Category: Transport

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Prime Minister unveils game changing investment to tackle national security threat from people smuggling gangs
Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

The Prime Minister is set to announce an additional £75 million to boost border security, bringing the investment in the Border Security Command over the next two years to £150 million.
PM to outline major investments to smash criminal smuggling gangs at INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow

New capabilities for Border Security Command from £150 million funding pot to drive down Organised Immigration Crime both at home and overseas

New additional funding will cover state-of-the-art tech and information centres, boosts to enforcement and intelligence resourcing and expanding CPS capacity

The Prime Minister is set to announce an additional £75 million to boost border security, bringing the investment in the Border Security Command over the next two years to £150 million.

Marking the first time the INTERPOL General Assembly has been hosted in the UK in over 50 years, Keir Starmer will today (4 November) open the Assembly in Glasgow by setting out his personal mission to smash the people smuggling gangs by resetting the UK’s whole approach to this challenge and intensifying international collaboration to meet the global scale of the threat.

The General Assembly is INTERPOL’s supreme governing body and comprises senior ministerial and policing leads from the organisation’s 196 member states.

In his speech, the Prime Minister will set out his plans to draw on his experience of bringing together agencies to tackle international terrorist and drug smuggling gangs during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions to dismantle the people smuggling gangs who drive illegal migration, profit from human misery and represent a serious threat to global security.

He will also set out how the £150 million will provide additional specialist investigators and state of the art surveillance equipment to ensure those behind this criminal activity are stopped and brought to justice.

This major funding boost for the government’s new Border Security Command will initially be directed towards a range of enforcement and intelligence activity, including:

Investing heavily in NCA technology and capabilities, delivering advanced data exploitation and improvements to technologies to boost collaboration with European partners to investigate and break people smuggling networks.

300 staff for the new Border Security Command, who will strengthen global partnerships, deliver new legislation and lead the system through investment and strategy.

100 specialist investigators and intelligence officers for the NCA, dedicated to tackling criminals who facilitate people smuggling.

Creating a new specialist OIC Intelligence Source Unit which will cohere intelligence flows from key police forces.

Boosting the Crown Prosecution Service’s ability to deliver charging decisions more quickly on international organised crime cases.

The Border Security Command, led by Martin Hewitt CBE QPM, will be provided with enhanced powers – through a new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill – to tackle organised immigration crime whilst providing for strong and effective border security.

New measures will make it easier to detect, disrupt and deter those seeking to engage in and benefit from organised immigration crime. The Command will also coordinate the work of intelligence agencies and law enforcement, who lead joint investigations with European counterparts to ensure we can bring those responsible to justice.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to say:

“The world needs to wake up to the severity of this challenge. I was elected to deliver security for the British people. And strong borders are a part of that. But security doesn’t stop at our borders.

“There’s nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel.

“This is a vile trade that must be stamped out – wherever it thrives. So we’re taking our approach to counter-terrorism – which we know works, and applying it to the gangs, with our new Border Security Command.

“We’re ending the fragmentation between policing, Border Force and our intelligence agencies.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“Criminal smuggler gangs profit from undermining our border security and putting lives at risk and they have been getting away with it for far too long.

“Our new Border Security Command, with the investment set out today, will mean a huge step change in the way we target these criminal gangs. People smugglers and traffickers operate in networks across borders, that’s why we have launched a major boost to our cooperation with international partners including other European countries, the G7 and Europol, and why we are so pleased to be hosting the INTERPOL conference on tackling international crime in Glasgow today.”

The Prime Minister will also announce that the UK Government has increased its in-year support for INTERPOL’s global operations through a £6 million investment which harnesses the organisation’s unique capabilities to tackle serious organised crime affecting the UK.

Addressing the General Assembly, the Prime Minister will say that closer cooperation with international partners is key as he details how the gangs’ operations span from the money markets in Kabul through to the Kurdish region of Iraq and right across Europe and into the UK.

He will stress the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening security agreements to facilitate greater sharing of intelligence and more joint operational work, in particular through Europol.

The Home Office will also invest £24m in the new financial year to tackle international serious organised crime affecting the UK including drugs and firearms, fraud, trafficking and exploitation. Funds will in part be used to bolster work done by special prosecutors and operational partners in the Western Balkans.

There were more than 5,000 drug related deaths in 2023, with most of the illegal drugs causing these coming from overseas or facilitated by transnational gangs. ISOC funding will also be used to tackle drug smuggling upstream and at the UK border, building on recent successes, such as the effective collaboration with the US and Ecuador, which has resulted in the seizure of 19 tonnes of cocaine.

National Crime Agency Director General Graeme Biggar said:

“Serious and organised crime causes more harm, to more people, more often than any other national security threat. And almost all of serious and organised crime now has an international nexus. Distance, borders and languages are meaningless to criminals. This is why collaborations with INTERPOL have never been as important as they are today.

“Tackling organised crime, and especially immigration crime, remains a top priority for the NCA. We are currently leading around 70 investigations into the gangs or individuals involved in the highest echelons of this type of criminality, and we are devoting more resources to it than ever before.

“We have built up our intelligence sharing effort with law enforcement partners across Europe and beyond, including having more NCA officers based overseas, sharing intelligence and working side by side on joint investigations. This approach is bringing operational results with arrests and prosecutions, but we are also we are seeking to disrupt the people smugglers’ business model, through targeting their social media offering, their supply routes for equipment, and their financial flows.

“We are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle these networks, wherever they operate.”

The announcement comes just a month after Britain joined up to a new G7 anti migrant smuggling action plan which included pledges to bolster border security, combat transnational organised crime, and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by smugglers.

The plan includes new, intelligence-led joint investigative actions to target criminal smuggling routes, working with social media platforms and internet providers to remove harmful content promoting illegal migration services or advertising fake job opportunities, and strengthening capabilities to monitor and anticipate irregular migration flows at both global and regional levels.

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Published 4 November 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Take off for extra tourism and trade capacity
Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

The Albanese Government is boosting aviation competition, trade and tourism opportunities for Australians, securing new or updated air services arrangements with seven international markets following months of negotiations.

These arrangements will allow Australian airlines to expand their international networks and international airlines to increase operations into Australia, a boost for Australian travellers and diaspora communities.

This includes unrestricted capacity with Canada and Malaysia – the first arrangements of this type since a deal struck with India in 2018.

Along with Canada and Malaysia, arrangements have landed with Hong Kong, Chile, Mongolia, Latvia, and Rwanda.

Australia now has more than 110 bilateral air services arrangements in place with other countries or economies, with today’s announcement following recent enhanced arrangements secured in the past 12 months with Türkiye, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Each arrangement is negotiated to serve Australia’s national interest, with the Australian Government signing with some of our larger tourism markets, including:
- Immediate increase in available capacity for airlines to 50,000 weekly passenger seats with Malaysia, and unrestricted capacity for passenger services from 2026
- Immediate increase in available capacity for airlines to 50 weekly passenger services with Canada, and unrestricted capacity for passenger services from 2026
- Immediate increase in available capacity for airlines to 84 passenger services per week, and unlimited cargo services with Hong Kong
- A doubling of available capacity for airlines to and from Chile by 2025
Inaugural arrangements were signed between the Australian Government and the governments of Latvia, Mongolia and Rwanda, each allowing 14 passenger services per week to and from Australia along with unrestricted dedicated cargo services.

These arrangements deliver on our commitment in the Aviation White Paper to expand capacity under our bilateral air services arrangements ahead of demand, ensuring airlines have adequate time to plan for additional future services and add new routes to their schedules. It also aligns with our commitments to prioritise negotiations within our region.

These arrangements have already resulted in significant additional capacity being added into the Australian market, supporting growth in visitor numbers. For example, ABS data for the 12 months to August shows arrivals from Vietnam were 49 per cent higher than pre-pandemic, making it Australia’s fastest growing inbound visitor market.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“We’re expanding our international aviation network to increase competition and deliver a better experience for Australian travellers.

“Whether travelling to these countries or using them as stepping stones to the rest of the world, each of these arrangements represents a stronger connection with our global market – for travel, trade and tourism.

“We committed to this in our Aviation White Paper and today we are delivering on that commitment – landing additional capacity in the international sector.”

Quotes attributable to Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism:

“Increased flights means we can welcome more visitors to Australia, boosting our tourism industry and supporting jobs and local economies, particularly in regional Australia.

“It also means we can get more cargo in the bellies of outbound flights, giving our exporters more opportunities for growth and to expand into new markets.”

MIL OSI News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Rain followed by warmer temperatures – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 4th – Thursday 7th November – Rain followed by warmer temperatures

• A Heavy Rain Watch is in place for the Westland District south of Hokitika until 1pm tomorrow; and for the ranges of the Buller District, and the Paparoa Range for Tuesday from 6am to 9pm.
• Rain moves over northern parts of the South Island and the lower North Island on Tuesday.
• Warmer temperatures forecast, with Thursday temperatures to be the highest

MetService weather stations were generally on the cooler side of average to start the week with Taupō getting down to -0.8°C Monday morning. The temperature is on the rise as we go through the week with warm air being dragged in from the west. This warmer air also brings risk of heavy rain – mainly for the west of the South Island.

Largely fine and sunny conditions for most of the country as a high pressure system sits over Aotearoa New Zealand today. However a series of fronts moving up the South Island bring in wetter conditions there, particularly along the west.

A Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for the Westland District south of Hokitika from 12pm today until 1pm tomorrow; and for the ranges of the Buller District, and the Paparoa Range for Tuesday from 6am to 9pm.
Rain moves over northern parts of the South Island and the lower North Island on Tuesday otherwise the forecast is for dry weather with areas of cloud to the north, and sunny spells increasing from the south. Showery conditions move up the North Island on Wednesday as the front continues on its journey northwards.

MetService is forecasting warmer temperatures as the week progresses with westerly winds bringing warm subtropical air onto the country. By Thursday temperatures are expected to reach above normal maximums for this time of the year for many parts of the country, especially in the east, with maximums of 21°C in Dannevirke, 22°C in Whanganui and 25°C in Masterton for the North Island; and 23°C for Invercargill, 25°C for Christchurch, 26°C for Alexandra and 27°C for Ashburton for the South Island.

MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti advises, “Sunny conditions are expected for the North Island today under a high pressure system. However, a series of fronts move up Aotearoa New Zealand from the south from today with possible heavy showers and a risk of thunderstorms for the west of the South Island. While the showers will move up the North Island on Wednesday they are likely to stay south of Auckland which should remain dry until Thursday”.

“While wet conditions are expected with the passage of the front, we do expect New Zealanders to realise warmer temperatures towards the end of the week as westerlies continue bringing warmer air onto the country” added Shiviti.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – New consumer resources about managing stress urinary incontinence

Source: Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality and Safety Commission

Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission and Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora have released two new consumer resources about managing stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

The ‘Understanding and managing urinary incontinence’ and ‘Surgery for stress urinary incontinence’ guides will replace previous SUI resources.

Te Tāhū Hauora clinical director, Martin Thomas, said the guides had been endorsed by the Surgical Mesh Roundtable (MRT), an oversight and monitoring group chaired by the Ministry of Health which in August 2023 supported a pause in the use of surgical mesh for SUI.

Development of the guides was one of four conditions of lifting the pause on the use of surgical mesh.

The guides aim to provide detailed information about SUI and its management and were developed with input from health care professionals and consumers, including some with lived experience of SUI, Dr Thomas says.

“It is the Surgical Mesh Roundtable’s expectation the guides will now be used by health care professionals when discussing with patients’ options in the treatment of urinary incontinence,” he said.

The guides provided clearer, more detailed information than had been previously available, Ministry of Health Chief Medical Officer, Joe Bourne, said.

“Spaces in the guides to note questions or concerns to raise with health care providers will allow patients to work with health care teams to make informed decisions about the best treatment for them, or whether or not to undergo surgical treatment,” Dr Bourne said.

The guides are available on the Health New Zealand website.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Popular flea market returns to city centre

Source: Auckland Council

The city centre’s first regular ReUse Market in 40 years is attracting people from all over Auckland as buyers and sellers.

On the second Sunday of each month, the ground floor of the Victoria Street Carpark becomes a different hive of activity when a diverse group of Aucklanders of all ages and backgrounds come together to sell and swap preloved items.

“The ReUse Market brings together people who are at a stage when they are downsizing or wanting to pass on items they no longer use, young people who love thrifting and everyone in-between,” says ReUse Market organiser Suzanne Kendrick.

Organiser Suzanne Kendrick and fairy helper Phoebe.

“Shoppers range from city centre residents to tourists. We also get a lot of curious people who park their cars in the building on their way to a city event and are pleasantly surprised to discover the market,” she says.

“People love a bargain, but they also love coming across retro things that remind them of their childhood, iconic toys like the Buzzy Bee.”

Vivien, a resident in the city, says she was passing when she saw the bright orange signs for the Reuse Market. She remembers frequent visits to flea markets with her aunts many years ago.

Now with her own extended family, including plenty of grandchildren, Vivien keeps an eye out for toys and bric-a-brac to use as prizes for the games they play at family get-togethers.

“With a large family there are birthdays every month and we like to play games for entertainment. Markets are perfect places to pick up toys and prizes,” Vivien says.

First-time stall holders Jo and Nodoka sell clothes and a wide range of items from their homes. “We saw spaces to sell from the Reuse Market advertised on social media and decided to give it a try. It’s fun!” says Nodoka.

Like Jo and Nodoka, most stall holders come in from the suburbs to sell or give away second-hand items.

Jo and Nodoka say selling at the market is fun.

Some, like Lyn, a long-time car-booter, sell items that have been passed onto them. Lyn specialises in preloved, quality linen, clothing, jewellery and homewares.

“I love the affordability and how reuse is catching on, especially amongst young people,” says Lyn.

When ReUse Market organiser Suzanne Kendrick was looking for a space for a central city flea market, her wish list included a space big enough to accommodate anyone who wanted to sell or buy preloved goods, protection from the weather, and ample parking. It seemed like a tall order, but Auckland Council’s City Centre Place Activation principal Barbara Holloway knew the perfect spot – the ground level of the Victoria Street Carpark.

“We’re continuing to support initiatives like the ReUse Market that bring people into the city centre; it gives people a new reason to come and enjoy this exciting part of town, wander the lanes and rediscover midtown,” says Barbara.

With support from the city centre targeted rate, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, the ReUse Market, which launched in March 2024, is now thriving.

And with Christmas around the corner Suzanne wants to see Aucklanders try the latest social trend of ‘buy nothing new’ – at least for some of their gifts.

“If you’ve got something to sell or give away, or you’re after Christmas gifts, you can make some money, save some money and help the environment,” says Suzanne.

City centre resident Vivien searching for gift prizes.

Auckland Council General Manager Waste Solutions Justine Haves says the ReUse Market is an important initiative for the council to support to help achieve our environmental goals for Auckland.

“The ReUse Market keeps valuable resources out of landfill and aligns with our Zero Waste strategy as we enable Aucklanders to reconsider what they see as waste towards more reuse, repair and repurposing.

“It’s a great to have a ReUse Market in the city centre, joining the many new and established markets around the region,” she says.

For more information on the ReUse Market events at the Victoria Street Carpark visit ReUse Market.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Investigation – Commissioner initiated investigation finds breach of woman’s rights in residential care home 24HDC00460

Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

A woman’s rights under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) were breached by a support worker when he provoked her, retaliated by spitting at her, failed to intervene when she was self-harming, and verbally insulted her, said the Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rose Wall, in a decision released today.

The woman was living in a disability residential care setting and had multiple complex social and mental health disorders which could manifest in challenging behaviours and actions. The interactions between her and the support worker at the centre of the investigation, where the support worker could be heard being verbally abusive and spitting at her, were recorded on video.

A complaint was made to HDC about the woman being recorded without her consent, however, the content of these recordings were of sufficient concern for Ms Wall to undertake a commissioner-initiated investigation (CII).

I consider this complaint is significant, as it raises concerns about a longstanding support worker’s verbal maltreatment of a vulnerable consumer with dual disabilities and challenging behaviour in residential care. The complaint may never have been brought to the attention of this office had it not come to light in another complaint investigation,” said Ms Wall.

Ms Wall said it was clear the support worker had provoked and insulted the woman, which amounted to a serious lack of respect and that he failed to intervene when the woman was self-harming.

“There were many options available to [MrB] to intervene, including talking to [Ms A], employing de-escalation techniques he had learned in Non-Violent Crisis-Intervention training, and/or calling for assistance. He did not attempt any of those actions or any other type of intervention.

“I am critical and appalled when watching and listening to the videos, and I consider that [Mr B] behaved entirely inappropriately towards Ms [Ms A]. Under no circumstances is it acceptable for a community support worker to behave in this way.’

Ms Wall found that the man failed to treat the woman with respect – breaching Right 1(1) of the Code and did not treat the woman with dignity in breach of Right 3.

Ms Wall recommended [Mr B] provide a formal apology to the woman and for him to refamiliarise himself with the Code. Whilst [Mr B] no longer works at the residential care setting, in the event Mr B finds employment as a support worker, she has recommended he ask his future employer to put him through training on treating consumers with respect and dignity and relationship management/communicating with people who display challenging behaviour.

Evidence of these actions is to be provided to HDC.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Investigation – Health NZ Southern and registrar breach man’s rights for failures in care 21HDC02293

Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

A man’s rights under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights were breached by Health New Zealand|Te Whatu Ora Southern and a registrar, the Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner has found in a decision released today. Sadly, the man died of a brain haemorrhage.

The man had an unwitnessed fall at his care home and was taken to Southland Hospital emergency department. A yellow envelope containing patient information was misplaced which meant that hospital staff who were treating the man were not aware that he was on anticoagulants.

The man had his initial observations taken by a registered nurse about six hours after his arrival at hospital. He was first seen by the registrar around nine hours after his arrival. The registrar noted it was usual practice for her to review the information in the yellow envelope but there wasn’t one. The registrar did not order a CT scan because she was not aware he was on anticoagulants.

The man was kept under observation and was discharged back to the care home the next day. The man became increasingly ill and was taken back to Southland Hospital where a CT showed he had experienced an intracranial haemorrhage and he later died.

Deborah James said Health NZ breached the Code by not providing services with reasonable care and skill.

“Health NZ did not have a clear or well understood process in place for ambulance staff to hand over the yellow envelope when there were no available beds in ED, resulting in the man’s yellow envelope being misplaced,” she said.

She added that the man was not assessed for initial observations until around six hours after his arrival and that several clinicians had failed to identify he was on warfarin. These factors combined meant Health NZ did not provide the appropriate standard of care.

Ms James said that due to the man’s age, fragility and because he had suffered a head injury, a CT scan should have been completed, regardless of whether or not he was on anticoagulants. She found that the registrar breached the Code by not providing reasonable care and skill in their management of the man’s care by not ensuring a CT was completed or identifying that he was on anticoagulants.

Health NZ says it has since increased the number of nurses on at night shift and made sure there is always a medical imaging technologist on site to take scans. The registrar has also made a range of changes, which are outlined in the report.

Ms James has recommended both parties formally apologise to the man’s family. She has recommended Health NZ standardise its process for yellow envelopes to cover when there are no beds available.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Investigation – Woman’s rights breached for failure to exclude pregnancy before insertion of a Jadelle contraceptive device 21HDC02688

Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

In a report released today Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rose Wall has found a Medical Centre GP registrar breached the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) for failing to reliably exclude pregnancy prior to insertion of a Jadelle contraceptive device.

The woman at the centre of the report, accessed contraception following the birth of her son three months prior. The woman’s usual GP arranged for the woman to have a Jadelle device fitted by a GP registrar.

The woman later discovered she was 20 weeks pregnant. The ultrasound indicated that she would have been pregnant at the time the contraceptive device was fitted. The discovery led to significant personal distress and concerns about the potential impact of her pregnancy.

The woman told HDC she did not feel she could cope with another baby so soon, but the pregnancy was too far advanced for termination to be considered and she was concerned about the health of her unborn baby.

Ms Wall considered several scenarios regarding pregnancy testing prior to fitting the device. On balance, she concluded that the GP registrar had omitted to discuss the method of contraception used by the woman prior to the consultation and to establish clearly whether the woman could be pregnant and, accordingly, offer her a pregnancy test.

Ms Wall found the GP registrar breached the Code for failing to provide services with reasonable care and skill, in particular failing to reliably exclude pregnancy before the Jadelle insertion, either through a pregnancy test or established criteria.

In addition, the medical centre’s documentation practices were found lacking, particularly in recording discussions about contraception and pregnancy risk.

Since the event, the GP registrar has made significant changes to her practice, including additional training and development of a detailed template to ensure thorough documentation and assessment. The medical centre has also taken steps to improve its practices and prevent similar issues in future.

Ms Wall said, “this case highlights the importance of thorough documentation and reliable exclusion of pregnancy in contraceptive consultations. We commend the GP registrar and the medical centre for their proactive steps to improve their practices.”

In addition to the changes made, Ms Wall made further recommendations in her report.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese researchers make breakthrough in precision management for thyroid cancer

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Chinese researchers have made progress in localizing medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a form of thyroid cancer that poses challenges in identifying metastatic lesions.
This breakthrough is based on a new imaging technique utilizing a novel class of radiopharmaceutical, known as covalent targeted radioligand (CTR). This approach addresses one of the major challenges in treating MTC: precisely locating metastatic lesions, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, according to researchers.
The development of this innovative imaging method was a collaborative effort between Liu Shaoyan’s team from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Liu Zhibo’s team from Peking University and Changping Laboratory, along with their collaborators. Their study was published online in Cancer Discovery, a leading journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, in late October.
Liu Shaoyan, the director of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the Cancer Hospital, emphasized that existing imaging techniques often fail to locate metastatic lesions accurately. “Surgery is a primary curative option for MTC. A precise imaging method is crucial to assist surgeons in accurately determining the extent of the surgical procedure,” he stated.
The new approach allows for selective targeting of tumor cells, enabling higher amounts and longer duration of the radioactive agents to remain in the tumor. This provides better imaging contrast, clearer tumor identification and more precise treatment planning, as explained by Kong Ziren, a member of Liu’s team and the co-first author of the paper.
Looking ahead, Liu noted that as this imaging approach continues to evolve and expand its applications, CTR has the potential to become a valuable diagnostic tool not only for MTC but also for various other cancers.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese astronauts return to Earth safely

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

In this combo photo, astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu (from L to R) are out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Shenzhou-18 crew consisting of three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth safely in the early morning on Monday, after completing a six-month space station mission.
Shenzhou-18’s return capsule, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 1:24 a.m. (Beijing Time). The crew had all left the return capsule by 2:15 a.m., according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The three astronauts, after staying in orbit for 192 days, were all in good health and the Shenzhou-18 manned mission was a success, the CMSA said.
Ye, the Shenzhou-18 mission commander, has become the first Chinese astronaut with an accumulative spaceflight time of more than a year, setting a new record for the longest duration of stay in orbit by a Chinese astronaut.
He served as a crew member in the Shenzhou-13 mission from October 2021 to April 2022.
“Chinese astronauts have flown to space in successive missions. I believe that the record of the duration in orbit will be broken in the near future,” Ye said.
Li Cong, who has just completed his first-ever space adventure, said that the crew was united as one and worked closely with the ground team, which ensured the extravehicular activities implemented smoothly and the scientific research and experiments advanced successfully.
“We have all enjoyed the unique experience of weightlessness. It is exciting to return to Earth, but we are also unwilling to part the wonders of the space,” said Li Guangsu, who has just returned from his first spaceflight.
At 12:34 a.m., the Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued a return command through the ground station, and the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship separated from its orbiting capsule. The brake engine then ignited, and the return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule.
The ground search team arrived at the landing site soon after the return capsule landed.
Intensive scientific tasks
China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship on April 25, 2024. During the mission, the Shenzhou-18 crew utilized the scientific experiment cabinets and extravehicular payloads to carry out dozens of experiments in the fields of basic physics in microgravity, space material science, space life science, space medicine and space technology.
They replaced the burner for the gas experiment in the combustion experiment cabinet and test samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet as planned. They also conducted in-orbit training on spacecraft rendezvous and docking.
The Shenzhou-18 astronauts carried out extravehicular activities twice. Their first spacewalk in May set a new record for the longest single spacewalk by Chinese astronauts.
Assisted by the space station’s robotic arm and a team on Earth, they worked for about eight-and-a-half hours during their first extravehicular activities, and completed multiple tasks, including the installation of space debris protection devices.
The crew also carried out emergency decision-making research. By utilizing the computer and corresponding software, they completed a series of assessments, including tests on basic cognitive ability, risk perception, decision-making style, as well as comprehensive decision-making tasks.
The ground personnel then used the test results to thoroughly evaluate the astronauts’ emergency decision-making ability in orbit and study the influence of the factors such as the duration of stay in orbit, emotional state and workload on their ability.
During the mission, the crew also conducted regular medical check-ups as required, including routine examinations and dynamic monitoring of the heart rate and blood pressure. These procedures helped comprehensively monitor the astronauts’ physical state.
Joyful space journey
During their space adventure, the Shenzhou-18 trio also experienced some special joy brought by the space “aquarium” and “garden” in the Tiangong space station.
The three astronauts created a space “aquarium” using zebrafish and algae to study how the space environment affects their growth and system balance. It was also a breakthrough in the field of raising vertebrates in space.
The astronauts discovered that zebrafish exhibited abnormal orientation behaviors in microgravity, such as upside-down swimming, spinning and circling.
Scientists will later utilize the returned water samples, fish eggs and other specimens, in conjunction with videos of the zebrafish’s spatial movement behaviors, to conduct research on the impact of the space environment on the growth, development and behavior of vertebrates and to provide support for the study of material cycling in a closed space ecosystem.
The Shenzhou-18 astronauts were also busy cultivating plants in the “space garden” during their stay in orbit.
According to a video clip released by the CMSA, astronaut Li Guangsu said that they grew two types of plants — cherry tomatoes and lettuce — and they had harvested some lettuce leaves for food.
“Being able to eat fresh vegetables in space is truly a blessing. These green plants have also brought a touch of green and good cheer to our busy work,” Li said.
Planting in space could also help analyze the changes in the function and gene expression of plant stem cells in the microgravity environment, and provide theoretical support for designing crops that can adapt to outer-space conditions.
Before their return to Earth, the Shenzhou-18 crew completed the removal of some module plants, replenishing water and other operations for the “space garden,” in preparation for the new batch of plant seeds brought into space by the Shenzhou-19 astronauts.
They also planted a new batch of lettuce for the Shenzhou-19 crew, who were lifted off aboard the Shenzhou-19 spaceship and entered the Tiangong space station on Oct. 30.
In 2025, China’s manned space program will launch the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crewed missions, and the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft for in-orbit supplies, the CMSA said.

Astronaut Li Guangsu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Astronaut Ye Guangfu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Astronaut Ye Guangfu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Astronaut Li Cong is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, touches down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Astronaut Li Guangsu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Astronaut Li Guangsu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Astronaut Ye Guangfu is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Astronaut Li Cong is out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Over 75% of Shenzhen-listed firms report profits in Jan.-Sept.

Source: China State Council Information Office

More than 75 percent of companies listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange reported profits during the first nine months of 2024, according to the latest data from the bourse.

Over 2,844 companies listed on this stock exchange released their financial reports during the period, reporting a combined net profit of 806.2 billion yuan (about 113.5 billion U.S. dollars).

Of these companies, more than 300 saw a net profit increase exceeding 100 percent year on year, the Shenzhen bourse said.

Consumption-related sectors maintained steady growth in profitability from January to September. Specifically, the net profits of transportation and social services increased by 15 percent and 7 percent year on year, respectively, driven by rising travel demand.

Digital sectors also demonstrated robust performance, with net profits rising by 13 percent year on year during this period, the bourse confirmed.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China reports sharp increase in EV charging facilities

Source: China State Council Information Office

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 8, 2024 shows new energy vehicles charging at a charging station in Changsha County, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The number of charging piles for electric vehicles (EV) in China reached 11.43 million as of the end of September this year, marking an increase of 49.6 percent from a year ago, latest government data showed.

Among them, around 3.33 million were public charging facilities while 8.1 million were private, according National Energy Administration data.

Based on a total stock of 28.09 million registered new energy vehicles in the country at present, there is one charging pile for every 2.46 vehicles, the data showed.

In the first nine months of 2024, the country reported a net increase of 2.84 million charging piles, while the charging amount for vehicles totaled 66.67 billion kWh, up 12.4 percent year on year, the data showed.

The government agency said that the growing network of charging facilities is providing services across more highways in the country. At the same time, charging facilities in counties and towns were growing, having reached 417,000 units as of the end of September.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Moldova’s incumbent president leads presidential runoff

Source: China State Council Information Office

Moldova’s incumbent President Maia Sandu led the country’s presidential election runoff with 54.19 percent of the votes, as most ballots have been counted by Monday morning, according to local media reports.

Former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo, the president’s main contender for the next four-year presidential term, trailed with 45.81 percent, as reported by the country’s Central Electoral Commission after counting 97.8 percent of the votes.

“I voted with Moldova, I have confidence that our citizens will choose well for our country. Today, more than ever, we must stand together, keep our peace, keep our vote, keep our independence,” said Sandu. As the former leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity, she got the most votes in the first round of the election.

Stoianoglo, who is supported by Moldova’s Socialist Party, expressed his commitment to “a free, stable, prosperous Moldova” and emphasized his support for the country’s path to European integration.

After the presidential election on Oct. 20, Moldova moved to a runoff election between the top two candidates, as none of the 11 candidates in the presidential race received an absolute majority of the votes — defined as 50 percent plus one vote — in the first round.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 5 killed in car-train collision in Poland

Source: China State Council Information Office

A car collided with a train at an unguarded railway crossing in northeastern Poland on Sunday afternoon, killing all five passengers in the vehicle on the spot, according to Warmian-Masurian province police.

According to the local media report, the car ran directly into the path of an oncoming train. The five victims included two adults and three children.

Police, prosecutors, and firefighters are working at the railway crossing in Karwica Mazurska near the historic town of Pisz, investigating the tragedy. It is not yet known why the car driver did not stop at the “STOP” sign.

Train traffic between Pisz and Spychow has been completely suspended. Traffic disruptions may last several hours due to the accident.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Shenzhou-18 return capsule touches down, astronauts all sound

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

The return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, touches down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2024. The three astronauts are all in good health condition, according to the China Manned Space Agency. [Photo/Xinhua]

JIUQUAN, Nov. 4 — The return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Monday.

The three astronauts are all in good health condition, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investment in electric vehicle charging network

Source: Scottish Government

Expansion announced ahead of Ayr Travelling Cabinet.

Ahead of his first Travelling Cabinet since becoming First Minister, John Swinney will today (Monday) announce plans to expand the electric vehicle (EV) charging network across Ayrshire and the Glasgow City Region. A £6.3 million investment from the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund will lead to the introduction of approximately 3,550 new public EV charge points across the region.

The First Minister has also welcomed confirmation from charge point data provider ZapMap that Scotland has already reached its target of installing more than 6,000 public EV charge points, two years ahead of the 2026 target.

Cabinet Secretaries will visit businesses and projects across South Ayrshire to highlight their four priorities: eradicating child poverty, building prosperity, protecting the planet and improving public services. The First Minister and Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop will visit an electric vehicle charging hub where they will meet representatives from EV infrastructure company IONITY.

The Cabinet will then go on to meet at Ayr Town Hall, followed by a public discussion.

The First Minister said:

“Today’s announcement is clear evidence of our commitment to making sustainable travel accessible for everyone in Scotland.

“We need to maintain this rapid progress, working in greater partnership with the private sector to accelerate the pace and scale of delivery right across the country.

“By fast-tracking EV infrastructure, we’re paving the way for a net-zero Scotland while advancing our goal to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

“This is a key example of how the Scottish Government is focused on delivering on our key priorities and I am looking forward to hearing from people in Ayr about how we can continue to deliver for them.

“Connecting with communities across the country enables us to make informed decisions as we strive to create a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland.”

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

“In 2023, we published our Vision for public EV charging infrastructure, highlighting the key role the private sector will play in delivering Scotland’s future EV charging requirements for public charging.

“Through our £30 million EV Infrastructure Fund we are continuing to support public EV charging; providing Local Authorities with funding to enable them to work in partnership with the private sector to continue to expand public EV charging across Scotland.

“This approach is paying dividends – ensuring faster delivery and greater reliability of public charge points across the country. I’m pleased to welcome the matched investment from businesses such as IONITY which is helping to scale up the provision of public EV charging across Scotland.”

Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Region Cabinet Chair and Leader of Glasgow City Council said:

“Electric vehicles are to key to reducing carbon emissions and the expanded charging network this funding will deliver can persuade more citizens across the City Region to switch to electric.

“And in creating the biggest network of charge points across Scotland’s most populous communities we can make a real impact on our national climate targets.”

IONITY Country (UK & Ireland) Manager Andreas Atkins said:

“For Scotland to have reached its ambitious target of delivering 6,000 public chargers well ahead of its 2026 target is a huge achievement, especially in such a difficult economic environment at present in the UK.

“A continued collaborative approach between the public sector and private industry is required to tackle and deliver the roadmap for net zero transport, and IONITY will continue to play a key role in this.

“We have already injected £20 million investment in Scotland by the end of 2025, with a further £20 million committed into Scotland by 2028 – delivering 100% green electricity through our chargers from Scotland’s main cities to the West Coast and the Highlands.

“Not only will we enable electric transit right across Scotland, but our charging hub site partners, such as food and beverage retailers, retail parks and hospitality venues will directly benefit. The IONITY hubs are introducing those businesses – and wider local economies – to new revenue streams and additional footfall, bringing entire communities with us into the era of electric vehicles.”

Zapmap COO and Co-founder Melanie Shufflebotham said:

“Reaching the milestone of 6,000 public chargers across Scotland is a significant achievement, with the Scottish government showing great commitment to the EV sector with the forward-looking investment in the ChargePlace Scotland network over the last decade. This has then been supplemented with other private networks and investment across the country.

“Since the target of 6,000 public EV charge points by 2026 was announced by the Scottish Government in June 2023, charge point infrastructure has grown at an impressive rate – up over 49% from 4,023 in June 2023.

“This number covers many different charging use cases across diverse locations, from low powered on-street chargers to destination chargers at scenic spots to 150kW+ charging hubs.

“It’s exciting to see charging hubs being established across the country, from Inverness and Aberdeen in the north to around the urban centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh. This infrastructure not only supports Scottish EV drivers in their daily travels but also enables visitors to explore the stunning Scottish landscape with confidence on longer journeys.”

Background

Since 2011 the Scottish Government has invested over £65 million in public EV charging. Charge point data provider ZapMap has confirmed Scotland had 6,007 public charge points as of 31 October, delivered through a combination of public and increasing private sector investment.

As a direct result, per head of population, Scotland has more public EV charge points than any other part of the UK, except London. We also benefit from more rapid public EV charge points than any other UK region,

The Scottish public EV charging Vision was published in June 2023 and sets out our ambition to see a comprehensive, convenient and efficient network. The Scottish Government has announced a commitment to enabling approximately 24,000 additional public charge points by 2030, and we expect the majority of these to be delivered by the private sector.

Public charge points are only one part of the overall charging mix. The Scottish Government has also provided £5.7 million to support the installation of 18,861 domestic charge points and £10.8 million to support 1,432 higher powered workplace charge points – all complementing the public network.

Map of electric charging points for electric cars UK: Zapmap (zap-map.com)

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Carer Support Payment now Scotland-wide
Source: Scottish Government

Tens of thousands of carers can now apply for support as benefit roll-out complete.

Tens of thousands more unpaid carers in Scotland can apply for a new benefit from today (4 November).

Carer Support Payment, which is a payment of £81.90 per week paid by Social Security Scotland, has been introduced in phases since November 2023.

It has been extended to people living in 19 more local authority areas including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Orkney and the Scottish Borders.

It is now available in every local authority in the country, marking the completion of the roll-out of Scotland’s 14^th benefit.

It is for unpaid carers who provide 35 or more hours of care a week to someone who gets disability benefits. Carer Support Payment, is the replacement in Scotland for Carer’s Allowance which is delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Unlike Carer’s Allowance, Carer Support Payment is available to some carers in education. This includes full-time students aged 20 or over and students under 20 who are in advanced or higher education.

In June, eligibility was extended to carers aged 16-19 in non-advanced education. This includes those studying for National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers, who meet certain criteria, for example, not having any parental support.

As part of the roll out, new backdating rules were introduced meaning that some carers – mostly full-time students – living in the new areas can apply to have their payments backdated to when Carer Support Payment was introduced.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“The importance of the role of unpaid carers should not be underestimated. Their work is vital to the people they look after and to society as a whole.

“I am delighted that Carer Support Payment is now available in every local authority in Scotland. Many students will now be able to get this financial support for the first time, thanks to changes made by the Scottish Government.

“I urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to find out more.”

According to Carers Trust Scotland, it is estimated that there are around 35,000 unpaid carers attending college or university in Scotland. Paul Traynor, Head of External Affairs at Carers Trust Scotland, welcomes the national roll out. He said:

“The immense contribution of unpaid carers to society cannot be understated, providing vital caring roles to their family and friends, and helping to hold society together.

“Over 100,000 unpaid carers in Scotland are living in poverty and we hear all too often of the financial pressures of juggling studying and caring, where supplementing their income through employment is extremely challenging or not possible. Research highlights that student carers can be up to four times more likely to drop out of college or university and financial struggles are often one of the key reasons for this.

“The national roll out of Carer Support Payment will help make a significant difference to many carers’ lives and support more student carers to remain and succeed in education.”

Background
- Carer Support Payment opened for new applications in further areas on 4 November. Unpaid carers in Argyll & Bute, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Orkney Islands, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Shetland Islands, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian can now apply. Carers can find out more, and apply at https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment
- Changes to allow more young carers in education to access Carer Support Payment have been in force since June. Carers aged 16 to 19 in full-time ‘non advanced’ education can be eligible if they have certain exceptional circumstances – including if they have no support from parents or are responsible for a child or young person. Non-advanced education includes school and college courses such as National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers.
- Special backdating rules for the Carer Support Payment roll out mean that carers who are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance but are eligible for Carer Support Payment, and are living in areas outside of the initial pilot areas, can apply to have their payments backdated to the date Carer Support Payment first became available. The rules are designed to stop carers missing out on money they are entitled to because they live in an area included in the later phases of the rollout.
- To get fully backdated payments under these special rules, carers should apply within 13 weeks of the benefit becoming available in their area. The deadline for carers living in the new areas (Argyll & Bute, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Highland, Inverclyde, Midlothian, Orkney Islands, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Shetland Islands, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian) is 2 February 2025. Carers may still be able to get fully backdated support after this if they have a good reason for missing the deadline. The deadline for carers living in the areas where the benefit opened in August – Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Fife, Moray and North, East and South Ayrshire – is 17 November 2024. Carers may still be able to get fully backdated support after this if they have a good reason for missing the deadline.
- Carers in Scotland who already get Carer’s Allowance will have their benefits automatically transferred to Carer Support Payment. Social Security Scotland will write to people in advance to let them know that their award will be moving.
- The transfer of awards began in February this year. It is due to complete in Spring 2025.
Carers Trust Scotland works to transform the lives of unpaid carers. They partner with their network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver innovative and evidence-based programmes, raise awareness and influence policy. Supporting Carers in Scotland | Carers Trust Scotland
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by Vice President Harris in Press Gaggle | Milwaukee, WI

Source: The White House

Pfister Hotel
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Hi. Good morning, everyone.

     Q    Good morning.

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Okay. Well, it’s good to be back in Milwaukee. We had a wonderful evening last night. People are enthusiastic, and the road to the White House definitely runs through Milwaukee, and I’m honored to have the support of people here.

I’m going to continue to remind people: Go to IWillVote.com to know where you vote and — and how you can vote, in terms of in-person and all of those other details that are very important to exercising the power of your vote in this very critical and important election.

I also want to speak to the comments that have been recently made by the speaker of the House. It is just further evidence of everything that I’ve actually been talking about for months now, about Trump’s intention to implement Project 2025.

We have talked repeatedly — and the American people know what’s in it. We’ve talked repeatedly about their intention to get rid of the Affordable Care Act; now to get rid of the CHIPS Act.

And let’s talk about manufacturing, which is a critical issue for many of the states that will make the difference in this election. Donald Trump, when he was president, lost 200,000 manufacturing jobs. We have created over 700[,000] new manufacturing jobs.

It is my plan and intention to continue to invest in American manufacturing, the work being done by American workers, upholding and lifting up good union jobs, which are good-paying jobs, and doing the work of investing in American industries, including our industries of the future.

That is the way we are going to win the competition with China for the 21st century, and that is the kind of leadership that America deserves in their president.

     Q    Madam President, one on — Madam President —

     AIDE: Mary. Mary.

     Q    Oh, sorry.

     Q    What’s your message to Milwaukee voters who are saying, you know, Trump might be better for the economy, and we’re hearing that from — including Black men voters who are skeptical that things are just too expensive for them?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, let me make it very clear that I intend to earn the vote of everyone, and I don’t take anyone’s vote for granted, and my highest priority as president will be to bring down the cost because, to that point, look, I know the cost of groceries is too high still, everyone knows it. And so, my plan includes what we’re going to do in terms of taking on corporate price gouging and having the first-ever national ban on corporate price gouging on groceries.

My plan includes addressing the issue of affordable housing, including for first-time homebuyers, giving them a $25,000 down payment assistance so they can just get their foot in the door.

My plan includes addressing the needs of parents — in particular, young parents — which is why I will expand the Child Tax Credit to $6,000 for the first year of their child’s life, which helps pay for everything from child care to a crib and a car seat.

My plan includes what we’re going to do to invest in our small businesses, including increasing tax breaks for small businesses.

And overall, my plan, which is about building an opportunity economy, has been reviewed by leading economists in our country, from Goldman Sachs to 32 Nobel laureates, all whom have said that my economic plan actually will strengthen America’s economy. They’ve reviewed Donald Trump’s plan and have determined he will weaken America’s economy, he will ignite inflation, and he will bring on a recession by the middle of next year.

     AIDE: Akayla.

Q    Hi, Madam Vice President. On the comments from the speaker, he walked back initially saying that they would repeal the CHIPS Act, but he still wants to impose changes to the bill. Are you concerned about Republicans seeking any changes to the CHIPS Act?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, let’s be clear why he walked it back: Because it’s not popular, and their agenda is not popular.

And that’s why people are showing up by the thousands — tens of thousands to talk about an agenda that actually is focused on lifting them up. That’s why I have the support of, yes, Democrats and independents and Republicans, because they want a president of the United States who stops playing politics with their lives.

They want a president of the United States who invest in affordable health care regardless of who they vote for.

They want a president of the United States who invests in American manufacturing and American workers.

And that’s the work I will do, and that is the work I’m committed to do, and I’m very proud to have the support of many leaders from every party who understand that that’s the kind of leadership that we need moving forward.

AIDE: Asma.

Q    Thank you. Madam Vice President, I wanted to ask you about your day-one agenda. I know you said the other day — you talked about having an executive order that would eliminate college degrees for certain federal jobs.

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Yes.

Q    Can you tell us about some other day-one priorities?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Absolutely. Well, it — obviously —

Q    (Inaudible.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT: — there’s more than one.

Q    Yes.

THE VICE PRESIDENT: And one of them is going to be to submit, basically, a package of proposals that are about bringing down costs.

So, for example, housing. What we need to do in terms of creating a tax benefit for folks who want homeownership, what we’re going to do to create a $25,000 down payment assistance plan, what we’re going to do for small businesses. All of that will require a lot of work.

And day one is also me getting on the phone with members of the Republican Party, with leaders, with the private sector. A lot of my plan includes working with the private sector.

My plan includes cutting through red tape on the issue of housing. Again, that includes working with local and state leaders to cut through the red tape, as well as creating incentives for the private-sector builders and developers to actually build new housing so we can increase supply and bring down the cost.

     AIDE: Charles.

     Q    Madam President, thank you —

     THE VICE PRESIDENT: Vice President.

     Q    — for making this —

     THE VICE PRESIDENT: Three days.

     Q    Vice President.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT: But I appreciate that.

     Q    That will go viral, I’m sure.

     Tomorrow, faith leaders in Milwaukee and across the state will be praying about this election —

     THE VICE PRESIDENT: Yes.

     Q    — and encouraging people to get out and vote.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT: Yes.

     Q    I think, last week, I heard you say, “God’s power works through us.”

     THE VICE PRESIDENT: Yes.

     Q    What does your faith tell you about who God wants to win this election and lead our divided country?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: My faith and my belief in God tells me that we all must think about our lives through our ability to do good works, and through those works, to lift people up, to help the needy, to help the poor, to help the elderly. And my plan for my presidency is informed with that spirit and that approach. And I do believe that people understand that that really is the sign of a real leader, which is not defining one’s strength based on who you beat down, but defining the strength of a leader based on who you lift up.

     AIDE: Thank you.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you.

                               END

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Provides $10 Million Grant to Address Gender-Based Violence in Cambodia

Source: Asia Development Bank

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (4 November 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved $10 million in grant financing to address gender-based violence (GBV) in Cambodia to help meet the country’s target of zero GBV by 2030.

The Strengthening Country Systems for Prevention and Response to GBV project is ADB’s first stand-alone Asian Development Fund (ADF) grant specifically focused on gender equality in Southeast Asia, and establishes a clear link between governance systems, public financial management, and the quality and accessibility of services addressing GBV.

The project will strengthen legal and institutional frameworks by updating Cambodia’s legislation on domestic violence; improve service delivery at the local level by strengthening the quality and accessibility of response services and refurbishing shelters for survivors, especially in rural areas; and leverage digital solutions in adolescent school-based and community-based programs to promote prevention. It will enhance digital solutions for 24/7 access to information, education, and communication resources on GBV in an effort to link prevention and response in a continuum for maximum impact.

“This important project will enhance systemic responses, expand access to shelters, and ensure survivors receive the care they need,” said ADB Country Director for Cambodia Jyotsana Varma. “It will also promote community-based programs on prevention, empowering local communities to play a key role in raising awareness and stopping violence before it occurs. ADB remains committed to supporting Cambodia in building a safer, more inclusive society for all.”

The incidence of GBV remains persistently high even as Cambodia has made significant strides in combating it with the government and civil society organizations piloting promising prevention approaches. Since 2014, the prevalence of intimate partner violence has decreased by 8 percentage points to 21% women (aged 15–49) experiencing it at least once in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization. While better than the global and Southeast Asian average of 30%, Cambodia still faces hurdles due to uneven response hindered by multiple public agencies, and limited survivor-centered care.

Building on lessons from previous GBV projects in Asia, this initiative promotes a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach that integrates gender equality and GBV considerations across key ministries for Women’s Affairs, Interior, and Economy and Finance to ensure a coordinated response.

This $10 million project is funded by a grant from the Asian Development Fund, which supports ADB’s vulnerable developing member countries.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: How the US election may affect Pacific Island nations

By Eleisha Foon, RNZ Pacific senior journalist

As the US election unfolds, American territories such as the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, and Guam, along with the broader Pacific region, will be watching the developments.

As the question hangs in the balance of whether the White House remains blue with Kamala Harris or turns red under Donald Trump, academics, New Zealand’s US ambassador, and Guam’s Congressman have weighed in on what the election means for the Pacific.

Massey University’s Centre for Defence and Security Studies senior lecturer Dr Anna Powles said it would no doubt have an impact on small island nations facing climate change and intensified geopolitics, including the rapid expansion of military presence on its territory Guam, following the launch of an interballistic missile by China.

Pacific leaders lament the very real security threat of climate-induced natural disasters has been overshadowed by the tug-of-war between China and the US in what academics say is “control and influence” for the contested region.

Dr Powles said it came as “no surprise” that countries such as New Zealand and Australia had increasingly aligned with the US, as the Biden administration had been leveraging strategic partnerships with Australia, New Zealand, and Japan since 2018.

Despite China being New Zealand’s largest trading partner, New Zealand is in the US camp and must pay attention, she said.

“We are not seeing enough in the public domain or discussion by government with the New Zealand public about what this means for New Zealand going forward.”

Pacific leaders welcome US engagement but are concerned about geopolitical rivalry.

Earlier this month, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa attended the South Pacific Defence Ministers meeting in Auckland.

He said it was important that “peace and stability in the region” was “prioritised”.

Referencing the arms race between China and the US, he said, “The geopolitics occurring in our region is not welcomed by any of us in the Pacific Islands Forum.”

While a Pacific Zone of Peace has been a talking point by Fiji and the PIF leadership to reinforce the region’s “nuclear-free stance”, the US is working with Australia on obtaining nuclear-submarines through the AUKUS security pact.

Dr Powles said the potential for increased tensions “could happen under either president in areas such as Taiwan, East China Sea — irrespective of who is in Washington”.

South Pacific defence ministers told RNZ Pacific the best way to respond to threats of conflict and the potential threat of a nuclear attack in the region is to focus on defence and building stronger ties with its allies.

New Zealand’s Defence Minister said NZ was “very good friends with the United States”, with that friendship looking more friendly under the Biden Administration. But will this strengthening of ties and partnerships continue if Trump becomes President?

US President Joe Biden (center) stands for a group photo with Pacific Islands Forum leaders following the Pacific Islands Forum Summit at the South Portico of the White House in Washington on September 25, 2023. Image: Jim Watson/RNZ

US President Joe Biden, center, stands for a group photo with Pacific Islands Forum leaders following the Pacific Islands Forum Summit, at the South Portico of the White House in Washington on September 25, 2023. Photo: Jim Watson

US wants a slice of Pacific
Regardless of who is elected, US Ambassador to New Zealand Tom Udall said history showed the past three presidents “have pushed to re-engage with the Pacific”.

While both Trump and Harris may differ on critical issues for the Pacific such as the climate crisis and multilateralism, both see China as the primary external threat to US interests.

The US has made a concerted effort to step up its engagement with the Pacific in light of Chinese interest, including by reopening its embassies in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Tonga.

On 12 July 2022, the Biden administration showed just how keen it was to have a seat at the table by US Vice-President Kamala Harris dialing in to the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Fiji at the invitation of the then chair former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama. The US was the only PIF “dialogue partner” allowed to speak at this Forum.

However, most of the promises made to the Pacific have been “forward-looking” and leaders have told RNZ Pacific they want to see less talk and more real action.

Defence diplomacy has been booming since the 2022 Solomon Islands-China security deal. It tripled the amount of money requested from Congress for economic development and ocean resilience — up to US$60 million a year for 10 years — as well as a return of Peace Corps volunteers to Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu.

Health security was another critical area highlighted in 2024 the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Declaration.

The Democratic Party’s commitment to the World Health Organisation (WHO) bodes well, in contrast to the previous Trump administration’s withdrawal from the WHO during the covid-19 pandemic.

It continued a long-running programme called ‘The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs’ which gives enterprising women from more than 100 countries with the knowledge, networks and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.

While both Trump and Harris may differ on critical issues for the Pacific such as the climate crisis and multilateralism, both see China as the primary external threat to US interests. Image: 123RF/RNZ

Guam’s take
Known as the tip of the spear for the United States, Guam is the first strike community under constant threat of a nuclear missile attack.

In September, China launched an intercontinental ballistic test missile in the Pacific for first time in 44 years, landing near French Polynesian waters.

It was seen as a signal of China’s missile capabilities which had the US and South Pacific Defence Ministers on edge and deeply “concerned”.

China’s Defence Ministry said in a statement the launch was part of routine training by the People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force, which oversees conventional and nuclear missile operations and was not aimed at any country or target.

The US has invested billions to build a 360-degree missile defence system on Guam with plans for missile tests twice a year over the next decade, as it looks to bolster its weaponry in competition with China.

Despite the arms race and increased military presence and weaponry on Guam, China is known to have fewer missiles than the US.

The US considers Guam a key strategic military base to help it stop any potential attacks. Image: RNZ Pacific/Eleisha Foon

However, Guamanians are among the four million disenfranchised Americans living in US territories whose vote does not count due to an anomaly in US law.

“While territorial delegates can introduce bills and advocate for their territory in the US Congress, they have no voice on the floor. While Guam is exempted from paying the US federal income tax, many argue that such a waiver does not make up for what the tiny island brings to the table,” according to a BenarNews report.

US Congressman for Guam James Moylan has spent his time making friends and “educating and informing” other states about Guam’s existence in hopes to get increased funding and support for legislative bills.

Moylan said he would prefer a Trump presidency but noted he has “proved he can also work with Democrats”.

Under Trump, Moylan said Guam would have “stronger security”, raising his concerns over the need to stop Chinese fishing boats from coming onto the island.

Moylan also defended the military expansion: “We are not the aggressor. If we put our guard down, we need to be able to show we can maintain our land.”

Moylan defended the US military expansion, which his predecessor, former US Congressman Robert Underwood, was concerned about, saying the rate of expansion had not been seen since World War II.

“We are the closest there is to the Indo-Pacific threat,” Moylan said.

“We need to make sure our pathways, waterways and economy is growing, and we have a strong defence against our aggressors.”

“All likeminded democracies are concerned about the current leadership of China. We are working together…to work on security issues and prosperity issues,” US Ambassador to New Zealand Tom Udall said.

When asked about the military capabilities of the US and Guam, Moylan said: “We are not going to war; we are prepared to protect the homeland.”

Moylan said that discussions for compensation involving nuclear radiation survivors in Guam would happen regardless of who was elected.

The 23-year battle has been spearheaded by atomic veteran Robert Celestial, who is advocating for recognition for Chamorro and Guamanians under the RECA Act.

Celestial said that the Biden administration had thrown their support behind them, but progress was being stalled in Congress, which is predominantly controlled by the Republican party.

But Moylan insisted that the fight for compensation was not over. He said that discussions would continue after the election irrespective of who was in power.

“It’s been tabled. It’s happening. I had a discussion with Speaker Mike Johnson. We are working to pass this through,” he said.

US Marine Force Base Camp Blaz. Image: RNZ Pacific/Eleisha Foon

If Trump wins
Dr Powles said a return to Trump’s leadership could derail ongoing efforts to build security architecture in the Pacific.

There are also views Trump would pull back from the Pacific and focus on internal matters, directly impacting his nation.

For Trump, there is no mention of the climate crisis in his platform or Agenda47.

This is in line with the former president’s past actions, such as withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2019, citing “unfair economic burdens” placed on American workers and businesses.

Trump has maintained his position that the climate crisis is “one of the great scams of all time”.

The America First agenda is clear, with “countering China” at the top of the list. Further, “strengthening alliances,” Trump’s version of multilateralism, reads as what allies can do for the US rather than the other way around.

“There are concerns for Donald Trump’s admiration for more dictatorial leaders in North Korea, Russia, China and what that could mean in a time of crisis,” Dr Powles said.

A Trump administration could mean uncertainty for the Pacific, she added.

While Trump was president in 2017, he warned North Korea “not to mess” with the United States.

“North Korea [is] best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met by fire and fury like the world has never seen.”

North Korea responded deriding his warning as a “load of nonsense”.

Although there is growing concern among academics and some Pacific leaders that Trump would bring “fire and fury” to the Indo-Pacific if re-elected, the former president seemed to turn cold at the thought of conflict.

In 2023, Trump remarked that “Guam isn’t America” in response to warning that the US territory could be vulnerable to a North Korean nuclear strike — a move which seemed to distance the US from conflict.

If Harris wins
Dr Powles said that if Harris wins, it was important to move past “announcements” and follow-through on all pledges.

A potential win for Harris could be the fulfilment of the many “promises” made to the Pacific for climate financing, uplifting economies of the Pacific and bolstering defence security, she said.

Pacific leaders want Harris to deliver on the Pacific Partnership Strategy, the outcomes of the two Pacific Islands-US summits in 2022 and 2023, and the many diplomatic visits undertaken during President Biden’s presidency.

The Biden administration recognised Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign and independent states and established diplomatic relationships with them.

Harris has pledged to boost funding to the Green Climate Fund by US$3 billion. She also promised to “tackle the climate crisis with bold action, build a clean energy economy, advance environmental justice, and increase resilience to climate disasters”.

Dr Powles said that delivery needed to be the focus.

“What we need to be focused on is delivery [and that] Pacific Island partners are engaged from the very beginning — from the outset to any programme right through to the final phase of it.”

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

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 26, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: An Indigenous person is 4 times more likely to die from diabetes. We need to better understand how exercise can help

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ray Kelly, PhD candidate, School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne

Attila Csaszar/Getty

It’s estimated almost 1.9 million Australians have diabetes, and numbers are growing. Between 2013 and 2023, the total number of people known to be living with diabetes across the country rose by 32%.

As is the case for a range of health conditions, diabetes disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Indigenous Australians are three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians. They are 4.4 times more likely to die from it.

Among other factors, physical activity plays an important role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. But our new study, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, shows we don’t know enough about the role of physical activity in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes in First Nations people.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where there’s too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. There are different types, but the most common is type 2 diabetes. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, a hormone which regulates blood sugar levels.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include having a family history of diabetes, being overweight, and having high blood pressure.

The high rates of diabetes in Indigenous communities are to a large extent influenced by the social determinants of health. For example, we know food insecurity disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially in rural and remote communities. This can make it difficult to follow a healthy diet, which in turn affects overall health.

People in remote Indigenous communities also often have poorer access to educational and employment opportunities, suitable housing, and high-quality health care. All these factors can contribute to poorer health.

First Nations communities have particularly high rates of younger onset type 2 diabetes (usually defined as a diagnosis before age 40).

If diabetes is not effectively managed, it can lead to a range of complications, including long-term damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes and feet. Diabetes can affect all aspects of a person’s life, including their mental health.

People with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels.
Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

Lifestyle interventions (diet and physical activity) are generally recommended as part of a treatment plan for type 2 diabetes.

We wanted to understand how physical activity interventions in particular can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes.

Our research

As well as playing a role in diabetes prevention, there’s good evidence exercise is beneficial for people already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity has been associated with lower levels of glycated haemoglobin in the blood (an index of glucose control), reduced blood lipids such as cholesterol, and weight loss. Evidence suggests a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise may be superior to either mode alone.

We reviewed studies that looked at the effects of physical activity interventions and programs in type 2 diabetes prevention and management for First Nations Australians.

We found only nine studies that investigated physical activity interventions for preventing or managing type 2 diabetes in Indigenous adults.

There was some evidence linking physical activity to better outcomes in Indigenous Australians with type 2 diabetes. However, the value of the findings was affected by shortcomings in study design and a lack of involvement of Indigenous people in designing and carrying out the research.

Exercise is important in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.
sutadimages/Shutterstock

A gap in high-quality evidence

There are many aspects of diabetes prevention and management that tend to be more difficult for people in First Nations communities, particularly those that are rural or remote.

Also, new technologies that can help with diabetes management, such as continuous glucose monitors, are often very expensive.

It’s crucial Indigenous Australians with diabetes have access to appropriate diabetes support, education and services.

Notably, health, cultural and socioeconomic disparities can impact participation in physical activity. What constitutes realistic opportunities to exercise can differ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared to other Australians.

Previous data has shown Indigenous Australians are less likely to meet physical activity recommendations than non-Indigenous Australians.

Factors that might influence the uptake of physical activity among First Nations people include access to safe, accessible, family-friendly and inexpensive locations to do exercise. These can be limited in regional and remote communities.

Read more:
How a culturally informed model of care helped First Nations patients with heart disease

Overall, we found a lack of reliable data on whether exercise, and what type of exercise, might benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with type 2 diabetes.

Given physical activity is a cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes, we need more rigorous research in this area. These studies must be well designed and culturally appropriate. They must involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at all levels of the research process.

Targeted research will help us determine the best approaches to increase physical activity, and understand its benefits, for Indigenous people with type 2 diabetes.

Ray Kelly is a Director at Ray Kelly Fitness Pty Ltd, which provides lifestyle programs in partnership with Aboriginal medical services. He has received funding from Primary Health Networks, the NSW Ministry of Health, and directly from Aboriginal medical services. Ray has also received MRFF funding for his research.

Margaret Morris receives research funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and the Australian Research Council.

– ref. An Indigenous person is 4 times more likely to die from diabetes. We need to better understand how exercise can help – https://theconversation.com/an-indigenous-person-is-4-times-more-likely-to-die-from-diabetes-we-need-to-better-understand-how-exercise-can-help-234154

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: COP29: What you need to know about the global climate summit
Source: Amnesty International –

The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) opens next week in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The summit takes place between 11 and 22 November, and decisions made there will impact all of us. To date, the international community has failed to rein in the deadly activities of the fossil fuel industry, which continues to pollute, burn, and ransack the planet in the face of mounting human suffering.

COP29 is a critical opportunity for world leaders to break with these past failures. Here’s what you need to know about the most important climate event on the global calendar:

1. Who’s going?
Between 40,000 and 50,000 delegates are expected to attend COP29. This will include government representatives from all UN member states, as well as the State of Palestine, the Holy See, Niue, the Cook Islands, and the European Union. All of these are parties to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and most have also joined the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. COP29 will also host diplomats, UN officials, journalists, climate scientists, trade union leaders, and policy experts. NGOs, activists, and Indigenous leaders are also planning to participate – although the involvement of independent media workers and human rights defenders from Azerbaijan itself has been curbed by an ongoing government crackdown.

2. What is the aim of COP29?
The overall aim of COP29 is for states to agree, develop and share plans for addressing climate change. This means preventing further global warming, and also helping those who have been most affected so far to adapt or to rebuild their lives.

In 2015, the Paris Agreement made it a legal requirement for all states to set targets for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, in order to limit the global temperature increase to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Since then, however, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) has stressed that the most catastrophic effects of climate change can only be avoided if we limit global warming to 1.5°C by the end of this century.

At COP29, countries’ progress on addressing climate change will be measured against this 1.5°C goal. It is important to note that even 1.5°C of warming will entail mass displacement, harm to livelihoods, and loss of life, with lower-income countries the worst affected. At present, the world is on track for an increase of 2.6 to 3.1°C this century.

3. What’s on the agenda this year?
COP29 has been called “the finance COP”, due to its focus on scaling up climate finance. Climate finance refers to the funding that is needed to help lower-income countries transition to zero-carbon economies, and to help the most affected communities adapt to the effects of climate change. A major objective of COP29 is to increase this funding and to produce a new goal for future climate finance.

4. Where will that money come from?

Under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, the funding must come from the high-income countries that are historically most responsible for climate change. In addition, under international human rights law, all states in a position to do so must also contribute.

In addition to setting a financial target, COP29 negotiators must also agree clear timeframes for the provision of funds to lower-income countries. Money should be given in the form of grants, not loans, to avoid worsening existing debt crises.

5. What should the funds be used for?
This target should also contain sub-goals to make clear where the money should go. For example, Amnesty International is also calling for the target to include loss and damage finance. This is essentially compensation, paid by high-income countries to lower income ones, to help them recover from the existing impacts of climate change, and from others that they will unavoidably face in the future.

One of the Azerbaijan presidency’s more positive moves has been to make adaptation, long sidelined in climate negotiations, a priority of the talks. While preventing further climate change through a full, fast fair and funded phase -out of fossil fuels is critical, the reality is that climate change is already here. Helping people adjust to existing and future impacts of global warming is a crucial part of climate justice.

6. How much money is needed?
Trillions of dollars are needed to help lower-income states carry out the climate action needed, including transitioning away from fossil fuels in a way that protects peoples’ rights. Amnesty International and others in the climate justice movement are calling for a target of at least 1 trillion USD annually.

Azerbaijan has an alarming human rights record, with longstanding restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.

7. What are Amnesty’s human rights concerns regarding Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan has an alarming human rights record, with longstanding restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. Peaceful protests, including those held by environmental groups, are routinely met with violent suppression, and according to the local NGOs more than 300 people are currently imprisoned on politically motivated charges. The work of independent media outlets in Azerbaijan is severely hampered by draconian laws, and the constant threat of retaliation for any real or perceived criticism of the authorities. Most independent media outlets have been crushed out of existence, as have vast swathes of Azerbaijan’s civil society. Torture and other ill-treatment in detention are widespread in Azerbaijan, and impunity is entrenched.

8. Have there been any improvements since Azerbaijan was given the COP29 Presidency?
No. In fact, the grave human rights situation in Azerbaijan has worsened since the country was announced as the host of COP29 in December 2023. The authorities claim they are “ensuring everyone’s voices are heard” at the summit – but they have prosecuted more than a dozen activists and journalists this year, and silenced key voices on the climate crisis.

In April, for example, Azerbaijani authorities arrested human rights and climate justice activist Anar Mammadli on bogus “smuggling” charges, and placed him in pre-trial detention, where he remains. Anar Mammadli was among the first activists in Azerbaijan to speak about the connection between human rights and climate justice, and he has been involved in international advocacy at the EU and UN level. In prison he has been denied adequate medical treatment for several worsening health conditions, and he is facing a lengthy sentence.

9. How does the human rights situation in Azerbaijan affect COP29?
It is essential that civil society can participate in climate negotiations. Activists, union leaders, and human rights defenders help to advocate for ambitious targets and play a vital role in ensuring that the plans developed at COP29 align with governments’ human rights obligations and that they are actually implemented. But the involvement of Azerbaijan’s own civil society is likely to be extremely limited. Threats and harassment have forced many local activists to leave the country, while others are arbitrarily detained on politically motivated charges. The few remaining independent voices risk prosecution and retaliation if they dare to voice any criticism during COP29.

The void left by local civil society groups has been filled in part by organizations known as GONGOs (government-organized non-governmental organizations). These state-supported groups do not provide the independent perspectives needed, but their presence allows Azerbaijani authorities to project a false picture of respect for freedom of expression and association.

Amnesty International is monitoring the crackdown in Azerbaijan, and will continue to document violations, both during and after the summit.

10 .What about Azerbaijan’s record on climate change?
Fossil fuel makes up about half of Azerbaijan’s economy and the vast majority of its export revenues. The state-owned oil and gas company, SOCAR, is a major source of income for President Ilham Aliyev’s government. Nonetheless, Azerbaijan must also do its fair share to achieve a fast and fair fossil fuel phase out; this means no new fossil fuel projects anywhere. But earlier this year, President Aliyev announced plans for expanding gas production which are grossly incompatible with Azerbaijan’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Like previous climate summits, COP29 will host many participants whose agendas are seriously at odds with climate justice. Thousands of fossil fuel lobbyists, along with the heads of oil giants like Shell and BP, are expected to be in attendance. These participants have used previous summits to advance their own interests, opposing essential efforts to phase out fossil fuels and pushing for false solutions like carbon offsetting. Amnesty International is calling for a robust conflict of interest policy to prevent fossil fuel lobbyists undermining the aims of global climate treaties.

11. How has climate change impacted people in 2024?
Climate change is causing a dramatic increase in the frequency of extreme temperatures, and 2024 is expected to be the hottest year ever recorded. Around the world, people have been displaced by floods, hurricanes, droughts and other unnatural disasters, all made worse by global warming. Worldwide, Indigenous Peoples and land-dependent communities continue to bear the heaviest burden of biodiversity loss.

Lives have been lost; livelihoods, languages, and entire cultures are in peril; and disease, hunger and displacement is causing extreme suffering. The cost of these losses amounts to trillions of dollars in damages, which dwarf the cost of current investments in renewable energy, and threaten governments’ capacity to fund policies to protect human rights.

12. What is Amnesty calling for at COP29?
- Human rights must be at the heart of all climate action decision-making;
- States in a position to do so must massively scale up climate finance and funding for loss and damage;
- All states must commit to fully phasing out fossil fuels, in a way that is fast and fair;
- COP29 participants must not chase risky technologies, like carbon capture and storage and removals, or push gas as a “transition fuel”, as a means of distracting from the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels;
- The UNFCCC Secretariat, the government of Azerbaijan, and other governments must protect civic space, and guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
Read more of Amnesty International’s recommendations on climate justice here

Help protect the protest in Azerbaijan
MIL OSI NGO –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Burkina Faso
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 4 November 2024, 14:48 NZDT
- Still current at: 4 November 2024
Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel to Burkina Faso due to the volatile security situation and the high threat of kidnapping, terrorism and armed banditry (level 4 of 4).

Burkina Faso

Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorism in Burkina Faso, particularly in border areas with Mali and Niger. States of emergencies remain in place in several border regions. In 2018, terrorist groups released a statement declaring their intention to target westerners and western companies in the Sahel. There have been multiple attacks in the capital and elsewhere in the country since 2016, including:
- On 11 June 2022, over 100 people were killed in an attack in Seytenga, Seno Province.
- On 4 and 5 June 2021, over 160 people were killed in attack on Solhan village, in the northeast.
- On 26 April 2021, 3 foreign nationals were killed in an ambush on the PK 60 road between Fada-N’Gourma and Pama.
- On 1 December 2019, at least 14 people were killed in a shooting attack inside a church in Hantoukoura.
- On 5 November 2019, 37 people were killed and a further 60 injured in an attack on a convoy carrying workers to a Canadian gold mine near Boungou.
- On March 2, 2018, extremists attacked the French Embassy and Burkina Faso’s military headquarters in downtown Ouagadougou. Eight security force personnel, including soldiers and police officers were killed and over 80 others were injured.
- On 13 August 2017, gunmen attacked the Aziz Istanbul restaurant in Ouagadougou, killing at least 18 people.
- On 15 January 2016, armed gunmen attacked the Splendid Hotel and Café Cappuccino in Ouagadougou resulted in 30 deaths, a large number of whom were foreign nationals.
Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in Burkina Faso and may be directed at locations with foreign interests or known to be frequented by foreigners, such as embassies, hotels, bars, restaurants, markets, airports, shopping areas, tourist sites, public transport facilities, mining operations and places of worship.

New Zealanders throughout Burkina Faso are advised to maintain a high degree of security awareness at all times, particularly in public areas. Avoid all large gatherings, including music festivals, concerts, sporting events and any public demonstrations or protests. Keep yourself informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local sources of information and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.

Kidnapping
There is a heightened threat of kidnapping in Burkina Faso. Terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have stated their intention to kidnap foreigners and may cross the borders from Mali and Niger to carry out kidnappings.

A number of foreigners have previously been kidnapped in Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region. In April 2022, a Polish national was kidnapped in north-eastern Burkina Faso and in September 2022, a US national was kidnapped in Yalgo, also in north-eastern Burkina Faso. The threat is likely to continue.

New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to seek professional security advice or protection before travelling to areas of particular risk.

Political Situation/Civil Unrest
The security situation has deteriorated significantly in recent years. The political situation continues to evolve following the military coup on 30 September 2022.

Demonstrations occur regularly and have taken place in major cities. They have the potential to result in violence or clashes, gunfire has been reported in Ougadougou. Expect an increased security presence country-wide and comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews or restrictions of movement. Continued disruptions to internet and other telecommunication services are possible.

New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations and large gatherings.

Banditry
Banditry is a security concern in Burkina Faso. There continue to be reports of attacks by armed criminals on vehicles, including buses, travelling on a variety of main and secondary roads across the country. Criminals have used road blocks to stop and rob travellers and have been known to open fire on vehicles that refuse to stop. While bandits mainly steal valuables, they may physically harm victims during the course of a robbery.

The highest number of incidents occur in the eastern region but there have been a number of attacks in other regions and the threat exists throughout Burkina Faso. Remote and border regions are especially vulnerable.

New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are advised to travel in convoy if possible, stay on clearly marked roads and avoid travel by night outside major centres. You should seek local advice before setting out and follow a police patrol where possible.

Crime
Street crime is prevalent in Burkina Faso and foreigners may be specifically targeted due to their perceived wealth. Bag-snatchings, muggings and theft from hotel rooms are common, particularly in Ouagadougou. The central market and the area around the United Nations circle are often targeted by thieves. Theft is often perpetrated by one or two people on motorbikes.

Criminals in urban areas may carry knives in order to cut straps on bags and can become violent if the victim is non-compliant. Sexual assault occurs periodically in smaller towns and within Ouagadougou.

New Zealanders are advised to exercise particular vigilance in crowded or public areas, avoid showing signs of affluence and keep personal belongings secure at all times.

When driving you should keep doors locked, windows up and keep any valuables out of sight. Avoid travelling alone at night, as risks increase after dark.

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud is a common problem in Burkino Faso. New Zealanders in Burkina Faso should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams.

General Travel Advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Burkina Faso, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is extremely limited.

We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Burkina Faso should consider.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Burkina Faso to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Modern medical services in Burkina Faso are very limited, New Zealanders travelling or living in Burkina Faso should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

See our regional advice for Africa

Top of page

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Wattle Flat

Source: South Australia Police

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Wattle Flat.

About 12.15pm on Monday 4 November, emergency services were called to Main South Road at Wattle Flat after reports of a crash involving a truck and multiple cars.

Main South Road will be closed to all traffic between Main Street at Yankalilla and Forktree Road at Myponga. Please avoid the area.

MIL OSI News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Protection and restoration work carried out at Maiji Mountain Grottoes in NW China

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

Protection and restoration work carried out at Maiji Mountain Grottoes in NW China

Updated: November 4, 2024 09:41 Xinhua

Yang Zhiqiang, a cultural relics restorer of Maiji Mountain Grottoes art institute, carries out protection and restoration work at a cave of the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China’s Gansu Province on Nov. 2, 2024. The Maiji Mountain Grottoes is one of the four most famous grottoes in China. In the past three years, 29 caves here have been protected and reinforced as Maiji Mountain Grottoes art institute and other cultural relics protection organizations have employed scientific and technological methods to ensure the grottoes remain well-preserved. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 2, 2024 shows a view of the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China’s Gansu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Dong Guangqiang, director of the digital center of Maiji Mountain Grottoes art institute, checks the mural sculptures at the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China’s Gansu Province on Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Mu Changyou, a cultural relics restorer of Maiji Mountain Grottoes art institute, carries out protection and restoration work at a cave of the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China’s Gansu Province on Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists visit the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China’s Gansu Province on Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists visit the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China’s Gansu Province on Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Mu Changyou, a cultural relics restorer of Maiji Mountain Grottoes art institute, checks a statue at a cave of the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China’s Gansu Province on Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A panoramic drone photo taken on Nov. 2, 2024 shows a view of the Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Maiji District of Tianshui City, northwest China’s Gansu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Shanghai’s railway station sets up service area for 7th CIIE

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

Shanghai’s railway station sets up service area for 7th CIIE

Updated: November 4, 2024 10:13 Xinhua

A staff member shows the way to a passenger at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 3, 2024. As the 7th CIIE is approaching, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station has set up a service area for the expo offering various services including ticketing, luggage check-in, etc. The station also has launched a free shuttle bus route heading for the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) for the CIIE exhibitors and related staff members with qualified documents. [Photo/Xinhua]

A passenger talks to a staff member at an information desk in Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 3, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2024 shows a shuttle bus heading for the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) at an exit of Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station in Shanghai, east China. [Photo/Xinhua]

This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2024 shows a service area for the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station in Shanghai, east China. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ducktales Episode 2: The Teal Deal | Conservation blog
Source: Department of Conservation

Perhaps you know your Daffy from your Donald, your Huey from your Louie and Dewey, but do you really know your ducks?

Communications and Media Advisor Krysia Nowak takes a duck-dive into the shallows for a quick wade around the ducks of Aotearoa. Missed the first episode? Catch up here – Ducktales episode 1: Quacking the case on mallards and grey ducks.

Before we get started, let me address the truly confusing fact that teal is both a colour and a bird. It seems the bird came first, and the colour is based on that Eurasian bird. My question is: if we continue our groundbreaking naming of teals in New Zealand (brown teal, grey teal), what happens if we find a teal-coloured teal? Moving on…

Pāteke/Brown teal

Honestly, ornithologists (bird-nerds) are pretty uncreative with their names. Brown teal indeed. Pāteke are ADORABLE. I think it’s the wee white ring around their eye. Oh, and may I introduce the ducklings?

A pāteke family at Auckland Zoo. Image credit: Aja Pendergrast/Auckland Zoo.

Like the mallards in Episode 1, these are dabblers (it’s a popular pastime); pāteke have seriously low numbers but are listed as at risk-recovering, thanks to some excellent conservation efforts. In places where they don’t have specific conservation efforts, they’re still vulnerable to habitat loss and predation.

Up close they are unmistakeable, but from a distance pāteke may appear similar to other ducks. Look out for a duck smaller than a mallard flying low and fast over water, most commonly around the northern half of the North Island.

See a brown looking teal with a white eye-ring on mainland New Zealand? It’s probably a pāteke. Image credit: Paul Jansen/DOC.

The case of pāteke v mallard on Aotea Great Barrier Island

In a troubling turn of events, the pāteke population on Aotea is under threat from the insurgent mallard population. Prosecutors claim introduced mallards are outbreeding the endemic pāteke, with the injury centred on humans artificially increasing mallard success by feeding them. The judge has not ordered any recompense, but humans are reminded to avoid feeding any wild bird and continue to be ‘decent to ducks’ (more below).

Tētē/grey teal

Aussie cousins of our teals, grey teal are now considered native and aren’t threatened. Grey teal are nomadic dabblers with one stand-out feature – brilliant red eyes. Despite their alarming gaze, experts assure me they are not vampires, but feed on insects, molluscs and seeds. I’m still not inviting one in at nighttime.

Easily confused with the occasional visitor the chestnut teal.

With eyes like that, surely grey ducks are up to no good? Image credit: Paul Jansen/DOC.

WAY down South

Two endemic teals live on our subantarctic islands, and both are flightless so don’t expect to be seeing them in your backyard anytime soon (or anywhere else in the world). Auckland Island and Campbell Island teals are each similar in appearance to their mainland cousin the pāteke. Your best bet for identification is location – see a brown-looking teal? Check what island you are on, and you probably have your answer! Campbell Island teal are among the world’s rarest ducks, fortunately now increasing thanks to rat eradication on their home ground.

Found in Auckland Islands, you guessed it – an Auckland Island teal! Image credit: Janel Hull/DOC

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See a brown looking teal in the Campbell Island group? It’s almost certainly a Campbell Island teal. Image credit: Leon Berard – leonberardphotography.co.nz

See you soon for the final episode of Ducktales!

Be decent to ducks

Be a responsible cat owner, by:
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drainage improvements coming for State Highway 1 Johnsonville
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Wellington drivers can expect fewer flooding issues at the State Highway 1 Johnsonville offramp soon.

The southbound offramp will be closed at night for four weeks from Sunday, 10 November, to Thursday, 5 December, for drainage improvement works.

Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says drainage at the offramp needs to be improved.

“The area tends to flood during heavy rain. The amount of water coming off the nearby hill is simply too much for the current drains to manage.”

“Installing improved drainage will remove water faster. Not only will this make the offramp safer for drivers, but it will also protect the highway and offramp from water damage,” Ms Hilliard says.

She says the work will be carried out at night when there is less traffic on the road, between 9 pm and 4:30 am – Sunday to Thursday nights. Traffic management will begin setting up from 8 pm.

“We realise this is a much-used offramp, and closing it at night will create some disruption. However, it is the best way to complete the job as quickly as possible. The offramp will be open Friday and Saturday nights,” Ms Hilliard says.

Alternative access to Johnsonville is available. But Ms Hilliard warns it will add to travel time.

“Southbound traffic wanting to get to Johnsonville will have to head south on State Highway 1, take the Centennial Highway exit that connects with Hutt Road, then head north again on State Highway 1 to use the northbound Johnsonville offramp.”

“This is an extra six kilometres, so it’s essential people plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys,” Ms Hilliard says.

Drivers must follow the instructions of road crews and obey all traffic management and temporary speed restrictions in place. This ensures workers and drivers are kept safe.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank road users for their patience and cooperation while this critical state highway maintenance work is completed.

Works schedule and detour map
- Sunday, 10 November to Thursday, 5 December. Sunday to Thursday nights, 9 pm – 4:30 am
- SH1 southbound Johnsonville offramp CLOSED
- Detour route – head south on State Highway 1, take the Centennial Highway exit that connects with Hutt Road, then head north again on State Highway 1 to use the northbound Johnsonville offramp.
More information

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Choosing deconstruction over demolition

Source: Auckland Council

Every year, we send more than 1.6 million tonnes of waste to landfill in Auckland, that’s more than a tonne per person. Of this 30% to 40% is construction and demolition waste, making this our largest waste-stream and therefore our biggest target if we want to reduce waste. By comparison, household waste is only 13% of total waste to landfill.

Auckland has a goal to be zero-waste by 2040. There is much we can do to help us achieve that goal.

This is one of the reasons Eke Panuku is taking a more sustainable approach to building and development in neighbourhoods where we undertake urban regeneration. This more sustainable approach means we are choosing to deconstruct buildings with the intention of diverting or reducing the waste that goes to landfills. Rather than simply demolishing buildings which are at the end of their lives or no longer needed, we take them apart and reuse and recycle the construction material where possible.

As we do our best work through smart strategic partnerships, our approach requires that our contractors and development partners use specific deconstruction methods for any structures being removed from our development sites. While this requires a bit more planning, it allows us to repurpose a greater amount of material, significantly reducing the waste sent to landfill.

It is sometimes assumed this approach would take more time and would be more expensive. It turns out it’s not.

Auckland Council’s Research and Evaluation Unit (RIMU) undertook a financial cost benefit analysis to test the potential benefits of waste diversion in development projects. After considering a whole raft of factors, such as recouping costs from selling materials from deconstruction sites; avoiding landfill expenses and transportation (of waste materials) costs; avoiding having to purchase new materials for a site (if recycling and reusing), the analysis found that deconstruction essentially breaks even from a cost perspective compared to traditional demolition.

And this doesn’t yet take into account the significantly greater economic, societal and environmental benefits that come from diverting more waste from landfills. The waste diversion options that RIMU analysed showed a likely benefit-cost ratio (BCR) between 2.2 and 2.8, which means for every $1 invested, we get between $2.2 and $2.8 in wider benefits.

A major reason for choosing deconstruction is its reduced environmental impact. The production of new materials and the extraction of raw resources for construction significantly contribute to climate change. By reusing or repurposing materials from deconstructed sites, we embrace a circular economy approach that helps minimise resource use, waste, and emissions.

Over the next six months, Eke Panuku is deconstructing a number of buildings across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to make way for much-needed new development of homes, offices and shops.

Below is a snapshot of some of these projects. Have a listen to this podcast also for more information.

Northcote

We have started the staged redevelopment of Northcote town centre. To prepare for this, we are working with TROW Group to take apart old buildings that need to make way for the new development. Along with TROW Group, we have teamed up with Wairau Zero Waste Hub and Awataha Marae to re-use deconstruction materials.

Before deconstruction started, reusable items were identified from the old buildings. Some of these materials were then provided to the Zero Waste Hub to sell to the community at reasonable prices. Some other items are finding a new life in community projects – both locally and in the Pacific Islands.

Besides the reusing of material, there is also some great community learning going on too. TROW has a job experience programme, and educational initiatives centred around material reuse, and together with Localised, they invited Awataha Marae to collaborate on the deconstruction trial too. The recycled materials will be used by Awataha Marae’s educational programme to build prefab sleepouts, demonstrating the practical application of sustainability principles in construction and design.

For more information on the award-winning Northcote master plan and how it will shape the future of the town centre, click here.

Northcote deconstruction.

Avondale

We have deconstructed the former Kāinga Ora homes at 10 Racecourse Parade to enable more housing options in Avondale. The Auckland Council group has established a panel of deconstruction companies with a focus on collaboration, bringing larger contractors together with smaller ones.

Green Way Ltd has teamed up with Onehunga Community Recycling Centre (a social enterprise and the first Pasifika / Māori-led community recycling centre in the region) as subcontractors, providing valuable hands-on experience in sustainable practices as they work together to increase waste diversion.

Items such as vehicle shelters, washing lines, fencing andframing timber are being repurposed locally through the recycling centre. Other items such as doors, windows and guttering are also being repurposed. This not only reduces waste but also supports the local economy and fosters a culture of sustainability within the community.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to supporting charities such as PAWS Restart Animal Rescue, based in west Auckland. Garden sheds, pavers, and metal gates from the Avondale deconstruction are being repurposed to create additional dog runs, providing much-needed space for the increasing number of abandoned dogs seeking new homes (over the past year they have rehomed 190 dogs). Additionally, six bathtubs have been donated for use as water troughs and playful splash areas, enhancing the quality of life for the animals in PAWS’ care.

In another example of helping to create a circular economy, we are reusing granite cladding removed from the exterior of the 135 Albert Street Auckland Council office building and turning them into terrazzo pavers. Some of these pavers, which have been stored in the Rosedale waste yards for more than five years, will be used in the upgraded town square outside Te Hono, Avondale’s new library and community hub.

These efforts are part of the wider Eke Panuku regeneration plans to revitalise Avondale through investment to deliver improvements that will serve the community in the future. Click here for more information on our work in Avondale.

Westhaven

Eke Panuku is recycling and reusing materials wherever possible during the upgrade of the Westhaven Marina seawall. The seawall project is being undertaken to protect people, infrastructure and assets from coastal flooding – as experienced during recent weather events in 2023 – but it also offered a great opportunity to repurpose construction material, diverting it from landfill.

For example, basalt pavers have been repurposed as tree pit edges and integrated into concrete channels. The old timber boardwalk was also removed and sent to the Onehunga Community Recycling Centre. These old timber boards have now been repurposed into a deck!

For more information on our work around Westhaven, click here.

Westhaven Marina seawall deconstruction.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: National’s FamilyBoost a colossal flop

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Nicola Willis continues to over promise and under deliver, with most families receiving only $30 a week from National’s flagship FamilyBoost flop.

“Only 1,094 households have received the full amount of the FamilyBoost payment,” Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“This is after Christopher Luxon promised 100,000 families would be eligible for the payment and said $250 was up for grabs in tax cuts. Only 33,000 families have received anything at all, that’s a third of what was promised. Half of those families got roughly $30 a week.

“We have long known National wants to make it difficult for anyone to get this money – and their efforts are paying off.

“Receiving this financial help shouldn’t be a bureaucratic nightmare, but under National busy parents have to find invoices or proof of payment from childcare centres and claim back the money themselves from Inland Revenue.

“Child poverty is projected to increase and unemployment is up under National. Rents and rates are high, and more Kiwis are leaving New Zealand than ever before. This Government is failing families.

“Nicola Willis can swear she understands the needs of New Zealand families until she’s blue in the face, but when her boss is calling Kiwis ‘customers’, her colleague is calling workers ‘losers’, and she is failing to make life easier for Kiwis who are struggling, the proof is really in her severely lacking pudding,” Barbara Edmonds said.

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MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 26, 2025