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Source: Save the Children

More than 8,000 children in Indonesia’s southernmost province of East Nusa Tenggara are facing safety risks and disruptions to their education after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Flores.

Around 50 people have died, although casualties are likely to rise, and thousands have been displaced following the earthquake.

While the full extent of the destruction is still unfolding, more than 900 homes were damaged by the quake and hundreds of aftershocks. Essential public infrastructure has also been affected, including 87 education facilities and 18 healthcare centres, disrupting services critical to children’s well-being.

A second 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the country’s western island of Sumatra, underscoring Indonesia’s vulnerability to seismic activity, being located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.

Agus-, 46, and his wife Euis-, 39, who are both visually impaired, told Save the Children how they raced to save their six-month-old son when the quake struck the highland town of Ruteng on Flores Island. The family lives at a special-needs school, where Euis works as a teacher.

Agus said:

“Once we reached the backyard, the shaking grew much stronger. At its peak, I couldn’t even stand up. I held onto my child, my wife, and my mother-in-law. My wife couldn’t hold onto me tightly because she had to hold the baby. So I spread my feet wide and tried my best to wrap my arms around all of them. We managed to hold that position for about a minute because the quake was so violent.”

Save the Children is assessing the needs of affected children and families in East Nusa Tenggara with a local partner organisation in order to launch a response. The earthquake struck against a backdrop of existing challenges, including an El Niño-driven drought and ongoing volcanic risks linked to Mount Lewotobi. The cumulative impact of these successive disasters threatens children’s health, protection, education and psychosocial well-being.

Fadli Usman, Humanitarian and Resilience Director at Save the Children Indonesia, said:

“This deadly earthquake has caused a lot of pain and damage, while exacerbating existing vulnerabilities caused by recurrent disasters in Flores. Children are among the most at risk. Protecting their well-being and future requires more than addressing their immediate needs; it requires sustained investment in recovery and resilience. Together with our local partner organisation, CIS Timor, we are working towards supporting affected children and families.”

Immediate priorities include ensuring children have access to education and supporting the livelihoods of families in order to prevent loss of learning, malnutrition, child labour, early marriage and other protection risks, added Usman.

Alongside life-saving support, Save the Children said that equal priority must be given to restoring essential services, strengthening family and community resilience, and creating opportunities for children to recover from the earthquake.

Save the Children has been working in Indonesia since 1976, responding to major humanitarian disasters like the 2004 tsunami and the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake.

-Names changed to protect identity.

Background

Figures are based on data from the government and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

About Save the Children NZ:

Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

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Source: Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026
University of Auckland researchers have conducted what may be the world’s deepest physiological study of freedivers, helping explain blackouts and other effects of extreme depth.

Research into why freedivers black out and experience unusual symptoms at extreme depths has been recognised by the American Physiological Society as one of the world’s top recently published physiology papers.

The pioneering study collected arterial blood samples from elite freedivers at depths of up to 80 metres during open-water dives, offering rare insight into how the body responds to extreme physiological stress.

Professor Simon Mitchell, head of anaesthesiology at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, and consultant anaesthesiologist Dr Tom Scott, led the ambitious expedition to Dominica in the eastern Caribbean, backed by Inkfish Expeditions. Bringing together researchers, elite freedivers and specialist mixed-gas divers, the mission investigated how the body responds to extreme breath-hold diving.

“No one had ever collected arterial blood samples during dives like these before,” Mitchell says.

“What makes this study remarkable is how difficult it was to pull off. This project required multiple areas of expertise to come together for it to work.”

Mitchell has been named the 2026 recipient of the prestigious NOGI Award for Science, recognising his contributions to diving science.

The American Physiological Society has also selected his paper, ‘Arterial blood gas changes in progressively deeper breath-hold dives’, for APSselect, a monthly showcase of outstanding physiology research published in the society’s journals.

The research examined three elite freedivers, including University of Auckland alumnus and world champion William Trubridge, the first person to dive deeper than 100 metres without changing his weighting or using fins.

The study unveiled three major findings.

“Carbon dioxide levels go extremely high during these deep dives, high enough to explain many of the symptoms freedivers experience at depth,” Mitchell says.

The team also found the reason for the sudden loss of consciousness some freedivers experience near the surface.

“We showed that oxygen levels drop extremely quickly as divers return to the surface and their lungs expand. That’s why blackouts can happen so suddenly, with almost no warning,” he says.

A third, unexpected finding was a previously unknown physiological phenomenon. Rather than continuing to rise as the lungs are compressed during descent, oxygen levels peaked at about 40 metres before declining during deeper descent.

“Nobody knew that occurred, before this study,” Mitchell says.

The findings could help make freediving safer.

“Our work explains why those blackouts occur and serves as a reminder not to put yourself in situations where they’re more likely,” he says.

“It’s important to freedive very conservatively and never push beyond your limits. The deeper you go, and the longer you stay at depth, the higher the risk.”

The research suggests the unusual sensations elite competitive freedivers experience at extreme depths may stem from carbon dioxide impairing brain function.

“We at least have an explanation for it now, and it should remind people not to push deeper if they’re getting those kinds of symptoms,” he says.

Blood samples were collected at 20, 40, 60 and 80 metres to track how oxygen and carbon dioxide levels changed during breath-hold dives.

“The project depended on three areas of expertise: the freedivers’ ability to complete the dives, the mixed-gas divers, including me, who could spend four hours underwater day after day, and the extensive surface support that made the entire operation possible,” he says.

Among the expedition’s key personnel was Dr Richard Harris, the Australian anaesthetist and cave diver who helped rescue 12 boys and their football coach from Thailand’s flooded Tham Luang cave system in 2018. Harris joined the team as one of the specialist mixed-gas divers responsible for collecting blood samples at depth.

The study was inspired by Professor Mike Grocott’s landmark research, which measured arterial blood gases in climbers at extreme altitude, including near the summit of Mount Everest.

“I read that Everest paper and thought, ‘What if we could do the same thing in freediving?’ Nobody had done it before,” Mitchell says.

The project team is planning a return to Dominica next year to continue investigating the effects of extreme carbon dioxide levels and explore whether additional safety recommendations can be developed for freedivers, he says.

A mini-documentary released on YouTube follows the expedition and captures the challenges of conducting science in one of the world’s most demanding environments.

Mitchell is quick to share the credit.

“We had an amazing team from the University and extraordinary support from Inkfish,” he says.

Read the study

See the mini-documentary

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Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

July 2026 – Issued: 4 August 2026

July 2026 summary

July 2026 began on a settled note, with high pressure resulting in widespread clear weather and frosty conditions, particularly for southern and central parts of the South Island. A brief warm northerly airflow delivered record and near-record high daily maximum and minimum temperatures for southern and inland parts of the South Island. From 5-9 July, a broad area of low pressure prevailed over and east of Aotearoa New Zealand, delivering consecutive days of considerable rainfall to eastern parts of the country. Significant impacts resulted from the rain including damaging flooding, with a local State of Emergency declared in Waitaki, Kaikōura, and Wairoa, respectively (see Highlights and extreme events for further details). The middle and latter portion of July was often settled across the country, with a cool southerly airflow prevailing over the final week of the month. El Niño conditions were present in the tropical Pacific atmosphere and ocean, and by all measures the event strengthened during the month – including the strongest atmospheric measurements on record for July. By the end of July, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) around New

Zealand were mostly near or above average, particularly around much of the South Island and Tasman Sea with Marine Heatwave (MHW) conditions1 experienced in these areas. The nationwide average temperature in July 2026 was 8.9°C. This was 0.8°C above the 1991-2020 July average, making it New Zealand’s 12th-warmest July since Earth Sciences New Zealand’s seven station temperature series began in 1909. Temperatures were above average (0.51-1.20°C above average) or well above average (>1.20°C above average) for most of the South Island. It was especially warm for Fiordland, Arthur’s Pass, and Greymouth where mean temperatures were at least 2°C above the July average, respectively. Temperatures were near average (±0.50°C of average) for much of the North Island, although there were below average temperatures (0.51- 1.20°C below average) in localised inland parts of Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. It was a particularly cool month in Taupō where the mean temperature was 1.1°C below average. Rainfall was above normal (120-149% of normal) or well above normal (>149% of normal) for most of Southland, Otago, southern, inland and northern parts of Canterbury, the West Coast, Marlborough, and Nelson. Several areas observed more than double their normal July rainfall including eastern Otago, and eastern parts of southern and northern Canterbury. Rainfall was below normal (50-79% of normal) or well below normal (<50% of normal) most of the North Island. Further Highlights:

• The highest temperature was 20.4°C, observed at Wairoa on 15 July.

• The lowest temperature was -13.5°C, observed at Lake Tekapo on 12 July.

• The highest 1-day rainfall was 133 mm, recorded at Hanmer Forest on 6 July.

• The highest wind gust was 141 km/h, observed at Puysegur Point on 14 July, and Cape Turnagain on 18 July.

• Of the six main centres in July 2026, Auckland was the warmest, Christchurch was the coolest and driest, Tauranga was the sunniest, Wellington was the wettest, and Dunedin was the least sunny.

• The sunniest four locations in 2026 so far are Nelson (1608 hours), Whakatāne (1587 hours), New Plymouth (1578 hours) and Richmond (1520 hours).

Temperature: A warm month for the South Island

Five locations along the western South Island observed their warmest July on record, including Greymouth and Milford Sound, where records date back to 1947 and 1934, respectively. New Zealand’s warmest location relative to normal was Arapito, where the mean temperature of 10.6°C was 2.4°C above its July normal. No locations observed record or near-record low mean temperatures for the month. Relatively calm and clear conditions prevailed over the North Island 1 Defined as five or more consecutive days with SSTs above the 90th percentile for the time of year.

for much of July. This resulted in many cool and frosty nights, especially for inland locations. Five North Island locations observed record or near-record low mean minimum temperatures during the month. Record2 or near-record mean air temperatures for July were recorded at:

Record or near-record mean air temperatures for July

² The rankings (1st, 2nd, 3rd etc.) in all tables in this summary are relative to climate data from a group of nearby stations, some of which may no longer be operating. The current climate value is compared against all values from any member of the group, without any regard for homogeneity between one station’s record, and another. This approach is used due to the practical limitations of performing homogeneity checks in real-time.

Record or near-record mean maximum air temperatures for July were recorded at:

Record or near-record mean maximum air temperatures for July

Record or near-record mean minimum air temperatures for July

Rainfall: Wet for much of South Island, dry for the North Island

About 33% of New Zealand’s regularly reporting climate stations observed above normal (120- 149% of normal) or well above normal (>149% of normal) July rainfall. Notably, these stations were all located in the South Island. New Zealand’s wettest location relative to normal was Dunedin Airport, where 445% of normal July rainfall was recorded. This made it the location’s wettest July since records began in 1962. Rainfall was also exceptionally high in Oamaru, with the town receiving 400% of its normal July rainfall. In contrast, about 44% of New Zealand’s regularly reporting climate stations observed below normal (50-79% of normal) or well below normal (<50% of normal) July rainfall. All but one of these stations were in the North Island. It was a particularly dry month for Tūrangi, where just 55 mm of rain (36% of its July normal) was recorded. This resulted in the town’s third-driest July since records began in 1968. Record or near-record July rainfall totals were recorded at:

Record or near-record July rainfall totals

July climate in the six main centres

Temperatures were well above average in Dunedin, with above average temperatures in Wellington. In contrast, it was a relatively cool month for Hamilton and Auckland, where temperatures were 0.6°C and 0.5°C below average, respectively. It was a very wet July for Dunedin where rainfall was 231% of normal. The three northernmost main centres experienced a relatively dry July, with rainfall totals approximately half of normal for the time of year. Of the six main centres in July 2026, Auckland was the warmest, Christchurch was the coolest and driest, Tauranga was the sunniest, Wellington was the wettest, and Dunedin was the least sunny. July 2026 main centre climate statistics:

July 2026 main centre climate statistics – Temperature

July 2026 main centre climate statistics – Rainfall

July 2026 main centre climate statistics – Sunshine

¹ Māngere; ² Tauranga Airport; ³ Hamilton Airport; ⁴ Kelburn; ⁵ Christchurch Airport; ⁶ Musselburgh; ⁷ Ruakura. Hamilton rainfall is missing five days of data.

Highlights and extreme events

Temperatures

The highest temperature was 20.4°C, observed at Wairoa on 15 July. The lowest temperature was -13.5°C, observed at Lake Tekapo on 12 July. Record or near-record daily maximum air temperatures for July were recorded at:

Record or near-record daily maximum air temperatures for July

Record or near-record daily minimum air temperatures for July

Rain, flooding, and slips

The highest 1-day rainfall was 133 mm, recorded at Hanmer Forest on 6 July. From 5-9 July, a broad area of low pressure was present over and near New Zealand, delivering consecutive days of rainfall impacts to eastern parts of the country. The primary impacts are listed in chronological order below:

• From 5-6 July, persistent heavy rain caused surface flooding for eastern parts of Otago including Dunedin, Mosgiel, and Oamaru. Waitaki District Council declared a State of Emergency, with flooding affecting homes and businesses along Thames Street in central Oamaru. At least 20 people self-evacuated their homes in Oamaru, with reports of emergency crews responding to people trapped in cars and homes by floodwaters. The Taieri Bowling Club in Mosgiel was opened as an evacuation centre and several families had self-evacuated there. Flooding caused the closure of SH88 from Sawyers Bay to Port Chalmers, SH87 from Factory Road to Cargill Street in Mosgiel, several local roads in the Clutha District, SH1 between Oamaru and Glenavy, and SH83 between Seven Mile Road and SH1.

• From 6-8 July, heavy rainfall impacted eastern parts of Canterbury, and Marlborough. A State of Emergency was declared in Kaikōura as the Kowhai River burst its banks, with an evacuation centre set up for approximately 80 people who were displaced by flooding. SH1 was closed between Ward and Waipara due to flooding, with considerable sections of the highway eroded away by the Conway River between Parnassus and Hundalee. A section of the Cribb Creek Bridge on the Inland Kaikōura Road was washed away, and two vehicles were accidentally driven off the bridge and into the river below. A person was rescued from their car after spending several hours trapped in a vehicle surrounded by floodwaters near Mt Lyford. Part of Hanmer Springs was cut off after flooding damage caused the closure of Woodbank Road bridge. Flooding of the Ōpaoa River in Blenheim led to evacuation of people staying in caravans at the Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park. In Wairarapa, three bridges (Waihenga, Lower Valley and Huangarua) were closed due to heavy rain from 7-8 July, isolating some communities in the region’s south.

• On 8 July, another burst of heavy rain hit eastern parts of Otago, and SH1 was again closed between Oamaru and Glenavy due to flooding. Surface flooding was also reported

on SH83 from Pukeuri to Kurow, and SH82 from Kurow to Waimate. At least eight homes were evacuated in Dunedin due to possible landslips, while three homes were evacuated in Oamaru due to a landslip. Farther north, the Inland Route 70 was closed between Kaikōura and Rotheram (SH7) due to flooding and washouts.

• On 9 July, areas of Hawke’s Bay received heavy rainfall as the area of low pressure moved east of New Zealand, continuing to drive a moist southeasterly airflow over eastern parts of the country. A local State of Emergency was declared in Wairoa following considerable flooding across the district. The Wairoa River flooded, prompting the evacuation of residents from low-lying areas in Wairoa. Roads were closed due to surface flooding and debris including SH38 from Frasertown to Tuai and SH2 at Turiroa Cutting, while 15 streets were closed in the Wairoa township.

On 24 July, SH7 was closed from Greymouth to Stillwater due to surface flooding. On 25 July, a heavy downpour of rain caused surface flooding in parts of Wellington. In Kelburn, 36 mm of rain was recorded in one hour between 9-10 a.m. Preliminary analyses indicate this is the fifth-wettest hour on record at Kelburn. Record or near-record July extreme 1-day rainfall totals were recorded at:

Record or near-record July extreme 1-day rainfall totals

Wind

The highest wind gust was 141 km/h, observed at Puysegur Point on 14 July, and Cape Turnagain on 18 July. From 6-7 July, strong southeasterly winds occurred for northern and western parts of the South Island. Concrete power poles near Harihari snapped due to the strength of the wind, while downed power lines caused power outages in several areas of the South Island. Specifically, around 260 homes were without power between Lake Ianthe to Lake Parinha, and some in the Haupiri area. Nearly 400 homes were also without power in Kaikōura. Twenty homes in the outer Marlborough Sounds were without power near Clova and Beatrix Bay. Several roads were closed due to strong winds and fallen trees including SH6 from Whataroa to Harihari, SH6 from Haast to

Fox Glacier, and SH63 from Kawatiri to Howard (Tasman District). Farther north, power outages also occurred in parts of Wellington. Record or near-record July extreme wind gusts were recorded at:

Record or near-record July extreme wind gusts

Snow and ice

On 1 July, widespread frost and icy conditions caused issues across many South Island roads. Dunedin’s Southern Motorway (SH1) was temporarily closed to southbound traffic from the Riselaw Rd overbridge due to an accident. Other accidents were reported on roads about Roxburgh, Cromwell, and Lumsden. SH8 was closed between Lake Tekapo and Omarama due to black ice. On 2 July, black ice was reported across Dunedin, with Dunedin City Council urging residents to take care on roads and footpaths. Dunedin’s Southern Motorway (SH1) was again closed to southbound traffic near the Riselaw Rd overbridge due to an accident. NZTA warned motorists to take extra care due to ice on SH1 between Dunedin and Palmerston, SH85 between Palmerston and Kyeburn, SH87 between Kyeburn and Mosgiel, SH8 between Milton and Raes Junction, and SH8 from Lake Tekapo to Twizel. From 5-6 July, there was widespread snowfall above approximately 500 m elevation across inland parts of the South Island. Heaviest snowfalls occurred about eastern and northern parts of Central Otago including the Maniototo and about the Lindis Pass, Mt Cook Village, and Lake Tekapo. ESNZ’s monitoring station measured a peak snow depth of 25 cm at Mt Cook village, with similar snow depths reported at Lake Tekapo, Oturehua, St Bathans, and Naseby. Snow damage to powerlines left about 300 customers without power in Clarks Junction, Hindon, Redbank, Ranfurly, Waipiata-Kyeburn and Middlemarch-Bald Hill. Snow caused the closure of numerous roads in the South Island including SH87 from Outram to Kyeburn, SH85 from Alexandra to Palmerston, the Ranfurly-Naseby Road, St Bathans Loop Road, Ida Valley-Omakau Road, Danseys Pass Road from Naseby, SH8 from Tarras to Omarama (the Lindis Pass), and SH8 from Lake Pukaki to Fairlie. On 8 July, snow fell to approximately 300 m above sea level in eastern parts of Central Otago, with heavy snowfall about the eastern ranges and inland areas of Canterbury. Snow and ice caused the closure of SH85 from Kyeburn and Morrisons, SH87 from Kyeburn and Middlemarch, and SH8 from Fairlie to Twizel. Extreme caution was advised to motorists travelling on SH85 from Kyeburn and Springvale, and SH8 from Tarras to Omarama (the Lindis Pass), due to snow and ice. On 25 July, snow was reported in several Canterbury towns including Darfield, Methven, and Glentunnel. Chains were required for vehicles travelling on SH73 between Springfield and Castle

Hill (Porters Pass) due to snow. Farther south, several centimetres of snow reportedly settled in Naseby and Oturehua, with approximately 1 cm of snow reported in Winton. On 31 July, snow caused the closure of SH85 from Palmerston to Kyeburn, and SH87 between Kyeburn and Outram. Snow also impacted highways farther north in the South Island. SH7 was closed from Reefton to Springs Junction turnoff (Rahu Saddle) and from Springs Junction to Hanmer Springs turnoff (Lewis Pass). Chains were required on vehicles travelling from Arthur’s Pass Village to Otira.

Lightning, hail, and tornadoes

On 6 July, a home in Whangamatā suffered considerable damage after being struck by lightning.

Cloud and fog

On 15 July, 17 flights were delayed or cancelled at Auckland airport due to fog. On 20 July, fog at Auckland airport caused the cancellation of 21 domestic flights, with a further 13 domestic flights delayed. On 23 July, flights at Auckland and Hamilton airports were cancelled or delayed due to fog.

© Copyright Earth Sciences New Zealand 2026.

All rights reserved. Information presented in this summary is based on data available at the time of publication, which is subject to ongoing quality assurance procedures.

Earth Sciences New Zealand climate and weather research

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is deploying six incident management specialists to Canada this week to support the country’s response to extensive wildfires.

The six personnel are part of an Australasian team requested by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre under a long-standing agreement between Canada, the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand to provide mutual assistance with wildfire suppression.

A Liaison Officer left for Winnipeg yesterday and the other five depart tomorrow for Vancouver, where they will be assigned to incident management teams working on fires in British Columbia.

Each is a specialist in aspects of managing large-scale wildfires. Two will be filling Division Commander positions and the others will be stepping into roles as Logistics Chief, Safety Officer and Helicopter Supervisor.

Canada is currently experiencing extreme wildfire activity with 484 active wildfires and over 2 million hectares affected. Our specialist team will provide much needed relief and assistance to the local resources.

This is New Zealand’s second deployment to North America this fire season. Five incident management team members travelled to the United States last month and are working on fires in Idaho. An indicative request has been received from the US for a second contingent and Fire and Emergency is considering availability of personnel in case that request is formalised.

Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said that Fire and Emergency was able to provide support to other countries without diminishing its capability to respond to any large-scale emergencies at home.

Wildfire deployments to North America take place during the southern winter and by joining with Australia to make up incident management teams, New Zealand’s contribution was proportionate to its resources. Partner agencies including Department of Conservation, NZ Defence Force and the forestry industry also regularly contribute their staff to international wildfire deployments.

“The international agreements we have in place allow us to be a good global citizen and lend support where we can. In return our people bring back valuable experience that enhances New Zealand’s own capability to manage large-scale incidents,” Megan Stiffler said. “Given the predictions for a challenging fire season here, these opportunities to be part of wildfire management in Canada and the US couldn’t be more timely.”

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Source: deVere Group

August 4 2026

Wildfire catastrophe bonds are moving well beyond their insurance origins to become a genuine new asset class for investors’ portfolios, affirms the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations.

Nigel Green of deVere Group’s comments come as issuance of catastrophe bonds carrying wildfire exposure has already topped $5 billion this year, according to specialist data provider Artemis, putting 2026 on track to challenge last year’s record.

The broader catastrophe bond market now stands at an unprecedented $61 billion outstanding, after a 45% surge in new issuance last year alone.

He says: “Most investors still think of catastrophe bonds as something insurers deal with, not something that belongs in a serious portfolio. This thinking is already out of date.

“Wildfire losses are rising by roughly 12% a year globally, faster than almost any other category of natural catastrophe.

“Standalone wildfire bonds, once considered too specialised to trade on their own, are becoming genuinely investable instruments in their own right. This shift matters far more than most allocators currently appreciate.”

The deVere CEO points to the fundamental appeal of catastrophe bonds for investors seeking genuine diversification rather than another variation on equity or credit risk.

“These instruments don’t move because of a central bank decision or a disappointing earnings season.

“A wildfire either happens within the defined parameters of the bond or it doesn’t. This is a completely different risk driver to almost everything else sitting in a typical portfolio, and it’s exactly what makes it valuable.”

He argues the improving quality of wildfire risk modelling is the real story behind this year’s surge in issuance.

“Investors were historically cautious about wildfire risk because the modelling wasn’t good enough to price it with confidence,” Nigel Green explains.

“This has changed fast. Firms building these risk models have improved their data and their forecasting to the point where sophisticated investors are now comfortable putting real capital behind the numbers.”

The devastating Los Angeles fires of January 2025, which destroyed more than 16,000 buildings and caused a record $40 billion in insured losses, reshaped how both insurers and investors think about wildfire exposure.

“This event was a wake-up call for the entire industry,” he says.

“California’s state-backed FAIR Plan has seen its exposure grow by over 50% in Los Angeles County alone in a single year, as traditional insurers pull back.

“Capital markets are stepping into a gap that private insurance increasingly can’t fill on its own, and investors willing to take on that risk are being paid well for it.”

Nigel Green believes Europe represents the next major phase of growth for this asset class, even though the market there remains far less developed than in the US.

“Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth and wildfire risk there is only heading in one direction,” he notes.

“The market hasn’t caught up yet, but it will have to. Once European wildfire modelling matures to the standard investors expect, capital will follow, the same way it did in California.”

He urges investors to look past the unfamiliar mechanics of catastrophe bonds and focus on what they actually deliver inside a portfolio.

“The instinct to treat this as a niche corner of insurance markets is understandable, but it’s increasingly wrong,” Nigel Green says.

“What investors should focus on is genuine, uncorrelated return. During a sharp equity sell-off, a well-structured wildfire bond doesn’t care what the S&P is doing. This kind of independence is rare and valuable, and it’s becoming easier to access than most people realise.”

He concludes: “The growth of this market reflects a broader shift already underway among savvy investors.

“Climate risk used to be treated purely as a cost to manage.

“It’s now becoming an asset class that a growing number of investors can actively allocate towards.”

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

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Source: D-Link ANZ

SYDNEY, 4 August 2026 – D-Link ANZ has unveiled its expanded Industrial Switch Range, delivering enterprise-grade networking solutions purpose-built for Australia’s and New Zealand’s harshest operational environments.

From factory floors and transport networks to outdoor surveillance deployments and remote utility sites, the new range gives systems integrators, IT managers and operations leaders the durability, speed and intelligence they need to maintain mission-critical connectivity where standard enterprise equipment simply cannot survive.

DIS-310G-24X Layer 3 Managed Switch

The expanded portfolio comprises four new models: the flagship DIS-310G-24X Layer 3 Managed Switch, the smart-managed DIS-210G-12 and DIS-210G-12UP PoE switches, and the compact, cost-effective DIS-100E-05 entry-level model. Together they span the full spectrum of industrial networking requirements from high-density aggregation to simple edge connectivity.

As Australian and New Zealand industries accelerate digital transformation, edge networks are being pushed into environments they were never designed for. Extreme temperatures, electrical noise, vibration and power surges are daily realities in manufacturing plants, mining operations, agricultural facilities and outdoor CCTV deployments.

Consumer-grade and even standard commercial switches fail quickly in these conditions, causing costly downtime, data loss and maintenance headaches. D-Link’s Industrial Switch Range addresses these pain points with IP40-rated metal housings, fan-less thermal designs, 6kV surge protection across all Ethernet ports, and operating temperature ratings from –40°C to +75°C.

The flagship DIS-310G-24X is a 24-port Gigabit Industrial Managed Layer 3 Switch designed for larger-scale industrial networks that demand both high availability and advanced traffic management.

It features 16 x 10/100/1000BASE-T copper ports, 4 x Gigabit SFP fibre uplinks, and 4 x 10G SFP+ ports for high-speed backbone or aggregation connectivity, all packed into a compact 100 x 140 x 170 mm chassis that maximises cabinet space.

DIS-310G-24X Key Features

• Layer 3 management with advanced routing, security and QoS functions
• 16 Gigabit copper + 4 Gigabit SFP + 4 x 10G SFP+ ports
• Fan-less design with ruggedised metal housing rated for –40°C to +75°C operation
• 6kV surge protection on all Ethernet ports
• DIN-rail clip and wall-mount options for fast deployment
• Loopback detection and cable diagnostics for rapid troubleshooting
• ERPS ring support for sub-50ms failover redundancy

For enterprise and government customers deploying outdoor surveillance, smart transport networks or large-scale industrial automation, the DIS-310G-24X delivers the performance of a data-centre switch with the resilience of hardened infrastructure. Its 10G uplinks eliminate bandwidth bottlenecks when aggregating multiple high-definition camera streams or sensor arrays, while Layer 3 intelligence enables secure segmentation of operational-technology (OT) and information-technology (IT) traffic.

The DIS-210G-12 is a 12-port Gigabit Industrial Smart Managed Switch that strikes the ideal balance between capability and simplicity for mid-sized deployments. It offers 8 x Gigabit copper ports plus 4 x SFP fibre uplinks, smart management via an intuitive web interface and ERPS ring protection to keep networks running even if a cable is severed.

DIS-210G-12 Key Features

• 8 x 1000BASE-T + 4 x SFP Gigabit uplinks
• Web-based smart management – no command-line expertise required
• 6kV surge protection and IP40-rated metal housing
• –40°C to +75°C operating range
• ERPS ring topology for continuous monitoring and failover
• Fan-less, silent operation ideal for noise-sensitive environments

This switch is purpose-built for city surveillance projects, warehouse automation and distributed building-management systems. The combination of fibre uplinks and smart management means integrators can run long-distance links back to a central site while retaining remote visibility and control over each edge switch, reducing truck rolls and speeding up fault resolution.

The DIS-210G-12UP takes the smart-managed foundation of the DIS-210G-12 and adds High-Power PoE capability, making it the go-to switch for deployments where both data and power must be delivered over a single cable to remote devices.

DIS-210G-12UP Key Features

• 8 x Gigabit ports: 6 x PoE+ (30W) and 2 x PoE++ (up to 60W per port)
• 4 x Gigabit SFP fibre uplinks for long-distance backhaul
• Total PoE budget supports multiple high-draw devices simultaneously
• IP40 housing, 6kV surge protection and –40°C to +75°C rating
• ERPS ring support for uninterrupted surveillance and automation
• Ideal for PTZ cameras, access control, IP intercoms and IoT gateways

With two PoE++ ports capable of delivering 60W each, the DIS-210G-12UP can power the latest generation of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, high-gain wireless access points and door-entry systems without requiring separate power injectors or 240V outlets at every device location. For smart-building and safe-city projects, this slashes installation costs, reduces cable clutter and simplifies maintenance.

The DIS-100E-05 is a 5-port unmanaged industrial switch that proves hardened networking doesn’t have to break the budget. With five Fast Ethernet ports, a fan-less metal casing and DIN-rail mounting, it delivers plug-and-play connectivity for small sensor clusters, remote monitoring nodes and legacy equipment retrofits.

DIS-100E-05 Key Features

• 5 x 10/100BASE-T Fast Ethernet ports
• Unmanaged plug-and-play operation – zero configuration
• Fan-less, silent design with Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE)
• 6kV surge protection on all ports
• 12–55V DC dual-input terminal block for redundant power
• Metal housing, DIN-rail mount, –40°C to +75°C rated
• RRP under $150 makes hardened networking accessible to any budget

For agricultural sensor networks, remote telemetry cabinets and small-scale automation projects, the DIS-100E-05 removes the traditional cost barrier to industrial-grade reliability. Its EEE support reduces power draw during low-activity periods, while the dual DC input allows a redundant power supply to be connected for extra peace of mind.

D-Link’s expanded Industrial Switch Range is more than a product refresh, it is a toolkit that directly addresses the operational and financial pressures facing local industries today.

With 6kV surge protection, wide thermal ratings and ERPS ring failover, these switches keep production lines, surveillance feeds and control systems online through electrical storms, summer heatwaves and freezing winter nights. Less downtime means higher output, safer worksites and lower emergency-repair costs.

Fan-less designs eliminate a common point of mechanical failure, reducing maintenance schedules and extending service life. PoE++ models cut installation costs by delivering power and data over one cable, while smart-management features allow remote diagnostics that stop minor issues becoming major outages.

Whether a site needs five ports today or plans to scale to hundreds of cameras and sensors tomorrow, the range offers a growth path. The DIS-310G-24X’s 10G uplinks and Layer 3 intelligence provide headroom for years of expansion, while the consistent management interface across models simplifies staff training and inventory planning.

Industrial-grade EMC endurance and safety certifications help organisations meet workplace health and safety obligations, particularly in mining, energy and heavy manufacturing where equipment reliability is regulated. Using purpose-built industrial switches demonstrates due diligence in risk management.

All models are available now in Australia and New Zealand via D-Link Australia, D-Link New Zealand and authorised D-Link business resellers, including major IT distributors and systems-integration partners at the following RRPs:-

DIS-310G-24X – AUD$2799.95, NZ$3499.99
DIS-210G-12 – AUD$899.95, NZ$1099.99
DIS-210G-12UP – AUD$1799.95, NZ$2199.99
DIS-100E-05 – AUD$149.95, NZ$179.99

About D-Link

D-Link, a global leader in the networking industry, began expanding worldwide in 1986 and was officially established as D-Link Corporation in 1987. With 90 operational and sales locations across 43 countries, D-Link provides innovative and reliable networking equipment, AI-powered cloud management services, and complete infrastructure solutions for individuals, homes, businesses, and industries.

Copyright © 2026 D-Link Australia. All Rights Reserved.

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Source: Gen Digital Inc.

New Cyber Safety intelligence hub gives Kiwis a live, daily view of the scams and cyber threats shaping online life in NZ and around the world

Auckland, August 4, 2026 – Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global leader dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its family of trusted consumer brands, including Norton, Avast, LifeLock and MoneyLion, today launched the Fearless Planet Index (FPI), a continuously updated Cyber Safety intelligence hub that provides real-time insights into scams, cyber threats and identity risks, helping people understand where threats are emerging and how to protect themselves.

Visit the Fearless Planet Index at https://fpi.gendigital.com/

A Regional Weather Map for Digital Risk

People check the weather before deciding what to wear or whether it’s safe to travel. Until now, there hasn’t been an equivalent way to understand the digital risks forming around us. Powered by telemetry from the Gen Threat Labs, the Fearless Planet Index transforms billions of real-world security signals into an interactive view of today’s digital threat landscape. Like weather radar tracking storms as they develop and move, the FPI helps Kiwis see where digital risks are emerging in New Zealand, which scams are most active and how those patterns evolve over time.

With the FPI, people can:

• Select a country to explore its most prominent scams, malware threats and identity alerts
• See whether each threat or alert has increased, decreased, remained stable or appeared as new since the previous day
• Open detailed profiles explaining each threat or alert and, where applicable, providing practical guidance to help people protect themselves

One of the most active threats in New Zealand is fake shopping scams.

Storms Brewing: Online Shopping Scams in New Zealand

In New Zealand, online shopping scams rank among the most prevalent consumer scams tracked by the FPI in July, as cybercriminals increasingly impersonate trusted retailers through fake websites, sponsored social media ads, search results and promotional emails offering products at unusually low prices.

The FPI identify the scams and threats people should look out for and gives practical advice on how to protect yourself. For example, for those Kiwis who are getting ready to shop online for winter clearance sale, tips include:

• Shop with retailers you know or research unfamiliar websites by checking independent reviews before making a purchase.
• Look closely at the website. Check the URL for misspellings, and make sure the site includes legitimate contact information, shipping details, and a clear return or refund policy.
• Pay with a credit card or another payment method that offers buyer protection. Avoid paying by bank transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards or other irreversible payment methods.

Fearless Planet Index Reveals Phishing as the Primary Scam Threat Worldwide

The FPI tracks the most prominent threats across 245 countries and territories. Early insights show phishing as the most prevalent scam category globally. Specific threats, including online shopping, dating, tech support and financial scams, vary considerably between countries. This country-level variation allows people to look beyond the global picture and understand which threats are currently most prominent where they live.

At launch, the FPI shows:

• 120M+ phishing attacks detected in the latest 30-day snapshot
• 80%+ of categorised threats were scams or malicious advertising rather than traditional malware
• Online shopping scams rank among the most prevalent named scams across New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world, reflecting how cybercriminals increasingly target everyday online purchases
• While phishing is the leading scam globally, the mix of threats varies by country and region, giving people a localised view of the digital risks they are most likely to encounter
• North America recorded the highest average digital risk (29.6%), followed closely by Europe (28.5%), Asia-Pacific (27.4%), Middle East & Africa (25.6%), and Latin America (22.0%)

About Gen

Gen (NASDAQ: GEN) is a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its trusted consumer brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, MoneyLion and more. The Gen family of consumer brands is rooted in providing financial empowerment and cyber safety for the first digital generations. Today, Gen empowers people to live their digital lives safely, privately and confidently for generations to come. Gen brings award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy, identity protection and financial wellness to nearly 500 million users in more than 150 countries. Learn more at https://www.gendigital.com/.

About the Gen Threat Labs

Gen Threat Labs is the Cyber Safety research team within Gen, focused on uncovering and analysing the latest digital threats and scams worldwide. Rooted in data, research, and technical expertise, the team identifies patterns and risks that shape the evolving cyber landscape. Their insights power the security technologies that protect people across Gen’s portfolio of trusted brands, including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, and others.

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

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

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is welcoming clarity from the Department of Conservation on the next steps to determine the future of New Zealand’s iconic Molesworth Station.

“The Department of Conversation (DOC) has run a really robust, competitive and fair process to get to this point,” Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says.

“We congratulate Ngāi Tahu Farming on putting forward a strong business case and being selected as the preferred operator to negotiate for the lease.

“Molesworth is an incredibly special property for all New Zealanders, owned by all New Zealanders, so it’s important whoever takes on the lease is well set up to succeed.”

Hurst says Ngāi Tahu Farming is a credible South Island farming operation with the scale, experience and financial resilience needed to farm a property like Molesworth.

“Ngāi Tahu Farming has a strong balance sheet that would allow them to keep farming through tough years with drought or poor commodity prices,” Hurst says.

“It’s also well placed to run an integrated system with existing finishing farms around North Canterbury – so the decision makes sense from that perspective.”

Hurst says it’s important Molesworth’s core focus remains maintaining a viable pastoral livestock farming operation, as it has been for the last 175 years.

“There also need to be clear expectations set that public access to Molesworth is protected and that there is a commitment to active weed and pest management.”

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand remains committed to working with the Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) to achieve a fair and sustainable settlement, Acting Deputy National Commander Ken Cooper says.

“Most recently, the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) proposed both parties exchange their full revised bargaining positions at the same time, to help assess whether further facilitation is likely to assist.

“We agreed to this. The NZPFU did not.

“We continue to urge the NZPFU to call off these reckless strikes and engage with us and the ERA to try and come to a resolution so that their members can get the pay increases they deserve, and we can continue working together to keep communities safe.

“Fire and Emergency’s most recent offer compares favourably with other public sector settlements and would have delivered a 2.2 percent increase from 1 December 2025 and 2.2 percent from 1 January 2027 over a 24-month term to the end of November 2027. This was at a cost of $50m over four years.

“By comparison, the NZPFU’s settlement proposal was for more than $130 million over the same period.

“That is not financially realistic at a time where we also have to keep investing in the trucks and equipment our people need to do their jobs safely.

“In the meantime, we have provided an annual pay adjustment to operational leaders and office staff as per Fire and Emergency’s Remuneration Policy.

“This is their first market rate review increase since 2024. It is not fair to make them wait until the NZPFU comes back to negotiations to settle its agreement before adjusting their pay.

“The offer to the NZPFU included a 2.2 per cent pay rise and a number of other financial elements in addition to the pay rise, which the pay adjustment to operational managers and office staff does not include.”

During the fiftieth strike action today, Friday 31 July, Fire and Emergency received calls for 21 incidents between 12 pm and 1pm. Of the 21 incidents, 17 were in areas impacted by the strike.

Twelve were false alarms. Three were medical events that were attended to by Hato Hone St John, as per contingency planning. One was a motor vehicle collision. One was a small rubbish fire, which was out on arrival of volunteer firefighters.

“Should the NZPFU continue to take strike action, our advice remains the same. If there is a fire, get out early, stay out, then call 111,” Ken Cooper says..

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Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Outlook Summary

Regional predictions for the next three months:

• Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty
• Central North Island, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wellington
• Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa
• Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, Buller
• West Coast, Alps and foothills, inland Otago and Southland Coastal Canterbury, east Otago.

Outlook Summary

• El Niño conditions persist in the tropical Pacific atmosphere and ocean, and by all measures the event has strengthened over the last month – including the strongest atmospheric measurements on record for July. We remain in its early stages; impacts on New Zealand’s weather patterns are yet to be fully felt, but are anticipated during this outlook period.

• Air flow patterns are expected to eventually favour a prevailing westerly direction, characteristic of El Niño conditions, as the season progresses. This is expected to be more apparent from mid-spring onwards.

• Seasonal air temperatures for August – October 2026 are most likely to be near average for the east of the North Island. They are about equally likely to be near average or above average for all other New Zealand regions. This does not preclude occasional cold outbreaks, for example in early August, which are a typical aspect of late winter and spring weather patterns.

• Rainfall totals for August – October 2026 are about equally likely to be near normal or below normal for the north and east of the South Island, and the east of the North Island. Rainfall is most likely to be below normal for the remainder of the North Island. Meanwhile, rainfall is most likely to be above normal for the west of the South Island.

• New Zealand has experienced several heavy rain events from the north over the past year.

These northerly rain events have already reduced in frequency in recent months, and this trend is expected to continue. The main heavy rain threat instead is expected to shift toward the western and lower South Island.

• The likelihood of below normal rainfall in several regions is likely to translate to below normal groundwater recharge, creating challenges for water-reliant sectors.

• During August – October 2026, soil moisture levels and river flows are expected to be near normal or below normal for the east and north of both islands, the west of the North Island, and the north of the South Island. In the west of the South Island, they are expected to be near normal or above normal.

• Warmer-than-average subsurface ocean temperature anomalies have continued to strengthen and expand across the tropical Pacific, providing clear support for El Niño to intensify further and reach the very strong category in the coming months. Dynamical and statistical forecast guidance concurs, with approximately a 90% likelihood that the event will reach or exceed very strong intensity during the outlook period.

• Peak El Niño conditions are most likely to occur during the austral summer of 2026–27, with the potential for this event to have significant impacts. It is likely to develop into one of the strongest in recent history, as anticipated over the last few months (see El Niño declared, expected to intensify into one of the strongest on record).

• El Niño-related influences on regional weather patterns are expected to become more apparent later during spring as ENSO signals continue to strengthen. In New Zealand, this is expected to favour periods of active westerlies, bringing an increased risk of unusually windy conditions and notable temperature variability. How widespread and persistent these conditions become will depend on the location and strength of nearby high-pressure systems.

• Other climate drivers and intraseasonal oscillations, for example, the Indian Ocean Dipole, the Southern Annular Mode and the Madden Julian Oscillation will still contribute to New Zealand weather patterns, though El Niño is expected to be most dominant. In general, these other drivers are moving into phases which support El Niño-like impacts.

• Sudden Stratospheric Warmings (SSW) are historically rare in the Southern Hemisphere, but in recent years have become more common. Predictability is limited, but there is justification for enhanced monitoring over the coming weeks. If an SSW does occur, its impacts on New Zealand weather patterns can be delayed by a month or more.

• Out-of-season Southwest Pacific tropical cyclones (July–October) are extremely rare. When they do occur, it is almost always under El Niño conditions. This remote risk does not currently factor into New Zealand’s current Seasonal Climate Outlook, although active monitoring remains in place.

Regional predictions for August – October 2026

The tables below show the probabilities (or percent chances) for each of three categories: above average, near average, and below average. In the absence of any forecast guidance there would be an equal likelihood (33% chance) of the outcome for any of the three categories. Forecast information from local and global guidance models is used to indicate the deviation from equal chance that is expected for the coming three-month period. All outlooks are for the three months averaged as a whole. During these three months, there will inevitably be relatively wet and dry periods, as well as hot and cold periods. The exact range in temperature and rainfall within each of the three categories varies with location and season. However, as a guide, the “near average” or middle category for the temperature predictions includes deviations up to ±0.5°C relative to the long-term mean, whereas for rainfall the “near normal” category lies between 80 percent and 120 percent of the long-term (1991-2020) mean.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are about equally likely to be above average (40% chance) or near average (45% chance).

• Rainfall totals are most likely to be below normal (50% chance).

• Soil moisture levels and river flows are about equally likely to be near normal (40% chance) or below normal (45% chance).

Central North Island, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wellington

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are about equally likely to be near average (40% chance) or above average (45% chance).

• Rainfall totals are about equally likely to be below normal (40% chance) or near normal (35% chance).

• Soil moisture levels are equally likely to be near normal (45% chance) or below normal (45% chance).

• River flows are about equally likely to be near normal (45% chance) or below normal (40 – 45% chance).

Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are most likely to be near average (45% chance).

• Rainfall totals are about equally likely to be below normal (45% chance) or near normal (40% chance) for the outlook period as a whole.

• Soil moisture levels and river flows are about equally likely to be near normal (45% chance) or below normal (40% chance).

Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, Buller

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are equally likely to be near average (40% chance) or above average (40% chance). The likelihood of increased temperature variability, including larger swings between warm and cool conditions, as well as periods of unusually windy weather, is expected to increase during spring.

• Rainfall totals are about equally likely to be below normal (40% chance) or near normal (35% chance).

• Soil moisture levels and river flows are equally likely to be near normal (45% chance) or below normal (45% chance).

West Coast, Southern Alps and foothills, inland Otago, Southland

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are equally likely to be near average (40% chance) or above average (40% chance).

• Rainfall totals are most likely to be above normal (50% chance). The risk of active weather events, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, is forecast to increase during spring.

• Soil moisture levels are most likely to be near normal (50% chance).

• River flows are equally likely to be near normal (40% chance) or above normal (40% chance).

Coastal Canterbury and the nearby plains, east Otago

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are about equally likely to be above average (45% chance) or near average (40% chance). The likelihood of increased temperature variability, including larger swings between warm and cool conditions, as well as periods of unusually windy weather, is expected to increase during spring.

• Rainfall totals are about equally likely to be below normal (40% chance) or near normal (35% chance).

• Soil moisture levels and river flows are about equally likely to be near normal (45% chance) or below normal (40% chance).

The full probability breakdown is:

Graphical representation of the regional probabilities

Background

During July 2026, the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) trended strongly negative, reaching its most negative July value on record since 1951, consistent with El Niño conditions. Based on daily observations through 29 July, the monthly SOI value was -3.4.

Sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific continued to strengthen during July 2026, with positive anomalies now extending along the entire Equator east of the International Date Line. The Relative Niño 3.4 Index (RONI) averaged +1.4°C over the 30 days ending 29 July, well above the El Niño threshold. During August, the RONI is forecast to exceed +1.5°C, the threshold for a strong El Niño event. The current pattern of equatorial SST anomalies is consistent with the rapid development of a canonical El Niño event, similar to those of 1997/98 and 1982/83, in which the strongest warming is concentrated in the eastern rather than central Pacific.

During July, subsurface ocean temperatures across the equatorial Pacific were markedly above average and intensified further, particularly in the eastern Pacific (east of ~160°W). Temperature anomalies locally exceeded +8°C, occurring between depths of around 150 m (centred near 150°W) and 50 m (close to the South American coast). These subsurface anomalies are also continuing to be expressed at the surface, hence the continuing increases in the Relative Niño 3.4 Index.

Positive upper-ocean heat content anomalies (0-300 m) remain firmly established along the Equator east of the International Date Line. The magnitude of this subsurface heat reservoir is consistent with other observed indicators and with dynamical and statistical forecast guidance which together suggest that the ongoing El Niño is likely to reach very strong thresholds during the outlook period, and most likely continuing to strengthen further later in spring.

Rainfall and Convection: During July, enhanced convection and rainfall – indicated by negative outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) anomalies – was focused around the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) through the equatorial Pacific. Suppressed convection and rainfall – indicated by positive OLR anomalies – persisted across the Indian subcontinent and the maritime continent. This pattern of tropical rainfall anomalies was strongly consistent with an El Niño state and closely resembled a canonical El Niño configuration.

Trade winds remained dramatically weakened across the Pacific, and reversed entirely at times, characteristic of El Niño.

In summary, oceanic conditions are in an El Niño configuration, and setting the stage for further development during the outlook period, with particularly significant warmth (positive heat content anomalies) stored in the ocean along the Equator in the Pacific. These signals are only growing ever-stronger with time. Meanwhile, the atmosphere is also increasingly resembling El Niño. A fully-coupled El Niño has therefore emerged, although stronger ocean and atmospheric responses are anticipated as the event develops further.

The Relative Oceanic Niño Index forecasts indicate a 100% chance for El Niño conditions over the next three-month period (August – October 2026). The IRI/CPC forecasts also support this outlook. Further strengthening of the event is likely beyond the outlook period, and it is increasingly probable that the event will peak as one of the strongest on record.

The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) decreased from near record high values late in June, and showed a mixture of negative and positive modes throughout July. During August, the negative SAM mode is expected to be more common than it has been over the last two months, though occasional positive spells may still occur.

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) value for July is neutral (+0.2°C). Forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology indicate that the IOD is likely to become positive over the next three month period, and is forecast to reach thresholds (+0.4°C) required to declare a positive IOD event during the spring season.

In the first week of July, the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) moved into the western Pacific, likely contributing to the low-pressure systems experienced in New Zealand. It then moved slowly eastwards, acting in concert with the El Niño. After making minimal impact in the Indian Ocean, it should emerge into the western Pacific again early in August, likely having some influence again on New Zealand weather patterns.

With the MJO in the western Pacific, it can also contribute to both oceanic and atmospheric components of El Niño strengthening further.

Local Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) are near average or above average around the majority of the country, and marine heatwave (MHW) conditions are continuing around much of the South Island and Tasman Sea. Forecasts from coupled ocean-atmosphere models for the next three-month period (see Sea Surface Temperature Update | Earth Sciences New Zealand | NIWA) indicate SSTs should continue to warm around the coastal waters of the country, especially around the South Island.

North NI +0.55°C

West NI +0.38°C

East NI +0.09°C

North SI +0.61°C

West SI +0.89°C

East SI +0.83°C

NZ 30-day coastal SST anomalies

(to 29 Jul 2026)

Figure 1: Latest 30 days SST anomalies to the 29 th July 2026, calculated with respect to the 1991-2020 climatological period.

* The Relative Oceanic Niño 3.4 Index (RONI) is a modern way of measuring oceanic El Niño and La Niña that is complementary to traditional oceanic indices. While traditional oceanic indices like the Niño 3.4 Index monitor SSTs in one region, the RONI compares the average SST in the central equatorial Pacific with the average SST across the global tropics. Since tropical rainfall patterns respond to changes in ocean temperatures, this new relative index can help forecasters better determine if the equatorial Pacific is warmer or cooler than the rest of the global tropics, which has become more challenging to discern as seas warm because of climate change.

Forecast Confidence

Temperature

Forecast confidence for temperatures is Medium. Cold weather in early August should then trend steadily towards milder conditions, ultimately influenced by the developing westerly conditions and warm seas

surrounding the country. Periodic cold outbreaks will still occur, as is normal for spring.

Rainfall Forecast confidence for rainfall is Medium-High. El Niño influenced rainfall patterns are expected to dominate the latter parts of the outlook period. Compared with previous outlooks, confidence is higher that any uncharacteristic rain events, such as in mid-August, will not upset the overall rainfall pattern over the three month period.

Notes

1. Earth Sciences New Zealand outlooks indicate the likelihood of climate conditions being at, above, or below average for the season as a whole, relative to the 1991-2020 average. They are not ‘weather forecasts’ as it is not possible to forecast precise weather conditions three months in advance.

2. The outlooks are the result of the expert judgment of scientists and forecasters. They take into account observations of atmospheric and ocean conditions and output from global and local climate models. The presence of El Niño or La Niña conditions and the sea surface temperatures around New Zealand can be useful indicators of likely overall climate conditions for a season.

3. The outlooks state the probability for above average conditions, near average conditions, and below average conditions for rainfall, temperature, soil moisture, and river flows. When a particular probability reaches or exceeds 60%, we conclude it is “very likely”.

4. This three-way probability means that a random choice would be correct only 33 per cent (or one-third) of the time. It would be like randomly throwing a dart at a board divided into three equal parts, or casting a dice with three numbers on it.

5. Where probabilities are within 5% of one another, the term “about equally” is used.

6. All outlooks are for the three months as a whole. There will inevitably be relatively wet and dry days, and hot and cold days, within a season. The exact range in temperature and rainfall within each of the three categories varies with location and season. However, as a guide, the “near average” or middle category for the temperature predictions includes deviations up to ±0.5°C for the long-term mean, whereas for rainfall the “near normal” category lies between 80 per cent and 120 per cent of the long-term mean.

7. The seasonal climate outlooks are an output of Predicting climate variability and change, a scientific research programme supported through Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Strategic Science Investment

Fund.

8. The forecast confidence meter for temperature and rainfall represents the expert judgement of Earth Sciences New Zealand climate scientists. It aims to synthesize various forecast elements, such as global and local climate drivers, in order to clearly communicate forecaster confidence in how all the evidence has aligned for the seasonal outlook.

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Source: Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

New research from Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission reveals 55% of New Zealanders who have set up an emergency fund in the last three months can easily find money to cover an unexpected expense.

However, only 22% of New Zealanders who feel unlikely to set up an emergency fund can do the same.

The new research has been released as the Retirement Commission’s annual Sorted Money Month campaign kicks off on 1 August.

The theme for Money Month this year is emergency savings and coincides with the release of the new, free Sorted Buffer builder app, which helps New Zealanders automatically grow a cash cushion to cope with unexpected costs.

The new research from the Retirement Commission’s Financial Sentiment Tracker reveals the positive difference keeping emergency savings can make.

Retirement Commissioner David Boyle says having an emergency fund helps build financial resilience and creates a safety net to help absorb life’s unexpected expenses.

“Having an emergency fund reduces financial stress and helps you handle unexpected life events. Knowing you have money set aside specifically for unexpected expenses brings a sense of confidence and control.”

He says an emergency fund can help people avoid crisis borrowing and expensive debt when things go wrong, especially in the current challenging economic conditions.

“It also prevents people having to touch their KiwiSaver or withdraw from their long-term investments, so financial resilience ends up helping their future self to enjoy a better retirement outcome when they stop work.”

The new research found that in the year to June 2026, 62% of Kiwis have an emergency fund (compared to 58% the previous year).

“Whether it’s losing your job, needing a new car tyre or having to buy a new washing machine, an emergency fund provides peace of mind knowing you have money set aside to deal with life’s curveballs,” David says.

“Financial resilience is not about being wealthy, it’s about being prepared and it also reduces your financial stress which positively impacts your greater wellbeing.”

The new research also found that just having an emergency fund set up was associated with more positive financial sentiment.

It found that 59% of New Zealanders with a growing or sufficiently sized emergency fund feel very optimistic and confident about their future.

And 54% of New Zealanders who have set up an emergency fund within the last three months feel the same.

However, only 25% of New Zealanders who feel unlikely to set one up feel very optimistic or confident about their future.

This shows that people who have recently set up an emergency fund feel quite similarly to those who have an established emergency fund, so just setting one up is a great first step to make them feel more positive about their financial future.

The Sorted Buffer builder app was developed by Christians Against Poverty NZ (CAP) in partnership with the Retirement Commission, with some funding from Simplicity Foundation. The app connects to a user’s bank through Akahu, New Zealand’s open banking service.

CAP CEO Sam Garaway says an emergency fund helps people weather life’s storms and prevents them from tipping into financial hardship.

“We all know how challenging forming a habit can be. The Buffer builder app takes the friction out of saving by combining secure open banking technology with insights from CAP and Sorted to make savings automatic and easy.”

Sam says the number of people receiving CAP Debt Help is at a seven-year high.

“We’re hearing just how tough things are right now. With rising living costs and existing debt, it only takes a fall in income or a costly life event to send them into chaos,” Sam says.

Sorted Personal Finance Lead Tom Hartmann says even a modest emergency fund can provide breathing room.

“That’s why this Money Month we’re introducing Sorted’s Buffer builder app, so that people can more easily grow their emergency savings by paying themselves first, rounding up their spending, and topping up when they can. The app uses open banking data and AI to adapt to spending patterns and sets targets that make sense, wherever someone is at on their emergency savings journey.”

Simplicity Head of Education Jennie O’Donovan says Simplicity supported the creation of the Buffer builder app as it’s alarming to see how many New Zealanders struggle with an unexpected financial event.

“One of the big takeaways with the app is that your emergency fund doesn’t need to be built overnight. We know that having a clear goal and seeing progress makes saving feel much more achievable which ultimately buys you time and choices when the unexpected happens. We want that for all New Zealanders, which is why the Simplicity Foundation has supported this project.”

The financial sector and local grassroots communities are supporting Money Month with events and programmes across the country. These events can be found on the Sorted event calendar, allowing people to find out what is happening locally and get involved.

Notes to Editors

This research comes from the Retirement Commission’s Financial Sentiment Tracker, which surveyed approximately 4,000 New Zealanders aged 18+ across the year to June 2026.

About Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission aims to help New Zealanders to retire with confidence. Retiring with confidence means New Zealanders feel secure they’ll have resources to live and the know-how to make ends meet. We focus on three areas: Retirement Income Policies, Retirement Villages and Financial Capability. Te Ara Ahunga Ora runs Sorted, Sorted at Work, Sorted in Communities and Te whai hua – kia ora, Sorted in Schools and is responsible for the National Strategy for Financial Capability.

About Sorted

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MIL OSI

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – The Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth (DISG), a bilateral public-private economic cooperation platform between ASEAN and Japan chaired by Masuo Kuremura, convened the “18th DISG Task Force Meeting” on July 8, 2026, at the Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing international economic landscape, participants reaffirmed the critical need to further advance cooperation between Japan and ASEAN. Highlighting this shared commitment, the meeting culminated in the official adoption of the “DISG Task Force Joint Declaration” (hereinafter referred to as the “Joint Declaration”), which outlines collaborative actions across five priority fields through public-private partnerships.

Opening Remarks and Keynote Presentation

At the commencement of the meeting, Chairman Masuo Kuremura delivered opening remarks, followed by a comprehensive presentation outlining the four strategic pillars of ASEAN-Japan cooperation:

1. Supply Chain Resilience
2. Co-creation of Innovation
3. AI and Digital Investment
4. Energy Transition

Amid growing uncertainty in the international arena regarding supply chain resilience, Chairman Masuo Kuremura addressed the possibility of supporting industrial self-reliance through consultations with major ASEAN nations. To promote the co-creation of innovation, he showcased the achievements of the “Fast Track Pitch” events—which attracted 410 applications and 776 participants across four neighboring nations—as well as the “Young Leaders Summit.”

In the field of AI and digital investment, he discussed the need for cooperation in data centers and semiconductors. For energy transition, he proposed the “AZEC+” (Asia Zero Emission Community Plus) initiative, which enhances the existing decarbonization framework by integrating a broader security perspective. In conclusion, he stressed the importance of translating these frameworks into more concrete projects and discussions.

Following the opening session, the first segment of keynote speeches featured Prof. Dr. Pavida Pananond, Professor of International Business at Thammasat Business School, who spoke on “Challenges and Expectations of ASEAN-Japan Cooperation.” She highlighted the structural shift in global supply chains from “efficiency-first” to “security and resilience-first” models. Noting that resilience holds different meanings depending on national perspectives and corporate strategies, she presented three crucial implications for businesses:

1. Understanding the specific strengths of each country and region.
2. Identifying critical areas along the value chain.
3. Creating resilience across regions, industries, and companies that transcends mere cost-efficiency.

Next, Mr. Yuta Okuyama, Chief of Staff of the President’s Office at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), delivered a presentation titled “From Shock to Strategy: Towards a New Generation of ASEAN-Japan Cooperation and Regional Economic Resilience.” He detailed ERIA’s efforts to strengthen regional platforms through supply chain analysis and Track 1.5 public-private dialogues. He also introduced an ongoing initiative to formulate a regional oil stockpiling strategy for ASEAN, affirming ERIA’s commitment to reinforcing economic resilience and security in the region through cooperative approaches.

Presentations: Updates from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines and Thailand

The second session opened with a presentation by Mr. Perry Ferrer, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). He outlined the structural challenges facing the Philippines, including infrastructure quality constraints, income disparities, and the economic toll of frequent typhoons. However, he also spotlighted the country’s emerging strategic assets, such as its robust semiconductor and electronics industries, its young demographic profile, the trilateral “Luzon Economic Corridor” initiative involving Japan, the US, and the Philippines, and its high-purity silica resources. Mr. Ferrer emphasized the complementary nature of the bilateral relationship, with Japan providing capital and technology while the Philippines contributes a dynamic workforce and critical minerals.

Subsequently, Mr. Voratat Tantimongkolsuk, Deputy Secretary General of the Board of Trade of Thailand (representing the Thai Chamber of Commerce – TCC), pointed out that global supply chains are at a turning point due to geopolitical risks and maritime logistics disruptions. Leveraging the strategic location of the Mekong region connecting East Asia and ASEAN, he proposed enhancing land-sea connectivity and trucking efficiency through the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) framework. He identified digital logistics and green logistics as top priorities for ASEAN-Japan cooperation, concluding that mutual trust among stakeholders is indispensable to realizing a resilient and sustainable supply chain.

Discussion and Exchange of Views

A lively panel discussion ensued, focusing on supply chain resilience and workforce development:

• Mr. Perry Ferrer (PCCI, Philippines) proposed the implementation of supply chain visualization tools and the necessity of establishing a mutual recognition framework for skilled labor.
• Mr. Hans Lukiman (KADIN, Indonesia) emphasized the importance of creating pathways that allow returning workers to contribute their acquired skills back to domestic industries.
• Mr. Nguyen Vu Kien (VCCI, Vietnam) advocated for the development of supply chain traceability systems.
• Mr. Musa Adnin (ASEAN-BAC, Brunei) brought up a practical case where no Japanese firms participated in recent domestic data center tenders, pointing out that “while Japan possesses superior technology, it lags behind Western and Chinese competitors in terms of business execution and deployment speed.”

In response to these recommendations, Ms. Yumiko Hata (Director, Asia and Pacific Division at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, METI, of Japan) expressed her gratitude for the proposals and stated, “We will promote measures toward energy security and supply chain resilience in close cooperation with the chambers of commerce of each country.”

To consolidate the rich insights from this dialogue, Chairman Masuo Kuremura presented the “DISG Task Force Joint Declaration” at the conclusion of the meeting, which was officially adopted.

Background of the Joint Declaration

While ASEAN continues to enjoy robust economic growth, geopolitical tensions, energy supply chain risks originating from the Strait of Hormuz, and structural shifts in industries driven by AI and digitalization are impacting the regional economy. Under these circumstances, Japan and ASEAN have compiled the Joint Declaration to co-create a sustainable and resilient economic foundation.

Key Points of the Joint Declaration

The Joint Declaration aims to strengthen public-private partnership and regional cooperation across the following five priority areas:

1. Building Resilient Supply Chains

Acknowledge that securing the stability and diversity of supply chains, including critical materials and technologies, is essential for regional economic growth. Japan and ASEAN will upgrade production, logistics, and procurement networks through deeper industrial cooperation, enhancing resilience and mitigating concentration risks.

2. Cooperation in Economic Security Fields

Strengthen mutually beneficial, complementary partnerships in a highly volatile international environment. Cooperation will focus on information sharing, human resource development, and investment promotion in strategically critical sectors, including semiconductors, automobiles, AI/digital infrastructure, and energy.

3. Cooperation in Energy Transition and Next-Generation Energy Fields

Pursue the dual goals of energy security and carbon neutrality by establishing supply infrastructure and technical collaboration in next-generation fields, such as biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and small modular reactors (SMRs). Regional energy resilience will be enhanced by leveraging the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), and the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia) frameworks.

4. Promoting Innovation and Industrial Upgrading

Position digital transformation (DX) and green transformation (GX) as keys to economic growth and industrial competitiveness, and promote inter-enterprise collaboration and open innovation in areas such as AI, data utilization, and next-generation mobility. The goal is to generate ASEAN-originated innovation through cooperation among large enterprises, SMEs, startups, and academia.

5. Next-Generation Human Resource Development and Contribution to Local Communities

Recognize that talent cultivation and active personnel exchanges are indispensable for sustainable development. Japan and ASEAN will promote exchanges among next-generation leaders, specialists, and young entrepreneurs, contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and resilient society.

https://ameicc.org/disg/
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Hashtag: #DISG

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

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

Source: Save the Children

The number of children receiving treatment for the most dangerous form of malnutrition in Baidoa, south central Somalia, nearly tripled in six months, according to new figures from Save the Children’s stabilization centre in the region [1], warning over the country’s worsening drought and hunger crisis.

Health care workers at Save the Children’s Baidoa stabilization centres treated 400 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition with other medical complications in June – nearly three times as many as the 143 admitted in January.

In total, the stabilization centre treated 1,405 children between January and June 2026, a 177% increase compared with the 507 children treated a year ago.

Poor rainfall, reduced harvests, livestock losses, reduced foreign aid, high food prices, and weaker household purchasing power is driving this worsening hunger crisis in Baidoa, said Save the Children.

The deterioration in hunger and malnutrition also comes as Somalia marks 15 years since a famine was declared 20 July 2011, killing over 250,000 people, about half of them children under five.

Admissions to the centre’s outpatient programme, which treats moderate acute malnutrition cases also saw a sharp 268% increase in the first four months of the year. However, stock-outs of ready-to-use therapeutic food and other essential supplies due to aid cuts and the conflict in the middle east has meant that families are no longer able to receive treatment and many have stopped going to the centre, Save the Children said, leading to a sharp decline in admissions from April onwards [2].

While faced with a worsening drought and hunger crisis, aid organizations are also grappling with steep funding shortfalls, with more than 300 nutrition facilities reportedly closed across Somalia this year [3], reducing access to treatment for vulnerable children and families. This has caused a dangerous decline in number of people receiving humanitarian assistance, with only 12% of people in need being reached [4].

In May, data from the global hunger monitor, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), showed that about half of children under 5 in Somalia are facing acute malnutrition with Burhakaba district in the Bay region of southwest Somalia classified to be facing the risk of famine through June 2026 – the first time such a classification has been announced in Somalia since the devastating drought of 2022.

As well as hunger, disease outbreaks are multiplying the risks for children in Somalia, with the outbreaks of measles, cholera and acute watery diarrhoea worsening malnutrition among children. The Federal Government of Somalia declared a drought emergency in November 2025, its first such declaration since the country narrowly averted famine in 2022, but resources are still outpacing needs.

Aisha-, 27, whose two-year-old daughter Ayan- was treated for severe acute malnutrition at the centre after the family was displaced by drought, said:

“We used to depon farming and livestock keeping. However, the drought affected our livelihoods and forced us to leave our home and move to Baidoa.

“My two-year-old daughter, Ayan-, became seriously ill. Her illness began with a fever and later developed into diarrhoea and sores in her mouth.

“When we first arrived, she was not eating anything. However, after receiving treatment, she began eating well. She even started asking for the food I was eating.”

Mustaf, a doctor at the Save the Children-supported stabilisation centre in Baidoa, said:

“This year, the number of children we are treating has doubled or even tripled compared with previous years, mainly because of the severe drought. Pastoralists have lost their livestock and farmers have suffered repeated crop failures.

“We depheavily on humanitarian assistance from organisations such as Save the Children. Should that assistance decrease, we will be unable to continue providing essential services. Medicines and equipment will run short, and many children whose lives could have been saved may not receive the treatment they need.”

Mohamud Mohamed Hassan, Save the Children’s Country Director in Somalia, said:

“Fifteen years ago, the world watched Somalia’s children die in a famine that early warnings failed to stop. Today those warnings are flashing again in the same regions, and the children reaching our centre in Baidoa are more severely ill than we have seen in years.

“The difference between a warning and a tragedy is whether the response arrives in time. In 2011 it did not. We cannot let Bay Region’s children pay that price twice.”

“We know how to prevent this. What is missing is not knowledge but funding and speed. If assistance reaches Bay Region now, these children will recover and go home. If it comes late, we will be counting a cost we promised in 2011 never to repeat. The world now has to match that urgency.”

Save the Children is calling for an urgent and sustained scale-up of food security, nutrition, health and water and sanitation assistance in Bay region and other hotspots, and for the funding needed to reach children before Burhakaba crosses the line into famine.

Save the Children has worked in Somalia since 1951, delivering health, nutrition, education, child protection and emergency assistance for children and their families. The New Zealand Government currently supports Save the Children to deliver unconditional cash assistance and child protection prevention and response services to households in Somalia facing severe food insecurity through its Disaster Response Partnership.

NOTES:

[1] Baidoa admissions figures are drawn from Save the Children’s own programme data, January to June 2026, compared with the same period in 2025.

[2] Cases to the outpatient programme: 1167 cases in April, 317 in May and 520 in June, caused by critical delays and stock-outs of ready-to-use therapeutic food and other essential supplies used in treatment.

[3] Save the Children, “When Aid Disappears, Childhood Disappears Too”, 28 April 2026.

[4] IPC Somalia Acute Food Insecurity and Acute Malnutrition Projection Update, April to June 2026, issued 14 May 2026: about half of children under five acutely malnourished; Burhakaba at risk of famine; humanitarian assistance reaching only 12 percent of people in IPC Phase 3 or above.

MIL OSI

MIL OSI

Source: deVere Group

July 29 2026

The oil spike is a warning shot for portfolios, not just markets, affirms the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations.

Nigel Green of deVere Group’s comments come as Brent crude jumped 3.42% to $86.97 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate rose 3.58% to $82.09, after Iran fired ballistic missiles at American forces in the Middle East and US and Saudi jets struck Iran-backed sites in Iraq in response.

“Markets had started to relax. A pause in the fighting had investors pricing in de-escalation, and today that assumption got torn up in a single session,” says Nigel Green.

“This is exactly why treating any Middle East ceasefire as durable was always a mistake dressed up as optimism.”

Both benchmarks moved sharply within hours of the strikes, reversing weeks of calmer trading that had followed an earlier lull in hostilities.

“A near 3.5% jump in both benchmarks inside hours is no rounding error, rather the market repricing risk that never actually went away. Investors who sold their hedges during the lull are now buying them back at a worse price.”

The renewed strikes centre on waterways that carry a significant share of the world’s energy supply, which is why the deVere CEO says the market reaction has outpaced the physical disruption so far.

The concern goes well beyond energy markets themselves because oil shocks have a well-worn path into interest rate decisions.

“Energy shocks move straight into the inflation numbers, and from there straight into central bank decisions,” says Nigel Green.

“During the last flare-up in this same conflict, market pricing for a September rate hike jumped enormously in the space of a week. This is the kind of swing that reprices every asset class, not just oil.”

He also points to a pattern that has caught many investors off guard during this conflict, one that runs against the conventional strategy for a geopolitical shock.

“Most retail investors fall into the same trap here. They assume gold automatically protects them when a war like this escalates,” says Nigel Green.

“It hasn’t worked that way this year. Gold has actually fallen during periods of this conflict, because rising oil pushed inflation expectations higher, which pushed rate expectations higher, which made a non-yielding asset like gold less attractive to hold.

“The obvious hedge has repeatedly failed to behave like one.”

Independent economic modelling underscores the scale of what is at stake if prices hold at current levels.

“A sustained Brent price near $80 a barrel could shave more than half a percentage point off global growth while adding over a full percentage point to global inflation on an annualized basis,” says Nigel Green.

“Today’s prices are already above that line, and the fighting just restarted.”

Despite the warning, Nigel Green is careful to state this as a case for preparation rather than panic.

“None of this means investors should panic.

“It means they should stop assuming any single asset will save them and start building a portfolio that can absorb a shock like this without relying on one instrument to do all the work.”

He says the real risk lies less in the conflict itself, rather than in how quickly markets forget it.

“Complacency should worry investors here far more than conflict itself. Wars in this region have flared and paused for months now, and each pause has tempted markets back into assuming the risk has passed,” says Nigel Green.

“It hasn’t passed. It’s simply been waiting for the next spark, and today supplied one.”

The deVere CEO concludes: “Investors should treat this spike as confirmation, not surprise.

“The risk premium in energy was always going to return the moment this conflict resumed, and portfolios built on the assumption of lasting peace in this region need to be stress-tested against the reality that peace here has proven fragile every single time.”

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

MIL OSI

Source: Amnesty International

Shell must answer for decades of pollution in the Niger Delta after internal company documents revealed broken rules, failing infrastructure and unresolved clean-up costs that risk leaving affected communities to pay the price,a coalition of human rights and environmental organisations, including Amnesty International, said today in a new report.

The report, Nigeria: Lifting the Lid, analyses internal Shell emails, audits, presentations and confidential reviews disclosed in UK legal proceedings, revealing a wider human rights scandal than previously reported. While Shell presented its operations as meeting global standards, the documents point to concerns raised by the Nigerian army over alleged complicity in oil theft, suspected staff and contractor collusion, exemptions from safety standards, chronic neglect of known pipeline integrity risks, missing well data, weak leak detection and flawed spill assessments.

Shell knew the risks from ageing and leaking infrastructure, including an old pipeline internally described as “a basket” [case], yet kept oil flowing. It later decided to divest its onshore business rather than face the enormous cost of clean-up and decommissioning, including an internal US$10.9 billion decommissioning estimate. A separate internal presentation stated that 375km² of mangrove forest had been harmed by pollution.

Amnesty International wrote to Shell on 3 July 2026 to share its findings related to the disclosed documents. In response to Amnesty’s report, Shell wrote that: “The characterisation and portrayal of Shell in your letter is not one we recognise. Shell is committed to honesty, integrity and respect for people, and to conducting business in an ethical and transparent manner.” Shell says that the findings do not reflect the “challenging operating environment in the Niger Delta at the time”. Their full response is included in the report.

“Shell has long blamed oil theft and sabotage for pollution in the Niger Delta. But these documents cut through years of denial and raise grave questions about what Shell knew, what it allowed to continue, and whether it then sought to walk away from the costs of its toxic legacy,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

“The scandal was not simply illegal ‘bunkering’ or oil theft. The real scandal is Shell’s pursuit of profit at the expense of people’s rights. Shell was willing to accept further environmental damage in Nigeria that would not have been tolerated elsewhere, and years of public denial are now challenged by its own documents.”

The report is published by Amnesty International together with The Corner House, Hawkmoth, HEDA Resource Centre, Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative (MEDI), Recommon and Social Action. For affected communities, the findings confirm what many have said for decades: oil pollution has damaged water, farmland, fisheries, health and livelihoods, while companies continued to profit and deny responsibility.

“Shell cannot be allowed to take the oil, take the profits and leave the pollution behind. Communities in the Niger Delta deserve truth, justice, clean-up and full remedy,” said Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of the HEDA Resource Centre, a Nigerian governance and environmental justice NGO.

Concerns over role in oil theft, broken rules and failing infrastructure

The documents show that even while Shell blamed criminal gangs for oil theft, senior staff allowed illegal taps to remain on pipelines because removing them would “take considerable system downtime”, meaning the temporary suspension of profitable crude oil flows. One senior Shell manager wrote in 2013 that this had led the Nigerian security force responsible for pipeline security to accuse Shell of being “complicit” in oil theft “because we are not removing the bunkering points.” A Shell presentation that year, referring to the effects of the illegal tapping, asked: “are we comfortable to continue producing, KNOWING that further environmental damage WILL occur?”

The report also reveals that Shell exempted its Nigerian subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) from key elements of its global health and safety standards so oil could continue flowing through tampered pipelines, even when not deemed safe under Shell’s own safety rules. This was an approach one senior Shell executive appeared to acknowledge would not be tolerated elsewhere. Internal documents additionally show Shell executives suspected staff and contractors may have been involved in oil theft, with one email warning: “we have to work on the assumption that the bunkerers get good access to SPDC planning data.”

Internal audits further exposed serious weaknesses in Shell’s pipeline management, including a major maintenance backlog, weak oversight systems, and poor records on pipeline clamps that Shell had allowed to become permanent repairs on leaking pipelines. More than 1,600 clamps were registered, including older clamps whose locations were unknown.

A 2012 technical review also found that SPDC flowlines were supposed to be replaced every 15 years, but this was “not being followed” and only “breakdown maintenance” was being applied.

‘Missing’ oil wells, weak monitoring and flawed spill assessments

An internal report in 2014 to Shell’s then CEO said there were “hundreds” of SPDC onshore wells that were either missing from its electronic well-tracking system or whose condition could not be verified. Shell later launched a “well hunt campaign”, which identified 750 overdue maintenance tasks that contributed to an “unsatisfactory” audit rating. A 2013 report also found that SPDC’s pipelines had no real-time monitoring system, despite the fact that quickly detecting spills and limiting contamination is key to reducing pollution. Without such monitoring, anything short of a major rupture could go unnoticed.

“A fossil fuel giant that could not verify the location and integrity of hundreds of wells and pipeline clamps, and lacked effective leak detection, cannot credibly claim it had pollution under control. Shell must stop deflecting blame,” said Dr Emem Okon from Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, a Nigeria-based group promoting women’s rights and environmental justice.

Shell’s claim that oil theft caused most pollution is also weakened by its own documents, which show staff were not properly equipped to tell whether spills were caused by corrosion or third-party interference. This matters because, although companies must clean up spills regardless of cause, under Nigerian laws affected communities are only entitled to compensation where spills are classified as operational rather than sabotage or theft.

“For communities seeking justice, Shell’s flawed spill assessments could mean the difference between compensation and abandonment,” said Celestine Akpobari from MEDI, an NGO rooted in the Ogoni struggle, advocating for environmental restoration and justice.

‘Basket’ pipeline left full of crude

The report also finds that Shell failed to properly decommission the old Nembe Creek Trunk Line after replacing it in 2010. A 2014 internal email said around 80km of the old pipeline was still filled with stagnant crude, with six operational spills since 2010, and could not be decommissioned because of budget constraints. The email described the pipeline as “a basket” and warned that more spills would follow without urgent action. The response appeared to confirm that the failure to decommission was primarily financial, despite recognition that action was needed to reduce environmental impact and liability.

“Shell knew old infrastructure was leaking and needed decommissioning, yet the documents suggest action was delayed because of cost. Communities should never have been forced to live with pollution because a company did not want to pay to clean up its own mess,” said Simon Taylor, co-founder of Hawkmoth, a Netherlands-based NGO advancing a just, accountable transition away from fossil fuels, with experience of challenging oil and gas abuses, including in Nigeria.

Divestment and unanswered US$10.9bn decommissioning costs

An internal report sent to Shell’s then CEO in 2014 estimated that decommissioning all existing SPDC assets could take decades and cost US$10.9 billion, equivalent to US$14 billion today, apparently excluding clean-up costs. Another internal presentation on past oil spills identified 375km² of affected mangrove forest and asked whether Shell had the “appetite” to take on the “open-ended problem”. Shell later sold SPDC to Renaissance Africa Energy in 2025, despite concerns over the new company’s capacity, limited public financial information and the need for up to US$1.2 billion in secured loans from Shell to support the acquisition itself.

“Shell’s divestment cannot become a corporate escape route. After decades of profiting from Niger Delta oil, Shell must not transfer the risks of ageing infrastructure and legacy pollution to communities or to a buyer whose capacity remains in serious doubt. It must pay its fair share whether or not it has the ‘appetite’ for accountability,” said Isaac Osuoka, Director at Social Action which advocates for environmental justice, community rights and accountability in the Niger Delta.

Clean-up, remedy and reform

Amnesty International and partner organizations are calling on Nigerian authorities to overhaul its oil industry oversight, require accessible audits of all operational and decommissioned infrastructure, and establish a properly resourced Niger Delta clean-up superfund.

“Shell is one of the world’s largest investor-owned fossil fuel companies. Its documents are now in the open. The question is whether governments will act on them,” said Isa Sanusi. “In addition to living with unacceptable oil pollution, Nigerians are experiencing extreme heat, deadly flooding and other extreme weather events linked to the global heating caused by the use of Shell’s primary product: fossil fuels. Nigeria must overhaul oversight of the oil industry, while UK and Dutch authorities must investigate whether Shell misled shareholders, regulators and affected communities about the true state of its operations and liabilities. Shell must stop hiding behind divestment, disclose the truth, fund clean-up and remedy, and ensure that affected communities finally receive justice.”

Background

In 2015, the Ogale and Bille communities filed UK legal action against Shell Plc and SPDC over serious oil pollution. The Bille case is due to be heard in March 2027.

Nigeria: Lifting the Lid analyses Shell documents from 2008 to 2014, including 27 redacted documents released in April 2026 after NGOs, Hawkmoth, Heda Resource Centre and Oil Change International – UK, applied for publication in the public interest, plus further details from a May 2026 court filing.

MIL OSI

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

• Top six fossil fuel corporations expect Q2 profits to nearly double Q1 levels. Annual profits for 2026 are set to exceed the previous 21 months combined.
• Emissions from five fossil fuel corporations were enough to cause about 1 in 4 heatwaves between 2000 and 2023, which would have been virtually impossible without climate change.
• A tax on the richest oil and gas corporations could raise up to $400 billion in its first year, enough to cover annual climate adaptation costs in low- and middle-income countries.

The world’s six biggest fossil fuel corporations are expected to nearly double their combined net income in the second quarter of 2026, jumping from $23 billion in the previous quarter to $45 billion, reveals new Oxfam analysis ahead of their earnings announcements. New data also finds that the emissions of these corporations have significantly magnified the frequency and severity of heatwaves this century.

The projected full-year profits of BP, Chevron, Eni, ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies amount to $147 billion, more than their combined profits over the previous 21 months (Q2 2024 to Q4 2025). Among the biggest winners, Chevron is expected to report that it has quadrupled its profits to $1,200 a second in the last three months, while ExxonMobil’s profits are expected to have tripled to $1,800 a second.

Oil and gas corporations share an outsized responsibility for the climate crisis. New Oxfam analysis of academic data published in Nature finds that the emissions from BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies were sufficient to cause around 1 in 4 heatwaves reported globally between 2000 and 2023 – heatwaves that would have been virtually impossible without human-made climate change. Using S&P Capital Trucost data, Oxfam estimates that Big Oil was responsible for $60 billion in environmental damage last year.

The findings come as record-breaking heatwaves scorch South Asia, Europe and North America, killing tens of thousands of people. Meanwhile, West African countries are struggling with devastating monsoons and floods that have upended thousands of lives and destroyed vital infrastructure across the region.

Yet rather than scaling back fossil fuel production and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, the six largest fossil fuel corporations plan to increase oil and gas production by 14 percent by 2030 compared to 2024 levels, equivalent to pumping an additional 2.5 million barrels of oil a day.

“Fossil fuel corporations are making a killing, literally and figuratively. As extreme heat, floods and storms devastate communities across the world, the industry is preparing another bonanza of profits. Families are paying the price three times over: through destroyed homes and harvests, through soaring energy prices, and through a cost-of-living crisis worsened by dependence on fossil fuels. Big Oil’s greed is incompatible with a livable planet and unless governments rein it in, they will make a mockery of international climate targets,” said Oxfam’s Climate Policy Lead Mariana Paoli.

Oxfam estimates that a tax on the profits of the largest fossil fuel corporations could raise up to $400 billion globally in its first year, enough to cover annual climate adaptation costs in the Global South. An additional excess profits tax on all corporations could generate up to $681 billion globally.

“While Big Oil fuels extreme weather events, rich countries are refusing to increase the public climate finance that poorer countries urgently need to cope with the climate crisis,” said Paoli. “Until governments make the richest polluters pay, fossil fuel corporations will keep driving us deeper into climate chaos. Taxing the richest polluters could help close the gap in funding for climate adaptation and speed the transition towards renewable energy. Fossil fuel corporations must feel the heat, not us.”

Political momentum for taxing the richest polluters is growing. Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Austria have called for a new windfall tax on energy profits. In Australia, where Oxfam research found that one in three coal, oil and gas corporations are paying no corporate income tax, many members of Parliament are speaking out in support of a 25 percent export tax on gas, with strong public support.

Research in 60 countries found that 28 percent of them have implemented a temporary windfall tax on excess profits from fossil fuel companies in recent years, with a further 13 percent supportive. Just 12 percent are explicitly against the measure.

Oxfam Aotearoa’s Advocacy and Policy Lead, Nick Henry, said, “Fossil fuel companies have a global responsibility for climate change. The New Zealand Government should be holding these rich polluters to account and making them pay the cost of their climate damage.”

Oxfam’s research is based on S&P Capital IQ’s consensus estimates compiled from financial analysts’ forecasts. The six largest fossil fuel corporations are due to publish their second-quarter earnings over the coming week. The projected surge in profits reflects the sharp rise in oil prices following the unlawful US and Israel war against Iran.

Methodology note

Comprehensive investigation

Peer-reviewed analysis

Heatwave deaths and West African flooding

Oxfam estimate

UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2025

Oxfam’s rich polluter profit tax model

EU finance ministers’ letter

Oxfam Australia’s Freeloaders report

Government-support country mapping

MIL OSI

Source: Save the Children

Two thirds of children across Western Europe [1] were exposed to extreme heatwaves between 1 January and 14 July this year, according to new data from Save the Children as temperatures soar and record wildfires ravage parts of Europe. [2]

The child rights organisation said that the number of children impacted by extreme heatwaves during that six-and-a-half-month period was already three times the figure from the whole of 2025 – and more than any entire year since 2003.

Save the Children analysed satellite imagery of surface temperatures covering every part of the world. The aid agency defined an extreme heatwave as three consecutive days experiencing a temperature in the top 1% of all those recorded in that location in the previous 30 years.

The data is particularly stark given the majority of the time period in the analysis covers winter and spring in Western Europe, when temperatures are lower. This suggests that findings for the entire 12 months of 2026 will be even more severe, Save the Children said.

In Germany, the number of children exposed to extreme heat in the first six months of this year was larger than the past five years combined. [3]

In the UK, 10 million children – three quarters of the child population – have been exposed to extreme heat in the first six months of this year. This is more than the total for any single year in the past 30 years. [4]

Children already affected by inequality or discrimination – such as those living in poverty, refugees or children with disabilities or underlying health conditions – are at a unique disadvantage, Save the Children said.

Zainab, 16, a child campaigner with Save the Children UK, said:

“For many people, particularly those living with chronic illnesses, this heat is not simply uncomfortable, it is dangerous. For some, a heatwave means an ice cream, a day in the park or turning on a fan. For others, it’s dehydration, exhaustion, dizziness and pain. Medication can become harder to manage. Existing illnesses becoming more severe.

“I know that because I live it. I have lived with Type 1 diabetes for most of my life. When temperatures rise, managing my health becomes harder. My body does not get to experience extreme heat as a minor inconvenience. The climate crisis does not stay outside my window. It enters through my body. Climate change does not affect everyone equally, but when the temperature rises, inequality rises with it.”

Human-induced climate change is making extreme weather events like heatwaves, drought and wildfires more frequent and severe. Save the Children’s findings reveal that across the globe, extreme heatwaves now reach substantially more children than a generation ago. In the 1990s and 2000s, around one in 10 children worldwide [5] were exposed to an extreme heatwave each year. In the 2020s so far, that average has increased to one in seven children [6]. Two of the four worst years since 1990- the start of the period examined – were in the past three years.

A report by Save the Children and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel last year found that almost a third of the world’s children born in 2020 – about 38 million – would be spared a lifetime’s “unprecedented” exposure to extreme heat [7] if we can meet the 1.5 degrees C warming target by 2100.

The health risks of dangerous heat to young children are acute, due to their ongoing physical development and lower capacity for body temperature regulation. During heatwaves, children are at a high risk of electrolyte imbalance, fever, respiratory disease, and kidney disease. [8]

This kind of unprecedented heat is also disrupting children’s education. In June, schools in France and the UK were forced to close or alter timetables to protect children from dangerous heat as temperatures surged.

Matilde Angeltveit, Senior Advisor and Global Climate Advocacy Lead at Save the Children, said:

“Over the past few months, we have seen the climate crisis unleash unbearable heat on children and families across Europe. Heat like this damages children’s health, disrupts their sleep and schooling, and brings basic services to a standstill. We also fear that crops will fail and food prices surge due to the heat at a time when families are already struggling to cope.

“Children are disproportionately vulnerable to extreme heat, yet they have done the least to contribute to the climate crisis. We know by now that we urgently need to adapt to this situation – but children need us to put their lives, rights and needs front and centre.

“While we need this today, ultimately, in order to safeguard children’s futures, we need to see a rapid phase out of the use and subsidy of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy in an equitable and fair way. We know that this is in our power, and if we do it in the shrinking time window available to us, children’s exposure to these dangers will be curbed dramatically.”

Save the Children is calling for the recognition of children’s unique vulnerabilities to climate change, the delivery of high-quality, affordable funding to lower-income countries, including financing to cut emissions, and the urgent phase out of the use and subsidy of fossil fuels.

As the world’s leading independent child rights organisation, Save the Children works in over 100 countries, tackling climate change across everything we do and putting children at the heart of climate action.

Notes:

More information available here on 28 July.

[1] Countries included in Western Europe in data set: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK

[2] Methodology available here – full data available on request

[3] Full data available on request

[4] Methodology available here – full data available on request

[4] an average of 200 to 230 million children

[5] 360 million children

[6] For the research in the Born into the Climate Crisis 2 report by Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Save the Children, scientists have defined a heatwave as: when the daily Heat Wave Magnitude Index of that year exceeds the 99th percentile of pre-industrial Heat Wave Magnitude Index distribution for the specific climate model grid cell. The Heat Wave Magnitude Index measures how intense a heatwave is during a year. It looks at the hottest stretch of at least three days in a row when temperatures are much higher than what was normal before industrial times. The higher the number, the more extreme the heatwave.

[7] Born into the Climate Crisis, Save the Children and Vrije Universiteit Brussel

About Save the Children NZ:

Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

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Source: Federated Farmers

ACT’s plan to transfer responsibility for managing game animals on conservation land to the Game Animal Council needs a major rethink, Federated Farmers says.

Richard Dawkins, Federated Farmers pest management spokesperson, says allowing the Game Animal Council to set game population targets is extremely concerning.

“ACT has fired a shot with this policy, but they’ve completely missed the mark,” he says.

“Hunters generally see deer as a valuable resource. They want healthy herd numbers, plenty of hunting opportunities and, in some places, quality trophy animals.

“On the other hand, many farmers view those same deer as pests that cause huge problems when they damage pasture, crops, fences, forestry and native vegetation.”

That conflict is evident in ACT’s description of Himalayan tahr as a ‘treasured herd’, Dawkins says.

“They may be treasured by hunters, but they’re also an introduced pest that can cause significant damage to vulnerable high-country vegetation.

“Under ACT’s plan, the people who value the animals would be setting the limits, while neighbouring farmers could carry the consequences and the costs.

“That is an obvious conflict of interest.”

Dawkins says there is plenty in the announcement worth discussing.

“Hunters make a valuable contribution to conservation and back country maintenance, and we support better access and more secure funding for community groups.

“But giving hunters control of population targets crosses a line.

“ACT has made a significant mistake by assuming the interests of hunters and neighbouring farmers are automatically aligned – they are not.

“Farmers should not be expected to carry the cost of maintaining game animal populations for someone else’s recreational benefit.”

Federated Farmers says the practicalities are also far more complex than ACT’s announcement suggests.

Game animal management sits alongside the Wild Animal Control Act, the Conservation Act, Treaty obligations, public access, visitor safety and communications with people using conservation land.

It must also work alongside OSPRI, regional pest management plans, 1080 operations and control programmes for goats, pigs and other species.

“These animals are often managed across the same landscape,” Dawkins says.

“Having one organisation managing deer while another manages goats, biodiversity and disease control risks duplication, conflicting objectives and more bureaucracy.”

Dawkins says the Wapiti Foundation demonstrates that carefully designed partnerships between hunters and government can work in specific circumstances.

“That success reflects a unique arrangement with clearly defined objectives and does not justify transferring responsibility for setting deer population targets nationwide.

“Good local partnerships should be expanded where they work, not used as the basis for a wholesale transfer of responsibility.”

Dawkins says the answer is clear targets, better coordination and targeted investment.

“Federated Farmers agrees the current system is not delivering the level of feral browser control New Zealand needs, but simply transferring responsibility from DOC to the Game Animal Council is not the answer.

“What we need is a properly funded national feral browser strategy that brings hunters, farmers, DOC, OSPRI, councils, iwi, foresters and conservation groups around the same table, with clear targets, responsibilities and accountability.

“Similar to the coordinated approaches used for wilding conifers and wallabies, hunters should have a strong seat at the table and an important role in delivery, but they should not set population targets alone.”

Population targets should be informed by independent ecological monitoring, animal health risks and the effects on neighbouring landowners.

Dawkins says more International Visitor Levy funding could significantly increase pest control, monitoring and community partnerships.

“Hunters are an important part of the solution, but they cannot be the sole judge of how many pest animals should remain on the landscape.

“Good policy must balance hunting values with the rights of neighbouring landowners and the protection of New Zealand’s environment.”

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27 July, 2026:

“We are deeply alarmed by reports coming out of Nablus in the last days including that of Israeli forces storming Nablus Specialised Hospital, alongside clashes elsewhere in the governorate that have killed four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers.

These violent incidents in Nablus are not isolated. They sit within a wider pattern of Israeli raids, state-sponsored settler violence, the disruption of essential services, and mounting pressure on civilians and healthcare.

When armed forces enter a hospital, the impact is immediate: fear, interruption of care, delayed treatment, and added risk for already vulnerable patients.

The protection of healthcare facilities must be respected. They must remain accessible to people in need. It is unacceptable for hospitals, ambulances, staff, and patients to be targeted by violence anywhere in Palestine.”

Filipe Ribeiro, Head of Mission, MSF Palestine

For more context on MSF’s work in the West Bank read: “The impossible reality of life in the West Bank”

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au

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