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UN responding to devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu

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MIL OSI – United Nations – UN responding to devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu


14 March 2015 – The United Nations announced today that it is taking all necessary steps to respond to the catastrophic impacts of a devastating tropical cyclone that affected most of Vanuatu over the past two days.

“A disaster of this magnitude has not been experienced by Vanuatu in recent history – particularly in terms of the reach of the potential damage and the ferocity of the storm,” said Sune Gudnitz, Head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Regional Office for the Pacific in a statement to the press.

Tropical Cyclone Pam slammed into Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila, on Efate island, as an extremely destructive Category 5 cyclone yesterday evening. Winds are estimated to have reached 250kmph with gusts peaking at around 320kmph, causing damage to infrastructure, impacting services such as electricity and leaving debris strewn across the capital.

“While we have no official reports of the damage the cyclone caused, the Pacific Humanitarian Team is ready to support a government-led response to a worst-case scenario,” Ms. Sune added.

The Vanuatu Government has not yet issued a formal request for international assistance. It has, however, accepted OCHA’s offer to deploy staff to support the coordination of the response. A UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team is expected arrive in Port Vila tomorrow evening. OCHA will also deploy three staff with information management, public information and humanitarian coordination expertise tomorrow as well.

Other humanitarian partners, such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees are also supporting critical areas such as shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, and protection.

The Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) coordinates expert human and resources regionally and globally should the impacts of a disaster exceed a government’s capacity to respond.

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Failure to end crisis in Syria diminishes us all: UN refugees envoy Angelina Jolie

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MIL OSI – Source: United Nations – Failure to end crisis in Syria diminishes us all: UN refugees envoy Angelina Jolie


14 March 2015 – As the Syrian conflict enters its fifth year, it is shameful that even the basic demand for full humanitarian access has not been met, Oscar-winning actress and United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) Special Envoy, Angelina Jolie said today.

“It is deeply alarming that the international response so clearly falls short of what is needed to end the conflict in Syria,” Ms. Jolie emphasised in a statement.

According to the UN, over 220,000 Syrians have been killed, and almost half of the country’s men, women and children have been forced to flee their homes since the conflict in Syria erupted in March 2011. More than 4 million people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, while a further 7.6 million are displaced within Syria.

UNHCR says that most of the over 4 million Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries see no prospect of returning home in the near future, and have scant opportunity to restart their lives in exile as many of them live in insecure dwellings and in poverty.

“It is sickening that crimes are being committed against the Syrian people on a daily basis with impunity. The failure to end this crisis diminishes all of us,” Ms. Jolie said, urging governments around the world to put aside their differences and try again to solve the conflict politically.

“People are entitled to feel bewildered and angry that the UN Security Council seems unable to respond to the worst crisis of the 21st century,” she added, noting that neighbouring countries and international humanitarian agencies are being stretched beyond their limits.

She also appealed for urgent steps to demonstrate that the international community is serious about accountability in Syria: “to show that we will not turn a blind eye to war crimes and that we will not fail refugees, the displaced, and the survivors.”

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Economist Keith Rankin on Paying Surplus Value

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Keith Rankin. Keith Rankin.[/caption] Last week I wrote about what the increases in Parliamentary salaries tells us more generally about the remuneration of senior managers in the private and public sectors (Paying Politicians and Managers). I noted that, in general, workers get paid on account of their scarcity rather than their productivity. It means that, as productivity increases, ordinary workers become less scarce; competitive pressures between non-unionised workers ensure that productivity gains go to the bosses. So, yes, the market for bosses is different. KORAKYS (comments) finds “it very difficult to believe that managers are being paid more because there is a scarcity of them”. The bosses’ bosses (company directors) justify high executive pay on the basis that executive talent is scarce. And they are partly right, in the sense that market failure exists in the ‘training’ of bosses. It’s not clear that ordinary workers and ordinary shareholders really deserve to lose out because their executives, taken collectively, will not reproduce themselves efficiently. More to the point, capitalism is in practice a scramble for the economic surplus. There are three parties in this scramble: the sovereign public, private property (capital), and labour. A large part of the history of capitalism is the collaboration between capital and labour to shut out the public property rights of the democratised sovereign. Thus two economic interests get to feast on the produce of three. The third interest fights back as pragmatically as it can though taxes and public charity, but in reality it suffered a technical knock-out in round one. (To anglophiles, round one can be clearly dated to the year 1688. But the new English king was actually a Dutchman; the first knock-out blow may have been in the 1580s and not very technical. From 1581 the Dutch were sans-sovereign, a merchant republic.) The concept of contestable economic surplus, central to capitalism, really dates back to the dawn of agriculture. It substantially predates capitalism. Economics fudges the concept. In economics the word ‘surplus’ has three meanings. First it means ‘unsold goods’ – excess supply – a problem cured by free markets. Second it means something like net benefit, or net product; the spoils of the economy over and above subsistence, and available for distribution. Third it means ‘revenue minus spending’, as in ‘current account surplus’, or ‘Budget surplus’. The important meaning here is the second one. Economics’ textbooks discuss ‘consumer surplus’ and producer surplus’, but only as a means to derive the inefficiency concept of ‘deadweight loss’. By emphasising what happens at the margin, neoclassical economics quickly draws students away from the excesses that occur well away from the margin. Textbooks also discuss the concept of ‘economic rent’, which is appropriation of the economic surplus (The concept is only taught at the microeconomic level, and quickly skipped over at that.)The textbooks generally only apply the concept to monopolies. Neoclassical economics displaced classical economics (which emphasised appropriation of the surplus by two moneyed classes and eventually by one landlord class as an inevitable by-product of growth) because of these tumultuous implications. Karl Marx, commonly regarded by historians of economics as a classical economist, emphasised the bourgeoisie over the landlord class. He saw the accumulation of physical capital, with its embedded new industrial technologies, as prevailing over the landed interest in its claims on that surplus value; until that is, a revolution would transfer that industrial surplus to a working class who could take no more injustice, and would distribute that surplus to the working majority. Here is not the place to discuss Marxism further. Rather, I will briefly skip to Social Credit (refer Northland, Vernon Cracknell, Social Credit). As I understand it, the A+B theorem is an attempt to grapple with surplus value. Social Credit emphasised the role of interest – usury – as taking value away from productive people while giving back nothing; interest was/is to the system as a puncture wound, or an unclotting mosquito bite. The argument is easily dismissed because all interest paid represents income to somebody else, be it the creditors of the banks or the shareholders of the banks or independent of the banks. The problem is that interest represents a flow of income from those on lower incomes to those on higher incomes; it’s another mechanism whereby the private propertied classes bleed (extract surplus value from) the (especially) self-employed working classes. Indeed, the policies informed by Social Credit were generally supportive of balanced capitalism – distributing the surplus in an equitable way – rather than the otherwise tendency to concentrate surplus value in the hands of those who already had much more wealth than they could spend on consumer or capital goods. Social creditors, like the supporters of Henry George before them, had one big and slightly flawed idea, but understood the need of capitalism as a system to reward all classes and not just the capitalist class. Capitalism dies when the only people who can spend are capitalists. Capitalists, by the very definition of them in classical economics, are misers in that their raison d’être is to save. The executive (or managerial) class is a more contemporary version of Marx’s bourgeoisie. In the 1960s John Kenneth Galbraith called them the planners of the “planning system” that grabbed the economic surplus from the exploitable “market system” of small competing businesses. Galbraith wrote that the planners could steal (either as the robber barons did, or, more subtly, as tax avoiders do; refer my recent Fixing Tax Evadance through Public Equity) from either their employees or from their shareholders. Frequently they appropriated their surpluses at the expense of both their workers and their owners. So, in the first quarter of what promises to be a long twenty-first century (which I date from 1989), we see the surpluses going principally to the financial and managerial classes. And industrial capitalism is grinding to a halt as these groups accumulate assets at the expense of workers, and of the sovereign public. What about the option of recycling those surpluses (as debt) to the workers, the precariat, the unemployed and the unemployable? That option is now facing diminishing returns. Our overpaid executives use their bargaining power over both wage workers and self-employed contractors (the distinction is already highly blurred) to accumulate high earnings which are in the main surpluses, not scarcity costs. For them high incomes represent a form of prestige, rather than means to acquire new goods and services. So long as their businesses’ shareholders are content with their lot, and their employees are grateful to have jobs, then where else can the surplus value go other than into our executives’ wallets? There is of course a solution to the problem, a means to get much of that surplus value to where it is needed by both presently disadvantaged individuals and the market system as a whole. It is not by having more workers and more work. It is through acknowledging the property rights of the sovereign public; the interest that was edged out of the modern distributional framework when sovereigns ceased to be absolute (as in the English ‘Glorious Revolution’ of 1688), and before that in the Dutch Republic which began in 1581 and lasted until 1795. [Note. To historians, the modern era began circa 1500. I would argue that 1492 was the “golden spike” year; not 1610. Refer The Guardian, 11 March 2015, Was 1610 the beginning of a new human epoch? Not only did 1492 signify the beginning of Europe’s trans-oceanic venturing, it also represented the ejection of Islam – that critical conduit of renaissance knowledge – from Western Europe. Fortunately for Europe – if not necessarily for the rest – the Renaissance had, just that century, achieved critical mass.] Keith Rankin is an economic historian by training and has taught economics at Unitec in Mt Albert since 1999. –]]>

Oxfam Update: Stories of devastation from Vanuatu in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam

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MIL OSI – Source: Oxfam New Zealand – Stories of devastation from Vanuatu in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam Stories of complete devastation are beginning to come out of Vanuatu in the aftermath of the severe tropical cyclone Pam. Oxfam staff on the ground in Port Vila have reported complete destruction of homes, three storey high trees completely uprooted and small communities with barely any houses left standing. Oxfam’s Vanuatu Country Director Colin Collett van Rooyen said people in Vanuatu had told him they had never seen a cyclone like this and they were scared of the devastation that would unfold as teams were able to make their way into hard to reach areas. “We have no power or running water and are still not able to move around freely,” Mr Collett van Rooyen said. “The scale of this disaster is unprecedented in this country and the proud people of Vanuatu are going to need a lot of help to rebuild their homes and their lives.” He said there was still a red alert in place in Port Vila with high winds and rain and storm swells. After a last minute change of course to the west Cyclone Pam made a direct hit on Vanuatu last night, tearing through the archipelago with winds of up to 250kmh. With more than 250,000 people at risk from the severe tropical cyclone there is real concern of a potentially high death toll and of enormous destruction, particularly given the traditional housing that is so prevalent through the islands. Oxfam is now preparing to respond to what is likely one of the worst cyclones ever seen in the Pacific region. The highly populated island of Efate, which includes the Vanuatu capital Port Vila, was directly in the path of the cyclone. Oxfam New Zealand’s Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier said the agency was deeply concerned for people in Vanuatu’s harder to reach outer islands. “Through Oxfam’s  Livelihoods programme, and Water and Sanitation projects  we work closely alongside communities across Vanuatu, in particular on Tanna Island.  These islands have much less infrastructure than the capital of Port Vila and are extremely remote and hard to reach in the best of times”. ‘We hold grave fears for the people on these outer and remote islands” said Ms Le Mesurier “It’s becoming increasingly clear that we are now dealing with worst case scenario in Vanuatu,” she said. Port Vila was recently named in the Natural Hazards Risk Atlas and is known as the city most exposed to natural disasters in the world because it faces a combination of risks including earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding and tropical cyclones such as Cyclone Pam. You can support Oxfam’s response to humanitarian crises by donating to our Cyclone Pam Appeal http://www.oxfam.org.nz/donate/pam Donate to Oxfam’s Cyclone Pam response – -]]>

Heavy rain, gale warnings for Northland in cyclone’s wake

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Shona Morgan, spokesperson for the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, says as expected, latest forecasts show the Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty areas will be the parts of New Zealand hardest hit by the storm. However, just after 8.30am today MetService forecasters had also issued new heavy rain and strong wind warnings for eastern Northland, predicting 80mm to 100 mm of rain could fall in the 18 hours between midday today and 6am Monday. Forecasters also warned of gale force south-easterlies for eastern parts of Northland this afternoon; these could rise to severe gales gusting up to 120km/h this evening, before tending southerly and weakening Monday morning. There was a possibility of similar winds in remaining parts of Northland over the same period. Ms Morgan says the latest forecasts reinforce earlier Civil Defence warnings for Northlanders to take the usual precautions for strong winds and rain, including securing large heavy objects or anything that could be potentially dangerous. Similarly, motorists should postpone any unnecessary travel from midday today until tomorrow morning, when the worst of the weather is expected to have past. Given the big seas expected as a result of the storm, by now yachties should also have already checked their moorings and ensured their vessels are properly secured. Ms Morgan says while the weather is likely to make things unpleasant over the rest of the weekend and into tomorrow morning, Northlanders were not unfamiliar with rain and winds like those currently predicted. “Provided people take the usual precautions and adopt a common sense approach, we are not anticipating too many issues beyond those these conditions would normally bring.” However, she says given the changeable nature of weather, Northlanders should keep an eye out for any new forecasts as they’re issued today. “Civil Defence will continue to monitor the situation closely over the remainder of the weekend and will update the public as required, including through the Northland CDEM Group’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland Ms Morgan says General Civil Defence information is also available from the Northland Regional Council’s website www.nrc.govt.nz/civildefence

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NZ Pacific Peoples Minister sends message of support to Pacific

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Forecast updated to severe weather warning

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MIL OSI – Source: Bay Of Plenty Regional Council – Forecast updated to severe weather warning Bay of Plenty Civil Defence urges residents to ensure they are adequately prepared in response to the severe weather warning metservice has issued for the Bay of Plenty region. As Tropical Cyclone Pam continues its southwards track, the severe weather warning forecast for Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty, especially east of Edgecumbe, includes southeast gales gusting 120km/h likely with possibly gusts in excess of 160km/h, and heavy rain expected of 120mm to 140mm to accumulate, with 180mm to 220mm about the ranges. Whilst there is still some uncertainty as to how close to the North Island the cyclone will track, it has the potential to be a significant event therefore residents are strongly urged to prepare accordingly.

  • Secure or move indoors any large heavy objects outside that could blow around in high winds, like outdoor furniture and rubbish bins. Turn trampolines upside down.
  • Lift valuable household items and chemicals as high above the floor as possible.
  • Farmers should ensure equipment is safely stored and animals are in a safe place or moved to higher ground if necessary, away from power lines and potential landslides.
  •  Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas. Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
  •  Don’t walk around outside and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
  •  Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.
  •  Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter.
Regular updates will be provided on Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management’s website www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz and on www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence. – -]]>

HPV vaccination rates lower among the wealthy

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MIL OSI – Source: Massey University – HPV vaccination rates lower among the wealthy Parents in higher socio-economic areas are less likely to allow their children to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), new research from Massey University indicates. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical and other cancers. A government-funded immunisation programme targets girls in Year 8 and requires parental approval. Postgraduate researcher Karen Page who is studying with Massey’s College of Health wants to find out why New Zealand’s vaccination rate is much lower than other countries like Australia and the UK. She has discovered that vaccination rates in high decile schools are 20 per cent lower than in low decile schools in the catchment area of the Whanganui District Health Board and would like to extend this research to the rest of the country. Nationally, statistics show that uptake among Māori, Pacific and Asian populations is higher than among New Zealand Europeans. “We don’t yet know why these patterns are occurring,” she says. “I’m about to embark on doctoral research that will hopefully provide some answers.” Overall only 58 per cent of Year 8 girls in New Zealand are currently vaccinated – a much lower rate than countries like the UK, at 86 per cent, and Australia, at over 70 per cent. “This is concerning because HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. At some point in their lives, 80 per cent of all adults will have it,” Ms Page says. “Most of the time the virus clears, but in some instances it can become more serious.” Ms Page, a Whanganui-based public health specialist, is seeking parents and health workers to complete surveys so that she can continue her research, looking further into why vaccination rates are lower in certain demographics. “My aim is to look at the who, where and why parents are declining this vaccination for their children, and to examine the attitudes of health professionals towards the vaccine.” Those wishing to complete the survey can contact Massey’s Centre for Public Health Research at 04 380 0602 or email Ms Page k.page@massey.ac.nz. Background notes  The rates for Year 8 girls completing all three doses of the HPV vaccination last year in New Zealand are as follows: All – 58% Maori – 62% Pacific – 71% Asian – 63% Other (mainly NZ European) – 52% The following data relates to the Whanganui District Health Board catchment area only: Low decile schools (the lowest quintile) consent rate: 74% High decile schools (the highest quintile) consent rate: 54% Urban area consent rate: 69% Non-main urban area consent rate: 65% Often the HPV infection clears on its own, but some strains can linger and lead to cancers of the cervix, anus, vagina, throat and in men, the penis. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, killing more than 270,000 women annually around the world, according to the World Health Organisation. HPV also causes genital warts and respiratory papillomatosis, and may increase the likelihood of adverse pregnancy events for women that have had treatment for cervical cell changes (i.e. miscarriage, low birth weight and prematurity). HPV immunisation is free for girls and young women in New Zealand up to their 20th birthday. It is available through participating schools or from family doctors, local health centres and some Family Planning clinics. – -]]>

NZ funds $1 million to cyclone-hit Pacific neighbours

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MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – NZ funds $1 million to cyclone-hit Pacific neighbours The New Zealand government has announced an initial contribution of $1 million to assist Pacific nations hit by Cyclone Pam, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says. “Funding includes $200,000 to respond to specific requests for assistance in Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands, and $400,000 for NGOs in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands to replenish relief supplies. “Commencing from tomorrow we will make a further assessment on how we can best assist our Pacific neighbours, as they assess their own needs over the coming days.” “A RNZAF P3 Orion already in the region is currently conducting a damage assessment flight over Tuvalu, which was first struck by the Cyclone.” Communications are hugely disrupted in the affected countries and airports in Vanuatu remain closed. New Zealanders in the hardest hit country, Vanuatu, are advised to follow the advice of local authorities, seek suitable shelter, monitor local media for updates and keep friends and family in New Zealand informed of their well-being as soon as they are able. Consular information:

  • New Zealanders in Vanuatu should continue to follow the advice of the local authorities (including any evacuation orders), seek suitable shelter, monitor local media to stay informed of developments and keep family in New Zealand updated on their wellbeing.
  • New Zealanders with concerns for family in Vanuatu are advised to try contacting them directly in the first instance.  As communications infrastructure has been damaged by the cyclone, we recommend trying short text messages. If there are ongoing concerns, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 04 439 8000.
  • Please refer to www.safetravel.govt.nz for regular consular updates including Travel Advice on Cyclone Pam.
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to advise New Zealanders against all tourist and non-essential travel to Vanuatu due to the cyclone.
  • There are currently 163 New Zealanders registered with MFAT as being in Vanuatu
  • There have been no requests for consular assistance to date.
  • New Zealanders in Vanuatu wishing to depart are advised to contact their airline, travel agent or travel insurance provider directly to make arrangements.
  • It is anticipated commercial flights will resume once the cyclone has passed and the airport reopens.
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Government + Police Continue Hunt For 1080 Eco-Terrorist

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MIL OSI – Source: Ministry for Primary Industries – Operation Concord Media update, Saturday 14 March 2015

Date: 14 Mar 2015 Media contact: MPI media phone Telephone: 029 894 0328 Email: info@foodprotection.govt.nz
Police around the country have now visited 855 dairies and other small retailers selling infant formula to distribute MPI information to retailers and consumers. The Operation Concord Police investigation team is working through the weekend. Police urge anyone with information regarding this criminal threat to get in touch with the investigation team on 0800 723 665 or email opconcord@police.govt.nz MPI Deputy Director-General, Scott Gallacher, says officials continue to work positively and constructively with trading partners. “The New Zealand government is working with a number of trading partners to ensure ongoing market access.  Feedback so far has been appreciative of the New Zealand government’s approach, which is focused on the implementation of additional measures to protect consumers both in New Zealand and overseas. “Good progress was made overnight with our Chinese counterparts and we now have clarity on what is required for exports to continue their unimpeded access into the market.  MPI is working with all exporters to ensure they continue to have access into all markets. “To date, no actions have been taken which would prevent trade as a result of the 1080 threat – but we are continuing to work with our trading partners to ensure that remains the case and to respond to any questions they might have. “Ultimately, we are telling our partners exactly what we are telling consumers both here and overseas – that we’re confident New Zealand infant and other formula is as safe today as it was before the recent criminal blackmail threat was made”. Dr Pat Tuohy from the Ministry of Health says Healthline and Plunketline continue to respond promptly to calls from the public. “The information we’re getting through our call lines is that individuals appreciate the opportunity to have their concerns heard, and be able to receive advice at the end of the phone. Both Health line and PlunketLine continue to receive a low number of calls relating to this issue and hospitals report no activity above what is expected. “If children do become unwell, the overwhelming likelihood is that it is a condition unrelated to this criminal blackmail threat. Our advice is that people should do what they normally do. “If you have any concerns about any aspect of your child’s health, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional. Health line are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and PlunketLine are also available for advice on feeding your baby and other aspects of your child’s development.” Contact numbers For the public Operation Concord Police investigation: 0800 723 665 or opconcord@police.govt.nz Crimestoppers (to give information anonymously): 0800 555 111 Health line: 0800 611 116 PlunketLine: 0800 933 922 MPI: 0800 008 333 or info@foodprotection.govt.nz
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Recognising risks to better protect children in disaster-prone countries

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MIL OSI – Recognising risks to better protect children in disaster-prone countries

 March 15, 2015

Providing a safe environment for children in disaster-prone countries is as much about understanding the risks associated with a disaster as it is about understanding the disaster itself,

University of Canterbury’s National Centre for Research on Europe academic Dr Genevieve Taylor says.

She has evaluated disaster risk reduction activities in the Asia Pacific, to see if European countries uphold their obligations to protect children surrounding a natural disaster.

Her research measured how countries uphold a child’s right to protection. This is equally relevant for disaster management plans of both developing and developed countries prone to disasters, like New Zealand, where children are at risk to a number of natural hazards.

“Children across the world can be at risk at various stages of a disaster. Following a disaster they may be separated from their families, physically injured, or there may be slow onset impacts such as physical or mental health concerns, reduced education, worsened living conditions, or subjected to violence,” Dr Taylor says.

“Disaster risk reduction works across the disaster cycle, prior to an event, as well as following an event. This requires looking at the short and long-term risks, but this is no easy feat as it requires continuous self-reflection from policy-makers, to communities, to families to assess all kinds of risks and review what is place towards them.

“We’re not talking only about the first steps following a disaster, but what happens after that. What do we do in the first few days, few months, or few years? There is often a focus on protection against the immediate impacts of a disaster but protection extends to social, cultural, economic, and psychological vulnerabilities which are often difficult to see, and may not present themselves straight away.

“My research, supervised by Dr Katharine Vadura, has shown that internationally there are measures in place to protect children but to varying degrees. There are differences of what represents ‘child protection,’ who is responsible, and at what point, which can all impact on how we respond to the rights of children surrounding a disaster.

“There is a need to broaden the view of child protection beyond seeing children as dependent or inherently vulnerable, to recognise their capabilities to act, and to make decisions to improve their own wellbeing.”

The United Nations world conference on disaster risk reduction in Sendai, Japan, will be held next week, with the University of Canterbury’s Professor Tim Davies one of the speakers. Dr Taylor says it will be interesting to see if there are positive shifts in the responsibilities and accountability of those engaged in disaster risk reduction partnerships to recognise child rights. She is planning to publish her thesis as a book later this year.

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US Cuba Discussions – US State Department Transript

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MIL OSI – Source: United States Department of State – Press Release/Statement: Headline: Western Hemisphere: Background Briefing on Discussions With Cuba MODERATOR: All right. Thank you, Tony, and thanks to all of you who have called in today for this background call on Cuba. This call will be with a senior Department official. For your purposes, I will tell you the name, but again, this call is on background, so please, senior State Department official only – no names or titles. But we have with us [Senior State Department Official]. And with that, I will turn it over to [Senior State Department Official] for some introductory remarks, and then we’ll go from there. [Senior State Department Official]’s time is limited today, so we want to get started right away. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thanks very much, [Moderator], and thanks for everyone who’s on the line. This will be quite quick on my part. Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson is going down to Havana. She’ll be leaving on Sunday to go down to Havana. This is a continuation of the conversations that we’ve been having. And so they’re really – I guess what I want to say up front is we wanted to make sure we had the opportunity to talk with you all, but I’m afraid I may disappoint you a little bit because there’s not all that much that I’m really going to say that’s any different than we’ve talked about before. We’re continuing to work on the same issues towards the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. That is the focus, again, of these conversations. And we’ll go down there and advance this as far as we can. We don’t anticipate doing press while in Havana because these really are just continuing conversations. There’s not a historic nature to this one, and there’s not a whole lot of other activities. So we would be happy to do another conference call, another backgrounder when we get back. But there won’t be any announcements coming out of the results of this trip. So let me stop there and take questions. MODERATOR: Great. Operator, if you go ahead and call the first question and remind folks how to get into the queue. OPERATOR: Certainly. Thank you very much. And ladies and gentlemen, if you do wish to ask a question, please press * and then 1 on your touchtone phone. You will hear a tone indicating that you have been placed in queue and you may remove yourself from the queue at any time by pressing the # key. So again, for your questions, you may queue up by pressing * and then 1. The first question will come from Michele Kelemen with NPR. Please go ahead. QUESTION: Yeah, hi. Thanks for doing this. One, are you – is it still the goal to have embassies open in April? And how far have you gotten on the question of the travel restrictions and removing caps on the number of diplomats at the U.S. mission there in Havana? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well, I think, as is always the case, one is in very safe territory when you quote the President. And the President said actually recently that he still thinks that this can be done by April and the Summit of the Americas. So obviously, that’s something that we still would like and is our hope. Whether we succeed at that is part of what I’m going to try and help do since I like to do what the President wants to do. So that’s what we’re going to keep working on. But we’ll see whether we can get to that. In the question of travel of diplomats and the caps are exactly the issues that we need to continue working on. When we met in – here in Washington in February, those were the issues we discussed. And as is usual in these things, you have proposals and discussions, and it – both Josefina Vidal and Assistant Secretary Jacobson thought it would be useful to have further conversations on that whole range of issues in person. MODERATOR: Okay, great. We’re ready for the next question, operator. OPERATOR: Thank you. That will come from Juan Lopez with CNN. Please go ahead. QUESTION: [Senior State Department Official], buenas tardes. Thank you very much. So my question – two parts. First is: Was this something that you had planned from your last meeting, or is it a consequence of evolving conversations that you have to have in person? And on a second note, were you surprised at all that Cuba came out and supported Venezuela recently with – after the (inaudible) list of the seven government members that were sanctioned by the U.S.? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: On the first question, Juan Carlos, I think that it was not planned as of the last time we met – in other words, as of February 27th, we didn’t say let’s get together on March 16th back in Havana. But we did agree at that time that we would continue to have conversations and work would continue to be done in between conversations that took place in person and that we would have further conversations in person if we felt that it was productive to do so. So as we’ve worked over the last couple of weeks on the issues that we discussed on the 27th, it became clear that we were at a good point for us to have another one of these in-person discussions. So I would say that it wasn’t entirely planned, but it was envisioned as possible. On the Venezuela issue, I guess what I would say there is obviously we’re disappointed with the statement that Cuba made. We don’t think that our taking sovereign actions of the United States Government on our financial system against human rights abusers or those involved in public corruption or in eroding democratic institutions – we believe that’s our right to do and it’s a sovereign decision, and we defend that. But I think that – I guess what I would say is I don’t know that we were surprised, either. Cuba has been, obviously, an ally of Venezuela’s for quite a while. Venezuela’s been an ally of Cuba in the past. But what I will say, and I want to be very clear about this, is it will not have an impact on these conversations moving forward. MODERATOR: Thank you. Operator, next question, please. OPERATOR: Thank you. That will come from Silvia Ayuso with El Pais newspaper. Please go ahead. QUESTION: Thank you very much. This is a follow-up, actually. I mean, if you’re meeting on Sunday, which is the next day – the day after UNASUR is having a meeting on Venezuela, so are you really so confident that whatever happens with – regarding Venezuela won’t affect your Cuba conversations? And secondly, I was hoping that maybe you can put a – tell us a bit more what – how is it going with process on the removing Cuba from the list of terrorism states? Do we – can we count on some kind of announcement ahead of the Summit of the Americas? Thank you. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thank you. On the question of Venezuela and UNASUR, Assistant Secretary Jacobson will actually arrive in Havana on Sunday. We won’t – I would expect they won’t meet until Monday. But it will come after what I understand will be an UNASUR gathering over the weekend. I’m very confident that Assistant Secretary Jacobson and her counterpart who handles the United States and North America – will continue to have the conversations on our bilateral relationship in a way that’s professional and courteous and respectful and will not be overly impacted by what may happen at an UNASUR meeting on Venezuela. So I’m not overly concerned about that. I expect that we’ll be able to continue to have this dialogue and conversation regardless of what comes out of that meeting of South American countries. On the state sponsor of terrorism list, as we’ve said, all I can continue to say is that review is underway and we’ll complete that as quickly as we can. And obviously, we have always said that that should not be linked to the reestablishment of diplomatic relations or opening of embassies. MODERATOR: All right. Thank you. Next question, please. OPERATOR: Come from Jo Biddle with AFP. Please go ahead. QUESTION: Hello. Thank you very much indeed. A couple of questions, please, on – maybe on some logistics. Have you set a date yet for the human rights dialogue which is due to be held sometime this month? How long are you planning to be in Havana this time around? And do you have any update on the talks that were held on human trafficking and civil aviation? Thank you. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Sure, thanks, Jo. On the human rights dialogue, I don’t think that we have a fixed date yet to announce on that. I think both countries will announce it when we’ve got one. We have agreed to meet at the end of March, and so I expect that pretty soon we’ll narrow that down to a specific set of days. But we want to make sure, obviously, that the right people are available and all of that. So we’re working on that. On the question of the other dialogue, there was a civil aviation dialogue here on March 2nd and 3rd. Those were government-to-government discussions on civil aviation, which explored various air travel links that would benefit both countries. We’ve obviously seen substantially increased interest in travel between the two countries following the regulations that were put out on January 16th. And we’ve had really good cooperation between the Cuban Civil Aeronautics Institute, the Transportation Safety Administration here and the FAA. And we anticipate that those relationships will lead to a stronger civil aviation cooperation in the future. So my understanding, especially from my Department of Transportation and other colleagues around the interagency, is that those were quite productive and that the Cubans are quite interested in this subject, and they’ll continue in the future. On trafficking in persons, we also had a conversation among experts on March 6th. And I think it was a very good opportunity for them each to discuss the challenges faced by governments on this issue, some of the best practices that we’ve seen and efforts made to combat it. And we’re going to continue that dialogue and continue, hopefully, to work with Cuba on issues of our national interest and theirs for protection of those involved in trafficking in persons. So I think it was a very good step, because we had not had face-to-face discussions by experts. And I think that will continue as well. There are a lot of these dialogues going on, and I think that it’s particularly important, for example, that we have, later in this month, scheduled for the 24th to the 26th, the first of a delegation on telecommunications policy that is government to government. That’ll be headed by Ambassador Sepulveda of – the international communications and information policy coordinator here at State. So there’s a lot going on in that area that we’re continuing to see progress on, in some areas where we haven’t had substantive conversations before. MODERATOR: Thank you. We’re ready for the next question, please. OPERATOR: Thank you very much. And that will come from Michael Wiessenstein with the Associated Press. Please go ahead. QUESTION: Hi. The fact that you’re coming back down for a third round, are things happening – is this a sign things are happening faster than you had originally expected, that things are more complicated? If you could give us a sense of how things are progressing. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Sure. I mean, I think – I will tell you that from the day this began I never believed that it would be easy or fast or wouldn’t take more than a few meetings in the sense that I was very confident in our first conversation, which really was just setting an agenda, that we would need a second one, and equally confident in our second one, which was the first conversation in which – the second round-up here in Washington in which we really dug into the substance of the issues and actually sort of traded proposals. I think it was equally clear in both our cases that that wasn’t going to be the end of that conversation. So I will tell you that my expectations have always been that we would need a fair amount of interchange and conversation. I think that – I will say that I think since the second round, because that was a – the first really substantive, deep conversation, I think there’s been a real seriousness of purpose and continued conversation by the head of our interest section, Jeff DeLaurentis in Havana and the head of their interest section Jose Cabanas here in Washington, which is why it makes sense for Assistant Secretary Jacobson to go back down and continue that in person, because there’s been more groundwork laid, more progress made. So I think it’s going about as I expected, in terms of the pace. So I’m pleased with that and think that we’re making very good progress. As the President and the Secretary have certainly said, you don’t overcome 50 years of policy and distrust in a month. And that’s really about – we’ve only had a little over that, right? I mean, the first conversations were January 21st, and we’re now in the second concluding, I guess, of a month and a half or seven weeks. But that’s pretty good, I think, in terms of people who haven’t had these kinds of conversations for a long time. So I’m pleased with the pace. And I hope that, if possible, another trip can accelerate that. MODERATOR: Thank you. We’re ready for the next question. OPERATOR: Thank you. That will come from Felicia Schwartz with The Wall Street Journal. Please go ahead. QUESTION: Hi. Thanks for doing this. Two quick ones for you. One, to the extent that you can, talk about if there’s been any shift from Cuba on their – how they feel about the terror designation. I was sort of confused by – or not confused, but it seemed that when you guys gave that press avail a few weeks ago that Josefina perhaps – she said it wasn’t a precondition, but it would be hard. Is that a shift or – I mean, obviously leave the negotiating in the negotiating room, but if there’s anything you can say on that. And then two, is opening embassies and reestablishing diplomatic relations – is that something – I’d seen that there’s some stuff about having those things separate. Do you see those as one in the same? Thanks. PARTICIPANT: Thanks, Felicia. On the first question, I know better than to answer the Cuban Government’s policy question for them. As to the question of whether there’s been a shift on their part and how they view the State Sponsor of Terrorism List and it’s role in this conversation, you’d really have to ask them. I think we’ve always said we think those two processes are separate. Now on the question of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations and opening of embassies, let me say I think what the President has said and what I tried to emphasize in the past, which is legally and diplomatically those two things can be separate. We see no reason in this case that they should be. We believe that they ought to happen simultaneously so that we can move things ahead smoothly and we don’t see any reason for those to be somehow artificially broken apart. So we remain hopeful that we will start both those things at the same time, reestablishment of diplomatic relations and opening of embassies. MODERATOR: All right. Ready for the next question. Our time is running a little short, so we’ve got time for just a couple more. OPERATOR: The next question will come from Serena Marshall with ABC News. Please, go ahead. QUESTION: Hi. Thanks for doing this call. I was wondering if there was any movement on the banking front. As we know, the Cuban interest section here in D.C. has said that that’s a big issue for them, unable to do banking. They told us, following the second round of talks, that there was discussion about possibly bringing in international banking to help them move from an all-cash system to use of credit. So is there any – been changes on that front? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well, all I can tell you on that front is we continue working really hard on that issue, and we do believe that it’s important that whether it’s an interest section now or an easy in the future, have the ability to bank so that they don’t have to do all of their business in cash. And obviously we’ll continue to work with the Cuban Government and with the financial community to encourage banking relationships so that they can transition out of a situation they’re in right now. MODERATOR: All right. Next question, please. OPERATOR: Thank you very much. That will come from Karen DeYoung with The Washington Post. Please, go ahead. QUESTION: Hi. My – most of my questions have been answered. I just had one more, which was: Have you been concerned about what dissident communities in Cuba say is an increased number of short-term detentions over the past several weeks, particularly on Sundays when they have their regular marches to church? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Let me start off by saying we’re always concerned about the detentions of dissidents and activists and people who just want to exercise their free speech. We’ve made pretty clear over the last year that we have been concerned about the increase in number of short-term detentions, because that’s a trend that has been going on for some time now. And we’ve made a number of public statements about it. And it often does take place on Sundays, when either political groups or the – whether it’s the Ladies in White or other actors, UNPACU, in parts of Cuba may engage in peaceful activities, peaceful protest, marches that could take place on the way to church, and are either detained or harassed because of those activities. So we remain concerned about that tactic and that the use of that tactic against human rights activists and those trying to exercise free speech and freedom of assembly remains a concern for us. MODERATOR: If we can squeak one last question in, Operator. Can we take one more, please? OPERATOR: Thank you, sir. That will come from Pamela Dockins with Voice of America. Please, go ahead. QUESTION: Thank you. First of all, really a housekeeping note. You mentioned that your talks start on Sunday. Can you clarify will it be a one-day meeting, or do you expect to stay further into the week? And then secondly, you spoke a little bit earlier about the State Sponsor of Terrorism designation, but I have a follow-up question. Vidal, in the last meeting, which was here in Washington, expressed particular concern about that, saying it would be difficult for her to visualize how U.S. and Cuba could reestablish normal diplomatic ties with that designation still in place. On this trip, will you make any special effort, any concerted effort to address her concerns? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: On the first question, Assistant Secretary Jacobson travels on Sunday. The conversations begin on Monday. I honestly can’t be exactly sure of when they’ll end. Like most of these kinds of discussions, we are certainly happy to talk for as long as there’s something to talk about, but I don’t expect these to be very lengthy, not a huge number of days. So I think we’ll probably be coming back by mid-week. And the other thing is that, on the State Sponsor of Terrorism, I’ve certainly heard the comments of the Cuban Government. We continue to work as quickly as we can on this issue, but we don’t think those two things really should be linked. I will say that we – when we talk with the Government of Cuba, as we do the review process, I think everybody understands that the law is clear on what needs to be provided as part of that process. And so to the extent that some of the parts of the review involve information that is needed from the Government of Cuba, certainly those are things that we have talked about in the past or may talk about in the future. But that’s not the same as the set of issues that we talk about under the reestablishment of diplomatic relations more generally. MODERATOR: All right. Well, thank you to our speaker and thank you to all of our participants today for your questions and your interest. With that, I think we will wrap it up. And just to remind everyone, this has been a background call attributable to a senior State Department official – no names or titles. And we thank you and look forward to talking to you next time. Bye bye. – –]]>

Myanmar: UN officials pledge humanitarian, development assistance for country’s future

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UNDP Administrator Helen Clark (wearing blue cap) and WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin (wearing yellow) visit the Thet Kae Pyin settlement for internally displaced people in Sittwe, Rakhine State, Myanmar. Photo: UNDP/Shobhna Delcoitre. UNDP Administrator Helen Clark (wearing blue cap) and WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin (wearing yellow) visit the Thet Kae Pyin settlement for internally displaced people in Sittwe, Rakhine State, Myanmar. Photo: UNDP/Shobhna Delcoitre.[/caption] 13 March 2015 – The United Nations remains committed to helping Myanmar achieve its humanitarian and development needs in order to boost living standards for all its citizens, top UN officials have declared during their visit to the Asian country. “Myanmar is in the midst of a number of complex political, administrative, and economic reforms and peacebuilding processes. There are many challenges, and the country has experienced both progress and setbacks in recent years,” the Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Helen Clark, stated in a news release. “UNDP is committed to its work on strengthening governance and to working through its rights-based approaches to support the attainment of higher levels of human development for all in Myanmar.” During a two-day visit to Myanmar this week to emphasize the importance of ensuring the delivery of humanitarian assistance and support for sustainable development, Ms. Clark and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ertharin Cousin, met with Government officials in the capital of Nay Pyi Taw. The two UN officials also travelled to the city of Sittwe in Rakhine state where communities remain polarized amid ongoing sectarian tensions. The area is the scene of continuing inter-communal conflict and internal population displacements where “humanitarian and development needs are most acute,” according to the news release. In Rakhine, UNDP is providing development assistance and working with communities in 63 villages to improve livelihoods and strengthen social cohesion while also investing in developing the capacity of local governments to improve public administration and people-oriented service delivery. Meanwhile, as the world’s largest humanitarian organization, WFP has been providing life-saving food assistance to over 128,000 internally displaced persons in the state since 2012. “The path to development runs through the achievement of zero hunger,” Ms. Cousin said. “WFP is committed to working with the Government and our partner organizations starting with UNDP to support Myanmar’s transformational goal of reaching middle-income country status by 2030.” Meanwhile, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) today voiced concern about the arrest of more than 100 students and other protestors following their demonstrations in Latpadan, in the southern Bago Region on Tuesday. Although many have since been released, the majority still remain detained in Tharawaddy prison with an estimated 60 of them charged under various laws. In Geneva, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters that the UN was concerned about reports that the police had used “excessive and disproportionate force” against the protestors. “We urge the Government to unconditionally release all those detained for the exercise of their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and to amend the laws that place unnecessary and disproportionate restrictions on people’s rights,” Ms. Shamdasani said. –]]>

UN Secretary-General calls for massive investment in disaster risk reduction

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MIL OSI – Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction – UN Secretary-General calls for massive investment in disaster risk reduction [caption id="attachment_1421" align="alignright" width="300"]Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre left) meets with Delilah Gore (third from right), Minister for Religion, Youth and Community Development of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre left) meets with Delilah Gore (third from right), Minister for Religion, Youth and Community Development of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea..[/caption] The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, opens the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, to agree on a new framework which will update the HFA. (Photo: UNISDR) 14 March 2015, SENDAI – The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, today opened the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, stating that annual economic losses now exceed US$ 300 billion annually. “We can watch that number grow as more people suffer. Or we can dramatically lower that figure and invest the savings in development. Six billion dollars allocated each year can result in savings of up to US$360 billion by 2030, the Secretary-General said. He said he had met earlier in the day with Vanuatu President, Baldwin Lonsdale, and extended his condolences to the people of Vanuatu amidst fears that Cyclone Pam may have caused widespread damage and destruction over the weekend. The Secretary-General told the 4,000 participants – including representatives of 186 governments – attending the opening day of the five day event: “You have made this the highest-level meeting on disaster risk reduction in history. This is the first stop on our journey to a new future. Disaster risk reduction advances progress on sustainable development and climate change.” He praised the existing global agreement on disaster risk reduction, the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), which was adopted ten years ago in Kobe, Japan. He said it “has saved thousands of lives. Now we must respond to the world’s growing needs by empowering individuals, supporting communities and backing promises with resources.” Work is continuing at the Conference to agree on a new framework for disaster risk reduction which will update the HFA. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon said: “Our thoughts are with all disaster victims. Our best possible tribute will be to make this Conference a success.” – –]]>

Vanuatu Red Cross responds to Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam

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MIL OSI – Source: Red Cross Red Crescent – Vanuatu Red Cross responds to Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam Suva, March 14 – Vanuatu residents endured a harrowing night as Category 5, Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam,  slammed into Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. The Red Cross is currently carrying out preliminary assessments in Port Vila and other affected areas, while mobilising its teams to respond.

“The humanitarian needs are enormous,” says Augustine Garae, head of disaster management for the Vanuatu Red Cross as surveyed the scene in Port Vila. “We know there has been widespread destruction and many people have lost their homes.” Shelter, water, food and first aid are urgent priorities and the Red Cross is working closely with local authorities and other actors to support the government-led response. In collaboration with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), the Vanuatu Red Cross is contacting its branches and volunteers to gather information on impact and in preparation for assessment and distributions. The Vanuatu Red Cross has 200 active volunteers who are being mobilized and another 200 volunteers on standby. Thousands of people have been seeking safety in safe buildings and evacuations centres. In Erromango Island and other areas of Vanuatu, people have also used traditional methods of protection, sheltering in caves. “Communication is down in much of the country but we are doing everything possible to help those in need,” says Aurélia Balpe, head of delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Pacific. “Tens of thousands of people are still in the middle of a terrifying ordeal and we need to urgently assess the humanitarian needs and start meeting them as soon as possible”. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has made an allocation of 133,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the relief efforts of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society. For updates refer to www.ifrc.org – –
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Ebola Scare: Returned healthcare worker in stable condition

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Headline: Returned healthcare worker in stable condition

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says the healthcare worker who recently returned from Sierra Leone is in a stable condition in Christchurch Hospital.
 
“The patient has settled in well after being admitted to hospital,” says Dr Coleman.
 
“The South Island based healthcare worker was able to walk to the helicopter and was transported in the specialist Iso-pod patient transfer unit.
 
“The patient is receiving medical care in one of the dedicated specialist medical isolation rooms in the hospital.
 
“Blood samples have been taken for diagnostic testing and are being sent to Melbourne today. After clearing customs the samples will be taken to the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory.  
 
“Test results to rule out Ebola are expected sometime on Sunday.
 
“The patient’s partner continues to self-monitor at home. Support is being provided to the family.
 
“I am advised that our well-practised procedures have worked extremely well. I would like to acknowledge all the staff involved.”
 
A further update will be provided once the test results are available.

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NZ Foreign Affairs advises against all tourist and other non-essential travel to Vanuatu

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Cyclone Pam - MFAT image. Cyclone Pam – MFAT image.[/caption]

Tropical Cyclone Pam (a Category 5 cyclone), continues to move in a southerly direction.  It has passed close to the southern islands of Vanuatu, including Port Vila.  The cyclone has brought high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding to Vanuatu.  

We currently advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to Vanuatu due to TC Pam (High risk).  Please see the travel advisory for Vanuatu for further information. 

The cyclone is also expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and a large swell to parts of New Caledonia and Fiji. 

For further information please see the following websites:

* Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department

* Fiji Meteorological Service

Advice for New Zealanders:

New Zealanders in Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia are advised to follow the advice of the local authorities at all times (including any evacuation orders) and seek suitable shelter.  We recommend monitoring local media to stay informed of developments. 

Visitors and tourists staying in travel accommodation should follow the guidance of the accommodation management and/or tour operators.  You should remain well away from the sea and rivers. 

Flights to and from Vanuatu and New Caledonia are affected by the cyclone.  As a safety precaution, Vanuatu’s international airport is currently closed.  It is anticipated commercial flights will continue once the cyclone has passed through and the airport reopens.  

New Zealanders in Vanuatu wishing to depart are advised to contact their airline, travel agent or travel insurance provider directly to make arrangements.  Please see the websites forAir Vanuatu,Air New Zealand, and Qantas.

New Zealanders in Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia are advised to register their details on SafeTravel.  It is also important to keep family and friends in New Zealand updated on your well-being.  

Communications infrastructure has been damaged by the cyclone and it could take some time for communication lines to be restored in the worst affected areas.  This may make contacting family members in Vanuatu difficult.  Telephone networks and internet connections have been affected. 

If you have concerns about a New Zealand citizen family member in Vanuatu, please try and make direct contact in the first instance and if you have ongoing concerns, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: 

Tel:  04 439 8000 (if calling from within New Zealand)

Tel:  +64 4 439 8000 (if calling from outside New Zealand) 

New Zealanders affected by Tropical Cyclone Pam who require consular assistance are advised to contact the relevant New Zealand High Commission or Consulate-General: 

The New Zealand High Commission Port Vila, Vanuatu

Telephone +678 22 933 Email kiwi@vanuatu.com.vu  

(Please note that the High Commission in Port Vila has closed to the public) 

The New Zealand High Commission Suva, Fiji

Telephone + 679 331 1422 Email NZHC@unwired.com.fj 

The New Zealand Consulate-General Noumea, New Caledonia

Telephone +687 272 543 Mobile +687 79 19 22 (24 hrs) Email consulatnz@yahoo.com

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UNICEF Reports On Cyclone Pam from Vanuatu

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Super Tropical Cyclone Pam smashed into Vanuatu late last night and early this morning following initial impact in the Solomon Islands. The storm reached peak intensity on Friday night with winds in the eye region averaging 250 to 270 kmph with gusts to 340 kmph. Power lines are down and communications are limited but UNICEF Pacific Communications Specialist Alice Clements, who is a New Zealander, has said from her Port Vila base, “It is clear that the full force of Super Cyclone Pam is dramatically worse than had been initially predicted. This will most certainly be a catastrophe for the people of Vanuatu. “I saw the sliding doors from my three storey hotel room completely blow away – it was terrifying. “We have some very unconfirmed reports of casualties from the outer islands as well but we’re waiting to get official confirmation on those, which is very sad news if it’s true.” The fury of Cyclone Pam has also been felt elsewhere in the Solomon Islands. UNICEF New Zealand Executive Director, Vivien Maidaborn, said, “While it is too early to say for certain, early reports are indicating that this weather disaster could potentially be one of the worst in Pacific history. “The sheer force of the storm combined with communities just not set up to withstand it, could have devastating results for thousands across the region. “UNICEF’s biggest concerns now are around ensuring that people have somewhere to shelter given that many will have completely lost their homes or suffered immense damage.” It is also expected that significant damage will result to structures and shelters, causing temporary displacement of a large number of children and their families. With schools often used for evacuation centres it is expected that education will be significantly impacted. Ms Maidaborn added, “Another major concern at this point is around access to clean and safe water. Power outages will have a dramatic effect on access to water which will become scarce very quickly. Waterborne diseases from the aftermath of the storm are also a huge concern.” UNICEF is working with the National Disaster Management Offices (NDMOs) in Vanuatu, Fiji and Solomon Islands to offer support to the emergency preparedness and response particularly in the areas of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), nutrition, health, education and protection. Ms Maidaborn added, “We currently have our UNICEF children’s emergency fund open and we will remain in close contact with Pacific governments in order to provide additional support should it be called upon. “While additional updates and assessments continue to come through from our colleagues, we are on standby to launch our fundraising efforts so that New Zealanders can give a helping hand to our Pacific neighbours in need.”

For video updates from Alice Clements in Vanuatu visit our website:www.unicef.org.nz/vanuatu  Follow UNICEF New Zealand’s live blog: https://storify.com/UNICEFNZ/cyclone-pam
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Oxfam Sets Up Disaster Fund After Cyclone Pam Makes Direct Hit on Vanuatu

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MIL OSI – Source: Oxfam New Zealand – Cyclone Pam makes direct hit on Vanuatu After a last minute change of course to the west Cyclone Pam made a direct hit on Vanuatu last night, tearing through the archipelago with winds of up to 250kmh. [caption id="attachment_1390" align="alignleft" width="300"]Nasa Image Eye of Cyclone Pam. Nasa Image Eye of Cyclone Pam.[/caption] With more than 250,000 people at risk from the severe tropical cyclone there is real concern of a potentially high death toll and of enormous destruction, particularly given the traditional housing that is so prevalent through the islands. Oxfam is now preparing to respond to what is likely one of the worst cyclones ever seen in the Pacific region and will be sending a rapid response assessment team to Vanuatu as quickly as possible to assist Oxfam staff already on the ground. The highly populated island of Efate, which includes the Vanuatu capital Port Vila, was directly in the path of the cyclone. Early reports indicate roads are blocked, and emergency crews are now working to get through to communities. The cyclone, which appeared to intensify as it hit Vanuatu, is still moving through the southern islands of Vanuatu which have much less infrastructure and could be seriously damaged by a cyclone of this magnitude. Oxfam New Zealand’s Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier said depending on how many people evacuated, the cyclone could be devastating for Vanuatu. “Oxfam and other humanitarian agencies are ready to respond with emergency stocks available to be moved into stricken areas if required,” Ms Le Mesurier said. Vanuatu Country Director Colin Collett van Rooyen was in regular contact last night, and said the sound of the winds was terrifying, and came with astounding force leaving his house and other buildings shaking for hours. “It’s clear now that we are heading for possible worst case scenario,” he said late last night. “This is big.” He said plans were already underway for the response and said it would take time for Vanuatu to rebuild. “This will devastate not just homes but livelihoods as well,” he said. “Port Vila was recently named in the Natural Hazards Risk Atlas and is known as the city most exposed to natural disasters in the world because it faces a combination of risks including earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding and tropical cyclones such as Cyclone Pam.” Cyclone Pam is now directly over Tanna Island with a population of 28,000 people and some of Vanuatu’s most vulnerable communities. You can support Oxfam’s response to humanitarian crises by donating to our Disaster Response Fund http://www.oxfam.org.nz/donate/5024 –]]>

Police warn gang fugitive should not be approached

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MIL OSI –

Source: New Zealand Police – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Police warn gang fugitive should not be approached

Friday, 13 March 2015 – 5:33pm

 Waikato Police seeking a prominent member of an organised criminal group say the fugitive is taking extraordinary lengths to avoid arrest and warn he should not be approached.

District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Karl Thornton, said last night detectives supported by members of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad went to a Burwood Rd Matamata address seeking Leslie Mark PAIRAMA, the alleged president of the Rogue chapter of the Mongrel Mob gang.

“PAIRAMA is currently wanted on active Warrants to Arrest for kidnapping and aggravated robbery offences dating back to August of last year.

“Also known as Lester PAIRAMA or Lester ROGUE, this man has an extensive criminal history with over 95 convictions, many for serious violent offending. Police warn he is dangerous and should not be approached.”

Mr Thornton said officers attending the incident appealed for the occupants of the house to come out but when their calls went unanswered tear-gas was used to make the property safe for Police staff to search. The house was found to be unoccupied.

“It was during this search that Police got an idea of just what lengths PAIRAMA will go to avoid arrest. Located inside a wardrobe in one of the bedrooms our staff located a hidden cavity equipped with a radio scanner.

“PAIRAMA is also known to take drastic measures to change his appearance including by having tattoos removed or added to avoid being identified.”

A male Maori 178cm tall of medium to solid build, Mr Thornton said PAIRAMA is known to have connections throughout the North Island and anyone who sees him or has information on his whereabouts is asked to ring 111.”

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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MPI Fruit Fly response continues

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MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Civil Defence – Press Release/Statement

Headline: MPI Fruit Fly response continues

Updates to Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Managementhttp://www.civildefence.govt.nz/page-not-found/allchanges MPI Fruit Fly response continuesFri, 13 Mar 2015 14:36:21 +1300West Coast flooding, particularly Westport and surroundsFri, 13 Mar 2015 14:31:38 +1300West Coast flooding, particularly Westport and surroundsFri, 06 Mar 2015 12:44:14 +1300MPI confirms fourth fruit fly find in controlled areahttp://www.civildefence.govt.nz/resources/active-emergencies/mpi-confirms-fourth-fruit-fly-find-in-controlled-area/ <div><em>Title has changed:</em>MPI <del>confirms fourth</del>fruit fly <ins>response continues</ins><del>find</del>in <ins>Auckland</ins><del>controlled area</del></div> Mon, 23 Feb 2015 13:30:15 +1300http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/resources/active-emergencies/mpi-confirms-fourth-fruit-fly-find-in-controlled-area/MPI confirms fourth fruit fly find in controlled areaTue, 24 Feb 2015 14:00:10 +1300MPI confirms fourth fruit fly find in controlled areaMon, 23 Feb 2015 13:40:10 +1300MPI confirms fourth fruit fly find in controlled areaMon, 23 Feb 2015 12:50:03 +1300Queensland Fruit Fly found in Grey Lynn area, updatedMon, 23 Feb 2015 10:00:14 +1300Queensland Fruit Fly found in Grey Lynn area, updatedSat, 21 Feb 2015 12:30:03 +1300February 2015 e-BulletinFri, 20 Feb 2015 11:05:16 +1300Queensland Fruit Fly found in Grey Lynn areaWed, 18 Feb 2015 15:10:10 +1300

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Pacific Scoop: Cyclone Pam bears down on Vanuatu – three other storms

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MIL OSI – Source: Pacific Media Centre – Report published with permission of the Pacific Media Centre

Headline: Pacific Scoop: Cyclone Pam bears down on Vanuatu – three other storms

Pacific Scoop/Pacific Media Centre:
As three tropical storms and cyclones raged across the way the Pacific today, aid agencies have been bracing for what could become an unprecedented relief response.

The centre of the cyclone’s circulation is expected to impact Port Vila. “[It’s] very bad news for Efate (population of 60,000) and the capital of Port Vila – they should at least get into the western eyewall,” said The Weather Channel meteorologist Matt Crowther.

Severe tropical cyclone Pam, tropical storm Bavi and cyclone Nathan were racing across the region with Pam expected to impact on Vanuatu. The Weather Channel reports a fourth storm in the Pacific.

“It’s very bad news for Efate (population of 60,000) and the capital of Port Vila – they should at least get into the western eyewall,” said The Weather Channel website meteorologist Matt Crowther.

Aurelia Balpe, head of delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Pacific, said in Suva “Cyclone Pam on its own has the capacity to do immense damage – but now with Bavi and Nathan, we could be looking at one of the biggest Pacific responses in recent memory.”

So far, thousands of people in more than nine countries have been affected or are threatened by the storms.

In Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji, Red Cross emergency response teams have been activated and relief supplies are in place.

Significant damage
Assessments are also being carried out in Tuvalu and Kiribati, where associated sea swells have caused significant damage.

The situations in the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Papua New Guinea and Republic of the Marshall Islands are being monitored closely with the authorities.

“It’s timely that world leaders are meeting in Sendai for the World Conference on disaster risk reduction,” Balpe said.

“This current situation shows just how much the Pacific region needs investment and support for effective risk reduction measures against cyclones, perhaps more than any other place in the world.”

Radio New Zealand International reported Vanuatu was in “lockdown” in preparation for the cyclone.

MetService in Vanuatu said the outer edge of the Category 5 storm was brushing the northern part of the country, with winds of 230km an hour at its heart, said RNZI.

Cyclone Pam slammed into Solomon Islands overnight, affecting more than 3000 households, and destroying some homes.

Vanuatu evacuations – TV3/Scoop News

Scoop updates on Cyclone Pam

Severe weather expected in New Zealand

An infrared satellite map of the eye of Cyclone Pam in the Pacific today. Image: The Weather Channel
 

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Returned healthcare worker being tested to rule out Ebola

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MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – Press Release/Statement

Headline: Returned healthcare worker being tested to rule out Ebola

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says New Zealand is well placed to respond to a patient who needs to be tested to rule out the Ebola virus.

“The patient has recently been in Sierra Leone as part of New Zealand’s contribution to the international response to Ebola,” says Dr Coleman.

“Since returning home to New Zealand, the patient has become unwell. Based on the patient’s symptoms, the Ebola virus needs to be ruled out. I am advised that it is quite possible they are suffering from gastroenteritis or some other illness such as malaria. Test results will be available in 24 to 48 hours.

“The only person who has been in direct contact with the patient during the potentially infectious period has been the patient’s partner. The partner is being monitored according to internationally recognised protocols.

“Ebola is not easy to catch – transmission requires direct contact with an infected individual and only occurs through contact with blood and other body fluids.

“People with Ebola are not infectious until they are displaying symptoms. If the health worker does have Ebola, they will not have been infectious while travelling as the individual was not symptomatic at that time.

“New Zealand is well placed to handle and respond to any such case. This eventuality has been foreseen and has been very carefully planned for.

“While we wait for the test results I encourage the media to respect the patient’s privacy and allow the healthcare workers caring for them the space they need to do their job.”

Summary of events to date:

  • The patient left Sierra Leone on Sunday where they began self-monitoring.
  • After becoming unwell on Friday morning the patient reported to the local Public Health Officer – as part of their daily self-monitoring.
  • The patient is being transported from their home to Christchurch Hospital by Iso-pod where they will be cared for in one of New Zealand’s four speciality isolation facilities.
  • Blood samples will be sent to a high security reference laboratory in Melbourne for testing. It is expected to be 24-48 hours before a result is known.
  • The patient’s partner is now self-monitoring as a precaution.

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Waikato farewells ICC Cricket World Cup in style

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MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Police – Press Release/Statement

Headline: Waikato farewells ICC Cricket World Cup in style

Source: New Zealand Police – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Waikato farewells ICC Cricket World Cup in style

Waikato

A large crowd enjoyed a tight encounter at Seddon Park as New Zealand continued their unbeaten run in the ICC Cricket World Cup.

District Operations Manager Inspector Karen Henrikson said the attentive crowd was largely well behaved and there were no serious incidents.

“It was great to see the positive interaction between the flamboyant Bangladesh supporters and the home-town fans,” Ms Henrikson said.

“There were only six evictions and two arrests as the crowd focused on the exciting action in the middle of Seddon Park.”

“Waikato Police have enjoyed being part of the ICC Cricket World Cup and we hope the festive and friendly atmosphere continues around the city for the rest of the evening.”

ENDS

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Canterbury students win national engineering prize for adventure tourism design

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MIL OSI – Canterbury students win national engineering prize for adventure tourism design

 March 13, 2015

A University of Canterbury student flying fox engineering design project involving a 400 metre high-wire ride dropping 150 vertical metres down the face of Coronet Peak has been national recognised.

Mechanical engineering honours students Ryan McKay, Sean Syman, Charles More and Craig MacDonald received the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand Ray Meyer Medal for excellence in student design at an awards event in Wellington tonight.

Mechanical engineering at the University of Canterbury has won the Ray Meyer Medal nine times in the last 11 years which is an endorsement for the No.1 engineering college in New Zealand. The award is made annually for the best student engineering project from all universities and polytechnics.

The concept for this zipline trolley originated because of a commercial gap in the adventure tourism market; the designed trolley provides Holmes Solutions with a new product with strong market possibilities.

The smooth ride and constant speed of this trolley make it ideal for canopy tours, where groups of people travel down a series of ziplines or flying fox through varying levels of a forest. This trolley allows for riders to travel steadily regardless of the incline, appreciating the beauty of nature.

The student team analysed the problem, predicted forces and speeds, designed the device to do the job, got it built and then tested it on a trial zipline they erected at Christchurch’s Spencer Park. Associate Professor John Pearse who supervised the project established the viability of the concept and provided useful guidance for developing a successful product.

“Ziplines are simple a cable is connected from one platform to another, often crossing a valley or using other natural gradients. The industry sponsor of this project, Holmes Solutions, came to us with this problem with the idea of integrating of their eddy current braking system with a zipline trolley.

“This provided a non-contact, constant velocity brake which removes the complications of wear and provides a smooth ride limiting all riders to the same speed. The students chose this research study as it provided a use for ski fields’ infrastructure during summer months, which opens a new market within the New Zealand adventure tourism industry.

“As with any adventure ride, safety is of the highest importance. The zipline trolley designed for this project incorporates multiple connection points for both the rider to the trolley, and the trolley to the line. High factors of safety were used in the construction of the frame to ensure no component would fail in operation.

“The key innovation is being able to obtain a constant and controlled descent speed. By comparison other braking systems tend to speed up when the overhead wire takes a steeper angle.

“The award is a massive endorsement of the quality of our teaching and research at Canterbury and it also reflects the outstanding capability of our students to complete projects whose tangible deliverables have significant impact for end-users, companies, sponsors and the country,” Associate Professor Pearse says.

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Associate Trade Minister to Travel to Singapore and Australia

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MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – Associate Trade Minister Todd McClay to travel to Singapore and Australia

Revenue, SOE and Associate Trade and Foreign Affairs Minister, Todd McClay will travel to Singapore and Australia from16-21 March to help foster ties and grow New Zealand’s technology sector.

In Singapore, Mr McClay will open the New Zealand Technology Showcase, a programme designed to introduce New Zealand’s high-growth technology companies to international investors.

“This is a great opportunity to attract the wider base of investment needed to retain and grow companies in New Zealand. All of the companies participating in the showcase are high growth businesses who need investment from a range of domestic and international sources to help them scale up internationally in future,” says Mr McClay.

“Technology is New Zealand’s fastest growing sector with our top 100 high technology companies contributing $8 billion to our economy last year, and more than $5 billion of exports.

New Zealand will also be highlighted at the ‘Naturally New Zealand Pavilion’, an exhibition at Changi Airport, which hosts a replica Hobbit hole from The Hobbit movie set constructed by the team who built The Shire for the blockbuster Hobbit trilogy.

“The Naturally New Zealand Pavilion will be used as a venue to exhibit a range of New Zealand products, including food and wine, sport and Air New Zealand, which this year returned to the Singapore market.”

Mr McClay will also visit New Zealand businesses in Singapore including Skyline’s Luge track on Sentosa Island and food safety and biosecurity company AsureQuality.

Mr McClay will return home via Australia and speak at the Turkey ANZAC Centenary dinner in Sydney on Friday.

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Property Council States Wellington Needs to be Heard on Supercity Plan

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MIL OSI – Source: Property Council New Zealand – Wellington needs to be heard

The Wellington Branch has submitted to the Local Government Commission in favour of reorganisation of local government in the Wellington region. At the moment, there is a heavy focus on Auckland and Christchurch and it is imperative that Wellington’s needs are also seriously considered

We believe this is best done through a single voice, enabling Wellington to have more influence with Central Government.  We also believe combining resources across the region and developing a single plan and strategic focus will have more sway than a number of councils pulling in different directions.  We have submitted that a clear strategic focus for the region is likely to be able to better plan for the future and guard against potential, and sometimes unexpected, challenges. 

The greater efficiency and effectiveness that can be realised through reorganisation will help achieve economies of scale.  A single council for the region will mean just one set of strategies, plans and policies for the whole region, meaning less complexity for the council’s customers.  The flow on effect will be, an increase in the region’s attractiveness as a place to do business and undertake development.

We have also submitted that reorganisation should ensure the vitality of Wellington’s CBD, and that it remains attractive to development and business growth.

In terms of next steps, the Commission will be holding public hearings, after which it will decide whether to issue a final proposal or remain with the existing council arrangements.

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Forecast updated to weather watch for Cyclone

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MIL OSI – Source: Bay Of Plenty Regional Council – Forecast updated to weather watch for Cyclone

4pm 13 March 2015

Bay of Plenty residents should be preparing for Tropical Cyclone Pam’s arrival over the next few days.

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence says while not enough detail is known yet about how the cyclone will track, it’s expected to bring high winds, heavy rain and very large swells, particularly in the eastern part of the region.

The forecast was recently updated to a Weather Watch, with gale south easterlies predicted for northern parts of the country on late Sunday and Monday.

Cyclone Pam, currently located near Vanuatu, is forecast to track southwards over the coming days and pass east of the country during Monday and Tuesday. There is some uncertainty as to how close to the North Island the eventual cyclone track will be, however, it has the potential to be a significant event, with strong south to southeast winds and rain expected over much of the North Island during Monday. 

Severe gales are predicted on Sunday evening for Northland and Coromandel, and the eastern Bay of Plenty and Gisborne early Monday morning, before easing Tuesday morning. Swells and rips are likely to be very dangerous around North Island eastern and northern beaches.

Civil Defence Emergency Management Regional Manager Clinton Naude said  the worst of the weather was expected on Monday or Tuesday, but until the cyclone tracked nearer to landfall, it was difficult to predict how damaging it might be in the Bay.

All businesses should check their premises before they close down for the weekend, securing outdoor furniture or any other loose items outdoors which could become dangerous in high winds.

Regional Harbour Master Peter Buell said boat owners should check their moorings and ensure their boats were secure, with hatches closed and sails tied down before the storm arrived. Loose equipment needed to be stored securely and gas bottles closed. Boaties should also make sure they had a current mooring certificate for insurance purposes in case their boat was torn from its mooring in the storm.

The Regional Council’s Operations team has been doing pre weather event checks on pumps and flapgates, and closing flood gates that were opened during summer dry periods, Duty Flood Manager Roger Waugh said.

“A major stopbank construction in the eastern Bay is now up to design height and will be left secure later today. Contractors and staff working in and around the rivers will also leave sites and machines secure tonight,” he said.

Systems have been checked and staff will be on standby throughout the weekend.

Homeowners should clear their gutters, secure outdoor furniture and rubbish bins which could blow around in high winds. It is also a good opportunity to check emergency provisions and ensure you have a working torch, extra batteries and that the family’s emergency supplies are up to date.

Farmers should ensure equipment was safely stored and animals were in a safe place or moved to higher ground if necessary, away from power lines and potential landslides.

Regular updates will be provided on Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management’s website www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz and on its Facebook page www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence

Ends

Civil Defence circle logo

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Attempted Coup And Misguided U.S. Sanctions in Venezuela

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MIL OSI Analysis – Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage: Headline: Attempted Coup And Misguided U.S. Sanctions in Venezuela Attempted Coup And Misguided U.S. Sanctions in Venezuela On February 11, 2015, the government of President Nicolas Maduro, along with a number of his senior officials, declared that Venezuela had faced an attempted coup. Contrarily, the mainstream media in the United States and in Europe viewed such allegations as ridiculous, opposing the arrest of alleged conspirators, calling these arrests human rights violations. However, the history of coups and attempted coups in Latin America since 2002 proves paramount, and there is significant evidence to support their reality.1 Recent diplomatic moves carried out by United States President Obama impose sanctions against seven Venezuelan officials and qualify the country as a “national security threat,” calling attention to a growing isolation of the United States within the hemisphere.2 With the exception of Canada, every other government in the region has condemned U.S. interference in Venezuela through the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Union of South American Nations (Unión de Naciones Suramericanas, UNASUR).3 History of coups in Latin America According to Maurice Lemoine with Le Monde Diplo, as a member of the counter-hegemonic organization the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América, or ALBA), Honduras has been a laboratory for such “constitutional coup[s]”.4 This type of coup is typically tolerated by the international community and leads to the “forced resignation” of elected and legitimate authorities by eliciting the support of the private media, the military, and the corporate sector.5 Former president of Honduras Zelaya wanted to hold a non-binding consultation to convene a national constituent assembly, and pressure his political opponents into redrafting the Constitution.6 However, the political opposition to President Zelaya, consisting mostly of conservatives, claimed that the president was looking to secure his re-election, and also violating the Constitution in doing so. Thus, the opposition staged a coup against Zelaya to protect their economic and political security. This coup enjoyed support from the Honduran Supreme Court, which had ordered to place President Zelaya under military arrest and exile him to Costa Rica, considering his decision to held a referendum un-constitutional. Romeo Vasquez, a Honduran general, subsequently took power, and immediately transferred it to the president of the country’s Congress, Roberto Micheletti. Vaquez’s actions attempted to mask the military’s participation in the coup by placing it under civilian control causing it to appear “constitutional.”7 In the meantime, the Honduran Supreme Court stated that President Zelaya was “abusing his authority” and committing “treason against the fatherland” because he could not constitutionally hold a referendum.8 However, the President maintained that he was merely trying to seek non-binding consultation and not a referendum, insinuating the hypocrisy of the Supreme Court. Micheletti claimed its regime was a transitional government. President Zelaya enjoyed overwhelming support in his country, throughout the hemisphere, and internationally, including from the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the European Union.9 In 2010, a situation in Ecuador mirrored the events in Honduras. On September 29, as reported by Maurice Lemoine, Galo Lara, a member of the Patriotic Society Party, appeared on Ecuadorian television criticizing the new Public Service Law, which President Correa had promoted.10 Lara stated that the law ended privileges, such as bonuses and cash payments, for civil servants, including the police, and stated that “President Correa has snatched the toys out of the hands of the policemen children […and] that’s why he is packing his bags and getting ready to flee the country.”11 This public appearance led to a protest against the new law by police in Quito the same day. President Correa chose to meet with the protestors in attempt at a personal negotiation. At the barracks, President Correa was met by an aggressive crowd of 800 policemen, organized by men in sunglasses, with radios and mobile phones in hand, shouting “communists” and “chavistas” in protest.12 President Correa’s bodyguards managed to usher him into a building to saftely, through a thick wall of insults and tear gas. The protest escalated, and “kill him” was heard amidst the crowd.13 Simultaneously, 400 soldiers took Quito’s Mariscal Sucre airport, the air base at Tacunga, the national assembly building, and the port and airport of Guayaquil, the economic capital of the country.14 Around 8:00 PM, a special operations group rescued President Correa, as tens of thousands of citizens took the streets in support of the elected president. On the police radio, a voice contested, “get Correa out and take him away before the chuspangos (military) arrive,” and aggressively advocated, “kill him, kill the president.”15 A resulting firefight broke out, and a bodyguard of Correa’s suffered a gunshot. Despite the chaos, at the end of the day Constitutional order had reestablished, at the cost of ten dead and 300 injured.16 Of greater importance to this analysis is the case of Venezuela. In 2002, a small group of military leaders kidnapped President Hugo Chavez, and administered power to the President of the Venezuelan Federation of Chambers of Commerce (Fedecamaras), Pedro Carmona.17 As stated by the Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA), at the time, “the U.S. provided de facto recognition for a short-lived coup regime that came to power by overthrowing the democratically-elected Chávez government. During that coup, all of Venezuela’s democratic institutions were suspended, including the National Assembly, the Supreme Court, and the Constitution.”18 However, a massive popular movement backed by key sectors of the military spontaneously took the streets to return Chavez to office.19 During the days of the attempted coup, the mainstream media backed the coup against Constitutional order in Venezuela, contributing an increasingly high level of polarization in the country.20 The situation in Venezuela has maintained such polarization. The Council on Hemispheric Affairs reports, “since President Hugo Chavez’s first electoral victory in 1998, the United States has provided support for regime change in Caracas, funneling U.S. AID and National Endowment for Democracy funds to right-wing Venezuelan opposition organizations. An additional $5.5 million proposed for FY 2016.”21 In nearly every country of the world, it is illegal to receive funds from a sovereign state to finance internal policy and elections. In Venezuela, the illegality of this is enshrined in the Constitution. However, the government did not take drastic actions against illegal funding provided by the United States. During the first months of 2014, once again the opposition political parties seemed keen to overthrow the elected government with the promotion of violent protests, which lead to the death of 46 people, most of the victims police officers and supporters of the Maduro government.22 International media also had a significant impact, and was primarily led by U.S.-based entities seeking to delegitimize the Maduro government.23 The Heavy Hands of Washington Policy Makers: A number of searing instances have demonstrated that U.S. authorities have been involved in staging a series of Latin American coups and attempted coups. To take one example, former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton acknowledged that she played a deciding role in the prevention of former President Zelaya of returning to office in Honduras in 2009.24 As reported by Al Jazeera, Clinton wrote, “we strategized on a plan to restore order in Honduras and ensure that free and fair elections could be held quickly and legitimately, which would render the question of Zelaya moot.”25 Also, one of the first moves of the plotters of the coup was to facilitate the Honduras’ exit from ALBA to promote pro-U.S. diplomacy. Furthermore, in Ecuador, the U.S. State Department had encouraged the coup, and has been considered guilty of orchestrating the operation by many.26 The New York Times found that in Venezuela, the CIA knew about the 2002 coup plot, and pointed to documents that prove this.27 A senior CIA intelligence included in brief issued on April 6, 2002, that “disgruntled senior officers and a group of radical junior officers are stepping up efforts to organize a coup against President Chávez, possibly as early as this month.”28 The same brief continued in stating that the conspirators would “exploit unrest stemming from opposition demonstrations slated for later this month.”29 On April 8, 2002, a separate brief reiterated that “disgruntled officers are planning a coup.”30 The Guardian also found that “the failed coup in Venezuela was closely tied to senior officials in the US government […which] have long histories in the ‘dirty wars’ of the 1980s, and links to death squads working in Central America at that time.”31 And there other cases of actual or threatened coups against elected governments; such as the coups against elected Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in Haiti, which occurred twice, in 1991 and in 2004, or the attempted coup against elected President Evo Morales in 2008 in Bolivia, and against Fernando Lugo in Paraguay in 2012.32 In all these cases, the responsibility of Washington is suspected, if not explicitly demonstrated.33 A New Attempted Coup in Venezuela ? On February 11, 2015, Venezuelan officials arrested a retired Air Force general and 13 other individuals allegedly involved in a plot to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro.34 Plans for the attempted coup included an attack on the presidential palace and other government buildings.35 On February 19, the government arrested Antonio Ledezma, a member of the opposition, and the mayor of Caracas since 2008.36 On February 25, the President of the National Assembly of Venezuela, Diosdado Cabello, and the elected representative of the capital district of Caracas, Jorge Rodriguez, provided proof of the attempted coup. As reported by various media outlets, including French newspaper l’Humanité, Pagina 12 of Argentina, La Jornada in Mexico, and various local media in Venezuela, Jorge Rodriguez presented a series of videos in which the retired First Deputy of Aviation Luis Hernando Lugo Calderon said he was “implicated in the [planned] bombing,” and confirmed his intention of attacking selected targets in Caracas with a Tucano, a light training attack aircraft.37 In addition, Calderon had recorded a video of himself demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro.38 Air Force Captain Héctor José Noguera Figueroa, recorded alongside Jorge Rodriguez, also testified to affirm video’s authenticity.39 Figueroa reported that he did not know how to fly a Tucano, in attempt to maintain his innocence.40 As reported by L’Humanité, many of the conspirators had been in contact with the U.S. embassy in Venezuela, which promised to grant the necessary visas to leave the country, as well as payment in U.S. dollars.41 The British embassy also faces accusations of involvement, having promised visas if the coup attempt failed.42 Many military officials were also implicated, such as Air Force General Oswaldo Hernandez Sanchez, and Julio Borges, legislator and head of the political party Primero Justicia.43 Allegedly U.S.-supported conspirators include ex-military personnel that the government released after the 2002 coup attempt, such as General Maximiliano Hernandez Sanchez, Colonel José Suarez Romular, Major César Arnoldo Pérez Carrero, Captain Hector José Noguera Figueroa, and Lieutenants Peter Alexander Moreno Guevera, Carlos Esqueda and Wilfredo Castillo.44 As stated by many international newspapers, such as the French Nouvel Observateur, l’Humanité, Venezuela Analysis, La Jornada, and Pagina 12, prior to the attempted coup, Antonio Ledezma signed a statement released 24 hours prior to the coup attempt which called for the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro as part of a “national transition.”45 Other signatories to the statement include former legislator Maria Corina Machado, who was dismissed of her legislative duties after speaking on behalf of the legislative power without the Venezuelan Congress’ authorization, violating the Constitution.46 Her various NGOs have received millions in funding from the U.S. government.47 The third signatory is Leopoldo Lopez, who is currently in jail, awaiting his trial for charges related to his role in leading violent opposition protests in 2014.48 As reported by The Guardian, President Maduro stated that, “opposition radicals sought to carry out a coup in 2014, and still harbor the same ambition.”49 he high military command in Venezuela additionally denounced the military’s involvement in the attempted coup, and exhibited support of President Maduro.50 Also, on March 3, President Maduro revealed the conspirator’s 100-day plan to lead a transitional government in the post-coup environment. The planned coup was to take place in 90 days, and called for an election within 180 days after overthrowing the current elected government.51 Regional Support For Venezuelan Government The regional reaction to this attempted coup has been diverse, but firmly supportive of the elected President Maduro. As reported by Al-Jazeera, on February 11, 2015, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which include every hemispheric country except Canada and the United States, reiterated: “its strong repudiation of the application of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law.”52 Bolivian President Evo Morales and former president of Uruguay, Pedro Mujica, have both recognized and quickly condemned the attempted coup.53 The former leader denounced the hand that Washington played and the latter accused leftist military officials in the alleged coup, illustrating the confusion in the region regarding the sequence of the events.54 On February 24, the Partido Dos Trablhadores, the leading Brazilian political party, and party of President Dilma Roussef, condemned the attempted coup against President Maduro.55 However, the foreign ministry in Brazil stated that the actions of President Maduro were of concern.56 But most Latin American and Caribbean governments, continue to back the Venezuelan government.57 On March 6, 2015, the Union of South American Nations (Unión de Naciones Suramericanas, UNASUR), which congregates each country in South America (including Colombia, Paraguay and Chile, countries not exactly considered to be close allies of Venezuela,) declared, through Secretary General Ernesto Samper, that “[e]very member state of UNASUR, without exception, rejects any destabilization efforts in Venezuela,” after reviewing evidence presented by the government of Venezuela.58 Local opposition immediately rejected the UNASUR official Statement.59 Consequently, On March 9, 2015, U.S. President Obama declared that Venezuela has become a threat to the U.S. national security.60 This speech led to several critical reactions. First, Secretary General of the OAS José Miguel Insulza, an organization known for its moderate positions, said that President Obama’s statement would only further complicate the situation in Venezuela and U.S.-Venezuelan relations.61 Additionally, Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa called President Obama’s announcement as a “bad joke.”62 Also, as reported by Al–Jazeera, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro asked “special decree powers to preserve Latin American nation’s “peace, integrity and sovereignty.””63 Nicolas Maduro obtained these powers from the Venezuelan National Assembly on March 11, 2015.64 The U.S. State Department move against the elected President and top officials ultimately resulted in a high concentration of power in Venezuela, the reverse of the U.S. government’s declared intentions.65 Human Rights, Criticism and Selective Indignation Mainstream media has a short memory, and a majority of it considers the alleged plot to be ridiculous.66 However, considering the interventionist policy Washington has historically implemented in the hemisphere, these allegations deserve fair analysis. The media’s silence on the evidence presented by the Venezuelan government is astonishing.67 The hypothesis that the Maduro government is under attack from an attempted coup must be considered. Just because an individual may believe these allegations does not indicate support of Maduro’s policies. There is a big difference between criticizing a country for its policies and intervening in the democratic processes of other countries, which is intolerable. In the case of Venezuela, the lack of transparency regarding the current events should serve as a reminder to read public statements with caution. It is foolish to not consider the voice of the Venezuelan elected government, and other challenging perspectives. The attempted coup could have been fabricated, but the evidence presented by the Maduro government must also be assessed. Until now, the evidence that the government of Venezuela has revealed have not been proven false. Instead, several actors, such as UNASUR, deemed the evidence to be valid, supporting the Venezuelan government.68 While it is wise to be skeptical of conspiracies, especially in such a politically charged atmosphere, the rush to ridicule the reports of a coup plot by Maduro’s adversaries should also be viewed with some suspicion. The U.S. has made real threats against Venezuela, stemming from historical proof of U.S. interference and violence in the hemisphere. Even the U.S.-based intelligence enterprise Stratfor foresaw an attempted coup in January 2015, clearly demonstrating that tension, polarization, and the dire economic situation in Venezuela could lead to violent actions aimed at overthrowing the government.69 Additionally, human rights violations against the press, social activists, political leaders, and ordinary citizens occur throughout the Americas, including Venezuela.70 Denouncing human rights violations only in Venezuela, while situations in Colombia, Mexico, and Central America pose far worse, demonstrates a selective indignation on behalf of the United States.71 The same holds true for corruption and other governmental problems, such as transparency. Venezuela is not the only country with human rights blunders, corruption and lack of transparency.72 And despite the somewhat dire situation, Venezuela is also not the only regional actor that faces difficulty in its economy and crime rate. But mainstream media does not seem to recognize the relativity of the present affair. As many publications on the left have explained, the media distortion of reality in Venezuela is fact, not allegation.73 The ultra-right in the U.S. Congress that opposes normalization with Cuba, and supports sanctions against Venezuela, claims that reestablishing relations with Cuba opposes the Democratic Charter of the Organization of American States (signed in 2001), but at the same time, it actively supports conspirators in Venezuela, yet fails to criticize the return to one-man rule regimes in Haiti or Egypt supported by the United States.74 However, double standards apply when it comes to U.S. hegemony, distorting reality and jeopardizing the truth. Will President Obama revise U.S. policy in order to promote new cooperation in the region?Given President Obama’s tough rhetoric toward Venezuela, and the UNASUR announcement that it will back the elected government in Venezuelan, the Summit of the Americas, planned for April 10-11 in Panama, will highlight the growing tensions in the region. The divisions in the hemisphere are deeper than ever.75 Please accept this article as a free contribution from COHA, but if re-posting, please afford authorial and institutional attribution. Exclusive rights can be negotiated. For additional news and analysis on Latin America, please go to: LatinNews.com and Rights Action. Featured Image “Obama declara a Venezuela amenaza nacional ” by Remolacha.net , retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/remolachaoficial/16579044998/in/photolist-rg2Wtq-qZL7oE-rztmkx-rztmc6-qCG1dv-ri2nxz-rznwva-rhTYfL-rztmbz-ri2nEt-88Wpkk-ah8GL1-ah8GRh-6UUmBb-6g6N4h-aFgXmU Reference: 1LEMOINE Maurice, “Latin American coups upgraded,” in Le Monde Diplo, on August 2014. Consulted on http://mondediplo.com/2014/08/06coups on March 3, 2015. 2WEISBROT Mark, “Obama absurdly declares Venezuela a security threat » in Al Jazeera, on March 10, 2015. Consulted on http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/3/obama-absurdly-declares-venezuela-a-national-security-threat.html on March 10, 2015. ; « Ecuador’s Correa Calls US Sanctions on Venezuela ‘a Bad Joke’ » in Telesur, on March 10, 2015. Consulted on http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Ecuadors-Correa-Calls-US-Sanctions-on-Venezuela-a-Bad-Joke-20150310-0003.html on March 10, 2015 ; .EFE, “Insulza ve complicado que EE UU declare emergencia por amenaza de Venezuela” in El Nacional, on March 9, 2015. Consulted on http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Insulza-EE-UU-emergencia-Venezuela_0_588541353.html on March 10, 2015. 3« UNASUR Rejects US Destabilization Efforts in Venezuela » in TeleSurEnglish on March 6, 2015. Consulted on http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/UNASUR-Rejects-US-Destabilization-Efforts-in-Venezuela-20150306-0026.html on March 9, 2015. ; WEISBROT Mark, “Obama absurdly declares Venezuela a security threat » in Al Jazeera, on March 10, 2015. Consulted on http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/3/obama-absurdly-declares-venezuela-a-national-security-threat.html on March 10, 2015. 4LEMOINE Maurice, “Latin American coups upgraded,” in Le Monde Diplo, on August 2014. Consulted on http://mondediplo.com/2014/08/06coups on March 3, 2015. 5Ibid. 6Ibid. 7Ibid. ; McDERMOTT Jeremy, “Honduras supreme court ‘ordered army coup’” in the Telegraph, On June 28, 2009. Consulted on http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/honduras/5677026/Honduras-supreme-court-ordered-army-coup.html on March 3, 2015. 8 “Orden de captura contra Zelaya” by Libertad Digital. Consulted on http://www.libertaddigital.com/documentos/orden-de-captura-contra-zelaya-17027313.html on March 3, 2015 ; McDERMOTT Jeremy, “Honduras supreme court ‘ordered army coup’” in the Telegraph, On June 28, 2009. Consulted on http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/honduras/5677026/Honduras-supreme-court-ordered-army-coup.html on March 3, 2015. 9 Ibid. 10LEMOINE Maurice, “Latin American coups upgraded,” in Le Monde Diplo, on August 2014. Consulted on http://mondediplo.com/2014/08/06coups on March 3, 2015. 11Ibid. 12LEMOINE Maurice, “Latin American coups upgraded,” in Le Monde Diplo, on August 2014. Consulted on http://mondediplo.com/2014/08/06coups on March 3, 2015. 13Ibid. 14Facts reported by Le Monde Diplo and the BBC, “Ecuador declares state of emergency amid ‘coup attempt’”, BBC, September 30, 2010, Consulted on http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-11447519 onb March 3, 2015; LEMOINE Maurice, “Latin American coups upgraded,” in Le Monde Diplo, on August 2014. Consulted on http://mondediplo.com/2014/08/06coups on March 3, 2015. 15LEMOINE Maurice, “Latin American coups upgraded,” in Le Monde Diplo, on August 2014. Consulted on http://mondediplo.com/2014/08/06coups on March 3, 2015. 16Ibid. 17Ibid. 18BIRNS Larry, MILLS Frederick and PINEO Ronn, “The Council on Hemispheric Affairs Opposes U.S. Intervention in Venezuela and Calls for a Resumption of Full Diplomatic Relations with Caracas” on Council on Hemispheric Affairs, on February 26, 2015. Consulted on http://www.coha.org/the-council-on-hemispheric-affairs-opposes-u-s-intervention-in-venezuela-and-calls-for-a-resumption-of-full-diplomatic-relations-with-caracas/ on March 3, 2015. 19Ibid. 20DOLEAC Clement, “Insuficient Media Regulations in Latin America” on Council on Hemispheric Affairs, on February 19, 2015. Consulted on http://www.coha.org/insufficient-media-reforms-in-latin-america-urgency-to-go-further/ on March 3, 2015 21BIRNS Larry, MILLS Frederick and PINEO Ronn, “The Council on Hemispheric Affairs Opposes U.S. Intervention in Venezuela and Calls for a Resumption of Full Diplomatic Relations with Caracas” on Council on Hemispheric Affairs, on February 26, 2015. Consulted on http://www.coha.org/the-council-on-hemispheric-affairs-opposes-u-s-intervention-in-venezuela-and-calls-for-a-resumption-of-full-diplomatic-relations-with-caracas/ on March 3, 2015. 22WEISBROT Mark, “Venezuela’s Struggle, Widely Misrepresented, Remains a Classic Conflict Between Right and Left” in The Guardian, March 4, 2014. Consulted on http://www.cepr.net/index.php/op-eds-&-columns/op-eds-&-columns/venezuelas-struggle-widely-misrepresented-remains-a-classic-conflict-between-right-and-left on March 3, 2015. ; BHATT Keane, “U.S. Destabilization and Media Distortion in Venezuela (Interview)” on NACLA, on February 25, 2014. Consulted on https://nacla.org/news/2014/2/25/us-destabilization-and-media-distortion-venezuela-interview on March 3, 2015; PARTYKA Nicholas, “On the Recent Crisis in Venezuela: Confronting the US Media Narrative about the Crisis” The Hampton Institute, on July 2nd, 2014. Consulted on http://www.hamptoninstitution.org/us-media-and-venezuela.html#.VPXfIywnzF8 on March 3, 2015. 23Ibid. 24WEISBROT Mark, “Hard choices: Hillary Clinton admits role in Honduran coup aftermath” on AlJazeera, On Setember 14, 2014. Consulted on http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/9/hillary-clinton-honduraslatinamericaforeignpolicy.html on March 3, 2015; FRANK Dana « Hopeless in Honduras?” on Foreign Affairs, on November 22, 2013. Consulted on http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/140283/dana-frank/hopeless-in-honduras on March 3, 2015. 25WEISBROT Mark, “Hard choices: Hillary Clinton admits role in Honduran coup aftermath” on AlJazeera, On Setember 14, 2014. Consulted on http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/9/hillary-clinton-honduraslatinamericaforeignpolicy.html on March 3, 2015 26WEISBROT Mark, “Ecuador: Coup attempt encouraged by Washington” in Links, on October 1, 2010. Consulted on http://links.org.au/node/1925 on March 3, 2015. 27 FORERO Juan, “Documents Show C.I.A. Knew of a Coup Plot in Venezuela” on New York Times, on December 3, 2004. Consulted on http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/03/international/americas/03venezuela.html on March 3, 2015. 28Ibid. 29 FORERO Juan, “Documents Show C.I.A. Knew of a Coup Plot in Venezuela” on New York Times, on December 3, 2004. Consulted on http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/03/international/americas/03venezuela.html on March 3, 2015. 30 Ibid. 31The details about several of these senior officers of Bush administration can be found in details in the article fo The Guardian : VULLIAMY Ed, “Venezuela coup linked to Bush team,” The Guardian, on April 21, 2002. Consulted on http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/apr/21/usa.venezuela on March 3, 2015. 32For the cases in Bolivia and Paraguay, see LEMOINE Maurica, “Latin American coups upgraded,” in Le Monde Diplo, on August 2014. Consulted on http://mondediplo.com/2014/08/06coups on March 3, 2015. ; For the case of Haiti, see FARMER Paul “Who removed Aristide” in the London Review of Books, Vol. 26 No. 8 · 15 April 2004 pages 28-31, on the following link: http://www.lrb.co.uk/v26/n08/paul-farmer/who-removed-aristide 33 In Bolivia, The government accused the U.S. ambassador to have been included in the plot, see FUENTES Frederico, “Bolivia: WikiLeaks expose US conspiracy » in Gree Left Weekly, on Monday, August 1, 2011. Consulted on https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48367 on March 10, 2015 ; in Paraguay even if the evidence are not clear, secret correspondences revealed by Wikileaks tend to push forward a clear U.S. interference in the country. See more on KOZLOFF Nikolas, “WikiLeaks: Washington and Paraguay’s ‘Quasi-Coup’” in Huffington Post, on July 19, 2012. Consulted on http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikolas-kozloff/wikileaks-washington-and-_1_b_1683568.html on March 10, 2015 ; In the case of Haiti, the U.S., French and Canadian interferences has been much more documented. See more on FARMER Paul “Who removed Aristide” in the London Review of Books, Vol. 26 No. 8 · 15 April 2004 pages 28-31, on the following link: http://www.lrb.co.uk/v26/n08/paul-farmer/who-removed-aristide ; see also FRENCH, Howard W.; Time Weiner (14 November 1993). “C.I.A. Formed Haitian Unit Later Tied to Narcotics Trade”. New York Times ; BEENTON Dan, NIENABER Georgianne, “Haiti’s Doctored Elections, Seen from the Inside: An Interview with Ricardo Seitenfus” in Dissent Magazine, on February 24, 2014. Consulted on http://www.dissentmagazine.org/online_articles/haitis-doctored-elections-seen-from-the-inside-an-interview-with-ricardo-seitenfus on March 5, 2015. 34“Open letter: Venezuela’s coup plot must be condemned internationally” in the Guardian, on February 18, 2015. Consulted on http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/18/venezuelas-coup-plot-condemned-internationally on March 3, 2015. 35According to “Open letter: Venezuela’s coup plot must be condemned internationally” in the Guardian, on February 18, 2015. Consulted on http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/18/venezuelas-coup-plot-condemned-internationally on March 3, 2015. 36 “Sebin detuvo al alcalde Metropolitano Antonio Ledezma”. El Universal. On February 19, 2015. Consulted on http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/150219/sebin-detuvo-al-alcalde-metropolitano-antonio-ledezma on March 3, 2015. 37 “Presented new evidence of the attempted coup in Venezuela” on LaInfo.es on February 26, 2015. Consulted on http://lainfo.es/en/2015/02/26/presented-new-evidence-of-the-attempted-coup-in-venezuela/ on March 3, 2015 ; « Venezuelan Officials Present Evidence of Coup Plot” on TeleSur, on February 26, 2015. Consulted on http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Venezuelan-Officials-Present-Evidence-of-Coup-Plot-20150225-0041.html on March 3, 2015; “Implicados en intento de golpe de Estado han confesado” on Globovision on February 13, 2015. consulted on http://globovision.com/cabello-presentara-nuevas-pruebas-de-intento-de-golpe-de-estado/ on March 3, 2015; « Caracas difunde pruebas del intento de golpe” on Pagina 12, on February 27, 2015. Consulted on http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/elmundo/4-266980-2015-02-27.html on March 3, 2015 ; GUERRA CABRERA Angel, “EU acelera el golpe en Venezuela” on La Jornada, on February 26, 2015. Consulted on http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2015/02/26/opinion/030a1mun on March 3, 2015. 38Ibid. 39« Noguera reconoce autenticidad del video y que pedirían renuncia de Maduro » in Ultima Noticias, on March 4, 2015. Consulted on http://www.ultimasnoticias.com.ve/noticias/actualidad/politica/noguera-reconoce-autenticidad-del-video-y-que-pedi.aspx#ixzz3TcNjqvlo on March 6, 2015. 40« Noguera reconoce autenticidad del video y que pedirían renuncia de Maduro » in Ultima Noticias, on March 4, 2015. Consulted on http://www.ultimasnoticias.com.ve/noticias/actualidad/politica/noguera-reconoce-autenticidad-del-video-y-que-pedi.aspx#ixzz3TcNjqvlo on March 6, 2015. 41ORTIZ Jean, “Venezuela : La stratégie du coup d’État permanent” in L’Humanité, on February 16, 2015. Consulted on http://www.humanite.fr/venezuela-la-strategie-du-coup-detat-permanent-565647 on March 3, 2015. 42 « Caracas difunde pruebas del intento de golpe” on Pagina 12, on February 27, 2015. Consulted on http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/elmundo/4-266980-2015-02-27.html on March 3, 2015 43ORTIZ Jean, “Venezuela : La stratégie du coup d’État permanent” in L’Humanité, on February 16, 2015. Consulted on http://www.humanite.fr/venezuela-la-strategie-du-coup-detat-permanent-565647 on March 3, 2015. 44Ibid. ; « Venezuelan Officials Present Evidence of Coup Plot” on TeleSur, on February 26, 2015. Consulted on http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Venezuelan-Officials-Present-Evidence-of-Coup-Plot-20150225-0041.html on March 3, 2015; « Caracas difunde pruebas del intento de golpe” on Pagina 12, on February 27, 2015. Consulted on http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/elmundo/4-266980-2015-02-27.html on March 3, 2015 ; « Noguera reconoce autenticidad del video y que pedirían renuncia de Maduro » in Ultima Noticias, on March 4, 2015. Consulted on http://www.ultimasnoticias.com.ve/noticias/actualidad/politica/noguera-reconoce-autenticidad-del-video-y-que-pedi.aspx#ixzz3TcNjqvlo on March 6, 2015. 45[1]Ibid. ; KOERNER Lucas, “New Evidence Links Ledezma, COPEI to Thwarted Coup”, on Venezuela Analysis, on February 27, 2015. Consulted on http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/11238 on March 3, 2015; « Venezuela : le maire de Caracas accusé d’avoir tenté un coup d’Etat «  in Le Nouvel Obs, on February 20, 2015. Consulted on http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/monde/20150220.OBS2959/venezuela-le-maire-de-caracas-accuse-d-avoir-tente-un-coup-d-etat.html on March 3, 2015. 46KEJAL Vyas, “Venezuela to Charge Opposition Leader in Alleged Plot to Kill President Machado Says Allegations Are False, Government Attempt to Stifle Rivals”, in The Wall Street Journal on November 26, 2014. Consulted on http://www.wsj.com/articles/venezuela-to-charge-opposition-leader-in-alleged-plot-to-kill-president-1417050209, on March 3, 2015. 47KOERNER Lucas, “New Evidence Links Ledezma, COPEI to Thwarted Coup”, on Venezuela Analysis, on February 27, 2015. Consulted on http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/11238 on March 3, 2015; « Venezuelan Officials Present Evidence of Coup Plot” on TeleSur, on February 26, 2015. Consulted on http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Venezuelan-Officials-Present-Evidence-of-Coup-Plot-20150225-0041.html on March 3, 2015. 48Ibid. 49“Venezuelan general arrested over plot to topple president, officials say” in The Guardian, on February 13, 2015. Consulted on http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/13/venezuelan-plot-topple-president-maduro on March 3, 2015. 50“Alto Mando Militar condena “planes desestabilizadores” » on El Impuslo, onFebruary 13, 2015. Consulted on http://elimpulso.com/articulo/alto-mando-militar-condena-planes-desestabilizadores onMarch 10, 2015. 51 « Derecha golpista elaboró plan de 100 días para atentar contra el Gobierno y los venezolanos » in Correo del Orinoco, on March 4, 2015. Consulted on http://www.correodelorinoco.gob.ve/nacionales/derecha-golpista-elaboro-plan-100-dias-para-atentar-contra-gobierno-y-venezolanos/ on March 10, 2015. 52WEISBROT Mark, “Obama absurdly declares Venezuela a security threat » in Al Jazeera, on March 10, 2015. Consulted on http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/3/obama-absurdly-declares-venezuela-a-national-security-threat.html on March 10, 2015. 53“Morales y Mujica advierten de “intento de golpe de Estado” en Venezuela” in La Jornada, on February 26, 2015. Consulted on http://www.jornada.unam.mx/ultimas/2015/02/26/morales-y-mujica-advierten-de-201cintento-de-golpe-de-estado201d-en-venezuela-2945.html on March 3, 2015. 54Ibid. 55“Em nota, PT repudia tentativa de golpe contra presidente da venezuela” in Folha, on February 25, 2015. Consulted on http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mundo/2015/02/1594635-em-nota-pt-repudia-tentativa-de-golpe-contra-presidente-da-venezuela.shtml on March 3, 2015. 56Ibid. 57 [1]GRANDIN Greg, “What is happening in Venezuela” in The Nation, on March 2, 2015. Consulted on http://www.thenation.com/blog/199681/what-happening-venezuela?utm_content=buffered824&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer on March 3, 2015. 58« UNASUR Rejects US Destabilization Efforts in Venezuela » in TeleSurEnglish on March 6, 2015. Consulted on http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/UNASUR-Rejects-US-Destabilization-Efforts-in-Venezuela-20150306-0026.html on March 9, 2015. 59Ibid. 60 RAMPTON Roberta and MASON Jeff, “U.S. declares Venezuela a national security threat, sanctions top officials” in Reuters, on March 9, 2015. Consulted on http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/09/us-usa-venezuela-idUSKBN0M51NS20150309 on March 10, 2015. 61About the moderate positions of the OAS, see BEETON Dan, “Does the OAS Support Democracy in Venezuela? » in Center for Economic and Policy Research, on March 7, 2014. Consulted on http://www.cepr.net/index.php/blogs/the-americas-blog/does-the-oas-support-democracy-in-venezuela on March 10, 2015. About the most recent declarations of Insulza, see EFE, “Insulza ve complicado que EE UU declare emergencia por amenaza de Venezuela” in El Nacional, on March 9, 2015. Consulted on http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Insulza-EE-UU-emergencia-Venezuela_0_588541353.html on March 10, 2015. 62 « Ecuador’s Correa Calls US Sanctions on Venezuela ‘a Bad Joke’ » in Telesur, on March 10, 2015. Consulted on http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Ecuadors-Correa-Calls-US-Sanctions-on-Venezuela-a-Bad-Joke-20150310-0003.html on March 10, 2015. 63 “Venezuela’s Maduro seeks more powers after US sanctions” in Al-Jazeera, on March 10, 2015. Consulted on http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/venezuela-maduro-seeks-powers-sanctions-150310181117857.html on March 10, 2015. 64 MIROFF Nick, DE YOUNG Karen, New U.S. sanctions lost in Venezuela’s translation” in Washington Post on March 11, 2015. Consulted on http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/new-us-sanctions-lost-in-venezuelas-translation/2015/03/11/f8f3af6a-c7ff-11e4-bea5-b893e7ac3fb3_story.html on March 12, 2015. ; “Venezuela congress approves president’s decree request”on Al–Jazeera, on March 12, 2015. 65 NEUMAN William, « Obama Hands Venezuelan Leader a Cause to Stir Support » in the New York Times, on March 11, 2015. Consulted on http://org.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=%2FedhWmkD6p38UyNLW5VdJzp5w6kP6G5Z on March 12, 2015. ; « Venezuela congress approves president’s decree request » in Al Jazeera, on March 12, 2015. Consulted on http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2015/03/venezuela-congress-approves-president-decree-request-150312071259152.html on March 12, 2015. 66Instructive interview here “Venezuelan Gov. Releases Audio of Coup Plotters » in The Real News, on February 27, 2015. Consulted on http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=13301 on March 3, 2015. ; CHOMSKY Noam, “Noam Chomsky: As Venezuela Struggles to Fix Economy, U.S. Should Stop Trying to Undermine Its Gov’t” in DemocracyNow, on March 3, 2015. Consulted on http://www.democracynow.org/2015/3/3/noam_chomsky_as_venezuela_struggles_to on March 3, 2015. 67 WEISBROT Mark, “Obama absurdly declares Venezuela a security threat » in Al Jazeera, on March 10, 2015. Consulted on http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/3/obama-absurdly-declares-venezuela-a-national-security-threat.html on March 10, 2015 68« UNASUR Rejects US Destabilization Efforts in Venezuela » in TeleSurEnglish on March 6, 2015. Consulted on http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/UNASUR-Rejects-US-Destabilization-Efforts-in-Venezuela-20150306-0026.html on March 9, 2015. 69 “Analytic Guidance: Considering a Coup in Venezuela” on Stratfor, on January 9, 2015. Consulted on https://www.stratfor.com/analysis/analytic-guidance-considering-coup-venezuela on March 6, 2015. 70You can for example look into a comparative analysis including Venezuela, Colombia and Argentina: RIOS Eugenia, “ Fundamental Rightsa in Latin America, A comparative study adressing human rights violations in Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina” A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Honors in the Major Program in International and Global Studies in the College of Sciences and in The Burnett Honors College at the University of Central Florida, 2011. 71 For example, according to data of Reporter without Borders, well-known for its criticism against Venezuela, the Latin America’s four deadliest countries for media personnel were in 2014 Mexico, Honduras, Brazil and Colombia. See more on http://en.rsf.org/ameriques-infographic-the-deadliest-30-09-2014,47028.html ; As report by The Nation, Venezuela also still receive refugees fro Colombia, suffering of the extreme social violence in the Andean country. See GRANDIN Gregg, “Is Venezuela Really an ‘Extraordinary Threat’ to the United States?” in The Nation, on March 10, 2015. Consulted on http://www.thenation.com/blog/200889/us-preparing-start-sanctions-against-venezuela?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=email_nation&utm_campaign=Email%20Nation%20%28NEW%29%20-%20Most%20Recent%20Content%20Feed%20-%20filter%20fix%2020150310&newsletter=email_nation# on March 10, 2015. 72Ibid. 73WEISBROT Mark, “Venezuela’s Struggle, Widely Misrepresented, Remains a Classic Conflict Between Right and Left” in The Guardian, March 4, 2014. Consulted on http://www.cepr.net/index.php/op-eds-&-columns/op-eds-&-columns/venezuelas-struggle-widely-misrepresented-remains-a-classic-conflict-between-right-and-left on March 3, 2015. ; BHATT Keane, “U.S. Destabilization and Media Distortion in Venezuela (Interview)” on NACLA, on February 25, 2014. Consulted on https://nacla.org/news/2014/2/25/us-destabilization-and-media-distortion-venezuela-interview on March 3, 2015; PARTYKA Nicholas, “On the Recent Crisis in Venezuela: Confronting the US Media Narrative about the Crisis” The Hampton Institute, on July 2nd, 2014. Consulted on http://www.hamptoninstitution.org/us-media-and-venezuela.html#.VPXfIywnzF8 on March 3, 2015. 74 For Haiti, see DOLEAC Clément, “The U.S. Government Supports a Haitian Return to a One-man-rule Regime” in Council on Hemispheric Affairs on January 14, 2015. Consulted on http://www.coha.org/the-u-s-government-supports-a-haitian-return-to-a-one-man-rule-regime/ on March 3, 2015. ; for Egypt see CARLSTROM Greeg, “Egypt’s New Dictator Was Made in the USA” in Politico, on February 18, 2014. Consulted on http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/02/el-sisi-egypt-dictator-103628.html#ixzz3TLnq8Ogi on March 3, 2015. 75WEISBROT Mark, “Obama absurdly declares Venezuela a security threat » in Al Jazeera, on March 10, 2015. Consulted on http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/3/obama-absurdly-declares-venezuela-a-national-security-threat.html on March 10, 2015. – –  ]]>

UN Special Representative for Somalia condemns attack in Baidoa

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MIL OSI – Source: Africa Press Organization – UN Special Representative for Somalia condemns attack in Baidoa UN Special Representative for Somalia condemns attack in Baidoa MOGADISHU, Somalia, March 12, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, condemns, in the strongest terms, today’s attack in Baidoa town in Somalia’s Interim South West Administration, which resulted in the death and injury of security personnel and civilian bystanders. “I condemn today’s attack in Baidoa town. I have spoken to President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan today and offered my deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life.” SRSG Kay said. “We remain resolute in our support for the Somali people. Despite such atrocities, Somalis are successfully rebuilding their government institutions and security forces with the full support of the international community. The United Nations will continue to work to help Somalis realise their hopes and aspirations for a peaceful and stable future.” SRSG Kay offers his sincere condolences to the families and friends of those affected by today’s attack. – -]]>

Powerful effects of Ebola outbreak felt outside worst-affected countries, UN report finds

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MIL OSI – Source: United Nations – Powerful effects of Ebola outbreak felt outside worst-affected countries, UN report finds 12 March 2015 – The effects of Ebola, which has infected nearly 24,000 people and killed nearly 10,000, mainly in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, extend beyond the people who suffer from the virus and even beyond the borders of the worst-affected countries, says a new United Nations report released today. Even in West African nations that experienced low or zero incidence of Ebola, the effects of the outbreak have been powerful because of the strong ties between the countries of the region, according to the report, which was produced by the UN Development Programme (UNDP). “The consequences of Ebola are vast,” said Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, the Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa. “Stigma, risk aversion and shutting down of borders have caused considerable amounts of damage, affecting economies and communities in a large number of countries across the sub-region.” The UN Development Group (UNDG) says that West Africa as a whole may lose an average of at least $3.6 billion per year between 2014 and 2017, as regional trade flags amid border closures, flight cancellations and reduced foreign direct investment and tourism activity. Per capita income for the region’s residents is also expected to fall by $18 per year between 2015 and 2017. The poverty rate in Côte d’Ivoire has risen by at least 0.5 per cent because of Ebola, while in Senegal, the proportion of people living below the national poverty line could increase by up to 1.8 per cent in 2014. Food insecurity in Mali and Guinea-Bissau is also on the increase. The report calls for increased involvement of West African governments and regional institutions to stop the epidemic and boost the recovery, and it points to efforts by the African Union to send doctors from Nigeria and Ethiopia, as well as coordinated efforts by the Mano River Union and the regional body known as ECOWAS. The report also looks to prevention of future outbreaks, calling for a combination of regional and national interventions, such as efforts to strengthen health sectors across the region, the immediate creation of a regional centre for disease control and prevention, coordinated border control and establishment of early warning and disaster management systems. Such prevention efforts can draw on the experiences of countries such as Nigeria and Senegal, whose decentralized health systems played a key role in slowing down and eradicating transmission of the disease. –]]>

The Rising Foundation developing future leaders in South Auckland

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MIL OSI – Source: Harcourts – The Rising Foundation developing future leaders in South Auckland The Rising Foundation low res Graham Viall of Harcourts BCRE pictured with Principal of Papakura High School Peter Heron, Chair for The Rising Foundation John Bongard, and students participating in the Rising Foundation programme.   Friday 13 March, 2015 “Many students in South Auckland are brought up amid challenging personal circumstances. Our goal is to provide them with the support they need to develop self-belief and confidence so they can achieve their potential,” says John Bongard, Chair for The Rising Foundation. The Rising Foundation supports around 600 students in South Auckland who participate their break-through programme, which helps them to ‘Rise Up’ and build positive lives. The Foundation works with students aged 11 to 18, with a particular focus on ages 12 to14 years who are supported by trained social workers as they transition from Intermediate to High School. Harcourts BCRE has donated $5000 to The Rising Foundation, via the Harcourts Foundation, which will go towards a Term One Leadership camp for more than 200 students from Papakura High, Pukekohe High, Manurewa High, Wesley College, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate and Rosehill College Schools. The camp will provide the students with the opportunity to participate in an orienteering adventure race, horse and motor bike riding, and a host of other activities designed to build confidence and team work. “The students attending our leadership camp have all participated in our academic programmes throughout the year. This camp is a way to reward them for their hard work and to help them to stay motivated to continue on their positive pathway,” says Mr Bongard. Principal of Papakura High School Peter Heron said that he has seen first-hand how intervention from The Rising Foundation has led to students turning their lives around. “Many of our students come from quite desperate situations where it is very hard to establish patterns that will lead to success. “Mentoring, together with the opportunity to experience new challenges, has inspired our students to become leaders among their peers and in the community.” Graham Viall from Harcourts BCRE said that The Rising Foundation Trust does remarkable work in providing students with the support they need to achieve their potential. “We are proud to support The Rising Foundation Trust. Their programmes are making a genuine difference to the lives of youth in South Auckland and helping students faced with poverty and other challenges to find personal and academic success.” The Harcourts Foundation was established so that Harcourts employees could give back to the local communities where they live and work. Through employee donations and fundraising efforts, the Harcourts Foundation has donated three million dollars towards community projects since it was established in 2008. If you would like to support The Rising Foundation’s excellent work, you can do so by visiting www.therisingfoundation.org.nz/donate/.  You can make a monthly contribution, sponsor a student for a year, make a one off donation or become a corporate partner.  For further information please email therisingfoundation.nz@gmail.com. –  ]]>

In Brief: Aid agencies give UN Security Council a ‘fail grade’ on Syria

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MIL OSI – Source: Save The Children – Aid agencies give UN Security Council a ‘fail grade’ on Syria

Aid agencies give UN Security Council a ‘fail grade’ on Syria. Save the Children and 20 other humanitarian and human rights organisations have released a report detailing how the UN Security Council has failed to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Syria. 

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Deans and Thorne reunite at the University of Canterbury next week

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MIL OSI –

Deans and Thorne reunite at the University of Canterbury next week

 

March 13, 2015

 

Former All Blacks and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will be the key speaker at the University of Canterbury’s first sports seminar series event on campus next week.

 

Deans will explain how leadership skills and ability developed through sports coaching can help find rewarding careers outside sport. Head of the School of Sport and Physical Education Professor Richard Light says the event will raise the profile of sport at the university and engage with the sporting community in Canterbury.

 

Each seminar will feature high profile speakers with comments from a panel of experts and opportunity for questions from the audience.

 

Deans is a former Canterbury and All Black rugby player and has coached the All Blacks and the Wallabies. He is the most successful Super Rugby coach, winning five titles with the Crusaders. He currently coaches the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan, winning the 2014-15 Top League championship title in February this year.

 

Vice Chancellor Dr Rod Carr will meet the former All Black visitors. Other members of the panel include former All Blacks and Crusaders captain Reuben Thorne, College of Education, Health and Human Development business manager Gary Downey and university sport lecturer and double world croquet champion Dr Jenny Clarke.

 

Deans says coaches and teams, often go through a life cycle of events every week.

“This out of necessity accelerates learning, which is the only consistent point of competitive advantage. Leaders deal with what is important in attempting to make the uncertain certain.”

Professor Light says sport is a dominant activity of Canterbury and that sport inherently plays a growing part of university life.

 

“I come from the University of Sydney where sport was regarded as one of the eight pillars of their academic institution.

 

“We connect with international sports people and elite sports organisations at the University of Canterbury. Many of the things that we research here really help the future of sport in New Zealand.

 

“We had Sir Richard Hadlee on campus recently looking at a cricket app that researchers have developed in our School. Sports research and teaching helps grow our relationships with New Zealanders and key organisations,” Professor Light says.

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1080 threat – how the public can help

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MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Police – 1080 threat – how the public can help

Ngā mihi. Many people will understandably be concerned about the threat to contaminate infant and other formula with 1080. I want to reassure everyone that Police and our partner agencies are doing everything we can to keep the public safe.

It is important to remember that the letters could possibly be a hoax and our own assessment has shown the risk of contaminated products getting into the market is low. However, given the nature of the threat Police is treating the matter seriously.

Identifying who is behind these threats is a high priority for Police, and we have deployed all necessary resources to this investigation. We are also working very closely with the Ministry for Primary Industries and other partner agencies.

Police always intended to make this investigation public, but we had to carefully balance when that should occur. It is not unusual for Police to conduct the initial stages of our inquiries away from the public eye, however we have now reached the stage where we believe information from the public could be of assistance.

I encourage anyone who has any information that could help to phone the Operation Concord team on 0800 723 665 or email opconcord@police.govt.nz.   We have already had some very useful calls from members of the public with information.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

District Command Centres (DCCs) are an important part of Police’s efforts to ensure our resources are deployed when and where they’re needed most. They have proved their worth on numerous occasions across the full range of our work, from responding to major weather incidents to policing large events.

The most recent examples of the value of the DCCs occurred in Auckland last weekend. Thanks to the information fed into the centre from CCTV cameras, Police staff were able to quickly apprehend suspects in a liquor store robbery and an attack on a couple in Myers Park.

Staff in the DCC had been able to see the suspects in the park attack laying in wait for their victims, and had deployed officers to speak to them as the incident unfolded, meaning these youths were caught before anyone else was hurt.

Well done to all involved.

Until next time, stay safe.

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Tech boot camps grow young entrepreneurs

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MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand Government – Tech boot camps grow young entrepreneurs Young technology entrepreneurs in the Waikato region will benefit from $60,000 of funding for Online Education Limited, announced today by Youth Minister Nikki Kaye.

“This is about helping to grow the next generation of software developers and technology innovators,” says Ms Kaye.

“The funding will help around 400 young people take part in technology-related challenges and product development exercises.

“The young people will practise core skills such as coding, which is how you instruct a computer to create software, apps and websites.

“But they’ll also practise working as a team, coming up with new ideas and building business prototypes.

“Tomorrow’s world will rely even more on technology, so this is an important way to support young people to develop both the skills and the attitude needed to succeed in that world.”

Ms Kaye was joined by local MP David Bennett at the University of Waikato this morning to announce the funding to Online Education Limited, and congratulate everyone behind the initiative.

Notes for editors:

  • the funding announced today for Online Education Limited is part of the $2 million Youth Enterprise Fund
  • around $900,000 has already been announced this year to support business enterprise initiatives under this fund, and another $830,000 for social enterprise initiatives
  • Hamilton-based Online Education Limited delivers its ‘3Coding’ and ‘Tech Entrepreneurship’ boot camps in partnership with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Wintec and/or the University of Waikato and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic

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Kiwi global entrepreneur to speak at University of Waikato

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MIL OSI – >Source: University of Waikato – Kiwi global entrepreneur to speak at University of Waikato

Claudia Batten

Successful global technology entrepreneur: Claudia Batten.

Members of the public have an opportunity to hear from Kiwi entrepreneur extraordinaire Claudia Batten at a free public talk being held at the University of Waikato on Friday, 13 March.

Global technology entrepreneur

Ms Batten, a globally successful technology entrepreneur who has lived in the United States for the past 13 years, will be the guest speaker at an event organised by Waikato Management School’s Alumni Board.

A regular speaker on digital innovations and building businesses for the future, she will discuss emerging trends in robotics, e-commerce, gamification, crowdsourcing and data.

Ms Batten was recently appointed as New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s regional director for North America, where she is tasked with the challenge of helping Kiwi businesses to break into the highly competitive markets of the US, Canada and Mexico. She is also a director of The Icehouse, an Auckland-based
incubator company that helps small-to-medium-enterprises to grow.

The free talk will be held at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts from 6-9pm. Parking available from Gate 2B, Knighton Road, Hamilton. Following the talk, the public is also invited to attend a dinner with Claudia Batten, at a cost of $60 per person. If you’d like to attend the talk and/or dinner,
email
nwalm@waikato.ac.nz or phone 07 838 4477 by Tuesday, 10 March.

Successful start-ups

Ms Batten brings a wealth of experience to her new role at NZTE, having achieved great commercial success with many of her own start-up technology businesses over the past 15 years.

In 2014, she received a World Class New Zealand Supreme Award from the Kea New Zealand global business network, whose annual awards celebrate our most inspirational Kiwis living at home and abroad.

She was part of the founding team of Massive, a first-of-its kind network for delivering online advertisements to video games, which was later sold to Microsoft in 2006 for an estimated $400 million.

In 2009, Ms Batten used crowdsourcing principles to start the creative advertising agency Victors & Spoils in Auckland. A majority interest in the agency was sold three years later to the French company Havas.

More recently she has been working on a free social networking app called Broadli, which aims to “digitise serendipity” by helping people tap into their networks to help advance their projects.

You can read more about Claudia Batten www.squigglylife.com, or follow her on Twitter @claudiabatten

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Tropical cyclone Pam ‘Bigger than Bola’

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MIL OSI – Source: Earthquake Commission – Tropical cyclone Pam ‘Bigger than Bola’ [Reprinted from Stuff.co.nz] Cyclone Pam has slammed into the Solomon Islands, destroying homes and plantations and forcing people to hide in caves. While Vanuatu prepares for the arrival on Friday night of Pam, the cyclone has already directly hit the remote Solomon islands of Tikopia and the Reef Islands. State owned Solomons Broadcasting says residents of Temotu Province were appealing for “urgent assessment and assistance”. One of the worst affected areas was the remote island of Tikopia. On Thursday Pam’s eye passed over the island and the broadcaster said three people had been injured and several villages evacuated. People are waiting out the cyclone in caves, churches and schools. Two other islands, Duff and Anuta, are completely cut off with no word. Pam has affected a wide area of the Solomons including the heavily populated Malaita Island. Solomons Broadcasting quoted Ezekiel Nodua of Tuwo on Reef Island as saying the wind has been consistent and “very strong”. People’s gardens which provide food and fruit trees have been uprooted and destroyed. Former diplomat Robert Sisilo said buildings had been destroyed.

“But the worst impact has been the inundation of food gardens by flood waters due to continuous heavy rain.”

He said at the moment people’s only hope was for a vessel to bring them food supplies and officials from the National Disaster Management Office to assess their current situation. VANUATU WAITS As Tropical Cyclone Pam bears down on Vanuatu, New Zealand is sitting tight to see where the super storm will head next. All eyes are on the potentially devastating weather system, which was upgraded to a category 5 super-cyclone early Friday morning, causing Vanuatu to activate its emergency plans. Category 5 is the strongest in a five-point scale for storms – with winds of 250kmh or more. MetService has issued a severe weather watch for northern and eastern parts of the country as the storm nears New Zealand. The watch was for the possibility of severe gales in Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula, the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, and heavy rain in Eastern Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne and Northern Hawke’s Bay. Gale force winds were expected to develop in the north on Sunday evening, moving down the east of the North Island before easing Tuesday morning. In Northland and the Coromandel, rainfall could exceed 80mm in 18 hours starting from Sunday evening, while in Gisborne and the Hawke’s Bay rain would become heavy from early Monday, possibly exceeding 100mm in 24 hours. “There is some uncertainty as to how close to the North Island the eventual cyclone track will be,” MetService said. “However, it has the potential to be a significant event, with strong south to southeast winds and rain expected over much of the North Island during Monday.” Local authorities and Civil Defence groups in the North Island have been put on alert for the storm, which is expected to track towards the East Cape on Sunday. It will transform into an ex-tropical cyclone as it nears New Zealand, but the storm’s power could still be even greater than that of Cyclone Bola, which caused more than $82 million in damage in 1988. “At the moment it’s bigger than Bola, and it looks like when it reaches here the barometric pressures will be even lower than what Bola was,” Gisborne Civil Defence manager Richard Steele said. “The lower that goes, the bigger the potential for more storm surges.” The exact path of the storm was still unknown, Steele said. “The uncertainty’s a pain in the bum. We’re preparing as if it’s going to have a significant impact on us, we can’t do anything less.” Gisborne and Bay of Plenty Civil Defence on Thursday issued warnings urging residents to be prepared for high winds, large sea swells, rain, coastal erosion, road closures and power loss from late Sunday. Meanwhile the fifth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race from Auckland to Itajai in Brazil was due to start on Sunday, but organisers decided to delay the departure race until Tuesday because of the storm. A final decision on on whether the yachts will depart on Tuesday afternoon or evening is yet to be made by organisers. An ICC spokesman said while Cricket World Cup organisers were keeping an eye on the forecast for this weekend’s matches in Auckland and Napier, there were no concerns about the cyclone at this stage. VANUATU PROVINCES ON RED ALERT Pam was on Friday morning moving southwest at 15kmh, with winds at the centre estimated at 220kmh, the Fiji Meteorological Service said. Residents in Vanuatu’s Torba, Sanma, Penama and Malampa provinces have been put on “red alert” by the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office, which means they must seek shelter immediately. READ MORE: Metservice Cyclone Pam blog image image Above: Animated images show the recent path of Cyclone Pam. Source: NOAA Shefa and Tafea provinces have been put on yellow alert. Vanuatu Meteorological Services has warned of damaging gale-force winds of up to 160kmh over Penama, Malampa and Shefa provinces within the next 12 hours as the system tracks south and intensifies. Very rough to “phenomenal” seas with heavy swells were also expected. Residents have been told to prepare for heavy to torrential rain and flash flooding over low-lying areas, as well as coastal flooding. There was also a risk of landslides. http://static.stuff.co.nz/1426184315/512/11371512.jpg United Nations agency UNICEF said it was on standby and ready to respond with emergency supplies and personnel. About 260,000 people were in the potential disaster zone. The system was forecast to pass just to the east of New Zealand’s East Cape on Monday, by which time it will have downgraded to an ex-tropical cyclone. While the exact path of the cyclone was still uncertain, severe weather was likely to affect parts of New Zealand, especially the northeast of the North Island, MetService said. http://static.stuff.co.nz/1426186060/644/11371644.jpg Above: A Nasa satellite image of Pam from Thursday. WHAT TO DO IN A STORM Source: Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management Before a storm: – Develop a household emergency plan. Assemble and maintain emergency survival items for your home as well as a portable getaway kit. – Prepare your property for high winds. Secure large heavy objects or remove any item which can become a deadly or damaging missile. Get your roof checked regularly to make sure it is secure. List items that may need to be secured or moved indoors when strong winds are forecast. – Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape. – If farming, know which paddocks are safe to move livestock away from floodwaters, landslides and power lines. When a warning is issued and during a storm: – Stay informed on weather updates. Listen to your local radio stations as civil defence authorities will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation. – Put your household emergency plan into action and check your getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry. – Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about and cause harm in strong winds. – Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas to prevent injury from shattered or flying glass. – If the wind becomes destructive, stay away from doors and windows and shelter further inside the house. – Water supplies can be affected so it is a good idea to store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and sinks with water. – Don’t walk around outside and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. – Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances to reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored. – At home, check fuel supplies for woodburners, gas heaters, barbecues and generators. – Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you. After a storm: – Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation. – Check for injuries and help others if you can, especially people who require special assistance. – Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. – Contact your local council if your house or building has been severely damaged. – If your property or contents are damaged take notes and photographs and contact your insurance company. Inform your landlord if there is damage to the rental property. – Ask your council for advice on how to clean up debris safely. – -]]>

Crown reviewing Supreme Court Quake Outcasts ruling

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MIL OSI – Source: Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) – Crown reviewing Supreme Court ruling Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the Crown is reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision, released this morning, on the appeal taken by a group of vacant, commercial and uninsured Christchurch landowners calling themselves the ‘Quake Outcasts,’ and commercial property developer Fowler Developments Limited.
 
“Crown Law and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) will need to review today’s judgment and assess what steps are required.
 
“In December 2013 the Court of Appeal directed the CERA chief executive to make new offers to the owners of vacant, commercial and uninsured land in the residential red zone with specific reference to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011, and the chief executive was in the process of considering what those offers would be when the plaintiffs appealed to the Supreme Court.
 
“The Supreme Court has today reinforced the Appeal Court’s view that the CERA chief executive must reconsider the offers, and that in doing so a number of issues must be considered.
 
“I won’t be making any further comment on this matter until the Supreme Court’s judgment has been considered and advice is received,” Mr Brownlee says.

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Keep an eye on cyclone progress; Civil Defence

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MIL OSI – Source: Northland Regional Council – Keep an eye on cyclone progress; Civil Defence Keep an eye on Cyclone Pam’s progress over the weekend and be sensibly prepared for rough weather, but keep things in perspective, is the advice today to Northlanders from the region’s Civil Defence team. Cyclone Pam, currently located near Vanuatu, is forecast to track south over the next few days and pass east of New Zealand, including Northland, during Monday and Tuesday.

MetService forecasters today confirmed that at this stage there’s still some uncertainty as to how close to the North Island the cyclone will track – and what sort of punch it might still pack by then – but say it has the potential to be a significant event.

Given that, the MetService today issued severe weather watches for both wind and rain in Northland, saying there’s the possibility of south to south-east gales – possibly severe for a time – on Sunday night and early Monday morning.

Rain is expected to become heavy for eastern Northland from Sunday evening, then ease late Monday morning with the possibility of more than 80mm falling over 18 hours.

Graeme MacDonald, spokesman for the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, says given the worst of the predicted weather is still a couple of days away, Northlanders are being advised to keep a close eye on MetService forecasts as they’re issued.

He says rain and winds of the type currently being forecast mean it would be prudent for Northlanders to take the usual precautions for strong winds and rain, including securing large heavy objects or anything that could be potentially dangerous.

Similarly, it would be sensible for motorists to postpone any unnecessary plans for travel over the period the worst of the weather is expected and – with some potentially big seas possible – for yachties to check their moorings and ensure vessels are properly secured ahead of any storm.

However, Mr MacDonald urges Northlanders to keep things in perspective.

“At this stage, again probably the most sensible thing people can do is to remain calm and ensure they keep abreast of the latest forecasts, because things can obviously change for the worse.”

He says Civil Defence will be monitoring the situation closely over the early part of the weekend and will update the public as required, including through the Northland CDEM Group’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland

General Civil Defence information is also available from the Northland Regional Council’s website www.nrc.govt.nz/civildefence

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