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Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: April dry, bright

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    April was drier than usual, with the monthly mean relative humidity at 74%, the second lowest on record for April since 1947, the Hong Kong Observatory said today.

    Total rainfall in the month was 57.1mm, only about 37% of the norm of 153mm.

    The observatory added that the accumulated rainfall in the first four months of the year was 125.5mm, about 42% of the norm of 300.4mm for the same period.

    April was also warmer than usual, with a mean temperature of 23.7 degrees Celsius, 0.7 degrees above the norm of 23 degrees.

    With plenty of sunshine and weaker winds on April 15, the temperatures at the observatory soared to 33 degrees Celsius that afternoon, the highest of the month. It also marked the earliest occurrence of very hot weather in a year and the second highest maximum temperature for April on record.

    On April 20, the maximum temperature logged at the observatory was 30.6 degrees Celsius, making it one of the warmest Easter days on record.

    There was no tropical cyclone over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in April.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sky News First Edition with Peter Stefanovic

    Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

    PETER STEFANOVIC, HOST: Joining us live is the Foreign Minister, Penny Wong. Minister, good to see you this morning. Thank you for your time. Before we get into the post-mortem of the election, I’d just like to ask you about this. It’s all about getting the remaining hostages that Hamas still has. What’s your response to this move?

    PENNY WONG, FOREIGN MINISTER: Well, first, my principled response is Australia continues to call for a ceasefire. We want to see the hostages returned and we want to see humanitarian aid delivered. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. No aid has gone in for weeks. So, we will continue to call on all parties – ceasefire, hostage returns and humanitarian aid to be delivered.

    STEFANOVIC: Do you think the election result justified your stance on Israel and Gaza?

    FOREIGN MINISTER: Look, I don’t think that was a central issue in the campaign. I think that Australians were very focused on cost of living, were very focused on issues that were relevant to their lives. And I want to say how humbled and grateful we are for the privilege that’s been given to us. We really understand it’s a privilege and a responsibility. And what you will see, Pete, is us working every day for the Australian people, knowing the responsibility we’ve been given.

    STEFANOVIC: On trade, a few items of note from firstly, the US and also the EU today. So, the Prime Minister will reportedly scrap the luxury car tax if the EU opens up its market for our ag exports. Is that a fair trade if it’s true?

    FOREIGN MINISTER: I wanted to say broadly, when we announced our response to tariffs, you will recall, we laid out a set of principles and a set of responses that we would put in place, and one of them was continued trade diversification. Now, we’ve done a lot of work on that. You would have heard me, in the context of having some impediments and some $20 billion worth of trade into China lifted during our term of government, I always say to people, we need to diversify, we need to continue to diversify. That’s part of our economic resilience. And we had another Free Trade Agreement with the United Arab Emirates. We’ve had a lot more engagement economically with Southeast Asia on both investment and trade. But obviously, the EU Free Trade Agreement would be an important part of that trade diversification. So, we will keep working on that because we’re a trading nation. We don’t want to be part of trade barriers because it’s not good for us. It’s an act of economic self-harm. So, of course we’ll engage with the European Union and others.

    STEFANOVIC: And on the US how concerned are you about Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign-made films hurting our industry here?

    FOREIGN MINISTER: I was just asked this by Karl, in fact, and the point I’d make is we have a lot of collaboration between our film industries. You get Aussie actors in US films. You get US films made here or filmed here. There’s a lot of collaboration in the creative area. So, we hope that President Trump, in the context of his discussions with the studio, will come to see the extent to which Australian and American film industries do work together to the benefit of both countries.

    STEFANOVIC: Ok, let’s get to your thoughts on how the election turned out. Are you expecting many, if at all, frontbench changes?

    FOREIGN MINISTER: Well, that’s a matter for, first, the caucus and the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has made clear his view about some of the senior leadership and us staying in our roles. But beyond that, the decision will be for caucus and for the Prime Minister about which portfolios he allocates. But my thoughts on the election really are summed up in this: the Liberal Party does not represent middle Australia. We see that in the seat results in the suburbs and cities of this country. Families looked at the Liberal Party and thought, you don’t represent my hopes, my aspirations or reflect my concerns.

    STEFANOVIC: Did Liberal preferences help you win seats from the Greens?

    FOREIGN MINISTER: Well, I have looked at a few seats and, for example, I think Renee Coffey in the seat of Griffiths was ahead of Max Chandler-Mather on primaries. So, we live in a preferential system. But I would say the Labor primary vote was obviously very strong and we really respect and are grateful for the opportunity – the choice of Australians and the opportunity we’ve been given.

    STEFANOVIC: But I suppose when it comes to the Liberal Party and its preferences, you were above the Greens. So, might you have Peter Dutton to thank for that by flipping some of those seats?

    FOREIGN MINISTER: Well, Pete, that’s an interesting take. I think that the majority of the contests in the 150 plus seats around the country, as you know, were between us and the Liberal Party. And out of that, I think out of 88 metropolitan seats they hold, I think it’s nine or 10. And there’s obviously some outstanding. But that really says something about the extent to which the Coalition were rejected by middle Australia. That’s the key issue, not the Greens.

    STEFANOVIC: Ok, just a final note. I mean, there was some scuttlebutt back before the election and you are a young person, but there was still rumour that you might be heading for retirement. Given the size of the win, how does that change your calculations with how much time you want to spend?

    FOREIGN MINISTER: That’s a very good question. Obviously, I made a commitment to serve the whole of this term. But yes, the size of the win, we can genuinely do the work for the Australian people and set the country up for a long-term stable Labor Government. And I’m really privileged to be part of that.

    STEFANOVIC: So at least one term, Penny, then we’ll see.

    FOREIGN MINISTER: At least one term. At least one term.

    STEFANOVIC: Can I also ask, I mean, your comments on potentially resurrecting the Voice, that was seized upon by your opponents, but did you fear that that could derail the Labor campaign?

    FOREIGN MINISTER: Yeah, so, and I know, Sky ran on this a lot and obviously, you never want to give people the opportunity to dial up the conflict during a campaign. But you know what I think it demonstrated? It demonstrated a reflex to have a go on these culture war issues, rather than talk about the issues that really mattered to Australians, which were cost of living, Medicare, health, education. Rather than talk about how we maintain steady leadership in a time of great uncertainty. Most Australians were not where the Liberal Party were on those issues. It was a beat-up. We’ve made clear the Voice is gone. I’ve said that many times. But what’s more important is, I think what is said to Australians is you keep talking about issues and getting aggro and playing the politics of conflict. Actually, I’m worried about, are you going to give me tax cuts? Are you going to make it easy to see a doctor? Are you going to make sure my school is funded? Are you going to make sure you build more houses? I want the 20 per cent reduction in HECS debt and I want fee-free TAFE. That’s where people were, that’s where Australians were, it’s not where the Liberal Party was.

    STEFANOVIC: Ok, I know you’ve got another interview to get to, but thank you so much for your time.

    MIL OSI News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PAKISTAN – Violence in Kashmir: Christians launch an appeal for dialogue and peace

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – “In Pakistan, people are concerned about the growing tensions with India. The elderly remember the war. There is a certain fear among the population, given the escalation on the border, the firefights, and the victims. We are not far from the Indian border and Kashmir, which increases fears. Public opinion, seeing the constant increase in violence, including verbal violence, sees the risk of a new war growing,” Father Qaisar Feroz (OFM Cap), President of Signis Pakistan and Executive Secretary of the Social Communications Commission of the Episcopal Conference of Pakistan, told Fides.”What is becoming apparent is that leaders on both sides of the border are fueling violence and conflict. That is why today we say emphatically: we need words of peace, we need dialogues based on reason and thinking about the good of the respective peoples,” the Capuchin priest said. “We see that the conflict has also led to a ‘water conflict,’ because the springs are located on Indian territory, and India has closed them to Pakistan. This will have an impact on the poor and civilian population, which is very bitter for us and at the same time underlines the seriousness of the situation,” he notes. To prevent a new war, “interreligious initiatives and meetings have been launched in Pakistan, inviting political leaders and praying for dialogue and peace. Franciscans and Dominicans, among others, are participating in these initiatives, appealing to politicians: please, let us promote dialogue and peace.””The Christians in Pakistan,” he concludes, “support this appeal and pray for de-escalation so that the threads of negotiations can be re-twisted. Violence is a defeat under all circumstances and at all times,” Father Feroz says, expressing the feelings and wishes of the Catholic community.At the ecclesiastical level, the Pakistani region of Kashmir belongs to the Archdiocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi. A mission of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate operates in this area. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 5/5/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stepping up in a changing global environment

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Good evening.

    Thank you to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs for organising this event, and for your efforts to foster New Zealand’s understanding of international affairs. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak here today. 

    As keen observers and practitioners of international relations, you will all be aware of the degree to which the global environment has changed, even in the past two years.  

    We in New Zealand have enjoyed for a long time the benefits of a strategic environment in which we could focus heavily on growing our economy, seeking trading relationships and pursuing our interests safe in the knowledge that the stable post-war, liberal, international rules-based order provided the guardrails.  

    We believe in that order, and we will act to preserve it. But it is not enough on its own. We rely on our ally, our friends and our partners to help make us more secure, and they rely on us for support. Few countries can go it alone, and we are no exception.  

    We are no longer in a world – and I would argue that maybe we never were – where prosperity and security are mutually exclusive. There is no economic security without national security.  

    As Minister of Defence, I am keenly aware that our Defence Force needs to be acknowledged for its core functions. It plays a vital in contributing to national defence and resilience, and helping deliver whole-of government security objectives.  

    But we have a Defence Force with military capabilities for a reason. We choose to hold at readiness a credible force of highly trained and capable men and women who are prepared and ready to act with force if needed, to defend our country. 

    Unfortunately 35 years of underinvestment has allowed this capability to deteriorate.  

    Defence Capability Plan 

    I was therefore very proud to last month launch with the Prime Minister, the Chief of Defence Force and the Secretary of Defence our new Defence Capability Plan – or, given the military’s fondness for acronyms, the DCP. 

    This plan sets out $12 billion of planned commitments over the next four years, including $9 billion of new spending, with a path to reaching 2 percent of GDP in the next eight years. 

    The release of the DCP represents the culmination of several years of focused work by the Defence agencies to ensure our defence policy settings and our defence capability investments best support New Zealand’s interests in a changed and changing world through to 2040. 

    As you can imagine, the content of the DCP was the subject of some intense discussions with my Cabinet colleagues. We know the critical importance of getting this right, of having a plan that is both appropriately ambitious and achievable, and firmly focused on what is in New Zealand’s best interests. 

    I am proud of the DCP, and I welcome the very positive reactions to it, both domestically and internationally. 

    New Zealanders understand that our world has changed, and the highly skilled and professional personnel of the New Zealand Defence Force need to be ready to do what the New Zealand Government and people ask of it, often at short notice. 

    Defence is not something that can be mothballed until you need it. Because when the chips are down, you need a force that is ready and equipped to do whatever is asked of it – and it needs to be able about to do it immediately.  

    That means it must be empowered and equipped appropriately. 

    I have been particularly pleased with the broad support the DCP has received from across Parliament. National security is one area of public policy that benefits strongly from a bipartisan approach, and I welcome the support for a more capable Defence Force. 

    I have been able to discuss the DCP with a number of my international counterparts, and I can tell you it has been received very positively by New Zealand’s security partners. Our partners have welcomed our updated approach and our intention to invest more in New Zealand’s defence capabilities. 

    The first step to turning the DCP into action was taken on Sunday, when I announced the Government is putting aside $2 billion plus to replace the Defence Force’s ageing maritime helicopters. Alongside that, we are investing $957 million over four years in Defence Force activities, personnel and estate in Budget 25. I will have more to say on Budget Day on additional defence investment. 

    The increase in defence investment has generated quite a range of questions about elements of New Zealand’s defence policy, both long-standing and newly introduced, that could usefully be explained in greater detail. And that is what I would like to do this evening. 

    I will talk in particular to our assessment of New Zealand’s strategic environment, our alliance with Australia, our approach to deterrence, the importance of combat capability, and opportunities for innovation. 

    New Zealand’s strategic environment 

    The first line in the first chapter of the DCP sets the scene well for the policy settings that follow: “New Zealand is facing its most challenging and dangerous strategic environment for decades.” 

    Security challenges that we are familiar with remain with us. At home and in our immediate region these include ongoing risks of natural disasters and maritime security challenges of all kinds. And some of these are becoming worse – for example, we are seeing increasing use of the Pacific as a transhipment route for illegal drugs. 

    And for our Pacific partners in particular, climate change and its wide-ranging security impacts continue to represent the primary security concern.  

    Increasingly, however, the defining character of our strategic environment is strategic competition. 

    Globally, in the wider Indo-Pacific and in our immediate region, we are seeing some states increasingly acting in ways that undermine existing international rules and norms, and seeking to reshape both regional orders and the global order as a whole.  

    Recent events in our immediate region – including the PRC Task Group operating in the Tasman Sea and last year’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test – have demonstrated that New Zealand’s geographic location no longer shelters us from threats to the extent that it once did. Our region is of increasing strategic significance, and global challenges and tensions are having direct impacts on our security. 

    And the wider Indo Pacific contains a number of potential security flashpoints – be that cross-Strait tensions, the Korean Peninsula or competing claims in the South China Sea. 

    Perhaps the most acute – and still shocking – example of the deteriorating strategic environment is Russia’s ongoing illegal war against Ukraine. 

    New Zealand remains fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s self-defence and national resilience. The Prime Minister announced last month during his trip to the United Kingdom and Türkiye that New Zealand is extending its military assistance in support of Ukraine’s self-defence through to December 2026. 

    New Zealand welcomes efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, and is following the negotiations on a potential ceasefire very closely. 

    Overview of DCP policy settings 

    As a government, we need to ensure we are employing our full range of tools of statecraft to best effect in service of New Zealand’s national interests.  

    We are a small island nation that relies on trade for its economic growth and – as I have previously said, we cannot have economic security without national security. 

    A compromised supply chain can lead to disruptions, financial losses, reputational damage and compromised products or services. And our supply chains rely on the security of maritime, air, land, space and cyber domains.  

    As Defence Minister, I need to ensure the Defence Force has the right capabilities, is using those capabilities to support peace and security, and is prepared for scenarios in which competition tips into confrontation and conflict. 

    That is why the DCP has three new defence policy objectives. These aren’t a radical shift in our policy, but they provide a sharper focus.  

    The first is to protect and promote New Zealand’s security, and that of our immediate region. New Zealand’s security is indivisible from the strategic situation our region is facing. 

    Defence plays a key part in ensuring the security, stability, and resilience of our immediate region by deterring actions contrary to the security of New Zealand and our regional partners and helping sustain wider regional conditions favourable to New Zealand’s security interests. An important part of this is delivering our defence and security constitutional responsibilities to the Realm.  

    Second is enhancing our alliance and other key security partnerships, which I’ll expand on shortly.  

    And third is to contribute to achieving our global interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Defence will continue its pattern of operations in support of maritime security and the existing liberal international rules-based order, and we will work closely with our international security partners to promote collective security approaches in accordance with international law, in particular the United National Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including freedom of navigation and oversight. 

    But Defence’s activities are truly global as well, as demonstrated by NZDF’s ongoing support to Ukraine and operations in the Middle East. Just last month, the Royal New Zealand Navy deployed the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha to conduct anti-smuggling operations in the Indian Ocean as part of the New Zealand-led Combined Task Force 150. The taskforce has already had very real impact, disrupting the trade of $600 million worth of illegal drugs so far. 

    Taken together, these three new objectives set the direction for Defence, as part of an all-of-Government approach, to promote and protect our national interests.  

    Our Alliance and security partnerships 

    But I want to expand specifically on our security partnerships. New Zealand has always valued the importance of collective security and supporting international mechanisms that enable collective action and support sovereign equality of states. 

    This is reflected in the policy settings in the DCP. We have always worked with others that share our values and our interests to shape the world as we would wish it to be, and to prepare together should the worst happen.  

    Indeed, since becoming the Minister of Defence, I have taken every opportunity to meet with my international defence counterparts, to demonstrate that New Zealand is internationally engaged and willing to step up to respond to new opportunities and emerging threats.  

    But within that, we will always maintain our independent foreign policy, making our own decisions about what is in New Zealand’s interests – just as other countries do.  

    It is worth saying more about our relationship with our closest friend and only ally Australia. For this Government, it was essential that the DCP reinforce the importance we place on our alliance with Australia, and the importance in our evolving strategic environment to speak directly about these issues.  

    I’ve been in touch with my Australian defence counterpart Richard Marles, who is also their Deputy Prime Minister, to offer my congratulations following the weekend’s election. Minister Marles and I both look forward to continuing to work together on a range of issues, including our shared security. 

    We have specifically referenced the ANZUS Treaty in the DCP, as it continues to underpin the strategic relationship between New Zealand and Australia and formalises the commitments that we have to each other as allies.   

    It has done so since 1951, and the DCP does not represent any change in its interpretation. And as the Prime Minister stated, our nuclear free policy has not, and will not, change. 

    We are working to create an increasingly integrated Anzac force, which means we will be better prepared, exercised and equipped to combine our Defence Forces to defend our shared interests. To enhance our interoperability, we have committed to removing tactical, technical and procedural information-sharing barriers where they restrict our ability to operate as an integrated force.  

    Of course, this Government is also committed to maintaining and investing in a range of other security partnerships, including with our Pacific partners and our Five Eyes partners. As the Prime Minister has indicated, we are also focused on strengthening our relationships across Asia.  

    Recently, we have signed a number of agreements with partner countries. These include the India-New Zealand Defence Cooperation Arrangement, which is a milestone bilateral arrangement facilitating closer defence relations – including the establishment of regular bilateral defence engagements and opening new areas for collaboration such as deploying and training together.  

    I was in the Philippines last week to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which sets out the legal conditions for military cooperation between our countries. 

    And as part of the NATO Indo-Pacific 4 grouping, we’re working with NATO and Indo-Pacific partners to uphold the international rules-based order and democratic values that are fundamental to our security and prosperity.  

    Deterrence and combat capability 

    We’ve also observed commentary on the much more explicit inclusion of, and focus on, deterrence in the DCP. 

    Deterrence is a normal part of how states operate and what defence forces do. At its core it is about influencing behaviour, or denying opportunities, by making other actors aware of the risks and consequences of undertaking those unwanted activities. Deterrence can be delivered through various tools. But having a credible and capable military force is a key way states deter activities and behaviours they don’t want.  

    As the DCP itself points out, deterrence is underpinned by having the necessary tools to act. In that respect the DCP recognises the increasing importance of building greater lethality into the force to be able to achieve deterrent effects.  

    It’s also important here to be clear on what the purpose of a military is. And I referred earlier to the core functions of a Defence Force.  

    Of course, modern militaries carry out a range of functions. But with the challenging world we now face, we need to reinforce the primary purpose of the military. There is no opting out from today’s strategic realities.  

    That is why the DCP signals increased strike capabilities which will increase our ability to use force if needed to protect our interests. This will be achieved through the procurement of new missile systems, which will provide an ability to respond to hostile vessels at a greater range.  

    Options for this include arming existing air and maritime platforms with missiles, such as the P-8A Poseidon fleet and the Anzac frigates, or options such as land-based strike. 

    Opportunities for innovation 

    I’m very aware of the importance of innovation and new technologies in defence.  

    Experience in Ukraine shows that conventional systems are still needed, but we’ve also seen the use of new technologies in new ways. Tanks and drones in the same battlefield are a reality.  

    New technologies and innovations will help the NZDF with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities. In the short and medium term, Defence will focus on uncrewed technology, including long-range uncrewed aerial vehicles to provide more persistent maritime surveillance. The DCP also describes uncrewed surface and subsurface vessels to help monitor and protect our Exclusive Economic Zone, and support our Pacific partners.  

    There will also be a focus on strengthened cyber and information capabilities to protect the NZDF’s networks and systems, and provide defensive cyber, electronic and information warfare effects. 

    A two-yearly review cycle of this DCP will provide greater flexibility by adopting technologies earlier in their lifecycle, and by incorporating new but proven technologies. Defence is also exploring joint procurement opportunities with Australia, where it makes sense to do so. 

    A technology accelerator as part of the DCP will enable New Zealand’s high technology sector to quickly develop advanced platforms and systems specifically focused on New Zealand defence problems, and the ability to deliver these rapidly. It would help transition technology from the prototype phase to ‘service ready’ capabilities that could be readily acquired by the NZDF, albeit at limited scale.  

    We have an opportunity to partner in a better way with industry, and particularly New Zealand industry. How we intend to do this will be set out in a Defence Industry Strategy that will support implementation of the DCP. 

    One area we see innovation and scope to adapt is in the space industry. As you may know, I am also the Minister for Space.  

    I believe that here we have an opportunity to harness the incredible innovation across the New Zealand space industry to make contributions across all applications of space.  

    The world’s reliance on space technologies means that irresponsible behaviour in space has global impacts, and New Zealand has no protection from those effects.  

    Guaranteeing access to satellite communications and other systems that rely on space is critical to a range of new and existing technologies and systems used by the NZDF.  

    Part of supporting that access is ensuring we take broader action to support New Zealand’s interest in the safe, secure and responsible use of space. We are developing a new regulatory regime to ensure that operators of ground-based space infrastructure register their operations to deter foreign interference in New Zealand’s space infrastructure.  

    With partners and allies, New Zealand’s Defence agencies and our innovative space industry can contribute to international efforts to preserve and protect freedom of access to space and all the space-based services we need to prosper.   

     Closing remarks 

    I believe this DCP represents change. It is a change to a more deliberate defence policy and is a significant change in the level of investment in our defence.  

    It is a message to New Zealanders that we are prepared to invest in their security. It is a message to our partners and ally that we will contribute what we need to. And it is a message to the NZDF that we believe in them and what they do.  

    Change can be hard, and deciding to invest this amount of funding was difficult. We did not, and won’t ever, take that decision lightly.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Greater attention to boreal forests needed, says UN Study

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Representing 27% of all forests worldwide, boreal forests are the planet’s terrestrial “second lung” after tropical forests. Encircling the North Pole, they span North America, Europe, and Asia, playing a vital role in global carbon sequestration and storage, biodiversity, and supporting societies and economies. 

    Despite their importance, boreal forests do not receive the same visibility and attention among policymakers and the public as their tropical forest counterparts. A new study published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), presented today at the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York, highlights the urgent need to increase the understanding of this global “treasure trove” and to safeguard its important contributions.  

    The comprehensive study on boreal forests and accompanying series of national overviews (for Canada, Finland, Norway, Russian Federation, Sweden, USA) finds that despite the importance of the boreal biome, there are significant gaps in knowledge about its forests, their role in sustainable development, and their future. This can be attributed to fragmented research, based on national, site-specific conditions, and the lack of a harmonized and agreed definition and monitoring framework across the boreal region. 

    Call for Action 

    The study highlights the need to place greater focus on boreal forests in global discussions on sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, sustainability indicators and climate change adaptation and mitigation.  

    A commonly agreed definition of boreal forests would help to delineate the area they occupy as a precondition for a consistent monitoring of the boreal forest biome. This could be achieved through the development of a set of dedicated criteria and indicators for monitoring long-term effects of forest management activities, natural and human-caused landscape disturbance, as well as climate change, including fires and insect infestations. 

    Such assessment instruments, resulting from the joint efforts of countries with boreal forests, would generate evidence on the state of the biome for improved policymaking for the sustainable management of boreal forests and help raise their overall profile.  

    The UNECE Committee on Forests and the Forest Industry offers a platform and tools to facilitate the exchange of information and cooperation in this regard. 

    Key Facts

    • Carbon storage: These forests contain about 32% of global terrestrial carbon stocks, with boreal soils holding vast amounts of carbon, significantly impacting atmospheric carbon levels. 

    • Economic importance: They contribute substantially to sustainable livelihoods, including to rural, remote and Indigenous communities, and economic growth, providing 37% of the world’s stock of growing timber. Activities such as berry or mushroom picking, hunting, and recreation/tourism also make important contributions. 

    • Rising threats: Boreal forests face increasing threats from climate change, including wildfires, pest outbreaks, and thawing permafrost. 

    Boreal forests are characterized by short, moist, and moderately warm summers and long, cold, and dry winters. Their flora consists mostly of cold-tolerant evergreen conifer trees, such as spruce, larch, pine and fir, with some broadleaf species such as birch, poplar and alder. The world’s boreal regions are among the least densely populated on earth. 

    Boreal forests contain approximately 48% of global primary forests and are vital for the conservation of biodiversity and climate regulation. They play an important role in global carbon sequestration and storage, and therefore, are key to climate change mitigation. In addition to providing significant ecosystem services, for example, the protection of freshwater resources, boreal forests play a substantial role in contributing to the sustainable economic development of countries in the boreal zone, and provide a sustainable supply of wood and energy to world markets. 

    Boreal forests, like other forest biomes, are important to global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 12, 13 and 15, the six Global Forest Goals and the Targets of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Programme for Government must have people and planet at its core

    Source: Scottish Greens

    06 May 2025 Climate

    Scotland needs bold change.

    More in Climate

    The First Minister’s Programme for Government must take bold action for people and planet, says Scottish Green Co-Leader Patrick Harvie.

    Speaking ahead of the First Minister publishing his programme, Mr Harvie said:

    “John Swinney needs to be ambitious and ensure that Scotland is taking meaningful action to cut child poverty and tackle the climate emergency. That means putting people and planet at the core of his plans.

    “The Greens have championed radical change in Scotland, now the SNP must match our ambition to create a positive future for everyone across the country.

    “Scottish Greens secured the expansion of free school meals for pupils across Scotland, but we need action to ensure that all children receive them. We also secured a £2 bus fare cap that will start with a pilot but which we want to see rolled out across Scotland to make public transport more affordable and save people money.

    “It is deeply disappointing that the SNP have dropped plans to ban so-called ‘conversion therapy’ and have dropped the long-planned and promised Misogyny Bill. LGBTQ+ people across Scotland will want reassurances that the government is still on their side, but that can’t come from ripping-up promises and commitments.

    “With wildfires having torn apart our iconic countryside, we need to be bold for our climate, but the Scottish Government has taken too many backward steps, from junking its target to reduce car numbers to hiking the cost of train and bus tickets.

    “Scottish communities are finding themselves on the frontline of the crisis. We need to get serious, and that means ensuring robust measures to promote public transport while introducing a credible plan to make homes cheaper and greener to heat.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Warren Buffett prepares to retire, does his investing philosophy have a future?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angel Zhong, Professor of Finance, RMIT University

    Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old investing legend and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced plans to step down at the end of this year.

    His departure will mark the end of an era for value investing, an investment approach built on buying quality companies at reasonable prices and holding them for the long term.

    Buffett’s approach transformed Berkshire Hathaway from a small textile business in the 1960s into a giant conglomerate now worth more than US$1.1 trillion (A$1.7 trillion).

    He built his fortune backing US industry in energy and insurance and American brands, including big stakes in household names such as Coca-Cola, American Express and Apple.

    At Berkshire’s annual meeting at the weekend, held in an arena with thousands of devoted investors, Buffett named Greg Abel as his successor.

    Abel, 62, is currently chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, as well as vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway’s vast non-insurance operations.

    He’s known for his disciplined, no-nonsense management style. The company’s board has now voted unanimously to approve the move.

    This changing of the guard comes at a pivotal moment. Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency has already delivered significant economic policy shifts.

    Meanwhile, questions about US economic dominance grow louder against China’s continued rise.

    The ‘Oracle of Omaha’

    Few names command as much respect in the world of finance as Warren Buffett. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1930, Buffett displayed an early genius for numbers and investing. He bought his first stock at age 11.

    His investment philosophy – buying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals – would later earn him the nickname the “Oracle of Omaha” for his uncanny ability to predict market trends and identify winning investments years before others did.

    Value investing

    Buffett drew his investment approach from the value investment principles of British-born US economist Benjamin Graham.

    He preferred businesses with lasting advantages and a clear value proposition. Some of his key investments included insurance company GEICO, railroad company BNSF, and more recently Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD.

    He avoided speculative bubbles (such as the dotcom bubble of the late 1990s and, more recently, cryptocurrencies) and preached long-term patience to investors. As he famously wrote in a 1988 letter to shareholders:

    In fact, when we own portions of outstanding businesses with outstanding managements, our favorite holding period is forever.

    Buffett’s guidance helped Berkshire navigate many economic booms and recessions. Over his six decades at the helm, the company delivered impressive compounded annual returns of almost 20% – virtually double those of the S&P 500 index.

    Beyond financial success, Buffett championed ethical business practices and pledged to donate more than 99% of his wealth through the Giving Pledge, which he cofounded with Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates.



    Read more:
    How Warren Buffett’s enormous charitable gifts reflect the ‘inner scorecard’ that has guided him up to the billionaire’s planned retirement

    Challenges to Buffett’s strategy in today’s world

    In an op-ed for the New York Times in 2008, Buffett famously shared the maxim that guides his investment decisions:

    Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.

    But his strategy thrived in an era of increasing globalisation, free trade, and US economic supremacy. The world has shifted since Buffett’s heyday.

    There are concerns about the recent underperformance of value investing. Technology companies now dominate older industries.

    This raises questions about whether those who succeed Buffett can spot the next major industry disruptors.

    America first?

    Trump’s return as US president heralds major changes in economic policy. Trade restrictions might hurt some of Berkshire’s international investments. However, these same policies might benefit Buffett’s US-focused investments.

    The idea of US economic superiority also faces new questions. China may overtake the US economy in the 2030s. The US share of global economic output has fallen from about 22% in 1980 to about 15% today.

    Buffett’s “never bet against America” mantra faces new scrutiny.

    Warren Buffett discusses trade deficits and protectionism on May 3.

    The challenges for Buffett’s successor

    Abel inherits a company with about US$348 billion (A$539 billion) in cash. That’s a serious amount of capital to deploy wisely amid global economic uncertainty and Trump’s trade war.

    Abel will likely maintain Berkshire’s core values while updating its approach. His challenges include:

    1. Maintaining the “Buffett premium”: Abel lacks Buffett’s cult-like following among investors, which may gradually erode the additional value the market assigns to Berkshire due to Buffett’s leadership.

      Without Buffett’s reputation, Abel may face increased pressure to effectively deploy Berkshire’s massive cash pile in a still-expensive stock market, where valuations are high and finding bargains is harder than ever.

    2. Technological adaptation: while Berkshire has increased its technology investments over the years (including positions in Apple and Amazon), balancing its legacy holdings (such as Coca-Cola and railroads) with growth sectors (AI, renewables) remains challenging.

    3. Environmental concerns: Berkshire Hathaway’s heavy reliance on coal and gas-fired utilities has drawn growing criticism as investors and regulators demand cleaner energy solutions.

    4. Replicating the “golden touch”: Buffett’s genius wasn’t just in picking stocks. It was also in capital allocation, deal-making, and crisis management (for example, buying into Goldman Sachs during the global financial crisis). Can Abel replicate that?

    After Buffett

    Buffett’s principles – patience, intrinsic value and betting on America – are timeless. But the world has moved on. His successor must navigate geopolitical risks, technological disruption, and the rise of passive investing while preserving Berkshire’s unique culture.

    The post-Buffett era represents more than just a leadership change. It’s a test of whether Buffett’s principles can survive in an increasingly short-term, technology-dominated, and geopolitically complex world.

    Abel’s leadership will reveal the enduring power – or limitations – of Buffett’s philosophy.

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

    – ref. As Warren Buffett prepares to retire, does his investing philosophy have a future? – https://theconversation.com/as-warren-buffett-prepares-to-retire-does-his-investing-philosophy-have-a-future-255867

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 40 people killed in road accident in Uganda

    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

    KAMPALA, May 6 (Xinhua) — More than 40 people are believed to have been killed in a road accident in Uganda on Monday, local media reported.

    The accident occurred at around 5pm local time in the central Buikwe district of the country, when a passenger bus lost control, collided with a motorcycle and caught fire, leaving many dead, local police said in a statement.

    The victims were taken to nearby hospitals. Police and rescue services continue to work at the scene. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Warren Call for Investigation Into Trump Administration Delaying Disaster Recovery Funding, Effects on Communities Including Spokane

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Senator Murray secured $44 million in long-term disaster recovery funding for Spokane in December—new letter calls for investigation into Trump administration actions leading to delays and confusion with the recovery program

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, wrote to the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calling for an investigation into the Trump Administration delaying HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding, which supports recovery in disaster-stricken communities across the country. 

    In January, Senator Murray announced over $44 million in CDBG-DR funding for Spokane County disaster recovery efforts from the Gray and Oregon Road fires in August 2023, which burned more than 21,000 acres in Eastern Washington and were among the most destructive in Washington state history. The funding came from the disaster relief bill that Senator Murray negotiated as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee last Congress and that was signed into law by President Biden on December 21st, 2024.

    However, recent actions by the Trump administration—including abrupt changes to the CDBG-DR program requirements, the mass termination of thousands of employees at HUD who are responsible for getting critical funding out the door, and a lack of communication with partners on the ground—have potential ramifications for the funding Spokane is owed. Senator Murray has also pushed to permanently authorize and codify HUD’s CDBG-DR program, reduce unnecessary delays and red tape, and avoid ad-hoc changes to the program like those being made by the Trump administration now.

    “At his confirmation hearing, Secretary Turner stated that getting the CDBG-DR funds out to communities was a ‘top priority’ for him. However, his actions have not matched that stated commitment. The last three months have been marked by chaos, confusion, and poor communication with the people and communities that rely on this funding the most,” Senators Murray and Warren wrote. “Nearly a quarter of HUD’s workforce has either been terminated or resigned through the Deferred Resignation Program, and with that, HUD will lose immeasurable institutional and operational know-how needed to execute its programs. On March 19, HUD announced updates to CDBG-DR funding requirements ‘to align requirements with the President’s executive orders,’ which principally undercut anti-discrimination requirements and increase the chances of waste, fraud, and abuse by not requiring grantees to adequately account for future disaster risk. On March 31, HUD issued yet another set of revisions to the Universal Notice it had already revised earlier in the month, and in recognition of the setback these changes would represent for grantees, HUD granted a 60-day extension for grantees to its action plan submission deadline.”

    The senators pressed for answers on delays, asking: “What analysis, if any, did HUD conduct on the potential for delays in the availability of CDBG-DR funding as a result of changing eligibility requirements?” and “To what extent have grantees been able to receive clear and timely responses to their questions?,” among other questions. 

    The senators also outlined how the Trump Administration’s changes to the CDBG-DR program have “undercut anti-discrimination requirements and increased the chances of waste, fraud, and abuse by not requiring grantees to adequately account for future disaster risk,” among other issues.

    The letter follows news that the Trump administration is slashing funding for community disaster preparation as well as reporting that the Trump Administration prioritized FEMA funding to states based on who they voted for.

    The full text of the letter is HERE.

    CDBG-DR funding supports disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, economic revitalization, and mitigation, in the most impacted and distressed areas. As the only federal disaster recovery assistance to primarily benefit low- and moderate-income households and communities, CDBG-DR funding can be used to:

    • Replace damaged affordable housing and build it back more resiliently;
    • Strengthen infrastructure through repairs, upgrades, and activities to increase the resilience of public facilities and infrastructure including roadways, water systems, and utilities;
    • Support economic revitalization including support for small businesses, creation of jobs, and assistance for residents; and
    • Implement disaster mitigation measures to reduce risk of damage from future extreme weather and disaster events.

    The allocated funds will help communities fill the funding gaps in disaster recovery and mitigation not covered by insurance and other federal and local sources. The total allocation amount is based on a formula which considers an estimate of unmet needs for housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure, plus an additional 15 percent for mitigation activities.

    Senator Murray pushed nonstop to approve additional disaster relief funding for well over a year—and negotiated the bipartisan disaster relief package that was signed into law on December 21st, 2024. In November, she chaired a full committee hearing on the president’s updated disaster relief request, at which she again underscored the need to finally pass a robust disaster relief package, noting it has been one of the longest stretches in her memory that Congress has failed to provide such relief.

    In September 2023, Senator Murray spoke on the Senate Floor about the devastation the Gray and Oregon Road Fires caused in Eastern Washington, making clear that “communities in Eastern Washington have a long way to go on the road to recovery—so, I will absolutely be staying in close touch with folks in my state, and on the frontlines, and making sure our families and communities have the support they need to get through this.”In October 2023, Senator Murray and others sent a letter to President Biden in support of Governor Jay Inslee’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Washington state as a result of the significant damages incurred by the fires. In February 2024, Senator Murray called President Biden to emphasize the importance of approving the Major Disaster Declaration request—the declaration was granted shortly afterward.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Firearms Registry cracks 400,000th firearm

    Source: New Zealand Police

    More than a third of all firearms licence holders have registered their firearms, with New Zealand’s Firearms Registry recording its 400,000th gun now linked to an individual licence holder.

    Te Tari Pureke – Firearms Safety Authority says the 400,000th firearm was one of more than 1000 guns added to the Registry in one day, on 1 May. These firearms are held by 81,400 individual licence holders, or 36 percent of licenced gun owners in New Zealand.

    Acting Executive Director, Superintendent Richard Wilson, says the Registry is part of a broad response to firearms harm in our communities, and delivers greater transparency and accountability when firearms are bought and sold, imported, and manufactured. This is helping mitigate the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands.

    The Registry was one of the reforms following the March 2019 terror attack in Christchurch.

    “Only last month, Police arrested two unlicensed hunters in possession of a number of firearms after a complaint about illegal hunting. When the serial numbers of some of the guns were cross-checked with the Registry, it identified licence holders and investigations are continuing.

    “This is a huge step forward, being able to trace firearms so quickly and easily. And remember, it’s still early days. Over time, as we get all licence holders in, the Registry will increasingly make it more difficult for firearms to move from lawful hands into the black market of unlicensed people, including gangs, extremists, or criminals.”

    Licence holders must record their details in the Registry no later than August 2028. However, if they have an activating circumstance before that time, such as renewing their licence, buying a firearm, or changing address, they must register their licence details and all their firearms and parts, and keep that information up to date. Most registered firearms, almost 89 percent, are so-called A-Category firearms, the standard rifles and shotguns used by hunters and farmers.

    Superintendent Wilson says the Registry is on track to have all licence holders in by the 2028 deadline.

    “We acknowledge all the firearm licence holders who have filled in the Firearms Registry so far. To those yet to register their firearms, Te Tari Pūreke is here to help. Go to the MyFirearms web page or call us on 0800 844 431 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.”

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rock scaling works planned for State Highway 63 Howard Narrows near St Arnaud

    Source: Argument for Lifting NZ Super Age

    Improving the resilience of state highways in the top of the South Island continues, with State Highway 63 at Howard Narrows near St Arnaud the next in line for improvements.

    Improving the resilience of state highways in the top of the South Island continues, with State Highway 63 at Howard Narrows near St Arnaud the next in line for improvements.

    Contractors will be on-site on the St Arnaud-Kawatiri Highway, from Monday 19 May until Friday 27 June to complete rock scaling and rock bolting.

    Rock scaling site SH63 Howard Narrows.

    Work will be underway on weekdays only between 7:30am and 5pm.  No work will be done on weekends

    Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman says contractors will be working on the top rock face about 30 metres above the highway, a section that hasn’t been strengthened before.

    “Our team will use a 60-tonne crane with a cradle to provide abseilers access to the top of the rock face but due to the geography the loose rock and debris must be removed manually.” 

    “Approximately 120 rock bolts will be drilled to stabilise the face before mesh rock-protection is installed,’ Mr Service says.

    He says that, as the location’s name suggests, this section of State Highway 63 is incredibly narrow, which makes the work extremely challenging. 

    “To ensure the safety of road users and our crew we must close the road while this work is completed.”

    “Rock falls can pose a serious risk to road users and sometimes result in lengthy road closures. Reducing this risk is a priority.”

    Mr Service says improving State Highway 63’s resilience is critical. 

    “We have seen from past severe weather events how crucial it has been in providing an alternative route when State Highway 6 has been closed between Nelson and Blenheim.”

    “It is critical we continue to invest in the highway to improve the resilience and reliability of the regional state highway network,” Mr Service says.

    Because rock scaling can only be done safely during the day, the work requires daytime road closures. Measures will be in place to reduce delays and disruptions for drivers, with regular openings planned to let queued traffic through the work site. They will be scheduled for 10 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm, for 20 minutes.

    While the project is underway, Mr Service says road users will have to detour via State Highway 63 St Arnaud-Kawatiri Highway, Korere-Tophouse Road and State Highway 6 Kohatu-Kawatiri Highway.

    “This is a significant detour and will require extra travel time. However, it is unavoidable as it is not safe to have traffic driving through the project site when rocks are being removed from the cliff face. We have to keep drivers safe from the risk of rockfalls.”

    “Please bear with us. We know there will be disruptions and delays while the work is completed. But investing in these improvements now helps prevent bigger hassles in the future,” Mr Service says.

    NZTA/Waka Kotahi is working with the freight industry, the local community to ensure those affected by this work can make arrangements in advance.

    Works schedule

    • Monday 19 May, to Friday 27 June, 7:30am – 5pm (weekdays only) full road closure of State Highway 63 between Howard Valley Road and Kawatiri Junction.
    • During this time the road will reopen for 20 minutes at 10am, 12noon and 3pm to let queued traffic through.  These times will be dependent on the weather and safe passage through site.
    • The road will operate under stop/go traffic lights and a reduced temporary speed limit outside of work hours.
    • During work hours the detour route for all vehicles will be via State Highway 63 St Arnaud-Kawatiri Highway, Korere-Tophouse Road and State Highway 6 Kohatu-Kawatiri Highway.
    • Allow an extra 30 minutes travel time when travelling on the detour route.
    • Emergency services will be accommodated through the closure.

    View larger map [PDF, 130 KB]

    More information

    • This work is funded by the Crown Resilience Programme – a $419 million investment package of resilience improvement activities that will reduce the impact of severe weather events on our national roading networks. The total crown resilience programme comprises $279 million for activities on State Highways, and $140 million for activities on Local Roads – Crown Resilience Programme (CRP)(external link)
    • Other resilience works recently completed in the top of the South Island include rock scaling work on State Highway 65 at Higgins Bluff and flood prevention works on State Highway 1 at Dashwood in Marlborough, State Highway 6 at Dellows Bluff and State Highway 63 near the Wash Bridge in the Wairau Valley. Stage Two of the resilience work on State Highway 6 Whangamoa Saddle is also planned to begin in May.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: The ‘feminisation’ of Labor is a key reason Australians embraced it – and Anthony Albanese

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Strangio, Emeritus Professor of Politics, Monash University

    Watching elections over the decades, one thing that has struck me is that results are invariably hyperbolised in the first blush of the people’s verdict. The achievement of the winners is over-egged in the commentary, as is the scale of the calamity suffered by the losers.

    That caveat notwithstanding, I think we can credibly say that Saturday’s election result was the most momentous since John Howard’s totemic victory of 2001 — a win that set in train much of what has happened in Australian politics over the course of this century.

    As I suggested in my pre-election essay on Anthony Albanese’s prime ministership, the impending victory for Labor would in part be an endorsement, even if grudging, of his leadership of the nation. It would be a reward for the fact that, despite limitations, he had run an industrious, orderly, united and scandal-free government. His was a mature administration that the country had been bereft of for nearly two decades.

    But the magnitude of Labor’s triumph on Saturday was undoubtedly most of all a repudiation of Duttonism. It was an emphatic assertion of what Australia is not. Why that makes this election the most significant since 2001 is that Dutton was an ideological heir to Howard — as before him was Tony Abbott, notwithstanding the latter’s idiosyncratic influence by the philosophy of the post-war right-wing Catholic crusader, B.A. Santamaria.

    Dutton entered the House of Representatives at the 2001 election, and the early advance of his parliamentary career was nurtured by Howard. As he articulated during this campaign, Dutton regarded Howard as his political touchstone.

    Like Abbott’s, Dutton’s leadership of the Liberal Party represented a doubled down version of the conservative populism that Howard so effectively unleashed at the 2001 election.

    This was a point that Lech Blaine perceptively recognised in his chilling 2024 Quarterly Essay portrait of Dutton. In common with Abbott, Dutton’s rendition of Howardism was an aggressively crude variant. Moreover, both of these unequal proteges were wanting in their mentor’s masterful political dexterity. Antithetical to the heritage of the Liberal Party, they were also short of interest in, let alone aptitude for, economic policy.

    Howard’s conservative populism was directed at cleaving working-class voters off Labor, especially in outer suburban electorates of Australia. For some time, there has been an emerging expectation that Dutton was poised to fruitfully capitalise on an incipient revolt against the Albanese government in outer suburbia. That is, a belief that these seats were susceptible to swallowing whole Dutton’s Frankenstein version of Howardism.

    Dutton’s strategy for hunting after votes in the outer suburbs and the commentary that has attended to it did a disservice to those communities. Undoubtedly, their populations, fast growing and undergoing a tsunami of demographic change, are enduring severe economic duress and struggling with over-stretched infrastructure and services.

    But there has been too much of a readiness to extrapolate from this that they were ripe for embracing an angry, grievance-fuelled politics, that they were vulnerable to xenophobic dog whistling, that they were, in short, home to an uglier Australia.

    The rejection of Duttonism in outer suburbia Australia suggests that, to the contrary, because of their kaleidoscopic diversity of ethnicities and cultures, these communities shrink from a politics of divisiveness and nativism.

    In other words, the routing of the Liberals on Saturday ought to be the moment that finally closes the door on the direction that Howard orientated the party at the beginning of this century. It should be his last hurrah.

    The dilemma, of course, is that stripped of moderates (the idea of the vaunted “broad church” thriving under Howard was itself greatly exaggerated), there is a serious question of whether the Liberals can reverse their 25-year rightwards pivot.

    The new leader could begin the journey back towards the centre by never darkening the doors of Sky News after Dark. A folly of Abbott and Dutton was their tribal attitude to the media. They skewed their communications to reactionary sympathisers who, rather than providing a reality check, encouraged ideological amplification.



    Read more:
    In its soul-searching, the Coalition should examine its relationship with the media

    What of Albanese and his leadership? In my pre-election essay on him, I flagged a concern that victory would feed his self-narrative of always being under-estimated. That it would encourage him to stick fast to his first term modus operandi of cautious, dogged incrementalism at a point when the nation is overdue for a burst of expansive reformism. The scale of Saturday’s win arguably heightens that risk.

    Yet we do have to acknowledge that Albanese, fortunate though he has been with the incurably inauthentic Scott Morrison and then Dutton as opponents, has been under-estimated. He has insisted since 2022 that his was a two-term strategy in which the first would be about measured consolidation that would, in turn, open the path to a long-term Labor government whose legacy would be durable change. This result means the prime minister and his team now have the opportunity to achieve that.

    Watching the ABC’s election night broadcast, a chief takeaway was the conspicuous camaraderie among senior members of Albanese’s Labor cabinet. Treasurer Jim Chalmer’s sincerely generous words about the prime minister’s leadership exemplified that.

    During Labor’s first term, I wondered whether Chalmers, for all his virtues, was actually too much a patient team player and not enough of an agitator within the government. In other words, that he did not sufficiently ginger up Albanese for greater policy adventurism, as Paul Keating did Bob Hawke during the last great era of Labor reformism.

    But Saturday night spotlighted a different, but perhaps at least as equally valuable, dynamic at the top of the government. That is genuine respect, even affection, between its key personnel. Keating could never have been as laudable of Hawke as Chalmers was of Albanese as the votes were tallied.

    This says much about the character of Chalmers, as it does about other leading cabinet members who have exuded that spirit of camaraderie throughout the life of the government. Most notably, the prime minister’s brains trust: Richard Marles, Penny Wong, Tony Burke, Mark Butler and Katy Gallagher.

    But it must also reflect Albanese’s respect for his colleagues. It speaks to his ability to harmoniously manage a team, his gift for generating unity of purpose, and his willingness to afford ministers a self-empowering autonomy in contributing to Labor’s collective enterprise. These are no small things. Respect and decency in a government begins with the prime minister and filters down.

    Let us not get misty-eyed. Albanese is vulcanised by a lifetime in politics. He is tough and a ruthless foe. His political blooding was as a left faction functionary in the right-controlled New South Wales Labor Party. Intra-party knife fighting was an essential part of the skill set he developed.

    But, consistent with all prime ministers, to understand Albanese’s approach to leadership we need to return to his formative roots. He was fatherless, defined by being the only child of a single mum, disability pensioner. These circumstances, as former journalist Katharine Murphy identified, imbued him with a pronounced streak of self-sufficiency, a “lone wolf” aspect. Yet also discernible is a resulting “feminine” side to his character and his prime-ministerial style.

    Albanese readily exhibits empathy and emotion. A familiar sight of him is lips quivering as he struggles to suppress tears. He dares speak of kindness and compassion as positive leadership attributes — in this he evokes former New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern. And he practices a collaborative, cooperative minded governing operating mode, which are behaviours conventionally associated with women leaders.

    Not coincidentally, a striking feature of Albanese’s prime ministership is that the “feminisation” of Labor has proceeded apace. For instance, policies such as the movement towards universal childcare support and government-backed wage increases in the care industries whose workforce is dominated by women employees. The record proportion of women appointed to cabinet. The continuing storming of the ramparts of caucus by women — they now comprise a majority of the party room — reinforced at the federal election most spectacularly in Brisbane, where six additional female Labor candidates prevailed, including Ali France, slayer of Dutton. And the consolidation of the pattern of women voters favouring Labor.

    It’s unfashionable these days to quote the post-war lion of the Labor left, Jim Cairns. However, when he retired in 1977, Cairns was asked who he would like to inherit his seat. He replied, “a woman, they feel the value of life”. Perhaps a sentiment by which Albanese abides.

    In the past, Paul Strangio received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. The ‘feminisation’ of Labor is a key reason Australians embraced it – and Anthony Albanese – https://theconversation.com/the-feminisation-of-labor-is-a-key-reason-australians-embraced-it-and-anthony-albanese-255883

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: More than 16,000 children killed in Gaza since war starts

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

    A Palestinian child suffering from severe malnutrition is pictured at the Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital in Gaza City, May 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    More than 16,000 children have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the onset of Israel’s military offensive on Oct. 7, 2023, at a rate of one child every 40 minutes, Gaza-based health authorities reported on Monday.

    Marwan al-Hams, director of field hospitals with Gaza’s health authorities, said the toll included 16,278 children, among them 908 infants and 311 newborns who died after birth. Al-Hams made the statement during a press briefing at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.

    Palestinian child Ahmed Khaled Hijazi (L) is pictured among the rubble in the town of Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, April 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    He highlighted that the humanitarian situation had significantly worsened since Israel closed the crossings in early March, disrupting essential healthcare services. This has left thousands of children and pregnant women without access to medical care, further exacerbating the crisis.

    Many children are surviving on just one incomplete meal a day, with limited access to clean drinking water and proper nutrition, due to the Israeli targeting of infrastructure and the denial of aid, he said.

    Palestinians wait to receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    He also noted that thousands of children are living in displacement centers without basic necessities, while pregnant women face significant challenges in reaching hospitals.

    Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The second phase has yet to materialize, as the parties remain at an impasse.

    In a separate development, Gaza’s Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal reported that at least 54 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Monday, which targeted homes, vehicles, and gatherings across various parts of Gaza.

    A Palestinian woman carries the body of a child killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since October 2023, including about 2,500 who have died since Israel resumed its attacks on Gaza on March 18, marking the end of a two-month ceasefire.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: India, Pakistan troops exchange fire on Kashmir LoC

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

    Amid escalating tension, the troops of India and Pakistan exchanged heavy fire and targeted each other’s positions Monday on the Line of Control (LoC), an Indian army official said.

    “During the intervening night of May 4 and 5, Pakistan army posts resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor,” an Indian army official was quoted in local media. “Indian army responded promptly and proportionately.”

    Monday marked the 11th straight day of ceasefire violations on the volatile LoC, according to the Indian side.

    Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam in the Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22.

    On Monday, New Delhi temporarily cut off the flow of water from Chenab river to Pakistan, Indian media reports said.

    On the same day, Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of its surface-to-surface FATAH Series missile with a range of 120 km, the military said in a statement.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia and North America have long fought fires together – but new research reveals that has to change

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Doug Richardson, Research Associate in Climate Science, UNSW Sydney

    Climate change is lengthening fire seasons across much of the world. This means the potential for wildfires at any time of the year, in both hemispheres, is increasing.

    That poses a problem. Australia regularly shares firefighting resources with the United States and Canada. But these agreements rest on the principle that when North America needs these personnel and aircraft, Australia doesn’t, and vice versa. Climate change means this assumption no longer holds.

    The devastating Los Angeles wildfires in January, the United States winter, show how this principle is being tested. The US reportedly declined Australia’s public offer of assistance because Australia was in the midst of its traditional summer fire season. Instead, the US sought help from Canada and Mexico.

    But to what extent do fire seasons in Australia and North America actually overlap? Our new research examined this question.
    We found an alarming increase in the overlap of the fire seasons, suggesting both regions must invest far more in their own permanent firefighting capacity.

    What we did

    We investigated fire weather seasons – that is, the times of the year when atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed are conducive to fire.

    The central question we asked was: how many days each year do fire weather seasons in Australia and North America overlap?

    To determine this, we calculated the length of the fire weather seasons in the two regions in each year, and the number of days when the seasons occur at the same time. We then analysed reconstructed historical weather data to assess fire-season overlap for the past 45 years. We also analysed climate model data to assess changes out to the end of this century.

    And the result? On average, fire weather occurs in both regions simultaneously for about seven weeks each year. The greatest risk of overlap occurs in the Australian spring – when Australia’s season is beginning and North America’s is ending.

    The overlap has increased by an average of about one day per year since 1979. This might not sound like much. But it translates to nearly a month of extra overlap compared to the 1980s and 1990s.

    The increase is driven by eastern Australia, where the fire weather season has lengthened at nearly twice the rate of western North America. More research is needed to determine why this is happening.

    Longer, hotter, drier

    Alarmingly, as climate change worsens and the atmosphere dries and heats, the overlap is projected to increase.

    The extent of the overlap varied depending on which of the four climate models we used. Assuming an emissions scenario where global greenhouse gas emissions begin to stabilise, the models projected an increase in the overlap of between four and 29 days a year.

    What’s behind these differences? We think it’s rainfall. The models project quite different rainfall trends over Australia. Those projecting a dry future also project large increases in overlapping fire weather. What happens to ours and North America’s rainfall in the future will have a large bearing on how fire seasons might change.

    While climate change will dominate the trend towards longer overlapping fire seasons, El Niño and La Niña may also play a role.

    These climate drivers involve fluctuations every few years in sea surface temperature and air pressure in part of the Pacific Ocean. An El Niño event is associated with a higher risk of fire in Australia. A La Niña makes longer fire weather seasons more likely in North America.

    There’s another complication. When an El Niño occurs in the Central Pacific region, this increases the chance of overlap in fire seasons of North America and Australia. We think that’s because this type of El Niño is especially associated with dry conditions in Australia’s southeast, which can fuel fires.

    But how El Niño and La Niña will affect fire weather in future is unclear. What’s abundantly clear is that global warming will lead to more overlap in fire seasons between Australia and North America – and changes in Australia’s climate are largely driving this trend.

    Looking ahead

    Firefighters and their aircraft are likely to keep crossing the Pacific during fire emergencies.

    But it’s not difficult to imagine, for example, simultaneous fires occurring in multiple Australian states during spring, before any scheduled arrival of aircraft from the US or Canada. If North America is experiencing late fires that year and cannot spare resources, Australia’s capabilities may be exceeded.

    Likewise, even though California has the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the world, the recent Los Angeles fires highlighted its reliance on leased equipment.

    Fire agencies are becoming increasingly aware of this clash. And a royal commission after the 2019–20 Black Summer fires recommended Australia develop its own fleet of firefighting aircraft.

    Long, severe fire seasons such as Black Summer prompted an expansion of Australia’s permanent aerial firefighting fleet, but more is needed.

    As climate change accelerates, proactive fire management, such as prescribed burning, is also important to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fire outbreaks.

    Doug Richardson receives funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CE170100023) and the Germany-Australia Joint Research Cooperation Scheme, funded by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) and Universities Australia (RG230014)

    Andreia Filipa Silva Ribeiro receives funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) – Project number 530175554, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) and the Germany-Australia Joint Research Cooperation Scheme, funded by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) and Universities Australia (RG230014).

    – ref. Australia and North America have long fought fires together – but new research reveals that has to change – https://theconversation.com/australia-and-north-america-have-long-fought-fires-together-but-new-research-reveals-that-has-to-change-254790

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man before the courts after incident in Masterton

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Inspector Nick Thom, Wairarapa Area Commander,

    A 25-year-old man is before the courts following an incident in Masterton.

    On Monday 5 May, Police were called to Lincoln Road about 12.40pm, after a report of a firearm having been discharged at another person in a Ministry of Social Development office.

    There were no reports of injuries in relation to the incident.

    Following Police’s initial enquiries, one person was taken into custody a short time later nearby.

    A 25-year-old man appeared in Masterton District Court today, charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and conducting a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

    Police would like to commend to Ministry of Social Development staff for their prompt actions in following their lockdown procedures, as this enabled Police to provide a swift response to resolve this incident quickly.

    Masterton Police would like to thank the community for their understanding and patience while cordons were in place around the Lincoln Road area.

    We believe this is an isolated incident and there is no further risk to the public.

    Police continue to make enquiries and would like to hear from anyone who may have information relating to the incident.

    If you have information that could assist Police in our enquiries, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250505/1299.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 229

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 229
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    855 PM CDT Mon May 5 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Far Southeast New Mexico
    West into Southwest and South-Central Texas

    * Effective this Monday night and Tuesday morning from 855 PM
    until 400 AM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Severe thunderstorms are forecast to continue across the
    Permian Basin this evening. Additional severe thunderstorms are
    forecast farther southeast into the Pecos Valley and Edwards Plateau
    regions. It is here that scattered supercells are forecast to
    evolve by late evening and persist into the overnight. Moist low
    levels with strengthening flow fields will support supercells
    potentially capable of a couple of tornadoes, large to very large
    hail, and severe gusts.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 50 miles west southwest of Hobbs NM
    to 50 miles south southeast of Junction TX. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 227…WW 228…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 21035.

    …Smith

    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 229
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    855 PM CDT Mon May 5 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Far Southeast New Mexico
    West into Southwest and South-Central Texas

    * Effective this Monday night and Tuesday morning from 855 PM
    until 400 AM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Severe thunderstorms are forecast to continue across the
    Permian Basin this evening. Additional severe thunderstorms are
    forecast farther southeast into the Pecos Valley and Edwards Plateau
    regions. It is here that scattered supercells are forecast to
    evolve by late evening and persist into the overnight. Moist low
    levels with strengthening flow fields will support supercells
    potentially capable of a couple of tornadoes, large to very large
    hail, and severe gusts.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 50 miles west southwest of Hobbs NM
    to 50 miles south southeast of Junction TX. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 227…WW 228…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 21035.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW9
    WW 229 TORNADO NM TX 060155Z – 060900Z
    AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    50WSW HOB/HOBBS NM/ – 50SSE JCT/JUNCTION TX/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM N/S /51NW INK – 49SSE JCT/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 21035.

    LAT…LON 33560401 31019945 28699945 31240401

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU9.

    Watch 229 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (50%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – 2024 General Insurance Stress Test Results published today – Reserve Bank of NZ

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    6 May 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has published the results from the 2024 General Insurance Industry Stress Test. The exercise assessed insurers’ responses to a major earthquake and severe but plausible cyber-risk incidents.

    The seismic scenario was based on a magnitude 8.7 earthquake along the Hikurangi Subduction Zone off the east coast of the North Island. The scenario was designed to simulate an event well beyond our solvency requirements to enable testing of insurers’ preparedness and recovery plans. This scenario would result in widespread damage and a sharp decline in GDP. Participating insurers modelled property losses of $62 billion, which rose to around $100bn if extrapolated out to cover the whole market.  

    “Despite the severity of the scenario, policyholder claims would have been met,” said Kerry Watt, Director of Financial Stability Assessment and Strategy. “This is a sign of the resilience that’s been built into the system since the Canterbury earthquakes, including strengthening of solvency requirements, increased coverage by the Natural Hazards Commission and improved loss estimation modelling.”  

    The severity of the test did mean substantial mitigating actions were required to return insurers to required solvency positions. Capital injections from their parent companies and ongoing availability of reinsurance were identified as critical to enabling insurers to continue to offer cover following such an event. The exercise provided valuable insights to feed into our review of solvency standards and our recovery planning.  

    The stress test noted the significant impacts beyond the insurance industry. This includes costs to the Crown through funding of the Natural Hazards Commission and meeting recovery costs for damage to uninsured assets and any economic support programmes. This highlights the importance of the government maintaining sufficient fiscal buffers to manage such shocks.

    “The exercise was challenging and required a significant collaborative effort across industry and government. Ultimately, the scenario highlights the importance of all stakeholders, individually and collectively, understanding the risks and preparing for these types of severe events,” said Mr Watt.  

    The stress test also included a number of cyber scenarios, including a major data breach, a critical cloud services outage, and a ransomware attack. Insurers demonstrated resilience to claims arising from large cyber events, though these could have a significant impact on profitability.  

    “Cyber risks are growing and evolving quickly. This exercise helped insurers identify where they are most exposed, and where more work is needed to understand and model these risks. We encourage the industry to build on these insights to improve resilience in this rapidly changing space,” Mr Watt said.

    The Reserve Bank will continue to work closely with insurers and relevant government agencies to support New Zealand’s preparedness for seismic and cyber risks.
     

    More information

    2024 General Insurance Industry Stress Test : https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=08fd9aa271&e=f3c68946f8

    What is a Stress Test?  – Stress Tests are a critical tool we use to assess potential vulnerabilities, support risk management, and inform policy and supervisory decisions. 
    The May Financial Stability Report (FSR) will be released on Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 9:00am. There will be a media conference on the same day at 1:00pm.
    The Reserve Bank worked closely with the Treasury, the Natural Hazards Commission, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the National Emergency Management Agency when producing this Bulletin.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – “A national embarrassment” – Workers First on Government’s pay equity betrayal

    Source: Workers First Union

    Workers First Union has described today’s announcement that the Government will attempt to shut down existing pay equity claims and make it harder to file new ones as a “national embarrassment” that will worsen inequality in New Zealand and continue the flood of experienced professionals in historically female-dominated professions to countries overseas.
    Sheryl Cadman, Workers First Central Region Secretary, said that the plan announced today by Minister Brooke Van Velden reneges on decades of bipartisan work on pay equity because the current Government cannot manage the economy ahead of Budget 2025/26.
    “Minister Van Velden has decided to make tens of thousands of women pay for her Government’s next austerity budget,” said Ms Cadman.
    “As a policy decision, it achieves the ambitious trifecta of worsening the long-term health of our economy, exacerbating worker shortages in health, education and other historically female-dominated industries, and embedding unfairness throughout our society.”
    Ms Cadman said pay equity claims like Workers First’s case on behalf of veterinary nurses across the private sector could be jeopardised by the Government’s “fast-tracked” changes to the system that deals with pay equity claims.
    “We’ll regroup and assess our options, but the problems do not go away just because the legislative pathway for change has been willingly broken by the Government,” said Ms Cadman.
    “Entire industries rely on the pay equity claim process to have an expert court consider their historical underpayment and make recommendations for redress – not an ignorant Minister whose main experience of female workers is as people who bring her things.”
    “Using parliamentary urgency to force a law change like this that demands careful scrutiny is especially foolish, short-sighted and authoritarian.”
    Ms Cadman said she reserved particular disdain for Minister Brooke van Velden.
    “Minister Van Velden is a politician who’s incapable of listening and barely capable of thinking clearly about the present moment, let alone considering the decades of unfairness in the past that has made pay equity a priority for anyone who wants to make New Zealand a better place to live.”
    “The union movement has dealt with worse and we will fight this again.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – “A national embarrassment” – Workers First on Government’s pay equity betrayal

    Source: Workers First Union

    Workers First Union has described today’s announcement that the Government will attempt to shut down existing pay equity claims and make it harder to file new ones as a “national embarrassment” that will worsen inequality in New Zealand and continue the flood of experienced professionals in historically female-dominated professions to countries overseas.

    Sheryl Cadman, Workers First Central Region Secretary, said that the plan announced today by Minister Brooke Van Velden reneges on decades of bipartisan work on pay equity because the current Government cannot manage the economy ahead of Budget 2025/26.

    “Minister Van Velden has decided to make tens of thousands of women pay for her Government’s next austerity budget,” said Ms Cadman.

    “As a policy decision, it achieves the ambitious trifecta of worsening the long-term health of our economy, exacerbating worker shortages in health, education and other historically female-dominated industries, and embedding unfairness throughout our society.”

    Ms Cadman said pay equity claims like Workers First’s case on behalf of veterinary nurses across the private sector could be jeopardised by the Government’s “fast-tracked” changes to the system that deals with pay equity claims.

    “We’ll regroup and assess our options, but the problems do not go away just because the legislative pathway for change has been willingly broken by the Government,” said Ms Cadman.

    “Entire industries rely on the pay equity claim process to have an expert court consider their historical underpayment and make recommendations for redress – not an ignorant Minister whose main experience of female workers is as people who bring her things.”

    “Using parliamentary urgency to force a law change like this that demands careful scrutiny is especially foolish, short-sighted and authoritarian.”

    Ms Cadman said she reserved particular disdain for Minister Brooke van Velden.

    “Minister Van Velden is a politician who’s incapable of listening and barely capable of thinking clearly about the present moment, let alone considering the decades of unfairness in the past that has made pay equity a priority for anyone who wants to make New Zealand a better place to live.”

    “The union movement has dealt with worse and we will fight this again.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Betty McCollum and Outdoor Advocates Condemn President Trump’s Actions Limiting Access to BWCA Permits

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

    SAINT PAUL, Minn. — On Thursday afternoon, the U.S. Forest Service notified Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) permit holders that they will no longer be able to collect permits at two of their busiest ranger stations—the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely and the Gunflint Station in Grand Marais. Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement in response:

    “The BWCA and America’s public lands are national treasures that belong to all of us. These special places are also essential to the economy of Minnesota,” said Congresswoman McCollum, the author of legislation to permanently protect the Boundary Waters. “Visitors from across the U.S. and around the world who come to experience the BWCA every year drive a vibrant and thriving economy in our state. Elon Musk and President Trump’s decisions to freeze hiring, illegally cut funding, and fire thousands of public servants in our U.S. Forest Service has directly resulted in this reduced access to visitor use permits for the Boundary Waters. It will add additional burdens on visitors as well as the local businesses who serve them.”  

    “I stand with outdoor advocates and local businesses in opposing the Trump administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Forest Service and the resulting hurdles for those who want to enjoy and care for our public lands. I will fight this and other efforts by Elon Musk and Donald Trump to cut services that Americans rely on,” added Congresswoman McCollum.

    “Recent cuts to the U.S. Forest Service have serious consequences for northeastern Minnesota’s economy and the health of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness,” said Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness. “Reduced staffing not only undermines the Forest Service’s ability to manage and protect the Wilderness, but it also places an unfair burden on local small businesses that rely on the area’s responsible use. Strong stewardship of the Boundary Waters requires collaboration and capacity. Undermining the Forest Service weakens the very foundation of this effort—putting both the natural landscape and the communities that depend on it at risk. Now more than ever, we need robust investment in the agencies that protect our public lands, so they can continue to serve both the Wilderness and the people who care for it.”

    “This is a perfect example of how Trump and Elon Musk are putting the interests of billionaires over the interests of ordinary Americans,” said Chris Knopf, Executive Director of Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. “Hollowing out the Forest Service so that it cannot do basic functions like issue permits for people to experience the wonders of the Boundary Waters does not serve the American people. On behalf of the 200,000 people who visit the Boundary Waters each year, we demand that the Trump administration restore these basic services.”

    “The Forest Service announcement means 5,500 permit holders will need to find a different location for permit issuance,” Jason Zabokrtsky, Founder and Manager of Ely Outfitting Company. “This shift places a strain on permit issuing outfitters to assume that responsibility. It also means that the Forest is losing its best in-person opportunity for educating groups going into the BWCAW about Wilderness rules and regulations, Leave-no-trace ethics, and best practices. Proper education of BWCAW travelers is now more important than ever since the Forest Service has been forced to reduce BWCAW maintenance, including portage trail maintenance. Boundary Waters travelers should expect to see a lower level of basic maintenance of the Wilderness this summer. Also, due to staff and funding reductions, we are concerned about the ability of the Forest to manage potential significant natural events such as fires or windstorms that may affect the Boundary Waters this summer. Canada has paused their Remote Area Border Crossing Permit program indefinitely. They have not indicated why they have paused it, but when our two countries were on friendly relations it was operational. This has severely restricted the ability of Ely area businesses to outfit groups traveling to Quetico Provincial Park via Prairie Portage. We are also receiving notices of significant price increases from our vendors due to tariff increases. Altogether, these multiple impacts are placing a significant economic strain on businesses that support Boundary Waters travelers.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pinnacles Hut, Summit Track set for improvement

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  06 May 2025

    The Pinnacles Hut is an 80-bunk hut, located in the Kauaeranga Valley. Built in 1994, the hut offers expansive views across the southern Coromandel Peninsula.

    The Pinnacles Hut and Summit Track are often used by international tourists visiting Coromandel and is one of DOC’s busiest with 15,000 bednights per year.

    DOC Hauraki Senior Ranger Karen Ismay says the hut refurbishment project will start on Monday 12 May and run for six weeks until 21 June.

    “The work on the hut involves installing insulation, false ceilings and double-glazed windows – all of which will mean a warmer, drier and more comfortable hut for our visitors.

    “We know that a significant proportion of tourism is based in, on or around our unique natural environment and this part of a wider drive to make DOC’s hut buildings more environmentally sustainable for future generations to enjoy,” Karen says.

    “This hut is particularly popular with international visitors enjoying what the Coromandel has to offer.”

    With the work underway, the hut becomes an active worksite – which means it is off-limits to the public and cannot be booked for the duration of the refurbishment project.

    Alongside the hut project is an improvement project on the Summit Track, which is accessed from the Pinnacles Hut.

    The Summit Track project focusses on improving the track surface, with boardwalks set to be installed to prevent the spread of kauri disease.

    With more than 50 per cent of international visitors and 80 per cent of New Zealanders visiting protected natural areas every year, improvements like these are vital for future-proofing our assets.

    Drainage work will also improve management of rainwater on and around the track.

    The track will be closed to the public from 7am Monday to 3pm on Friday, but will be available for weekend walkers. The track upgrade project is expected to be completed by 21June.

    “We understand there may be some disappointment about these closures, but we’re confident our visitors will appreciate the improvements – particularly on chilly winter nights in the hut,” Karen says.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Karl Stefanovic, Today Show

    Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

    Karl Stefanovic, Host: Well, back to work for the Labor Government this week after partying like it was 1983. Well, we all like a party, don’t we? Or is it just me? Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong joins us now live from Adelaide to discuss. Penny, good morning to you. How was it?

    Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Good morning, Karl. Look, it’s you know we feel humbled, and grateful, and really conscious of the responsibility and privilege Australians have given us, and we will work every day to repay that trust.

    Stefanovic: Was there a specific moment on the night when you knew you’d won, when you turned to someone and said, this is ours.

    Foreign Minister: Well, I think I was with the Prime Minister and obviously we were looking at a lot of the results and frankly, the result became much clearer, much quicker than I thought it would. Because what we saw, really, is that the Liberal Party is not the party of middle Australia. The cities and the suburbs of Australia looked at Peter Dutton, looked at the Liberal Party, and said, look, you’re not in touch with the life I’m living. You’re not in touch with the things that are hard for me, the things that I want. You’re not in touch with my values. And very comprehensively across the country, we saw, particularly our cities and our suburbs, the Liberals hold such a small fraction of the seats within metropolitan Australia. They just don’t represent middle Australia.

    Stefanovic: What did you say to each other when you knew you’d won?

    Foreign Minister: I think I gave him a hug.

    Stefanovic: Pretty emotional?

    Foreign Minister: It’s always emotional. It’s a big thing isn’t it? I mean, it’s a big thing to form government. It’s a big thing to be given that responsibility and the honour of forming government by the Australian people. It’s a humbling moment, and we carry that with us. And as the Prime Minister said, we’re back to work and we will work every day to repay this trust.

    Stefanovic: Okay, let’s get on with it. A couple of quick-fire election questions for you. Is Tanya still on the front bench after that air kiss?

    Foreign Minister: Tanya, as the PM has said, will be a senior cabinet minister, he’s made that clear.

    Stefanovic: Does Chris Bowen need some time off the bench?

    Foreign Minister: I think Chris is, remember, Chris when we first came to government, had to deal with a gas crisis, an energy crisis, where as a result of where we’d been, we had real reliability and supply problems. He’s doing, and has done, an excellent job. What happens to people’s portfolios is at the privilege of the Prime Minister. He’s made some indication about a number of us in the leadership group and in senior portfolios, who will continue in our current jobs but the rest is up to him.

    Stefanovic: Will you stay a full term?

    Foreign Minister: Yes, I will. And in fact, the size of this victory and the prospect of a third-term Labor Government, it looks pretty good.

    Stefanovic: You’ll stay in that portfolio?

    Foreign Minister: I want to. And the Prime Minister’s indicated that me, Richard, Don Farrell, Katy and Jim will stay where we are. And we’re really appreciative, all of us, of the opportunity and the trust he’s shown in us.

    Stefanovic: Will the PM stay a full term?

    Foreign Minister: He’s said so. And I think –

    Stefanovic: And then some?

    Foreign Minister: It’s a pretty funny thing to ask. Yeah exactly, and then some. I think it’s a pretty funny thing to ask given what we saw on Saturday.

    Stefanovic: I mean, everyone’s happy with that? Jim’s alright with that?

    Foreign Minister: I think Jim’s answered this very clearly. He’s made the point, what an honour it is for all of us to serve as senior ministers in a Labor Government. And the Prime Minister leads this Government, and this opportunity that we all have is as much down to him as it is to the Australian people.

    Stefanovic: Alright, more importantly, Trump’s tariffs loom pretty large, as you would know. Will you help sandbag the Australian film industry? If so, what might that look like? Because there’s a great deal of understandable nervousness inside that industry.

    Foreign Minister: Absolutely. And I think that there’s also the reality, isn’t there, which is we do a lot of work with the American film industry. And there’s a lot of films, Australian actors in American films, Australian crews working on US films, films filmed here in Australia, which are collaborations between American studios and Australian companies. So, these tariffs really don’t reflect the reality of the cooperation and collaboration between our countries. So, we’ll obviously be putting that view to the US administration. I did hear as I was driving in this morning, President Trump on the radio saying that he was going to have a discussion with the studios, and we think that’s a good thing.

    Stefanovic: Okay, meantime, the Greens here say they’re still carrying a stick in the Senate. You’ll still need to listen to them. It’s more like a toothpick with a cocktail onion now, don’t you think?

    Foreign Minister: I wonder if I can use that line. Do you think I can use that line in the Senate with them? Karl, what do you reckon?

    Stefanovic: You can quote me anytime you want.

    Foreign Minister: ‘As Karl said’. See how that goes down? It might work, might not. Look, one of the things about Saturday, Karl, is I think Australians rejected the politics of conflict and the politics of grievance. And, unfortunately, Adam Bandt in some ways is quite like Peter Dutton. It’s the same conflict, it’s the same, frankly, sometimes quite aggressive, and the same politics of protest and grievance. And I think Australians have comprehensively rejected that. And my suggestion to Adam Bandt is perhaps he should consider what message Australians sent to all of us in the Parliament.

    Stefanovic: He may not be there. Look, you mentioned the Voice during the campaign as well, Penny. I listened to it and you clearly weren’t saying you were going to go back to it, but it was seized upon, as you know. Did you worry at any point that you’d made a mistake to the party?

    Foreign Minister: You know me, Karl, I’m always hard on myself, aren’t I? And, of course, you always worry about giving your opponent the opportunity to have a go. But can I say, I think what it demonstrated was what I said at the start – Peter Dutton’s reflexes, the Liberal Party’s desire to get into the culture wars, is part of them not being where middle Australia is at. People were concerned about Medicare, people were concerned about cost of living, people were concerned about tax cuts. People were concerned about schools and hospitals and bulk billing, fee-free TAFE. People were concerned about making sure, in an uncertain world, where we see a lot of change globally, that steady leadership would be required. That’s what Australians wanted to see. They weren’t interested in the Peter Dutton Liberal Party culture wars.

    Stefanovic: That’s definitely a no, then? You’re not going to be pursuing that?

    Foreign Minister: We’ve made that clear, the Australian people have made that clear, the Voice is gone.

    Stefanovic: Okay, I suppose you don’t care about the Liberal leadership, why would you? But Gina Rinehart is saying the country needs to move to the right, more Trump-like. How do you respond?

    Foreign Minister: Ms Rinehart has been very public about those views for some time but I think Australians spoke on Saturday.

    Stefanovic: Penny, always good to talk to you. Thank you so much, and best of luck with the job ahead.

    Foreign Minister: Great to speak with you. I’ll try the cocktail line.

    MIL OSI News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview on Radio National Breakfast with Sally Sara

    Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

    Sally Sara, Host: Well, Anthony Albanese has started his second term with a flurry of phone calls from world leaders, including what he described as a warm and positive conversation with US President Donald Trump. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, is my guest this morning. Minister, welcome back to Breakfast.

    Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: G’day, Sally. Good to be with you.

    Sara: Do you want to stay on as Foreign Minister?

    Foreign Minister: I will be staying on as Foreign Minister and I’m looking forward to be part of a third-term Labor Government as well, but look what I want to say first is just to thank your listeners. We were given an enormous opportunity, a great privilege on Saturday. We’re very conscious of the weight of that, the responsibility of that and the privilege of that. And we will work every day to repay the trust Australians have shown in us.

    Sara: How do you guard against hubris or the party letting standards drop with such an emphatic result going into a second term?

    Foreign Minister: I think the culture in the Albanese Labor government, set by the Prime Minister, but by all of us in the leadership group, in the cabinet, in the caucus is we never take the position we have for granted. We never take the Australian people for granted, we serve ultimately at their pleasure and they have – Australians are always our focus. So, I think when the Prime Minister talks about humility, about recognising the weight of responsibility, that is what we have, the sense we have across our caucus.

    Sara: What was it in the results on Saturday that surprised you?

    Foreign Minister: The extent to which the Coalition are not the party of middle Australia. Now, I had a look at the AEC’s current count of metropolitan seats, so they have an inner and outer metropolitan seats at this stage, on current numbers, the Coalition are down to seven out of 88 seats in metropolitan areas. You know what that says, Sally? That says that in the cities and suburbs, the Coalition does not represent middle Australia. It doesn’t represent the hopes, aspirations and struggles of people, of Australians and their families living in our cities and suburbs. That really was a profound message from the electorate.

    Sara: Let’s have a look at your portfolio. The Prime Minister had the chance to speak directly with Donald Trump yesterday. What was discussed and what sort of value do you think there was in having that call yesterday?

    Foreign Minister: It was very important to reach out after an election to key leaders. And obviously, the US is so important to Australia. And the Prime Minister also has spoken to a number of other leaders in the region and beyond. He spoke about that yesterday in his press conference. There’s obviously a lot to discuss with the United States, we know we have a difference of views on tariffs and we will continue to press our view to them as well as getting on with the job that we said, which was to continue to diversify Australia’s exports as a consequence, not only of this US tariff decision, but to make sure we are more economically resilient in a world that is changing.

    Sara: Has there been any significant progress or developments in Australia’s push to secure an exemption from the Trump tariffs?

    Foreign Minister: Well, we’ve been in caretaker, which is what you’re in when you’re in the election. So, obviously the business of government becomes much, much more constrained because of the political campaign. We will continue to engage with the US administration, whether it’s on steel or more broadly. We know that President Trump and his administration have a different view on tariffs, a much tougher view than the first Trump administration. We know that these tariffs have been imposed on countries across the world and that no country has been in a better position than Australia. But equally, we believe that tariffs are unjustified and unwarranted. You would know that we have very few, the US is less than five per cent of our exports. What we need to do, apart from what we’ve done, which is to open up trade with China, where we’ve seen $20 billion worth of trade impediments taken off in our first term of government. But we need to do what we were doing in the first term, we need to continue to do that, which is to diversify our export markets.

    Sara: What sort of effect could it have on Australia if Donald Trump goes forward with this proposed 100 per cent tariff on foreign-made films? And is it even possible given that now it’s not a physical entity, films are a service rather than a good.

    Foreign Minister: And films are a lot of collaboration in films between countries and certainly Australia and America, we’ve worked so closely on so many great movies and our movie and entertainment industries are really very interlinked and very collaborative. And you see Australian actors working in the US, you see American films being filmed here in Australia. You see such collaboration through the whole creative process. And I think that’s to the benefit of both our countries. So, what we would say to the Trump administration is, it’s a great thing that we’re collaborating on films. So, let’s keep working together because that’s what viewers want to see, the audience wants to see. I heard the President as I was driving into the office early this morning, I think actually on one of the news clips that you ran, saying that he will talk to the studios, and that’s a good thing. And I think what he’d hear from them is that this collaboration, the involvement of Australian artists, Australian actors, as well as filming in Australia, is a good thing for the US industry.

    Sara: As you’re saying, we’re coming out of caretaker mode. On the question of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would your government allow the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu if he were ever to visit Australia?

    Foreign Minister: I’m surprised you asked me that, Sally, because I’ve answered that multiple times, as has the Attorney-General, Mr Dreyfus, and we don’t speculate on hypotheticals. I know that this was something I think Senator Cash pressed me on quite obviously in Senate Estimates, and I gave her the same answer. One of the things I would say about this election, though, the Middle East conflict has been so deeply distressing for so many people and it has been polarising in the Australian community because people do have very strongly held, different views. We have always said, let’s not bring the conflict here. And I think the result on Saturday demonstrates that Australians also don’t think we should bring that kind of anger and conflict into our society. We will continue to advocate for a ceasefire, for the return of hostages and for humanitarian aid to flow.

    Sara: How concerned is Australia about the political instability in the Solomon Islands right now, and particularly today’s expected no confidence motion against the Prime Minister?

    Foreign Minister: These are matters for the people and the Parliament of the Solomon Islands. It’s a sovereign country and you know, I’m not going to comment on it. That’s a matter for, as I said, the people and the representatives of Solomon Islands.

    Sara: Penny Wong, we’ll need to leave it there. Thank you for your time this morning on Breakfast.

    Foreign Minister: Great to speak with you.

    Sara: That’s Senator Penny Wong, the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

    MIL OSI News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 6 May 2025 Coming home to Kerikeri For Rewa, the move to a newly built Kāinga Ora home in Kerikeri was more than just somewhere safe and dry to live following the devastating impacts of cyclone Gabrielle. It was coming home.

    Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

    “My previous home was in a remote part of Northland,” Rewa said. “It was a special place with a close community, but there weren’t the comforts you get living in town.”

    In fact, the whare where Rewa lived with her whanau was so remote that connecting to the grid was out of the question.

    “We got by ok,” Rewa said. “We used a generator for power and every time it was switched on my moko would coming running, because for them it meant one thing – TV!”

    In February 2023, things took an unexpected turn for the worse, when the devastating tropical cyclone Gabrielle arrived at New Zealand’s shores.

    “Gabrielle changed everything,” Rewa said. “There was water everywhere. It damaged the front part of my house, and even damaged the generator, which made things a lot harder. I did my best to stay positive and carry on, but it was a stressful time.”

    Positive change came in 2024, when Rewa received a phone call from the Te Tai Tokerau placements team at Kāinga Ora.

    “I had heard about the new homes Kāinga Ora was building in Kerikeri, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up,” Rewa said. “So, when I got a call asking if I wanted to view one of the apartments, I just couldn’t believe it.

    “I was in awe of my home when I saw it,” Rewa said. “I still am – absolute awe. I’m so grateful I get to settle down here.”

    The Kāinga Ora home where Rewa now lives is a warm, dry, energy efficient ground floor apartment, located only a short walk from the town centre, supermarket and shops.

    Rewa says it’s hard to pick what her very favourite part of the new home is.

    “I really do love everything about it. But, if I had to choose a favourite room, it would be the bathroom. I went from having an outdoor toilet to the best toilet and shower – I just love it.”

    “I always keep the bathroom looking extra pretty because it’s the first room I show off when anyone pops in for a cuppa,” Rewa said.

    Rewa, now 74 years old, says moving into her new home was extra special as Kerikeri is the town where she grew up and a place she feels very connected to.

    “I was 12 years old when my whanau first moved to our home on Butler Road – there were 10 of us kids, plus Mum and Dad. We knew everyone in Kerikeri at that time,” she says.

    “So many memories of my childhood and whanau have come flooding back. It means the world to me to settle here and make new memories with my moko, who know exactly where to find nan if they ever need me.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Witnesses sought after suspicious fire in Bluff

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are appealing for information following a suspicious car fire in Bluff on Sunday 4 May.

    About 3.40pm, a Ford Courier ute was set alight while it was parked on Marine Parade. The vehicle suffered substantial damage.

    Senior Constable Pete Jenkins says a man carrying a red petrol can was seen running away from the vehicle after it was set on fire.

    “This person was last seen running south on Henderson Street, where he was picked up in a dark-coloured vehicle.

    “We want to talk to this man, and also need to hear from anyone who has information that could help our enquiries. If you saw suspicious activity in the Marine Parade area on Sunday, please contact us.”

    Information can be reported to Police online, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 250504/8027.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kiwis dig deep to help DOC save world’s rarest dotterel

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  06 May 2025 Source:  Department of Conservation and New Zealand Nature Fund

    Pukunui are the world’s rarest wading bird. A year ago, there were just 101 left on Earth. This year, flock counts showed a population increase of four birds bringing the total to 105.

    It’s a small lift, but hugely significant, says DOC pukunui ranger Dan Cocker.

    “Pukunui only breed on Rakiura/Stewart Island and some of them migrate to Awarua Bay in Southland to feed. If they don’t survive in these places, they’ll be gone for good.”

    Pukunui numbers have fluctuated over the past 30 years due to different predators, but especially feral cats. The population hit an all-time low of 62 birds in 1992 and bounced back to 290 after intensive predator control in 2009, before rapidly declining again despite continued pest control efforts.

    DOC has a dedicated ‘Pukunui Recovery Team’ who work hard on bird monitoring, banding, and predator control at breeding sites and surrounding areas.

    “We’re thrilled the April flock counts showed a population increase,” says Dan, “But 105 is still a perilously low number for this one-of-a-kind bird. We can’t take our foot off the gas.”

    In 2023 the New Zealand Nature Fund launched a campaign in partnership with DOC to raise funds from donors to support DOC’s Pukunui Recovery Team to protect pukunui from predators.

    NZ Nature Fund CEO Sarah Lyttle says over 600 people have already contributed to the pukunui campaign with more than $400,000 raised to date including $200,000 from an anonymous party and $20,000 from the Southland branch of Forest and Bird.

    DOC has used funds from these donations to boost the Pukunui Recovery Programme by employing additional trappers to target feral cats at nest sites, adding cameras around key breeding sites to monitor feral cat numbers, buying extra feral cat kill traps, and supporting more helicopter flights to monitor remote pukunui nesting sites.

    “Enabling people to invest directly in projects that prevent extinction is our mission and it’s wonderful our donors have made a very tangible difference to the pukunui this season,” says Sarah.

    “I hope this encourages more Kiwis to dig deep and invest directly in this precious endangered species.”

    “Donations to New Zealand Nature Fund’s campaign boosted our ground trapping efforts, resulting in 64 feral cats being trapped across our predator control zones, that’s almost double what we caught last season,” says Dan.

    “While the extra trapping efforts have benefited pukunui, we’re barely holding the line for this species. We need to control feral cats across a much larger area where pukunui breed.”

    DOC is currently considering a proposal for an aerial 1080 operation to protect nesting pukunui ahead of the 2025/26 breeding season.

    The goal of the Pukunui Recovery Team is to increase pukunui numbers to at least 300 birds by 2035.

    “We still have a long way to go to reach this goal,” says Dan. “The good news is if we work together, we can create safe havens for our taonga species by removing pests and restoring ecosystems.”

    You can donate to help the plight of pukunui/southern NZ dotterels here:

    Southern Dotterel / Pukunui | NZ Nature Fund

    Background information

    DOC is considering a proposal for an aerial 1080 operation prior to the upcoming 2025/26 breeding season to protect nesting pukunui by targeting possums and rats and feral cats as they eat poisoned rats and possums.

    The longer-term goal is to remove rats, possums, feral cats, and hedgehogs from Rakiura to enable nature and the community to thrive together. See Predator Free Rakiura.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Hosts Crowd of Over 800 at South Fulton Town Hall

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
    Senator Reverend Warnock hosted an in-person town hall at Zion Hill Baptist Church in South Fulton, Georgia, taking questions from a crowd of over 800 constituents
    Senator Reverend Warnock heard from Georgians concerned about threats to social security, federal workers, non-profit funding, and more
    In March of this year, the Senator hosted a virtual town hall
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “That’s why we are here today, to talk about what keeps you up at night, what I’m going to do to fix it, and what we can do together, because you can’t outsource democracy – it’s a group project”

    Watch Senator Warnock’s town hall HERE
    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) hosted his first in-person town hall of 2025 to answer questions directly from constituents about how he is fighting for all Georgians amid an unprecedented first 100 days of the Trump Administration.
    “Seriously, this is a scary time, and I want you to know I’m sober-minded about it and focused,” said Senator Warnock during the town hall. “Today, I won’t have all the answers to your questions, I’ll tell you that in advance, but let me just state that during this unprecedented time we must come together to fight back against the dangerous actions of this administration, this is no ordinary time.”
    The conversation between Senator Warnock and some of his constituents went on for well over two hours and addressed a range of topics, including non-profit funding, the administration’s tariff policies, fired federal workers, Georgia’s failure to adopt Medicaid expansion, international conflicts, eliminating poverty, and so much more.
    In answering the first question of the evening on protecting the nation’s democracy, Senator Warnock addressed some of his previous work to bolster voting rights and protect election integrity.
    “What we are seeing in real time is that our democracy depends on our charter documents […] I was fighting hard to pass the John Lewis Voting Right Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act,” said Senator Warnock. “You have my commitment that as a member of the Senate, I’m holding this administration accountable, I’m dragging Trump officials in front of my committees and asking the tough questions, I’m voting down legislation that I think runs roughshod over the American people and their rights.”

    Senator Warnock also hosted a virtual town hall in early March. Both events highlighted his urging not to give in to despair during these difficult times and his commitment to standing up on behalf of ordinary people in Washington, D.C. 
    “We have to stand together on these issues, we have to stand up for the rule of law and for due process,” said Senator Warnock during his closing remarks.
    Missed the town hall? It can still be viewed in full HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Willis leverages Moody’s flood data and analytics in its risk modeling suite

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW is excited to announce the integration of Moody’s detailed global flood data into Willis’ proprietary risk management tools. This enhanced integration builds upon our strong partnership with Moody’s, which already incorporates Moody’s catastrophe models into Willis’ Property Quantified platform and reflects our shared vision to modernize risk management through advanced modeling and technology.

    By leveraging Moody’s insurance market leading analytics and modeling outputs into Willis’ risk modeling suite, Willis’ clients gain additional insights to assist in the optimization of their insurance programs, investments, and risk management strategies with greater confidence.

    Ben Fidlow Global Head of Core Analytics, stated, “We will continue to invest in technology, data and partnerships for the benefit of our clients. Property risk analysis is a great example of how we rely on internal and external modeling capabilities. Expanding the use of Moody’s analytics across a broader range of perils gives our clients better decision support on how to mitigate and transfer loss potential. This is not a static deliverable, our clients can access Property Quantified directly through our Risk Intelligence Quantified platform, empowering the ownership of risk analysis at the insurance buyer level.”

    Mike Richitelli, Global Head of Insurance Sales for Moody’s, said, “Moody’s is fully committed to continued investment into data, analytics, models, and software that empower the entire risk and insurance value chain to conduct business in more streamlined, efficient, and valuable ways.  This new engagement with Willis demonstrates how our respective technology platforms can integrate to bring tools and valuable insights to risk and insurance decision makers.”

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

    About Moody’s

    In a world shaped by increasingly interconnected risks, Moody’s data, insights, and innovative technologies help customers develop a holistic view of their world and unlock opportunities.

    Moody’s shapes the world’s view of risk for insurers, reinsurers, financial services organizations, and the public sector, with Moody’s RMS™ models underlying the nearly US$2 trillion Property & Casualty industry. We help organizations evaluate and manage global risk from natural and man-made catastrophes, including hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, cyber, and pandemics.

    With a rich history of experience in global markets and a workforce in more than 40 countries, Moody’s gives customers a comprehensive perspective needed to act with confidence and thrive.

    Visit Insurance Solutions at Moody’s to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contacts

    Sarah Booker
    Sarah.booker@wtwco.com / +44 (0)7917 722040

    Tracy Fine
    Tracy.Fine@moodys.com / 1-415-987-0857

    The MIL Network –

    May 6, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British businesses celebrated in third year of The King’s Awards for Enterprise  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    British businesses celebrated in third year of The King’s Awards for Enterprise  

    The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today, celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands.

    • 197 recipients announced in The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards 
    • Firms from Stirling to Somerset have their excellence recognised with two businesses receiving awards in two categories  
    • These successful businesses are playing a key role in the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth as part of our Plan for Change 

    The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognising their vital role in growing our economy to improve lives. 

    This year, 197 businesses representing a diverse range of sectors, have been recognised by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community.  

    A total of 199 awards have been issued with two companies, Hampshire-based Sonardyne International and Norfolk-based Delta Fire, being recognised for two Awards each.  

    Overall, 116 businesses have been recognised for International Trade, 46 for Innovation, 27 for Sustainable Development and 10 for Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility.  

    By supporting more people into work, developing new innovations and exporting the best Britain has to offer around the world, businesses like these are playing a key role in the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth, to put more money in more working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change. 

    Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said: 

    Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who all demonstrate the very best of British business talent. 

    I wish them every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.  

    Out of the 197 winning businesses 176 (88%) are SMEs, and of those, 27 (14%) are micro-businesses, with 10 employees or less. 

    Smaller businesses are the beating heart of this government’s growth mission and providing them with the right support to overcome barriers and reach their full potential is an absolute priority. That is why this Government protected a million small firms from National Insurance increases and extended business rates relief in the Budget. 

    Since then, we have also launched the new Board of Trade to boost small businesses exports and announced over 200 new Banking Hub locations on top of the existing 100 already open. We have also taken action to tackle the scourge of late payments, and most recently, provided a multi-billion-pound increase in government backed financing to help organisations like the British Business Bank provide vital finance for smaller businesses. 

    We know that it will only take a 1% increase in SME productivity per year, over the next 5 years, to grow the UK economy by a whopping £94 billion.  

    Graham Brown, Managing Director of Sonardyne, said:  

    We’re absolutely delighted to have received this recognition. Receiving two King’s Awards in 2025 really celebrates Sonardyne’s ongoing performance in International Trade delivered by working sustainably. 

    It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone at Sonardyne in making, selling, and supporting great products operating across our blue planet, whilst all the time caring deeply about how we do business to protect it. I hope we can inspire and help other UK businesses to do the same. 

    Ian Gardner, Managing Director and Founder of Delta Fire, said: 

    We are absolutely thrilled to receive two King’s Awards for Enterprise for both Innovation and Sustainable Development. These two highly prestigious awards are a fantastic recognition of the great team work in Delta Fire over the last 35 years from a small workshop unit to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility using net zero energy. 

    Innovation and Sustainability has led Delta Fire to exporting fire nozzles all around the world and being used to successfully extinguish the majority of fires in the UK every day. 

    The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965. 

    His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – The King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event. 

    Case-studies 

    • Sonardyne Energy, a Hampshire based firm, transforming what’s possible in offshore energy, maritime defence and ocean science markets through the engineering and manufacturing of their world-leading underwater equipment. They receive the award for International Trade and Sustainable Development.     
    • Delta Fire, a globally recognised designer, manufacturer, and supplier of specialist front-line firefighting products, committed to sustainability and carbon neutrality by 2030. Based in Norfolk, Delta Fire have been recognised in the Innovation and Sustainable Development categories.   

    Other recipients also include: 

    • Level Peaks, a business based in Hereford, and managed by ex-British Military Special Forces Veterans, which supplies innovative defence and security equipment to the UK Government and governments abroad. The company receives The King’s Award for International Trade. 
    • Mixergy, which has received the Innovation award for their intelligent hot water tank which interacts between homes and the grid to maximise efficiency and reduce energy bills. The business is based in Oxford. 

    The full list of Awardees across the four categories can be found in the London Gazette.

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    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 6, 2025
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