Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A worker works at an assembly line of Voyah, a Chinese NEV brand, in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s passenger car sector recorded a surge in retail sales in April as the country’s policies to boost consumption continued to take effect, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) on Sunday.
Retail sales of passenger cars in China grew by 14.5 percent year on year and reached about 1.76 million units last month, data from the CPCA shows.
This retail sales number is only slightly below the April 2018 peak of 1.81 million units — marking one of the highest April levels in recent years, the association noted.
Since the beginning of 2025, total retail sales of passenger cars have reached about 6.87 million units, representing year-on-year growth of 7.9 percent.
Fueled by policies to boost consumption, provinces and cities across the country have rolled out favorable policies for purchasing cars, the CPCA said.
Additionally, improved financial support and the launch of offline activities such as auto shows, have also helped China’s auto market register a solid performance in April, the association said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This photo taken on May 10, 2025 shows a scene of the main forum of the 2025 World Brand Moganshan Conference, held in Deqing County, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Across diverse sectors, Chinese companies are turning inclusive and self-driven innovation into a common pursuit: building global brands through accessible technology and self-reliant strength.
“Technology should be a public good that is accessible to every individual and affordable for every small business,” Wang Jing, general manager of public affairs at Alibaba Group, said on the sidelines of the 2025 World Brand Moganshan Conference.
Held from May 9 to 11 in east China’s Zhejiang Province, the conference, themed “Brands Bring Better Future for the World,” is aimed at creating a Chinese platform for global cooperation, shared development and mutual benefit.
On April 29, Alibaba unveiled Qwen3, the latest iteration of its open-source large language model family. All Qwen3 models are freely available to developers worldwide, underscoring the company’s commitment to inclusive innovation in the AI space.
“As of the end of March, downloads of Qwen models on collaborative AI platform, Hugging Face, had surpassed 200 million, accounting for more than 20 percent of all model downloads,” said Wang. “Behind this surge is the rising global influence of China’s homegrown technology in the AI landscape.”
Even robotic dogs are stepping up, and not just in terms of speed and agility, but in embodying a vision of technology designed to serve all.
At DEEP Robotics, the “AI for All” vision is materializing through four-legged machines. Under its “AI+” initiative, the Hangzhou-based company combines software training systems with massive datasets to enable autonomous learning in quadruped robots.
Enhanced by proprietary algorithms, these robots can now navigate complex environments, adapt to unstructured terrain, and support rescue teams by swiftly entering disaster zones and relaying real-time data for decision-making.
“AI-powered robots can help humans work more safely and efficiently in diverse scenarios — from power facility inspections to emergency response,” said Meng Yuan, a media manager at DEEP Robotics. “They’re built to take on repetitive and high-risk tasks, and may one day assist with everyday needs in the home.”
The company’s global footprint now covers Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Middle East, Europe and North America — with international demand rising. “In Singapore, a local power company is using our robotic dogs to inspect underground utility tunnels, reducing labor costs and boosting urban efficiency,” said Meng.
Meanwhile, in Zhejiang’s textile industrial heartland, Hangzhou Hangmin Damei Dyeing and Finishing Co., Ltd., a fabric supplier to global fashion brands including Zara, is grappling with rising green trade barriers.
Confronted with a maze of carbon policies and mounting compliance costs tied to carbon tariffs and clean energy transition, the company has joined a new alliance that turns compliance into a competitive advantage.
The “Green Energy To” initiative, led by the Xiaoshan Power Supply Company under the State Grid Corporation of China, in partnership with government agencies, financial institutions and exporters, offers a three-pronged solution — policy guidance, carbon-reduction services, and tailored financial support.
With the alliance’s support, Hangmin Damei analyzed carbon footprints across eight production lines, built a digital monitoring platform, and now generates monthly energy-efficiency reports. Equipped with real-time carbon data and smart low-carbon solutions, the company is exporting to the European Union under a new label, namely “Green Energy To” — thus symbolizing China’s emerging brand story.
“As global trade undergoes a green transformation, the ‘Green Energy To’ initiative aims to give Chinese exporters a green passport to navigate mounting carbon-based tariffs,” said Lai Hanbin, deputy director of the marketing department at Xiaoshan Power Supply Company. Lai served as a “zero-carbon engineer” for the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou in September 2023.
“I think the time has now come for Chinese people to start to really appreciate their own brands,” said Michael Levitt, 2013 Nobel laureate in chemistry and vice chairman of the World Laureates Association. “I believe that Chinese brands will spread to the rest of the world.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The race to ensure the final Champions League places in the Premier League remains open after the 36th round of matches at the weekend.
Arsenal could have confirmed a top-five finish with a win away to Liverpool, but drew 2-2, although Mikel Arteta will be content after seeing his side fight back from 2-0 down after conceding quick-fire goals to Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz midway through the first half.
Gabriel Martinelli pulled a goal back for Arsenal in the 47th minute, and Mikel Merino leveled with 20 minutes left to play, before being sent off for two yellow cards 11 minutes from time.
Four other teams still have top-five hopes with two games left to play.
Newcastle United beat Chelsea 2-0 at St James’ Park to move up to third above Manchester City.
The home side got off to a flying start when Sandro Tonali popped up at the far post to open the scoring after just two minutes.
Things got better for Newcastle when Chelsea were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes, as striker Nicolas Jackson was dismissed for using his elbow on Sven Botman.
Chelsea reacted well with a player less, and Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez both forced Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope into good saves, but the game was decided in the last minute when Bruno Guimaraes’ shot took a deflection to loop into the net.
Nottingham Forest had the chance to move above Chelsea, but was held to a surprise 2-2 draw at home to already-relegated Leicester City.
Conor Cody put Leicester ahead before Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood looked to have given Forest three vital points, only for Facundo Buonanotte to stun the home side with nine minutes left to play.
Europa League finalists Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur made it clear where their focus lies for the rest of the season as both slipped to home defeats.
United lost 2-0 at home to West Ham United due to goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen, while goals from Eberechi Eze either side of half-time saw Crystal Palace win at Spurs.
Saturday’s big surprise was a 0-0 draw between Southampton and Manchester City, which allowed Southampton to avoid the ignominy of going down with the joint worst points total in Premier League history, while complicating City’s qualification for next season’s Champions League as they slipped to fourth.
Ollie Watkins kept Aston Villa’s Champions League hopes alive with the only goal in a 1-0 win away to Bournemouth, while Brentford and Brighton remain with a chance of playing in Europe next season after wins away to Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith’s recent announcement that the government would reinstate a total ban on prisoners voting was in keeping with the coalition’s overall tough-on-crime approach.
The move was called “ridiculous” and “stupid” by opposition spokespeople, largely because it contradicted findings by the Supreme Court and the Waitangi Tribunal.
But behind those concerns about the ban placing an “unreasonable limit on the electoral rights guaranteed under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act” lies a broader constitutional question to do with parliament’s relationship with the courts.
In short, removing prisoner voting rights will damage a critical but fragile check on government power – what is known as the “judicial declaration of inconsistency”.
An ‘executive paradise’
New Zealand has been described as an “executive paradise” by constitutional lawyer and former prime minister Geoffrey Palmer. There is no upper house, no federal structure, and the courts lack the power to strike down unconstitutional legislation.
The constitution itself is a collection of statutes and conventions that, for the most part, can be changed by a simple parliamentary majority. The 1990 Bill of Rights Act is a cornerstone of that constitution, but is an ineffectual check on government power.
When parliament considers a bill that is potentially inconsistent with “the human rights and fundamental freedoms” set out in the Bill of Rights, the attorney-general delivers a report explaining the inconsistencies.
This is supposed to be a deterrent, and one might think it would be the end of the matter. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Adverse attorney-general reports have appeared regularly (there have been 15 since 2021) without blocking legislation.
Parliament’s habit of passing legislation that does not comply with the Bill of Rights is why the recently developed judicial declaration of inconsistency is constitutionally important.
The declaration is a “soft” legal power. It doesn’t strike down laws or rewrite them. Rather, it is a “weak form” of review that enables affected citizens to petition the court to declare a law inconsistent with the Bill of Rights. This should then spur parliament to fix the problem.
The declaration aims to start a constitutional dialogue between the two branches of government. Enabling citizens to hold parliament accountable, it is a vital instrument in a system otherwise heavily dominated by the executive branch.
Constitutional dialogue in action
The High Court issued the first such declaration in the case of Taylor vs Attorney-General in 2015, declaring a total ban on prisoners voting was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act. The government appealed, but the Supreme Court affirmed the declaration in a landmark 2018 decision.
What happened next, however, was just as important. If the declaration was to initiate a constitutional dialogue, it was up to parliament to respond – which it did. In 2020, it rescinded the ban on voting for prisoners incarcerated for less than three years.
Then, in 2022, it amended the Bill of Rights to require the attorney-general to notify parliament when a superior court issues a declaration of inconsistency. And it required a ministerial report to parliament on the government’s response within six months.
Those measures put in place a framework for constitutional dialogues. And this process played out in the next (and to date only) declaration of inconsistency. This was in 2022, when the Supreme Court declared prohibiting 16-year-olds from voting was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights.
In 2023, the government tabled its response and introduced a bill to enable 16-year-olds to vote in local elections. The government initially announced it would do the same for parliamentary elections. But that idea was dropped when it became clear this wouldn’t get the necessary super-majority support of 75% of MPs.
Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann: courts and parliament could work together. Getty Images
An over-powered parliament
Although modest, parliament’s responses were constitutionally important because they modelled a new framework for accountability. Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann suggested the process illustrated how courts and parliament could work together in the “gradual and collaborative elaboration” of New Zealand’s constitution.
An evolving constitutional dialogue would enable the courts to pose a modest check on New Zealand’s over-powered parliament. So, those who hoped they were seeing the dawn of a new constitutional convention will be disheartened by the move to ban all prisoners from voting.
The current government has already terminated the bill enabling 16-year-olds to vote, without mentioning this contradicted the Supreme Court’s declaration of inconsistency.
Should parliament now ban prisoner voting, it will have nullified all substantial responses to declarations of inconsistency. That would be a profound constitutional setback.
Parliament regularly flouts the Bill of Rights. We are now seeing it double down by rolling back its previous responses to judicial declarations.
New Zealanders already have comparatively little constitutional protection from parliament. Reinstating a total ban on prisoner voting will undermine the practice of constitutional dialogue between the two branches of government. And it will weaken a fragile check on government power.
Stephen Winter 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.
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual, Karen Chhour, has launched a one-stop-shop directory for family violence training that will aide support workers to access training that helps them safely recognise and care for people and families affected by family violence. “The family violence workforce are a deeply caring and thoughtful group who provide support to people and families during the most challenging times of their lives. “Knowledge around how to best support these people continues to grow, and this directory will allow these frontline heroes to access the latest best practice guidance and find specific training that aligns with the Family Violence Capability Frameworks,” said Mrs Chhour. The Family Violence Entry to Expert Capability Framework outlines the capabilities needed to respond safely and effectively to family violence for different roles and responsibilities. It sets out the expected capabilities of workers and practitioners, supporting them to continuously learn and increase their capability through Essential, Entry, Enhanced, and Expert levels. “The message from victim survivors has been clear, we need to support this vital workforce by ensuring they are able to support them in ways that enable them to get to safety, stay safe, and start healing. The training directory is another step in our efforts to build an effective system and strengthen the capabilities of those working in it. It’s just one way we are helping the helpers,” concluded Karen Chhour.
eal Madrid suffered yet another defeat to their fierce rivals FC Barcelona, falling 3-5 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in what was their fourth El Clasico loss of the season. A hat-trick by Kylian Mbappe proved insufficient, as the Catalans firmly claimed bragging rights on Sunday.
Goals from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal, and a brace by Raphinha secured a thrilling comeback win for the hosts, who had trailed by two goals within the opening 15 minutes due to an early blitz by Mbappe.
With this victory, Barcelona moved seven points clear of Real Madrid in the La Liga standings and now need only one win from their three remaining games to clinch their 28th league title.
Mbappe looked ready for the occasion from the start. He earned a penalty in the 5th minute after drawing a foul from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, which he converted with ease. Just nine minutes later, he doubled Madrid’s advantage. An assist from Vinicius Jr set up the Frenchman’s 38th goal of the season—surpassing Chilean striker Ivan Zamorano’s record of 37 goals in a debut season for Real Madrid in 1992/93.
However, the visitors were soon given a rude awakening. In the 19th minute, Ferran Torres flicked a corner toward Eric Garcia, who headed it into the net.
The floodgates opened as Barcelona chased the deficit with relentless aggression. Lamine Yamal continued his stellar season with a driven low shot that left Courtois with little chance in goal.
Just two minutes later, Raphinha opened his account for the night. The Brazilian winger was beautifully played in by midfielder Pedri and made no mistake in converting. Raphinha added his second just before the half-time whistle, giving Barcelona a commanding lead.
Madrid failed to recover from the deficit and ended their 2024–25 campaign winless against their arch-rivals, having previously lost 0-4 at the Bernabéu in the league, 2-5 in the Spanish Super Cup Final in Riyadh, and 2-3 in the Copa del Rey Final at La Cartuja.
n the early hours of May 7, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a bold and calculated military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists. The operation, which involved deep strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), marked a significant shift in India’s counterterrorism doctrine.
Destruction of Terror Launchpads
India successfully destroyed nine high-value terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These locations were identified as key training and operational hubs for attacks against India.
Deep Strikes into Pakistan’s Mainland
Operation Sindoor broke conventional norms by targeting locations deep within Pakistan’s mainland, including strategic zones like Punjab province and Bahawalpur — areas once considered untouchable. By doing so, India discarded the old distinction between terrorists and their state sponsors, treating both as legitimate targets. This demonstrated that no part of Pakistan would be considered safe if terror emanates from its soil.
Assertion of a Red Line
The response signaled a doctrinal shift in India’s strategy, establishing that state-sponsored terrorism would now invite targeted, visible, and proportional retaliation. Operation Sindoor underlined a new red line that Pakistan could no longer ignore.
Exposing Pakistan’s Air Defence Vulnerabilities
Indian forces, including Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs, executed the strikes with pinpoint accuracy. The 23-minute mission exposed significant gaps in Pakistan’s air defence network, which was either bypassed or neutralised. Not a single Indian asset was lost in the operation.
Demonstration of Robust Air Defence Capabilities
India also proved its robust air defence capabilities at home. The Akashteer Air Defence System played a key role in intercepting hundreds of Pakistani drones and missiles, and is now positioned as a serious global export contender.
Precision Without Escalation
While India’s actions were assertive, they were not escalatory. No civilian or general military infrastructure was targeted — only identified terror assets. The response followed India’s long-standing doctrine of zero tolerance toward terrorism, coupled with a clear effort to avoid civilian casualties.
Elimination of Key Terrorist Operatives
Several high-value terrorist operatives were eliminated, including individuals on India’s most-wanted list. The leadership of multiple terror modules was dismantled in one night.
Damage to Pakistan’s Military Establishment
In retaliation to Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks on May 9–10, India carried out strikes on 11 Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan, Rafiqi, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari, and Jacobabad. These strikes reportedly destroyed 20 percent of Pakistan’s air force infrastructure. Among the dead was Pakistan’s squadron leader Usman Yousuf.
Tri-Service Coordination
The operation showcased seamless tri-service coordination between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Indian Navy’s deployment in the Arabian Sea kept Pakistan’s naval assets pinned near the coast, while weapon drills ensured full operational preparedness at sea.
Global Message Sent
Globally, the operation sent a strong message. In contrast to previous conflicts where India was urged to show restraint, this time the world’s leading powers largely expressed support for India’s right to defend its citizens and territory.
Changing the Narrative on Kashmir
Operation Sindoor also helped shift the narrative around Kashmir. The strikes were viewed not through the prism of the bilateral dispute, but as part of a legitimate response to terrorism. For the first time, the Kashmir issue was effectively de-hyphenated from India’s right to act against terror.
India’s message was unambiguous: those who shelter terrorists will no longer be safe. The response to Pahalgam was not just retaliation — it was a declaration of resolve.
lass=”selectable-text copyable-text x15bjb6t x1n2onr6″ dir=”ltr”>People with excess weight are more likely to experience long-term neurological and mental health symptoms after Covid-19, including headaches, vertigo, smell and taste disorders, sleep disturbances, and depression, according to new research.
The study was conducted by visiting PhD scholar Debora Barbosa Ronca from the Edith Cowan University (ECU) Centre of Precision Health.
“We anticipated some level of association between excess weight and post-Covid-19 symptoms based on prior evidence linking obesity with worse long-term Covid-19 outcomes. What stood out was the consistency of findings across a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms—including memory problems, depression, sleep disturbances, and sensory impairments,” said Ronca.
She noted that while the study did not include subgroup analyses by ethnicity, the inclusion of data from 23 countries suggested the global relevance of the findings.
Excess weight has been associated with the development of long Covid—or Post-Covid-19 Condition—as defined by the World Health Organization.
While the mechanisms behind this link are not yet fully understood, Ronca suggested it may be related to an exaggerated inflammatory response caused by excess fatty tissue in the body. Additionally, fat tissue may assist the SARS-CoV-2 virus in entering the body and act as a reservoir, allowing it to spread.
Some studies have shown that long Covid symptoms can persist for 12 months or longer, highlighting the need for long-term medical support.
“These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and may linger for months. As we face overlapping public health challenges in the post-pandemic era—such as long Covid, mental health issues, and rising obesity rates—it’s essential to develop personalised and multidisciplinary care strategies to support affected individuals,” Ronca added.
She emphasised that healthcare providers should be aware that individuals with excess weight may face a higher risk of experiencing long-term neurological and mental health symptoms after Covid-19.
“This population may require closer monitoring and integrated care. Combining weight management, mental health support, and rehabilitation into post-Covid care plans could improve patient outcomes,” she said.
irector General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai on Sunday said that the recent hostilities between India and Pakistan over the past three to four days have been “no less than a war.” He paid tribute to five fallen soldiers and civilians who lost their lives due to Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control (LoC).
Ghai said that the Pakistan Army may be directly involved in infiltration attempts across the LoC, with the intention of targeting Indian military posts.
“The activities that have been going on for the last 3–4 days are no less than a war. Under normal circumstances, the air forces of countries do not fly and attack each other. Normally, infiltration across the Line of Control is carried out by terrorists. We have credible information that the Pakistan Army may also be involved in these infiltration attempts, targeting our posts,” Ghai said during a press conference.
“I pay my solemn homage to my five fallen colleagues and brothers from the armed forces, as well as to the civilians who tragically lost their lives during Operation Sindoor. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. Their sacrifices shall always be remembered,” he added.
The DGMO warned that while India had exercised considerable restraint and kept its actions measured and non-escalatory, any threat to national sovereignty would be met with decisive force.
“We have thus far exercised immense restraint. Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory. However, any threat to our sovereignty, territorial integrity, or the safety of our citizens will be met with decisive force,” Ghai said.
Regarding operational measures on the ground, the DGMO said that the armed forces had deployed air defence and electronic warfare assets to integrate operations with the Indian Air Force (IAF), enhancing the ability to counter airspace violations.
“On land, we undertook measures such as the deployment of air defence and electronic warfare assets to establish an integrated grid with the Indian Air Force. I have seen and heard some of you acknowledge the effectiveness of such an architecture in countering air intrusions,” he noted.
ir Marshal AK Bharti on Sunday emphasised India’s military capabilities, saying that the country has the ability to target every system at Pakistan’s military bases.
His remarks came amid heightened tensions between the two nations following Operation Sindoor, a recent Indian military operation that targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation involved precision strikes on nine identified sites, including militant camps in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur.
Speaking at a press briefing, Air Marshal Bharti said, “We have the capability to target every system at these bases and more. However, this was a measured response intended to instil wisdom in our adversary and discourage further escalation. The IAF’s response was directed solely at military installations, deliberately avoiding civilian areas and collateral damage”.
According to Bharti, Pakistan launched a large-scale drone attack targeting Indian cities, including Srinagar and Naliya, on the night of May 8–9. He said Indian air defence forces were well-prepared and successfully countered the drones, preventing any damage to their intended targets.
“A decision was taken to strike where it would hurt. In a swift, coordinated, and calibrated attack, we struck their air bases, command centres, military infrastructure, and air defence systems across the entire Western Front. The bases we struck include Chaklala, Rafiqi, and Rahim Yar Khan, sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. These were followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad,” he added.
A new Auckland-based kava business has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation, authenticity, and the future of kava as a deeply rooted Pacific tradition.
Vibes Kava, co-founded by Charles Byram and Derek Hillen, operates out of New Leaf Kombucha taproom in Grey Lynn.
The pair launched the business earlier this year, promoting it as a space for connection and community.
Byram, a Kiwi-American of Samoan descent, returned to Aotearoa after growing up in the United States. Hillen, originally from Canada, moved to New Zealand 10 years ago.
Both say they discovered kava during the covid-19 pandemic and credit it with helping them shift away from alcohol.
“We wanted to create something that brings people together in a healthier way,” the pair said.
However, their vision has been met with growing criticism, with people saying the business lacks cultural depth, misrepresents tradition, and risks commodifying a sacred practice.
Context and different perspectives Tensions escalated after Vibes Kava posted a promotional video on Instagram, describing their offering as “a modern take on a 3000-year-old tradition” and “a lifestyle shift, one shell at a time”.
On their website, Hillen is referred to as a “kava evangelist,” while videos feature Byram hosting casual kava circles and promoting fortnightly “kava socials.”
The kava they sell is bottled, with tag names referencing the effects of each different kava bottle — for example, “buzzy kava” and “chill kava”.
Their promotional content was later reposted on TikTok by a prominent Pacific influencer, prompting an influx of online input about the legitimacy of their business and the diversity of their kava circles.
The reposted video has since received more than 95,000 views, 1600 shares, and 11,000 interactions.
In the TikTok caption, the influencer questioned the ethical foundations of the business.
“I would like to know what type of ethics was put into the creation of this . . . who was consulted, and said it was okay to make a brand out of a tradition?”
Criticised the brand’s aesthetic Speaking to RNZ Pacific anonymously, the influencer criticised the brand’s aesthetic and messaging, describing it as “exploitative”.
“Their website and Instagram portray trendy, wellness-style branding rather than a proud celebration of authentic Pacific customs or values,” they said.
“I feel like co-owner Charles appears to use his Samoan heritage as a buffer against the backlash he’s received.
“Not to discredit his identity in any way; he is Samoan, and seems like a proud Samoan too.
“However, that should be reflected consistently in their branding. What’s currently shown on their website and Instagram is a mix of Fijian kava practice served in a Samoan tanoa. That to me is confusing and dilutes cultural authenticity.”
Fiji academic Dr Apo Aporosa said much of the misunderstanding stems from a narrow perception of kava as simply being a beverage.
“Most people who think they are using kava are not,” Aporosa said.
‘Detached from culture’ “What they’re consuming may contain Piper methysticum, but it’s detached from the cultural framework that defines what kava actually is.”
Aporosa said it is important to recognise kava as both a substance and a practice — one that involves ceremony, structure, and values.
“It is used to nurture vā, the relational space between people, and is traditionally accompanied by specific customs: woven mats, the tanoa bowl, coconut shell cups (bilo or ipu), and a shared sense of respect and order.”
He said that the commodification of kava, through flavoured drink extracts and Western “wellness” branding, is concerning, and that it distorts the plant’s original purpose.
“When people repackage kava without understanding or respecting the culture it comes from, it becomes cultural appropriation,” he said.
He added that it is not about restricting access to kava — it is about protecting its cultural integrity and honouring the knowledge Pacific communities have preserved for upwards of 2000 years.
Fijian students at the Victoria University of Wellington conduct a sevusevu (kava ceremony) to start off Fiji Language Week. Image: RNZ Pacific/Koroi Hawkins
‘We can’t just gatekeep — we need to guide’ Dr Edmond Fehoko, is a renowned Tongan academic and senior lecturer at Otago University, garnered international attention for his research on the experiences and perceptions of New Zealand-born Tongan men who participate in faikava.
He said these situations are layered.
“I see the cultural appreciation side of things, and I see the cultural appropriation side of things,” Fehoko said.
“It is one of the few practices we hold dearly to our heart, and that is somewhat indigenous to our Pacific people — it can’t be found anywhere else.
“Hence, it holds a sacred place in our society. But, we as a peoples, have actually not done a good enough job to raise awareness of the practice to other societies, and now it’s a race issue, that only Pacific people have the rights to this — and I don’t think that is the case anymore.”
He explained that it is part of a broader dynamic around kava’s globalisation — and that for many people, both Pacific and non-Pacific, kava is an “interesting and exciting space, where all types of people, and all genders, come in and feel safe”.
“Yes, that is moving away from the cultural, customary way of things. But, we need to find new ways, and create new opportunities, to further disseminate our knowledge.
‘Not the same today’ “Our kava practice is not the same today as it was 10, 20 years ago. Kava practices have evolved significantly across generations.
“There are over 200 kava bars in the United States . . . kava is one of the few traditions that is uniquely Pacific. But our understanding of it has to evolve too. We can’t just gatekeep — we need to guide,” he said.
Dr Edmond Fehoko . . . “Kava practices have evolved significantly across generations.” Image: RNZ Pacific/ Sara Vui-Talitu
He added that the issue of kava being commercialised by non-Pacific people cannot necessarily be criticised.
“It’s two-fold, and quite contradictory,” he said, adding that the criticism against these ventures often overlooks the parallel ways in which Pacific communities are also reshaping and profiting from the tradition.
“We argue that non-Pacific people are profiting off our culture, but the truth is, many of us are too,” he said.
“A minority have extensive knowledge of kava . . . and if others want to appreciate our culture, let them take it further with us, instead of the backlash.
“If these lads are enjoying a good time and have the same vibe . . . the only difference is the colour of their skin, and the language they are using, which has become the norm in our kava practices as well.
“But here, we have an opportunity to educate people on the importance of our practice. Let’s raise awareness. Kava is a practice we can use as a vehicle, or medium, to navigate these spaces.”
Vibes Kava co-founder Charles Byram . . . It’s tough to be this person and then get hurt online, without having a conversation with me. Nobody took the time to ask those questions.” Image: Brady Dyer/BradyDyer.com/RNZ Pacific
‘Getting judged for the colour of my skin’ “I completely understand the points that have been brought up,” Byram said in response to the criticism.
Tearing up, he said that was one of the most difficult things to swallow was backlash fixated on his cultural identity.
“I felt like I was getting judged for the colour of my skin, and for not understanding who I was or what I was trying to accomplish. If my skin was a bit darker, I might have been given some more grace.
“I was raised in a Samoan household. My grandfather is Samoan . . . my mum is Samoan. It’s tough to be this person and then get hurt online, without having a conversation with me. Nobody took the time to ask those questions,” he said.
The pair also pushed back on claims they are focused on profit.
“We went there to learn, to dive into the culture. We went to a lot of kava bars, interviewed farmers, just to understand the origin of kava, how it works within a community, and then how best to engage with, and showcase it,” Byram said.
“People have criticised that we are profiting — we’re making no money at this point. All the money we make from this kava has gone back to the farmers in Vanuatu.”
Representing a minority Hillen thinks those criticising them represent a minority.
“We have a lot of Pasifika customers that come here [and] they support us.
“They are ecstatic their culture is being promoted this way, and love what we are doing. The negative response from a minority part of the population was surprising to us.”
Critics had argued that the business showcased confusing blends of different cultural approaches.
Byram and Hillen said that it is up to other people to investigate and learn about the cultures, and that they are simply trying to acknowledge all of them.
Byram, however, added that the critics brought up some good points — and that this will be a catalyst for change within their business.
“Yesterday, we joined the Pacific Business Hub. We are [taking] steps to integrate more about the culture, community, and what we are trying to accomplish here.”
They also addressed their initial silence and comment moderation.
‘Cycle so self-perpetuating’ “I think the cycle was so self-perpetuating, so I was like . . . I need to make sure I respond with candor, concern, and active communication.
“So I deleted comments and put a pause on things, so we could have some space before the comments get out of hand.
“At the end of the day . . . this is about my connection with my culture and people more than anything, and I’m excited to grow from it. I’m learning, and I’m utilising this as a growth point. We’re just doing our best,” Byram said.
Hillen added: “You have to understand, this business is super new, so we’re still figuring out how best to do things, how to market and grow along with not only the community.
“What we really want to represent as people who care about, and believe in this.”
Byram said they want to acknowledge as many peoples as possible.
“We don’t want to create ceremony or steal anything from the culture. We really just want to celebrate it, and so again, we acknowledge the concern,” he added.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom will host a virtual press conference with California Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson, Director of the California Department of Health Care Services Michelle Baass, and mental health leaders to make an announcement regarding his administration’s continued transformation of behavioral health services supporting California’s seriously ill and homeless populations.
WHEN: Monday, May 12 at approximately 1 p.m.
LIVESTREAM: Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, and the Governor’s YouTube page. This event will also be available to TV stations on the LiveU Matrix under “California Governor.”
**NOTE: Credentialed media interested in asking a question during the virtual press conference must RSVP by clicking here no later than 11 a.m., May 12. A link to the event will be provided upon confirmation.
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The construction of China’s railway projects has accelerated in the first four months of this year, injecting new impetus into the sustained recovery and improvement of the Chinese economy, according to the country’s railway operator on Sunday.
The fixed-asset investment in China’s railway sector gained 5.3 percent year on year and reached 194.7 billion yuan (about 27 billion U.S. dollars) from January to April this year, according to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
During the period, the country’s railway sector focused on network connection and supplementation, strengthened control over safety and quality as well as ecological and environmental protection, and advanced railway engineering construction in a high-quality and efficient manner, according to the operator.
Railway construction projects have made positive progress across various regions in the country, including the Lanzhou-Hezuo Railway in northwest China’s Gansu and a river tunnel project in north China’s Tianjin, it said.
In the future, China will engage in the planning and construction of railway projects in a scientific and orderly manner, improving investment efficiency to accelerate the construction of a modern railway infrastructure system, according to the company.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A press briefing is held by the Chinese side following the China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 11, 2025. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, said here on Sunday that the meeting was in-depth, candid and constructive. The senior Chinese official said the two sides have reached a series of major consensuses, adding that China and the United States have also agreed to establish an economic and trade consultation mechanism. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said in Geneva on Sunday that the China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs were in-depth, candid and constructive.
He, the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, made the remarks when briefing the press following the high-level meeting with the U.S. side.
The senior Chinese official said the two sides have reached a series of major consensuses, adding that China and the United States have also agreed to establish an economic and trade consultation mechanism.
China and the United States, He said, will finalize relevant details as soon as possible and release on Monday a joint statement reached during the talks.
He noted that under the current circumstances, the meeting was closely watched by the international community.
Through joint efforts of both sides, the talks were fruitful, said He, adding that it is an important step towards resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation, and has laid the foundation and created conditions for further bridging differences and deepening cooperation.
Economic and trade relations between China and the United States are not only of great significance to the two countries but also have an important impact on the stability and development of the global economy, said He.
China is ready to work with the United States to actively implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call on Jan. 17, He added.
He also called on the two sides to follow a practical attitude for solving problems, carry out candid dialogues and equal consultations, manage differences, explore cooperation potential, extend the list of cooperation list, and make the pie of cooperation bigger, so as to push for new development in China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and inject more certainty and stability into the world economy.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Manchester City’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League suffered a surprise setback on Saturday when Pep Guardiola’s side was held to a 0-0 draw away to Southampton.
City had Erling Haaland available again, but the Norwegian’s presence couldn’t help his side break down a Southampton side that may have been relegated to the Championship several weeks ago, but that needed a point to avoid going down with the joint worst ever record.
Omar Marmoush hit the crossbar late on for City, but despite managing 26 shots in the game, the visiting side had just five on target, while Southampton had just two shots, neither of which was on target during the match.
Ollie Watkins’ goal in the first injury time saw Aston Villa to a narrow 1-0 win away to Bournemouth.
Villa has moved onto 63 points, while the result probably ends Bournemouth’s hopes of playing in Europe next season, even though Andoni Iraola’s side created more chances in the game and ended up against 10 men after Jacob Ramsey’s 80th-minute red card.
Brighton and Brentford both kept their hopes of playing in Europe alive with Danny Welbeck and Brajan Gruda scoring as Brighton took advantage of a rival that had nothing to play for to claim three vital points.
Kevin Schade’s 18th-minute goal saw Brentford to a 1-0 win away to relegated Ipswich, with Brentford now taking 22 points from the last 27 possible away from home to move onto 55 points.
Vitalii Mykolenko, Michael Keane and Beto all scored as Everton won 3-1 away to Fulham, who had opened the scoring through Raul Jimenez.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Emotions erupted late Saturday evening at Hamburger SV’s arena following the club’s return to the first tier after seven years.
Hours of celebration followed across the city. While overwhelming joy is typical after sporting success, the dramatic story of one of Germany’s most famous football teams stands as a special chapter.
Internal power struggles had divided the team, with various squads and coaches collapsing under immense expectations after relegation in 2018. It took 34-year-old former assistant coach Merlin Polzin to finally overcome these challenges.
The 2018 relegation was Hamburg’s first and only demotion since the league’s foundation in 1963. After 2,555 days, the “Red pants” are back.
Narrow and heartbreaking failures, often mere millimeters from success, had led to widespread mockery. Golden times seemed long gone, with the atmosphere verging permanently on mediocrity.
This golden era included six league titles (the last in 1983), three German Cup wins (last in 1987), the 1977 UEFA Cup, and the 1983 European Champions Cup – the predecessor to today’s UEFA Champions League – largely associated with Felix Magath.
Neither the club’s fans nor the former German international have forgotten that magical night in Athens, when Magath scored the winning goal against Juventus after nine minutes.
After a coaching career and more than 300 games in an HSV shirt, the 71-year-old Magath recently announced plans to run for president in the June 2025 elections.
For many supporters, hopes rest heavily on the former Shandong Taishan coach, who promised to steer the club back to consistency if elected.
“It feels like someone shaking a bottle of champagne for seven years, now the cork went off,” said Stefan Kuntz, director of sport, after coach Polzin received the traditional beer shower during the post-game press conference.
The former German international and 1996 European champion added: “We are back where we belong.”
Central to the current fairytale is coach Polzin, who took charge in November 2024 when morale at the club had hit rock bottom.
Polzin, born in Hamburg, began as an avid fan, traveling to every game. He later completed coaching education and served as an assistant coach under several predecessors.
Despite financial losses over recent years that may have diminished Hamburg’s once-great potential, HSV returns to the Bundesliga not as an ordinary rookie. Merely battling relegation cannot be considered a realistic goal.
Calm and thoughtful leadership could provide an opportunity for sustained success if realistic sporting goals are established.
“We will start planning next week to play a significant role in the first division,” Kuntz said, confirming that Polzin’s contract has been extended.
“The Odyssey 3D marks the beginning of a new era of experiences.”— Taekwan Lee, Samsung Electronics
3D content has often been associated with inconvenience. Enjoying it typically required specialized equipment such as 3D glasses or head-mounted displays (HMDs). Imperfections in the delivery of 3D images caused crosstalk, potentially leading to dizziness. These discomforts would chip away the immersion of 3D content.
Samsung Electronics is changing that narrative with the introduction of the Odyssey 3D (G90XF) — a finely tuned glasses-free 3D gaming monitor. Featuring eye-tracking and view-mapping technology, the Odyssey 3D marks a paradigm shift in immersive viewing and gaming experiences.
Samsung Newsroom sat down with Donghwa Lim from the Enterprise R&D Lab and Taekwan Lee from the Product Innovation Lab, both part of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics, to discuss how the Odyssey 3D is redefining perceptions of 3D.
The Three Core Technologies Behind Odyssey 3D
3D displays create a sense of dimension using binocular disparity, in which the brain perceives depth by processing the slightly different images seen by each eye. Leveraging this principle, the Odyssey 3D delivers a glasses-free 3D experience by precisely presenting different images to each eye without the need for external equipment. The eye-tracking technology is designed to recognize users’ eyes even when they are wearing glasses.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to bring to market a technology that once seemed out of reach.”— Donghwa Lim, Samsung Electronics
At the heart of the Odyssey 3D are three key technologies — eye tracking, view mapping and a lenticular lens.
▲ Odyssey 3D features a myriad of technologies to deliver an immersive, glasses-free 3D experience
Eye tracking is enabled by a stereo camera mounted at the top of the monitor, detecting and tracking the user’s eye movements in real time.
“Because the two cameras capture different images, much like human eyes, they can determine the exact position of the user’s eyes and distance between the eyes and the monitor in real time,” said Lim. “This real-time eye position detection allows us to deliver a precise 3D image, even when the user moves.”
▲ (From left) View mapping and the lenticular lens
Based on this data, the system calculates the correct pixel positioning for each eye and reconstructs a single image through a process called view mapping. The final mapped images are then separately delivered to each eye through the lenticular lens, allowing the images from the display panels to be visible to each eye by utilizing light refraction.
What’s more, the Odyssey 3D isn’t limited to 3D gameplay alone. Since the Odyssey 3D was developed as a gaming monitor, it performs exceptionally well in terms of picture quality and response speed, even when used for 2D gameplay. The lenticular lens activates only when a 3D mode is enabled by Reality Hub.
Minimizing Crosstalk With Samsung’s Advanced Display Technology
While 3D effects offer new levels of immersion, even minor visual inconsistencies can disrupt the experience. Samsung has dedicated significant resources to ensuring premium 3D visuals.
“Crosstalk occurs when the images perceived by the left and right eyes aren’t properly aligned,” said Lim. “It can lead to dizziness and other visual discomforts, so we developed several techniques to reduce it.”
▲ Donghwa Lim, Enterprise R&D Lab, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, explains how technologies were meticulously put together to minimize crosstalk
“Even the slightest misalignments during the production or assembly of camera and display components can affect image accuracy,” he noted. “To address this, Samsung applies post-assembly calibration for both the camera and display panel and stores unit-specific data into a dedicated chip inside the monitor.”
In addition to hardware calibration, the Odyssey 3D features a deep learning-based eye-tracking algorithm and a specially engineered display cell coating designed to reduce light distortion and glare — all contributing to minimizing crosstalk and delivering a refined 3D experience.
Driving 3D Gaming Innovation Through Industry Partnerships
The true strength of the Odyssey 3D comes to life during gameplay. To bring immersive and personalized gaming experiences to users, Samsung is actively collaborating with industry partners to optimize games for glasses-free 3D.
“When industry-leading companies join forces, the benefits are ultimately passed on to gamers.”— Taekwan Lee, Samsung Electronics
In partnership with Microsoft and virtual reality (VR) company Zero Density, Samsung has made high-quality 3D gaming content available through Reality Hub — a Windows-based 3D content platform that also supports the conversion of 2D photos and videos into 3D.
▲ Taekwan Lee, Product Innovation Lab, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, explains that cross-industry efforts are key in expanding the 3D market
Joint efforts are also underway to expand 3D gaming content.
“Game developers are constantly exploring ways to offer new experiences to users,” said Lee. “One of those directions is 3D gaming.”
While the 3D gaming market is still emerging, Lee emphasized that industry-wide collaboration is key to accelerating its growth.
“The First Berserker: Khazan” — a recently published game developed by Nexon Korea and Neople — stands as a notable example of how 3D immersion can come to life through collaboration with Samsung during development.
“Through this partnership, Nexon, Neople and Samsung have been working closely to tailor the 3D visuals, carefully adjusting them based on the composition of characters and backgrounds. We ensured that everything from scene-specific factors to cinematic transitions could be presented more vividly on Odyssey 3D monitor,” he explained.
▲ A scene from “The First Berserker: Khazan”
“Creating effects like drifting particles, fast-moving flames and cinematic cutscenes1 was technically challenging, but I’m proud of what we achieved through teamwork,” Lee added. “In particular, the snowy mountain scene in Khazan gives the impression that snowflakes are flying directly toward the player when played on the Odyssey 3D. It’s an experience I would strongly recommend trying firsthand.”
“Our research is a journey to connect users to the future.”— Taekwan Lee, Samsung Electronics
With the Odyssey 3D, Samsung is elevating the gaming experience to new levels of immersion.
“We are in discussions with local and global game developers to expand the 3D gaming market,” he emphasized. “Our goal is to collaborate with more developers to bring a broader range of 3D games to users. When industry-leading companies join forces, the benefits are ultimately passed on to gamers.”
From Impossible to Possible: Leading the Future of 3D Monitors
Lim reflected on how far technology has come over the past decade.
“Way back when I first joined Samsung, I attended a meeting on 3D technology where the lenticular lens was deemed ‘not feasible’ with existing technology,” he said. “Now, years later, we’ve not only made it possible, but we’ve also brought it to market. It’s incredibly remarkable and deeply rewarding to see a product launch built on technology that once seemed out of reach.”
▲ Donghwa Lim and Taekwan Lee are excited about the market potential of 3D content and monitors
“Our research to create new experiences is a journey to connect users to the future. The Odyssey 3D marks the beginning of a new era in expanding the boundaries of technology-driven experiences,” said Lee. “Games played on the Odyssey 3D are sure to deliver a ‘wow’ factor — not just at specific moments, but throughout the entire experience.”
As Samsung continues to lead the gaming monitor market, the Odyssey 3D stands as a powerful example of how the company is redefining immersive experiences and pushing the limits of display innovation.
1 Short storytelling clips shown between stages during gameplay.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Beverland, Professor of Brand Management, University of Sussex Business School, University of Sussex
Whatever you think of his personality or politics, it’s impossible to deny the success of Donald Trump as a brand. Supporters and detractors across the world are transfixed by his second term as US president.
And so far, many corporate brands appear keen to get alongside him. The leaders of Tesla, Amazon and Meta were all prominent guests at Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
By then, Mark Zuckerberg had already shifted company policy on fact checking to be more aligned with the political wind. Weeks later, retail giants Walmart and Target had rolled back diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Even the NFL, which had so infuriated Trump in his first term with its support for diversity, has come to heel.
So now that Trump is back in town, is the only option available to big US organisations to swing to the right? Well, not necessarily.
Our research suggests that the rise of populism actually represents an opportunity for brands to rebuild a sense of shared national identity.
And the most well-known brands are the best placed to do this. Their familiar place in people’s everyday lives gives them huge power as non-political agents of collective identity which can cross divides of race, class, geography and age.
A great example of this was during the presidential election campaign when Trump’s team wanted to organise a publicity stunt involving the Republican candidate “working” at a branch of McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.
Trump’s love of the golden arches is well known, but McDonald’s is a strongly non-political brand. So what should it do? Refuse and risk a backlash, or accept and be accused of taking sides?
In the end, the company’s response was a masterclass in neutrality.
McDonald’s told its employees that the company was neither red (Republican) nor blue (Democrat), but golden. Referring to both presidential candidates’ love of McDonald’s, the company made it clear that the permission granted to Trump illustrated one of their core values, stating: “We open our doors for everyone”.
The plan worked. And this was partly down to McDonald’s being widely thought of as an authentic brand which connects people.
Research has shown that people really value a company’s place in local communities. And McDonald’s is a place which hosts children’s birthday parties, where you can catch up with friends, where you might even have had your first ever job.
This kind of power to unify is something other brands can do too. As something our earlier research shows, brands can benefit from bringing people together, by creating a sense of shared identity.
Brand new
In New Zealand for example, ANZ Bank was widely applauded for a campaign featuring Indian immigrants. The advert tells the story of a father and son and their mixed cricketing loyalties (the parent to India, the child to New Zealand).
It is a tale of immigrants achieving their version of the national dream, through hard work and trademark Kiwi humour. This kind of narrative-driven campaign does not pitch one side against another, but instead highlights the things that bind people together.
Similarly in the UK, the department store John Lewis has become a seasonal advertising staple as it reminds customers of their shared rituals over Christmas. And Kraft’s “How do you love your Vegemite” campaign allowed new immigrants to participate in local snacking rituals, helping them feel Australian.
In the US, a 1971 Coca Cola commercial (one of the most lauded adverts ever) presented a united multi-cultural collection of young people as a response to the anti-Vietnam war counter-culture.
So far, American brands have struggled to navigate the ever-shifting pronouncements coming from the White House in Trump’s second term. Amazon for example, quickly went back on its decision to list the cost of tariffs on products after it was branded a “hostile move”.
But one brand does stand out. And that’s Ford.
Perhaps it was inevitable that the car maker which came to symbolise successful 20th century American manufacturing would get this right. And the company’s decision to extend employee discounts to all consumers in what it describes as “unprecedented times” is a clever move.
Some might call it a cynical tactic to embrace Trump’s tariffs and encourage Americans to buy American. But the firm (which will likely take a huge hit from more expensive imported parts and materials) is doing much more than that.
Its new campaign (with the slogan “From America for America”) reminds US citizens that the brand is part of their lives, regardless of their political home. Supportive full-page print ads go further, setting out the firm’s long history spent backing the people of America.
One Ford executive says that the campaign is about “authenticity” and Ford being a brand “that all consumers can rely on, especially in these uncertain times”.
Authenticity is much prized when the political landscape is so polarised. And while divisions cannot be healed solely by brands, they can help to remind us of shared values and a sense of community. And in doing so, dial down those political tensions.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Forstenzer, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Co-Director of the Centre for Engaged Philosophy, University of Sheffield
Homer’s Iliad is one of the foundational stories of European civilisation. The Iliad is a long poem – an epic – thought to have first been put down in writing in the eighth century BC, though the story is set several hundred years before, perhaps as early as the 12th or 13th century BC.
It explores a few crucial violent weeks within a much longer war between an alliance of Greek city-states and the city of Troy over Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world. In it, we find ancient Greek gods and humans sharing a common reality. They concurrently star as the central characters of both a mythological and an earthly dramatic encounter, on which the fate of a people rests.
In his work, public philosopher Cornel West argues that there is a “gangster” inside all of us. The challenge, West teaches, is to learn to keep these “gangster elements” in check so that we can still live with decency and integrity in an often violent and unjust world. This struggle, I contend, is at the heart of both Homer’s Iliad and the art of battle rap.
This article is part of Rethinking the Classics. The stories in this series offer insightful new ways to think about and interpret classic books and artworks. This is the canon – with a twist.
Battle rap is an art form where two or more MCs confront one another in a freestyle rap that includes boasts, insults, wordplay and disses (related to but not to be confused with rap beefs like the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud).
The history of this kind of verbal jousting goes back at least to flyting – poetic duels usually involving rhyming insults, widespread in northern Europe in the late medieval era. (See Assassin’s Creed Valhalla for its recent reimagining.) And it also has African roots. But its latest iteration is thought to have emerged in the hip-hop scene in New York in the 1980s. The 1981 Busy Bee versus Kool Moe Dee battle at the Harlem World club in New York is an important part of hip-hop lore.
The rap battles featured in 8 Mile brought the scene mainstream attention.
It was arguably the 2002 film 8 Mile, however, that starred real battle rap legend, Eminem, that made the art form well known beyond hardcore rap aficionados. Today it is a pop culture streaming event, with millions of followers and official leagues.
The object of a battle rap is to display flow, braggadocio and quick wit. Humour is often a plus, but lyrically dexterous, rhythmic, creative “burns” are the name of the game.
So what do the Iliad and battle rap have in common?
Both art forms encourage us, the listeners, to react, reflect and ultimately select with which speaker to side. We are thrust into the centre of the action without much of a narrator to explain things.
Both the Iliad and rap battles are part of the oral poetic tradition, since we think the Iliad was orally recited for generations before it was put down in writing. They are therefore both addressed to a live audience.
Emily Wilson, who translated The Iliad in 2023, gives a lively contemporary reading.
The Iliad is a story of war between Greeks and Trojans, but also of “beefs”. Menelaus versus Paris over the hand of Helen. Achilles versus Agamemnon, the king of the Greeks who wrongs him by expropriating one of his slaves. And Achilles versus Hector, the Trojan prince who kills Patroclus, Achilles’s closest friend.
The high moment of the poem is arguably the encounter between Achilles and Hector. Before they battle to the death, Hector offers Achilles a deal: whoever wins won’t disrespect the other’s body.
In response, Achilles belows: “Curse you, Hector, and don’t talk of oaths to me. Lions and men make no compacts, nor are wolves and lambs in sympathy: they are opposed, to the end. You and I are beyond friendship: nor will there be peace until one or the other dies.”
Achilles is calling out Hector’s attempt at showing nobility of character, because Hector tries to separate the duty to wage conflict from rage and disrespect of his enemy. Achilles flatly rejects the proposal. For him, the only reason to fight is to satiate his grief-induced rage and so no respect can be given even after death.
The battle of Hector and Achilles as imagined in Troy (2004).
Ultimately, Achilles kills Hector and desecrates his body, but Hector was clearly the better man. Two worldviews collide. Which one should we side with?
In a battle rap, the question of how we judge which MC to be victorious is always at stake. Do we side with the MC who best “rocks the mic” by pleasing the audience, or the one who more lyrically and intelligently cuts the opponent to the bone?
Here are five more themes shared by The Iliad and battle rap.
1. The pursuit of fame
Battle rap has made gifted MCs into street rap legends. Long before record deals were the prize, MCs battled for respect and street fame.
This pursuit of legendary status also lies at the very heart of The Iliad, as Achilles is warned by his mother, the goddess Thetis, that he will die if he fights in the Trojan war, but in return his “glory never dies”.
2. Communal belonging
Battle rappers and the warriors in The Iliad act in their own name but they also represent wider groups heralding from different places. They all, in some way, carry responsibility for and aim to bring reflected fame to their respective communities.
3. Displaying skill
Most battle raps take the form of a take down of the opponent, but the real object is to demonstrate verbal prowess. Simply entertaining will not cut it. “You now have to make sense of what you say, in order for us to give you the power,” summarises hip-hop legend KRS-One.
The Iliad opens with a muse telling the audience that the epic will recount the “wrath of Achilles”, but in fact we find skilful interventions in speech that make us wonder whether the reasons for conflict can ever justify the grief it causes.
4. An honour code
What is truly worth living and dying for are central themes in The Iliad, as in battle rap. There we find talk of loyalty, honour, respect, courage, friendship and fame.
The overt answers given can be taken as embraces of a certain kind of toxic masculinity where dominance, rage, cunning and violence are celebrated, but maybe these answers subtly point to their ultimate hollowness.
Lurking behind the repeated injunction to “be the best”, battle rap and Homer’s epic invite the question of what is truly worth admiring: skill, dominance, wealth, integrity, courage, beauty, truth, justice, love or glory? They provide no singular answer.
5. Creativity and living within the ‘funk’ of life
Instead, we are left to sit within what West calls the “funk of life” – the mess of it all. From there, we can see that the stories we tell ourselves have the power to shape and define our actions and our very lives.
So the main question becomes: at a time when simplistic stories of violence and domination are presented to us as easy answers to complex social realities, can we create new and richer stories of our own?
Joshua Forstenzer’s work receives funding from the Yale Center for Faith and Culture as part of its Templeton-funded Life Worth Living project (https://lifeworthliving.yale.edu/).
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC has been granted leave by the Federal Court to commence legal proceedings against two companies in liquidation, Beacon Products Pty Ltd (Beacon) and Zandox Group Pty Ltd (Zandox), for alleged unconscionable conduct and misleading or deceptive conduct.
The ACCC is also taking action against the director of Beacon, Mr Warren Skry, alleging he was knowingly concerned in the companies’ alleged unconscionable conduct.
The ACCC alleges the companies engaged in unconscionable conduct, including by deceiving customers and exerting undue influence and pressure to make unsolicited sales of printer cartridges and cleaning products to businesses across Australia, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
Beacon and Zandox allegedly misled business customers into ordering printer cartridges or cleaning products by falsely stating during unsolicited phone calls that they were confirming an order that had already been made by the business when, in fact, no order had been made.
The companies also allegedly misled some customers into thinking an initial order was an agreement for an ongoing supply of goods or that the customer did not have the right to terminate an agreement for ongoing supply, when this was not the case. The companies also allegedly falsely represented to some customers that they did not have a right to return or receive refunds for unwanted goods.
The breaches of the Australian Consumer Law alleged in this case relate to systems of conduct or patterns of behaviour that occurred over several years, first commencing in November 2016.
“The alleged conduct by Beacon and Zandox targeted many small and medium businesses, including a retirement village, residential care facility, a childcare centre, and farming businesses, misleading them into accepting orders of products they didn’t want or need, and then making it very difficult to return the unwanted goods,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
“We took this action because we were concerned that this type of conduct has the potential to cause financial and emotional stress to business owners and staff.”
In one example of the conduct alleged to be in breach of the Australian Consumer Law, a small business in NSW was sent three deliveries of toner cartridges by Beacon, which the business accepted. A representative of Beacon then contacted the business and requested confirmation of a further delivery of toner cartridges. The business requested that this be the final delivery from Beacon. Beacon continued to contact the business to confirm subsequent orders. It is alleged there was no agreement in place for the order and payment of goods after the initial three deliveries.
The business further contacted Beacon requesting that any future orders be cancelled and, on several occasions, sought to return toner cartridges it did not order or want and sought refunds. Beacon allegedly asserted that the orders were confirmed and authorised by staff of the business, and that they would not take all of the unwanted cartridges back. The ACCC alleges that the business had the right to return and receive a refund for the unordered goods.
The ACCC previously took court action against Mr Skry and his previous company Globex Systems Pty Ltd in 2004 for asserting a right to payment for unsolicited goods and making false representations that businesses had agreed to buy products from Globex when that was not the case.
The ACCC is seeking declarations and penalties against Beacon and Zandox, as well as pecuniary penalties, declarations, disqualification orders, costs and an injunction against Mr Skry.
Background
Because Beacon and Zandox are in liquidation, the ACCC was required to obtain leave of the court before commencing proceedings against the companies.
Beacon and Zandox had liquidators appointed on 20 April 2023 following a creditors’ voluntary winding up decision.
Beacon was incorporated in 2016, initially selling cleaning products and from January 2020 also selling printer consumables. It predominantly sold these products to businesses through telemarketing calls.
Mr Skry has been a director of Beacon from 6 January 2020.
Zandox was incorporated in late 2022. It is alleged that Zandox was essentially as a rebranding of Beacon, selling the same products.
The City is hosting a Be Well Be Connected Positive Ageing and Disability Expo Roadshow for older adults and people living with a disability at the Elmore Community Hub in Clarke Street from 10am to 2pm on Friday May 30, 2025.
City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Acting Manager Jo Connellan said the expo is free to attend and will feature a number of exhibits showcasing aged care, community and disability products and services that support positive ageing and living well in Elmore and surrounding areas.
“It will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet face-to-face with local service providers, advisors and community groups,” Ms West said.
“The Expo aims to connect organisations, community groups and individuals with a network of available support and community activities to enjoy.
“The theme Be Well Be Connected is important, as it emphasises the importance of being well, connected and participating in the community.
“This is the second Be Well Be Connected Expo travelling roadshow to take place in Greater Bendigo with the first taking place in Heathcote last October.
“Everyone is welcome to come along to the Elmore Roadshow. It’s a not to be missed opportunity for older people and people living with a disability to be better informed.”
As Road Safety Week begins, the Government’s crackdown on drunk drivers is delivering real results with newly released 2024 statistics showing the number of alcohol-related road deaths reducing by nearly 40%, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
“Our Government is focused on improving road safety through road policing and enforcement, investment in new and safe roading infrastructure, and targeting the leading contributors to fatal crashes such as drugs and alcohol impairment. That plan – the Road Policing Investment Programme (RPIP) – is seeing some strong results, and we need to keep it up,” Mr Bishop says.
“Police have really stepped up their road policing efforts in the past year. In 2024, Police delivered 4,118,159passive breath and breath screening tests, the highest number recorded in a calendar year, and smashing their RPIP target of 3.3 million per year.
“Police have also exceeded their target to focus 65% of their breath testing on the highest risk times. In the first nine months of this financial year (July 2024 to March 2025), Police delivered 2,177,179 passive breath and breath screening tests during high or extreme risk alcohol hours. This is 35% above the year-to-date target of 1,608,750 tests, and a 21% increase compared to the first nine months of the previous financial year.
“The whole point of roadside breath testing is to keep New Zealanders safer on the roads – and it’s working.
“It’s really encouraging to see an almost 40% reduction in the number of road deaths where alcohol was a contributing factor, from 92 alcohol-related road deaths in 2023 down to 57 in 2024.
“In fact, the steep reduction in alcohol-related road deaths led to the 2024 total road toll being the lowest since 2014. Every avoidable road death is a tragedy and there’s always more work to do, but this is a big step in the right direction.”
“The reduced number of road deaths in 2024 is also significant given the presence of factors that can drive up the road toll, such as population increases, continued increases in the size of the vehicle fleet and increases in the total vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT) across the network.
“Roadside testing for drug driving is also coming soon. Anyone who drives while under the influence of drugs should know that they’re putting themselves and other road users at risk – and we’re not going to put up with it.
“In March 2025 the Government passed legislation to enable Police to conduct roadside testing for drug impairment, and we expect these tests to start being rolled out later this year.”
“Alcohol and drugs are leading contributors to death and serious injury on our roads, and both random and selective breath testing is proven to discourage people from drinking and driving. Every breath test delivered has the potential to save a life, and you can continue to expect to Police highly visible on our roads,” Mr Mitchell says.
“I’m proud of the work our Police are doing to reduce deaths on our road, keep our communities safe, and ensure everyone can get to where they need to go safely.”
Notes to editor:
In 2024:
Police conducted 4.1 million roadside breath alcohol tests – the most ever, and about 900,000 more than in 2023.
The number of alcohol-related road fatalities reduced by nearly 40% , from 92 in 2023 to 57 in 2024.
The Road Policing Investment Programme 2024-2027 (RPIP) requires Police to deliver 3.3 million passive breath tests and breath screening tests per year of the programme—an average of 825,000 tests per quarter. This is an increase from the 3 million tests required annually under the previous government’s road policing agreement.
In 2024 Police delivered 4,118,159 passive breath and breath screening tests, the highest number of tests recorded in a calendar year.
In the first nine months of this financial year (July 2024 to March 2025) Police delivered 3,286,094 passive breath and breath screening tests, 33% above the year-to-date target of 2,475,000 tests. It is also a 20% increase in tests compared to the first nine months of the previous financial year.
The RPIP sets a target of 2,145,000 alcohol breath tests to be conducted during high and extreme risk alcohol times—an average of 536,250 tests per quarter. This directs the greatest proportion of testing to the times and days when alcohol related harm has historically been highest, while still allowing a portion of testing across the rest of the week to ensure an ‘anywhere, anytime’ approach.
In 2024, there were 113 deaths (38% of all deaths) where a driver tested above the alcohol limit (or test refused) and/or tested positive for drugs.
87 deaths were where a driver tested positive for drugs,
47 deaths were where a driver tested above the alcohol limit (or test refused),
21 deaths were where a driver tested both positive for drugs and above the alcohol limit (or test refused).
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TAIYUAN, May 11 — China sent a remote sensing satellite group into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province on Sunday.
Launched at 9:27 p.m. (Beijing Time) aboard a modified version of the Long March-6 rocket, the Yaogan-40 02 satellite group has entered planned orbit successfully, according to the launch center.
These satellites will be used to carry out electromagnetic environment detection and related technical tests.
Sunday’s launch marks the 574th mission undertaken by the Long March rocket series, according to the center.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese vice premier says meeting with U.S. in-depth, candid and constructive
GENEVA, May 11 — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said here on Sunday that the China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs were in-depth, candid and constructive.
He, the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, made the remarks when briefing the press following the high-level meeting with the U.S. side.
The senior Chinese official said the two sides have reached a series of major consensuses, adding that China and the United States have also agreed to establish an economic and trade consultation mechanism.
China and the United States, He said, will finalize relevant details as soon as possible and release on Monday a joint statement reached during the talks.
He noted that under the current circumstances, the meeting was closely watched by the international community.
Through joint efforts of both sides, the talks were fruitful, said He, adding that it is an important step towards resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation, and has laid the foundation and created conditions for further bridging differences and deepening cooperation.
Economic and trade relations between China and the United States are not only of great significance to the two countries but also have an important impact on the stability and development of the global economy, said He.
China is ready to work with the United States to actively implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call on Jan. 17, He added.
He also called on the two sides to follow a practical attitude for solving problems, carry out candid dialogues and equal consultations, manage differences, explore cooperation potential, extend the list of cooperation list, and make the pie of cooperation bigger, so as to push for new development in China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and inject more certainty and stability into the world economy.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Fake nurse crackdown to boost public safety
New measures to make it a criminal offence for people who are not qualified as a nurse to use the title and mislead the public
Anyone misleading the public and describing themselves as a nurse without the relevant qualifications and registration will be committing a crime, under new measures announced by the government to protect the title ‘nurse’ in law.
The move will help to boost protections and safety for both patients and staff, driving up standards and improving patient experience across the NHS through the government’s Plan for Change.
Currently, anyone – including those struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for serious misconduct or criminal convictions – can call themselves a nurse. This can result in the public thinking they’re getting advice and care from an expert professional like a nurse when they aren’t.
Previous reported examples of the job title being misused include someone calling herself a nurse at a large public event after being struck off and another reportedly masquerading as an aesthetic nurse.
There will be exemptions for relevant professions like veterinary nurse, dental nurse and nursery nurse, where the title ‘nurse’ is legitimately used.
The government is listening to nurses and recognises they are the backbone of the NHS, and today’s announcement follows campaigning by unions for the government to act on the issue, as well as by Dawn Butler MP who introduced a Ten-Minute Rule Bill earlier this year to protect the title ‘nurse’.
Through the Plan for Change, the government is driving forward vital reform to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future. This year, a refreshed workforce plan will also be published to ensure the health service has the right workforce in the right place at the right time.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
Nurses carry out lifesaving work every day, and I am determined we do everything we can to support them and safeguard trust in the profession.
I’ve been appalled to read reports of so-called nurses spreading dangerous misinformation and harming the public.
This new legislation will help crack down on bogus beauticians and conspiracy theorists masquerading as nurses, and those attempting to mislead patients.
The British people hold nurses in the highest regard, and we trust them in our most vulnerable moments, so patients need to know they are genuinely being seen by a nurse. Now they will.
This is part of our Plan for Change to fix the NHS and gets the right staff working in the right place at the right time.
Only the title “registered nurse” is currently protected in law. The new legislation will change that – ensuring that only those individuals registered with the NMC can legally use the title. Anyone violating this will be committing a criminal offence and could face a hefty fine running into the thousands of pounds.
There have been previous reports of bogus nurses misleadingly using the title. One ran a cosmetic clinic offering Botox and dermal filler treatments for several years despite not being registered with the NMC.
Another gave a speech at a Covid conspiracy rally which likened NHS nurses and doctors to war criminals – spreading misinformation about vaccines and bringing her former colleagues into disrepute. She continued to call herself a nurse despite being struck off by the NMC.
A previous Freedom of Information request showed that across 93% of all NHS trusts, there were more than 8,000 people with the term “nurse” in their job title who had no registered nursing qualifications. Although these people are supervised and providing important care, their job titles can cause confusion. Some, including nursery nurses, will be exempt under this new legislation
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said:
The trust that people place in registered nurses is based on the rigorous training and education required to be registered as a nurse which gives us the skills and knowledge to deliver high quality, safe and personalised care.
Nurses value this trust and protecting the title of nurse can give added confidence and clarity to patients and the public on who is delivering their care and the skills and knowledge they have.
There are already various safeguards in place to deter people from pretending to be a nurse. The most serious cases would be captured by fraud offences and depending on the case they can also be prosecuted for other more serious offences like causing grievous bodily harm, assault, or manslaughter.
The new legislation – expected to be laid this Parliament – will help to strengthen those existing safeguards.
Registered nurses go through high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes and complete a process called revalidation every three years – ensuring they can continually update their skills set. The new measures reflect that.
Professor Nicola Ranger, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive , said:
This is an important moment for our safety-critical profession, after years of campaigning.
A change in the law will recognise the knowledge, professionalism and clinical expertise that comes with being a registered nurse. It will provide better legal protections for nursing professionals and reassurance to patients.
Crucially, this is an opportunity to begin the journey to properly valuing nursing as a profession, where respect, reward and investment match the crucial nature of our work.
Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive at The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing, said:
Nurses and the millions of people they care for will benefit by this proposed change in legislation.
This is a patient safety issue that the QICN has been campaigning on for some time.
People need confidence that when the person caring for them is described as a nurse, that person really is a qualified and registered nurse.
Paul Rees MBE, Interim Chief Executive and Registrar at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said:
The public should always feel confident that anyone using the title ‘nurse’ is a registered professional with all the safeguards that brings.
We look forward to working with the government and our stakeholders to deliver on it. In the meantime, it is already an offence for somebody to hold themselves out as a registered nurse when they are not.
Helga Pile, UNISON Head of Health, said:
Nurses and other NHS workers rightly enjoy a high level of trust because of the brilliant and important work they do.
Charlatans and conspiracy theorists mustn’t be allowed to harm patients or damage nurses’ reputation and good standing with the public.
It’s only right that anyone that tries to will now feel the full force of the law.
Rachel Power, Chief Executive of The Patients Association, said:
We welcome this commitment to ensuring patients know who is treating them and offering healthcare advice, and that those professionals are properly qualified. With health misinformation increasingly common, it’s more important than ever that patients can trust the expertise of those caring for them.
Alison Morton, CEO, Institute of Health Visiting, said:
The Institute of Health Visiting fully supports the campaign to protect the title “nurse” in legislation. This is urgently needed to protect the public and provide assurance that the person providing their care has the qualifications, knowledge, skills, expertise and professionalism to deliver safe and effective care. Nursing is a safety-critical workforce. And, in our view, there is only one clear path forward, the current gap in legislation needs to be closed as a matter of urgency.
Professor Greta Westwood CBE PhD RN, CEO of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, said:
We welcome this recognition of the importance of the nursing role. Nurses are skilled and highly trained professionals, playing a key leadership role in the health and social care sectors, particularly around speaking out on patient safety and workforce challenges.
This International Nurses Day, we are coming together to celebrate the incredible work that nurses do across the UK and globally, and we support the government taking this next step, working with the UK regulator, to protect our nurses and those we serve.
Notes to editors
The department will also establish the exemptions where ‘nurse’ can still be used as part of a professional title.
The title ‘nurse’ is already used across multiple professions (e.g. registered nurses, dental nurses, nursery nurses and veterinary nurses)
We expect the new protection of title offence to be a summary offence. Where a person is found guilty of an offence on summary conviction they will be liable to a fine across the UK.
These changes, which require legislative change, will be implemented within this Parliament as part of the government’s commitment to reform the regulation of health and care professionals in the UK.
Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
The first 150 metres of a planned 3000 metre-long Antarctic ice core has been safely returned to Australia after a successful drilling season for the Million Year Ice Core (MYIC). The ice core, in one metre-lengths, contains a record of the past 4000 years of climate history. The core was drilled at a deep field camp at Dome C North, about 1200 km “up the hill” from Australia’s Casey research station. It’s just the start of an ambitious Australian Antarctic Program drilling effort to extract the world’s oldest, continuous ice core record of up to two million years. MYIC science lead, Dr Joel Pedro, said the full-length ice core is expected to extend the current ice core climate record well beyond 1.2 million years, and help solve a climate mystery. “About one million years ago the cycle of ice ages shifted from a regular 41,000 year glacial-interglacial cycle, to a cycle every 100,000 years,” Dr Pedro said. “An ice core record of over one million years can help us answer why that shift in the climate state occurred, and that will provide really important information to test models and better predict climate in the future.”
After a few years of weather and Covid-related delays to drilling, Dr Pedro said the science team, alongside a supporting tractor-traverse team, were relieved to achieve everything they had hoped for this season, thanks to a joint, multi-skilled, team effort. “Our number one priority was to progress the pilot drilling for the MYIC borehole, but to do that we first had to set up the drill shelter,” Dr Pedro said. “We joined forces with the traverse team and were able to get the shelter constructed in 10 days – half the time we expected – and our drill built and tested in parallel. “Then we split in to two shifts to run the drill 16 hours a day, with the traverse team joining us in drilling and core processing. “After so much effort by so many people, and so much planning and time, it was a very special moment for me to pull out that first ice core – to the point that I had a tear in my eye.” Independent living Traverse Field Leader, Chris Gallagher, led a team of mechanics, electricians, a carpenter and a doctor, that towed equipment and supplies to the drill site. Using snow-groomers, and tractors towing sleds carrying 600 tonnes of gear, the team travelled 18 days through blizzards and heavy snow, via a route established last year. Once at Dome C North they set up the scientists’ accommodation modules, ready for their arrival by air. “Over the next few years the traverse will bring up the rest of the inland station so that it can operate independently of the traverse’s ‘sustainability train’,” Mr Gallagher said. Drill skills The traverse team were as keen to start drilling ice as the scientists, and put their skills to use. “Setting up the drill tent was quite complicated, with underground trenches and cabling that had to be installed, including the drill trench itself, which was six metres deep,” Mr Gallagher said. “Our diesel mechanics used their skills with chainsaws, battery drills, dumpy levels and other construction techniques, to help our carpenter build the tent, and then the scientists helped finish it off. “Once the drilling started, the mechanics assisted the drill engineers to help ensure the drill kept running properly, and other traverse team members took core measurements and wrapped and packed the cores. “It was fascinating.” Boring anxiety The science team drilled to 150 metres and then progressively widened the borehole from 130 mm wide at the bottom, to 260 mm wide at the top, using a series of ‘reaming’ attachments. Next season the widest part the borehole will be fitted with a fibreglass bore casing. This will seal off the porous ice near the surface and allow drill fluid to be added to prevent the borehole closing under pressure, as they drill deeper. It was a nail-biting time for Dr Pedro. “We had to go back down the borehole three times to expand it, so we effectively drilled about 520 metres,” he said. “Every time you put something down the borehole there’s a chance it will get stuck, and there are a number of boreholes in Antarctica that have had reamers or drills stuck in them, and they’ve had to move and start again. “When we got the last reamer out, I quickly shut the trap door on the hole and I knew we were safe.” The ice core sections were then loaded into an insulated box for transport back to Casey on the traverse and back to Australia on a C17 aircraft. The team will begin analysing the cores in coming months. This includes measuring water isotopes for temperature, and greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide trapped in air bubbles in the ice, which reflect changes in climate over time. They’ll also look for impurities that provide information on storms, sea-ice processes and volcanic activity. Next season Dr Pedro said the science team is now well set up for the 2025-26 drilling season. “A lot of the work will involve setting up our bigger drill that can get to 3000 metres,” he said. “We’ll add the bore casing and drill fluid handling system and the aim is to drill to 400 metres. After that the target is to drill 1000 metres per year, which will put us on track to reach bedrock by 2029.” Mr Gallagher said it had been a remarkable season of achievements. “Thanks to our highly motivated and skilled teams the inland station is well established and the drill tents are up and ready to go,” he said. Read more about the MYIC project in this season’s Drilling Diary and our special feature Secrets of the Ice. This content was last updated 9 hours ago on 12 May 2025.
An illustration of the lightweight plastic mirrors, which are a more cost-effective alternative to traditional glass-based solar thermal systems.
Industry and academia are collaborating to build a world-first, cost-effective concentrated solar thermal (CST) demonstrator that is set to transform Australia’s industrial heat sector by reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
Leveraging more than a decade of research into durable, weather-resistant reflective coatings, the project – funded by the Federal Government’s Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite program – will fabricate and install a novel, two-module CST demonstrator incorporating the mirrors.
These mirrors, created through patented UniSA technology, offer an affordable and easily transportable alternative to traditional glass-based solar thermal systems. They generate heat that can either be applied directly in industrial processes or to heat water to create steam to power a turbine and produce electricity.
“Industrial process heat accounts for a staggering 25% of global energy use and 20% of CO2 emissions,” says project lead Dr Marta Llusca Jane.
“Unfortunately, most renewable energy technologies – like photovoltaics – fall short of meeting the high-temperature demands of these sectors. Our plastic-based CST technology fills that gap and does so with significant cost and installation advantages.”
The project’s first phase will see two full-scale models – each made up of 16 thermoformed and coated panels – constructed, installed and tested at CSU’s “Vineyard of the Future”.
The panels incorporate a multilayer aluminium-silica reflective coating developed by UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, applied via a physical vapour deposition to ensure durability and optimal solar reflectivity.
Unlike conventional solar thermal systems that require heavy infrastructure to support fragile glass mirrors, this new system features Impacts’ durable, patented lightweight plastic mirror panels that can be flat-packed, transported, and assembled with ease.
The goal is to generate solar thermal energy at temperatures between 100°C and 400°C – ideal for processes such as food production, grain and pulse drying, sterilising, solar desalination, mining sites, polluted groundwater remediation and wastewater treatment.
Dr Llusca Jane says the AEA funding is critical to the project’s success.
“Without this funding, the technical and financial risks of early-stage commercialisation would be too high for private investors. This demonstrator will allow us to scale the technology for real-world applications,” she says.
The second stage, to be pursued under the AEA’s Innovate program, will see a larger, commercial-scale pilot tested with key agribusiness and industrial partners. Strong interest has already been expressed by several national and international producers, highlighting the technology’s outstanding commercial potential.
Industry Professor Colin Hall, inventor of the plastic mirror coating technology currently used in the automotive industry, says the time is ripe for such innovation.
“We’re seeing record fossil fuel prices and increasing pressure for industries to decarbonise,” Prof Hall says. “This CST solution is uniquely suited to Australia’s hot, dry climate and offers a viable pathway to zero-emissions process heat.”
With the potential to reduce the cost of renewable process heat for agribusiness and industry by 40% and unlock export opportunities for Australian manufacturing, Dr Llusca Jane says the project signals a green industrial future.
“By proving this technology in the field, we are laying the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient energy system across Australia and beyond.”
