Activist News – Silent Vigil Took Place Outside Auckland Hospital: Hands Off Kamal Adwan Hospital – Free Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyya

January 3, 2025

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Members of Auckland’s Palestinian community, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens gathered for a silent vigil outside Auckland Hospital to demand an end to the attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza and the release of detained Palestinian pediatrician, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyya.

This vigil was a peaceful demonstration of solidarity with the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, which has become a symbol of resilience amid escalating violence. The hospital’s medical staff, including Dr. Abu Safiyya, have been working tirelessly to save lives under unimaginable conditions. Reports indicate that Dr. Abu Safiyya has been unjustly detained, further exacerbating the dire healthcare crisis in Gaza.

The participants call on the international community to:

Protect Healthcare Facilities: Immediate action is needed to uphold international humanitarian law and safeguard medical infrastructure in conflict zones.
Free Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyya: Urgent intervention is required to secure the release of Dr. Abu Safiyya, whose work is vital to the health and survival of countless children in Gaza.
This silent vigil reflects our shared humanity and the collective demand for justice, freedom, and the sanctity of healthcare.

Event Took Place On:
Date: Friday, 3rd January, 2025

Time: 6 PM
Location: Outside Auckland Hospital, Park Road

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

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He poroporoaki ki a Kahurangi Tariana Turia

LiveNews Publisher

January 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Uia te pō, rangahaua te pō, whakamāramatia mai he aha tō tango, he aha tō kāwhaki?

Whitirere ki te ao, tirotiro kau au, kei hea taku rātā whakamarumaru i te au o te pakanga mo te mana motuhake? Au te pō, ngū te pō, ue hā!

E te kahurangi māreikura, e te rangatira Tariana. Haere rā koe e whae i te whiunga o te kōwhā, i te rā o te waru, ki te rārāngi tapairu ki te rangi, ki te uru kahika nui o te pō tē whakaarahia.

Haere rā e te wairere i hāku kamo, heria te aroha ki ngā toa o Apa Hāpai Taketake, o Te Awa Tupua, o Tūwharetoa, o Rauru Kiitahi e!

It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of Kahurangi (Dame) Tariana Turia, Minister for Māori Development, Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti, and Whānau Ora Tama Potaka says.

“We mourn the great loss of a dedicated leader who did so much for the betterment of Māori before, during and after her Parliamentary career.

“As the first Minister for Whānau Ora, she was a true trailblazer. I acknowledge the significant leadership role she played in the establishment and advancement of this kaupapa. Kahurangi Tariana set a great course for this waka and, thanks to her leadership, subsequent ministers including myself will tautoko the navigation of its continued journey.

“Whānau Ora places the aspirations and outcomes for whānau at the centre, an approach Kahurangi Tariana relentlessly advocated for throughout her many roles.

“I acknowledge her substantial and significant contributions made during her 18 years in parliament from 1996 to 2014. Kahurangi Tariana was the inaugural Minister for Whānau Ora; Disability Issues and Community and Voluntary Sector. She was also Associate Minister in Health, Māori Affairs, Social Development, Child, Youth and Family, Housing, Corrections, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment.

“Her deep manaakitanga for others and an extraordinary ability to relate to people from different walks of life made her an inspiring and effective leader.

“Before national politics, she established Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority in Whanganui, the first iwi-led public health organisation. She was manager at the Whaioranga Iwi Social Services Unit as well as at the Whanganui Regional Development Board Trust.

“Kahurangi Tariana was a tireless and staunch advocate of locally led solutions and fearless to speak out and act on kaupapa that impacted on the wellbeing of whānau. Her service to community was recognised through many awards during her lifetime.

“In this sad time, I offer my sincere mihi, condolences and thoughts to her whānau, her tamariki, mokopuna, mokomoko, hapū and our iwi of Ngāti Apa, Ngā Rauru, Tūwharetoa and Whanganui. I also celebrate her enormous integrity, contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand’s identity, and resetting of how public services can be delivered better through Whānau Ora.

“While her tūpuna and ancestors have called her home, her legacy will continue with us for the great benefit of Iwi, Māori and of all Aotearoa New Zealand.”

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Biosecurity New Zealand investigating and boosting trapping after Auckland fruit fly find

LiveNews Publisher

January 3, 2025

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

A biosecurity operation is under way and extra field teams are today in Papatoetoe, Auckland, after the find of a single male Oriental fruit fly in a surveillance trap in a suburban backyard, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.

“Checks of the other 187 traps in the Papatoetoe/Mangere area did not find any fruit flies in them,” says Mr Inglis. “However, our previous experience with the successful eradication of several different types of fruit fly is that we might find other insects, so it is important we move quickly, look for any others and eradicate them.

“We will be ramping up trapping and testing, with daily checks in a 200-metre zone from the original find and three daily testing in a second zone out to 1500m,” Mr Inglis says.

“There have been 12 incursions of different fruit fly in Auckland and Northland since 1996 and all have been successfully eradicated thanks to the work of Biosecurity New Zealand, our horticulture partners, and local communities who have stepped up to help.”

Mr Inglis says the latest find demonstrates the benefit and effectiveness of MPI’s lure-based surveillance trapping network and the biosecurity system.

“Our trapping network involves some 7,878 traps set nationwide, and these are checked regularly.

“By setting traps for these pest insects, we are able to find them early, know exactly where the problem is, and respond quickly and effectively.”

Mr Inglis says the fruit fly poses no human health risk, but there would be an economic cost to the horticulture industry if it were allowed to establish here.

“The capture of a single male does not mean we have an outbreak. However, while we do our checks for any other fruit flies, we need community help to prevent any possible spread.

“As a precautionary measure, we’ll be putting legal restrictions in place on the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the area where the fruit fly was found.

Map of affected area [PDF, 424 KB]

“Instructions about these controls and the exact area affected will be issued by midday Sunday once we have completed an initial investigation. In the meantime, we ask that people who live and work in the suburb not take any whole fresh fruit and vegetables out of your property.”

Mr Inglis says biosecurity staff will be out tomorrow providing people with information.

“You may notice increased activity in the neighbourhood as we go about inspections and trapping. Our field officers may ask to look at fruit trees on your property. They will always show you a form of official identification and will only enter your property with your permission.”

In addition to the field work, Biosecurity New Zealand is working closely with international trading partners and Government Industry Agreement (GIA) partners in the horticultural industry to minimise the risk to New Zealand growers and exporters.

Mr Inglis says Biosecurity New Zealand has among the strictest controls in the world for the importation of fruit and checks at the border. The most likely way that fruit flies can arrive in New Zealand is on fresh fruit and vegetables.

For Media enquiries, call 029 894 0328

To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call MPI’s Pest and Diseases Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

Background

The Oriental fruit fly is native to Asia but has now spread to many warmer countries, especially as the climate warms. Adult flies lay eggs into fruit. The young stages (maggots) feed inside the fruit, causing it to rot and become unmarketable.

The Oriental fruit fly maggots can feed on 300 different fruit and vegetables. The fly’s favourite hosts are apple, guava, mango, peach, and pear.

How to identify the fly

Adult flies:

are a little larger than a housefly (6mm to 8mm long)
have a dark “T” shaped marking on the abdomen (the part behind the waist)
usually have a bright yellow and orange abdomen (but can vary)
have clear wings.

The female fly has a pointed “sting” to lay eggs inside fruit (but she can’t sting or bite people). The male fruit fly is a similar size but is reddish-brown.

Oriental fruit fly showing dark “T” shaped marking on the abdomen (the part behind the waist)

Female oriental fruit fly laying eggs in fruit. Image: Scott Bauer, USDA.

If you think you’ve found the fruit fly

For further information on the oriental fruit fly detection

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Appeal for information following anti-social road activity

LiveNews Publisher

January 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police would like to speak to any witnesses following an anti-social road user event in Levin earlier this week.

At around 3:15pm on Wednesday 1 January, Police were called to Himatangi Block Road where a number of vehicles had gathered and were driving dangerously along the road at the intersection with Motuiti Road.

The vehicles dispersed on Police arrival, but not before two cars were impounded and four people were arrested due to their driving behaviour.

Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed any anti-social road activity, or any dangerous driving in the Levin and Foxton areas on 1 January.

This includes anyone who has CCTV or video footage of potential offending.

Police wish to thank those who have already provided information, and ask for anyone with information to please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250102/4742.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Southern Motorway closed following crash, Dunedin

LiveNews Publisher

January 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 1/Southern Motorway, Dunedin is currently closed between the Quarry Road Bridge and Saddle Hill Overpass due to a crash.

The single vehicle crash was reported around 3:30pm.

Four people have received moderate injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Flint’s Paper Battery Technology Secures US$2 Million in Seed Funding to Revolutionize the Sustainable Energy Storage Space

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January 3, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 January 2025 – Flint, the pioneering deep tech company developing a proprietary paper battery technology, has raised US$2 million in seed funding. This funding round, led by a global consortium of angel investors, will accelerate Flint’s efforts to bring high-performance, sustainable energy storage solutions to market.

“This funding milestone represents years of technical breakthroughs, and now, with real-world applications on the horizon, we are laser-focused on delivering our solutions to market,” said Mr. Carlo Charles, Founder and CEO of Flint, who has been recognized by the US State Department, the European Union, Google, TechCrunch, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Singapore government, and other esteemed institutions. “Our batteries are engineered to excel where traditional technologies fall short, and we believe they will transform industries that demand superior safety, sustainability, and flexibility.”

The funding supports commercial expansion, pilot production, and intellectual property development, positioning Flint to challenge legacy battery technologies like lithium-ion and lead-acid with cleaner, safer, and adaptive alternatives. The company is also set to roll out its first paid pilot project in the immediate future with an international customer in a diversified industry sector.

Key Highlights:

US$2 million seed funding raised from private investors across nine countries and AI-driven VC firm Hatcher+.
First commercial pilot project secured with a global enterprise, validating Flint’s market readiness.
Stealth mode exit after intensive R&D and proprietary battery designs now ready for commercialization.
Funds allocated toward pilot production, key hires, and intellectual property development.

Deep Tech Innovation: Rethinking Energy Storage

Flint’s cellulose-based paper batteries are engineered from the ground up to solve critical challenges in modern energy storage. These next-generation batteries are:

Highly Sustainable: Using natural and non-toxic materials such as cellulose paper, zinc and manganese, Flint eliminates hazardous components used in conventional battery technologies and are fully compostable at the end of their lifecycle, making recycling easier and cheaper, minimizing electronic wastes, and reducing environmental impact.
Inherently Safe: Explosion-proof, leak-proof, and immune to combustion risks, ensuring near-zero fire hazards even under extreme conditions.
Flexible and Durable: Flexible and designed to maintain functionality even when punctured, bent, or damaged, allowing new form factors for various applications.
Cost-Efficient: Leveraging low-cost input materials and scalable production processes, Flint addresses pricing concerns that have traditionally hindered the adoption of sustainable technologies.
Scalable for Rapid Adoption: Seamlessly integrates into existing manufacturing infrastructure, lowering barriers to industrial adoption and allowing for quick scaling.

These innovations represent a fundamental shift in energy storage, laying the groundwork for smarter, safer, and more environmentally sustainable batteries. Flint’s core technology addresses both anode and cathode breakthroughs, with proprietary electrolytes and separators enhancing performance, stability, and safety under extreme conditions.

Furthermore, Flint’s proprietary innovations not only address sustainability challenges but also remove the traditional “green premium” — the higher cost often associated with environmentally friendly products. For standard battery types and applications, Flint’s inexpensive input materials and efficient production processes enable competitively priced solutions. These solutions not only match the performance of conventional batteries but also provide a “green discount”: a more sustainable product at a lower price.

Strong Market Traction with High-Value Customers

With a global energy storage market valued at US$500 billion by 2030, Flint is strategically positioned to disrupt the industry. The company’s first paid pilot project with a diversified international enterprise validates its value proposition and underscores early market traction. Flint has already attracted interest from more than 20 companies across sectors, including:

Defense and Security
Energy Storage Systems
Critical Power Supply
Consumer Electronics
Space Applications
Electric Vehicles (EVs)

“These discussions highlight a growing appetite for next-generation energy solutions,” said Mr. Carlo Charles. “Our cost-effectiveness is key to driving adoption at scale. We’re not just offering a sustainable option; we’re offering a better, safer, and more affordable alternative to unsustainable batteries.”

“A lower production cost is at the core of creating demand, scaling quickly, and increasing adoption rates while ensuring profitability,” said Mr. Jeremy Wee, Co-Founder of Flint. “We are no longer confined to the lab — our commercial pilots are already demonstrating the tangible impact of our innovations in real-world applications.”

Investor Confidence and Funding Roadmap

The US$2 million seed funding round which closed in October was driven by private angel investors from France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. It also saw participation from Hatcher+, a venture capital firm recognized for leveraging machine learning and AI-driven insights to identify high-potential ventures. The capital infusion will be deployed to:

Scale pilot production capabilities
Secure intellectual properties to safeguard proprietary technologies
Build a world-class team of engineers and scientists
Drive commercialization efforts with pilot customers

“This announcement marks a major milestone for us as a company, and we are very humbled by the support from our investors, who, like us, believe in a better and greener future,” said Mr. Carlo Charles.

This funding builds on Flint’s national and international recognition from TechCrunch, the Techblazer Awards, the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES), and accelerator programs by Shell and OPPO, along with grants from the Singapore government — further validating the company’s breakthrough potential.

Upcoming CES 2025 Global Launch

Flint will also showcase its prototypes and products at CES 2025 in Las Vegas from January 7th–10th, presenting to global tech leaders and strategic partners. CES is labelled the most powerful tech event in the world with more than 130,000 attendees expected.

At the end of 2023, Flint made its debut on the global stage of TechCrunch’s flagship event in San Francisco, standing out as the only company from Asia among just 20 start-ups selected worldwide out of a total of more than 3,200. Building on that momentum, Flint is now ready to leverage CES 2025 as a strategic launchpad for accelerated international expansion.

Shaping the Future of Sustainable Technology

“At Flint, we aim to do more than build better batteries — we’re changing the way the world envisions energy storage,” said Carlo Charles. “By positioning ourselves at the intersection of advanced technology and sustainability, we’re addressing the climate crisis head-on. Our paper battery technology isn’t just about better performance; it’s about creating a safer, greener standard that industries can rely on. This is the future of energy, and we’re proud to be leading the way.”

Our goal is simple: to create batteries that work great and are better for the planet,” added Mr. Jeremy Wee. “We’re not just solving today’s problems — we’re preparing for tomorrow and setting new standards for what’s possible in sustainability.”

https://www.madebyflint.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/madebyflint/

Hashtag: #Flint #FlintPaperBattery #GreenEnergy #DeepTech #SustainableInnovation #CleanTech #FutureOfEnergy #PaperBattery #EnergyStorage #StartupFunding #SeedFunding #TechInvestment #GlobalInnovation #ClimateTech #CES2025 #TechCrunchDisrupt #MadeByFlint #TechLeaders

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

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

New qualification a step forward for diabetes care

LiveNews Publisher

January 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says people with diabetes and other painful conditions will benefit from a significant new qualification to boost training in foot care.

“It sounds simple, but quality and regular foot and nail care is vital in preventing potentially serious complications from diabetes, like blisters or sores, which can take a long time to heal and can be a start on the path to diabetic foot and limb amputations,” says Dr Reti.

“We know there is currently pressure to find trained podiatrists, particularly in rural and provincial areas, and training new podiatrists takes time.

“This can result in significant waits for often basic care, which diabetes specialists have advised is something that can have the greatest impact for diabetes management.

“Footcare assistants will help ease that pressure. Those who qualify for the new credentials in 2025 won’t be sole charge – they will work in collaboration with a podiatrist to provide examinations, basic foot and nail care and hygiene, freeing up the specialists to take on more complex care.

“This is an innovative new solution to expand the health workforce and reduce barriers to quality care for people with diabetes.”

The new micro-credential has been developed jointly by the Podiatry Board, Workforce Development Council and NZQA. It involves 250 hours of training, with 50 per cent completed online and the remaining hours in clinical settings.

“Footcare assistants will first be piloted in South Auckland and Te Tai Tokerau – regions where we know there is a high incidence of diabetes and difficulties accessing appropriate care,” Dr Reti says.

“Following those pilots, the micro-credential will be made available across the sector.

“I applaud the collaboration which has made this new qualification possible.”

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Holiday road toll significantly lower than last year

LiveNews Publisher

January 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are pleased that there have been far fewer road deaths for the 2024/2025 holiday period compared to last year.

The holiday period road toll provisionally stands at 13, which is just over half of last year’s total of 22.

Director Road Policing Superintendent Steve Greally says while it’s fantastic to have seen this number drop, any death on the roads is still one too many.

“That’s still 13 families who have had their lives irrevocably changed at what should be a happy and festive time of year, and our hearts go out to them.

“It’s important that we collectively keep doing everything we can to prevent lives being lost on our roads.”

Police will continue to be out in force across the country this summer, conducting road policing operations and patrols to target unsafe driver behaviour.

“Our officers are doing everything they can out on the roads working to reduce the number of serious crashes.

“But we need drivers to be doing their bit too.

“Please – make sure everyone in your vehicle is safely buckled up, drive at a safe speed for the conditions under the speed limit, put your cellphone away, and ensure you’re driving free of fatigue, alcohol, and drugs.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Fatal Crash, Ihumatao Road, Māngere

LiveNews Publisher

January 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One person has died following a single vehicle crash on Ihumatao Road, Māngere yesterday 2 January.

Emergency services responded at around 5.36pm, but the driver and sole occupant was found deceased.

The Serious Crash Investigations Unit has conducted a scene examination and is appealing for witnesses to the crash.

If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250102/7039.

Police continue to encourage drivers to take extra care on the roads, watch your speed levels, take breaks if travelling long distances, and remove any chance of distraction by not using your mobile phone.

ENDS

Tony Wright/NZ Police

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Name release – workplace fatality, Selwyn

LiveNews Publisher

January 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now name the man who died in an incident at a Glasseys Road, Southbridge address on 21 December 2024.

He was Craig Leslie Monk, 51, of Southbridge.

Police extend our condolences to his family and friends.

His death has been referred to WorkSafe and the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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