO report, global growth is projected to hold steady, but there are weakening prospects and rising threats.

    The growth outlook is very stable in emerging markets and developing economies, around 4.2 percent this year and next, with continued robust performance from emerging Asia, the report said.

    Noting that the return of inflation near central bank targets paves the way for a policy triple pivot, Gourinchas said that the first pivot — on monetary policy — is under way already.

    The second pivot is on fiscal policy, he noted. “After years of loose fiscal policy in many countries, it is now time to stabilize debt dynamics and rebuild much-needed fiscal buffers,” Gourinchas said.

    The third pivot — and the hardest — is toward growth-enhancing reforms, he said. “Much more needs to be done to improve growth prospects and lift productivity,” he said.

    The IMF chief economist noted that while industrial and trade policy measures can sometimes boost investment and activity in the short run, especially when relying on debt-financed subsidies, “they often lead to retaliation and fail to deliver sustained improvements in standards of living.”

    “Economic growth must come instead from ambitious domestic reforms that boost technology and innovation, improve competition and resource allocation, further economic integration and stimulate productive private investment,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China issues list of investment projects worth 200 bln yuan

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 22 — China has issued a list of projects worth 200 billion yuan (about 28 billion U.S. dollars) that are in next year’s investment plans, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) told Xinhua Tuesday.

    Numbering 647 in total, the investment projects issued in advance this year include urban underground pipe networks, using employment as a means of disaster relief, reinforcing dilapidated reservoirs, ecological conservation and restoration, transportation infrastructure, essential public facilities such as education, healthcare and culture, as well as key agricultural product storage facilities, according to the NDRC official.

    The NDRC will push ahead with the start-up and construction of the projects as soon as possible, said the official, adding that efforts will be made to achieve tangible progress this year so as to provide strong support for economic growth in the fourth quarter.

    The official noted that the foundation for achieving the full-year growth target is quite solid, citing favorable factors such as the growth momentum of high-frequency data for October and the country’s GDP growth rate of 4.8 percent in the first three quarters.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Xizang spends heavily on cultural tourism development

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

    LHASA, Oct. 22 — Since 2021, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has spent 20.16 billion yuan (2.83 billion U.S. dollars) on cultural tourism infrastructure, national park conservation facilities, and the preservation and improvement of its historic towns, a local official said on Tuesday.

    Of the funds, 1.97 billion yuan was spent on construction projects, including a regional planetarium, an art museum, and a culture, radio, television and art center, according to Weiqiang, director of the regional development and reform commission, at a regional conference on cultural tourism development.

    These projects have showcased Xizang’s cultural tourism achievements and become a new engine to promote the development of the region’s cultural tourism industry, he said.

    Data shows that from January to September of this year, Xizang received over 57 million domestic and international tourists, up 15 percent year on year. The total tourism expenditure in the region surpassed 67 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 13 percent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New air-cargo route links China’s Shanxi, Kazakhstan’s Almaty

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

    TAIYUAN, Oct. 22 — A new air freight route officially opened Monday, linking Taiyuan, capital city of north China’s Shanxi Province, and Almaty in Kazakhstan.

    A freighter, loaded with cargo including clothing and daily consumer goods, left Taiyuan Wusu International Airport for Almaty on Monday morning, according to the customs of Taiyuan.

    The round-trip flights will operate twice each week, on Mondays and Fridays. The type of goods transported via the route is expected to be increased in the future.

    The first flight on the route marks the official opening of the air cargo channel connecting Shanxi with the Central Asian country, injecting new impetus into the economic and trade exchanges between the two sides, said the customs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan sees booming maintenance services for inbound airplanes

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

    Hainan sees booming maintenance services for inbound airplanes

    Updated: October 23, 2024 07:39 Xinhua
    Workers of HNA Technic remove the original paint on an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 21, 2024. Inbound airplanes in Hainan are eligible for preferential treatments of the free trade port including exemption of cash deposite as well as duty-free fuel and maintenance supplies. The comprehensive bonded zone of Haikou Airport reaped more than 20 billion yuan (about 2.81 billion U.S. dollars) worth of bonded maintenance services for these airplanes in the first three quarters of 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Workers of HNA Technic maintain an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Workers of HNA Technic conduct pre-painting cleaning for an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A worker of HNA Technic maintains an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A worker of HNA Technic changes an engine part for an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Workers of HNA Technic maintain an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: First batch of exhibits for 7th CIIE arrives in Shanghai

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

    First batch of exhibits for 7th CIIE arrives in Shanghai

    Updated: October 23, 2024 07:59 Xinhua
    Workers get the venue ready for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. The first batch of exhibits from five exhibitors arrived at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) on Tuesday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A truck loaded with exhibits for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) arrives during an accession ceremony for exhibits at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the CIIE, in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo shows a view of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A truck loaded with exhibits for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is greeted with a water salute during an accession ceremony for exhibits at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the CIIE, in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A screen promoting the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is pictured at the entrance of National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the CIIE, in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Representatives of exhibitors for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) attend an accession ceremony for exhibits at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the CIIE, in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A representative of exhibitors for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) accepts a media interview during an accession ceremony for exhibits at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the CIIE, in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Maranga Ake: Why FIRST Union is joining the fight

    Source: First Union

    FIRST Union is proud to be supporting Maranga Ake, today’s nationwide hui of the union movement of Aotearoa, and says that the current National-ACT-NZ First Government poses a significant threat to hard-won workplace rights and threatens the future prosperity and employment protections of workers in all industries.
    Dennis Maga, FIRST Union General Secretary, says that while the union has opposed several of the Government’s “regressive” policies like the reintroduction of 90-day trial legislation and the cancellation of Fair Pay Agreements, the greatest threat to workers’ wellbeing at present comes from Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden’s planned changes to contracting law.
    “We’re joining the movement today because our country’s sovereignty and working freedoms are being compromised by politicians selling out our lawmaking to overseas companies like Uber,” said Mr Maga.
    “The union movement has not undergone decades of struggle and strife only to have the freedoms we won cast aside in one term of Government.”
    Mr Maga pointed to recent revelations that Minister Brooke Van Velden’s planned principles for “reform” of contracting law appear to have been written largely by Uber lobbyists. Her proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act would weaken employment rights, increase contractor misclassification and sanction continued tax avoidance by companies like Uber, Mr Maga said.
    “It’s not just existing contractors who should be concerned about the Minister’s weakening of employment law – permanent employment could become precarious if contracting misclassification by employers becomes widespread and accepted.”
    Mr Maga said that historically, unions were the answer to problems created by Parliament.
    “The union movement is made up of hundreds of thousands of diverse and unique groups of people and workforces, and an attack on any industry is an attack on all of us,” said Mr Maga.
    “We deserve to be proud of country and proud of the significant victories won by workers, like the forty-hour working week, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining.”
    “This is the time to stand up and fight back together against a brazen assault on workers’ rights while we still can.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education and Government Cuts – Continuing School Lunches a good first step say principals

    Source: NZ Principals Federation

    “Yesterday’s announcement to continue the Ka Ora Ka Ako lunches in schools programme is a good step forward,” said Leanne Otene, President of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF).  
    “The school lunches go some way to addressing our growing equity gap which is already the biggest in the OECD,” said Otene.
    The announcement revealed that schools choosing to deliver lunches internally will no longer receive $8.29 per head. Instead they will be funded at $4.00 per head.
    Externally prepared lunches will be costed at $3.00 per head.
    “Schools wanting to continue delivering lunches from their own school kitchens, will be struggling,” said Otene. “Sadly, if they were forced to opt for the external lunch delivery, the capital investment in school kitchens would be wasted,” she said, “so its a no win for those schools.”
    A second issue is that there will be no funding for distributing lunches to the students.
    “In the case of larger schools, the problem will be distribution of the lunches,” said Otene. “It would be a tragedy to see Teacher Aide hours diverted from teaching and learning to lunch distribution,” she said.  
    Overall, Otene is pleased that the lunch programme is now a permanent fixture and it is hoped that additional funding will be added to address the distribution issues. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: LEBANON: Over 400,000 forcibly displaced children at growing risk of scabies, cholera and waterborne diseases

    Source: Save the Children

    Over 400,000 children forced from their homes by the escalating conflict in Lebanon are at risk of skin diseases, cholera, and other waterborne diseases due to overcrowded, basic conditions in collective- shelters and a lack of water and sanitation facilities, said Save the Children.
    The first case of cholera and cases of scabies have already been reported among some of the 1.2 million people forcibly displaced from their homes. The World Health Organisation expressed concerns that many of those who had fled the violence in the south had no protection from cholera, which thrives in poor water and sanitary conditions.
    With winter fast approaching, children and families sleeping out in the open or in collective shelters that lack adequate heating will be exposed to harsh conditions and forced to endure cold, wet weather without proper protection, warned Save the Children which is working in 194 of the 1,094 collective shelters in Lebanon. These poor living conditions will expose children to a high risk of respiratory infections and other cold-related health issues.
    Fatima, 31, was displaced from the south with her 11-year-old child and is now staying at a collective shelter in Mount Lebanon, sharing a crowded classroom with about eight other families. She said:
    “Everything is difficult. We’re running out of essential medications for chronic illnesses, especially for the elderly. We can’t even find blood pressure medicine. We left our home with just the clothes we were wearing. Winter is coming, and we need warm clothes, blankets, and heaters.
    Can you imagine 30 families per floor sharing a single toilet? It’s a school toilet, so there’s no shower or water heater. We have to fill plastic containers with water and leave them in the sun to heat up, just so we can bathe the children. The elderly and kids are falling sick because they must wash with cold water. These living conditions are unbearable.”
    One in five people in Lebanon have been uprooted from their homes in the past four weeks. Many of those fleeing are already vulnerable, including children and refugee populations who have already been displaced for months.
    Over 190,000 people are now living in 1,094 collective shelters across the country, which are schools, community centres and other public institutions that have been repurposed.
    Kamal Nasser El Deen, Emergency Response Coordinator at Save the Children Lebanon said:
    “I’ve been in multiple shelters where I’ve seen families and children waiting in long lines just to access the bathrooms. The facilities are inadequate for the number of people, and to make matters worse, the water supply is inconsistent. This lack of clean, reliable water creates a significant risk for waterborne diseases. It’s heartbreaking to know that these children, already displaced and vulnerable, face the additional threat of illness simply because basic needs like sanitation and clean water aren’t being met.”
    The health care system is also under huge strain due to intense Israeli airstrikes, with almost half of all primary health care centres in conflict-affected areas now closed, while 11 hospitals have been either fully or partially evacuated. A total of 28 water facilities have been damaged, affecting over 360,000 people.
    Jennifer Moorehead, Save the Children’s Country Director in Lebanon said:
    “Children in Lebanon now have to face not only bombs but also the risk of vaccine-preventable disease. We’re alarmed – but not surprised – by the first case of cholera case given last year we’ve observed a sharp decline in vaccination coverage. Thousands of vulnerable children are now unprotected and with winter just round the corner and temperatures dropping, they will become even more susceptible to diseases such as measles, meningitis and hepatitis A. We have already seen in Gaza how the lethal combination of mass displacement, attacks on healthcare and lack of nutritious food and water can impact children’s lives. We cannot allow this to happen again. The international community must act now to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and exert pressure for an immediate ceasefire.”
    Save the Children has been working in Lebanon since 1953. Since October 2023, we’ve been scaling up our response in Lebanon, supporting displaced Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian children and families, and now have escalated an emergency response throughout the country in 194 collective shelters. Since October 2023, we’ve supported more than 110,000 people, including 47,000 children, with cash, blankets, mattresses and pillows, food parcels, water bottles and kits containing essential hygiene items. 
    – “Collective shelters” are pre-existing buildings and structures where large groups of displaced people find shelter for a short time while durable solutions are pursued. A variety of facilities may be used as collective centres – community centres, town halls, hotels, gymnasiums, warehouses, unfinished buildings, disused factories. Infrastructure and basic services are provided on a communal basis or access to them is made possible. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Emergence Management – Don’t shelter in a doorway – and other ShakeOut quake safety tips

    Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

    When an earthquake happens, stay where you are and drop, cover and hold – and don’t shelter in a doorway, as you’re far more likely to get injured, says the National Emergency Management Agency.

    The New Zealand ShakeOut earthquake drill and tsunami hikoi is taking place tomorrow at 9.30am, and the NEMA’s Chief Science Advisor Professor Tom Wilson is reminding Kiwis that Drop, Cover and Hold is the best way to stay safe during shaking. (ref. http://www.shakeout.govt.nz/ )

    Tom Wilson says research (Nicholas Horspool, 2022) based on ACC injury data from the 2016 Kaikoura-Hurunui earthquake indicates that you’re up to four times more likely to get injured if you try and move about during an earthquake.

    “Don’t rush to shelter in a doorway when shaking happens. You’re more likely to get injured while scrambling to get to one, or you may get hurt by the door itself.  Research shows that ‘Drop, cover and hold’ is the best general advice for keeping safe in earthquakes in New Zealand.”

    The research also showed that people who moved to protect someone else were more likely to get injured.

    “Earlier this month, many people in central New Zealand were awoken by strong shaking. If you have young children, your first instinct is to rush to their aid. However, you may get hurt in the process. Wait until the shaking stops, and arrive safely. Ideally you’ve already made your home ‘quake-safe’ so you are confident your tamariki will be safe.”

    Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake Chief Resilience and Research Officer, Dr Jo Horrocks says keeping your home quake-safe is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your whānau during an earthquake.

    “If you know your baby’s nursery is secured, for example, you’re less likely to feel the need to rush in during the shaking. Simple actions like securing heavy furniture and removing items that could fall above your bed can make a big difference in preventing injuries.

    “By preparing your home now, you’re helping to keep everyone safe when the next earthquake hits.”

    NEMA and the NHC Toka Tū Ake are encouraging people to practice their Drop, Cover and Hold during the NZ ShakeOut National Earthquake Drill this month on October 24 at 9.30am. You can sign up at http://www.shakeout.govt.nz – over 635,000 people have registered.

    What to do if an earthquake happens:

    If you are outside

    If you are outside, Drop, Cover and Hold.

    Move no more than a few steps away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines.

    Then Drop, Cover and Hold.

    If you are in an elevator

    If you are in an elevator, Drop, Cover and Hold.

    When the shaking stops, try and get out at the nearest floor if you can safely do so.

    If you are driving

    If you are driving, Pull over and Wait. Pull over to a clear location. Stop.

    Wait there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.

    Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps as they may have been damaged.

    If you are in bed

    If you are in bed, Stay, Cover and Hold.

    Stay in bed and pull the sheets and blankets over you. You are less likely to be injured if you stay in bed.

    Cover your head and neck with your pillow.

    Hold on until the shaking stops.

    If you have a mobility impairment or use a cane

    If you have a mobility impairment or use a cane, Drop, Cover and Hold or Sit, Cover and Hold

    Drop by getting as low as you can or Sit on a chair, bed, etc.

    Cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so you can use it when the shaking stops.

    Hold on until the shaking stops.

    If you use a walker or a wheelchair

    If you use a walker or wheelchair, Lock, Cover and Hold.

    Lock your wheels and get as low as possible.

    Bend over and Cover your head and neck as best you can.

    Then Hold on until the shaking stops.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato wetland fire update #6

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have started the third day of fighting a large vegetation fire near Meremere, which includes the Whangamarino wetlands.
    Incident Controller Mark Tinworth says the fire now has a perimeter of 15 kilometres and has burned more than 1,000 hectares of land.
    “This is a large fire and it could take some days to bring it under control properly,” he says.
    “Peat fires are particularly challenging, as they can continue to burn underground and can be hard to find and extinguish.”
    There are currently more than 50 Fire and Emergency personnel involved in the firefighting operation, supported by helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
    Fire Investigators are on the scene, but an origin and cause of the fire have not yet been confirmed.
    “There is a lot of smoke in the area, so we’re advising local people to keep windows and doors closed, and to avoid the area altogether if possible.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business and Tech – Connecting Kiwi cleantech ventures with global opportunities

    Source: Callaghan Innovation

    23 October 2024 – Fourteen ambitious Kiwi cleantech startups will soon chase global investment and partnership opportunities as part of the 2024 Cleantech Trek to the USA and Europe.

    Estimated to be worth more than NZD$1 trillion annually by 2030, the global cleantech market is growing rapidly due to investment in clean energy technologies like solar and wind, and growing consumer demand for more sustainably produced materials.  

    The 2024 Cleantech Trek is a New Zealand Cleantech Mission initiative to support innovative Kiwi startups to access the multi-billion-dollar global cleantech market.

    Participating companies will attend key industry events to pitch to investors, meet multinationals and make connections as they seek to participate in this market.

    A highlight of the trip will be a visit to leading global steelmaker ArcelorMittal’s commercial flagship carbon capture and utilisation facility in Ghent, Belgium.

    The commercial-scale facility uses Lanzatech’s carbon capture process to capture carbon-rich waste gases from steelmaking and convert these into advanced ethanol.

    Nasdaq listed Lanzatech began as a cleantech startup based in Auckland. “As Lanzatech has shown, we have the world-class science and engineering expertise, and vision, to develop cleantech solutions that can make a global impact,” says New Zealand Cleantech Mission Lead, Callaghan Innovation’s Phil Anderson.

    Because cleantech solutions are addressing the most difficult to solve environmental and sustainability challenges, their commercialisation typically requires more capital, stronger networks, and a longer path to market than is the case in most other sectors.

    “To succeed, Kiwi cleantech startups need to build long-term relationships with multi-nationals and investors to develop and commercialise their solutions on a global scale,” says Phil Anderson.

    The 2024 Cleantech Trek will begin in the USA in late October, and head to Europe, where three participating startups will be recognised on US-based Cleantech Group’s 2024 50 to Watch list, in Paris, at the 2024 Cleantech Forum Europe in early November.

    Cetogenix, Mushroom Material, and Nilo will be recognised on the Cleantech Group’s 2024 50 to Watch list of the top cleantech ventures globally in the early stages of commercialising solutions to global environmental problems and climate change.  

    “Having three Kiwi cleantech startups on this influential list shows that the world is beginning to see just how much potential Kiwi cleantech startups have to offer,” says Phil Anderson.  

    “This country is such a small player it’s really important that we work together when it comes to getting in front of potential investors and partners overseas.

    “That’s why I’m thrilled this year that the Cleantech Trek will be supported by NZTE, Are Ake, Auckland Unlimited and ASB Bank, who have come on board as our Europe leg sponsor, as well as our Verge stand partner Climate Salad,” he says.

    About Callaghan Innovation

    Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand’s innovation agency. It activates innovation and helps businesses grow faster for a better New Zealand. The government agency partners with ambitious businesses of all sizes, delivering a range of innovation and research and development (R&D) services to suit each stage of their growth. Its staff – including more than 150 of New Zealand’s leading scientists and engineers – empower innovators by connecting people, opportunities and networks, and providing tailored technical solutions, skills and capability development programmes, and grants co-funding. Callaghan Innovation also enhances the operation of New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem, working closely with MBIE, NZTE, NZVIF, Crown Research Institutes, and other organisations that help increase business investment in R&D and innovation. The agency operates from five urban offices and a regional partner network in a further 12 locations across Aotearoa.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – Christchurch City becomes the first New Zealand city to sanction Israel – PSNA

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    This morning Christchurch City became the first city in New Zealand to sanction Israel after passing a resolution to amend its procurement policy to exclude companies building and maintaining illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. 

     

    “We are delighted the council has taken a stand against Israel’s ongoing theft of Palestinian land”, says PSNA National Chair John Minto.

     

    “It has been the failure of western governments to hold Israel to account which means Israel has a 76-year history of oppression and brutal abuse of Palestinians.”

     

    “Today Israel is running riot across the Middle East because it has never been held to account for 76 years of flagrant breaches of international law,” says Minto.

     

    “The motion passed by Christchurch City today helps to end Israeli impunity for war crimes” (Building settlements on occupied land belonging to others is a war crime under international law)

     

    “The motion is a small but significant step in sanctioning Israel. Many more steps must follow”.

     

    “We are particularly pleased the council rejected the red herrings and obfuscations of New Zealand Jewish Council spokesperson Ben Kepes who urged councillors to reject the motion”

     

    “Mr Kepes presentation was a repetition of the tired, old arguments used by white South Africans to avoid accountability for their apartheid policies last century – policies which are mirrored in Israel today”

     

    Before the vote PSNA National Chair John Minto and University of Canterbury lecturer Josephine Varghese spoke in favour of the motion backed by a packed public gallery displaying a “Stop the genocide” banner.

     

    “It would be nice to think the government would pick up resolution 2334 and show leadership in sanctioning Israel rather than leaving it to local bodies”

     

    John Minto

    National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Crime Reduction Unit arrests repeat offender

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    At approximately 4 pm on October 16, 2024, members of Yukon Crime Reduction Unit, assisted by Whitehorse Detachment General Investigation Section arrested 34-year-old Marcus Hickey. Mr. Hickey was wanted on an un-endorsed warrant for two counts of breaching a release order.

    Hickey resisted arrest and subsequently struck an officer in the eye. Both Mr. Hickey and the officer were evaluated at Whitehorse General Hospital for minor injuries.

    Mr. Hickey while in the process of being transported from Whitehorse General Hospital to the Arrest Processing Unit, pushed police and attempted to grab items on the officer’s duty belt. Mr. Hickey then attempted to flee from police by running away but was quickly caught and arrested.

    Mr. Hickey was charged with: attempting to disarm a police officer, two counts of assault on a police officer, two counts of resist arrest, and escape lawful custody.

    Mr. Hickey currently has 31 charges before the courts. His next appearance is October 30, 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy – Smoke development on the Sleipner B platform – Equinor

    Source: Equinor

    22 OCTOBER 2024 – The emergency vessels Skandi Mongstad and Esvagt Bergen have used seawater to cool down the platform from a distance during the day.

    The vessels will remain stationed outside the unmanned Sleipner B platform and monitor the situation for as long as necessary.

    A SAR helicopter will fly over the platform with a thermal imaging camera to monitor the situation.

    There is no danger to life and health. Production from Sleipner B has been shut down, and the platform is depressurized and without power. The reduction in gas exports resulting from this incident will not have any consequences for the commitments that we have made to our customers.

    The Equinor Emergency Response team was notified of smoke development in a switchgear room at the Sleipner B platform 22ndOctober at 04:40 AM.

    Initial message at 09.52 CET

    The Equinor Emergency Response team was notified of smoke development in a switchgear room at the Sleipner B platform 22ndOctober at 04:40 AM. The vessel Skandi Mongstad has been mobilized to the area.

    Sleipner B is an unmanned production platform located in the Sleipner Vest area in the North Sea, 12.5 km away from the Sleipner A platform.

    Production has been shut down, and the facility has been depressurized.

    Equinor’s emergency response organization has been mobilized, and relevant authorities have been notified.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Unveils Generative Wallpaper, Offering Personalized 4K Images on Its AI TVs

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of its Generative Wallpaper feature for the 2024 Neo QLED and QLED models, powered by Tizen OS. This new feature leverages AI to create custom 4K images that enhance the TV’s display, offering users a unique way to personalize their viewing experience.
     
    “Generative Wallpaper brings a new dimension of personalization to our customers’ screens, allowing them to customize their TVs in a way that truly reflects their style,” said Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “As we continue to push the boundaries of AI technology, we look forward to transforming the home entertainment experience and evolving how users interact with their screens.”
     
    Through Generative Wallpaper, Samsung will deliver high-quality visuals that seamlessly integrate with home décor and creating a welcoming and immersive atmosphere. The feature will be available through Samsung’s Ambient Mode, which transforms the TV into a canvas for curated visuals, including useful information like weather updates, news and time. To access the feature, users can simply navigate to the ‘Ambient Mode’ menu, select the button and choose from themes such as ‘Happy Holiday’ or ‘Party.’ Samsung’s advanced AI then provides stunning 4K visuals that harmonize with the user’s home environment.
     
    Generative Wallpaper will debut this month in South Korea, North America and Europe, with a global rollout planned for 2025.
     

     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Lifestyle – The Summer Transition: Body Composition Change During Seasonal Change

    Source: Exercise New Zealand

    As we transition into summer, it’s important to understand how our bodies respond to seasonal changes—both voluntary and involuntary. These shifts can happen to anyone, but the good news is that regular exercise can play a crucial role in managing these changes. 

    Whether you’re looking to boost muscle tone, shed excess weight, or simply feel your best, staying active is the key to unlocking your summer fitness goals.

    Recent studies indicate that seasonal changes impact body composition, particularly in relation to lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), and overall body conditioning. 

    Research published in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, highlights how seasonal transitions from cooler to warmer months bring about changes in body composition, particularly in the distribution of fat and muscle. 
    During this time individuals, specifically those that have an established exercise routine, often experience shifts in body mass, bone density, and muscle development. While the focus has often been on elite athletes, this research provides valuable insights for anyone looking to optimise their health and fitness goals heading into summer.

    In addition to regular exercise, staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining peak performance and body composition during the summer months. 

    Recent research published in Nutrients Journal emphasises the importance of a targeted hydration strategy, particularly in these warmer conditions, to prevent dehydration and enhance physical performance. 
    Studies show that individuals who follow a personalised hydration plan are better able to maintain fluid balance, avoid excessive sodium loss, and reduce the perception of thirst and physical effort during high-intensity workouts.

    Lean Mass Increases: The transition from cooler to warmer months can lead to an increase in lean muscle mass, especially with regular strength and conditioning exercises.

    Fat Mass Maintenance: Consistent exercise during warmer months can help manage body fat.

    Bone Density Boost: Increased physical activity during summer, particularly weight-bearing exercises, can improve bone mineral density.

    Hydration: Water and sodium are critical in the warmer months. Commercially available electrolyte drinks can suffice for maintaining hydration.

    ExerciseNZ highlights the importance of making the most of the lead-up to summer by staying active and well-hydrated. 

    Whether it’s hitting the gym for strength training, swimming, or taking a walk around your neighbourhood, summer provides the perfect opportunity to boost your fitness, enhance body composition, and also improve mental health through exercise. 
    By embracing a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, Kiwis across Aotearoa can enjoy the benefits of lean muscle growth, better bone health, and overall well-being.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: REMINDER: State Highway 6 – Kohatu-Kawatiri repairs begin next week

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Drivers need to be ready for roadworks State Highway 6 – Kohatu-Kawatiri, with road reconstruction due to begin next week.

    Contractors will be on the job near Tunnicliff Bridge, between Motupiko and Korere, for six weeks beginning Monday, 29 October. The work will continue through to Friday, 6 December. 

    The highway’s pavement has reached the end of its life, and contractor will be carrying out long-term repairs to the road.

    For the first three weeks (29 October to 15 November) the work will be carried out during the day from Monday to Friday under stop/go traffic controls. Drivers will need to factor in around 15-minute delays through the area.

    Between 18 and 29 November, the highway will be closed during the day between Motupiko and Korere due to the narrowness of the Tunnicliffe Bridge section of the road. A local road detour will be available during this time, but drivers must allow an extra 20 minutes of travel time.

    From 2 to 6 December, the site will return to daytime stop/go as road crews tidy up and disestablish the site.

    Temporary speed limits will be in place while the repairs are underway. It is essential  all road users follow them – they are there to keep drivers and workers safe, and also to protect newly laid road surfaces from damage.

    Every effort is being made to minimise disruption for the public,  with the work timed to begin after Labour Weekend be complete before the busy Christmas holiday season. It ensures the road will be roadwork-free when traffic is at its busiest.

    Access through the  closure zone will be available to residents, businesses, and emergency services.

    Works Schedule: 

    • Work is from Tuesday, 29 October, to Friday, 6 December 2024.
    • Working hours: 7:00 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday (no night-time or weekend work).
    • Stop/go controls and a reduced temporary speed limit in place from Tuesday, 29 October, to Friday 15 November. Expect delays of up to 15 minutes.
    • Full road closure in place from Monday, 18 November, to Friday, 29 November between Motupiko and Korere.
    • Detour via Korere-Tophouse Rd, Kerr Hill Rd, Stock Rd, and Wai-iti Valley Rd. Traffic lights and 30km/hr speed restrictions will be in place at Jansens Bridge on Kerr Hill Rd. The detour is suitable for all vehicles but approval for permitted vehicles (e.g. O/W or HPMV) will be required from Tasman District Council.
    • Allow an extra 20-minutes travel time for your journey.
    • The site will reopen outside work hours under a reduced temporary speed limit.
    • Traffic management will remain in place during weekends and nights (between 5.30 PM and 7:00 AM Monday to Friday).
    • Access through the works zone will be available for residents, businesses, and emergency services.
    • From Monday, 2 December to Friday, 6 December the site will return to stop/go and a reduced temporary speed limit between 7.00 am and 5.30 pm to allow crews to tidy up and disestablish the site.

    Works Location:

    View larger map [PDF, 2.2 MB]

    Summer Maintenance Season – Tips and Advice:

    • Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance and resilience works are happening around the region including on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast. Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where roadworks are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
    • Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.

    More Information:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Summer road maintenance Akaroa highway, SH75 – night-times affected

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    People who drive between Akaroa and Little River on SH75 might like to diarise some night work coming up between Little River and Barrys Bay, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    Work on the Akaroa side of Hilltop gets underway next Tuesday night, 29 October, after Labour Weekend, from 9 pm at night to 5 am the next day. The resurfacing work, taking a fortnight, runs through to the morning of Tuesday, 12 November.

    Detour for light vehicles and general access trucks only

    There is a detour via the higher Summit Road, Duvauchelle Stock Route and Pigeon Bay Road (towards Akaroa – reverse for traffic going to Little River) while this work is happening, for light vehicles and trucks – under 46 Tonne only. However, please note this is a winding and steep route.

    Work with no detour

    There is work on the Christchurch/Little River side of Hilltop also over two nights which has no detour route. This involves renewing the asphalt along this winding route from the base of the hill at Puaha up to Hilltop.

    Tuesday and Wednesday nights into Thursday morning (12, 13, 14 November) are the dates, 9 pm to 5 am.

    Access will only be considered for essential light vehicle travel with prior coordination with the construction team, and for emergency services. No heavy vehicle access will be possible on these nights.  (Email southernlink@downer.co.nz for essential access permissions.)

    Daytimes will be busy also going to and from Akaroa

    With summer maintenance work well underway in Canterbury, expect to see sealing teams and repair crews out and about. On the Akaroa highway in particular, expect to see in the weeks ahead:

    • Hilltop guardrail project road surface remedial work
    • Christchurch City Council side road reseals – possible delays at intersections with SH75 eg Wainui Main Road.

    NZTA thanks all road users for building in extra time on these routes and avoiding SH75 on the nights of major reseals and asphalting.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Waimate to Ikawai, SH82 South Canterbury – change to timing of work and no full closures this side of Christmas

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    This highway reconstruction work was first indicated to start 1 November with a full road closure.

    It is now likely to start Monday, 11 November, under Stop/Go traffic management leading into Christmas, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    More work will start in the New Year which may require a full traffic closure through the Waimate Gorge. Fewer days will be affected by the full closure than originally stated, and a detour is proposed for traffic onto High St Waimate, McNamaras Road, SH1, Old Ferry Road and Ikawai Middle Road. (See green line below). This detour will add 12 km to the Waimate Gorge route and add nine minutes to the trip. The detour is suitable for 50MAX vehicles.

    More details in the New Year.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –