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Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home : New Zealanders Urged to Learn First Aid

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Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home : New Zealanders Urged to Learn First Aid

A newly released review of New Zealand health data reveals a confronting truth: emergencies don’t usually happen in public, they happen at home, to the people you love.

The post Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home : New Zealanders Urged to Learn First Aid first appeared on PR.co.nz.

MIL OSI

Animal Welfare – Lincoln University’s ‘world-best practice’ dairy farm exposed in shocking new footage – SAFE

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Source: SAFE For Animals

SAFE is condemning Lincoln University after footage from its own dairy demonstration farm, filmed between 11-13 August, reveals animal suffering and squalid winter conditions at what is touted as a “world-best practice” facility.
The Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) is promoted as a global leader in pastoral dairy systems, attracting international students and showcasing New Zealand farming to the world. According to its website, LUDF’s primary aim is to “protect our people, our cows and our environment – both now and into the future.” Instead, the footage paints a grim picture of what “best practice” in New Zealand dairy really looks like.
Calves are seen piled on top of each other in a trailer. A mother cow is chased aggressively by a farmer on a quad bike after being separated from her calf. Cows and newborn calves stand ankle-deep in a foul mixture of mud, faeces, and urine, with no dry place to rest during the depths of winter. At least one cow appears to have a broken tail.
“This is meant to be the gold standard for dairy,” says SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie.
“If this is what Lincoln University holds up as world-best practice, it shows just how deeply animal suffering is embedded in New Zealand’s dairy industry.”
SAFE believes these practices are not only cruel to animals, but also environmentally irresponsible. Intensive dairying and mud farming in Canterbury are contributing to nitrate leaching, contaminating waterways and threatening the safety of community drinking water. By continuing these practices, SAFE says that Lincoln University is falling far short of the sustainability and environmental stewardship it claims to uphold.
“Continuing mud farming in Canterbury is not only cruel, it is environmentally reckless, and it undermines everything this university says it stands for,” says Brodie.
SAFE has written to Lincoln University to express serious concerns about the treatment of animals at the farm and lodged a formal complaint with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
The release of the footage comes as SAFE ramps up its campaign to end mud farming, alongside a new awareness drive for calving season that exposes the brutal reality faced by newborn calves, two million of which will be killed this year within their first week of life.
“This is the training ground for future dairy farmers,” says Brodie.
“If this farm is showing students that mistreating animals and forcing them to endure freezing, filthy conditions is normal, it sets a perilous example for the entire industry – and the world is watching.”
SAFE is urging the public to sign its petition to end mud farming and to take a stand against the cruelty at the heart of the dairy industry by going dairy-free. 
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
Notes:

  • Footage and still images taken at Lincoln University Dairy Demonstration Farm between 11-13th August, 2025.
  • The Lincoln Dairy Demonstration Farm (LUDF) is managed by the South Island Dairying Demonstration Centre (SIDDC), an industry funded partnership of 7 leading dairy sector organisations including Dairy NZ, Fonterra, and AG Research. They “work to promote sustainable dairying through collaborative research and extension for farmers.”
  • SAFE has launched ads in cinemas across Aotearoa to raise awareness about the plight of bobby calves in New Zealand’s dairy industry.  

MIL OSI

Legal Issues – Five unions to take Government to court over pay equity

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Source: PSA

Note: The previous version of this release contained an error in paragraph 2. Please use this version. The formal filing of the claim will occur on August 29 at the High Court in Wellington.
Media statement from:
  • New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa
  • Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi
  • Post-Primary Teachers Association Te Wehengarua spokesperson
  • Te Hautū Kahurangi o Aotearoa | New Zealand Tertiary Education Union
  • NZEI Te Riu Roa
Five major unions are launching a High Court challenge against the Government over its removal of pay equity rights, arguing the amended pay equity legislation violates fundamental rights and discriminates against women workers.
The NZNO, PSA, PPTA, TEU and NZEI Te Riu Roa are filing proceedings in the High Court seeking a declaration that the amended Equal Pay Act 1972 is inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.
The legal challenge argues the Coalition Government’s legislation breaches three fundamental rights: freedom from gender-based pay discrimination, the right to natural justice, and the right to fair legal process.
The case gives workers who have been denied their right to challenge gender-based pay discrimination a chance to challenge the Government in court. If successful, a Parliamentary Select Committee must consider the declaration of inconsistency and a Parliamentary debate must occur. The Government is then required to formally respond.
The claim will be formally lodged on August 29 at the High Court in Wellington following a rally by women whose pay equity claims have been cancelled.
NZNO delegate and Plunket nurse Hannah Cook said:
“Nurses and care workers like me are devastated by the scrapping of our pay equity claims. Plunket nurses were so close to finally having our hard work recognised. Nurses and care workers are the backbone of a caring society and the Coalition Government needs to value us. These changes don’t just impact us. They impact our families, our livelihoods and our quality of life.
“The Coalition Government has shown it doesn’t value us nurses and those of us in women dominated workforces. It is 2025 for goodness sake. We shouldn’t still be paid less than those in male dominated occupations.”
PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said:
“We are asking the High Court to declare that the Government’s actions are inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 because of the discrimination New Zealand women will face as a result of the Government’s action. The legal action comes after the Government cancelled pay equity claims and gutted the Equal Pay Act 1972 with no prior signalling and without a select committee process. The Government silenced women but we know the High Court will listen to our claims. This is just the start of our campaign for pay equity for New Zealand women and we will be leaving no stone unturned to achieve pay equity.
“The decision to cancel claims that were about to be heard by the Employment Relations Authority is inconsistent with the constitutional foundations of New Zealand which do not provide for the Government to interfere with the judicial system in this way.”
Sandra Grey, Te Pou Ahurei | National Secretary of the TEU said:
“If Brooke van Velden and Christopher Luxon thought avoiding a select committee process would allow them to dodge accountability for stealing $12.8 billion from low paid women workers we’ve got news for them. We look forward to the women of Aotearoa having their day in court to ensure that the government is forced to defend its actions.”
Stephanie Mills, National Secretary of NZEI Te Riu Roa said:
“The scrapping of the teachers claim without consultation and under urgency was a kick in the guts for our teacher members after years of blood, sweat and money getting the claim moving.
“NZEI Te Riu Roa, along with four other unions, has agreed to take the Government to court because they have not followed a democratic process, and because the Government has sent a message to this mainly female profession that their time, expertise and work is not valued.
“Teachers go into their profession knowing the stresses and extra hours involved because they are passionate about young people learning, but they have limits. We’re seeing more teachers looking at other options or teaching in Australia, because they feel their work is not valued in Aotearoa. Teaching is a foundational job for our society, but this Government has shamefully chosen tax cut savings over giving teachers pay equity.”
Chris Abercrombie, PPTA President said:
“This Government’s decision to extinguish our pay equity claim is not only unjust-it is unlawful.
“Our claim was built on years of rigorous, evidence-based work, carried out in good faith under a process agreed with previous governments. To have that work discarded by political decree is a betrayal-not just of teachers, but of every woman in Aotearoa New Zealand whose work has been historically undervalued.
“This is about more than pay. It’s about whether our country honours its commitments to fairness, equity, and the rule of law. We will not stand by while those principles are trampled. Our members deserve better. Our students deserve better. And our democracy deserves better.”
Background
In May 2025, the Coalition Government passed the Equal Pay Amendment Act under parliamentary urgency without consulting unions or affected workers. The legislation effectively

MIL OSI

Pay Equity – Five unions to take Government to court over pay equity – PSA

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Source: PSA

Media statement from:
  • New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa
  • Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi
  • Post-Primary Teachers Association Te Wehengarua spokesperson
  • Te Hautū Kahurangi o Aotearoa | New Zealand Tertiary Education Union
  • NZEI Te Riu Roa
Five major unions are launching a High Court challenge against the Government over its removal of pay equity rights, arguing the amended pay equity legislation violates fundamental rights and discriminates against women workers.
The NZNO, PSA, PPTA, TEU and NZEI Te Riu Roa have filed proceedings in the High Court seeking a declaration that the amended Equal Pay Act 1972 is inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.
The legal challenge argues the Coalition Government’s legislation breaches three fundamental rights: freedom from gender-based pay discrimination, the right to natural justice, and the right to fair legal process.
The case gives workers who have been denied their right to challenge gender-based pay discrimination a chance to challenge the Government in court. If successful, a Parliamentary Select Committee must consider the declaration of inconsistency and a Parliamentary debate must occur. The Government is then required to formally respond.
The claim will be formally lodged on August 29 at the High Court in Wellington following a rally by women whose pay equity claims have been cancelled.
NZNO delegate and Plunket nurse Hannah Cook said:
“Nurses and care workers like me are devastated by the scrapping of our pay equity claims. Plunket nurses were so close to finally having our hard work recognised. Nurses and care workers are the backbone of a caring society and the Coalition Government needs to value us. These changes don’t just impact us. They impact our families, our livelihoods and our quality of life.
“The Coalition Government has shown it doesn’t value us nurses and those of us in women dominated workforces. It is 2025 for goodness sake. We shouldn’t still be paid less than those in male dominated occupations.”
PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said:
“We are asking the High Court to declare that the Government’s actions are inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 because of the discrimination New Zealand women will face as a result of the Government’s action. The legal action comes after the Government cancelled pay equity claims and gutted the Equal Pay Act 1972 with no prior signalling and without a select committee process. The Government silenced women but we know the High Court will listen to our claims. This is just the start of our campaign for pay equity for New Zealand women and we will be leaving no stone unturned to achieve pay equity.
“The decision to cancel claims that were about to be heard by the Employment Relations Authority is inconsistent with the constitutional foundations of New Zealand which do not provide for the Government to interfere with the judicial system in this way.”
Sandra Grey, Te Pou Ahurei | National Secretary of the TEU said:
“If Brooke van Velden and Christopher Luxon thought avoiding a select committee process would allow them to dodge accountability for stealing $12.8 billion from low paid women workers we’ve got news for them. We look forward to the women of Aotearoa having their day in court to ensure that the government is forced to defend its actions.”
Stephanie Mills, National Secretary of NZEI Te Riu Roa said:
“The scrapping of the teachers claim without consultation and under urgency was a kick in the guts for our teacher members after years of blood, sweat and money getting the claim moving.
“NZEI Te Riu Roa, along with four other unions, has agreed to take the Government to court because they have not followed a democratic process, and because the Government has sent a message to this mainly female profession that their time, expertise and work is not valued.
“Teachers go into their profession knowing the stresses and extra hours involved because they are passionate about young people learning, but they have limits. We’re seeing more teachers looking at other options or teaching in Australia, because they feel their work is not valued in Aotearoa. Teaching is a foundational job for our society, but this Government has shamefully chosen tax cut savings over giving teachers pay equity.”
Chris Abercrombie, PPTA President said:
“This Government’s decision to extinguish our pay equity claim is not only unjust-it is unlawful.
“Our claim was built on years of rigorous, evidence-based work, carried out in good faith under a process agreed with previous governments. To have that work discarded by political decree is a betrayal-not just of teachers, but of every woman in Aotearoa New Zealand whose work has been historically undervalued.
“This is about more than pay. It’s about whether our country honours its commitments to fairness, equity, and the rule of law. We will not stand by while those principles are trampled. Our members deserve better. Our students deserve better. And our democracy deserves better.”
Background
In May 2025, the Coalition Government passed the Equal Pay Amendment Act under parliamentary urgency without consulting unions or affected workers. The legislation effectively

MIL OSI

HOPE Foundation and Taiwan’s Top Lung Cancer Experts Call for Seamless Integration of Early Screening, Precision Diagnostics, and Early Treatment

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 August 2025 – Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Yet, progress is within reach. In Taiwan, thanks to the National Lung Cancer Early Detection Program, the proportion of early-stage lung cancer cases continues to rise. Against this backdrop, HOPE Foundation for Cancer Care, one of the largest cancer-focused patient advocacy groups in Taiwan, recently hosted a press conference titled “Healthy Taiwan, Leading the World – Ushering in a New Era of Early Screening and treatment of Lung Cancer”. The event brought together distinguished government officials, ten leading medical authorities in lung cancer, and renowned lung cancer experts from major medical centers nationwide to chart the next phase of early lung cancer prevention and control policies. United in their commitment, participants advocated for the seamless integration of early screening, precision diagnostics, and early treatment in lung cancer care, strengthening efforts to promote early detection and intervention. Ultimately, aiming to support Taiwan in achieving its ambitious goal of reducing cancer mortality rates by one-third by 2030, setting a new international benchmark in cancer control.

Taiwan’s proactive approach to lung cancer prevention is recognized globally for its vision and effectiveness. In July 2022, the government launched the Lung Cancer Early Detection Program, offering biannual low-dose CT (LDCT) screenings for high-risk groups, including those with a family history of lung cancer and heavy smokers. This pioneering initiative has positioned Taiwan as an international role model in lung cancer prevention. Over the past three years, more than 210,000 screenings have led to the identification of 2,506 lung cancer cases—over 80% of which were diagnosed at an early stage, with late-stage diagnoses dropping sevenfold. Previously, late-stage diagnosis was the norm, but Taiwan’s proactive policies have transformed the landscape, reversing the trend and ensuring that most initial lung cancer cases are now detected early.

During his recent visit to Taiwan, Dr. Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), commended Taiwan’s National Cancer Control Program, its comprehensive cancer registry, and robust National Health Insurance (NHI) system for establishing an exemplary cancer care network. He encouraged Taiwan to further improve early lung cancer screening rates and timely access to treatment, reinforcing its status as a global public health leader. At the conference, Minister of Health and Welfare Dr. Chiu Tai-Yuan pledged ongoing cross-ministerial collaboration and policy innovation to improve early lung cancer detection and treatment. Legislator Wang Cheng-Hsu also reaffirmed his commitment to early detection and intervention, advocating for increased resources and improved legislation to ensure early-stage lung cancer patients receive comprehensive care.

Leading medical experts further emphasized Taiwan’s advancements. Dr. Yang, Pan-Chyr, Academician of Academia Sinica, highlighted how the LDCT screening program has driven a shift toward earlier-stage diagnosis, with research indicating it could reduce lung cancer mortality by 53%. Dr. Chen Chien-Jen, Academician of Academia Sinica emphasized that the next key challenge is ensuring early-stage patients benefit from precision diagnostics and early treatment. Dr. Yang Cheng-Ta, President of the Taiwan Lung Cancer Society, added that emerging AI technology is now capable of analyzing LDCT images to predict an individual’s six-year cancer risk, which will improve identification of high-risk groups and support early intervention. Dr. Yang Chih-Hsin, President of Taiwan Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, urged early-stage patients to undergo genetic testing promptly, enabling medical teams to tailor optimal treatment plans, including surgery, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy as adjuvant treatments.

HOPE called for NHI resources to shift toward early lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of genetic testing and adjuvant therapy for high-risk early-stage patients to reduce relapse and mortality. Clinical evidence shows that adjuvant targeted therapy after surgery for stage IB–IIIA lung cancer with EGFR mutations can reduce five-year mortality by 10%, which is vital for improving outcomes and easing the burden on the healthcare system. Dr. Chen Jin-Shing, Head of Thoracic Surgery Division at National Taiwan University Hospital, advocated for priority reimbursement of adjuvant targeted therapy for patients with stage IB-IIIA lung cancer, while Dr. Chen Chih-Yi, Board Member of HOPE emphasized the importance of improving access to early genetic testing and treatment. Dr. Huang, Ming-Shyan, President of the Taiwan Clinical Oncology Society, pointed out that early-stage lung cancer treatment in Taiwan is not yet fully aligned with international guidelines, and urged that expanded screening must be matched with optimized NHI resource allocation and improved treatment access.

Other leading voices reinforced the need for comprehensive care. Dr. Wang Chin-Chou, Board Member of Taiwan Society of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, stressed that while surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage lung cancer, it must be accompanied by proactive adjuvant therapy strategies and long-term follow-up. Dr. Chang Wen-Cheng, CEO of Taiwan Cancer Foundation emphasized that the integration of screening, diagnosis, and treatment is crucial to truly realize early detection and treatment, as well as maximizing the value of screening program. Dr. Chen Jen-Shi, President of Taiwan Oncology Society, recommended that in addition to current NHI and Cancer Drug Fund financing, the government should promote diverse payment mechanisms—such as co-payment models or commercial insurance to supplement the NHI system—to further improve access to early lung cancer treatment.

Uniting multiple lung cancer treatment experts from medical centers across Taiwan, a concerted effort to usher in a new era of early lung cancer screening and treatment. (Listed by institution from North to South)
· Dr. Chen Yu-Min, Director of General Chest Medicine Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
· Dr. Lee Kang-Yun, Attending Physician, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital
· Dr. Huang Chun-Yao, Attending Physician, Division of Chest Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital
· Dr. Tsai Chen-Liang, Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, Tri-Service General Hospital
· Dr. Yeh Yu-Wen, Physician, Division of Thoracic Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital
· Dr. Chang Sheng-Yu, Attending Physician and Leader of the Lung Cancer Team, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital
· Dr. Yang Tsung-Ying, Director of General Chest Medicine Department, Taichung Veterans General Hospital
· Dr. Hsia Te-Chun, Deputy Director, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital
· Dr. Lin Chien-Chung, Attending Physician, Division of Chest Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital

Hashtag: #HOPEFoundation

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

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

GWM Brazil Plant Officially Opens with President Lula in Attendance

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

Iracemápolis, São Paulo – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 August 2025 – In the early hours of August 16 (Beijing time), GWM’s Brazil plant officially commenced operations, marked by a grand ceremony for the rollout of its first vehicle, the HAVAL H6 GT. The plant, located in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, was acquired from Daimler Group and has since been upgraded into an intelligent manufacturing base. As GWM’s third full-process vehicle manufacturing center overseas, it carries the core mission of serving the Latin American market and acts as a key hub linking Europe, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

This milestone not only advances GWM’s globalization in Latin America but also sets an example of China’s high-quality automotive expansion, showcasing innovative collaboration between the Chinese and Brazilian auto industries.

GWM Brazil Plant officially begins production with the first HAVAL H6 GT rolling off the line

At the opening ceremony, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Chinese Ambassador Zhu Qingqiao, Brazil’s Minister of Labor, and other dignitaries joined GWM President Mu Feng, GWM International President Parker Shi, GWM Brazil Region President Zhang Gengshen, and other GWM executives to witness this landmark moment in the company’s globalization journey. President Lula personally signed the hood of the first HAVAL H6 GT, marking its final production step before entering the market. After the ceremony, he also posed for photos with factory workers.

In his welcome address, GWM President Mu Feng stated: “The Brazil plant is not only a strong commitment to the Brazilian market, but also the starting point for building the future together with our Latin American partners. In our global expansion, we adhere to the ‘Four New Modernizations’: Locally Built, Locally Operated, Globally Cultivated, Supply Chain Integrated. Following international quality standards, we will deliver highly reliable vehicles to the Latin American market.” He further announced that the plant’s annual production capacity will gradually increase from 20,000 to 50,000 vehicles, creating over 1,000 direct jobs. Initial models include the HAVAL H9, POER P30, and HAVAL H6, with the H9 and POER P30 scheduled to launch in Brazil this September.

Chinese Ambassador Zhu Qingqiao emphasized that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 51 years ago, China and Brazil’s comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to deepen, with key areas of cooperation including renewable energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. He described the Brazil plant as a model of Sino-Brazilian industrial synergy, combining “Chinese smart manufacturing + Brazilian localization.” He noted that GWM is contributing to economic development and quality job creation in São Paulo and Brazil, and expressed hope for further collaboration in clean energy and digital technology to provide a “China-Brazil solution” for global climate governance.

In his speech, President Lula stressed: “The GWM Brazil plant is very important for Brazil’s national industry. Its inauguration shows that Brazil has the capability to acquire advanced technology and produce vehicles that can compete with those from any country in the world. This means creating jobs, increasing income, and enhancing professional expertise for Brazilians. We hope GWM will make Brazil its production base in Latin America. The Brazilian government stands ready to support businesses and welcomes more Chinese companies to invest here.”

Brazilian Vice President Alckmin, the Minister of Labor, and the Mayor of Iracemápolis also gave speeches, jointly opening a new chapter for GWM in Latin America. Guests at the ceremony praised GWM’s rapid growth and contributions to Brazil’s automotive market and expressed confidence in the company’s ability to further drive innovation and transformation in the industry. During the event, the Great Place to Work Institute awarded GWM Brazil the “Great Place To Work” (GPTW) honor. In addition, GWM announced a donation of 500,000 reais to local schools in Iracemápolis to help improve educational facilities.

Located in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, the GWM Brazil plant covers a total area of 1.2 million square meters, with 94,000 square meters of built-up area. It houses welding workshops, robotic painting lines, assembly lines, energy and equipment facilities, and logistics supply systems. With an initial annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles, the plant is expected to create 1,000 jobs by the end of this year. Initial models will include the HAVAL H9, POER P30, and the HAVAL H6 series. The plant also supports flexible production of multiple energy types, including hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and diesel.

Since entering the Brazilian market in 2021, GWM has reached annual sales of 29,000 units within just three years, ranking 14th in the market. In the first half of this year, GWM sold over 15,700 vehicles in Brazil, up 19.8% year-on-year—17 percentage points above the industry average—demonstrating the company’s confidence and determination to expand overseas and compete globally.

Rooted in Brazil, expanding across Latin America, and reaching the world, GWM will continue to invest in Brazil, focusing on quality jobs, technological leadership, and R&D. The opening of the Brazil plant marks a new chapter in Chinese automotive globalization. With this plant, GWM will strengthen localized smart manufacturing, deepen its presence in Latin America, and bring its products and services to more global markets.

Hashtag: #GWM

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

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

Fatal crash near Matamata

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Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died and two people have been critically injured following a crash north of Matamata.

The two-vehicle crash happened at the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road shortly before 5:25pm.

The Serious Crash Unit are in attendance and the road remains closed.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI

Serious crash closes road near Matamata

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Source: New Zealand Police

An intersection north of Matamata is closed following a serious crash.

The two-vehicle crash happened at the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road shortly before 5:25pm.

Indications are there are serious injuries. The Serious Crash Unit will be in attendance.

Diversions will be in place while emergency services work at the scene.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Minister to visit Saudi Arabia & United States for trade talks

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Source: New Zealand Government

Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will travel to Saudi Arabia and then to the United States (US) next week to meet with his trade and agriculture counterparts.

In Riyadh, Mr McClay will meet with Minister of Commerce, HE Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, HE Eng Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, to advance bilateral trade and investment opportunities, including in food and agritech cooperation.   

The visit will also be an opportunity discuss how best to leverage the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, for which negotiations concluded last year. 

Mr McClay will then travel on to Washington D.C. at the invitation of United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer. He will also meet with U.S. industry representatives, think tanks, and his agriculture counterpart, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

“Following the United States’ 1 August decision to apply a 15 per cent, or more, tariff to ever country with a trade surplus, this visit will be an opportunity to discuss the impact of that decision and better understand the factors that may influence future U.S. tariffs,” Mr McClay says.

“New Zealand and the United States have a long-standing, well-balanced trading relationship, with periods where the US has enjoyed a surplus and times, like now, when New Zealand has a modest one. Overall, our trade is complementary and reflects the strength of a long-standing partnership.

“I will be seeking to understand the effect of any change in trade flows for example, if New Zealand’s current surplus shifted to a deficit, and what that might mean for our exporters,” Mr McClay says.

“The US currently faces an average tariff of just 0.3 per cent when exporting to New Zealand, far lower than what we face into their market.

“It’s important that we raise these concerns constructively, while reaffirming our commitment to the strong, cooperative relationship we have with the United States,” Mr McClay says.

Meetings in Washington will cover wider bilateral trade, investment and agricultural priorities.

MIL OSI

Midwives to play greater role in immunisation efforts

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Source: New Zealand Government

Community midwives will now be funded to deliver antenatal immunisations to pregnant women, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today.

“Community midwives play a vital role in protecting maternal and infant health,” Mr Brown says.

“Protecting pregnant women and their babies from vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough is critically important. Offering antenatal vaccines through community midwives provides expectant mothers with a convenient and trusted option, helping to ensure both mother and baby are protected during pregnancy and in the early months of life.”

Under this new funding, community midwives can now claim payments for administering selected vaccines to pregnant women in their care.

“Empowering midwives means more families can choose where they receive their immunisations – removing barriers to access and helping protect more mothers and babies from the serious complications of preventable illnesses.”

The initiative is a key part of the Government’s response to the national whooping cough epidemic, which has seen more than 2,600 cases nationwide. Nearly half of all infant cases have required hospital care, an outcome that can often be prevented with immunisation during pregnancy and timely infant vaccinations.

“When pregnant women receive these vaccines, they are not only protecting themselves but also helping to protect their babies before they are able to begin their own immunisations at six weeks of age.

“Midwives hold a uniquely trusted position with families. By making vaccines easier to access, we are helping to protect mothers, safeguard newborns, and reduce the toll of serious, preventable diseases across New Zealand,” Mr Brown says.

This initiative is being delivered through a partnership between Health New Zealand and the Midwifery and Maternity Providers Organisation (MMPO).

MIL OSI

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