The Government is driving better outcomes for Māori students by providing kura and schools high-quality structured literacy and numeracy resources in te reo Māori.
“My aspiration is for all tamariki Māori to flourish and be successful in their learning. This is the first time children learning through te reo Māori are being taught using structured approaches in a way designed specifically for them. We’re ensuring tamariki and their teachers have access to the tools they need to succeed and learning isn’t left to chance,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
From Term 1, all 310 kura and schools from Years 0 to 8 using Te Marautanga o Aotearoa will begin receiving Rangaranga Reo ā-Tā (structured literacy) kits and Poutama Pāngarau (numeracy) workbooks and Pāngarau resources. These resources have been purposely created based on the science of learning and will benefit 27,000 students across the country.
“Packs have a book for each phase of learning that provides yearly guidance, lesson plans and activities. Digital versions of the resources will also be available online to ensure flexibility for schools and parents. Professional learning and development will continue to be available for teachers throughout 2025, ensuring they have the confidence to teach in a structured way.”
Schools can also useHihira Weteoro, a purpose-built phonics check to understand how a child’s reading and oral language learning through te reo Māori. Checks will happen at 20, 40 and 55 weeks of schooling and will help identify those who need extra support earlier.
“Parents can have confidence this Government is putting the foundations in place so their children can strive to do their best at school. I am committed to lifting achievement for Māori learners and close the equity gap that has persisted for too long. We will ensure every child gets the very best start so they can grow the New Zealand of the future,” Ms Stanford says.
Operations for a memorable and safe Waitangi Day are well under way in Northland, with Police and partner agencies gathering for one of the biggest events of the year.
Together, Police are working with a number of communities and partners as annual events take place in the lead up to 6 February.
Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, says planning for Waitangi involves a massive effort, which takes place over a number of months.
“Police have been working with Iwi and the Waitangi National Trust to ensure they are able to deliver safe and enjoyable Waitangi celebrations.
“Planning involves understanding the environment and sentiment and ensuring we have appropriate contingencies in place.”
“We are expecting large numbers of people to attend the week’s commemorations.”
Waitangi Ltd Chief Executive, Ben Dalton, says the atmosphere ahead of Waitangi Day is relaxed as people from near and far make their way to the area.
“A lot of work goes into strengthening and building key relationships and interactions with Iwi and other partners prior to Waitangi, including Police.
“All these teams are integral in an event of this size and it’s great to have everyone’s support.”
Superintendent Srhoj says Police are reminding people to be safe and patient on the roads and within Waitangi as it gets busier during the lead up.
“With people travelling around this beautiful region, we are asking everyone to take care and to take extra steps to mitigate risks while driving by wearing seatbelts, driving to the conditions and following speed limits.
“There will be an increase in traffic, so please be patient.
“Our aim is for the community to arrive and get home safely and to celebrate Waitangi 2025 in a safe and respectful manner.”
Operations for a memorable and safe Waitangi Day are well underway in Northland, with Police and partner agencies gathering for one of the biggest events of the year.
Together, Police are working with a number of communities and partners as annual events take place in the lead up to 6 February.
Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, says planning for Waitangi involves a massive effort, which takes place over a number of months.
“Police have been working with Iwi and the Waitangi National Trust to ensure they are able to deliver safe and enjoyable Waitangi celebrations.
“Planning involves understanding the environment and sentiment and ensuring we have appropriate contingencies in place.”
“We are expecting large numbers of people to attend the week’s commemorations.”
Waitangi Ltd Chief Executive, Ben Dalton, says the atmosphere ahead of Waitangi Day is relaxed as people from near and far make their way to the area.
“A lot of work goes into strengthening and building key relationships and interactions with Iwi and other partners prior to Waitangi, including Police.
“All these teams are integral in an event of this size and it’s great to have everyone’s support.”
Superintendent Srhoj says Police are reminding people to be safe and patient on the roads and within Waitangi as it gets busier during the lead up.
“With people travelling around this beautiful region, we are asking everyone to take care and to take extra steps to mitigate risks while driving by wearing seatbelts, driving to the conditions and following speed limits.
“There will be an increase in traffic, so please be patient.
“Our aim is for the community to arrive and get home safely and to celebrate Waitangi 2025 in a safe and respectful manner.”
RAMMELBURG, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 3 February 2025 – Peter Karl Jugl refers to the Bild article from January 30, titled “This Could Be Elon Musk’s New European Headquarters”. Jugl, Managing Director of Deutsche Baukultur Dienstleistungs GmbH, which owns Rammelburg Castle, is offering the visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk the historic property as a weekend retreat, holiday residence, or company headquarters. As a great admirer of Musk’s innovative projects and his commitment to the future of humanity, Jugl would even be willing to gift him the castle.
Aerial view of Rammelburg Castle, Germany, Winter 2025
“I warmly invite Elon Musk to visit Rammelburg Castle in person and experience its unique atmosphere firsthand,” says Jugl.
Jugl is also the Managing Director of Thekenberge Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, which owns the world’s largest bunker complex, Komplexlager 12, also known by the codename Malachite. The bunker is located just an hour from the castle and could also be of interest to Musk.
With this extraordinary gesture, Peter Karl Jugl wants to offer Elon Musk an exclusive and inspiring retreat in Germany and would be delighted to welcome him to his castle.
Hashtag: #GPMGmBH
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SYDNEY, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IREN Limited (NASDAQ: IREN) (together with its subsidiaries, “IREN”) today announced that it will release its financial results for the three and six-months ended December 31, 2024, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 and host a conference call beginning at 5:00 p.m. New York time.
Participants joining the conference call via the phone dial-in option will receive their dial-in number, passcode and PIN following registration using the link above. It would be appreciated if all callers could dial in approximately 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
There will be a Q&A session after the Company delivers its financial results. Those dialling in via phone can elect to ask a question via the moderator. Participants on the live webcast have the ability to pre-submit a question upon registering to join the webcast or can submit a question during the live webcast.
About IREN
IREN is a leading data center business powering the future of Bitcoin, AI and beyond utilizing 100% renewable energy.
Bitcoin Mining: providing security to the Bitcoin network, expanding to 57 EH/s in 2025. Operations since 2019.
AI Cloud Services: providing cloud compute to AI customers, 1,896 NVIDIA H100 & H200 GPUs. Operations since 2024.
Next-Generation Data Centers: 510MW of operating data centers, expanding to 910MW in 2025. Specifically designed and purpose-built infrastructure for high-performance and power-dense computing applications.
Technology: technology stack for performance optimization of AI Cloud Services and Bitcoin Mining operations.
Development Portfolio: 2,310MW of grid-connected power secured across North America, >2,000 acre property portfolio and multi-gigawatt development pipeline.
100% Renewable Energy (from clean or renewable energy sources or through the purchase of RECs): targets sites with low-cost & underutilized renewable energy, and supports electrical grids and local communities.
Contacts
Media
Jon Snowball Sodali & Co +61 477 946 068 +61 423 136 761
Gillian Roberts Aircover Communications +1 818 395 2948 gillian.roberts@aircoverpr.com
Investors
Lincoln Tan IREN +61 407 423 395 lincoln.tan@iren.com
• Yunlin OWF fully operational and running at design capacity of 640 MW
• Enough clean energy to power over 600,000 Taiwanese homes annually
• Major step for Taiwan’s offshore wind farm and renewable energy sectors
HAMBURG, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – 3 February 2025 – Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn) and its partners in Yunneng Wind Power Co., Ltd. (Yunneng) are pleased to announce a major milestone: The Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) is now fully operational and producing clean energy at its design capacity of 640 MW. All 80 wind turbine generators (WTGs) have been successfully installed and are producing electricity, powering Taiwanese homes and businesses. This achievement marks a major step forward in Taiwan’s offshore wind farm and renewable energy sectors, contributing to the country’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Yunneng, a joint venture between Skyborn, TotalEnergies, Electricity Generating Public Company (EGCO Group), and Sojitz Corporation (Sojitz), is responsible for the construction and operation of the Yunlin OWF.
As one of Taiwan’s largest offshore wind farms, the 640 MW Yunlin OWF generates enough clean energy to power over 600,000 Taiwanese homes annually. With a capacity of 2,400 Gigawatt hours (GWh), and meeting 90% of Yunlin County’s non-industrial electricity needs, the Yunlin OWF will also reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 1,200,000 tons per year. The development and construction was led by Skyborn, with the support of its partners. Following the commercial operations date (COD), which is envisaged for June 2025, TotalEnergies will take the lead of the technical operations management, whilst Skyborn will continue to lead all other management services.
“I’m proud to see the 640 MW Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm now generating at full capacity. This project is a testament to our commitment to creating lasting value for our partners and society and delivering on our promises. We promised to deliver it, and we’ve done just that. I’d like to extend a special thanks to the Taiwanese government for their unwavering support throughout this project,” said Patrick Lammers, CEO of Skyborn.
“We are pleased with the completion of the Yunlin offshore wind farm, which is now producing at its planned capacity. The 640 MW project, realized together with our partners, will help Taiwan reach its 2025 target of 5.7 GW of offshore wind power. This achievement, which contributes to the growth of free cash flow from our electricity business, marks a new step towards TotalEnergies’ goal of exceeding 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030,” said Olivier Jouny, Senior Vice President Renewables at TotalEnergies.
“We are delighted that the Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm has successfully commenced its commercial operations with a total capacity of 640 MW, as the first offshore wind project in our power portfolio. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of all relevant parties with efficient construction planning and project management capabilities. We especially thank the Taiwanese government for their continuous support in all aspects of the project. The achievement also fulfils EGCO Group’s business strategy that addresses sustainable growth across all dimensions by balancing business opportunities, profitability, and our low-carbon organizational targets,” said Dr. Jiraporn Sirikum, President of EGCO Group.
“We are honoured to see the Yunlin Offshore Wind Farm commence its operations, as our first offshore wind project. This achievement is in line with our strong commitment to create “value for society” for developing local economies and environmental conservation. We extend our deepest gratitude to our valued partners, senior lenders, EPC contractors and all stakeholders, which have been crucial in making this project a reality,” said Takefumi Nishikawa, Executive Officer, COO of Energy Solutions & Healthcare Division at Sojitz.
The Yunlin OWF is located in the Taiwan Strait, between 8 and 17 km off the west coast of Taiwan, at water depths from 7 up to 35 m. The 82 km² project area comprises 80 WTGs, whose generated electricity is fed into the Taiwanese power grid via two onshore substations near the townships of Taixi and Sihu in Yunlin County. Electricity from the project is provided to Taiwan Power Company (TPC) under two 20-year power purchase agreements. The project is backed by a strong financial consortium established in 2019, including Taiwanese and international banks alongside export credit agencies.
Shareholders of Yunneng Wind Power Co., Ltd.
About Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn) Skyborn is an accomplished offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years’ experience, headquartered in Germany. The company’s capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, project engineering and design, procurement, financing, corporate power purchase agreements, construction management and asset management. Skyborn is a portfolio company of New York based Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a leading infrastructure investor and part of Blackrock.
About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.
As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, TotalEnergies is building a world class cost-competitive portfolio combining renewables (solar, onshore and offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. By the end of 2024, TotalEnergies’ gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity reached over 24 GW. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW in 2025 and more than 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030.
TotalEnergies’ portfolio in offshore wind has a total capacity of more than 18 GW, with most farms bottom-fixed. These projects are in the United Kingdom (Seagreen, Outer Dowsing, West of Orkney and Erebus), South Korea (Bada), Taiwan (Yunlin and Haiding 2), France (Eolmed), the United States (Attentive Energy and Carolina Long Bay), in the Netherlands (OranjeWind), in Germany (Nordsee Energies 1 & 2, Ostsee Energies, N-9.1 and N-9.2).
About Electricity Generating Public Company Limited (EGCO Group) EGCO Group is the first Independent Power Producer in Thailand. EGCO Group presently has a total equity capacity of 7,019 MWe in operation and under construction. Total equity capacity from renewable energy is 1,463 MWe (equivalent to 21% of the total portfolio). The RE portfolio includes biomass, hydropower, solar power, onshore and offshore wind power, fuel cells, and battery storage. EGCO Group’s facilities are located in 8 countries, namely Thailand, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, Taiwan and USA. In addition, EGCO Group has also 11 other energy-related businesses including the fuel and infrastructure business group and the customer solution and startup business group. EGCO Group has been listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for four consecutive years (2020-2023) and aims to achieve Net Zero goal by 2050. Learn more about EGCO Group through our website at www.egco.com
About Sojitz Corporation (Sojitz) Sojitz is a major investment and trading firm in Japan developing wide range of businesses globally, including manufacturing, selling, importing, and exporting a variety of products, in addition to providing services and investing in approximately 50 countries around the world through approximately 440 consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated companies located in Japan and overseas. Sojitz was formed out the union of Nichimen and Nissho Iwai Corp. both with long world-wide investment histories of more than 160 years, Sojitz is a publicly listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Hashtag: #skyborn
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
[From the nothingness, to the night, to the world of light, of understanding
We seek the pathway that is right
We seek the pathway of truth
In the faith that the legacy we leave is for the now and the future generations.
Whatever the kaupapa at hand, we must, seek the truth, with compassion, and with conviction and with belief.
Arise e te iwi
Arise e ngā hapu
May we be guided by the creator
To the assembled multitudes
Greetings to one and all.]
Few places in Aotearoa New Zealand can match the complex legacy of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. As a wāhine Māori with whakapapa to the people of this place – and as the 37th person to serve as Governor or Governor-General – I am deeply connected and committed to this whenua and te pito o te whenua – and it is my privilege to speak here, on this, our nation’s marae.
When James Busby constructed his house here in 1833, these grounds were an isolated outpost of British influence. Two years later, he joined my tupuna here at the signing of He Whakaputanga – and in 1840, it became the place where two peoples – of very different world views – committed themselves to a new kind of relationship in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
By 1932, these grounds – like the Treaty itself – were neglected and largely ignored by the powers that be. When Lord Bledisloe was brought here, and heard the history, he resolved to buy the property and gift it to the nation, so that it could become a place of pilgrimage for all New Zealanders.
To enable both signatories to be represented on these grounds, Sir Āpirana Ngata led the construction of Te Whare Runanga – to complement the Treaty House and represent the iwi Māori of Aotearoa.
This taumata was to be where the signatories of Te Tiriti could meet in dialogue. It has continued to play a role in growing our relationship.
The 1940 Waitangi centenary commemorations have gifted us an iconic image of Sir Āpirana Ngata, leading a vigorous haka in celebration of the opening of Te Whare Runanga. It so perfectly captures his passion to revive pride in Māoritanga. His efforts, along with that of countless others, have borne fruit in the 21st century with the revival of te reo Māori, celebration of waiata and kapa haka with Te Matatini, and te Ao Māori reflected in film, literature, music, and performance.
In 1835, our tipuna who signed He Whakaputanga wanted to consolidate their ability to be successful producers, entrepreneurs and traders. A century later, Sir Apirana Ngata was also driven to develop a stronger economic base for iwi Māori, with his vision of wellbeing and prosperity in all facets of life.
As guardians of these grounds, the Waitangi National Trust Board has helped generations of New Zealanders to better understand the impact of our history, most recently in the two magnificent museums on this site. The new exhibition at The Museum of Waitangi Te Kongahu – He Kura Toi Tangata, which marks 50 years since the Waitangi Tribunal was established, reminds us of the histories uncovered during the Tribunal’s enquiries, the impact of its work, and its many achievements.
So many of us will have vivid memories of times spent here. We feel the wairua of those who have stood and spoken and are no longer with us – and in time, we too will become part of the story of the Treaty Grounds.
Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te whenua.
Our mokopuna will continue the work of our tupuna and I am confident they will be better placed than my generation to take up the mantle of responsibility. They are hopefully better informed by history, they understand the need to care for the planet, and they are more used to living with complex identities in the 21st century.
Let us therefore reflect on our journey in this beautiful country at Waitangi, and our part in its ongoing legacy.
The Crown has today shown its commitment to settling with Ngāpuhi by initialling the proposed transfer of Kororipo Pā to Ngāti Rēhia, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka say.
“This initialling is an important step in beginning to provide reparations to Ngāpuhi and will be the first redress the Crown provides,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“Ngāti Rēhia has long sought the return of Kororipo Pā, and since 2022 Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust has formally engaged with the Crown on its proposed early vesting. The Trust intends to hold the site as kaitiaki on behalf of Ngāpuhi.
“I need to emphasise that public access to the reserve will not be affected.
“Initialling the deed is a significant milestone. Before the deed can be signed, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust will seek support for the proposed vesting from its hapū members.
“This initialling demonstrates our commitment to reaching a comprehensive Ngāpuhi Treaty settlement, which remains a high priority. I would like to commence negotiations with Ngāpuhi as soon as possible.
“Kororipo Pā will transfer to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust as a historic reserve and on-account of a future comprehensive Ngāpuhi settlement.”
“This has been a long journey and I thank Ngāti Rēhia and others for their ongoing commitment to reaching a resolution,” Mr Potaka says.
“The Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai and Ngāti Rēhia have a long-standing partnership and I’m glad that mahi will continue to protect the significant historic taonga and conservation values of Kororipo Pā.”
Golden elegant enigma seeks ‘2025 Bug of the Year’ crown
A short-lived, strikingly stunning native mayfly known to fly-fishers and aquatic admirers yet seldom seen by the public may have its time in the spotlight this month as a nominee for the 2025 New Zealand Bug of the Year. While the adult yellow mayfly or piriwai only dances on this earth for a short while, the aquatic insect has a prehistoric past, with mayflies one of the oldest surviving winged insect orders on the planet, alongside dragonflies and damselflies.
“The yellow mayfly should be celebrated as perhaps the most beautiful mayfly in Aotearoa New Zealand, if not the world,” says NIWA Freshwater Ecologist Brian Smith, who has put forward the piriwai for the coveted crown for both its looks and rather interesting personality and lifestyle. As one of New Zealand’s leading freshwater invertebrate taxonomists, Smith believes the unheralded yellow mayfly deserves more recognition.
Part of the scientific name for the insect, Ameletopsis perscitus, means ‘very clever’ or ‘exceedingly sharp’, with the yellow mayfly living up to its name. “Draped in vibrant yellow, the sexually immature adult stands out in stunning contrast against the muted greens of its native forest surroundings. But this piriwai’s uniqueness extends beyond its alluring appearance. It is the sole species in its genus, and the only representative of the exclusively Gondwanan family Ameletopsidae in Aotearoa. Piriwai really does represent.”
The life story of the yellow mayfly can only really be understood by appreciating how it overcomes the many challenges to its survival, Smith says. “Adults lead a very short life. They are unable to eat, and the female only has a few days to find a mate and deposit her impressive clutch of up to 8,000 eggs back into the stream.”
He admits that beneath the adult yellow mayfly’s elegant and ephemeral beauty, lies a darker side, a very rare predilection among mayflies. “In its aquatic nymph stage, piriwai is a formidable predator. With lightning speed, the nymph ambushes and devours unsuspecting aquatic insects, employing powerful jaws concealed beneath a comically oversized head.”
Smith is hoping that the enigmatic insect will capture the attention of the public in the 2025 New Zealand Bug of the Year, who have until midnight 17 February to vote for the yellow mayfly atNew Zealand Bug of the Year. So far more than 8,000 votes have been cast. “This striking duality between the delicate, transient beauty of the adult and the predatory ferocity of the juvenile presents a fascinating paradox: a creature that is both a fleeting symbol of elegance and yet was a ruthless hunter.”
This rather uncommon mayfly is distributed throughout the country from the Southland and Fiordland streams and up the West Coast and as far as the upper North Island’s rivers.
There is the bigger picture too, about these insects that spent most of their lives as nymphs in freshwater, before emerging in spring and summer for their short adult lives. “Our waterways boast an extraordinary legacy of uniqueness with species of mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly found nowhere else on earth. These insects are indicators of waterway wellbeing, vital to the health and balance of freshwater ecosystems, and the first to disappear as water quality degrades.”
He says while the increasing pressures of pollution, habitat loss, and deforestation often shift attention to more visible and charismatic species like native freshwater fish, it’s equally crucial to highlight the plight of lesser known yet essential insects like Ameletopsis perscitus. “This nomination aims to shine a light on these overlooked gems, celebrating their beauty and raising awareness about their indispensable role in maintaining ecological health. Let’s champion the tiny, the vital, and the irreplaceable.”
