NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Lewis Pass Road fire update #2

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand is still responding to a large vegetation fire on Lewis Pass Road in the Island Hills, Hurunui.
    Crews were alerted to the fire around 2.30pm this afternoon.
    Assistant Commander Dave Key says the fire has grown to approximately 40 hectares in size and is burning in mixed vegetation.
    “The fire is currently 80 percent contained and 60 percent controlled.
    “Multiple fire crews supported by nine helicopters have worked hard this afternoon to contain the fire,” Dave Key says.
    Crews are expected to remain on the fireground overnight and over the coming days.
    Three nearby properties were evacuated. Crews undertook structure protection on these houses and no structures were lost in the fire.
    The incident management team worked with local farmers to ensure livestock was managed and no stock losses occurred.
    State Highway 7 has been closed due to the fire since around 3.30pm.
    “We are working with New Zealand Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi to reopen the road once it’s safe to do so,” Dave Key says.
    “We would like to sincerely thank the local community and members of the public who have been impacted by the road closures.”
    “The Canterbury District remains in a restricted fire season. This incident is a reminder to the public that despite the rain we’ve had over the last month, the risk of fire remains real.
    “We ask the public to be cautious and keep checking the fire danger at www.checkitsalright.nz.”
    There are fire investigators on scene. If you have any information or photos regarding this fire, please contact Fire and Emergency or New Zealand Police.
    There will be a final update tonight around 10pm. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Lewis Pass Road fire update

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand is battling a large vegetation fire on Lewis Pass Road this afternoon. Crews were alerted to the fire at Island Hills, Hurunui around 2.30pm. It is currently five hectares in size.
    There are around 40 firefighters, 20 Fire and Emergency trucks, tankers and support vehicles along with nine helicopters working to get the fire contained.
    Nearby houses have been evacuated as a precaution. State Highway 7 has been closed and people are being asked to stay away while our crews fight the fire. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Africa – Over 67 million screenings – AstraZeneca’s ‘Healthy Heart Africa’ celebrates 10 years of transforming Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) care

    SOURCE: AstraZeneca

    HHA aims to improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the burden of this disease across communities.

    KAMPALA, Uganda, February 14, 2025/ — AstraZeneca’s (www.AstraZeneca.com) flagship health equity programme – Healthy Heart Africa (HHA), marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating successfully taking over 67 million blood pressure screenings and a decade of action against non-communicable diseases across Africa.

    Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and accounts for a significant portion of noncommunicable disease (NCD) deaths globally. In Africa, over 27% of adults live with hypertension[1], far above the global average.

    Since its launch, HHA has conducted over 67 million blood pressure screenings, trained over 11,700 healthcare workers, and activated over 1,550 healthcare facilities across nine African countries in Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Rwanda, Nigeria and Tanzania including the Island of Zanzibar. These efforts have significantly improved access to hypertension diagnosis and treatment, saving countless lives.

    Ruud Dobber, Executive Vice President and President, BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: “Healthy Heart Africa epitomises AstraZeneca’s commitment to equitable healthcare. In a decade, we’ve empowered millions to manage their heart health. Now, we’ve expanded to tackle chronic kidney disease, ensuring greater resilience in health systems across the continent.”

    The programme has started addressing chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is closely linked to hypertension and affects 15.8% of Africans.[2] Early detection and management are critical, as CKD often progress silently. HHA aims to improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the burden of this disease across communities.

    This commemoration sets the stage for the upcoming World Health Organization’s High-Level Meeting on NCDs[3], reinforcing the urgency of collective action. One facet of the programme’s success is built on strong partnerships with governments, NGOs, and community leaders to deliver culturally tailored interventions.

    Helen McGuire, Global Program Leader, PATH, added:

    “Working on the Healthy Heart Africa (HHA) programme with AstraZeneca has been truly transformative. Seeing the scale-up and institutionalisation of integrated and expanded NCD services, particularly in countries like Ghana, has been immensely rewarding. The introduction of NCD indicators into national health information systems represents a major milestone, enabling better planning, resource allocation, and outcome monitoring.”

    Ministries of Health across Africa have championed HHA’s integration of hypertension care into national policies, ensuring sustainability and local ownership.

    Permanent Secretary Uganda Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine Kanzira, said:

    “In Uganda, our partnership with Healthy Heart Africa has been instrumental in strengthening our response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), now a major health challenge across Africa. Through this collaboration, we have raised awareness on risk factors, enhanced early detection, linked patients to care, and built the capacity of healthcare workers. By integrating hypertension data into our national health system and advancing digitalization, we are ensuring a seamless patient pathway, enabling progress tracking, and delivering life-saving care to our people.”

    With its proven model – the Healthy Heart Africa programme aims to expand to new regions, integrating climate-resilient healthcare solutions and prioritising early detection to prevent disease progression. Through such innovative partnerships, the programme aims to deliver care to those most in need.

    To read more about this programme, please read our Impact Report here Link (https://apo-opa.co/3QpqSJf).

    ________________________________
    [1] https://apo-opa.co/41gyyny.

    [2] https://apo-opa.co/4b7QzaX

    [3] https://apo-opa.co/4jRojxr

    AstraZeneca Data on File: Total Programme Numbers Since Start in 2014 to the end of December 2024

    More about:
    Path
    PATH is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations worldwide. Through innovation, partnerships, and a commitment to equity, PATH tackles pressing global health challenges, including non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases. Learn more at www.Path.org.

    AstraZeneca
    AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit AstraZeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter @AstraZeneca.

    References

    [1] https://apo-opa.co/41gyyny.

    [2] https://apo-opa.co/4b7QzaX

    [3] https://apo-opa.co/4jRojxr

    AstraZeneca Data on File: Total Programme Numbers Since Start in 2014 to the end of December 2024.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rare fin whales spotted in Kaikōura New Zealand – incredible footage captured on Samsung phone

    Source: Mango

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

    A pair of  rare fin whales have been spotted off the coast of Kaikōura, New Zealand yesterday (Friday 14 February). The once in a lifetime sighting was captured on Samsung phones by a group of New Zealand content creators.

     

    Fin whale sightings are rarely recorded in New Zealand (or around the world), and the elusive species are considered vulnerable to extinction. They are the second largest whale species on the planet (second only to the blue whale), and can grow up to 26m long! 

     

    A group of content creators on a whale watching trip with South Pacific Helicopters were able to capture incredible footage on their Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultras. 

     

    Tima Savea, who captured this video , was the first to spot the beautiful creatures and said they had been up in the air for 15 minutes without seeing anything and were beginning to lose hope. 

     

    “All of a sudden, I spotted something white in the water and told our pilot who headed in closer. At first he thought it was just some white caps in the water but once we got closer we were absolutely shocked to see the two beautiful fin whales. Even more spectacular was the fact that they are so incredibly rare!” 

     

    Christchurch-based content creator, Sophie Stephens who was also on the trip, and posted this video said, “ It was such a breathtaking experience. I feel so blessed to be one of the few people who have seen these beautiful creatures in the wild. I was so excited to capture such a pinch me moment! 

     

    Daniel Stevenson, South Pacific Helicopters Pilot who has run whale watching and scenic flights in the area for more than 8 years said he was also thrilled to spot the rarely seen fin whales during the flight. 

     

    “As the second largest whale on the planet, witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a privilege that only a tiny fraction of people experience,” he said. 

     

    “Kaikōura truly offers a breathtaking array of marine life, from resident sperm whales to transient orcas and blue whales. This month has been exceptional, with sightings of pilot whales, humpbacks heading south, and even the first documented landing of a striped marlin. It’s an exciting time down here for both marine enthusiasts and anglers alike!”

     

    The group of New Zealand content creators on the trip with South Pacific Helicopters were testing out the new features of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which launched this month. The phone has an epic 200MP main camera with 2x optical quality zoom1, which captures life in breathtaking detail and vibrant, true-to-life colours. Its intuitive telephoto system also features an all-new 50MP ultra-wide lens, making it perfect for capturing distant subjects ( like fin whales from the air!) with incredible precision. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mana i te Whenua of Rotokākahi to welcome protectors as Police action looms

    Source: Mana i te whenua of Rotokākah

    Mana i te whenua of Rotokākahi have sent out a karanga for willing protectors to join them in their peaceful occupation at Lake Rotokākahi.

    A pōwhiri will be held at 12pm this Sunday 16 February at the lake, to welcome protectors from all across the nation.

    Mana i te whenua of Rotokākahi are demanding that Rotorua Lakes City Council divert the sewer pipe from its intended route, and instead take the pipe an alternative, safer route – away from their ancestral lake.

    Rotokākahi Board of Control and Protect Rotokākahi spokesperson Te Whatanui Leka Taumalolo Skipwith – Tūhourangi says, “This Pōwhiri is to welcome protectors to join our movement. We have knocked on every door, we have been to the council, to the courts. We have been living on the whenua continuously since August. We know the police are going to mobilise, and in order to ensure the continued protection of this tupuna roto, we need to mobilise too. We need people to join us.

    Te Whatanui says: “It’s impossible to overstate the importance of Rotokākahi to mana i te whenua. This sewer pipe is not just a threat to the pristine environment of Rotokākahi, it’s a threat to the tapu of this space. A tapu that extends well beyond the water’s edge.  These are the types of decisions that will affect Iwi-council relationships for generations.”

    Te Whatanui believes that the occupation at Rotokākahi could see hundreds of people flood the space this Sunday, in what he believes could become another long-term land occupation.

    “Rotorua Lakes Council just needs to take this pipe on a different route now. We know people will join us. History has proven that when mana i te whenua put out the call for assistance, Aotearoa answers.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Arrest following indecent act, Epsom

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves, Area Investigations Manager Auckland City East:

    Police have arrested a man wanted for allegedly performing an indecent act in Epsom this week. 

    After receiving information from members of the public who recognised the wanted vehicle from our media release, Police made the arrest yesterday, Friday 14 February, and charged the man.

    The 32-year-old man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on Wednesday 19th February charged with two counts of indecent act.

    Police wish to thank the public for their help.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: RSF demands White House restores AP’s access — and let press do its job

    Pacific Media Watch

    Trump administration officials barred two Associated Press (AP) reporters from covering White House events this week because the US-based independent news agency did not change its style guide to align with the president’s political agenda.

    The AP is being punished for using the term “Gulf of Mexico,” which the president renamed “Gulf of America” in a recent executive order, reports the global media freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

    The watchdog RSF condemned this “flagrant violation of the First Amendment” and demanded the AP be given back its full ability to cover the White House.

    “The level of pettiness displayed by the White House is so incredible that it almost hides the gravity of the situation,” said RSF’s USA executive director Clayton Weimers.

    “A sitting president is punishing a major news outlet for its constitutionally protected choice of words. Donald Trump has been trampling over press freedom since his first day in office.”

    News from the AP wire service is widely used by Pacific media.

    First AP reporter barred
    AP was informed by the White House on Tuesday, February 11, that its organisation would be barred from accessing an event if it did not align with the executive order, a statement from executive editor Julie Pace said.

    The news organisation reported that a first AP reporter was turned away Tuesday afternoon as they tried to enter a White House event.

    Later that day, a second AP reporter was barred from a separate event in the White House Diplomatic Room.

    “Limiting our access to the Oval Office based on the content of AP’s speech not only severely impedes the public’s access to independent news, it plainly violates the First Amendment,” the AP statement said.

    Unrelenting attacks on the press
     Shortly after he was inaugurated on January 20, President Trump signed an executive order “restoring freedom of speech,” which proclaimed: “It is the policy of the United States to ensure that no Federal government officer, employee, or agent engages in or facilitates any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen.”

    Yet the president’s subsequent actions have continually proved that this statement is hollow when it comes to freedom of the press.

    The White House . . . clamp down on US government transparency and against the media. Image: RSF

    Prior to barring an AP reporter, the Trump administration launched Federal Communications Commission (FCC) investigations into public broadcasters NPR and PBS as well as the private television network CBS.

    It has restricted press access to the Pentagon and arbitrarily removed freelance journalists from White House press pool briefings.

    In a startling withdrawal of transparency, it removed scores of government webpages and datasets and barred many agency press teams from speaking publicly.

    Also the president is personally suing multiple news organisations over their constitutionally protected editorial decisions.

    The United States is ranked 55th out of 180 countries and territories, according to the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index.

    Republished from Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: France’s top diplomat confirms ‘unfreezing’ of New Caledonia’s electoral roll back on table

    By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Presenter/Bulletin editor

    France’s top diplomat in the Pacific region says talks around the “unfreezing” of New Caledonia’s highly controversial electoral roll are back on the table.

    The French government intended to make a constitutional amendment that would lift restrictions prescribed under the Nouméa Accord, which disqualified around 20,000 French citizens who had not resided in the territory before 1998 from voting in the provincial elections.

    The restrictions were viewed as a step to ensure indigenous Kanaks were not at risk of becoming a minority in their own country.

    However, the Paris decision by Paris to move ahead with the changes last year triggered five months of civil unrest that has cost the New Caledonian economy more than 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4 billion).

    The constitutional reforms were initially suspended in June, before the former Prime Minister Michel Barnier abandoned them.

    However, this week, France’s Ambassador to the Pacific, Véronique Roger-Lacan, confirmed that the French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls is set to discuss the issue during next week’s high-level visit to Nouméa.

    She said a date for the provincial elections, to be held at the end of this year, is also in the works.

    Unfreezing of lists
    “The provincial elections were due in December last year, and because there was discussion on the unfreezing of the electoral lists, the whole process was stopped,” Roger-Lacan said at a press briefing in Wellington.

    “The discussion on the unfreezing of the electoral list for the provincial elections continues.”

    She said in a normal democratic system, everyone who pays taxes has the right to vote.

    “Because when you pay taxes to a government, you have the choice of the government [to whom] you give your money. [In New Caledonia] there is a discrepancy,” she said.

    “This was one point of contention that led to the riots.”

    She said the French constitution states that if any of its overseas territories want self-determination, “they can have it”.

    Self-determination is defined by the United Nations as either independence, state association (as in the Cook Islands), or integration within an already independent country, which is the case in New Caledonia, she said.

    Peaceful choice
    “They can choose peacefully among those three solutions. But no riots, no insurrection.”

    Roger-Lacan pointed out that there was a “strong split” within the pro-independence groups in New Caledonia.

    She said there was a part of the pro-independence FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) who realised that “this discussion on the unfreezing of the electoral list does not make sense”.

    “They agree that the unfreezing of this electoral list is the way to go. What are the criteria for the deferring of this electoral listing are a case of discussion.”

    Roger-Lacan added that the provincial elections must take place before Christmas Day.

    “The question is: with what type of electoral list they will take place.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How would Israel respond if Trump called for death camps in Gaza?

    The issue is no longer a hypothetical one. US President Donald Trump will not explicitly suggest death camps, but he has already consented to Israel’s continuing a war that is not a war but rather a barbaric assault on a desolate stretch of land. From there, the road to annihilation is short, and Israel will not bat an eye. Trump approved it.

    COMMENTARY: By Gideon Levy

    And what if US President Donald Trump suggested setting up death camps for the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip? What would happen then?

    Israel would respond exactly as it did to his transfer ideas, with ecstasy on the right and indifference in the centrist camp.

    Opposition leader Yair Lapid would announce that he would go to Washington to present a “complementary plan”, like he offered to do with regard to the transfer plan.

    Benny Gantz would say that the plan shows “creative thinking, is original and interesting.” Bezalel Smotrich, with his messianic frame of mind, would say, “God has done wonders for us and we rejoice.” Benjamin Netanyahu would rise in public opinion polls.

    The issue is no longer a hypothetical one. Trump will not explicitly suggest death camps, but he has already consented to Israel’s continuing a war that is not a war but rather a barbaric assault on a desolate stretch of land. From there, the road to annihilation is short, and Israel will not bat an eye. Trump approved it.

    After all, no one In Israel rose up to tell the president of the United States “thank you for your ideas, but Israel will never support the expulsion of the Gaza Strip’s Palestinians.”

    Hence, why be confident that if Trump suggested annihilating anyone refusing to evacuate Gaza, Israel would not cooperate with him? Just as Trump exposed the transfer sentiment beating in the heart of almost every Israeli, aimed at solving the problem “once and for all,” he may yet expose a darker element, the sentiment of “it’s us or them.”

    A whitewasher of crimes
    It’s no coincidence that a shady character like Trump has become a guide for Israel. He is exactly what we wanted and dreamed about: a whitewasher of crimes. He may well turn out to be the American president who caused the most damage ever inflicted on Israel.

    There were presidents who were tight-fisted with aid, others who were sour on Israel, who even threatened it. There has never been a president who has set out to destroy the last vestiges of Israel’s morality.

    From here on, anything Trump approves will become Israel’s gold standard.

    Trump is now pushing Israel into resuming its attacks on the Gaza Strip, setting impossible terms for Hamas: All the hostages must be returned before Saturday noon, not a minute later, like the mafia does. And if only three hostages are returned, as was agreed upon? The gates of hell will open.

    They won’t open only in Gaza, which has already been transformed into hell. They will open in Israel too. Israel will lose its last restraints. Trump gave his permission.

    But Trump will be gone one day. He may lose interest before that, and Israel will be left with the damage he wrought, damage inflicted by a criminal, leper state.

    No public diplomacy or friends will be able to save it if it follows the path of its new ethical oracle. No accusations of antisemitism will silence the world’s shock if Israel embarks on another round of combat in the enclave.

    A new campaign must begin
    One cannot overstate the intensity of the damage. The renewal of attacks on Gaza, with the permission and under the authority of the American administration, must be blocked in Israel. Along with the desperate campaign for returning the hostages, a new campaign must begin, against Trump and his outlandish ideas.

    However, not only is there no one who can lead such a campaign, there is also no one who could initiate it. The only battles being waged here now, for the hostages and for the removal of Netanyahu, are important, but they cannot remain the only ones.

    The resumption of the “war” is the greatest disaster now facing us, heralding genocide, with no more argument about definitions.

    After all, what would a “war” look like now, other than an assault on tens of thousands of refugees who have nothing left? What will the halting of humanitarian aid, fuel and medicine and water mean if not genocide?

    We may discover that the first 16 months of the war were only a starter, the first 50,000 deaths only a prelude.

    Ask almost any Israeli and he will say that Trump is a friend of Israel, but Trump is actually Israel’s most dangerous enemy now. Hamas and Hezbollah will never destroy it like he will.

    Gideon Levy is a Ha’aretz columnist and a member of the newspaper’s editorial board. He joined Ha’aretz in 1982, and spent four years as the newspaper’s deputy editor. He is the author of the weekly Twilight Zone feature, which covers the Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza over the last 25 years, as well as the writer of political editorials for the newspaper. Levy visited New Zealand in 2017.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Hon. Carmel Sepuloni talks Celebrity Treasure Island and imposter syndrome on return to University of Auckland

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    New Zealand’s first Pacific Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Carmel Sepuloni returned to the place that became the catalyst for her political career, Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland.

    Accompanied by fellow alumnus Labour MP Hon. Shanan Halbert, she spoke with a cohort of Māori and Pacific school leavers on 10 February as a guest of Unibound, the summer academic enrichment programme designed to ease students into university life.
     
    Despite having risen to the highest ranks of political life the Deputy Leader of the Opposition says she much prefers talking policy rather than sharing her own story.
     
    “It’s probably one of the most uncomfortable things to do. I’d much rather talk about policy and politics than my personal backstory. But I think it’s really important to come back here and talk to the students.”
     
    As a highly experienced politician Sepuloni (Samoa, Tonga and Pākehā) is used to Question Time. However it was likely her first Q&A session including questions about her time on Celebrity Treasure Island. In particular the challenge with media personality Gabby Solomona where both held a block together using only their feet.
     
    “Of course I got asked some questions about Celebrity Treasure Island and the challenge with Gabby and what that meant, and I could speak to the importance of that ‘duty of care’ we have to each other as part of being Pacific people, and how sometimes we will actually achieve more out of working with a sense of obligation to someone else, as opposed to just our own individual pursuits.”
     
    Sepuloni studied at the Auckland College of Education and later gained a Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Primary School Teaching with the University of Auckland. She also ran the University’s Tuakana programme as Equity Manager with the Faculty of Arts for five years, working predominantly with Māori and Pacific undergraduate students.
     
    “This was so very close to my own heart and also a catalyst for what got me into politics in the first place,” she says of her passion that also extended to working with youth who had fallen out of the schooling system.
     
    “It was my passion for education, for our Pacific community. My first hand witness to the inequities that exist for us as Pacific people in the education system.  And so I will always take up the opportunity to come back to the University of Auckland, particularly to see our Pacific students.”
     
    As well as the numerous questions about politics, the discussion turned to Imposter syndrome and Sepuloni was able to cast back to more than three decades ago when she was an undergraduate student at the University and the first in her family to venture into the tertiary space.
     
    “We talked about imposter syndrome and I mentioned that I actually had it as an undergrad student, because I was the first in my family, like many of them, to come to university.
     
    “So the space and the environment was quite unfamiliar and scary for me to start with. We talked about imposter syndrome in that setting, but I said that for many of us that are brown and women, that it’s something that that we may carry for life, but it isn’t necessarily to the same extent.”
     
    Speaking with the young audience, Sepuloni realised there were many shared similarities but was aware that time and progress had a made a difference.
     
    “I guess the thing that I’m cognizant of is these kids are so much younger than me.
    I’m standing there talking to them, and I realize that I could be their mother, reflecting and realizing it’s nearly been 30 years since I was a first-year university student. So I’m really mindful that despite the fact we’ll have some similarities and experience, and that some things haven’t changed that much, there is still, you know, a huge amount of difference between us.”
     
    Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau says having the Leader of the Opposition and the country’s first former Pacific female Deputy Prime Minister was an invaluable experience for the Unibound school leavers to realise what the future could hold in store for them.
     
    “This was an invaluable experience for our young people to be in the same room as the Hon. Carmel Sepuloni; the opportunity to ask her about her journey and the steps she took toward her accomplishments, it has made a great impression and given them motivation as they set out on the start of their tertiary journey.”
     
    Professor Tiatia-Siau also acknowledged ethnomusicologist and lecturer Sharon Televave along with UniBound acting manager Sara Toleafoa for bringing Sepuloni back to the University.
     
    “Vā Fealoa’i is a Samoan concept, which is about relationality. Similarly, Tauhi Vā is a Tongan concept about relationality. Nurturing vā or relationships, is essential in Pacific cultures, this made it seamless for us to contact the Hon Carmel Sepuloni, says Sharon Televave.
     
    As an alumni and former staff member of the University, Televave was hopeful the visit would plant seeds to empower our Pacific students about to embark on their academic journeys.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police aware of social media posts, west Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Please attribute to Inspector Jason Edwards, Waitematā West Area Commander:

    Police are aware of social media posts across multiple west Auckland community pages concerning some suspicious activity reported this week.

    Some of these posts relate to an assault near the Sturges Road train station on Monday morning, in which a man was charged with assault.

    We are also aware of posts outlining suspicious activity allegedly involving the same specific vehicle and individual.

    To the community, we are aware of this matter and we are dealing with this.

    We strongly urge the community to cease posting photos or personal details of this individual on social media.

    If anyone has concerns or information relating to offending that is occurring, this should be reported to Police immediately so it can be dealt with appropriately.

    The public should not be taking matters into their own hands.

    Police have attended an assault at a Massey property this afternoon, where a person has been arrested and is being spoken to.

    The last thing anyone needs right now is people putting themselves at risk of harm or in a situation where they may be potentially committing an offence.

    Please report any matters to Police as they happen by calling 111.

    Any further information can be reported by reporting online, calling 105, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS.

    Jared Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wellington drug suppliers ordered to forfeit assets

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Sam Buckley, Central Asset Recovery Unit Wellington.

    A Wellington-based drug supplier has had nearly $340,000 in assets seized, including a 42-foot yacht and high-end art, and could stand to lose more than $2.5 million more.

    This is the result of a long-running investigation by Police’s Asset Recovery Unit into the activities of Kenny Leslie McMillan, which were brought to a halt in 2019. The forfeiture orders were issued by the High Court at Wellington on 12 February this year.

    In 2019, an investigation led by the Wellington Organised Crime Unit – dubbed Operation Superdry – was launched into the drug supply activity of McMillan.

    While he pleaded guilty to some charges shortly before a hearing, he continued to deny other charges. He was subsequently subject to a jury trial, where he was found guilty, and sentenced to 18 years imprisonment in 2021.

    The assets ordered to be forfeited on 12 February include cash and bank accounts totalling nearly $168,000, three motor vehicles, a 42-foot Silverton 330 sport launch, jewellery – including a Hubolt watch estimated to be worth $50,000 – and a Ralph Hotere lithograph.

    The profit forfeiture order issued against McMillan totals $2.758 million – this order encompasses the profits made from his offending. It can potentially lead to future assets identified as belonging to McMillan also being seized.

    Operation Superdry targeted a drug dealing syndicate led by McMillan, who would arrange for methamphetamine to be sourced from Auckland and transported to Wellington in cars with secret compartments customised especially to conceal the drugs.

    McMillan concealed drugs in inner city parking buildings, where they were exchanged for cash. Robert Jason Taui was convicted as part of the syndicate for his part in these exchanges.

    Taui was sentenced to nine years and one month imprisonment, and in March 2024 was himself ordered to forfeit assets including cash, motorbikes and vehicles totalling nearly $54,000. A profit forfeiture order of $1.38 million was also made against him.

    The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act investigation established the assets of both McMillan and Taui were derived through illicit means, allowing them to live a lifestyle beyond legitimate means.

    “Police will continue to target organised crime offenders through both criminal and civil court jurisdictions,” Detective Sergeant Sam Buckley says.

    “The profit forfeiture orders issued in these proceedings demonstrate the full extent of criminality and amount of unlawful benefit received by the offenders. Property to an equivalent value can then be sought for forfeiture regardless of when or how it was acquired.”

    “One of the primary reasons that organised crime exists is to make money. This result will have a direct impact on the perception that those who commit crime can profit from it,” he says

    Organised crime and gangs cause serious harm to our communities and Police will continue to work to strip organised crime groups and their associates of their illegitimate wealth.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Better homes for Papakura Military Camp personnel

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New state-of-the-art soldiers’ flats have officially opened for junior ranks at Papakura Military Camp, Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk has announced.  

    “The aging camp barracks had been in use for more than 40 years and were leaky, mouldy and outdated. Our soldiers, sailors and aviators deserve homes where they can thrive,” Mr Penk says.  

    “The completion of these new units through the Defence Estate Regeneration Plan is a significant step in this Government’s mission to transform living conditions for the force. 

    “This $5.8-million initiative is more than a construction project – it is a promise to our personnel that their health, morale, and comfort are a priority as they dedicate themselves to our country.” 

    The new accommodation includes five, four-bedroom fully furnished units with kitchens, lounges and ensuites – alongside a utility building with large commercial washing machines, drying rooms and storage.  

    “The project was delivered in an impressive six-month timeframe and constructed off-site with modular technology. Its success offers an exciting look at how innovative building practices can help transform military facilities around New Zealand.

    “This is about ensuring those who wear the uniform and stand ready to defend New Zealand have the support they need, on and off the field.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland Council advances flood resilience project in Rānui

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Council is taking further action to protect homes from flooding with the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee endorsing a major flood resilience project for Clover Drive in Rānui.

    This follows the green light given to critical projects in Māngere earlier in 2024.

    “I’m pleased that we’ll be able to get on with the flood resilience work in Rānui. This community was among the worst affected during the 2023 Anniversary Weekend floods so it’s critical we progress the work to mitigate against future risk and protect residents living in these areas,” says Mayor Wayne Brown.

    At its recent meeting, the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee approved the business case for Clover Drive flood resilience works which now releases funding for the design and consenting processes.

    “Receiving the endorsement to progress with this next project is a much-welcomed step forward,” says Councillor Andy Baker, Chair of the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee.

    “Reducing the risks to our flood-prone communities is a clear priority for this council. Improving the capacity to manage stormwater in these areas will significantly reduce flood risk for hundreds of homes as well as create an opportunity to make transformational improvements to the wider community.”

    Improving flood resilience in Rānui

    Many streets, including Clover Drive and more, in the Rānui area experienced severe flooding during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods. The area was inundated with floodwaters, reaching depths of close to two metres in some houses with emergency services conducting numerous rescues of marooned residents.

    Waitākere Ward Councillor Shane Henderson acknowledges the impacts of flooding on this community and the importance of this work.

    “Our communities in Rānui have been feeling the severe impacts of flooding long before the Auckland Anniversary floods and were one of the worst hit areas at the time. It’s important that we, as a council, support our hardest hit communities and it’s great to see the work in Clover Drive prioritised so it can progress swiftly,” says Cr Henderson.

    Waitākere Ward Councillor Ken Turner celebrates this milestone and acknowledges that there’s more work to be done.

    “It’s good to see this work reach a key milestone for our West Auckland communities. It’s important for us to ensure our focus remains on maintaining these improvements into the future so we can safeguard against increased capacity.”

    The planned improvements in Rānui will be done in collaboration with local iwi and the community to maximise benefits for the wider area. Works may involve widening of streams and installing debris racks to enhance water flow and reduce the risk of blockages. Upgrades to bridges to increase stormwater flow will also be planned with community input.

    These physical changes will be complemented by efforts to enhance the local environment, creating open spaces, connecting parkland and pathways, and widening streams to redirect water away from homes during heavy rain events. This work stands to bring many benefits to the community, including better water quality, more open space, improved biodiversity, and better connectivity.

    This initiative is part of the Making Space for Water programme co-funded by local and central government to share the cost of storm recovery and resilience work in the Auckland region.

    Early concept designs are currently being scoped and once completed will be presented to cabinet for final funding approval by March 2025. Once funding is approved, community engagement will continue, before moving into detailed design stages, with construction expected to commence in late 2026/early 2027.

    Planning and prioritisation for future projects

    Many communities were heavily impacted by the severe weather events of early 2023 including the Wairau Valley area which experienced widespread damage, especially in the residential areas of Tōtara Vale, Nile Road and commercial areas around Wairau Road, tragically resulting in two fatalities.

    The council is working closely with the Wairau community to gather feedback and input on early concept designs before a business case is submitted in the coming months.

    Further areas across Tāmaki Makaurau continue to be assessed and prioritised for future blue-green works.

    You can find out more information about these projects on the council’s website or you can reach out to the team at bluegreen@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

    About Making Space for Water

    The Making Space for Water programme includes a range of initiatives to reduce flood risk to Aucklanders. Part of this is building new flood resilient infrastructure to enhance stormwater assets and green spaces to deliver increased flood management.

    Auckland Council is sharing some of the cost of flood resilience projects with central government as part of a $2 billion co-funding agreement for storm recovery. These are subject to business case approvals from both the council and the government, and projects must demonstrate a flood risk reduction for the wider community, not just individual properties.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Disabled people languishing in psych wards due to Govt cuts

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    National’s cuts to disability support funding and freezing of new residential placements has resulted in significant mental health decline for intellectually disabled people.

    “It’s unacceptable that government decisions have resulted in trauma for disabled people, their families, and carers. Clinicians are clearly seeing a decline in the mental health of their intellectually disabled patients as a result,” Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.

    “A report in the New Zealand Medical Journal published today, outlines clinicians’ concerns that intellectually disabled people are being declined residential placements because of the government’s freeze on new placements. They note this is leading to an increase in high-risk suicidal and violent behaviour.

    “We have been down this road before and know the dangers which come with institutionalisation. We’ve seen in the Royal Commission of Inquiry, the risks of returning to a time where individuals were placed into care completely unfit for their needs.

    “These cuts take us back decades and are causing years of irreversible harm for disabled people and their families. Some have been unable to transition back to the community, and are effectively trapped in hospitals, blocking access to others who need care.

    “With the funding freeze meaning no new residential places are funded, families who’d already made the decision to place a loved one in a care home after visiting the residence have now been locked out of this option.

    “Louise Upston needs to start taking responsibility for this and stop blaming Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) services.

    “She must reverse these changes immediately and ensure that NASCs are supported to honour the care packages previously agreed upon so that all disabled people, their families and carers can access the support they need,” Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest after historic items stolen in church burglaries

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A man is before the courts following the burglary of two churches in Canterbury over the last week.

    Between Saturday 8 February and Tuesday 11 February, Police received reports of two burglaries at churches in Eyreton, and Christchurch, along with one at a repeater site in Waimate.

    A number of items were stolen, including challises, an ornament, and other items, a large number of which have since been recovered.

    At around midday today, Police arrested a 35-year-old man near the Rakaia bridge, following some excellent investigative work by Canterbury Rural Police.

    He is due to appear before the Christchurch District Court tomorrow, Saturday 15 February, on charges relating to the three burglaries.

    Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel said We will not accept people taking advantage of the community, or community locations, and will follow up on relevant lines of enquiry to identify and locate those invovled when this occurs.

    “We are glad to be able to hold this offender, who showed little regard for the community, to account,” Ssgt McDaniel said.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fleeing driver runs out of road in Waikato

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Waikato District Police Shift Commander Senior Sergeant Leo Belay:

    Police are praising members of the public for helping officers track a fleeing driver in the Waikato today.

    About 11am, Police received reports of a Subaru vehicle driving dangerously and overtaking vehicles through road works in Te Kuiti. After being located and signalled to stop, the vehicle fled but was not pursued. 

    It continued to drive in a dangerous manner on State Highway 3 towards Hamilton, where more members of the public called to report its erratic driving. These updates of the vehicle’s location greatly assisted the Police response, by allowing resources to be deployed ahead of the offending vehicle.

    The vehicle was sighted by Police in Te Awamutu, where it was followed towards the town by an unmarked Police unit.

    Tyre Deflation Devices (TDDs) were successfully deployed by Police in Ohaupo, which slowed the vehicle as it approached the Hamilton Airport.

    The vehicle continued toward Glenview in Hamilton, where TDDs were successfully deployed a further four times in quick succession.

    Police then engaged in a low-speed pursuit of the vehicle into Hamilton.

    The offending vehicle was eventually stopped on Tristram Street in Hamilton by utilising a tactical vehicle intervention.

    Two people were taken into Police custody without further incident.

    A 33-year-old male from New Plymouth will appear tomorrow in the Hamilton District Court on charges of dangerous driving, aggravated failure to stop, and driving while disqualified third and subsequent.

    A 30-year-old woman, also from New Plymouth, is assisting with enquiries.

    This event demonstrates the importance of reporting dangerous driving behaviour and the assistance it provides to Police with investigating and holding offenders accountable for their actions. We want to thank all those people who called us, allowing frontline officers across the District to carry out excellent work that keeps the community safe.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Parikino

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are now able to confirm the name of the man who died following a crash in Parikino, Whanganui on 8 February.

    He was 29-year-old Jake Andrew Sutherland, of Castlecliff.

    Police extend our condolences to those close to Jake.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stolen vehicle ends with arrest in the bag

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    The driver of a stolen vehicle has landed in court after a search of the vehicle he was driving found a number of zip-lock bags containing methamphetamine.

    At about 10.25pm, Police were alerted to a stolen vehicle travelling on Dawson Road, Ōtara.

    Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says officers located the vehicle parked in a driveway and quickly took the driver and passenger into custody.

    “A search of the vehicle has located 16 grams of methamphetamine, split into zip-lock bags as well as electronic scales.

    “Though the quantity of drugs may not be considered large on a national scale, we know all too well how destructive methamphetamine is to communities.

    “We are committed to holding offenders to account and delivering on our intent to the community safe.”

    A 35-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine and receiving property.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Minister acknowledges outgoing Director-General

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Simeon Brown has today acknowledged the resignation of Director-General of Health and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, and thanked her for her service.

    “Diana was appointed in November 2022, having acted in the role from July 2022. She played a key role as the government’s chief health advisor and steward of New Zealand’s public health system during the health system reforms. 

    “Prior to this, Diana was National Director of Cancer at the Ministry of Health where she oversaw the implementation of the Cancer Control Agency, before being appointed its Chief Executive and National Director.

    “Diana has had a long, distinguished career in health as a public health physician, cancer epidemiologist, and health services researcher.

    “An experienced and respected leader, Diana has led the Ministry of Health during a challenging time as the last government’s reforms were being implemented.

    “I acknowledge Diana’s decision to step down from the role and thank her for her commitment to ensuring the health system delivers for New Zealanders.

    “I wish her all the very best for the future,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Significant milestones at North Shore’s Tōtara Haumaru Hospital

    Source: New Zealand Government

    This week marks a significant step in the delivery of healthcare services for the northern region with the opening of the final ward of Tōtara Haumaru, the country’s newest hospital facility on Auckland’s North Shore Hospital campus, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This facility has a critical role in reducing waitlists for Auckland’s fast-growing and ageing population. “It is encouraging to see progress already being made, with more than 2,500 New Zealanders having had their elective surgery at the hospital since it opened on 1 July 2024. “Acute and elective endoscopy activity is also ramping up, with 2,500 endoscopies completed at the new facility in addition to the elective surgeries. “The hospital has allowed for the expansion of some regional services, including vascular and plastic surgery, allowing local patients to have their surgery closer to home. “It has also enabled the regional expansion of robotically-assisted surgeries, resulting in a 40 per cent reduction in length of stay, and fewer complications and quicker recovery for patients. “The opening of the fifth and final ward this week increases capacity for women’s health and gynaecology services from 15 to 20 patients, delivering improved patient outcomes in a significantly enhanced environment.  “Ensuring that all New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare is a priority for the Government. “You can’t manage what you don’t measure, which is why the Government restored five key health targets, including a target of 95 per cent of patients to wait less than four months for a first specialist assessment and elective treatment by 2030.”While there is significant progress needed to meet these targets, I am pleased that patients in the region and further afield are benefiting from this state-of-the-art facility. This number will only grow as theatre capacity and resourcing continues to scale-up over time. “As Minister of Health, my focus is and always will be improving patient outcomes and ensuring access to timely, quality healthcare. “Reducing waitlists so that New Zealanders have shorter wait times for appointments and surgery is a key part of that,” Mr Brown says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech and Environment – Samsung New Zealand Delivers on Commitment to Tackle the Pacific Islands’ E-Waste Crisis

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung ships over 38 tons of e-waste to New Zealand for responsible recycling

    AUCKLAND, NZ – February 14, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is proud to announce that it has fulfilled its commitment to addressing the growing e-waste crisis in the Pacific Islands. In partnership with Blue Orca and Echo, Samsung New Zealand has successfully facilitated the transportation and recycling of over 38 tonnes of end-of-life appliances, electrical, and electronic equipment, collected across the Pacific Islands.

    In 2024, Samsung New Zealand engaged Blue Orca to assess e-waste challenges across five Pacific Islands – Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Timor-Leste. The assessment revealed a lack of local recycling infrastructure, raising concerns about the environmental impact of unmanaged e-waste in the region.

    “The absence of local recycling options and the severe environmental consequences outlined in the report pushed us to take action,” said Shannon Watts, Marketing Director, Samsung Electronics New Zealand. “Through our collaboration with Blue Orca and recycling partner Echo, we’ve been able to drive meaningful change and address the critical e-waste issue facing Pacific Island communities. This initiative helps protect the environment and supports local communities by ensuring responsible recycling of electronic waste.”

    Samsung, Blue Orca, and Echo achieved a significant milestone by collecting and transporting 38,502 kg of e-waste from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands to New Zealand for recycling. This effort resulted in the prevention of 228 kg of toxic metals from contaminating the soil and avoided 11,042 kg of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the protection of the environment and benefiting local communities.

    “This initiative is a crucial step toward mitigating the environmental impact of e-waste in the Pacific Islands. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between Samsung, Blue Orca, and Echo,” added Watts. “We’re proud to have played a role in diverting a significant volume of end-of-life electronics from landfills, ensuring they are now being recycled ethically and responsibly.”

    This Pacific Islands recycling program further supports Samsung New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to its global Everyday Sustainability Environmental Strategy, as part of the company’s efforts to contribute to tackle climate change. Over the past two years, Samsung New Zealand, in collaboration with Echo, has successfully recycled more than 73 tonnes of e-waste through local collection drives in Auckland. These initiatives empower New Zealanders to take responsibility for recycling their electronic waste, ensuring that it is handled responsibly and sustainably.

    E-Waste Collection Breakdown:

    Total e-waste collected: 38,502 kg

    Greenhouse gas emissions avoided: 11,042 kg

    Toxic metals diverted from landfill: 228 kg

    Island Breakdown:

    Fiji:

    • 4,328 kg of e-waste collected

    • 1,241 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided

    • 25.6 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill

    Tonga:

    • 13,863 kg of e-waste collected

    • 3,976 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided

    • 81.99 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill

    Samoa:

    • 12,911 kg of e-waste collected

    • 3,702.8 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided

    • 76.35 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill

    Cook Islands:

    • 7,400 kg of e-waste collected

    • 2,122 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided

    • 43.77 kg of toxic metals diverted from landfill.

    About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fireworks and open air fires prohibited in Strath Taieri zone

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibited fire season in Otago’s Strath Taieri zone from 8am on Saturday 15 February, until further notice.
    A prohibited fire season means no open-air fires are allowed and all fire permits are suspended.
    Fireworks will also be prohibited in Strath Taieri, which is possible under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act.
    Strath Taieri is a large area of land in Otago which includes the Taieri River, the Rock and Pillar Range and the town of Middlemarch.
    Fire and Emergency Otago District Manager Phil Marsh says the area has an abundance of grass and scrub and experiences hot dry summers.
    “The current dry conditions are expected to continue, with blustery westerly winds forecast for the remainder of summer and into autumn,” he says.
    “This combination presents a very high fire risk, as dry grass and scrub can ignite easily and fire will rapidly spread.
    “As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of wildfire, we are also putting a ban on fireworks.
    “It only takes one spark to start a wildfire. The risk is far too high in these dry and windy conditions.”
    The Strath Taieri zone includes Te Papanui Conservation Park, home to a huge variety of native plants and animals.
    “We are urging everybody to do their part to protect this area from wildfire,” Phil Marsh says.
    “Along with the ban on fireworks, we ask people to be vigilant with other heat or spark-generating activities.
    “Using machinery or power tools and parking or driving vehicles near dry vegetation have the potential to start a wildfire that will spread quickly. You should avoid these activities on hot, windy days.
    “If you are camping in the area, always set up your gas cooker on a stable surface and away from long, dry grass.
    “Know the risks, and always check the local fire danger at www.checkitsalright.nz.”
    Please take extra care this weekend as the fire danger will be elevated in Strath Taieri and across Otago. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Funded annual health checks would prevent 100+ deaths a year – IHC

    Source: IHC New Zealand

    Funded annual health checks for people with intellectual disability will prevent more than 100 deaths a year and significantly reduce hospital admissions, saving $16.5 million annually – more than enough to cover the $13 million cost of the checks themselves, says IHC New Zealand.

    In a New Zealand Medical Journal article released today, IHC Advocate Shara Turner says it’s unacceptable that intellectually disabled New Zealanders should die much earlier than other New Zealanders, for preventable reasons.

    “Intellectually disabled people have the highest mortality risk of any group, with a life expectancy of up to 22 years shorter than the general population,” says Shara.

    “They are 2.7 times more likely to be admitted to the emer­gency department, 3.6 times more likely to be admitted to hospital for a condition that could have been avoided and have higher rates of lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and mental health conditions.

    “We are urging the Government to see that annual health checks could lower the risk of early mortality for intellectually disabled people by up to 35 percent.”

    IHC’s own cost-benefit analysis using Treasury’s CBAx tool for healthcare costs shows that annual health checks would be fiscally positive and viable.

    Shara says there is robust international evidence about the benefits of the annual health check for this population.

    “Universal health checks for intellectually disabled people have been implemented in Australia and the United Kingdom since 2007, providing a proven and pragmatic model that could be adapted for Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Shara. “These checks would not only improve health outcomes but also relieve pressure on emergency departments and cut healthcare costs.”

    “Now is the time to act – investing in annual health checks can help close the health gap and ensure better, longer lives for one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most vulnerable populations.”

    About IHC New Zealand

    IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In the quest to appease Israel, the media undermine our basic rights

    In its eagerness to appease supporters of Israel, the media is happy to ride roughshod over due process and basic rights. It’s damaging Australia’s (and New Zealand’s?) democracy.

    COMMENTARY: By Bernard Keane

    Two moments stand out so far from the Federal Court hearings relating to Antoinette Lattouf’s sacking by the ABC, insofar as they demonstrate how power works in Australia — and especially in Australia’s media.

    The first is how the ABC’s senior management abandoned due process in the face of a sustained lobbying effort by a pro-Israel group to have Lattouf taken off air, under the confected basis she was “antisemitic”.

    Managing director David Anderson admitted in court that there was a “step missing” in the process that led to her sacking — in particular, a failure to consult with the ABC’s HR area, and a failure to discuss the attacks on Lattouf with Lattouf herself, before kicking her out.

    To this, it might be added, was acting editorial director Simon Melkman’s advice to management that Lattouf had not breached any editorial policies.

    Anderson bizarrely singled out Lattouf’s authorship, alongside Cameron Wilson, of a Crikey article questioning the narrative that pro-Palestinian protesters had chanted “gas the Jews”, as basis for his concerns about her, only for one of his executives to point out the article was “balanced and journalistically sound“.

    That is, by the ABC’s own admission, there was no basis to sack Lattouf and the sacking was conducted improperly. And yet, here we are, with the ABC tying itself in absurd knots — no such race as Lebanese, indeed — spending millions defending its inappropriate actions in response to a lobbying campaign.

    The second moment that stands out is a decision by the court early in the trial to protect the identities of those calling for Lattouf’s sacking.

    Abandoned due process
     The campaign that the group rolled out prompted the ABC chair and managing director to immediately react — and the ABC to abandon due process and procedural fairness. Yet the court protects their identities.

    The reasoning — that the identities behind the complaints should be protected for their safety — may or may not be based on reasonable fears, but it’s the second time that institutions have worked to protect people who planned to undermine the careers of people — specifically, women — who have dared to criticise Israel.

    The first was when some members — a minority — of a WhatsApp group supposedly composed of pro-Israel “creatives” discussed how to wreck the careers of, inter alia, Clementine Ford and Lauren Dubois for their criticism of Israel.

    The publishing of the identities of this group was held by both the media and the political class to be an outrageous, antisemitic act of “doxxing”, and the federal government rushed through laws to make such publications illegal.

    No mention of making the act of trying to destroy people’s careers because they hold different political views — or, cancel culture, as the right likes to call it — illegal.

    Whether it’s courts, politicians or the media, it seems that the dice are always loaded in favour of those wanting to crush criticism of Israel, while its victims are left to fend for themselves.

    Human rights lawyer and fighter against antisemitism Sarah Schwartz has been repeatedly threatened with (entirely vexatious) lawsuits by Israel supporters for her criticism of Israel, and her discussion of the exploitation of Australian Jews by Peter Dutton.

    Targeted by another News Corp smear campaign
    She’s been targeted by yet another News Corp smear campaign, based on nothing more than a wilfully misinterpreted slide. She has no government or court rushing to protect her.

    Meanwhile, Peter Lalor, one of Australia’s finest sports journalists (and I write as someone who can’t abide most sports journalism) lost his job with SEN because he, too, dared to criticise Israel and call out the Palestinian genocide. No-one’s rushing to his aide, either.

    No powerful institutions are weighing in to safeguard his privacy, or protect him from the consequences of his opinions.

    The individual cases add up to a pattern: Australian institutions, and especially its major media institutions, will punish you for criticising Israel.

    Pro-Israel groups will demand you be sacked, they will call for your career to be destroyed. Those groups will be protected.

    Media companies will ride roughshod over basic rights and due process to comply with their demands. You will be smeared and publicly vilified on completely spurious bases. Politicians will join in, as Jason Clare did with the campaign against Schwartz and as Chris Minns is doing in NSW, imposing hate speech laws that even Christian groups think are a bad idea.

    Damaging the fabric of democracy
    This is how the campaign to legitimise the Palestinian genocide and destroy critics of the Netanyahu government has damaged the fabric of Australia’s democracy and the rule of law.

    The basic rights and protections that Australians should have under a legal system devoted to preventing discrimination can be stripped away in a moment, while those engaged in destroying people’s careers and livelihoods are protected.

    Ill-advised laws are rushed in to stifle freedom of speech. Australian Jews are stereotyped as a politically convenient monolith aligned with the Israeli government.

    The experience of Palestinians themselves, and of Arab communities in Australia, is minimised and erased. And the media are the worst perpetrators of all.

    Bernard Keane is Crikey’s politics editor. Before that he was Crikey’s Canberra press gallery correspondent, covering politics, national security and economics. First published by Crikey.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Timaru traffic delays from Monday, Evans St/SH1

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Drivers are reminded to allow extra time travelling on SH1 through Timaru over the next few months as work starts on a new Timaru District Council watermain near the Showgrounds on Monday, 17 February.

    Evans St, between Grants Road and Waimataitai Street, is the area affected. (See map below). The watermain replacement work is expected to run into winter (May/June) and is weather dependent.

    Work hours will be 7.30 am to 6 pm.

    “There will be reduced lane widths and 30km/h temporary speed limits in the area which are likely to cause additional congestion and queue lengths especially at peak travel times,” says Chris Chambers, Maintenance Contract Manager South Canterbury, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). 

    “Drivers should plan ahead and consider alternative routes if they want to avoid delays,” he says.

    More road work coming from NZTA, early March

    Early in March, NZTA will begin resurfacing a section of SH1 Evans St between Beverley Road and Te Weka St, south of the watermain works. 

    “We know that these multiple worksites will cause delays through Timaru,” says Mr Chambers. “But we are also pleased to be getting these road improvements underway after several years of patching and holding repairs.”

    To help ease the pressure please build extra time into your travel and avoid roadworks sites during peak times if you can, he says.

    Updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/canterbury/roadworks/497319(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Waikato & Bay of Plenty state highway works February 2025 

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    When the sun continues to shine, road workers across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty are continuing to make significant progress on many worksites.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and its contractors are completing an ambitious programme to improve safety and resilience of the state highway network, making the most of the summer months in which they’re able to reseal and re-construct roads, says Sandra King, Bay of Plenty System Manager. 

    “The recent spell of good weather has allowed our contractors to make great progress on their maintenance programmes, some ahead of schedule, across both regions. Examples include completing the rebuild of both State Highway 2 north of Tauranga at Snodgrass Road and State Highway 27 in Matamata, several asphalting sites on State Highway 29 Kaimai Range and the scheduled closure on the Kaimai Range. 

    “We appreciate everyone’s patience, especially where we have road closures and detours, or multiple worksites in the same area. This scale of work shows our investment in the region, and commitment to improving people’s journeys. 

    “Due to the work taking place there will inevitably be delays to some journeys. As always, our key focus is to keep road users and contracting crews safe at all times,” says Ms King. 

    This work forms part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund. 

    To plan ahead and see where disruptive works are, people can use the NZTA Journey Planner (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) This is kept up to date in real time so you can see all disruptive activity and potential hazards on the state highway network. 

    Waikato Bay of Plenty works as at 14 February 2025 [PDF, 510 KB]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH2 Waipawa road rebuild taking shape

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Roading crews are making good progress on the SH2 road rebuild (rehabilitation) in Waipawa between Victoria Street and Tamumu Road.

    The first stage of work, installing kerb and channel, has now been finished with more than 360 metres of concrete poured in the installation.

    The focus now shifts to the rebuild of this stretch of road. Crews will begin from next Monday (17 February), working at night for approximately 4 weeks.

    The work will be carried out under stop/go traffic management between 8pm and 5am Mondays to Fridays (finishing each week at 5am on Saturday).

    The rebuild will be done section by section to reduce traffic impacts and during the work, access for residents and businesses will remain and there will be on street parking – just not on the section of state highway being worked on.

    Rebuilding the road will involve recycling the existing road materials with cement added to the road, to extend the life of the road and provide a smoother surface, improving the journey through this stretch of road.

    At the same time, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council was scheduled to complete work on the southbound footpath this year, which was beside the area of State Highway 2 that NZTA is working on. The two organisations aligned on this renewal, with NZTA contractors completing the road and Council-funded footpath construction work at the same time– minimising costs and disruptions to ratepayers.

    “State Highway 2 is the road that keeps us connected to each other, and the rest of the country,” says the council’s Community Infrastructure and Development General Manager Mark Kinvig.

    “The road’s part to play in the economic growth of the district and the accessibility it creates, allowing people to move around, cannot be underplayed.

    “Working together delivers what the community wants and needs, but for a lot less money. 

    “This translates into better roads for everyone,” says Mr Kinvig.

    At this stage, the rebuild project is expected to be complete mid-March, slightly earlier than initially planned.

    “We know this work has already involved some disruption to businesses and the community and we’re grateful for people’s support – without it, the works would undoubtedly take longer to complete,” says NZTA Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Rua Pani.

    SH2 resealing between Waipukurau and Takapau – day work

    Starting this week, a stretch of SH2 between Takapau and Waipukurau will be resealed over the next 6 weeks.

    Crews will be working onsite Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm each weekday.

    The road will be under stop/go traffic management and road users should expect possible delays of up to 20 minutes.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Upcoming Auckland state highway closures

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Key maintenance works will see upcoming closures on two busy Auckland state highways.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) asks people to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys if traveling during these works.

    State Highway 1 – Central Motorway Junction night closures (10pm to 5am)

    • A full northbound closure on State Highway 1 (SH1) between the Ellerslie Panmure Hwy and Symonds St will be in place on Sunday 16 and Monday 17 February.
    • A full northbound closure between Mt Wellington Hwy and Ellerslie Panmure Hwy will be in place Tuesday 18 February.
    • A full northbound closure between the Ellerslie Panmure Hwy and Gillies Ave on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 February, for road resurfacing. Work will continue into the following week from Monday 24 to Thursday 27 February.

    Motorists traveling northbound on SH1 from Ellerslie to the Central Motorway Junction should detour via Great South Rd, Broadway, Khyber Pass and Grafton Rd to the State Highway 16 Wellesley St westbound on-ramp, where they can rejoin SH1.

    Motorists traveling northbound on SH1 to State Highway 16 westbound should detour via Great South Road, Greenlane West, Balmoral Rd and St Lukes Rd.

    Motorists traveling northbound on SH1 from Mt Wellington Hwy to Ellerslie should detour via Great South Road.

    Detours will be signposted and are expected to add no more than 15 minutes to northbound journeys.

    As well as ensuring a smooth, skid-resistant surface, road resurfacing helps to protect the important structural layers underneath, improves watertightness to help prevent potholes, and extends the life of the road.

    State Highway 18 – Tauhinu Road to Albany Highway night closures (9pm to 5am)

    Overnight closures of State Highway 18 eastbound between Tauhinu Rd and Albany Hwy will take place over 10 nights in late February and early March while contractors reconstruct the road.

    Closures will take place between 9pm and 5am on the following dates:

    • Sunday 16 February to Tuesday 18 February
    • Sunday 23 February
    • Thursday 27 February
    • Sunday 2 March to Wednesday 5 March
    • Sunday 9 March

    During the closure, road users will be detoured via Upper Harbour Drive. The detour route will be signposted and is expected to add less than 10 minutes to eastbound journeys.

    Rebuilding the road, which often involves replacing all or most of the structural road layers, improves the longevity of the network, the resilience and ultimately the safety and efficiency for all road users. Nearby residents can expect increased noise during the works, however, contractors will work to minimise disruption as much as possible.

    For more information about the road reconstruction works, visit: SH18 Tauhinu Road to Albany Highway(external link)

    These works are weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) for up-to-date information, including any changes due to weather. 

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience as we carry out these important works.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Students misled on halal school lunches

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    It’s been revealed that Muslim students have been misled on the Government’s school lunches, which were claimed to be halal.

    “It’s unacceptable that our Muslim students were served a meal that David Seymour’s lunch provider said was halal, when it fact it wasn’t,” Labour’s Ethnic Communities Spokesperson Jenny Salesa said.

    “Claiming a meal is religiously permissible for groups of students when it isn’t, breaks a trust we have fought long and hard to establish with communities who have long called Aotearoa home.

    “New Zealand is a culturally diverse nation, rich with people of all backgrounds and faiths – and they should feel comfortable expressing their identities here.

    “I back my local school principal in her push to ensure halal school lunches are as they claim to be, halal-certified.

    “David Seymour must front up and apologise to these students and their families for a false claim that has resulted in disrespect to their faith,” Jenny Salesa said.

    “It seems with each passing day, we hear about another mishap with David Seymour’s school lunches. First they were arriving late or not at all, then it was schools having to cover extra costs for distribution and clean up, and now they’re misleading religious students,” said Education Spokesperson Jan Tinetti.

    “They should have never tampered with these school lunches in the first place, but now they’ve created a huge mess that is distracting our students’ from their learning and causing headaches for schools across the country.”

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –