7 minutes ago

Graduates from the EIT Data Science and Communication College were celebrated in Shaoxing, China, last week as students, families and staff gathered to recognise their achievements during a ceremony held at Zhejiang Yuexiu University (ZYU).

The ceremony was attended by EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen during her first visit to China and ZYU, which also included the signing of a new 10-year extension agreement between the two institutions.

She was joined by EIT Executive Director International Philippa Jones, Executive Dean John West, Head of School of Computing Geoffrey Mather, Head of IDEAschool Sean Coyle, and International Market Development and Partnerships Manager Richard Cao.

Established in 2020, the Joint Institute delivers EIT Bachelor Degrees in Information Systems, Intelligent Systems and Digital Media, with more than 900 students having enrolled in EIT programmes through the partnership since its establishment.

Lucy said representing EIT at the graduation ceremony was both an honour and a privilege.

“The ceremony was vibrant, joyful and full of energy, blending academic tradition with a genuine celebration of student achievement. It was wonderful to see graduates sharing this important milestone with their families, peers and teachers.

“It was also a pleasure to attend alongside EIT colleagues who have invested so much in this partnership and in the success of our joint programme.”

In his address, ZYU President Heming Yong said the achievements of the Class of 2026 reflected the success of the partnership between the two institutions.

“The accomplishments of this class of 2026 are good testimony to the success of our partnership,” he said.

President Yong highlighted the achievements of the graduating class, including scholarship recipients, award-winning students and those progressing to further study at leading universities in China and internationally.

Among the graduates was graduate representative Huiguo Xu

Reflecting on his experience, Huiguo said the Joint Institute had broadened students’ perspectives.

“Our joint education model has given us a dual perspective: we’ve not only adapted to an all-English teaching environment but also learned to understand the world through diverse ways of thinking.”

Parents also reflected on the impact the programme had on their children. Speaking on behalf of families, parent representative Xinqi Yang’s mother thanked staff for supporting students throughout their studies.

“Thank you for walking alongside our children with patience and nurturing them with devotion and compassion as they pursue their dreams.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/eit-celebrates-graduates-and-partnership-milestone-in-china/

34 seconds ago

Kayleigh Oakham always wanted to be a vet nurse, and in her early 30s, the mother-of-four decided to make that goal a reality through EIT.

Originally from the United Kingdom, the now 38-year-old graduated with the New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) in April.

“It was always in the back of my mind. Animals have always been a big passion of mine.”

It was only after moving to Napier in 2019 that Kayleigh decided to work towards becoming a vet nurse.

Before enrolling at EIT in 2023, Kayleigh had mainly worked in childcare and elderly care while raising her four children.

“My youngest was four months old when I started at EIT, and now she’s four, so all she’s known is me studying.”

Rather than entering directly into the diploma, Kayleigh chose to begin with the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) (Level 4).

“I don’t think you have to do it that way, but I wanted to start at the lower certificate first so I could get a feel for it and ease back into study after such a long time.”

She says being an older student also helped her manage the demands of study and family life.

“Being older definitely helped with time management. I made sure I stayed ahead all the time, and it was a lot easier that way for me.”

Studying at EIT confirmed she had made the right decision.

“The course was fun. Terrifying at times, but good.”

During the diploma, Kayleigh completed placements at several veterinary clinics. It was her placement at CareVets Napier that eventually led to employment, first on reception while studying and now as a Vet Nurse.

She says one of the highlights of studying at EIT was the support from tutors and classmates.

“The tutors are amazing. They’re really supportive.”

Kayleigh says she would recommend EIT to others considering tertiary study.

“You make a lot of friends, and everyone’s really supportive.”

Now graduated, she says she is enjoying working in the industry she had always hoped to be part of.

“I love it.”

Vet Nursing Programme Coordinator Sarah Subritzky says: “Kayleigh’s journey is an excellent example of what can be achieved through determination, hard work, and a genuine passion for animal care”.

“Throughout her studies, she demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and a strong commitment to her learning while balancing the demands of family life.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to see her progress from our Level 4 Animal Care programme through to graduating with her Diploma in

Veterinary Nursing and securing employment within the industry. We are very proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to grow as a veterinary nurse.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/eit-graduate-achieves-long-held-goal-of-becoming-vet-nurse/

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews, Auckland City CIB:

Police have arrested and charged two men after a fire in Point Chevalier overnight.

Shortly before 1am emergency services were called to a property on Sutherland Road after reports a garage was on fire.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand extinguished the fire and confirmed the house was vacant.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Police units conducted area enquiries, assisted by camera operators, and located two people matching witness descriptions a short distance away.

Scene guards will remain at the property while enquiries are ongoing.

Two men, aged 26 and 50, will appear in the Auckland District Court today charged with arson.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/two-charged-after-point-chevalier-fire/

Police are advising motorists to exercise caution in the Takapuna area after reports diesel has been spilt on the road.

Officers are attending areas along Lake Road after reports several motorbikes, bicycle riders and cars have slid on the road due to the substance.

The diesel has potentially been tracked from Esmonde Road down to Devonport.

Emergency services will remain in the area while the situation is dealt with.

Police are asking motorists to take care, expect delays and avoid the area if possible.

ENDS. 

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/traffic-delays-takapuna/

One person has died in a single-vehicle crash in Gisborne.

Emergency services were called to Harris Street just before 9:40pm last night where a vehicle had crashed into a fence.

Despite medical attention, the sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit is making enquiries.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/fatal-crash-gisborne/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/summary-report-section-95-inquiry-into-the-treatment-of-a-person-at-waikato-hospital/

Hero performs full end-to-end report development, Application configuration, and token management, closing tickets at no marginal cost on top of the platform fee while customers keep their existing systems, controls, and access model.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

DENVER, June 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) (“ARR” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update on exploration and drilling activities underway and planned across its U.S. rare earths project portfolio during 2026 and 2027, including Halleck Creek in Wyoming, La Paz in Arizona, Beaver Creek in Wyoming and Searchlight in Nevada.

The current field season is centered on the advancement of the Halleck Creek Project as feasibility-stage work accelerates, while the Company also continues technical reviews and target generation programs at its broader portfolio of exploration assets.

American Rare Earths CEO Mark Wall commented:

“2026 is a pivotal year for American Rare Earths as we advance Halleck Creek through feasibility-stage work while continuing to build the broader exploration pipeline across our U.S. portfolio.”

“At Halleck Creek, drilling is now underway to support the Feasibility Study, while the Whole of Property Development Assessment is helping define the longer-term expansion pathway across the broader district.”

“At the same time, we are progressing technical and exploration reviews at La Paz, Beaver Creek and Searchlight to ensure we continue developing optionality across a portfolio of rare earth and critical minerals assets in strategic U.S. jurisdictions.”

Halleck Creek, Wyoming

The Company is currently drilling at the Cowboy State Mine area within the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project as part of the commencement of feasibility-stage work to underpin the Feasibility Study.

ARR announced that drilling had commenced on May 13, 2026, with a program of up to approximately 3,050 meters of HQ core across 19 holes on Red Mountain at the Cowboy State Mine¹.

To date, five holes have been drilled and core from completed holes is being processed and dispatched for assay, with assay turnaround currently expected to be approximately six weeks due to the busy North American drilling season.

The drilling program is designed to support future ore reserve estimation, test extensions of mineralization at depth and to the west of existing drilling, and generate material for geotechnical, hydrogeological, environmental and metallurgical workstreams associated with the Feasibility Study.

In parallel, the Whole of Property Development Assessment (WPDA) awarded in April 2026 is continuing across the broader Halleck Creek property and is expected to run through the end of 2026.

The WPDA is integrating geological, metallurgical, mining and permitting data across the broader Halleck Creek land package and is intended to establish a strategic development roadmap beyond the initial Cowboy State Mine plan, including Red Mountain, Overton Mountain and Bluegrass.

Beaver Creek, Wyoming

The Beaver Creek Project in Wyoming remains an early-stage exploration asset with highly encouraging rare earth results from limited prior work.

Historic work completed by ARR at Beaver Creek returned strong rare earth grades from surface sampling, including laboratory assay results of 5.8% to 13.9% TREO from grab samples², with NdPr reported at 1.0% to 2.2% of total ore, while in-situ pXRF readings from large allanite crystals ranged from 7.4% to 23.2% La+Ce+Nd+Pr+Y³.

The project’s rare earth mineralization is hosted in allanite-enriched veins, which is the same host mineral as Halleck Creek, while also being located in Wyoming where future development synergies may emerge as the Company advances its broader regional strategy.

During 2026, ARR plans to undertake additional geological mapping and a surface sampling program at Beaver Creek to improve geological understanding and strengthen the project database.

As Halleck Creek advances, Beaver Creek is also being reviewed for its potential role in a future Wyoming rare earth processing strategy, given its location in the same state and its prospective rare earth mineralization.

La Paz, Arizona

At the La Paz Project, a comprehensive property assessment using advanced data review and targeting methods is in progress as ARR evaluates the project’s broader multi-commodity potential in addition to its established rare earth resource base.

ARR announced on March 24, 2026⁴ that it had engaged a U.S.-based exploration and geoscience consultancy to undertake a review of historical data and design a targeted follow-up work program focused on gold, silver, copper, manganese and other non-rare earth critical minerals prospectivity across the broader La Paz land package.

This work includes reinterpretation of historical geological mapping, review and re-logging of available drill core and chips, reassessment of geochemical datasets, and review of historic geophysical surveys to identify and rank targets for follow-up work.

The Company notes that the broader La Paz district has a history of precious and base metal activity, including historic copper exploration and mining activity in the northern part of the project area in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The La Paz review is continuing through 2026, with the potential for focused geological mapping, geochemical sampling and selective geophysical follow-up on priority targets as the Company works to improve its understanding of both the rare earth and broader metals potential of the project.

Searchlight, Nevada

The Searchlight Heavy Rare Earths Project is an early-stage exploration asset in southern Nevada located approximately 30 km east of the Mountain Pass mine, the only operating rare earth mine in the United States.

Historic exploration at Searchlight has returned positive results, including prospect pit and grab sampling reported by prior operators, historic U.S. Atomic Energy Commission sampling reporting results of up to 6.81% REO, and academic follow-up work confirming multi-percent rare earth values in high-grade samples⁵.

The project is strategically significant due to its heavy rare earth element character and its location in a known U.S. rare earth district, although it remains at an early stage with no current mineral resource, no drilling by ARR and no announced recent field program.

ARR plans to commence an exploration review of Searchlight in the third quarter of 2026 to determine an appropriate forward exploration plan for the property.

That review is expected to assess historical datasets, geological controls on mineralization, and the project’s potential role within the Company’s broader long-term U.S. rare earths growth strategy.

Outlook

Across 2026 and 2027, ARR intends to continue advancing Halleck Creek as its flagship development project while progressing targeted exploration and technical review work across its broader portfolio to build long-term project optionality in rare earths and associated critical minerals.

At Halleck Creek, near-term activity is focused on completing the current drilling campaign, receiving assay results, progressing feasibility workstreams and continuing the WPDA through 2026, while 2027 planning is expected to be guided by Feasibility Study requirements, development sequencing and results from current technical programs.

At Beaver Creek, La Paz and Searchlight, the Company expects 2026 and 2027 work programs to focus on progressively refining geological understanding, ranking targets and identifying the most effective exploration pathways to unlock additional value across the portfolio.

This release was authorized by the Board of American Rare Earths.   

Investors can follow the Company’s progress at www.americanree.com 

About American Rare Earths Limited:  

American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) is a critical minerals company at the forefront of reshaping the U.S. rare earths industry. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. (“WRI”), the company is advancing the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming—a world-class rare earth deposit with the potential to secure America’s critical mineral independence for generations. Located on Wyoming State land, the Cowboy State Mine within Halleck Creek offers cost-efficient open-pit mining methods and benefits from streamlined permitting processes in this mining-friendly state.  

With plans for onsite mineral processing and separation facilities, Halleck Creek is strategically positioned to reduce U.S. reliance on imports—predominantly from China—while meeting the growing demand for rare earth elements essential to defense, advanced technologies, and economic security. As exploration progresses, the project’s untapped potential on both State and Federal lands further reinforces its significance as a cornerstone of U.S. supply chain security. In addition to its resource potential, American Rare Earths is committed to environmentally responsible mining practices and continues to collaborate with U.S. Government-supported R&D programs to develop innovative extraction and processing technologies for rare earth elements.  

For more information:

Nick Lissolo, Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy
nlissolo@americanree.com 

Media Contact:

Susan Assadi
sassadi@americanree.com
347 977 7125

Investor Relations US Contact:

Beverly Jedynak
Beverly.jedynak@viriathus.com
312 943 1123

¹ Refer ASX announcement dated 27 May 2026
² Refer ASX announcement dated 14 September 2023
³ Refer ASX announcement dated 25 July 2023
⁴ Refer ASX announcement dated 24 March 2026
⁵ Refer ASX announcement dated 8 June 2021

– Published by The MIL Network

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – Hong Kong jumped one place to become the world’s second most competitive economy, according to the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking published today (June 18) by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD). It is Hong Kong’s highest ranking since 2019, and builds on three consecutive years of improvement.

Welcoming the report, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said, “The World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2026 reaffirms Hong Kong as one of the most competitive economies in the world, and notes that Hong Kong’s rise to second sustains the strong upward trajectory from 2024 and 2025.”

In announcing the results, the IMD noted that, amid rising geopolitical tensions, competitive advantage hinges on credible institutions, predictable rules, enforceable commitments and public trust.

According to WCY 2026, Hong Kong’s rise reflects sustained performance across the four competitiveness factors measured. Among these factors, Hong Kong ranks second in “Government efficiency” and third in “Business efficiency”. “Infrastructure” and “Economic performance” rank eighth and 11^th respectively.

As regards the various competitiveness sub-factors, Hong Kong tops the rankings in “Tax policy” and “Business legislation”, ranks second in “Finance”, third in “International trade”, “International investment”, “Management practices” and “Education”, and fourth in “Public finance” and “Basic infrastructure”.

“In the competitiveness factor ‘Government efficiency’, Hong Kong continues to rank second globally, reflecting the HKSAR Government’s ongoing efforts to promote free and open, stable, predictable and business-friendly economic policies, as well as the international community’s trust in Hong Kong’s legal and regulatory environment,” the spokesperson said.

“Hong Kong’s ‘Business efficiency’ is ranked third globally, reflecting the strong support for industry development rendered by our robust financial ecosystem, as well as the seamless alignment of the city’s business practices and environment with international best standards.”

Amid rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics, Hong Kong, with its close connectivity to both the Chinese Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and its sound institutions, open markets and sustained investments in innovation, has become a “value hub” that offers both security and growth opportunities.

In fact, Hong Kong continues to excel in various international rankings including those for economy, finance, and talent. The International Monetary Fund has also given positive recognition to Hong Kong in recent months, and major credit rating agencies have successively reaffirmed Hong Kong’s credit ratings and ‘stable’ outlook.

“All these echo the WCY 2026 results,” the spokesperson said.

Currently, Hong Kong is formulating at full speed its first Five-Year Plan, to proactively align with the National 15^th Five-Year Plan.

“With the staunch support of our country, the HKSAR Government will work together with all sectors of society to strengthen our role and function as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, with a view to better integrating into and serving the overall national development, achieving our own high-quality development, creating more new room for development for our people and businesses, as well as opening up new opportunities for global investors and enterprises,” the spokesperson said.

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #Global #Competitiveness

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

With Grand Resort Deck crowned “Macau’s Best Hotel Pool”, the world-class integrated resort’s peerless portfolio of luxury accommodations and spas garner Top 10 positions on the acclaimed honors list

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2026 – On June 16, the 2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events, under the theme of “Sunny Hainan · Heart’s Desire,” were held in Hong Kong. Leaders from Hong Kong’s cultural and tourism authorities, heads of industry associations, and representatives of key cultural and tourism enterprises from home and abroad gathered to explore new opportunities for cooperation and draw up a blueprint for the industry’s future.

Liu Xiaoming, Governor of the People’s Government of Hainan Province, and Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, attended the events and delivered speeches. During the promotional session, Chen Tiejun, Director of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province, unveiled the “Top Ten Calling Cards of Hainan Tourism,” which received enthusiastic responses and positive feedback from various sectors in Hong Kong. Attendees from Hong Kong unanimously agreed that Hong Kong and Hainan boast highly complementary cultural and tourism resources and immense potential for cooperation.

Since the launch of special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port, its distinctive opening-up advantages, such as “zero tariffs, low tax rates, a simplified tax system” and “tariff exemption for value-added processing,” have become increasingly prominent. These policies have continuously made Hainan more attractive to businesses and opened up broader opportunities for Hong Kong investors and entrepreneurs.

On the same day, at the “Invest in the Free Trade Port, Share New Opportunities” Symposium for Hong Kong Enterprises held in Hong Kong, four cooperation agreements were formally signed, covering high-end commerce, cultural and tourism integration, and regional industrial coordination. Hong Kong business representatives expressed strong interest in deepening their presence in Hainan.

Hainan and Hong Kong share a long history of cooperation, and in recent years, a steady stream of favorable policies has been introduced. Since the signing of the Hainan-Hong Kong Memorandum of Cooperation in March 2025, bilateral cooperation has accelerated across the board. In 2025, goods trade between the two sides reached RMB 9.35 billion, increasing by more than two times from 2020. A total of 793 new Hong Kong-funded enterprises were established in Hainan, a year-on-year increase of 21.5%. Hainan has also issued offshore RMB bonds in Hong Kong for four consecutive years, with a cumulative total of RMB 18 billion. Currently, an average of four direct flights operate daily between Hong Kong and Hainan, with the fastest travel time under two hours, facilitating the rapid emergence of the “Hainan-Hong Kong Living Circle.”

Hashtag: #HainanCulturalandTourismPromotionEvents

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Celebrating Hong Kong’s century-old Dragon Boat heritage with a large-scale installation to design your own boat

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

An earlier release stated that Baldeep Singh, 34, died after entering the water in Lake Tekapo on Friday 12 June.

For clarity, Police received a report that he had entered the water on 11 June, and he was sadly located deceased on 12 June.

Apologies for any confusion caused.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/correction-name-release-lake-tekapo/

City’s first hospital to adopt Renewable Diesel Blend R33, reducing up to 30% lifecycle CO2e emissions

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Police can name the man who died after entering the water in Lake Tekapo on Friday 12 June.

He was Baldeep Singh, 34, of Christchurch.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.

Police continue to make enquiries on behalf of the Coroner. 

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/name-release-body-located-lake-tekapo/

Advancement in international reputation, employer reputation, and global engagement

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

• Highest revenue in the firm’s history (€1.01 billion)
• Twenty years in the Middle East underline Roland Berger’s long-term commitment to the region
• Continued investment in AI and future capabilities

DUBAI, UAE – Newsaktuell – 18 June 2026 – Roland Berger, the only leading global consultancy of European origin, generated revenues of €1.01 billion in 2025, making it the strongest financial year in the firm’s history.

For the Middle East, this milestone comes at a time of significant change across the consulting industry and the wider regional economy. Over the past two decades, the region has undergone profound economic transformation, creating new opportunities while continuously reshaping client priorities and business models.

Since opening its first office in the Middle East in Bahrain in 2006, Roland Berger has established a strong presence in the region and supported public- and private-sector organizations on some of the region’s most significant transformation initiatives. The firm’s offices in Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are an important part of its global network.

Adapted strategy in 2025

In 2025, changing market dynamics have prompted firms across the consulting industry to adapt their strategies and sharpen their focus. Against this backdrop, Roland Berger has refined its regional strategy and continued to strengthen capabilities in areas that remain critical to clients’ long-term transformation agendas, such as digital transformation, performance improvement and transactions.

Santiago Castillo, Managing Director Middle East at Roland Berger, said:
“The market environment has changed significantly over the past few years, requiring all consulting firms to adapt. Our response has been to strengthen the resilience of our business and ensure we remain closely aligned with the evolving needs of our clients. As we mark 20 years in the Middle East, our commitment to the region remains unchanged. We continue to see substantial long-term opportunities across the region and are confident that our combination of local presence, global expertise and deep transformation experience positions us well for the years ahead.”

From strategic advisor to execution partner in the Middle East

As a long-standing partner in the region’s diversification efforts, Roland Berger worked with public and private sector clients across the GCC and wider Middle East in 2025 to help establish and scale industrial ecosystems, joint ventures and new companies.

In urban development, the firm supported government entities and master developers in designing governance models that enable urban development to be investable and operationally effective. This included advising on some of the region’s most ambitious developments and large-scale urban districts.

In Aerospace & Defense, Roland Berger deepened is engagements across the local ecosystem, advising clients on portfolio diversification, intellectual property strategies, and the development of indigenous defense capacity. These efforts support the region’s ambition to build sovereign industrial capabilities.

Globally, the firm’s investment in the new AI venture CNTR highlights its role in shaping collaborative AI systems that merge technology with industry know-how.

Hashtag: #RolandBerger

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Emergency services are attending a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Stancombe Road and Carlos Drive, Flat Bush.

Police were called about 5pm.

Initial indications are that one person may have serious injuries.

The road is closed, with diversions in place, and motorists should avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/serious-crash-flat-bush/

AM Edition: Here are the top 10 economics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 18, 2026 – Full Text

Generated June 18, 2026 18:05 NZST · Included sources: 1

AM Edition: Here are the top 10 security intelligence articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 18, 2026 – Full Text

Generated June 18, 2026 18:05 NZST · Included sources: 1

Critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) such as the telecommunications cables that connect the country to the world will be better protected through breakthrough technology launched today, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

Mr Meager unveiled the National Surveillance and Warning Capability at the Maritime Operations Centre in Wellington this afternoon.

“This new 24/7 monitoring system is a world-first and will go a long way in ensuring submarine cables on our shores are protected, which are vital to New Zealand’s security and resilience as they carry around 99 percent of our data traffic,” Mr Meager says.

“Large volumes of these cables are vulnerable to damage, particularly those in waters shallower than 200 metres which lie close to busy fishing and shipping routes. 

“Even minor contact from fishing gear or anchors can compromise a cable’s protective outer layer. When this occurs, there is a real risk of widespread digital disruption, with significant impacts for businesses, communities and the wider economy.”

The new system, to be delivered by Kordia and Starboard Maritime Intelligence, will trigger an alert to staff when vessel activity risks damaging nearby CUI. This will prompt direct contact to mariners notifying them of the risks and their legal obligations when entering cable protection zones. 

Mr Meager says the technology is a collaboration between the Government and industry, with its rollout following a successful trial in the Hauraki Gulf and Muriwai Cable Areas last year.

“I thank all of those involved from the sector, including Starboard and Kordia, for delivering this world-first technology. The trial made clear this is a winner, with both organisations quickly awarded overseas contracts to also deliver the capability in European waters,” Mr Meager says.

“The creation of this technology has been enabled through a Budget 2024 investment, while the 24/7 surveillance costs come at no expense to the taxpayer, with the companies that own the assets paying for it.

“Our Government is committed to fixing the basics and building the future, and this is exactly what this new system achieves. This is one of 10 workstreams under way to improve the security and resilience of New Zealand’s CUI.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/protecting-our-critical-underwater-infrastructure/

South Road /  State Highway 45 near Hitona Road in Opunake is blocked following a single-vehicle crash.

The incident was reported to emergency services around 4.30pm.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised.

Motorists should avoid the area at this time. Diversions are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/serious-crash-sh45-south-taranaki/

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/committee-agrees-next-steps-for-yaldhurst-dust-monitoring-and-congestion-charging/

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi (CTU) President Sandra Grey says the Government has chosen to once again pass on the costs of its failed economic policies onto working families.

“The Government has today announced that it will increase paid parental leave by 2.84 percent. Inflation is currently 3.1 percent. That steals up to another $53 from families when a baby is first born. Together with attacks on Best Start Payments, cutting early childhood education operations funding in real terms by 2.5 percent, and child poverty statistics, tens of thousands of families will be worse off after these decisions,” says Grey.

“The Government could have chosen to increase paid parental leave by inflation, but instead it chose to make this cut. It could have chosen to deliver action on child poverty, but it chose to ignore that problem. Instead, the Government chose to tell people at the Budget that ‘a key driver of child poverty is living in a benefit-dependent home’. The real driver of child poverty is not having enough money – a problem made worse when the government cuts its support.

“For a government that claims it is committed to families and family values, it is not keen to demonstrate any real value in families’ wallets. It has cut the minimum wage in real terms for three years. It has cut support to destitute families through welfare reform and increased the rents on 84,000 households through income-related rents. Meanwhile it continues to waste time in the House of Parliament discussing the definition of who is a woman.

“The Government should row this decision back and at least provide support that matches the cost of living. Deliberately making new families poorer in a cost-of-living crisis is a choice, and not one we believe that most New Zealanders would agree with. Since the oil crisis began, 93 percent of households have had no support with the cost of living, and this latest decision simply makes things worse,” says Grey.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/governments-parental-leave-decision-steals-from-new-families/

The Green Party is welcoming the Government’s backdown on the Fisheries Amendment Bill, but says the Bill needs to be scrapped completely, not just delayed.

“The Government may be at war with nature in their plans to privatise our oceans, conservation land and waterways, but people are pushing back and winning,” says Green Party Co-leader and Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick.

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones today confirmed he would delay the Bill until after the election.  

“This is the same Minister who in March dismissed everyone worried about gutting our fisheries as ‘noisy voices’. Those noisy voices were scientists, recreational fishers, hapū and ordinary New Zealanders who can see what is happening to our moana.” 

“This Bill would have loosened the rules that keep fish stocks from collapsing and kept on-board camera footage hidden from the public, all so a handful of commercial operators could take more out of waters that belong to all of us.”

“New Zealanders should not have to fight their own Government to protect the fish in their own oceans. Delaying this Bill until after the election is not the same as killing it.” 

“Our oceans are not a commodity to be carved up for short-term profit. The Green Party will keep fighting alongside the communities who stopped this Bill until it is gone for good,” says Swarbrick.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/calls-for-fisheries-amendment-bill-to-be-dropped-completely/