NZ-AU: Perseus Mining takes Final Investment Decision on Yaoure CMA Underground Project

January 28, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Perth, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — perseus mining takes final investment decision on CMA UNDERGROUND PROJECT at yaouré

Perth, Western Australia/January 28, 2025/Perseus Mining Limited (ASX/TSX:PRU) is pleased to advise that a Final Investment Decision (FID) has been taken, to develop the CMA underground project at the Yaouré Gold Mine in Côte d’Ivoire.

The FID took into consideration the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy’s in-principle approval for the project, as announced by Minister Sangafowa Coulibaly on 28 November 2024. This approval marks a critical step towards the start of the CMA underground project which is due to begin in mid-2025 with the development of the first portal. The commencement of this work remains contingent on the approval of the project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) by the Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, which is currently underway, and the formal granting of a Ministerial Decree, foreshadowed in Minister Coulibaly’s announcement.

Following its FID, Perseus has appointed the Australian specialist underground mining contractor, Byrnecut, as the primary mining contractor for the project. Given that the CMA underground project will become Côte d’Ivoire’s first mechanised underground mine, an important element of Byrnecut’s role will be the training of Ivorian miners in the skills and disciplines of underground mining, particularly safe working practices. Byrnecut who has significant international experience, particularly in West Africa with experience operating in Ghana, Burkina Faso and Mali, is expected to mobilise on site at Yaouré by April 2025.

The combined Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource (per Perseus’s August 2024 ASX Release) for Yaouré is currently estimated at 55.6 Mt grading 1.52 g/t Au, containing 2.7 Moz of gold including 7.4 Mt grading 4.16 g/t Au, containing 0.966 Moz of gold associated with the CMA underground project. A further 17.4 Mt of material grading 1.7 g/t gold, containing 0.926 Moz of gold, including 4.5 Mt grading 3.5 g/t containing 0.51 Moz of gold associated with the CMA Underground Project, are classified as Inferred Mineral Resources (Tables 1 & 2).

Total Ore Reserves for Yaouré are estimated at 35.2 Mt grading 1.53 g/t Au, containing 1.73 Moz of gold including 4.9 Mt at 3.51 g/t for 0.56 Moz associated with the CMA underground project (Table 3).

The CMA underground project, when combined with the open pit ore sources, based on the current estimate of Ore Reserves, will extend the Yaouré Gold Mine’s operational life until at least 2035. There is potential for further life extensions through additional discoveries of mineralisation down dip from the currently delineated mineralisation.

The move to underground operations allows further utilisation of the CMA deposit – which has proved to be a reliable foundation of the Yaouré operation to date. At steady state production rates, it is planned that underground ore will represent approximately 20% of the tonnes of ore mined on the site from both open cut and underground operations and will be mined at a rate 700-770kt per annum over the life of the currently defined underground operation. The average underground mining cost will be approximately US$75 per tonne of material mined and the underground operation will contribute close to half of the metal production at Yaouré, during this period.

Preparations for the commencement of underground operations is in progress with recruitment and onboarding of the CMA underground team. Work to establish surface infrastructure, including camp, electrical tie-in and maintenance areas to support the underground operations is progressing well. Open pit mining in the CMA pit has recently exposed the planned underground access locations, these areas are being prepared to make the initial excavation in Q1 FY26. The table below shows the project progress to date.

Process

FY2025

FY2026

FY2027

Infrastructure early works

Underground Tender Adjudication

Final Investment and Mining award

Infrastructure Upgrades
Camp and Mine Services

Contractor Mobilisation

Portal Works

Underground Development

First Production – Q1 FY27
Commercial Production – Q4 FY27

The approved capital for the development for the CMA Underground is $124.6M (including $2.6M of pre-approved funding). This funding allows for the investment in surface infrastructure servicing the underground operations, mobilisation of underground equipment (including relevant customs and duties payable), underground capital development and capitalised pre-production for the project. The approved budget aligns with the previously communicated cost estimates for the project provided to the market in September 2023 and August 2024.

The majority of the capital expenditure is scheduled for FY26 and FY27 as underground development commences. To date, the Company has incurred $4.1M towards progressing the project, including upgrades to camp facilities and mine services and the order of long lead items, in preparation for the mobilization of the underground contractor in Q1 FY26.

The project remains on track with its planned timelines and budgetary requirements, and we look forward to providing further updates as development progresses.

LIFE OF MINE PLANS (LOMP) FOR YAOURÉ AND THE PERSEUS GROUP

As is Perseus’s normal practice, LOMPs for all of its operations are updated annually as part of its regular budgeting cycle. Typically, these plans are finalised early in the June Quarter of each year as a precursor to preparation of annual budgets for the following financial year commencing on 1 July.

In the June 2025 quarter, Perseus intends to publish consolidated group production and cost forecasts incorporating details from the updated LOMPs for each of its existing and planned mines including Yaouré which will for the first time include the CMA underground project, and the Nyanzaga Gold Mine which is also expected to receive an affirmative FID in the near future. The consolidated plan for the Perseus Group will confirm Perseus’s corporate plan to continue producing between 500-600,000 ounces of gold per year at a cash margin of not less than US$500 for each ounce of gold produced.

Perseus’s Managing Director and CEO, Jeff Quartermaine said:

“Perseus is proud to be playing a pioneering role in Côte d’Ivoire’s mining sector with our affirmative decision to invest in the development of the CMA underground project at our Yaouré Gold Mine. This investment decision reaffirms our commitment to being a long-term partner in the development and production of Minerals Resources in Côte d’Ivoire.

We are particularly grateful to his excellency, the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Monsieur Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, for his continued support and leadership in bringing underground mining to Côte d’Ivoire. While this represents a new phase for the Ivorian mining sector, members of our technical team have considerable individual experience operating mines in underground settings throughout the world, with a strong commitment to human and environmental safety as well as training of our Ivorian workforce.

Very importantly, with the inclusion of the CMA underground operation into the Yaouré mine LOMP, we will materially extend the life of this mine. Since producing first gold at Yaouré in December 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic, Yaouré has been become the flagship operation of Perseus’s business and with the decision to proceed with the underground operation, we have ensure that this will continue to be the case for some time to come.”

Table 1: Yaouré Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources^9,10,11

DEPOSIT	DEPOSIT TYPE	MEASURED RESOURCES			INDICATED RESOURCES			MEASURED & INDICATED RESOURCES
		QUANTITY	GRADE	GOLD	QUANTITY	GRADE	GOLD	QUANTITY	GRADE	GOLD
		Mt	g/t gold	‘000 oz	Mt	g/t gold	‘000 oz	Mt	g/t gold	‘000 oz
CMA ^1,3,4	Open Pit	–	–	–	15.8	0.90	458	15.8	0.90	458
Yaouré^2,3,4	Open Pit	–	–	–	19.2	1.35	838	19.2	1.35	838
Zain 1^2,4	Open Pit	–	–	–	2.4	1.57	123	2.4	1.57	123
Satellite deposits^5,6	Open Pit	0.1	1.28	5	4.5	0.98	142	4.6	0.99	147
Sub Total		0.1	1.28	5	41.9	1.16	1,561	42.1	1.16	1,566
CMA⁸	Underground	–	–	–	7.4	4.16	996	7.4	4.16	996
Heap Leach^3,7	Stockpile	–	–	–	0.4	0.61	8	0.4	0.61	8
Stockpiles	Stockpile	5.7	0.77	141	–	–	–	5.7	0.77	141
TOTAL		5.9	0.78	146	49.8	1.60	2,565	55.6	1.52	2,711

Table 2: Yaouré Inferred Mineral Resource^9,10,11

DEPOSIT	DEPOSIT TYPE	INFERRED RESOURCES
		QUANTITY	GRADE	GOLD
		Mt	g/t gold	‘000 oz
CMA ^1,3,4	Open Pit	7.5	0.8	200
Yaouré^2,3,4	Open Pit	0.6	1.5	27
Zain 1^2,4	Open Pit	3.7	1.4	159
Satellite deposits^5,6	Open Pit	1.0	0.8	26
CMA⁸	Underground	4.7	3.4	514
Total		17.4	1.7	926

Notes for 1 and 2:

1. Based on June 2022 Mineral Resource estimate.

2. Based on June 2024 Mineral Resource estimate.

3. Depleted for previous mining and to 30 June 2024 mining surface.

4. 0.3 g/t gold cut-off applied to in situ open pit material constrained to US$2,000/oz pit shells.

5. Based on Angovia 2 April 2021 and CMA SW May 2024 Mineral Resource models.

6. Angovia 2 has a 0.4 g/t gold cut-off applied to in situ open pit material constrained to US$1,800/oz pit shell. CMA SW has a 0.3 g/t gold cut-off applied to in situ open pit material constrained to US$2,000/oz pit shell.

7. Heap leach resources are stated at 0 g/t gold cut-off; only heap leach components with average grade above 0.4 g/t included.

8. May 2024 Mineral Resource estimate, below Stage 3 pit and above 1.5 g/t block grade cut-off.

9. Mineral Resources current as of 30 June 2024.

10. Rounding of numbers to appropriate precision may result in summary inconsistencies.

11. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Ore Reserves.

Table 3: Yaouré Proved and Probable Ore Reserves^5,6

DEPOSIT	DEPOSIT TYPE	PROVED			PROBABLE			PROVED + PROBABLE
		QUANTITY	GRADE	GOLD	QUANTITY	GRADE	GOLD	QUANTITY	GRADE	GOLD
		Mt	g/t gold	‘000 oz	Mt	g/t gold	‘000 oz	Mt	g/t gold	‘000 oz
CMA^1,2	Open Pit	–	–	–	6.8	1.81	394	6.8	1.81	394
Yaouré^2,3,	Open Pit	–	–	–	13.1	1.25	524	13.1	1.25	524
Zain 1^2,3	Open Pit	–	–	–	1.5	1.12	52	1.5	1.12	52
Satellite deposits ^2,3	Open Pit	0.1	1.14	5	3.5	0.95	107	3.6	0.96	112
Sub Total		0.1	1.14	5	24.8	1.35	1,077	25.0	1.35	1,082
CMA⁴	Underground	–	–	–	4.5	3.52	507	4.5	3.52	507
Stockpiles	Stockpile	5.7	0.77	141	–	–	–	5.7	0.77	141
TOTAL		5.9	0.78	146	29.3	1.68	1,584	35.2	1.53	1,730

Notes:

1. Based on depletion to 30 June 2024 mining surfaces.

2. Variable gold grade cut-offs for each material type, ranging from 0.30 g/t to 0.75 g/t.

3. Pit designs are based on US$1,500/oz gold metal price for existing designs and satellites and US$1,700/oz for Zain 1, Yaouré and CMA Southwest (listed in Satellite deposits) open pits.

4. Based upon cut-off for development and stoping of 0.5 g/t and 2.5 g/t respectively.

5. Inferred Mineral Resource is considered as waste for optimisation purposes.

6. Rounding of numbers to appropriate precision may have resulted in apparent inconsistencies.

Competent Person Statement

All production targets referred to in this release are underpinned by estimated Ore Reserves which have been prepared by competent persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code.

Edikan

The information in this release that relates to the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at Edikan was updated by the Company in a market announcement “Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” released on 21August 2024. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in “Technical Report — Edikan Gold Mine, Ghana” dated 7 April 2022 continue to apply.

Sissingué, Fimbiasso and Bagoé

The information in this release that relates to the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at the Sissingué complex was updated by the Company in a market announcement “Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” released on 21 August 2024. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in “Technical Report — Sissingué Gold Project, Côte d’Ivoire” dated 29 May 2015 continue to apply.

Yaouré

The information in this release that relates to the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at Yaouré was updated by the Company in a market announcement “Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” released on 21 August 2024. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in “Technical Report — Yaouré Gold Project, Côte d’Ivoire” dated 19 December 2023 continue to apply.

Nyanzaga Gold Project

ASX Listing Rules disclosure
All information on the Nyanzaga Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates has been extracted from the OreCorp ASX announcements dated 12 September 2017 titled “MRE Update for the Nyanzaga Project Increasing Category and Grade”, 5 May 2022 titled “DFS Completion and Kilimani Mineral Resource Estimate update within the Nyanzaga Special Mining Licence – Tanzania”, and 22 August 2022 titled “Nyanzaga DFS Delivers Robust Results” available on www.perseusmining.com. Perseus confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affect the information included in the original ASX announcements and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the ASX announcements continue to apply and have not materially changed. Perseus confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original ASX announcements.

Canadian National Instrument NI43-101 disclosure
The information in this release relating to the Nyanzaga Gold Project is extracted from the OreCorp ASX announcements dated 12 September 2017 titled “MRE Update for the Nyanzaga Project Increasing Category and Grade”, 5 May 2022 titled “DFS Completion and Kilimani Mineral Resource Estimate update within the Nyanzaga Special Mining Licence – Tanzania”, and 22 August 2022 titled “Nyanzaga DFS Delivers Robust Results” available on www.perseusmining.com. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the Historical Estimates as current. As such, any Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates included in this section are Historical Estimates as defined in Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and are not reported as current Perseus estimates. The OreCorp Feasibility Study includes key assumptions for commodity prices, gold mining and processing costs, and there have been no material changes in assumptions. The OreCorp Feasibility Study in its current form is a comprehensive compilation of all available data applicable to the estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Reference is made to Perseus’s news release dated 31 May 2024 titled “Perseus progresses Nyanzaga Gold Project” for further clarifying statements. Perseus confirms the applicability of these statements have not materially changed.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information:

This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the Yaouré Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingué Gold Mine without any major disruption, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company’s publicly filed documents. The Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the Company’s ability to carry on its exploration and development activities, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

This market announcement was authorised for release by Perseus’s Managing Director and CEO, Jeff Quartermaine

ASX/TSX CODE: PRU

CAPITAL STRUCTURE:

Ordinary shares: 1,372,184,529

Performance rights: 10,383,593

REGISTERED OFFICE:

Level 2

437 Roberts Road

Subiaco WA 6008

Telephone: +61 8 6144 1700

www.perseusmining.com

DIRECTORS:

Mr Rick Menell

Non-Executive Chairman

Mr Jeff Quartermaine

Managing Director & CEO

Ms Amber Banfield

Non-Executive Director

Ms Elissa Cornelius

Non-Executive Director

Mr Dan Lougher Non-Executive Director

Mr John McGloin

Non-Executive Director

CONTACTS:

Jeff Quartermaine

Managing Director & CEO

jeff.quartermaine@perseusmining.com

Stephen Forman

Investor Relations

+61 484 036 681

stephen.forman@perseusmining.com

Nathan Ryan

Media Relations (Australia, US, UK)

+61 420 582 887

nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au

Olga Akin
Media Relations (Africa)
oa@concerto-pr.com

– Published by The MIL Network

Opposing Govt Policy – Hear our voice PM – the PSA’s campaign against asset sales begins today

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: PSA

The PSA firmly rejects any return to selling state assets following today’s comments from the Prime Minister.

Christopher Luxon said National may seek a mandate for asset sales at the next election. That comes days after ACT Leader David Seymour floated the prospect of privatisation of public health and other public services.

“Not content with stripping the guts out of the public service, now we have a Prime Minister floating selling state assets – it’s a return to the failed policies of the past,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, Acting National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“If the Government thinks selling state assets will drive economic growth, then the public should be worried.

“Have we not learnt from the past? Our history is littered with failed privatisations which required expensive bail outs and buy backs by taxpayers – remember the failures of Kiwi Rail, Air New Zealand and the Bank of New Zealand.

“The PSA doubts the public’s mood for asset sales has shifted since the 2013 citizens initiated referendum where two thirds of voters rejected asset sales.

“Asset sales are just a short-term sugar hit, and the public will be worse off. This is not simply a ‘recycling of assets’ as the PM puts it, but a loss of ownership and control. It’s wrong.

“Let’s not repeat the mistakes of the past and keep the state’s silver in public hands. The PSA will be making its opposition to any return to the failed asset sales agenda of the past loud and clear.”

MIL OSI

Energy Sector – New risk management contracts improve market design

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand

The Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand (ERANZ) welcomes today’s launch of a new standardised super-peak hedge contract to be auctioned and brokered by Aotearoa Energy.

A standardised super-peak hedge contract is a risk management tool for wholesale electricity buyers. It acts as an insurance policy against higher wholesale electricity prices during peak demand periods when weather-dependent generation may be low. These contracts will become even more important as market volatility increases with the embracing of more intermittent renewable energy sources.

ERANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says the new contracts enable wholesale market participants to better manage higher prices when hydro, solar and wind generation may not be able to meet demand.

“All electricity market participants in New Zealand know our wholesale electricity market is volatile due to our dependence on intermittent renewables, and this product could be very useful for consumers who don’t have load flexibility or have very lumpy consumption patterns.

“We’re pleased to see the joint Electricity Authority-Commerce Commission Competition Taskforce launch this new product and look forward to this first trading event following extensive engagement with an industry-led representative panel.”

Abernethy supports the implementation of the new product and says ERANZ looks forward to the market’s development of more liquidity, which will provide generators and large consumers with another way of managing the risk in their energy portfolios.

“The Government’s recent Policy Statement on Electricity outlines an expectation that wholesale buyers and sellers have well-suited risk management arrangements in place.

“By introducing standardised flexibility products, participants will have far greater transparency around future electricity prices, supporting better risk management and investment decisions.”

MIL OSI

Reduced Police Executive proposed

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has today released a proposal to reduce the size of the Police Executive.

The proposal was sent to affected staff earlier today and will remain open for feedback until Monday 10 February.

“When I was appointed Commissioner in November, I clearly signalled my intent to restructure the current Police Executive – the highest-ranking levels of our organisation,” Commissioner Chambers says.

“My goal is to ensure our Executive structure is fit-for-purpose, provides strong, clear leadership to the frontline, and delivers on the priorities I have set.”

The consultation document proposes consolidating a number of roles and responsibilities, including the disestablishment of 37 Executive and support service positions.

It also proposes creating 20 new positions, meaning a potential reduction of 17 roles.

“Consultation is an integral part of this process, all feedback will be reviewed and carefully considered before final decisions are made in late February,” Commissioner Chambers says.

“It’s also important to note that I’m absolutely committed to boosting our frontline and redundancy is not available to constabulary employees.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Name release: Fatal crash Hei Hei Road

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a crash on Hei Hei Road, Christchurch on Saturday 25 January.

He was 35-year-old Liam Michael Ryan-Morris of Hornby.

Police extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of those involved.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

ChildFund – Make the Case for Aid or Have It taken away

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

President Trump has issued an immediate stop-work order for all USA funded aid projects to align aid budgets with his foreign policy agenda.

This will cause chaos and suffering across the world, and will impact on some ChildFund New Zealand programmes and partners, says CEO of ChildFund NZ, Josie Pagani.

“It isn’t just USA aid programmes that are impacted – it’s any charity or donor who is working on a joint project with USA funding.”

ChildFund New Zealand is working with its ChildFund partner in America, to support food security and clean water projects in places like Kenya and Sri Lanka.

“With our USA partner we know we reach about 15,000 people in the vulnerable district of Batticaloa in Sri Lanka with nutritious food by supporting small-holder farmers. We know that we get clean water and good food to thousands of people who otherwise would not have it in countries like Kenya. We also know that 10,000 children in Sri Lanka are getting access to education through digital hubs, as well as thousands of children in Zambia, who otherwise would not have access to education.”

“All of that is at risk with this stop-work order.”

“We have been told that all US Aid funded projects have three months to evaluate each program based on three criteria:

Does the action make America safe?
Does it make America stronger?
Does it make America more prosperous?

“We welcome challenges about the effectiveness of aid. We should always hold ourselves accountable for success or failure when it comes to saving and improving the lives of people in some of the most vulnerable, war-torn or poorest places in the world.

New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters is in the process of reviewing New Zealand’s aid, and we welcome the review.

“But President Trump and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio are asking the wrong questions.”

“Aid is not there to make the donor countries rich or prosperous. There are better ways to do that.

The Focus of aid is to save lives, to lift children and communities out of extreme poverty, to stop people dying of preventable diseases, and to make sure every child and person has access to clean water and nutritious food, wherever they live.

Reducing the acute suffering of many millions of people reduces the likelihood of war, terrorism and political destabilisation. There is no doubt that effective aid programmes make us all safer.

The questions President Trump’s administration should be asking are:

Are we making a difference with aid?
Are local communities and institutions strong enough to continue the work after we leave?
Are we helping to make the poorest places less dependent on aid, and ultimately more prosperous?

“At ChildFund New Zealand that is the standard by which we measure our work. We ask ourselves these questions all the time. If the answer is no, we adapt, change what we’re doing and sometimes stop.”

“If we are achieving those goals, to answer President Trump’s questions, we can say ‘yes, we are helping to make New Zealand and our Pacific region a safer and stronger place’,” says Josie Pagani.

MIL OSI

PM emphasises importance of growth in 2025

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

For the Government, 2025 will bring a relentless focus on unleashing the growth we need to lift incomes, strengthen local businesses and create opportunity.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today laid out the Government’s growth agenda in his Statement to Parliament.
“Just over a year ago this Government was elected by the people of New Zealand with a mandate to change course. Since then, we have made big changes and we are seeing promising signs of success, with inflation dropping and remaining low, interest rates starting to fall, and wages continuing to rise,” Mr Luxon says.
“Business and consumer confidence is rising and average mortgage interest rates have now fallen for the first time in more than three years. Wages are rising faster than inflation, supporting a recovery in household incomes. Growth is also expected to resume, reaching 2.1 per cent in 2025 according to Treasury’s latest forecasts in the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update.
“We need to act now to strengthen growth and productivity – both in the very near term and over the years to come.
“In 2025, we will take action to end the culture of no – whether that’s through Fast Track, comprehensive RMA reform, rewriting our health and safety laws, enabling more mining, allowing our farmers to grow their businesses with much less red tape, or other changes designed to promote more growth and investment.
“In this Government’s first year in office we made tough decisions to ease the cost of living and laid the foundations for a stronger economy, rising incomes and more opportunities for New Zealanders to get ahead.
“This year we will continue to build on this early progress to make sure these green shoots of recovery grow into lasting improvements that benefit all New Zealanders,” Mr Luxon says.

MIL OSI

Tax Issues – Overwhelming support for Capital Gains Tax welcomed – TJA

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa (TJA)

28 January 2025 – A new survey showing strong support for a capital gains tax among workers has been welcomed by Tax Justice Aotearoa (TJA).

TJA chair Glenn Barclay said the latest Council of Trade Unions (CTU) Te Kauae Kaimahi Mood of the Workforce survey showed almost 90 per cent of respondents were in favour of a capital gains tax.

“We welcome this result, which shows almost universal support for a capital gains tax among workers,” Mr Barclay said.

The CTU survey asked “Should a greater share of public services such as health and education be paid for by taxing non-income profit via a capital gains tax?” – with 87.7% answering in favour.

“It supports what we know from public surveys held last year – and shows support is growing, with our own survey in 2023 finding 62 per cent of respondents thought all income should be taxed the same way, regardless of how it is earned.

“A capital gains tax is now widely accepted as the tax we need to have, because we are so far out of step with the rest of the developed world when it comes to taxing capital gains.

“Aotearoa is an outlier internationally, in that we do not tax capital gains in a comprehensive way – and this latest survey shows it’s no longer a political taboo.

“However, a capital gains tax is not the silver bullet for our unfair and unjust tax system.

“There are other options – such as wealth tax and excess profits taxes – that Aotearoa needs to consider in order to adequately fund public services, including health and education – and to help address inequality and challenges arising from climate change.”

MIL OSI

Auckland’s most colourful festival returns this February

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

A burst of colour is on the horizon for Tāmaki Makaurau as Auckland Pride Festival returns for February 2025. As a proud Strategic Partner, Auckland Council is calling on all Aucklanders to join the vibrant festivities in support of rainbow communities across our region.

The month-long festival kicks off on 1 February and is an annual open-access arts, cultural and community fiesta featuring 160 events, with major events like Pride Fest Out West and Big Gay Out. Also included are key works as part of Te Tīmatanga, a rangatahi-led exhibition at Season Gallery Aotearoa, and Pride Elevates at Q Theatre Loft, within Auckland Pride’s own curated arts programme.

The festival celebrates and empowers Auckland’s rainbow communities with a special focus this year on fostering resilience, visibility, and unity through events, creativity, and advocacy – a focus that strongly aligns with Auckland Council values.

Councillor Richard Hills says Auckland Council is committed to supporting our rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau.

“As a Pride Pledge partner, we’re happy to be on board for yet another year of fabulous celebrations alongside Auckland Pride Festival,” says Cr Hills.

“The festival has a fantastic programme for us all this year, with something on offer for everyone to enjoy including live performances, community events, art installations and new and exciting activity in our Proud Centres and libraries to name a few. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out and about, show your support and make the most of the community-focused activities on offer”.

Hāmiora Bailey, Auckland Pride’s Executive Director says the theme of this year’s festival is Tētahi Ki Tētahi or ‘to one another, and each other’ which encompasses Auckland Pride’s values of inclusivity, respect and peace.

“Auckland Pride Festival offers a safe space for all, and we’re back this year to continue championing our takatāpui and rainbow community members who make Auckland a more liveable and exciting city,” adds Hāmiora.

“We are thought leaders, business owners, creatives and artists who contribute to the lifeblood of Tāmaki Makaurau. We’re proud to be back and working alongside Auckland Council as we align with its long-term plan of ‘providing for our communities in the greatest need’ and in addition, through Waimahara and Te Tīmatanga, we enact the council’s commitment to deliver outcomes for and with Māori. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to celebrating in unison right across Tāmaki Makaurau”.

At Pride Festival 2025 be sure to check out:

Proud Centres

Auckland Council’s Proud Centres are back! Proud Centres offer opportunities for people to come together in their local neighbourhoods across Auckland, providing a dynamic range of events and activities that champion local takatāpui and rainbow community members.

Highlights for this year’s Proud Centres programme include Ang Sininang Bulawan (The Golden Dress) by Marc Conaco at Studio One Toi Tū, Embroidery for Crafty Queers, Proud Voices Open Mic Night on Waiheke Island, The Starlight Disco at Onehunga Oranga Community Centre, Insider Outsider at Mt Albert Library, and the LGBTQIA+ Craft Club (Pride Edition) at Point Chevalier.

Love is Love: Take 3 Romances

Calling all book worms! From 1 February, you’re invited into our libraries to celebrate Auckland Pride Festival and our rainbow communities, and mark Valentines Day by making the most ‘Love is Love: Take 3 Romances’.

Auckland Council Libraries will feature a Love is Love display showcasing books from a curated list that celebrations the rainbow community. Members aged 18 and over who borrow three or more books from the collection will be automatically in to win one of five eGift vouchers to spend on something special for themselves and their dearest – don’t miss out!

Pride Artist Residencies

If you’re in the city centre, be sure to check out The Ellen Melville Centre’s Queer Creative Residency, as part of Auckland Council’s Proud Centre initiatives for Auckland Pride Festival 2025. This exciting opportunity offers one takatāpui creative from any discipline the chance to transform the Marilyn Waring Room into a public-facing studio space, visible from High Street.

Rainbow storytelling on the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Vector Lights is proud to present its first rainbow story on the Auckland Harbour Bridge! Contemporary installation and takatāpui artist, and a master’s student at Unitec, Alex Watene (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Te Arawa a Tūhoe) brings his thesis to life in a new dynamic light and sound show). ‘Re-indigenising gender diversity here in Aotearoa New Zealand’ explores the impact of colonisation and raises awareness about Takatāpui identity and its acceptance in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The show will repeat every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight and is the feature of Vector Lights for Auckland Pride Festival. Head to vector.co.nz/lights and listen live from some of the best viewing spots including, Silo Park, Bayswater Marina and Takarunga Mt Victoria.

Due to critical maintenance work by NZTA, some of the lights will not appear on the west side overarch of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Completion of the work is expected by 31 March 2025.

Waimahara at Myers Park for the big finish!

Auckland Pride Festival has something special in store before the curtains shut for another year. Pride month will culminate at Waimahara at Myers Park, a reimagined gathering that shifts the traditional Pride March and Pride Party to an activation that reflects on the strength within rainbow communities and galvanises the shared vision of queer liberation and social justice.

All are welcome to join in on the celebration, beginning with a rally in Aotea Square Grass Terraces. Attendees will walk together to Myers Park, experiencing multi-sensory artwork Waimahara by Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu), for a day of connection, learning, and organising around shared advocacy goals.

Visit aucklandpride.co.nz for the full programme

MIL OSI

Housing Sector – Affordable housing project for Wānaka seniors receives $100k grant

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: Queenstown Lakes Housing Community Trust (QLCHT)

A Wānaka housing project that will provide affordable rentals to seniors has received a $100,000 grant from a local trust that assists people in need in the Upper Clutha.

The housing project, which is being developed and managed by Queenstown Lakes Housing Community Trust (QLCHT), received the six-figure donation from the Elsie and Ray Armstrong Charitable Trust recently. The financial contribution will go towards the development of 10 affordable, one-bedroom units along with two three-bedroom family units on the corners of Upton and McDougall Streets in central Wānaka.

The concept first began in November 2022 when QLCHT purchased a section on McDougall Street – beside five council-owned rental properties – with the intent of developing the vacant lot into affordable rental units for seniors.

Last year, the Queenstown Lakes District Council approved the transfer of ownership and operational management of the five neighbouring properties to QLCHT, following public consultation. Currently in the planning phase, the housing project will contain 12 units across both sites, with stage one consisting of civil works and new builds on the empty section, followed by the redevelopment of the existing site.

Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust chief executive Julie Scott says the grant is greatly appreciated, especially in the current economic climate. QLCHT will fund the project, estimated to be around $5m-$6m, but grants like this one are vital to ensure ongoing costs to residents can be kept to a minimum.

“There is not a lot of funding for these types of projects at the moment, and we are so grateful to the Elsie and Ray Armstrong Charitable Trust for their generous donation,” she says. “It will allow us to provide additional features such as solar panels, a communal laundry space and shared services, including a highly efficient hot water heating system to the 12-units.

“These extra infrastructure benefits will provide substantial financial support to the occupants by significantly reducing power costs,” Scott adds.

Elsie and Ray Armstrong Charitable Trust trustee Simon Telfer says the group is excited to contribute towards the important community project.

“The elderly are an important demographic in our local community who need support and we are thrilled about what this project will provide them,” he says. “We’re pleased this grant helps to kickstart the development and hope it leads to others supporting our fellow Wānaka residents.”

The site is located within 200 metres of the Wānaka Community Hub, which provides critical services and amenities to many local seniors.

QLCHT Wānaka tenancy manager Emma Roberts says the demand for affordable senior housing is growing.

“We have a lot of people aged over 60 living in the district, and some encounter unfortunate and unexpected circumstantial changes, which are outside of their control,” Roberts explains. “For many of these people, their only option is to upheave their lives and leave town.

“By offering an alternative rental option it allows them to have a greater sense of security, which is important as the local population grows and ages. And with 250 eligible Wānaka households currently on our waiting list today, we have significant demand for this type of housing,” she says.

“Tenants living in the five existing units will be cared for by our team throughout the build process and will have the opportunity to shift into one of the new units, before stage two starts,” Scott says. “All going to plan, we hope to break ground on the first stage in the middle of this year.”

About the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust:
QLCHT is a not-for-profit, registered community housing provider created to manage and deliver affordable housing solutions to those vital to the community who cannot afford it. Initiated by Queenstown Lakes District Council in 2007, which recognised the affordability issue and acted upon it, the Trust is an independent entity operating throughout the Queenstown Lakes District.

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