natural disasters – LiveNews.co.nz

ChildFund NZ – Fatal floods hit Rohingya refugee camps just weeks after fires

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:22:57 +0000

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Disaster has become a cycle that children living in the world’s largest refugee camps cannot escape,” says ChildFund CEO Josie Pagani.

Just weeks after a devastating fire destroyed vital food-growing gardens in Cox’s Bazar, deadly monsoon rains have hit.

Nine people are dead, including one child killed in a landslide. More are injured, nearly 400 have been forced from their homes, and almost 800 shelters are damaged or destroyed.

“Heavy rain is not just bad weather for these children. It can mean landslides, destroyed make-shift homes, disrupted learning, and serious risks to safety.”

Two hundred and fifty millimeters of rain fell in a single day.

“An already vulnerable population will struggle to cope without support.

Ten years ago they had to flee violence in Myanmar, leaving their country and their homes behind. Now they face flooded shelters, damaged facilities, and the threat of more rain.

Children need safe places to learn, recover and be protected. Learning Centres, Early Childhood Education Centres, Women and Girls Safe Spaces – the very facilities set up to give these children some stability are among those now flooded.”

Heavy rainfall means the risk of landslides and flash flooding remains high, and forecasters are warning there is more to come. The priority is to keep children away from hazardous areas, support families who have been displaced, and protect essential services.

“Our partners on the ground have activated emergency response teams. But the scale of what’s needed will only grow if this rain continues.”

ChildFund New Zealand has a long-standing emergency appeal supporting Rohingya refugee children and families living in Cox’s Bazar, where more than 1.1 million people remain displaced.

“These children are facing crisis after crisis with nowhere else to go. They need the world to keep paying attention” says Josie Pagani.

ChildFund New Zealand’s Child Refugee Crisis Appeal remains open to those who wish to support children and communities facing ongoing displacement and repeated disasters.

MIL OSI

First Responders – Driver rescued from floodwaters

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:46:53 +0000

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Specialist Water Rescue Teams have rescued a person from a vehicle trapped in floodwaters near Mt Lyford this morning, supported by members of the Waiau Volunteer Fire Brigade.

The incident was reported shortly after 3am and the occupant of the vehicle was rescued about 7am.

The Specialist Water Rescue Team members are now responding to an incident on the Inland Kaikoura Road, where two vehicles were reported to have crashed about 6.40am.

The two specialist teams are firefighters from Canterbury who are trained in water response. They were pre-deployed to Kaikoura yesterday afternoon in anticipation of the forecast heavy rainfall. They will be working in support of the volunteer firefighters from Kaikoura and surrounding brigades.

Fire and Emergency asks people to prioritise their safety and stay off roads that are affected by flooding or slips. Driving through flood waters is dangerous and puts lives at risk – not just for the driver and passengers, but for the first responders who are called to rescue them.

MIL OSI

Pak Tak Credit Pioneers FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System —— Committing to Zero Credit Rating Impact, Redefining Tier-1 Financial Standards with “Technology + Empathetic Service”

MIL OSI — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 06:19:10 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – In direct response to the rapid evolution of digital finance, profound transformations in the credit market, and the escalating demand from clients for personal privacy and asset security, Pak Tak Credit, a premier licensed money lender in Hong Kong, proudly announces the launch of its newly upgraded FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System.

This milestone innovation is specifically engineered to address a critical pain point in the traditional lending market: the compromise of a client’s credit rating (TransUnion/TU score) with every single financing inquiry. By leveraging cutting-edge financial technology to streamline processes and combining it with “1-on-1 empathetic, human-centric service,” Pak Tak Credit enables Hong Kong citizens and SME owners seeking a premium financing experience to explore optimal financial solutions with zero burden and zero risk. The company firmly states that rather than engaging in blind interest rate price wars, it will redefine the service benchmarks for tier-1 financial companies through its core values of “integrity, absolute confidentiality, and a premium client experience.”

Addressing Market Pain Points: Traditional Inquiries Penalize Credit Health
In today’s complex and volatile economic environment, maintaining an excellent credit rating is paramount to securing financing, whether for personal wealth planning, property mortgages, or enterprise working capital. However, market observations reveal that traditional financial institutions or banks frequently perform a “Hard Inquiry” on a client’s credit bureau profile during the preliminary inquiry or quotation stage.

This conventional approach leaves a permanent footprint on the client’s credit report. When clients attempt to shop around and compare rates across multiple institutions within a short period, these inquiries accumulate rapidly, leading to a sharp decline in their credit score (commonly known as a “damaged credit profile”). This not only erodes the credit health that clients have meticulously maintained over the years but can also severely jeopardize future bank mortgage approvals or commercial loan applications.

Pak Tak Credit firmly believes that a tier-1 brand’s duty lies in prioritizing the client’s peace of mind and anticipating their needs. The newly introduced “No-Trace Loan Query” system dismantles these traditional barriers. By utilizing advanced financial technology to conduct “Soft Evaluations,” clients can obtain highly accurate credit evaluations and interest rate proposals with absolutely zero impact on their credit ratings and full peace of mind.

Technical Analysis: What is the FinTech “No-Trace” Soft Evaluation Mechanism?
Unlike traditional institutions that immediately request a formal credit report at the outset, Pak Tak Credit’s “No-Trace Loan Query” system utilizes an advanced big data risk control model. During the preliminary evaluation and pre-approval stage, the system only conducts a “Soft Inquiry” using partial information authorized by the client alongside proprietary internal algorithms.

The distinct advantage of this mechanism is twofold: it empowers the risk management team to accurately assess repayment capabilities and deliver genuine quotes, while guaranteeing that absolutely no footprint visible to other financial institutions is left on the individual’s TransUnion (TU) report. In other words, whether or not the client ultimately proceeds with the application or accepts the approved credit line, their credit rating remains 100% intact and perfectly protected.

Four Core Advantages: Smart Big Data Fused with Personalized Human Service
The launch of this new service represents more than just a technological upgrade; it is a revolution in “human-centric” financial experience, featuring four key pillars:

“No-Trace” Soft Inquiries to Safeguard Credit Assets: We guarantee zero adverse impact on the client’s credit rating during the preliminary consultation and pre-approval phases, making the process of exploring financing options as worry-free as online shopping.
Big Data Intelligent Pre-Approval for Instant Quoting: By integrating modern FinTech, clients simply input basic information online. The system automatically performs a multi-dimensional risk assessment, bypassing the traditional, tedious submission of preliminary documents to deliver instant reference credit lines, significantly accelerating capital turnover.
Rejecting Cold AI Responses for 1-on-1 Empathetic Service: Pak Tak Credit firmly believes that while technology drives efficiency, the core of financial service remains human connection and understanding. We refuse to rely solely on cold, automated responses. Every client inquiring through the system is assigned an experienced, dedicated account manager for “1-on-1 personalized follow-up,” crafting the most flexible and customized repayment structures tailored to the client’s true circumstances and pain points.
Ultimate Privacy Protection to Eliminate Industry Nuisances: The dignity of a tier-1 institution is built upon its respect for clients. Pak Tak Credit strictly enforces the highest standards of data encryption and privacy protection regulations. We pledge that all inquiry data is strictly restricted to internal evaluation purposes, will never be disclosed to third parties, and completely eliminates any form of telemarketing nuisance, restoring financial experiences to true prestige and confidentiality.

Application Scenarios: Meeting Diversified High-Value Asset Allocation Demands
This system upgrade comprehensively strengthens support for large-scale financing scenarios, precisely covering premium client segments:

Property Owners & Investors: Prior to initiating property first mortgages, second mortgages, or refinancing for cash-out purposes, owners can utilize the no-trace system to evaluate property appreciation space and loan-to-value ratios without affecting subsequent bank mortgage refinancing approvals.
SME Owners & Startup Founders: Facing market operational turnovers, short-term payroll obligations, or expansion needs, business owners can rapidly test large commercial loan approval limits without jeopardizing their personal credit lines.
High-Net-Worth Individuals: For clients possessing diversified asset portfolios (such as precious metals or marketable securities), we provide professional, customized financing consultations featuring cross-asset synergy.

Strategic Vision: Winning the Market Through Integrity and Professionalism over Price Wars
Financial experts at Pak Tak Credit point out that the Hong Kong lending market is currently flooded with promotional slogans advertising “exceptionally low interest rates.” However, such schemes often conceal hidden handling fees, expensive consulting charges, or highly restrictive application thresholds that are practically unattainable for average applicants.

Pak Tak Credit refuses to engage in blind, malicious low-price competition. We deeply believe that true “tier-1 service” is anchored in absolute transparency of fees and the impeccable integrity and compliance of the process. Through “No-Trace Queries,” savvy borrowers no longer need to run into walls or risk a drop in their credit scores just to “test” the market. They can clearly understand their financial capabilities in the safest and most respected environment, enabling them to make the most rational wealth decisions.

Conclusion: Doing Our Duty, Standing as Your Most Reliable Financial Anchor
Financial service is more than the circulation of capital; it is a long-term commitment built on a foundation of trust. Pak Tak Credit’s brand-new FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System is dedicated to providing the most professional and dependable backing for every Hong Konger who pursues high efficiency, intelligence, and values privacy. Experience true tier-1 financial services starting today—begin with a no-trace query and secure your financial future with complete peace of mind.

Hashtag: #PakTakCredit

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

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

Property Market – Affordability trumps climate risk as buyers drive greater value resilience in flood-prone properties – Cotality

LiveNews Publisher — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 22:26:39 +0000

Source: Vitality

New analysis from Cotality has revealed a striking affordability paradox within New Zealand’s housing market.

Despite a recent and unprecedented surge in the severity and cost of extreme weather events, buyers are increasingly overlooking long-term flood hazards in favour of lower entry prices, causing flood-affected properties to outgrow the broader market in value.

Cotality New Zealand Chief Data Officer Craig Dargusch explained that while buyers face undeniable climate risk, immediate financial pressures are dictating purchase decisions.

“Our data shows that flood-affected properties trade at an initial discount, but the market is buying them anyway and growing their value faster than the rest,” Mr Dargusch said.

“Affordability wins today, but risk shapes tomorrow.”

“Buyers are actively accepting known flood exposure in exchange for a lower price point, which inadvertently accelerates the rate of value growth in these vulnerable zones.”

The research utilises Cotality’s advanced property-level pricing model, customised with granular flood-extent flags and 500-metre buffer rings to isolate the precise impact of climate hazards on property values.

The local dynamics: Auckland vs Hawke’s Bay

In Auckland, where the median dwelling value sits at $1.05M, purchasing a home in a flood-susceptible pocket of a suburb like Mount Albert offers an upfront discount of $70k to $100k.

This price variance has driven more intense demand among budget-conscious buyers.

Consequently, cumulative house value growth in Auckland’s impacted zones reached 18.4% since 2020, leaving nearby comparable buffer zones behind at 13.0%.

A similar pattern emerged in Hawke’s Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle. While the disaster generated a devastating $14.5B economic impact and displaced more than 10,000 people nationally, the local shock was heavily felt in the regional property market, triggering a 10% to 15% median rent spike in Hawke’s Bay due to a sharp 30% contraction in local rental listings.

Post-Gabrielle, impacted properties in Hawke’s Bay outperformed surrounding areas by up to 5 percentage points. While that gap has since narrowed, impacted zones retain a higher cumulative growth rate since 2020 at 24.3%, compared to 22.7% for properties situated within a 500-metre buffer ring.

Mr Dargusch noted that smaller regional markets demonstrate a slightly less pronounced divergence than metro areas.

“With median values in Napier and Hastings sitting well below Auckland at $703k and $710k respectively, buyers have a different starting point,” Mr Dargusch said.

“Furthermore, in a tighter-knit regional market, local buyers often possess sharper, localised knowledge of exactly which streets flood, allowing them to price risk more precisely.”

National trends and shifting credit realities

Nationally, the trend remains highly consistent, displaying the sharpest divergence at the geographical and statistical extremes. Properties designated with a Cotality FloodScore of 5 (Very High risk) recorded a 26.1% increase in total growth change since January 2020. Conversely, properties classified with a score of 0 (No risk) saw total growth of a more modest 19.8% over the same period.

However, Cotality warns that this divergence in long-term growth faces an impending friction point as insurance providers refine their property-by-property asset risk profiling.

“While the consumer market is currently absorbing these properties, the credit lens is evolving rapidly,” Mr Dargusch warned.

“Insurance availability is becoming the de facto pricing mechanism for climate risk at the property level. Because insurance is a non-negotiable prerequisite for mortgage lending, any future retreat by insurers means no loan and no liquidity.”

“Lenders inherit what insurers leave behind, leading to uncollateralised exposure if an industry-wide cliff edge is not avoided through collaboration and cross-sector alignment.”

Mr Dargusch closed by noting that Cotality would continue to support the entire property ecosystem, connecting data and climate hazard analytics across credit, valuation, and lending workflows to help build a more resilient society.

MIL OSI

Elm to Showcase Saudi Digital Transformation Model at LEAP East Hong Kong, Eyes APAC Collaboration

MIL OSI — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:31:55 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Elm Company will take part in LEAP East Hong Kong 2026 as Business Solutions Partner, the company has announced, ahead of the event’s opening on 8 July 2026, marking its push to deepen ties with governments, tech ecosystems and businesses across APAC.

LEAP East, taking place 8-10 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is co-organised by Tahaluf, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Government Partner. The event marks the flagship technology conference’s first edition outside Riyadh.

Elm powers the national digital infrastructure behind more than 30 million users, operates over 170 large-scale digital projects, and enables more than 2 billion digital transactions annually across the government platforms it builds and runs. The company’s work has contributed to a national government digital service maturity index of 86 percent in 2025, among the highest globally.

The company’s capabilities span artificial intelligence, data analytics, smart cities, digital identity and financial technology, developed through three decades of partnership with the Saudi government across security, health, transport and finance. Elm has also extended the model regionally, with active engagements including compliance and inspection platforms in Oman, national archiving and ERP systems in Jordan, judicial digital transformation in Iraq, and finance sector modernisation in Syria.

Four Elm executives will speak across LEAP East’s flagship stages. Majed Al Otaibi, Chief Government Products Officer, opens on 8 July with a Main Stage fireside chat, “Ambition at Infrastructure Scale: How Saudi Turns Digital Vision into Operational Reality”, running 12:00-12:20pm. Other Elm leaders will address AI in software engineering, growth in emerging digital economies, and smart and sustainable city development across the DeepFest, Ecosystem Xchange and Orbital stages.

Elm’s investment and partnerships teams will participate in the event’s Tech Investor Program, engaging directly with technology companies, institutional investors and startups exploring collaboration or market entry into Saudi Arabia. The company has invested more than USD60 million across 20 companies and completed strategic acquisitions exceeding USD33 million across eight deals, a track record it says underpins its appetite for further partnerships across APAC.

Hashtag: #Elm

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

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

Save the Children – Health risks for children skyrocket one week after Venezuela earthquakes

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:23:07 +0000

Source: Save the Children

Children affected by last week’s earthquakes in Venezuela are facing increasing health risks as many families in shelters and temporary settlements lack access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services, Save the Children said.

Aid agencies are racing to deliver hygiene kits and other essential supplies to Caracas and La Guaira – two areas hardest hit by the earthquakes – as families sheltering outside face high temperatures in the day and heavy downpours at night, putting them at risk of dehydration diarrhoea and respiratory illnesses. The disaster comes at a time when Venezuela’s healthcare system is already under pressure to meet urgent medical needs.

Powerful storms, rain and thunder – which frequently occur during the peak months of the rainy season – are also adding to the anxiety children are facing. Parents of children sheltering outside in tents have told our teams on the ground how powerful storms, rain and thunder, have left children already distressed from the devastating earthquakes terrified.

More than 2,300 people have been confirmed dead following the back-to-back 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck on 24 June, and affected over 850 buildings, with almost 200 flattened.

Paolina-, a Save the Children staff member in Venezuela, said:

“Many people have lost their homes. Many have lost family members. This is undoubtedly overwhelming… facing this situation and seeing all these children affected.

“The experience has been traumatic for many adults and especially for children, many of whom still do not understand what happened in Venezuela.”

More than 600 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial earthquakes, according to the UN, with many children too scared to sleep indoors one week on. About 680,000 children have been impacted by the earthquakes, according to the UN.

Save the Children has launched a humanitarian response to help people in the affected regions, as survivors desperately need assistance such as health and psychosocial support and mobile safe spaces where children are protected and can get emergency items, such as shelter kits, tents and hygiene kits, and learning activities while schools remain closed.

Fatima Andraca, Save the Children’s Country Director in Venezuela, said:

“The earthquakes have already taken a devastating toll on children.

“Now a lack of adequate shelter, clean water and exposure to the elements including heavy downpours are creating a second emergency, exposing families sleeping outdoors or in informal settlements to new health risks.

“Hospitals have been damaged and are strained with the thousands of injuries they are trying to treat. If illnesses or other health risks intensify, the pressure on the health system will only worsen.

“Families urgently need access to clean and safe drinking water, adequate shelter, and mobile health care if they do get sick.”

Save the Children is an independent, impartial child rights organisation with our focus on the urgent humanitarian needs of children and families in Venezuela.

Save the Children has been working in Venezuela since 2019. Since the humanitarian crisis started to rapidly deteriorate a few years ago, Save the Children has been scaling its response through local partners to support the increasing number of children in need.

Save the Children is delivering health, nutrition, education, child protection, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene and food security and livelihoods support.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Save the Children is raising much-needed funds to support the response. To donate, go to: Venezuela Earthquakes Appeal.

Notes:

Terremotos en Venezuela: Reporte de situación #6 (29 de junio de 2026, Hora: 06:00 pm) – Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | ReliefWeb

MIL OSI

Latest Cox’s Bazar fire wipes out crucial food source for Rohingya refugee families

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:01:47 +0000

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

A fire just last month in the Bangladesh refugee camps for displaced Rohingya has destroyed life-saving gardens that provide food to some of the 1.1 million refugees.

Cox’s Bazar is home to the biggest refugee camps in the world. It grew rapidly in 2017 following the mass exodus of Rohingya families escaping massacres in their home communities in Myanmar.

It is now a multi-year, city-sized humanitarian operation.

“It is understandable that with so many crises today, some tragedies get forgotten. That is the case with the Rohingya community, who have been living in these fragile, make-shift homes, and raising families in the camps for nearly ten years.”

A whole generation of children have grown up in the camps, knowing no other home.

The settlement is extraordinarily dense, covering only a relatively small area and consisting largely of bamboo-and-tarpaulin shelters.

“At ChildFund, we stand by our commitment to leave no-one behind, even when the stories drop out of the media. We have kept up our support in places like Cox’s Bazar for 10 years,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund New Zealand.

A devastating fire tore through Cox’s Bazar last month, destroying food gardens that provide food security and income generation for women, damaging shelters belonging to families who had very little to begin with.

The fire broke out late afternoon, and was brought under control as quickly as possible. No one was killed or injured.

“That is the good news, but it is the only good news. These fires have happened before, and they set families back by years. These gardens are not decorative. They are an important source of food for families. Progress is fragile, and can be destroyed in minutes by fire. Months of work, gone in twenty-five minutes.”

In 2021, a major fire in Cox’s Bazar left tens of thousands of people without shelter and destroyed hospitals, learning centres, distribution points and other essential facilities.

“It has taken years to recover. Unfortunately fires are one of the camps’ most persistent threats.”

Shelters are temporary. Families cook over open flames. People live close together because they have no choice. When fire starts, it moves quickly.

“A cooking fire can become a shelter fire. A shelter fire can destroy food, documents, safety and months of careful work.”

“Families in the camps cannot escape this risk by moving somewhere else, like we can in New Zealand. They have nowhere safe to go. ChildFund will continue to support the camps with practical work – gardens, education, reducing the risk of fires, and making sure recovery is as quick as possible,” says Josie Pagani.

MIL OSI

Gaza – After 1,000 Days of War, Gaza’s Children Dream of Home and a Better Future Despite the World’s Failure

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:46:45 +0000

Source: Save the Children

After 1,000 days of war, children in Gaza said they had lost homes, schools and a sense of safety but not their hopes for the future with even the ongoing violence failing to stop them from dreaming of peace and careers to help them rebuild their communities. In emotive, personal testimonies, children supported by Save the Children told the aid agency that they wanted people to hear their stories of how the war was impacting them and realise that they wanted to be treated like any other child – with a home, an education, and a safe future.

All spoke of how they are living through a brutal war and a catastrophic humanitarian situation, with a recent UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) report concluding that Israeli authorities and security forces have deliberately targeted Palestinian children, resulting in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza.

At least 21,000 children have been confirmed killed by the Israeli forces during the war, but the true number is likely to be much higher with an unknown number of children buried under rubble. The number of displaced children exceeds 800,000 – or about 80% of children in Gaza – with over 7,000 unaccompanied and separated from families, according to the Site Management Cluster (SMC). Gaza’s 625,000 school-aged children have missed three years of formal education – most of them have experienced disrupted schooling due to successive escalations.

Since the declaration of a “ceasefire” last October, another 275 children have been killed by the Israeli forces. In the most recent attacks, an eight-year-old boy was reported killed when an Israeli drone hit tents sheltering displaced people in Deir el -Balah in central Gaza on Monday while a 13-year-old girl was killed by shrapnel from Israeli tank shelling at the weekend in southern Gaza. Last month Raghad Ashour, 18, was killed by an Israeli strike on her way to take her high school exams.

The ongoing violence continues to terrify children, with the UNFPA reporting that 96% of children feel that death is imminent.

“We could die at any moment. I hope the war stops for us,” said Amani-, a 14-year-old girl, who wanted Palestinian children to have the same rights as any child. But she has not stopped dreaming. She continued: “I hope the war stops so that I can continue my education in Gaza and live my rights as a human like any girl in other countries. I would like to live with love, peace, and an easy life. There are many children in Gaza whose voices are not heard.” Bisan-, 14, said: “My wish is for the war to stop, for every one of us to return to their home, and for our lives to return to how they were.”

Reem-, 16, told Save the Children that she had many dreams for her future and would not give those up, wanting to fulfil her mother’s dream of becoming a doctor. “The most important thing is for my voice and others to reach everyone, so people know what we’re going through. I have many, many dreams. Even before the war I always dreamed of travelling and studying abroad. That hasn’t changed. I still hold onto that dream l will travel and continue my education.”

Alongside the ongoing death toll, displacement continues with many families forced to move multiple times in the past 1,000 days with more than 370,000 homes estimated to have been damaged in the war, equivalent to almost 77% of all housing units in Gaza. Israeli authorities have blocked the entry of construction equipment and machinery.

Palestinians in Gaza are being pushed inside less than 40% of the strip’s territory behind the “Yellow line”. The “Yellow Line” has also reportedly shifted, expanding the area under Israeli military control and further shrinking the space available to Palestinian families.

Hunger is also ravaging children in Gaza with estimated 245,000 children in Gaza at risk of or affected by malnutrition as the flow of humanitarian aid remains limited, while available food lacks the dietary and nutritional diversity children need. and food prices are unaffordable for most families. Families in Gaza are telling us that food items such as crisps and chocolates are widely available in Gaza, but nutritious items such as fresh fruit and eggs are often too expensive for most families.

Ahlam-, 36, a mother of twins suffering from malnutrition, says: “The children need food, but I have nothing. I do not have the money to buy them anything. Since January, I have been looking for food for them. They are in pain from time to time. They are not growing normally.”

Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, Ahmad Ahendawi, said:

“Every day for the past 1,000 days, the world has failed one million children in Gaza, by not intervening to stop the killing and maiming of children.

“As their young fragile bodies were blown to bits and pieces by bombs and missiles, the world sold those same weapons to the Government of Israel. As children died from hunger and disease, the Government of Israel failed to live up to its legal obligations to provide humanitarian access, including sufficient nutritious food into Gaza, the world continued trade agreements with the Government of Israel.

“Even nine months since a ‘ceasefire’ when over 275 children have been killed by the Israeli forces, the world continues to ignore the voices and needs of children, as they simply demand that they be treated like any other child in the world.

Save the Children is calling for the “ceasefire” agreement to become an immediate and definitive ‘ceasefire’ as the first step to save lives and end grave violations of children’s rights. There must be full accountability for crimes against children. Those responsible must be investigated and held to account, to break the cycle of impunity and prevent further harm.

Save the Children is calling on governments to immediately suspend the transfer of arms to Israel and ensure that they do not support or sustain unlawful practices in the occupied Palestinian territory. Member States must also ban trade, economic cooperation and services that maintain or support illegal Israeli settlements, in line with the International Court of Justice’s 2024 Advisory Opinion, and represents a necessary step to end the systematic violation of Palestinian children’s fundamental rights.

-Names changed to protect identity.

Notes:

Save the Children has worked in the occupied Palestinian territory since 1953, with a permanent presence since 1973. We work with partners to help provide quality education, protection for children, early childhood development support, and employment opportunities for young people.

Together with our partners, Save the Children helped nearly 890,000 people in the oPt in 2025, including almost 430,000 children. As of May 2026, we have supported over 218,000 people, including over 107,000 children in Gaza, through our multisectoral programming.

We have been responding to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza directly and through our partnerships with local organizations. In Gaza, we’re currently, running two health clinics, 15 nutrition points, water and sanitation services (8 hygiene promotion sites, 59 water trucking sites, 49 sanitation facilities, and 39 solid waste management points), child protection programmes including mental health support and case management at 21 sites, education in 63 temporary learning spaces, and cash transfer programmes to support families whose livelihoods have been decimated.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is expected to be published in early July that will provide more details about the malnutrition crisis facing children in Gaza.

According to UNOCHA the occupied Palestinian territory flash appeal is only 12-24% funded against a minimum need of $2 billion. Humanitarian donors must urgently scale up their funding to the response to meet the needs of children and families in Gaza.

MIL OSI

Climate News – Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Seasonal Climate Outlook for July to September 2026

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:52:56 +0000

Source: Earth Sciences

Highlights: El Niño conditions have now been confirmed in the tropical Pacific, according to Earth Sciences New Zealand criteria. The event remains in its early stages.

* There is an 80% likelihood for El Niño to reach or exceed strong intensity during the July-September period; impacts on New Zealand’s weather are expected to become more pronounced as the season progresses, peaking in intensity over the 2026-27 summer (for more information: https://earthsciences.nz/news/el-nino-declared-expected-to-intensify-into-one-of-the-strongest-on-record)

* Rainfall is 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. The west of the South Island is likely to see above normal rainfall.

* Air temperatures are equally likely to be near or above average nationwide, though cold snaps and frosts are expected. Increasingly windy and variable conditions are anticipated later in winter and into spring as El Niño signals strengthen.

* Two lower-probability factors remain under active monitoring: Sudden Stratospheric Warming events, which have become more frequent in recent years, and the remote possibility of an out-of-season tropical cyclone, historically associated only with El Niño years.

MIL OSI

Sri Lanka Bar Smoke & Bitters Honoured With Coveted Michter’s Art Of Hospitality Award As Part Of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026

MIL OSI — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:18:52 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

The acclaimed island bar becomes the first Sri Lankan venue to receive this prestigious hospitality award

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – Sri Lanka’s celebrated coastal venue Smoke & Bitters has been named winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award in the run-up to Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026.

Voted for by more than 300 members of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, this award recognises an establishment that has delivered exceptional hospitality over the past 18 months, setting a new benchmark for guest experience across the region.

Located on Pehembiya Beach in Dikwella on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Smoke & Bitters has risen steadily since opening in January 2020. In 2025, it ranked No.14 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and No.67 on the extended list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, becoming the first bar in Sri Lanka to feature on the global ranking. The venue has also been named The Best Bar in Sri Lanka on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for four consecutive years.

The brainchild of co-founders Don Ranasinghe and Lahiru Perera, Smoke & Bitters was created to showcase Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage and ingredients through a contemporary cocktail and dining experience. Their commitment to authenticity means all dishes are cooked using traditional wood fire – either smoked or chargrilled – as signified by ‘Smoke’ in the name, while ‘Bitters’ reflects bitters from indigenous Sri Lankan herbs and spices which dominate a cocktail menu inspired by myriad global cultures.

Beyond its culinary and cocktail philosophy, hospitality lies at the core of the Smoke & Bitters experience. Reflecting Sri Lanka’s culture of warmth and generosity, the team delivers service that is relaxed yet attentive, creating an easy-going beachfront setting where guests feel genuinely welcomed. This balance of informality and care has become a defining feature of the bar and underpins its recognition with the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award.

The drinks menu draws inspiration from early Tiki pioneers while integrating local ingredients and techniques. Signature serves such as the Bananarama combine smoked wild bee honey with Rockland arrack, banana peel, falernum and smoked hellfire bitters, reflecting the bar’s flair for layering smoke and spice. The playful Mai Chai blends Ceylon chai tea with rum, triple sec, spiced orgeat and chai syrup, lifted by elemakule tiki bitters, while Pani Like Dodang balances Sri Lankan sweet orange and gin with ginger honey, triple sec, salt and pepper, mint and orange bitters. The bar has become recognised for its ingredient-led cocktails built around seasonal local produce such as rambutan, mangosteen and woodapple, underscoring its commitment to celebrating Sri Lanka’s natural bounty.

Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, says: “Smoke & Bitters has played a pivotal role in redefining perceptions of Sri Lanka’s bar scene. Its commitment to local ingredients, open-fire cooking and heartfelt hospitality creates an experience that feels both deeply personal and globally relevant. Congratulations to Don, Lahiru and the entire team on this well-deserved recognition.”

Don Ranasinghe & Lahiru Perera, Co-Founders of Smoke & Bitters say: “It’s honestly pretty crazy to receive the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award and see Sri Lankan hospitality being recognised on this level. We’ve always believed there’s something really special about the way people welcome and look after you on our island, so this means a huge amount not just to our team, but to the wider hospitality community in Sri Lanka as well. From day one, Smoke & Bitters has been about creating a warm, relaxed space genuinely rooted in our culture—so to be recognised for our hospitality is incredibly meaningful.”

Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s, says: “Congratulations to Don Ranasinghe, Lahiru Perera, and the entire Smoke & Bitters team on winning the Art of Hospitality Award. Smoke & Bitters has become recognised as a destination for thoughtful hospitality, and we’re delighted to celebrate this well-deserved achievement.”

The Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award is the first of two special accolades to be announced ahead of the 11th edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier. The 2026 edition will culminate in a live awards ceremony at Wynn Palace, Macau on 28 July, featuring a red-carpet celebration and the official unveiling of The Best Bar in Asia 2026.

This year’s programme is designed to encourage dialogue and creative exchange within the drinks industry, with curated events such as the Bartenders’ Feast, highlighting Macau’s vibrant food and beverage culture, and Meet the Bartenders, an intimate media roundtable. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel, allowing bar professionals and enthusiasts around the world to take part virtually.

About Asia’s 50 Best Bars

Asia’s 50 Best Bars is the first regional event of The World’s 50 Best Bars brand, created in 2016 with the purpose of showcasing the best and most innovative talent in the drinks industry in this region. The annual ranking is based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising the most knowledgeable and travelled members of the bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from across Asia. The Academy spans dozens of cities across the continent, reflecting the relative development and importance of bar scenes in different locations and the diversity of the drinking scene in Asia. Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The World’s 50 Best Bars, North America’s 50 Best Bars and Europe’s 50 Best Bars are owned and organised by William Reed, the group behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Hotels and The World’s 50 Best Vineyards.

About the host destination partners Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace

Wynn Macau is a luxury integrated resort in Macau with two iconic towers featuring a total of 1,014 spacious rooms, luxury retail, 11 food and beverage outlets, two spas, a salon and a pool. The resort proudly boasts three distinct entertainment experiences, including the choreographed Performance Lake, blending lofty plumes of water, gracefully choreographed, powerful LED lights and fire effects.

For more information, visit press.wynnmacau.com.

Wynn Palace is Wynn’s second luxury integrated resort. Located in the Cotai area, it features a 28-storey hotel with 1,706 exquisitely furnished rooms, versatile meeting facilities, renowned luxury retail, 12 food and beverage outlets, an upmarket food hall featuring 6 standalone restaurants and a variety of additional food offerings, Macau’s largest spa, a salon and a pool. The resort also features a variety of entertainment experiences, including the dazzling eight-acre Performance Lake, the unique SkyCab, an immersive entertainment center, largescale floral sculptures and an extensive collection of Western and Asian art displays.

For more information, visit press.wynnpalace.com.

About the Award Sponsor Michter’s:

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Michter’s celebrates an extraordinarily rich heritage tracing back to 1753. The Michter’s team spares no expense in its efforts to produce the greatest American whiskey possible, with tremendous attention given to every step in the production process. Michter’s has received extensive critical acclaim for its line of Bourbon, Rye, Sour Mash, and American whiskeys.

Our Partners

Wynn Resorts Macau – Official Host Destination Partner
Perrier – Official Water Partner, sponsor of The Best Bar in Asia
SevenRooms – Official Booking Platform Partner, sponsor of SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award
Doordash – Official Delivery Partner
Michter’s – Official American Whiskey Partner, sponsor of Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award
Nikka Whisky – Official Whisky of the World Partner, sponsor of Nikka Highest Climber Award
Ketel One – Official Vodka Partner, sponsor of Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
Three Cents – Official Mixers Partner, sponsor of Three Cents Best New Opening Award
Siete Misterios – Official Mezcal Partner, sponsor of Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award
NOAM – Official Beer Partner
Roku Gin – Official Gin Partner, sponsor of Roku Industry Icon Award
Altos Tequila – Official Tequila Partner, sponsor of Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award
Cointreau – Official Orange Liqueur Partner, sponsor ceremonial scarves
Rémy Martin – Official Cognac Partner, sponsor of Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award
Langjiu – Official Baiju Partner
Torres Brandy – Official Brandy Partner, sponsor of a Best in Destination Award
Monkey Shoulder – Official Scotch Whisky Partner, sponsor of a Best in Destination Award
Disaronno – Official Italian Liquor Partner, sponsor of a Best in Destination Award
Amaro Lucano – Official Amaro Partner
Campari – Official Bitters Partner
Mancino Vermouth – Official Vermouth Partner
Back to the Roots – Official Root Beer Liqueur Partner

http://www.worlds50bestbars.com/asia
https://x.com/50bestbars?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F50BestBars
https://www.instagram.com/50bestbars/
https://bit.ly/50BestYouTubePR

Hashtag: #Asia’s50BestBars

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

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

Environment – The next government must restart action on plastic pollution – Zero Waste Aotearoa

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:41:40 +0000

Source: Zero Waste Aotearoa

Plastic Free July begins with an urgent call to put plastic pollution back on the political agenda. Plastic Free July is a worldwide campaign to reduce plastic waste and eliminate single use plastics.

“This coalition government has made no progress on addressing the plastic pollution crisis. The Plastics Action Plan targeting problematic plastics has stalled. The tools that would have made a difference are all still sitting on the shelf. We are calling on all political parties to make reducing plastic pollution a priority,” says Sue Coutts from Zero Waste Aotearoa.

“Kantar’s 2026 Better Futures report showed that most New Zealanders expect business to take responsibility for the impacts of the packaging and products they put onto the market and they do not think business or government are doing enough. Voluntary schemes to collect soft plastics and caps and lids collect a small proportion of what goes onto the market, less than 10%.”

“More and more plastic is being imported into Aotearoa, with no viable plan for reusing or recycling it.” says Sue Coutts from Zero Waste Aotearoa. “Harm is caused upstream, with ecosystem damage and health risks to communities near plastic production facilities. And downstream, as plastic is littered, burned, sheds microplastics and leaches harmful chemical additives. “

“Around 1.5 million tonnes of plastic are imported into Aotearoa NZ every year. About 400,000 tonnes of that is packaging. Less than 20%, only 68,000 tonnes of this gets recycled. The rest gets landfilled, littered, or burned. All three cause negative health, environmental and social impacts. “

“”Time and time again, New Zealanders say that plastic pollution is a major concern. Individuals, communities and small businesses can’t stop this flood of hard to recycle and problematic plastic on their own.”

“Government needs to upgrade the Waste Minimisation Act so New Zealand can implement the product stewardship scheme for plastic packaging and get the drink container return scheme up and running.”

“Business has to take responsibility for covering the real cost of these systems and adapt their business models and packaging designs so they are not putting hard to recycle plastics on the market in the first place.”

“High quality recycling helps but won’t solve our plastic pollution crisis. Phasing out the most problematic plastic products and polymers is essential for minimising the harms caused by plastic pollution. Phase outs make room for better alternatives, like reusables, to become mainstream.”

Plastic Free July puts the issue of plastic pollution squarely in front of all of the political parties. We challenge every party to get serious about implementing the practical solutions that will reduce unnecessary and single use plastic, make it viable to collect high value plastics for reuse and recycling and make it easier for everyone to live plastic pollution free lives.

Notes

Kantar Better Futures Survey Results – p12 – Business should take responsibility p15 Business, brands and government not doing enough: https://www.kantarnewzealand.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Better-Futures-Report_2026.pdf

Plastic statistics for Aotearoa NZ: from Envirowaste NZ presentation to the annual WasteMINZ conference, Wellington, May, 2026

Plastic Free July https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/

MIL OSI

Competition, Workplace Safety and Financial Pressures Shape Risk Agenda for Korean Businesses, Aon Survey

MIL OSI — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:18:06 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Competition rises as the top risk, reflecting intensifying markets, while workplace safety accountability remains high amid a stricter regulatory environment
Liquidity and natural catastrophe risks point to growing pressure on financial resilience

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released the findings from South Korea for its 2025 Global Risk Management Survey, revealing that competition, workplace safety accountability and financial pressures are shaping the country’s risk agenda.

The survey, which gathered responses from nearly 3,000 organisations across 63 countries and 16 industries, highlights a risk environment shaped by digital transformation, economic uncertainty, geopolitical pressures and climate exposure.

Competition Tops the Risk Agenda in Korea

According to the survey, “Increasing competition” is the number one risk for organisations in Korea, compared with fifth globally. It also ranks as the top future risk over the next three years. The findings point to pressures in Korea’s market environment, where a relatively concentrated domestic market and high industry density are driving sustained competition.

Half of Korean respondents report financial losses linked to competition, above both the Asia Pacific (APAC) benchmark of 44.1 percent across APAC and global benchmark of 42.8 percent. Despite this impact, only 17.4 percent of Korean organisations report having a formal plan or review in place for competition risk, highlighting an opportunity to strengthen preparedness relative to exposure.

For Korean businesses, competition is no longer just a commercial issue – it is becoming a material driver of financial outcomes, with implications for margin pressure, investment capacity and long-term growth. This dynamic is closely linked to financial resilience, with sustained competition increasing the importance of liquidity and capital allocation decisions as businesses invest to maintain market position.

“Korea’s risk profile shows how structural market pressures are translating into tangible business impact,” said, Terence Williams, head of Commercial Risk for Aon in APAC. “Competition, regulation and financial volatility are converging, increasing the need for more connected risk strategies that link resilience with capital and growth decisions.”

Workplace Safety Accountability Remains a Major Concern

“Workplace accidents” remain among the top risks for Korean organisations, driven by stronger regulatory enforcement and increased accountability for organisations and senior management under the expanded Serious Accidents Punishment Act. Survey responses show that 64.3 percent of Korean organisations have a plan or formal review in place for work injuries, while over half (57.1 percent) are evaluating insurance or risk transfer solutions for this exposure. This suggests that workplace safety is being treated not only as a compliance requirement, but as a material governance and financial priority.

Financial Resilience Is Increasing in Importance

Natural catastrophe and liquidity risks are increasing in importance within Korea’s risk profile. “Weather and natural disasters” rank sixth among current risks, while “cash flow and liquidity risk” returns to the top 10 for the first time since 2019.While Korea is less exposed to large-scale catastrophe events than some APAC markets, recent extreme weather has still resulted in significant economic losses, including wildfires and flooding in 2025.

At the same time, cash flow and liquidity pressures are intensifying amid macroeconomic volatility, trade uncertainty and sustained competitive pressure. Survey data show that 78.6 percent of Korean organisations have a plan or formal review in place for liquidity risk – the highest level of preparedness among all top risks. The findings indicate that liquidity is closely linked to competitiveness, with sustained investment in talent, expansion and technology critical to maintaining market position.

2025 Top Ten Business Risks for Korea

The breadth of risks shaping Korea’s business environment is reflected in the current top ten rankings:

Increasing Competition
Economic Slowdown/Slow Recovery
Business Interruption
Work Injuries
Property Damage
Weather/Natural Disasters
Regulatory/Legislative Changes
Exchange Rate Fluctuation
Cash Flow/Liquidity Risk
Cyber Attacks/Data Breach

Future Risks Outlook

The findings suggest that Korean businesses are navigating an increasingly complex risk landscape shaped by both domestic pressures and global disruptions. “Increasing competition” remains the top future risk, while “cyber attacks and data breaches” continue to rise as organisations adapt to evolving operating environments.

Looking ahead, the survey highlights how these risks are expected to evolve as businesses position for growth:

Increasing Competition
Economic Slowdown/Slow Recovery
Work Injuries
Regulatory/Legislative Changes
Cyber Attacks/Data Breach

A Greater Need for Structured, Data-Led Risk Management

The findings highlight a clear opportunity for Korean organisations to strengthen how risk is measured, managed and linked to strategic decision making. Compared with global peers, adoption of enterprise-wide risk management frameworks and quantitative analysis remains relatively limited. For example, only 22.2 percent of Korean organisations report that they have assessed increasing competition risk, and the same proportion report having developed continuity or risk management plans for it.

Cyber risk appears more mature, with 33.3 percent of organisations having developed continuity plans for cyber exposures.

More broadly, only 25 percent of Korean organisations report using a structured, enterprise-wide process to identify major risks, and just 2.9 percent use quantitative analytics tools to model risk scenarios and insurance strategies.

“The survey highlights a clear opportunity for Korean organisations to strengthen enterprise risk management and analytics capabilities,” said Kevin Kim, CEO of Korea for Aon. “By building stronger internal data, processes and expertise, businesses can move from reacting to risk toward making more confident, forward-looking decisions that support growth and capital efficiency.”

Hashtag: #Aon

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

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

Transport industry award winners honoured at Parliament

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:07:54 +0000

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Seven exceptional contributions to Aotearoa’s road freight sector were honoured at Transporting Zealand’s industry awards ceremony in the capital on Friday night.

An independent judging panel had chosen winners from over 30 nominations, consisting of individuals and organisations who have gone to great efforts to improve industry standards, workplace environments, and public perception of the transport sector.

More than 200 people braved Wellington’s stormy weather to attend the Awards Dinner at Parliament’s Banquet Hall, generously sponsored by IVCS ONE.

The most prestigious of the awards, the VTNZ Supreme Contribution to Road Freight recognises an individual whose impact has significantly advanced the industry’s standing and future direction through sustained leadership, service, and influence. This year’s winner is TR Group’s Managing Director, Andrew Carpenter.

Andrew has helped to shape and modernise New Zealand’s road freight industry through long-term investment in safer vehicles, heavy vehicle driver training, technology, alternative fuel solutions and sustainability, with TR now owning one of the biggest zero-emission truck fleets in the country.

TR Group’s Shayne Barns accepted the award on Andrew’s behalf.

Jasmin Smith won the Wynn Williams Women in Road Freight award, which celebrates women who are helping shape a more inclusive industry, enhancing the profile of road transport and inspiring others through their actions. Jasmin is a widely regarded as a role model and mentor to her colleagues at Linfox, actively promoting the industry as a modern, essential and rewarding career pathway, and challenging outdated perceptions to help attract a broader and more diverse workforce.

The EROAD Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety award went to Graham Neate. Graham is an outstanding advocate and respected leader in the transport health & safety space, serving as the Health and Safety Leader at Philip Wareing Ltd and on the National Livestock Transport and Safety Council, where his expertise is highly valued.

The first-ever winner of a new award category, NZI’s Emerging Leader is Julie Crahay of Wareing Group Ltd. Julie had years of leadership experience under her belt before moving to New Zealand, where she strengthened her expertise in health and safety, focusing on fatigue management and driver wellbeing. Julie is known for her collaborative and forward-thinking approach, contributing to national forums and initiatives that aim to make transport safer and more efficient.

Twenty-one-year-old Max Hewson took home the EROAD Young Driver Award for his strong performance, safe driving record and consistent demonstration of initiative and leadership, including the coordination of other drivers during a major disruption.

Fruehauf’s Outstanding Contribution to Innovation award went jointly to Selwyn District Council and Treadlite who worked together to pioneer New Zealand’s first rubber road made from recycled waste tyres.

Paul Fincham of KAM Transport won MITO’s Outstanding Contribution to Training award for his decades-long commitment to workforce development, mentoring, and creating meaningful career pathways within transport, having supported countless drivers to gain their Class 5 licence.

“The sheer amount and quality of the nominations is a testament to the great things happening in road freight across the country,” says Transporting New Zealand’s chief executive, Dom Kalasih.

“Recognising good work is essential for morale. It’s been a challenging few months for transport, but nights like these remind us of how fortunate we are to have such great people moving the industry forward,” he added.

“Transporting New Zealand is incredibly grateful to all those who attended the Awards and showed their support for the nominees. We’d also like to again thank our generous dinner and awards sponsors; IVCS ONE, VTNZ, NZI, EROAD, Fruehauf, Wynn Williams and MITO.”

About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.

Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

MIL OSI

L’Occitane en Provence Marks 50 Years of Crafting Life Ties, Unveils Global Reinvention and Celebrates in Malaysia with “Maison Surprise”

MIL OSI — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 03:03:01 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

From Haute‑Provence to the World, a New Chapter Where Beauty Connects People, Communities and Nature

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – L’Occitane en Provence celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking a major milestone in its journey from the fields of Haute‑Provence to becoming a globally recognised beauty Maison. Entering this new chapter, L’Occitane unveils a global reinvention of its brand, product collections, and customer experience, while bringing its purpose of “Crafting Life Ties” to life through meaningful local activations, including the “Maison Surprise” campaign in Malaysia.

L’Occitane en Provence 50 Years of Crafting Life Ties

From Provençal Soil to a Global Beauty Maison
“The day L’Occitane en Provence was born, there was an alembic, a fire, some rosemary, and many doubts… I did not create a company – I made a gesture.” — Olivier Baussan, Founder

Founded in 1976 by Olivier Baussan, L’Occitane began with the simple distillation of rosemary essential oil, sold at markets in Haute‑Provence. What started as a humble, instinctive gesture rooted in respect for nature has grown into a global beauty brand present in over 90 countries, with more than 3,000 points of sale and 8,500 employees worldwide.

For five decades, L’Occitane has built its identity on meaningful ties – between plants and people, craftsmanship and science, Provence and the world. From Lavender and Shea Butter to Almond and Immortelle, the Maison continues to transform natural ingredients into sensorial, effective, and responsible beauty experiences.

2026: A Pivotal Year of Reinvention
As it celebrates 50 years, L’Occitane enters a new era defined by creative renewal, product transformation, and cultural expression.

“Half a century ago, L’Occitane was born from a simple gesture… Today, we look ahead with pride and excitement for what we will continue to build.” — Adrien Geiger, CEO, L’Occitane en Provence

Reimagining the Brand and Creative Vision
Rooted in the dual heritage of nature and culture, L’Occitane reinterprets its Provençal identity through:

A renewed creative direction across campaigns and retail
A deeper dialogue with art and cultural expression
The launch of initiatives such as the Prix Cultures, supporting emerging creative talents linked to Provence

In parallel, Founder Olivier Baussan unveils a new book, sharing a poetic reflection on the human and sensory journey behind the Maison’s origins.

A Complete Product Reinvention (2025–2027)
L’Occitane is undertaking a full redesign of its product portfolio, enhancing sensoriality, performance, and design.
Key Transformations

Fragrance Relaunch: Flora Orchestra introduces a new olfactory identity
Body Care Icons Reimagined:

Karité Confort (Shea Butter)
Amande Sublime (Almond)

Home Collection Redesign: Apothecary-inspired soaps and diffusers
Future Innovation (from 2027):

Divine Cream
Reset Serum
Repairing Shampoo

This transformation reflects L’Occitane’s continued commitment to combining botanical expertise, advanced science, and elevated sensorial experiences.

A Renewed Identity and Experience
Beyond products, L’Occitane is reimagining:

Store and spa concepts
Digital and campaign identity
Global retail experiences, including Provençal-inspired pop-ups

These initiatives bring to life the sensory richness and art de vivre of Haute-Provence in a more immersive and contemporary way.

A Stronger Commitment: Crafting Life Ties
At the heart of this reinvention is L’Occitane’s reaffirmed purpose: Crafting Life Ties.
This commitment focuses on strengthening:

The relationship between people and communities
The connection between humans and nature
A more responsible and regenerative approach to beauty

Backed by decades of action from fair-trade sourcing and biodiversity preservation to circular packaging and B Corp certification – the Maison continues to drive positive impact globally.

2026 also marks:

20 years of the L’Occitane Foundation
25 years of L’Occitane Spas

Celebrating 50 Years in Malaysia: Maison Surprise by L’Occitane
In Malaysia, this global milestone comes to life through “Maison Surprise“, a nationwide celebration designed to thank and engage the L’Occitane community.
Activation Highlights

20,000 complimentary gifts distributed to members
Available to new and existing members, no purchase required
Activated across 6 key locations:

1 Utama
Sunway Pyramid
IOI City Mall
The Gardens Mall
AEON Tebrau City
Gurney Plaza

At the heart of the campaign are interactive vending machines, transforming everyday retail moments into unexpected, joyful experiences.
Each interaction offers:

Complimentary L’Occitane products
Exclusive vouchers for continued discovery

A Celebration of Community, Generosity and Connection
More than an activation, Maison Surprise reflects the values that have defined L’Occitane for 50 years:

Generosity
Human connection
Community engagement

It celebrates the Malaysian community that has been part of the brand’s journey while reinforcing its purpose of bringing people closer to one another and to nature.

Looking Ahead: The Next 50 Years
As L’Occitane enters its next chapter, it does so with a renewed ambition: to create beauty that is not only sensorial and effective, but also a force for connection, empowerment, and positive change. From Provence to Malaysia and beyond, L’Occitane continues to build a world where beauty becomes a bridge between people, cultures, and the natural world.

https://my.loccitane.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@loccitanemy?lang=en

Hashtag: #LOccitaneMY #LOccitaneEnProvence #50Years

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

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

Economy – Recovery delayed, but not derailed – says Kiwibank Economists

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 23:16:59 +0000

Source: Kiwibank

In December, Kiwibank economists forecast a robust recovery for New Zealand in 2026. Since then, heightened global tension and the resulting oil price shock have seen the outlook revised, with a slower return to growth now expected.

Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr says that while early recovery momentum has softened, the economy is showing signs of resilience.

“We expected clearer skies this year, but instead we’ve had to navigate a storm. The important thing is we’re still moving forward. The recovery hasn’t disappeared, it’s just slower than we’d hoped.”

Global headwinds slow recovery

The outlook shows the economy entered 2026 with improved momentum, including early signs of stabilising demand and easing pressure on household and business budgets.

That progress was disrupted as conflict in the Middle East drove a surge in oil prices, lifting costs and weakening demand as Kiwi pulled back on non-essential spending.

At the same time, a soft labour market and subdued wage growth continue to weigh on activity.

“Kiwi households and businesses are feeling the squeeze. There’s been some relief in places, but for many, higher costs are still front and centre. That’s holding back a stronger rebound in spending as New Zealanders continue to balance their books.”

Encouragingly, data for the March quarter highlights areas of resilience across the economy.

Nine of the 16 industry groups recorded growth. Manufacturing rose 1.9%, driven by transport equipment and machinery production. Wholesale trade lifted 2.4%, supported by machinery and equipment, while business services increased 1.1%. Business investment also rose 3.7%.

“That’s encouraging, because for the first time in a long while, the construction drag is being offset elsewhere.”

Inflation outlook remains uncertain

Inflation is expected to remain volatile in the near term, reflecting global cost pressures, before gradually easing as weak demand and subdued wage growth take effect.

“There may be short-term spikes, but the underlying trend is weaker demand and wage growth doing a lot of the work to bring inflation down.”

Kiwibank economists expect headline inflation to rise to around 4.2% in this quarter, with tradable inflation, particularly oil-related, pushing up to around 5.6%. Domestic inflation is expected to lift more modestly to around 3.3%, before easing over time.

With the outlook evolving quickly, Kerr says monetary policy will play a key role in shaping the recovery.

“We still believe this is a shock that needs to be looked through, with a focus on maintaining conditions that support the recovery and rebuild demand.”

Two scenarios – and a more positive path still in sight

Kiwibank economists outline two possible paths for the New Zealand economy.

The upside scenario assumes a “bounce back” in the domestic economy, supported by easing costs, improving confidence, and a lift in household spending and business investment.

The downside scenario reflects prolonged global disruption, weaker domestic demand, and a more challenging recovery path.

“There are still risks out there, but the positive outcome remains achievable.”

Kerr expects conditions to gain traction through 2027, with inflation easing to around 1.9% as disinflationary forces take hold: “It’s taken longer than we expected, and that’s frustrating. But we’ve weathered though periods before. There are blue skies ahead – it just might take a little longer to get there.”

About Kiwibank

Kiwibank is a purpose-led organisation that has Kiwi values at heart and keeps Kiwi money where it belongs – right here in New Zealand. As a Kiwi bank, with more than a million customers, our trusted experts are focused on supporting Kiwi with their home ownership aspirations and backing local business ambitions, so together we can thrive here in Aotearoa and on the world stage. Kiwibank is among the top banks in Kantar’s 2026 Corporate Reputation Index and is one of the top 15 most trusted brands. To find out more about Kiwibank visit www.kiwibank.co.nz.

MIL OSI

Venezuela Earthquakes: “Fear, stress, and overwhelming sadness are everywhere” as children pulled from rubble with tens of thousands still missing

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:22:35 +0000

Source: Save the Children

Children in Venezuela are living on the streets and in informal tented camps, underscoring the urgent need for support, as rescue teams work round the clock to free people from the rubble with about 50,000 reported missing, Save the Children said [1].

Save the Children staff have described how rescue teams are pulling children out of the rubble, while some children are wandering the streets and going into hospitals in shock.

The country’s deadliest earthquakes in more than a century have driven children from their homes, with some now living in informal tented camps in parks or on the street, close to damaged buildings they cannot return to.

Nearly five days after the twin 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck, frequent aftershocks on the ground are being felt by Save the Children teams in Venezuela, causing further terror for children.

Protection is an immediate and critical priority for children, especially for those who lose contact with caregivers on the streets or in informal camps.

Save the Children will be working with partners and authorities to support family tracing and reunification, including identifying unaccompanied children and referring them to the appropriate protection services. The humanitarian and child rights organisation is providing emergency mental health and psychosocial support and will be operating mobile safe spaces where children are protected and can get emergency items, such as tents and hygiene kits, and learning activities while schools remain closed.

The UN has said up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes with up to 2 million people in Caracas alone impacted, underscoring the vast humanitarian impact of the disaster as assessments continue and rescue teams work around the clock to save people trapped under collapsed buildings.

Critical infrastructure remains severely disrupted, including electricity, water, telecommunications and transport, while hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties and schools in affected areas are closed.

Fatima Andraca, Save the Children’s Country Director in Venezuela, said:

“We are seeing so many families on the street – families who have lost everything and cannot return to the shattered ruins of their homes. There is so much uncertainty for them about the hours and days ahead.

“Fear, stress, and overwhelming sadness are everywhere. Families come to me to share their stories with tears in their eyes. Some are still frantically searching for relatives or friends. For children, the loss of everything familiar and comforting are immeasurable.

“Protection and psychosocial support are urgent priorities for children. With so many people dead, injured or missing, children will urgently need long term support to ensure that this devastating disaster does not cause long lasting mental harm.”

Save the Children is on the ground in Venezuela, working with authorities and local partners and will be providing primary healthcare through mobile clinics, distributing hygiene kits, clean water and essential supplies, and setting up safe spaces where children can access mental health support and continue learning while schools remain closed. The organisation will be also supporting nutrition screening, child protection services, and tracing and reuniting separated families.

Save the Children is an independent, impartial child rights organisation with our focus on the urgent humanitarian needs of children and families in Venezuela.

Save the Children has been working in Venezuela since 2019. Since the humanitarian crisis started to rapidly deteriorate a few years ago, Save the Children has been scaling up its response through local partners to support the increasing number of children in need. Save the Children is delivering health, nutrition, education, child protection, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene and food security and livelihoods support.

Notes to Editors:[1] As of 28 June, around 50,000 people are still reported missing in Venezuela, according to an independent online registry for missing persons: https://news.sky.com/story/venezuela-earthquake-live-high-casualties-feared-after-back-to-back-tremors-hit-south-american-country-13557399?postid=11956228#liveblog-body

MIL OSI

Politics – Federated Farmers backs commonsense conservation reform

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:31:43 +0000

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is calling for the Government to be bold and continue with plans to modernise New Zealand’s outdated, clunky and overly complicated conservation laws.

“These reforms are long overdue and desperately needed to support conservation efforts and help grow the economy,” says Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins.

“The current legislation is outdated, unnecessarily restrictive and slow, and has been holding back the country’s conservation ambitions for decades – in fact, we’re rapidly going backwards.

“Despite significantly increased budgets, our conservation estate is being totally overrun by pests, weeds and wilding pines. The case for reform couldn’t be any clearer or more urgent.”

Federated Farmers supports a pragmatic approach to conservation that protects and enhances high-value conservation land while allowing sensible economic decisions.

“The Department of Conservation manages one of the largest public land estates in the world, covering more than eight million hectares,” Dawkins says.

“Unfortunately, conservation isn’t free. Somebody has to do the day-to-day work required to maintain New Zealand’s unique natural landscapes.

“It’s completely unrealistic to expect a government agency to manage weeds, pests, infrastructure needs and fire risk across an estate of that scale by themselves, funded by taxpayers.

“Successful conservation depends on strong partnerships with the people who live alongside the land every day – farmers, hunters, anglers and tourism operators.

“It should come as no surprise to anyone that it’s these same groups who are most passionately supporting the Government’s proposed reforms, because we can see the opportunity.”

Environmental activist groups have been quick to scaremonger in election year, claiming pristine conservation land will be sold off for mining, but Dawkins says that’s “total nonsense”.

“Groups like Forest & Bird and EDS have been running an incredibly divisive campaign of fear that hasn’t been particularly constructive or helpful for the national conversation,” he says.

“I think they’ve lost sight of what this is all about – modernising our conservation system to improve environmental outcomes, reduce the burden for taxpayers and grow the economy.

“There are plenty of economic activities we could be doing on that land with an environmental benefit, including grazing, wild animal recovery operations and tourism.”

Federated Farmers West Coast president Simon Cameron is also a passionate supporter of the Government’s proposed conservation reforms, particularly when it comes to grazing.

“New Zealand can’t conserve more than eight million hectares of conservation land through passive protection alone. It requires active management,” Cameron says.

“If we truly want to see better long-term conservation outcomes for future generations of New Zealanders, then we can’t afford to let ideology or politics get in the way of pragmatism.

“In practice, this will require a fundamental shift in thinking to recognise that a ‘lock up and leave’ approach to conservation – excluding people from the landscape – simply doesn’t work.

“Instead, we should be recognising the role of active, practical management like grazing in improving biodiversity, managing pests and protecting our famous natural landscapes.”

Cameron says that, since 1990, the Department of Conservation has inherited and retired 1.2 million hectares of land that was previously grazed – but it’s since gone backwards.

“That land was absolutely immaculate when it was actively managed by farmers who kept on top of the weeds and pests – like you’d see on a postcard,” Cameron says.

“Those farmers were outstanding stewards of the land, but they also contributed significantly to the economy producing world-class beef, lamb and wool.

“Unfortunately, when the farmers moved out, the pests and weeds moved in. That land has since been taken over by wilding pines, gorse, deer, pigs, wallabies and goats.”

Cameron says huge areas of our high country were retired because they had significant conservation value, but that value didn’t develop in the absence of human contact.

“The value was created by generations of farmers who invested time and money in protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations,” he says.

“They weren’t just grazing livestock. They were also fencing, hunting, maintaining tracks and controlling weeds. These are all important conservation activities that were lost.”

Cameron is scathing of the environmental activist groups who have tried to play politics and derail long-overdue conservation reforms.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable that, after years of work, anyone would be calling for the entire bill to be thrown in the bin,” he says.

“Surely everyone can agree the current system simply isn’t delivering the outcomes New Zealanders expect, and that change is needed to modernise our laws.

“It’s time those groups put the politics aside, stop playing petty games, and start working alongside the rest of us who are trying to do the right thing for the country.”

MIL OSI

Fire Safety – Message to landowners: you are responsible for the fires you light

LiveNews Publisher — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:41:39 +0000

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Landowners whose unattended burn piles caused a string of vegetation fires across Canterbury last Saturday are being visited by Fire and Emergency New Zealand to ensure they understand their responsibilities for land management fires.

District Commander Dave Stackhouse said that 11 fires escaped and spread quickly in the severe nor-westerly winds. As a result, the district’s firefighters were stretched to levels normally only seen in mid-summer. “I am very disappointed at the number of fires that had been left unattended,” he said. “If it hadn’t rained later on Saturday, we would have been calling on brigades from other districts to assist.”

As it was, almost every fire brigade in Canterbury was called out, so volunteers were called away from their families and Saturday activities for fires that were mostly completely avoidable.

The winds were well forecast so should not have caught anyone by surprise.

While Canterbury is currently in an open fire season, meaning permits are not required for outdoor fires, landowners are always responsible for the fires that they light on their properties. The same applies to forestry managers.

Under Section 60 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act, it is an offence to cause or allow a fire to get out of control and to spread to vegetation or property. The penalties for individuals include a fine of up to $300,000 and up to two years imprisonment.

The message was very simple, Commander Stackhouse said: if you light a fire, you are responsible for it.

While Fire and Emergency always preferred to educate people rather than prosecute, at least one of last Saturday’s fires was on a property where there had been an escaped land management fire within the last year.

Fires must not be left unattended and have to be completely extinguished, not left to smoulder. When strong winds are forecast, anyone who has lit a fire should be checking for hotspots that could be reignited.

There is extensive advice at www.checkitsalright.nz.

Vegetation across Canterbury is already unusually dry for this time of year, and the outlook suggests a very high risk of wildfire in spring and summer because of the predicted El Nino weather pattern.

MIL OSI

Advocacy – Gaza Cannot Wait: A Call for Justice and Accountability

LiveNews Publisher — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:38:00 +0000

Statement by Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses its profound alarm at the latest documentation by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, which details the continuing humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. The report presents further evidence of the systematic destruction of civilian life, infrastructure, and the conditions necessary for survival.

These are not isolated incidents. They form part of a sustained pattern of conduct that demands urgent international attention, accountability, and action in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

We call on the New Zealand Government to uphold its longstanding commitment to human rights by:

Demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
Supporting unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.
Holding perpetrators of violations of international law accountable.
Working alongside the international community to ensure justice for the Palestinian people.

Silence in the face of documented atrocities is not neutrality, it is complicity.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for justice, accountability, freedom, and a future founded on equality, dignity, and lasting peace.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand

MIL OSI

VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKES: ‘A cataclysmic event’ – Children spend second night sheltering in open spaces amid hundreds of aftershocks as needs rapidly rise

LiveNews Publisher — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:37:58 +0000

Source: Save the Children

Families in earthquake-devastated Venezuela spent a second night sheltering in open spaces amid fears of further building collapses and raising serious concerns over children’s safety and their immediate needs, Save the Children said.

Venezuela has declared a national emergency following two consecutive 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude earthquakes in the north-central region of the country, putting thousands of children and families at risk. [1]

At least 255 people have been killed and 4,500 injured as of 25 June, according to the country’s health ministry, although these numbers are likely to rise.

Save the Children’s teams and local partners on the ground have reported child deaths and injuries and children have been confirmed separated from their families during evacuations in the capital Caracas and La Guaira – a major port city.

Fatima Andraca, Save the Children’s Country Director in Venezuela, fled her old, 12-storey building barefoot through an outside staircase when the interior stairs of the building were too damaged to use.

Fatima said:

“There is devastation and destruction everywhere you look and many children and families, including here in Caracas, have been forced to spend another night sheltering in open spaces.

“Families are clutching what few belongings they managed to save, children are in the open streets too scared to return to their destroyed homes which are unsafe. The safety of children is a serious concern and our top priority.

“In the days and weeks ahead, children will need protection, psychosocial support, safe water and safe spaces as communities recover from this cataclysmic event.”

Save the Children and its partners have teams on the ground in affected areas who will be responding to children and families impacted, providing child protection, shelter, health services, food and emergency relief items.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Save the Children has launched an emergency appeal to support the response in Venezuela.

Save the Children New Zealand CEO Heather Campbell said as New Zealanders, we understand all too well the devastation earthquakes can bring to families and communities.

“That’s why we have launched this emergency appeal – to urgently support children and families in Venezuela. Children are always the most vulnerable in disasters like this, and they need immediate protection, care, and support. We are calling on New Zealanders to stand with us and act now to help deliver life-saving assistance where it’s needed most.”

VLOGS: Save the Children staff Fátima Andraca and Laura Ciudad give first-hand accounts of the destruction caused by the earthquakes in Venezuela:

www.contenthubsavethechildren.org/Package/2O4C2SPDM4VQ

References:

[1] OCHA: https://reliefweb.int/report/venezuela-bolivarian-republic/earthquakes-venezuela-situation-report-2-25-june-2026-time-300-pm

MIL OSI

Federated Farmers elects new national president

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:07:54 +0000

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers has today voted in South Canterbury farmer Colin Hurst as the organisation’s new national president.

Gisborne farmer Sandra Faulkner has been voted in as vice president.

Hurst, a mixed arable and dairy farmer in the Waimate area, says he’s deeply honoured to take the reins of New Zealand’s leading rural advocacy organisation.

“It’s a huge privilege to be entrusted with this role by my fellow farmers.

“Federated Farmers has such a proud 127-year history of standing up for rural New Zealand, and I’m committed to building on that legacy.

“Farmers are facing no shortage of challenges, but they’re also full of determination and optimism for the future.

“My job as president is to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made – and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

Hurst steps into the role after serving as Federated Farmers’ vice president for the last three years.

He has also been the organisation’s spokesperson for freshwater, biodiversity, and fire and emergency issues.

Hurst was quick to acknowledge the work of his predecessor Wayne Langford.

“I want to pay tribute to Wayne Langford for his leadership, energy, and unwavering commitment to farmers during his time as president.

“We’ve had six years on the board together and I love the guy. He’s been a phenomenal leader who has really transformed and modernised the organisation.

“Wayne has been such a strong and passionate advocate. I wish him all the best for whatever comes next. I have no doubt he will have a huge future,” Hurst says.

He says his focus will be on continuing to ensure farmers’ voices are heard clearly in national decision-making.

“Farmers are operating in an incredibly complex environment right now, from compliance pressures through to economic uncertainty.

“I’ll be working hard with a fantastic team of farming leaders from around the country – and that’s our strength. We are the trusted voice of grassroots farmers.

“Together we’ll be working to make sure farmers’ experiences and perspectives are front and centre in every discussion that affects them,” he says.

Hurst has nearly 40 years as a hands-on arable and livestock farmer, and extensive experience within Federated Farmers at both a regional and national level.

He was the 2019 Arable Farmer of the Year, is a former director for the Foundation for Arable Research, and has dedicated countless hours as a volunteer to the South Canterbury Rural Support Trust and United Wheatgrowers.

He has also been a staunch advocate for farmers at the Seed Quality Management Authority and on the Fertiliser Quality Council.

Colin, his wife Janis, and their family farm 700ha, which includes 450ha in arable crops such as wheat, grass seed, plantain and turnips, and the rest for grazing cattle. Around 250ha is irrigated.

The family has also just bought a dairy farm nearby.

New vice president Sandra Faulkner farms with husband Rob at Wairakaia, near Gisborne, where they run a diverse operation including sheep, beef, cropping, citrus, farm forestry and contracting.

She has been on the Federated Farmers national board for four years, with the local government, adverse events, health and rural communities portfolios.

She also serves on the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and is a trustee for the Campaign for Wool, along with holding other charitable directorships.

“I’m honoured and really excited to hold this role,” Faulkner says.

“There’s so much work still to do, particularly in this period of legislative reform.

“The new RMA and local government legislation will inform how our children will farm, and that can’t be understated.”

Faulkner says she’s proud of the way Federated Farmers has built relationships with decision-makers around New Zealand.

“Right now there are national and regional leaders considering if they should pick up the phone or flick a message to the provincial Feds president.

“They know the response will be well-informed, considered from multiple points of view, deeply practical – and probably more affordable.”

Meanwhile, Southland’s Chris Dillon joins the board as arable chair, taking over from David Birkett.

South Canterbury’s Greg Anderson has been voted in as an at-large board member, and Mark Hooper has held his spot as the other at-large member.

Richard Dawkins (meat and wool chair) and Karl Dean (dairy chair) have retained their positions.

MIL OSI

Venezuela Earthquake: Rescuers race to free people trapped in rubble as children forced from their homes by massive quakes – Save the Children

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:41:40 +0000

Source: Save the Children

Rescuers are racing to find people trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings after two massive earthquakes struck west of the capital Caracas, forcing children and their families from their homes, Save the Children said.

The double earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude have cut off communications and power in some areas so the extent of the destruction and casualties will take time to become clear.The earthquakes struck during the evening when many people were returning home, increasing concerns that individuals may be trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Save the Children works with partners in the affected areas and is working to assess urgent needs. Preventative evacuations have been carried out in several cities, with some children and families moving into open areas as aftershocks continue.

Fatima Andraca, Country Director, Save the Children in Venezuela said:

“Children are among the most vulnerable after these earthquakes. Some will have lost their homes and aftershocks are continuing, causing further terror for children and heightening the risk of further damage and casualties.

“While the extent of the destruction will take time to become clear, we know from past experience that children will need urgent support to access shelter, food, water and healthcare now. They may have been separated from their families in the chaos and could be at risk of exploitation and abuse.

“Save the Children is assessing the situation on the ground and working with our staff and local partners to understand urgent needs and support affected families as quickly as possible.”

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.

MIL OSI

Fire Safety – New first response units now serving Kawau Island, Clutha Valley in medical emergencies

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:37:55 +0000

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Two new Fire and Emergency New Zealand First Responder Units came into being this week to respond to medical emergencies in their communities – one in the north and the other in the south.

Kawau Volunteer Fire Brigade, in the Hauraki Gulf, and Clutha Valley Fire Brigade, in South Otago, became two of about 65 rural Fire and Emergency brigades trained and classified as First Responder Units to attend medical emergencies in their isolated communities.

Because of the remote nature of those communities, rural brigades are often first on the scene for medical emergencies, fires and other incidents.

Both brigades completed first responder training with Hato Hone St John in recent weeks and are now well placed to provide treatment in health emergencies where every minute counts and can potentially be the difference between life and death.

Kawau Island and Clutha Valley are now even better equipped to respond to serious and life-threatening medical emergencies, working alongside the Hato Hone St John emergency ambulance network.

While Hato Hone St John remains the lead agency for all medical calls, collaboration with Fire and Emergency is strengthening emergency response in rural areas.

Fire and Emergency’s Shaun Pilgrim, Assistant District Commander – Waitemata District, says the role of the 12-strong Kawau Island brigade was a crucial service, not just for the 80 to 100 permanent island residents, but also for the hundreds of visitors regularly on the island in any given weekend.

“To have a volunteer brigade that makes up around 15 percent of the island’s population tells you everything about the quality and commitment of the people involved.”

Fire and Emergency Assistant District Commander – Clutha, Blair Harcus had earlier praised the Clutha Valley Brigade for its determination.

“It’s fantastic,” he says. “The brigade are really keen to support their community in every way that they can.”

Doug Third, Hato Hone St John Area Operations Manager – Coastal Otago, says residents in Clutha Valley can be reassured knowing there is now greater response capability in the area.

“In a medical emergency timely assessment and treatment is vital, so having the ability to dispatch locally trained first responders will help improve response times and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.”

Travis Slattery, Hato Hone St John Area Operations Manager – Rodney, says launching the Kawau Island first response team enhances the island’s resilience and emergency preparedness.

“The sooner we can reach a patient, the better their outcome is likely to be. Having a dedicated group of volunteers who are equipped with the skills to respond in someone’s time of need will help save lives, especially in such a remote location.”

He says it’s also important to note that the public should continue to call 111 and request an ambulance in a medical emergency.

MIL OSI

Poll: Public rejects Govt’s AI excuse for axing 9,000 public service workers

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:37:48 +0000

Source: PSA

A new poll commissioned by the PSA shows the majority of New Zealanders do not believe the Government’s claim that AI can be used to replace public service workers.

The Talbot Mills poll released today shows 53% of New Zealanders reject the Government’s plan to use AI to replace the work of some of the 9,000 public service workers it wants to axe (attached).

“Sacking 9,000 workers and hoping AI fills the gap is not a strategy – it’s a gamble with the services New Zealanders depend on, and the public knows it,” said Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Duane Leo.

“AI can make public servants more productive. We welcome that. But there is no evidence that any country has used AI to replace public sector workers at the scale this Government is betting on.”

PSA launches election campaign to change the Government

The poll is being released today as the PSA launches its election campaign in Auckland with a clear message to voters – the Coalition Government must go in the face of its damaging cuts to public services, the relentless attacks on workers’ rights, and the axing of pay equity.

“Enough is enough – this country can’t afford another three years of a Coalition Government that is robbing New Zealanders of the public services they need,” said Leo.

“We are taking this unequivocal stance to reverse the damage that the Coalition – the most anti-worker government in decades – has inflicted on New Zealanders.”

The PSA’s top five asks of an incoming Government are:

– Fund public services including science to meet the growing demands from an ageing population, rising social needs, and our infrastructure and environmental challenges, and reverse the planned cuts of 9,000 jobs and the arbitrary 1% target for the size of the public service.

– Fund the public health system properly so it has the health workforce to meet New Zealanders’ needs and the investment required to cover the rising costs of medical technology and abandon all moves to privatisation.

– Pass legislation which settles and fully funds the care and support pay equity claim within the first 100 days, restore a legal framework that ensures New Zealand women have pay equity, and commit to the settlement of the 33 cancelled pay equity claims.

– Ensure AI is introduced in a way that makes public service workers more productive and is not used to simply cut roles.

– Begin reversing anti-worker laws including planned cuts to sick and annual leave which cut the pay of part-time workers and others, and the personal grievance law that allows employers to fire workers at will.

“We will campaign hard for a new government that properly honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and one that commits to winding back this government’s shameful attacks on Māori.

“New Zealanders need a government that doesn’t choose to cut taxes for landlords, tobacco companies and big business over the public services New Zealanders rely on.

“It’s time for a new Government that takes New Zealand’s challenges seriously and invests in a public service that can help meet them.”

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI

Aberdeen Technical School “ATS Robot” Wins 1st Runner-Up at Robofest World Championship

MIL OSI — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 02:36:31 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Peak Showdown Against National Team Spotlights Innovation and Technology Friendship

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2026 – The robotics team from Aberdeen Technical School (ATS), ATS Robot, has shone brightly on the academic innovation and technology stage in recent years. The team has actively participated in top-tier competitions, such as the “International Youth Tech Olympics,” the “Hong Kong Secondary School Robotics Competition,” and the “Robofest BottleSumo Robotics Competition,” earning numerous accolades.

This year, the team has made history once again. In the “Robofest Robotics Competition 2026 (Hong Kong District),” ATS Robot dominated the “BottleSumo Advanced Senior Division (Class C),” capturing both the Champion and First Runner-Up titles through their superb programming skills and exceptional mechanical design. As the Champion team secured Hong Kong’s sole qualifying spot, they traveled to Lawrence Technological University in Detroit, USA, this May to represent Hong Kong in the World Finals.

Advancing to Detroit: Expanding International Horizons and Technical Exchange

Upon arriving in Detroit, USA, the ATS students immediately immersed themselves in intense preparation. Facing top emerging innovation talents from around the globe, the students showed no fear. They proactively stepped out of their comfort zones to engage in deep technical exchanges with the Chinese National Team and elite squads from other countries.

During the intensive preparation process, the ATS team and the National Team members learned from each other, sharing insights on robot structural optimization, sensor algorithms, and other fields. This vibrant academic brainstorming not only broadened the students’ technological horizons but also fostered a deep comradeship with the National Team in a foreign land.

The Ultimate Showdown: ATS vs. China’s National Team

On the day of the competition, ATS Robot relied on calm adaptability and flexible tactics to defeat formidable opponents from various countries, storming their way into the Grand Finale—where they faced none other than the Chinese National Team.

The final followed a “best-of-three” format. To win, a robot not only had to push its opponent over or out of the ring but also had to maintain its balance on the stage for a full 3 seconds, a requirement that severely tested stability and tactical programming.

After a fierce battle, ATS Robot narrowly missed the top spot by a slim margin, earning the World Finals First Runner-Up (Silver Medal). This high-level sparring with the National Team fully embodied the spirit of “making friends through martial arts and underscored the deep innovation and technology friendship between youths from both regions.

Stepping Beyond the Arena: Exploring Tech and Culture

Beyond the competition, the students seized the opportunity to embark on a study tour of the United States:

California Science Center: They witnessed awe-inspiring technological exhibits up close, including the Space Shuttle, and deeply explored cutting-edge fields such as aerospace, life sciences, and environmental ecology.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): They toured the cutting-edge laboratories and emerging scientific research projects at the School of Engineering, further igniting their aspirations to dedicate themselves to scientific research.
Hollywood Walk of Fame: They strolled down the famous avenue, experiencing the charm of American pop culture and creative industries.

Forging Ahead to Create Greater Glory

Aberdeen Technical School has always been committed to promoting STEAM education. The ATS Robot team’s triumph at the World Championship, along with the deep friendship forged with the National Team, not only brings glory to the school but also writes a brilliant chapter for Hong Kong’s youth innovation and technology community. Armed with valuable world-class competition experience and a global perspective, the team will continue to forge ahead on the road of innovation and technology to reach new heights.

http://www.ats.edu.hk/
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Hashtag: #AberdeenTechnicalSchool #ATS

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

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