Legal action dropped over ETS Foresty Registry

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February 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Forestry Todd McClay has welcomed a decision by forestry sector representatives to drop Judicial Review proceedings related to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) fees.

“The Judicial Review was initiated in response to the excessive fees imposed on the forestry sector by the previous Government,” Mr McClay says.

“The previous Labour government made a number of decisions that drove up the cost of ETS Registry and they expected the forestry sector to blindly pay for their mistakes.

“The National-led coalition Government has worked hard to rebuild confidence in the forestry sector over the past 12 months.

“We have been working collaboratively with the sector to ensure we get the settings right to restore trust to the over 4,300 forestry participants in the ETS registry.

“Last year we announced that the cost of participating in the ETS registry would be reduced by 50 per cent for forest owners, and the formation of a Forestry Sector Reference Group to find more cost savings over the next year.

“This Government backs forestry, it will continue to play a key role in achieving our ambitious target of doubling exports by value in 10 years and helping New Zealand meet its climate change obligations,” Mr McClay says.

MIL OSI

NZ-AU: US Graphite Producers Win Preliminary ITC Trade Case Ruling

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February 3, 2025

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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

BRISBANE, Australia, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NOVONIX Limited (NASDAQ: NVX, ASX: NVX) (“NOVONIX” or the “Company”), a leading battery materials and technology company, applauds today’s preliminary determination by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that China has supressed the establishment of the domestic graphite industry by exporting artificially cheap graphite to the United States. As previously announced on December 19, 2024, the American Active Anode Material Producers’ (“AAAMP”), including NOVONIX, initiated a case with the ITC and the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) to investigate whether China is exporting natural and synthetic graphite used to make lithium-ion battery anode material at unfair prices to the United States and seeking import tariffs as a remedy.¹

Mr. Robert Long, Interim CEO of NOVONIX, said, “China’s strategic efforts to control the global critical minerals supply chain, fueled by massive government subsidies with the clear intent of suppressing fair competition, are a threat to U.S. energy and national security. The ITC’s ruling represents an important step towards leveling the playing field for U.S. critical minerals producers and bringing transparency to the global marketplace. This will protect companies like NOVONIX from unfair predatory pricing practises by Chinese producers.

Now that the ITC has made its preliminary determination, the case will proceed simultaneously before Commerce and the ITC under the jurisdiction of U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) statutes. If the investigation proves conclusive, Commerce will assess the use of additional tariffs equal to the extent of unfair pricing by the Chinese. China currently has over 95% market share for battery grade graphite.²

NOVONIX’s Riverside facility, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is poised to become the first large-scale production site dedicated to high-performance synthetic graphite for the battery sector in North America. It is slated to begin commercial production in early 2026. with plans to grow output to 20,000 tonnes per annum to meet current customer commitments for Panasonic, Stellantis, and PowerCo.

This case was filed by the AAAMP which is comprised of four members of the North American Graphite Alliance (“NAGA”), including NOVONIX, and two additional graphite anode material producers in the United States. NAGA represents American and Canadian producers of battery-grade natural and synthetic graphite, both of which are used to create anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

This announcement has been authorised for release by Admiral Robert J Natter, USN Ret., Chairman.

About NOVONIX
NOVONIX is a leading battery technology company revolutionizing the global lithium-ion battery industry with innovative, sustainable technologies, high-performance materials, and more efficient production methods. The Company manufactures industry-leading battery cell testing equipment, is growing its high-performance synthetic graphite material manufacturing operations, and has developed a patented all-dry, zero-waste cathode synthesis process. Through advanced R&D capabilities, proprietary technology, and strategic partnerships, NOVONIX has gained a prominent position in the electric vehicle and energy storage systems battery industry and is powering a cleaner energy future.

To learn more, visit us at www.novonixgroup.com or on LinkedIn and X.

For NOVONIX Limited
Scott Espenshade, ir@novonixgroup.com (investors)
Stephanie Reid, media@novonixgroup.com (media)

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements about the Company and the industry in which we operate. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would,” or other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements in this communication include, among others, statements we make regarding our plans to commence commercial production and meet our production target at our Riverside facility.

We have based such statements on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Such forward-looking statements involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the timely deployment and scaling of our furnace technology, our ability to meet the technical specifications and demand of our existing and future customers, the accuracy of our estimates regarding market size, expenses, future revenue, capital requirements, needs and access for additional financing, the availability and impact and our compliance with the applicable terms of government support, our ability to obtain patent rights effective to protect our technologies and processes and successfully defend any challenges to such rights and prevent others from commercializing such technologies and processes, and regulatory developments in the United States, Australia and other jurisdictions. These and other factors that could affect our business and results are included in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F. Copies of these filings may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at www.novonixgroup.com or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes, and actual performance and outcomes may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement in this communication is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

¹American-Graphite-Producers-File-Trade-Case-with-U.S.-Government-Over-Chinas-Manipulation-of-Global-Graphite-Market.pdf
² Benchmark Minerals Intelligence Anode Price Assessment September 2024

– Published by The MIL Network

SH1/Bridge Street blocked following crash, Rakaia

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February 3, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 1/Bridge Street, Rakaia is blocked at the intersection with Elizabeth Ave following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash was reported just before 10:30am.

Three people have been moderately injured.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

Diversions are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Finance – ASB lowers popular mortgage rates for the second time in two weeks

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February 3, 2025

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Source: ASB

ASB has today announced decreases to some of its most popular fixed home lending rates for the second time in a fortnight, with market-leading rates on 1-year, 18-month and 2-year terms. ASB’s 2-year term falls 20 basis points to 5.29%, with its 1-year and 18-month terms at 5.54% and 5.34% respectively from today.

ASB’s Tribe Lead, Lend & Protect David Jackson says, “We’ve reduced our fixed mortgage rates 11 times since July last year, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to support our homeowners and Kiwi looking to buy.”

ASB has also reduced three of its term deposit rates by between 5 and 10 basis points.

All rate adjustments are effective immediately for new and current customers.

Fixed home lending term	Previous rate	New rate	Rate decrease
1-year	5.59%	5.54%	– 5 bps
18-month	5.39%	5.34%	– 5 bps
2-year	5.49%	5.29%	– 20 bps

MIL OSI

Fire and Emergency New Zealand seeks local advisory committee members in Wellington

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February 3, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling for expressions of interest from people in the greater Wellington area to join its local advisory committee.

The Wellington Local Advisory Committee provides independent advice to the Fire and Emergency board about what their communities value, their needs, and the risks they face.

Fire and Emergency’s local advisory committees help work with communities, businesses and industries to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies when they happen.

The Wellington District covers Wairarapa and the Kapiti Coast.

Fire and Emergency is looking for members who have a passion for making our communities safe both now and into the future.

Key responsibilities of local advisory committee members:

– Assisting in identifying local risks, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

– Actively develop and maintain various community relationships to share the needs and risks of those communities.

– Input into planning and reporting, providing a voice how Fire and Emergency New Zealand can make a difference.

Who we’re looking for:

– People with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who can engage with a broad range of interest groups.

– Leaders in their communities, businesses and industries and understand its unique needs and opportunities.

– A keen interest in supporting public safety and working collaboratively to make a positive impact.

– People with governance experience who can think strategically and pragmatically.

– People with awareness of long-term sustainability challenges and climate resilience strategies relevant to the Wellington District.

– People who attend regular meetings, participate in working groups, and contribute time to community initiatives.

“The Wellington region is a large area with a diverse population,” Fire and Emergency Wellington District Manager Brett Lockyer says.

“The needs of central Wellington will vary greatly from the needs of coastal Wairarapa, so it is vital to the success of our local advisory committee that we have people who understand the risks, challenges and opportunities to work with us”.

More information about local advisory committees, what the role involves, and how to apply is on our website: www.fireandemergency.nz/LACs.

MIL OSI

Applications sought for Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Canterbury Local Advisory Committee

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February 3, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is seeking applications for members of its Canterbury Local Advisory Committee.

The Canterbury Local Advisory Committee will cover both the Canterbury and Mid-South Canterbury Fire Districts, covering the area from just south of the Clarence River down to the Waitaki River.

It is a wide area with a diverse mix of people and land use.

Fire and Emergency’s Te Ihu Region Manager Brad Mosby says it is important to get a wide range of voices at the table of a local advisory committee.

“Canterbury and Mid-South Canterbury are known for their diverse demographic mix, expansive plains, Southern Alps, and rugged coastline,” he says.

“The area faces risks from earthquakes, particularly due to its location near the Alpine Fault. It is also prone to flooding, wildfires and extreme weather events.

“We want people who understand the risks, challenges and opportunities to work with us.”

Key responsibilities of local advisory committee members:

– Assisting in identifying local risks, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

– Actively developing and maintaining community relationships to share the needs and risks of those communities.

– Input into planning and reporting, providing a voice to advise how Fire and Emergency can make a difference.

– Considering and promoting the interests of local Fire and Emergency volunteers.

We’re looking for people who:

– Have diverse backgrounds, experience, and perspectives who can engage with a range of interest groups.

– Are leaders in their communities, businesses and industries who understand the unique needs and opportunities of their communities.

– Have a keen interest in supporting public safety and working collaboratively to make a positive impact.

– Have governance experience who can think strategically and pragmatically.

– Understand volunteerism given the large number of Fire and Emergency volunteers in the area.

More information about local advisory committees, what the role involves, and how to apply is on our website: www.fireandemergency.nz/LACs.

MIL OSI

ConsumerNZ reveals the best and worst insurance providers

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February 3, 2025

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Source: ConsumerNZ

Consumer NZ finds two insurers have topped the list for customer satisfaction across the insurance trifecta – car, house and contents.

Results from Consumer’s annual insurance satisfaction survey found MAS and FMG were rated highly by their customers, both earning Consumer’s People’s Choice award.

“This is the eighth consecutive year FMG has received the accolade, and customers have voted MAS for People’s Choice for nine consecutive years,” says Jon Duffy, Consumer NZ chief executive.

“Winning People’s Choice is no small feat. The fact these two providers have won People’s Choice across multiple insurance categories reflects their continued focus on customer satisfaction.”

The best

MAS and FMG are the top-rated insurers for house, car and contents insurance. Customers praise their value for money, easy-to-understand policy documents and products tailored to customers’ needs.

MAS had the highest overall satisfaction rating for house insurance at 76%, while FMG ranked highest for contents insurance at 78%. For car insurance, MAS and FMG also took out the top spots, with 81% and 79% respectively.

Duffy emphasises the importance of choosing an insurer that puts customers first.

“New Zealanders should expect their insurer to get the basics right – good communication and customer support – especially now, with insurers needing to update policies to comply with upcoming law changes.”

Consumer’s Insurance Satisfaction Survey found that while most banks scored below average for house and contents insurance, they generally perform better in travel insurance.

“Some banks scored higher for travel insurance, likely due to it being offered free through some credit cards.

“In today’s economy, value for money is a key factor in customer satisfaction.”

The worst

Big brands State and AMI (both owned by IAG New Zealand Ltd) scored below average for house and contents insurance, with significantly lower-than-average ratings for value for money, communication, customer support and tailored advice.

“It’s disappointing to see major insurers fall short of the industry average. We’d like to see these big names use their market share to improve customer satisfaction.”

Banks also underperformed when it came to car insurance.

“Four banks – ANZ, BNZ, Westpac and ASB – received below average ratings, with ASB at the very bottom of the pile.”

How to save on insurance

Consumer’s research1 shows that concerns about insurance costs have risen more than any other household expense over the past 2 years, as premiums continue to outstrip inflation. Duffy encourages consumers to regularly review their insurance policies to ensure they’re getting the best value.

“If you’re parking your car in a garage instead of the street – update your policy. We’ve found that switching providers could save you as much as $670 per year in our car insurance survey (ref. https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fiihdx-ijjdkdttjk-j/ ).

“Adjusting your sum insured or excess are simple ways to lower those premiums,” he adds.

Consumer members can compare quotes for health, life, travel, house, contents and car insurance, as well as access Consumer’s independent insurance buying guide at consumer.org.nz.

Notes

1 Consumer NZ’s Insurance Satisfaction Survey was conducted online in October 2024, with 6,415 respondents, including Consumer NZ members, supporters and a nationally representative sample of over 1,500 New Zealanders.

Satisfaction is based on the proportion of respondents who rated their experience 8 to 10 out of 10, indicating they were “very satisfied”.

Learn more about Consumer’s People’s Choice award: https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fiihdx-ijjdkdttjk-i/

1 Insurance cost concerns have increased the most over the past 2 years, increasing from 13% to 27% of people listing it as a top-three concern.

MIL OSI

SH1 blocked near Topuni

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February 3, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are advising motorists that State Highway 1 is currently blocked near Topuni.

At around 10.15am a truck rolled, blocking lanes in both directions near the intersections with Schiska and Otioro roads.

There are currently no reports of any injuries from the scene.

Motorists are advised that diversions will be put in place for both northbound and southbound traffic.

Expect delays on your travels while the scene is cleared.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

First charter schools open for 2025

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February 3, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Minister of Education, David Seymour, says that today is a great day for educational achievement in New Zealand. From today the first charter schools will begin teaching.
“As of today, the first lessons at Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki, Te Rito, Te Kura Taiao and Ecole Francaise Internationale Auckland are underway. This is another significant step in the Government’s efforts to lift educational achievement in New Zealand,” says Mr Seymour.
“The next seven days will see the remaining four charter schools set to open at the start of Term 1 2025 begin teaching.
TIPENE will open on Thursday 6 February, The BUSY School will open on Friday 7 February, North West Creative Arts College and Christchurch North College will both open on Monday 10 February.
“Charter schools provide educators with greater autonomy and create diversity in New Zealand’s education system. They have been proven to raise overall educational achievement, especially for students who are underachieving or disengaged from the standard system,” says Mr Seymour.
“Every child deserves an education that gives them the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. The seven charter schools which open over the next week are all fantastic examples of schools that give families and educators more meaningful educational choice and support.
“I want to thank the Charter School Agency and independent Authorisation Board for the work they have done to progress this important work. They oversaw a robust and fair process with 78 applications in the first round.
“This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools.
“The huge demand to open charter schools not only highlights the need, but also the commitment of people to provide varied educational opportunities for young New Zealanders to maximise educational outcomes. Positive education outcomes can lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves.”

MIL OSI

Health and Politics – GenPro focuses BIM on helping new Health Minister improve access to primary healthcare

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February 3, 2025

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Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

General practice owners, pleased the new Health Minister identifies access to primary healthcare as a top priority, have put forward their views on how Minister Brown could reduce waiting times to see a doctor.

In a Briefing to the Incoming Minister, the General Practice Owners Association focuses on three key actions critical to reducing waiting times.

GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers says doctors are on the same page as the Minister as every day they see the frustration of patients not able to make appointments in a timely way or register with their local GP.

Dr Chambers said improving access was more than just about funding, though that’s an important part of the solution in the short term.

“The new Health Minister needs to recognise the importance of primary healthcare and respond to its urgent need for financial support so it can deliver the essential services Kiwis need,” Dr Chambers says.

“Being enrolled with a GP means people are less likely to attend an emergency department, and it also reduces per-patient costs on our health system.

“Investment in hands-on general practice will directly support the government’s aim of reducing waiting times at emergency departments. No other investment has any evidence of supporting the achievement of this target,” Dr Chambers says.

Greater support right now for primary healthcare is critical. General practice has been degraded over two decades. Funding hasn’t kept pace with increasing costs, health needs are more complex, and the ability of general practices to raise revenue is restricted by fees controls. For all these reasons, general practice is in a precarious financial position, the BIM says.

GenPro’s three key areas to reducing waiting times are:

Better funding for primary health care services
Fair pay for family doctor teams
Increasing the family doctor workforce

While all are important, funding is a critical issue because it’s created or exacerbated other problems, such as staff shortages, crowded emergency departments, and reduced services as general practices restrict enrolments or exit after-hours care.

“Minister Brown has a lot to read to prepare for his new role, but GenPro’s briefing must be near the top of the pile. General practice is in a parlous state and his influence on funding is desperately needed so we can arrest the decline in primary healthcare, reduce waiting lists, and give communities the healthcare they need and deserve,” Dr Chambers says.

GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit www.genpro.org.nz

GenPro-Briefing-to-Minister (ref. https://genpro.org.nz/assets/Uploads/PDFs/250123-GenPro-Briefing-to-Minister.pdf )

MIL OSI