Energy – Perfect paradox: Urgent focus on affordability and infrastructure in global energy report – BusinessNZ

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March 6, 2025

Source: BusinessNZ

Global data released from the World Energy Council today highlights urgent concern for affordable energy and the importance of future energy infrastructure.

The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) is New Zealand’s representative to the World Energy Council. Executive Director Tina Schirr says more than 3,000 energy leaders from more than 100 countries participated in the World Energy Issues Monitor 2025, a survey providing critical insights into the challenges facing the energy sector at home and abroad.

“New Zealand is not alone in its desire for more affordable and reliable energy. This year’s Monitor shows this is the number one growing concern for businesses and households around the world.

“The report also identifies areas which require urgent action including energy storage, grid upgrades, and climate mitigation. These infrastructure and climate issues are crucial for energy security and economic growth.

“While New Zealand shares many global concerns – including the need for economic growth alongside energy transition, key differences emerge in areas like supply chain disruptions and the development of future fuels.

“The World Energy Issues Monitor is a valuable tool for understanding the key uncertainties and priorities shaping energy strategies worldwide. BEC looks forward to the release of regional data in May, which will offer more detailed insights into New Zealand’s current situation.”

The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

Auckland’s flood resilience pilot a success

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March 6, 2025

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Source: Auckland Council

Aucklanders have come together to build flood resilience, with a successful pilot programme proving the power of community action. Their efforts have paved the way for region-wide expansion in 2025, helping more neighbourhoods prepare for future storms.

As part of Council’s Making Space for Water programme – a response to the 2023 extreme weather events – the pilot focused on promoting partnership, inclusivity, and local leadership to enhance Auckland’s flood resilience.

Running from September 2023 to December 2024, the pilot:

engaged 1,424 volunteers in resilience-building activities, including clearing critical stream blockages
partnered with 11 organisations to amplify community leadership
delivered 72 community events to improve flood awareness and stormwater management
planted 2,512 native plants in the right places to absorb water and reduce erosion.

Building on this success, 12 community environmental organisations have now been contracted to expand the programme regionwide in 2025 strengthening flood preparedness in at-risk communities by:

increasing public workshops to improve flood literacy and understanding of healthy catchments.
expanding stream restoration efforts to support stormwater management.
strengthening partnerships with mana whenua and local organisations to enhance resilience.

“The 2023 storms showed that we needed to strengthen community connections and invest in community engagement to foster resilience,” says Tom Mansell, Auckland Council’s Head of Sustainable Partnerships.

“This initiative ensures communities aren’t just preparing for floods—they’re actively reducing risk through education and local initiatives.”

Alanah Mullin from EcoMatters is involved in the initiative and highlights the importance of collective action.

“Flooding is a growing challenge, but we can all be part of the solution. Restoring waterways and planting the right native plants in the right places can help absorb stormwater and reduce the impact of heavy rain on our communities,” she says.

“When the city’s drainage system is overwhelmed, healthy streams can play a crucial role in moving excess water to the sea. By working together, we’re making Auckland more resilient—one neighbourhood at a time.”

Tom Mansell agrees.

“This initiative shows the power of community-led action. We’re not just responding to past events—we’re building a more resilient Auckland for the future.”

For more information or to get involved, visit the Auckland Council website.

MIL OSI

‘Need not race’ approach to bowel cancer screening will save lives

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March 6, 2025

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Source: ACT Party

“The move to reduce the eligibility age for free bowel cancer screening to 58 is ‘need, not race’ in action, and will save lives,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“ACT campaigned against targeting services based on race, because this practice was unfair, inefficient, and led to perverse outcomes.

“Bowel cancer screening was a classic example. In 2022, Labour set a lower eligibility age for Māori/Pacific people accessing the National Bowel Screening Programme.

“However, bowel cancer does not discriminate on race. Māori and Pacific peoples have a similar risk of developing bowel cancer compared to other population groups at a given age.

“It was true that a higher proportion of bowel cancers occur in Māori and Pacific peoples at a younger age, but that is because the overall demographics of those groups are younger. It has always been age that determines bowel cancer risk, not race.

“Today, the Government has repurposed Labour’s funding to deliver an eligibility age of 58 for all population groups, down from the previous default of 60.

“This is ‘need, not race’ in action. ACT campaigned on it, we secured it in our coalition agreement, the Minister of Health pushed officials, and the result was (after having to go overseas for the advice) that we can have good things and deliver wider health benefits to all New Zealanders.

“It shows, when you use real science and real statistics you don’t have to be racist. The previous government got the science and statistics wrong, and practiced racism. We abhor racial discrimination and we’re proud to be part of seeing the back of it.”

MIL OSI

Bowel screening changes to save hundreds of lives

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March 6, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has agreed to progressively lower the age of eligibility for bowel cancer screening tests to align with Australia.“Today, I am pleased to announce that we are taking the first step by lowering the age to 58, with redirected funding of $36 million over four years. “This means free bowel screening will become available to all New Zealanders from the ages of 58 to 74,” Health Minister Simeon Brown says.“Lowering the age of eligibility from 60 to 58 will see 122,000 Kiwis eligible for free tests in the first year and save hundreds of lives over the coming decades.“This is the first significant step we are taking to align our screening rate for bowel cancer with Australia as funding and access to additional colonoscopy resource becomes available.“The changes announced today are projected to prevent an additional 771 bowel cancers and an additional 566 bowel cancer deaths over the next 25 years.“Advice from the Ministry of Health clearly states that lowering the age to 58 for all New Zealanders will save even more lives than the previous government’s approach to lower the age to 50 for Māori and Pacific Peoples only.“Under our approach, we will be able to prevent 218 additional cancers and 176 additional deaths over 25 years in comparison to the settings proposed by the previous government.“This also aligns with the Government’s policy of ensuring that healthcare is delivered on the basis of need. “The evidence is clear: by delivering this first step for all New Zealanders, more lives will be saved. “The Government has also approved additional funding for targeted initiatives that aim to increase screening rates among population groups with low rates. Improving early detection of bowel cancers can be lifesaving, and this significant investment will be a game-changer for under-screened populations. “New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer globally. Every year, more than 3,300 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in New Zealand. Tragically, more than 1,200 Kiwis die from the disease. “We are committed to improving cancer detection and treatment for Kiwis. Last year we announced a $604 million uplift over four years to enable thousands more Kiwis to access life-saving cancer drugs.”“We will continue to deliver better outcomes for people with cancer as a result of the changes announced today.“By expanding eligibility for free bowel cancer screening tests, we will enable Kiwis to detect cancer earlier, undertake treatment, and ultimately save lives,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

Unexplained death, Wairoa

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March 6, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Detective Inspector Dave de Lange:

An investigation has been launched after the death of a man in Wairoa yesterday.

Emergency services were called to a Lucknow Street address about 4pm after a man was found unresponsive.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His death is currently being treated as unexplained, and enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances of what has occurred.

A scene examination will commence at the property today, and a post-mortem examination will be carried out.

Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Auckland’s flood resilience pilot a success: community leadership drives expansion in 2025

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March 6, 2025

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Source: Auckland Council

Aucklanders have come together to build flood resilience, with a successful pilot programme proving the power of community action. Their efforts have paved the way for region-wide expansion in 2025, helping more neighbourhoods prepare for future storms.

As part of Council’s Making Space for Water programme – a response to the 2023 extreme weather events – the pilot focused on promoting partnership, inclusivity, and local leadership to enhance Auckland’s flood resilience.

Running from September 2023 to December 2024, the pilot:

engaged 1,424 volunteers in resilience-building activities, including clearing critical stream blockages
partnered with 11 organisations to amplify community leadership
delivered 72 community events to improve flood awareness and stormwater management
planted 2,512 native plants in the right places to absorb water and reduce erosion.

Building on this success, 12 community environmental organisations have now been contracted to expand the programme regionwide in 2025 strengthening flood preparedness in at-risk communities by:

increasing public workshops to improve flood literacy and understanding of healthy catchments.
expanding stream restoration efforts to support stormwater management.
strengthening partnerships with mana whenua and local organisations to enhance resilience.

“The 2023 storms showed that we needed to strengthen community connections and invest in community engagement to foster resilience,” says Tom Mansell, Auckland Council’s Head of Sustainable Partnerships.

“This initiative ensures communities aren’t just preparing for floods—they’re actively reducing risk through education and local initiatives.”

Alanah Mullin from EcoMatters is involved in the initiative and highlights the importance of collective action.

“Flooding is a growing challenge, but we can all be part of the solution. Restoring waterways and planting the right native plants in the right places can help absorb stormwater and reduce the impact of heavy rain on our communities,” she says.

“When the city’s drainage system is overwhelmed, healthy streams can play a crucial role in moving excess water to the sea. By working together, we’re making Auckland more resilient—one neighbourhood at a time.”

Tom Mansell agrees.

“This initiative shows the power of community-led action. We’re not just responding to past events—we’re building a more resilient Auckland for the future.”

For more information or to get involved, visit

MIL OSI

Avondale’s new community hub gets set to connect

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March 6, 2025

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Source: Auckland Council

Great progress is underway in the preparations to build Te Hono – the new Avondale library, community hub, and upgraded town square.

Deconstruction works are complete and the focus now shifts to site preparations that include the construction of retaining walls, ahead of the main construction phase beginning in spring 2025.

Centrally located in Avondale’s town centre, when complete Te Hono aims to connect, inspire, and bring people together.

“Our priority is to deliver Te Hono as soon as possible, at the same time as maximising value for money for ratepayers and keeping true to the community’s vision for a modern, purpose-built space for generations to enjoy,” says Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s general manager of Parks and Community Facilities.

The project steering group of the council and Eke Panuku met on 24 February and agreed to run the enabling works and the main construction phase separately. This decision was taken to keep the project moving and ensure that the main construction phase is delivered at the right value.

“The council is committed to delivering high-quality community projects that provide true value. Our intent is to manage capital projects effectively and ensure that every dollar is well spent for Aucklanders. This project reflects our commitment and strikes the right balance between fiscal responsibility and the community’s aspirations,” says Mrs Crewe.

“This next stage of on-site work will effectively help the main construction phase this year to occur more quickly, after winter, and ensure steady progress. Come spring, you’ll see Te Hono come to life!”

The project group continue their focus on minimizing compromises to the design, to ensure the final outcome delivers on the community’s vision and long-term needs keeping within the available budget.

For more information, visit: Te Hono – Eke Panuku and OurAuckland

Background Info

Since 2019, Auckland Council and Eke Panuku Development Auckland have worked in partnership on the design and planning of Te Hono – the new Avondale library & community hub with an upgraded town square. The plan for a modern, flexible space aims to support learning, creativity, and community interactions, evolving alongside Avondale as a vibrant gathering place.

Following an open selection process, the council signed a pre-construction services agreement with a main contractor in August 2022. Rising construction costs in 2023 resulted in a funding shortfall, so the Whau Local Board approved an updated design to simplify construction and minimise some of the costs. To secure the project’s future, Auckland Council reallocated $15 million in September 2023 from the planned Whau Aquatic and Recreation Centre development budget, reinforcing the project’s importance to the community.

In September 2024, after finalising the detailed designs, the council’s steering group for this project invited the pre-construction services contractor to submit a final bid. After a thorough assessment and negotiations, both parties were unable to reach an agreement on the value for money and budget considerations.

On 24 February 2025, the project steering group approved the decision to go-to-market via a competitive tendering process.

The council remains committed to delivering value for money within the approved overall budget for this project.

Next steps

At the council Project Steering Group on 24 February 2025, the decision was made to engage another council-approved contractor for the next stage of pre-construction, known as ‘enabling works’. This stage includes removing the remaining concrete and steel structure supporting the slip lane and constructing new retaining walls. This approach also allows the project to continue while the new competitive tendering process for a new main contractor is completed.

The successful main contractor is expected to start on-site in spring 2025.

This approach also avoids the additional costs and risks of undertaking major earthworks during winter, including soil instability, sediment control and environmental mitigations.

MIL OSI

Can you help us identify this man?

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March 6, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are seeking information to identify a man sought as part of an ongoing investigation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kathy Bostock, from Auckland City CIB, says the incident is sensitive in nature and occurred in the Auckland City area last year.

“As part of the investigation we have located footage of a man we would like to speak with as part of the investigation,” she says.

“Despite further enquiries being made into this footage we have so far been unable to identify him.

“The public will in no doubt know who he is, and I would encourage them to contact us.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Bostock also encourages the man himself to make contact with Police.

Please contact Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 240616/3973.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Police follow new lead in West Coast cold case investigation

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March 6, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Tasman Police are following a new lead believed to be the last sighting of David John Robinson before his execution-style murder in 1998.

The new last sighting, and other new leads, has breathed renewed energy into the 26 year-old investigation.

The homicide investigation was launched on 28 December after 25-year-old David’s body was located on a remote West Coast beach near Ross. The investigation remained open but unresolved, until Police reopened the investigation in mid-February.

And the investigation team has been making progress.

Detective Inspector Geoff Baber says after conducting further interviews and new information coming to light, Police have identified new avenues and opportunities to solve David’s murder.

“We have spoken with a witness who reports they saw David on a street corner at the northern end of Bold Head Road near Kakapotahi, a day before the single reported gunshot was heard through the area between 14 and 18 December.

“They have also reported seeing David in the passenger seat of a green coloured 4×4 vehicle travelling in the settlement hours following the street corner sighting.”

This information is crucial as David’s last movements were never confirmed in the original investigation.

“We now have a better understanding of his whereabouts and can confirm he was in the Kakapotahi area in the lead up to his death,” says Detective Inspector Baber.

Before this new information, the last confirmed sighting of David was in the beginning of November 1998 when he was arrested by Police in Haast for theft.

“We have a responsibility in helping David’s family find the truth behind his death, and this information brings us closer to doing so.

“If you know who may have owned or drove a green coloured 4×4 vehicle around 1998 in the Kakapotahi and Ross areas, please do not hesitate to contact the investigation team.”

It is not too late to provide David’s family with answers – if you know something, we encourage you to come forward and speak with us.

If you have information that could help Police’s investigation, please email us via the Cold Case form on the New Zealand Police website, or call 105 and reference the case number 231129/2221.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

CGTN: From GDP growth to tech, foreign investment boost, China brings confidence to the world in 2025

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March 6, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

CGTN published an article outlining key takeaways of the Chinese government work report, which was submitted to the country’s national legislature for deliberation on March 5. The story expressed China’s full confidence in its economic development prospects for 2025 and highlighted China’s contribution to global development.

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswre – 5 March 2025 – The world has once again turned its eyes to Beijing as China Wednesday announced its economic growth target rate of around 5 percent in 2025 at the opening meeting of third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s national legislature.

On a global scale, an around 5 percent growth rate would place China among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with the economic increment equating to the annual output of a medium-sized country.

Justin Lin Yifu, dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University, pointed out that China’s stable and dynamic economic growth in 2025 is a certainty regardless global uncertainty.

Lin, the former senior vice president and chief economist of the World Bank, is confident that China’s gross domestic product (GDP) is on track to grow at a rate of at least 5 percent, sustaining its position as a key driver of global growth by contributing over 30 percent to global expansion.

“That is good news – not just for China but also for the world at large,” he added.

The government work report, submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on Wednesday, expressed China’s willingness to work with other members of the international community to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

“We will remain firm in pursuing a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, oppose hegemonism and power politics, oppose unilateralism and protectionism in all forms, and uphold international fairness and justice,” the report affirmed.

Deficit-to-GDP ratio at 4 percent

The report outlined China adopting a more proactive fiscal policy and applying an appropriately accommodative monetary policy. Thus, China’s deficit-to-GDP ratio for this year is set at around 4 percent, an increase of one percentage point over last year.

Tian Yun, a Beijing-based economist, noticed it marks the first time on record that China has set the deficit-to-GDP ratio at 4 percent.

It sent out multiple signals on Chinese policymakers’ stepped-up efforts to navigate challenges and boost high-quality economic development, Tian said. It also indicates that fiscal spending will play a significantly stronger role in supporting economic growth and that the efficiency in using fiscal spending should be higher this year, he added.

Boosting social vitality

Calling for stimulating the vitality of the whole society, the report vowed that China will firmly implement the strategy of expanding domestic demand, strengthen the domestic economy, drive its expansion and broaden international cooperation through further opening up.

To fulfill the target, China will issue a total of 1.3 trillion yuan (about $182 billion) of ultra-long special treasury bonds in 2025, up 300 billion yuan from last year, and earmark 735 billion yuan in central government budget for investment in 2025.

The report highlighted China’s commitments to expanding higher-standard opening up, stabilizing foreign trade and investment and fostering a first-rate business environment.

Since last year, China has fully applied the negative list for cross-border trade in services, launched opening-up trials for valued-added telecom services, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals and has given all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines.

Innovation-driven development

The report on Wednesday said the country will insist on innovation-driven development, pledging to advance tech self-reliance, accelerate major science projects and build an environment for innovation.

Enterprises like Xiaomi deeply understood the importance of innovation and high-end development. When speaking at the Deputies’ Corridor before the opening of NPC session, Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Xiaomi as well as an NPC deputy, stated that Xiaomi’s major achievements are underpinned by its innovation strategy.

Noting that Xiaomi maintained its position among the top three global smartphone manufacturers for 18 consecutive quarters, Lei said it also reflects the growing global recognition of Chinese technology products and brands.

China will reform research institutes, strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, give enterprises a bigger role in innovation and create a top-tier talent pool to support young scientists, the report said.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-05/How-does-China-bring-confidence-to-the-world-in-2025-1BuwEnFFUwU/p.html

Hashtag: #CGTN

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

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