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Murder, Espionage, and Debt in Argentina

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MIL OSI Analysis –

Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage:

Headline: Murder, Espionage, and Debt in Argentina

By: James A. Baer, Senior Research Fellow at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner asked Argentina’s congress to restructure completely the nation’s intelligence service and on February 26 both houses passed the bill, authorizing the country’s new Federal Intelligence Agency. This comes after weeks of speculation, suspicion and protests over the unexplained and unsolved death of federal prosecutor, Alberto Nisman, who was about to testify against the president, accusing her and foreign minister, Héctor Timerman, of covering up their dealings with the Iranian government regarding the 1994 bombing of the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA), Argentina’s principal Jewish community center in downtown Buenos Aires that left 85 dead and hundreds injured. It was the most serious case of terrorism in Argentina’s history, and raised concerns about safety among the country’s nearly 250,000 Jewish residents. Nisman’s 300 page indictment charged that Kirchner’s creation in 2013 of a Truth Commission to investigate the AMIA bombing was an attempt to end the investigation so that the government could obtain badly-needed Iranian oil. So far, there is no proof of such collusion and Kirchner’s administration vehemently responded that there was no cover-up and no attempt to derail the investigation. Federal judges Ariel Lijo and Daniel Rafecas refused to proceed with the indictment. On March 4 a federal prosecutor now heading the investigation of cover-up appealed that decision. On March 6 the Argentine government took out a full-page “legal notice” in the Washington Post to explain its position. Nevertheless, there is more than a little confusion about Nisman’s death as well as anger and frustration that the government cannot resolve the mystery.

President Kirchner’s reaction to Nisman’s death has been inconsistent. At first she publically stated that she believed Nisman committed suicide. Then, a few days later, she announced that she believed he was murdered in a plot against her. Meanwhile, the investigation of Nisman’s death has not produced a definitive explanation and conspiracy theories still abound. Protest marches and demonstrations ensued with angry Argentines banging pots and holding up signs saying, “I am Nisman.”

The issue underlying the recent chaos and confusion is the widespread mistrust of the Argentine government over the still unresolved bombings of the AMIA and the Israeli embassy in 1992 that killed 29 and injured 250. Many Argentines do not trust their president to proceed with transparency in the investigation, just as they did not trust her earlier economic policies, in which she threatened to jail any economist who reported correct inflation figures. On the other hand, many Argentines do agree with their president about the so-called “Vulture Funds” that threatened to undo a carefully negotiated debt restructuring plan. Recently the hedge funds agreed to negotiate with the Argentine government, but the ongoing conflict has depressed the economy and created uncertainty. Kirchner has less than one year left in her term and cannot be re-elected for a third consecutive term. She has become the objectification of all that is wrong in Argentina at present.

The national intelligence service is a case in point. President Juan D. Perón created the agency in 1946 in order to bring the state and military intelligence agencies under one organization to handle both internal and external intelligence-gathering bodies. Originally called Coordinación de Informaciones de Estado, Coordination of State Information (CIDE), its name was changed to Secretaría de Informaciones de Estado, Secretariat of State Information (SIDE) in 1956 after the Liberating Revolution staged by the military to oust Perón. During the period of military rule (1976-1983) and the “Dirty War” in which Argentina’s military government murdered members of the opposition as well as thousands of union leaders and students, SIDE was responsible for identifying those deemed to be enemies of the regime. Renamed Secretaría de Inteligencia de Estado in 1976 by General Ongania, the agency focused more on rooting out subversives within Argentina than on international issues. “Operación Condor” was a cooperative effort between Argentina’s SIDE and the intelligence services in Brazil and Chile, which were also under military dictatorships at the time. Its focus was identifying enemies of these Southern Cone military regimes and returning them for prosecution. After the end of Argentina’s military regime in 1983 the agency continued to operate, but with a greater focus on national security rather than internal issues. In 2001 the agency was reorganized with a number of agents removed and others suspected of perpetrating human rights abuses. In 2003 Nestor Kirchner ordered a crackdown on illegal wiretaps undertaken by the agency.

Despite the attempts at reform, Argentina’s intelligence agency has struggled to gain respect and support from the country’s citizens. The inability of the agency to apprehend the perpetrators of the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires and the 1994 community center bombing angered many Argentines. Twelve Argentines were accused of assisting the suicide bomber in the AMIA attack, but acquitted. Carlos Menem, president of Argentina at the time, was accused in 2012 of destroying evidence that might have incriminated him. He was later found guilty of arms smuggling, but had immunity as a sitting senator and has appealed the case to the country’s Supreme Court. Nisman brought evidence to show that the Iranian-supported Hezbollah carried out the bombings, and identified a 21-year-old, Lebanese citizen Ibrahim Hussein Berro as the suicide bomber. Nevertheless, no arrests have been made. President Kirchner blamed rogue agents within the agency for providing information to Nisman about her involvement in a cover-up to discredit her administration politically, and asked congress to dissolve the intelligence agency.

The new Federal Intelligence Agency provides Kirchner with the opportunity to purge the organization of those she mistrusts or who are inept. But a new name for the intelligence service will do little to restore trust in her sinking administration. Despite Kirchner’s claim to the legacy of Perón and the Peronist (Justicialist) Party, it is unclear whether or not she will have any influence in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for October 25, 2015. Many Argentines just want her gone.

The demonstrations, the accusations, the economic chaos, the suicide or murder of Nisman and the ineptitude of the intelligence agency in tracking down those responsible for Argentina’s worst case of terrorism are all related to Argentines’ feelings of anger and frustration over Kirchner’s administration and a desire for new leadership to replace her.

By: James A. Baer, Senior Research Fellow at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs

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: Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social, “PRO.CRE.AR. 1 Año – 13.06.2013,” Flickr Creative Commons, Retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ansesgob/9042028950.

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UNFPA Launches Comprehensive Guide on Reporting on Gender-Based Violence

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MIL OSI –

Source: United Nations Population Fund – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: UNFPA Launches Comprehensive Guide on Reporting on Gender-Based Violence

AMMAN, 9 March 2015–UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has launched a handbook for journalists called, “Reporting on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Syria Crisis”. The handbook draws from real-life scenarios to highlight violations of human rights and international humanitarian law affecting women in conflicts.  It provides guidance to journalists on how to cover these violations, including by giving some cultural and psychological background that they may wish to consider during difficult exchanges with survivors of gender-based violence. It was developed in collaboration with a select group of journalists and experts in the area of gender-based violence, with the support of the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).

The handbook is the first comprehensive collection of practical recommendations for journalists reporting on gender-based violence in the context of Syria crisis, but can also apply to other conflicts.  It builds on internationally recognized ethical principles and gives an overview of techniques that can help respect the safety, confidentiality and dignity of survivors and their families and communities. It includes technical terms, ethical questions and practical concerns associated with covering gender-based violence.

The handbook is available to view and download here:
http://www.unfpa.org/resources/reporting-gender-based-violence-syria-cri…

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Hatra destruction ‘war crime,’ says UN chief in wake of ISIL destruction of heritage site

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MIL OSI –

Source: United Nations 2 – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Hatra destruction ‘war crime,’ says UN chief in wake of ISIL destruction of heritage site


7 March 2015 – and bulldozing of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud and the Director General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation also stated her outrage at the latest attack.

“The destruction of Hatra marks a turning point in the appalling strategy of cultural cleansing underway in Iraq,” said Irina Bokova in a statement released jointly with the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) Director General, Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri.

“With this latest act of barbarism against Hatra, Daesh [ISIL] shows the contempt in which it holds the history and heritage of Arab people, which had been rightly recognized as a World Heritage site,” the statement said.

Hatra, a large fortified city under the influence of the Parthian Empire, withstood invasions by the Romans in 116CE and 198CE thanks to its high, thick walls reinforced by towers. The remains of the city, especially the temples where Hellenistic and Roman architecture blend with Eastern decorative features, attest to the greatness of its civilization.

The statement said this latest direct attack on the history of Islamic Arab cities confirms the role of destruction of heritage in the propaganda of extremists groups.

It also drew attention to the cultural toll paid during the conflict, noting that, in addition to the tragic loss of human life and the humanitarian crisis, persecution of cultural and religious minorities, as well as the targeting of cultural heritage for intentional destruction have been practised, with the aim of erasing the history of the country and thus undermining the peaceful coexistence of diverse communities.

“UNESCO and ISESCO are fully mobilized to respond to this emergency and stand ready to assist the Iraqi authorities in any possible way,” said Mrs Bokova and Mr. Altwaijri.

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Asian diversity welcome in Auckland

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Headline: Asian diversity welcome in Auckland

Minister for Ethnic Communities Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has welcomed a new report which details the overwhelmingly positive influence Auckland’s increasing Asian population is having on the city.

The “Asian Auckland: The Multiple Meanings of Diversity” report by the Asia New Zealand Foundation has revealed the increasing diversity of Auckland’s Asian communities.

The report calls Auckland one of the world’s “super-diverse” cities, a name Mr Lotu-Iiga says ushers in an exciting new era for the city.

“As Minister for Ethnic Communities, and as the MP for the ethnically diverse electorate for Maungakiekie, I welcome this report which underlines the positive influences and the diverse contribution these Asian populations have.

“From the fine food, colourful festivals and the arts, our Asian communities are a welcome addition to our cultural landscape. They bring colour, culture and diversity to our city.

Our government is committed to ensuring New Zealand’s ethnic diversity is embraced, supported and celebrated,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

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$1B go-ahead for Waikato Expressway

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Headline: $1B go-ahead for Waikato Expressway

The approval of over a billion dollars in spending on a major trade route through the Waikato shows the Government’s commitment to unlocking New Zealand’s potential for economic growth Transport Minister, Simon Bridges says.

Work on the remaining three sections of the Waikato Expressway is set to get underway this year, following approval by the NZ Transport Agency Board to spend $1.08 billion on the construction of the Hamilton and Longswamp sections.

Once complete, the expressway will extend 102km from the intersection of State Highway 1 and 2 at the base of the Bombay hills in the north, to just south of Cambridge. The continuous, divided four-lane highway will reduce the length of State Highway 1 by 6km.

Mr Bridges says the approval means that all seven sections of the expressway will be built, under construction or out to tender by the end of 2015, thanks to total Government investment of around $2 billion.

“The Waikato Expressway is one of seven Roads of National Significance (RoNS) identified by the Government as key to supporting the economy and business growth. 

“The expressway is a vital piece of infrastructure that will become the key strategic transport corridor for the Waikato region, connecting Auckland to the agricultural, tourism and business centres in the wider Waikato and Bay of Plenty hinterland.

“This improved connectivity will increase capacity while reducing travel times, fuel and vehicle operating costs, and will dramatically reduce the number and severity of accidents”, he says.

For more information see: www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/waikato-expressway/index.html

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Missing Whanganui man located

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MIL OSI –

Source: New Zealand Police – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Missing Whanganui man located

Central

Missing Whanganui man John Sklenars has now been located safe and well.

He was located in the Marybank area at approximately 7:30pm last night (9 March, 2015).

A member of the public contacted police after they had seen Mr Sklenars in the area. With darkness closing in, a helicopter was launched to complete an aerial search and Mr Sklenars was located and assisted by ground units.

Constable Keith Thomson, officer in charge of the search says: “We want to thank the community and those vigilant members of the public who helped us locate Mr Sklenars. We also want to sincerely thank his family for the significant time and effort they put into helping locate him.”

ENDS

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“No singular Asian migrant” – new report on Auckland’s diverse Asian communities

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MIL OSI –

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: “No singular Asian migrant” – new report on Auckland’s diverse Asian communities

10 March 2015

A new report from the Asia New Zealand Foundation reveals the increasing diversity of Auckland’s Asian communities.

“Asian Auckland: The multiple meanings of diversity” details the history and trends of Asian migration to Auckland, especially since 2006. It was commissioned by the Asia New Zealand Foundation as part of a series of reports drawing on 2013 Census data.

Author Wardlow Friesen, senior lecturer in geography at the University of Auckland, says immigration policy changes since the 1990s have resulted in more migrants entering New Zealand as international students or on work visas. This has created more diverse Asian populations in terms of age, sex, education and skills and has led to an increase in Filipino and Indian migrants in particular. The median age of Auckland’s Asian population is lower than that of the total population.

“At any one time the Asian population comprises a complex mix of New Zealand born, overseas born, citizens, permanent residents, temporary workers, students and tourists – all arriving for a variety of reasons and bringing with them a diverse range of demographic characteristics, skills and expectations,” Dr Friesen says in the report.

“This complexity is most apparent in Auckland, where migrant settlement patterns illustrate other aspects of increasing diversification and show there is no singular ‘Asian migrant’.”

At the time of the 2013 Census, more than one in five (21 percent) Asian people living in Auckland were New Zealand-born. Dr Friesen says significant numbers of Asian Aucklanders, notably Chinese and Indian, are not migrants but New Zealand-born and have characteristics, identities and expectations different from migrant populations.

Asia New Zealand Foundation director, research Dr Andrew Butcher says Auckland has become known as one of world’s super-diverse cities. “This report shows that this diversity is true not only of Auckland but of the city’s Asian population itself.

“New Zealand’s Asian population is expected to increase in upcoming decades, and two-thirds of this population is expected to live in Auckland. While new migrants are often the focus of

attention, a significant proportion of future growth in the Asian population will come from people born in New Zealand.”

The report provides insights into Asian “ethnoscapes” in the city – which include tangible elements like people, shops and houses, as well as less tangible aspects like language and religious affiliation. It notes that the diversification of food outlets, festivals and Asian diasporic art forms are generally positively received by New Zealanders of all ethnicities.

It examines the settlement patterns of Asian immigrants around Auckland, providing case studies for particular neighbourhoods including Dannemora and Botany Downs; Glenfield and Northcote; and Sandringham. It also examines the influence of Asian communities on Auckland’s food culture, cultural festivals, the media and the arts.

Dr Friesen is the author of a previous Asia New Zealand Foundation report on Auckland, based on the results of the 2006 Census. In an audio interview accompanying the report, he says one of the biggest changes he has noticed is a shift in focus from permanent residency in 2006 to larger numbers of work permit migrants and students in 2013.

Asia New Zealand Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organisation dedicated to building New Zealand’s links with Asia through a range of programmes, including business, culture, education, media, research and a leadership network.

The report is available here.

Contact:

Rebecca Palmer
Asia New Zealand Foundation media adviser
rpalmer@asianz.org.nz
04 470 8701

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Women’s rights then and now – are we falling behind?

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MIL OSI –

Source: Auckland University of Technology (AUT) – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Women’s rights then and now – are we falling behind?

09 Mar, 2015

New Zealand was the first country to give women the vote and we have always regarded ourselves as a leader in giving equal rights to women. To mark International Women’s Day, AUT’s Professor Marilyn Waring recently spoke at Parliament, comparing women rights in the 1970s to now and asking whether we are falling behind.
 
This is an edited version of the speech by Professor Marilyn Waring

Sunday 8th March was International Women’s Day. Forty years ago on March 24 1975 I became the candidate for the safe National seat of Raglan.

Media made much of my being a feminist and in 1975 that could be fairly complicated. The word feminist usually came with adjectives attached: liberal, socialist, Marxist, Leninist, Trotskyist, lesbian, separatist, radical.  I didn’t wear any of those labels, being content to agree with suffragist Rebecca West who said, ‘People call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat’.

Following the 1975 election Whetu Tirakatene Sullivan, Mary Batchelor, Colleen Dewe and myself were four of 87 MPs in Parliament. Soon after the election Colleen Dewe advised me she wasn’t a feminist and hadn’t ever suffered discrimination. Colleen was an accountant. ‘Have you ever gone to the Annual Conference of the Accountants in New Zealand?’ I asked. Well yes she had. ‘And were you always able to attend the dinner held at that conference?’ I continued. She smiled. They were men-only dinners. I don’t believe Colleen ever said she wasn’t a feminist again.

We had a male Cabinet of 19, one of whom was the spokesman on women’s issues, and five male parliamentary under-secretaries. All heads of government departments were men. Thirty-one men and eight women members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery fed their views from central government to 37 major metropolitan and provincial daily newspapers, all edited by men. The law courts were presided over by 23 male judges and only three of the 26 major city councils by women mayors.

The Select Committee on Women’s Rights established in 1973 reported in 1975. There were some very big silences: no health Terms of Reference because that would mean dealing with all the things that distinguish women from men; pre and post natal issues, lactation issues, fertility, but mostly they did not want to deal with women’s reproductive freedom. Not much has changed.

No provision was made for in-camera submissions, and nothing in the report made to the House was on violence against women.

Yes some of the items in the Select Committee report on The Role of Women in Society did get attention. When a married woman applied in her own name to purchase land offered for disposal by the Crown, she was required to supply a male guarantor, unless the purchase was a cash sale.

Grounds for divorce contained in the Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1963 included the option for a man to present a divorce petition against his wife for the habitual neglect of domestic duties. The latest data sets available to the Committee came from the 1971 Census.

There were the International Conventions which New Zealand had ratified and refused to denounce until the five yearly opportunity came to do this. Work restrictions were contained in the Factories Act 1946 in accordance with Convention No. 89, the International Labour Organisation Night Work (Women) (Revised) 1948. I remember comments from Margaret Wilson on the prohibition on women in night work, to the effect that if you were a nurse or a prostitute it was fine, it was just all the other work that was the problem. The prohibition had been introduced in 1919, as part of a package to ensure male preference for all work following World War 1.

The Public Service Regulations of 1964 gave direction to the State Services Commission in determining expenses on transfer to make specific rules regarding persons who were not breadwinners. The relevant ruling allowed for the department to meet the cost of “the employee and his family” on transfer within the service but “transfer expenses for married female employees should be referred to the commission with details of circumstances, number and ages of children, previous and proposed occupation of husband”. It was as a result of this rule that I first met Jools Joslin, one of the most important figures in the battle for marriage equality in New Zealand. Jools was a constituent teaching near Huntly, who as a single mother was denied transfer expenses when shifting to another teaching position. She got her expenses.

Women needed a male guarantor to open an account, negotiate an overdraft, or to raise mortgage finance or credit in their own names.

The report to the House stated,  ‘Most aspects of discrimination continue to be the subject of inaction (for 1975 read 2014), and the committee accepts without reservation, the need for an accelerated effort to remove all impediments to the equal participation of women in society. Two generations later, I’m still waiting for that exciting day.

In 1975 less than 5% of all apprentices in the private sector were women, and the overwhelming portion of those were hairdressers.  In 2010, the latest statistics I could find, modern apprenticeships were totally dominated by Pakeha males. It’s not surprising as every time I hear a Government Minister speak of the Canterbury rebuild it is the ‘young men’ who will find work there. Some of the same people who think it is a problem to force women into veils find easier ways to make women invisible; last week every pronoun used by the Prime Minister in terms of the New Zealanders he wishes to send to Iraq was male.

The Committee noted the use of sex to sell plant and machinery (TV coverage of events such as Big Boys Toys show nothing has changed there either) and the reference to irrelevant details of personal appearance about women who reach the news for achievements in business or political fields.

The committee recognised that there were ‘special needs’ associated with women at home. The report read, ‘We were particularly concerned at the evidence of social injustice towards full-time homemakers, for which there can be no justification other than customary practice, and which reflects detrimentally on the status of all women’. A great number of submissions stressed the relatively low economic and social value placed on a housewife’s services compared with services performed by other sections of the community.

Forty years later we have the market related outcomes of this social injustice having to be remedied by the Courts – the case for sleepover shifts at IHS homes; the Employment Court and Court of Appeal decisions in the equal pay case for rest home workers, because of the high percentage of female employees; the Employment Court Decision regarding the deliberate servitude in which 35,000 women workers in New Zealand have been systematically exploited by being paid subsidies; and the breathtaking case of the 24/7 carers who are immediate family whose human rights case was won in the Equal Opportunities Tribunal, in the High Court, in the Court of Appeal – and then the National Government decided to ignore court rulings, to take away the right to recompense and to legislate the ouster condition preventing challenges to the law, which continues the discrimination. Well, so much for the boast of believing in ‘equal opportunity and equal citizenship’ on the National Party website. But this was not surprising in a Government where a Minister could advise his agency that he did not want to read any assessment of human rights in his Cabinet Briefing papers.

Can we think of any equivalent treatment of something men did for centuries unpaid? Yes, it was called slavery. But exploiting women is apparently just fine. The 2009-2010 time-use survey found 63% of men’s work was paid, and 65% of women’s work unpaid. Women spent four hours 20 minutes every day on unpaid work, and men spent two hours and 32 minutes a day on unpaid work. The fact is the entire market economy would grind to a halt if women didn’t do the majority of unpaid work.

Recognition of this hits hard at the claim that only market work is of value, and of course redistribution of investments from government on this basis would undermine the cushy ride boys have given boys for decades.

Internationally – and based on evidence – Oxfam has called the on-going gap in paid employment rates, the vast difference on an annual basis in hours in unpaid work, the failure to address pay equity, the failure to address equal pay, the continuing gender occupational segregation, the failure to follow best practice in paid parental leave’- a fundamental entrenched form of inequality’.

With respect to the silences of the terms of reference of the 1975 select Committee report there remain outrages. It was January 28, 1988 – 26 years ago – when the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Canada’s abortion law as unconstitutional. The law was found to violate Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms because it infringes upon a woman’s right to “life, liberty and security of person.” Chief Justice Brian Dickson wrote, “Forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction, to carry a fetus to term unless she meets certain criteria unrelated to her own priorities and aspirations, is a profound interference with a woman’s body and thus a violation of her security of the person.” Canada became one of a small number of countries without a law restricting abortion. Abortion is now treated like any other medical procedure and is governed by provincial and medical regulations. Check out the language of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Every word there is in New Zealand legislation. It remains an indictment of the cowardice of successive New Zealand parliaments and an extraordinary lack of leadership that we still have the vile outcomes of my years in parliament on the statute books. While it may be taken into account, rape is not an automatic ground for abortion. This is a reflection of a Neanderthal patriarchy.

The other major 1975 silence was violence against women. Violence against women clearly demands sustained, resourced, dedicated, urgent and ongoing action from the government. As the Covenant for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) coalition of New Zealand NGOs submitted, women are frustrated and exhausted by delays, prevarication, reports and other processes that are not implemented and lack of funding to address a systemic and continuing violation of human rights of women. What are they afraid of – that men who assault women won’t then pay to come to the Cabinet Club fundraisers?

It’s time for a new Select Committee Inquiry. Maybe it could spark patriarchal interest if every issue was subject to a market-based opportunity cost assessment – just what does male violence cost the economy each year? Inequality is expensive; social injustice is not a saving, we have to pay for in the long run. The Commission on the Status of Women moving to a two year as opposed to an annual event;  it’s apparently too much of a burden on nation states to have to assess the situation regarding female human rights annually.

Forty years of feminist activism and there are issues with no progress at all;  violence against women, the recognition of unpaid work (where we are going backwards),  numbers of women in parliament, numbers of women appointed to government boards and commissions  and a systemic failure to provide leadership on all human rights issues. It’s an interesting day when I can conclude, from evidence, that there were greater and more female human rights legislative changes and changes in resourcing under Muldoon than there have ever been under Key. Two generations later a parliament still dominated by white middle-class, middle-aged men needs to hear the truths of the ongoing exploitation of and discrimination against the women of New Zealand.

So on International Women’s Day in 2015 I have a message for the Prime Minister: Get some guts and join the right side – but this time in your own back yard. I bet you can’t.

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Seasprites Formally Handed over to Defence Force

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MIL OSI –

Source: New Zealand Defence Force – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Seasprites Formally Handed over to Defence Force

 

One of the new Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters from Kaman Aerospace, handed over to the NZ Defence Force in a ceremony at Royal RNZAF Base Auckland in March 2015

One of the new Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters from Kaman Aerospace, handed over to the New Zealand Defence Force in a ceremony at RNZAF Base Auckland on Friday 6 March 2015.

6 March 2015

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) officially accepted ownership of the new Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters from Kaman Aerospace in a ceremony at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland this morning.

There are three new Seasprites at Base Auckland and the remaining five will be delivered by September. The new SH-2G(I) replaces the SH-2G model that is presently being used.

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Jack Steer said the handover marked a significant milestone for the Defence Force’s maritime aviation capability.

“The Seasprites perform a vital function for the Navy, and enhance the roles of our ships at sea, by undertaking a range of tasks including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, counter-terrorism and utility lift. We’ve operated Seasprites since the 1990s and they have proven to be a great capability for us.

“We deployed a Seasprite on HMNZS TE MANA to the Gulf of Aden in 2014 in support of the multi-national Combined Task Force undertaking anti-piracy activities in the region. The Seasprite flew over 120 hours and was used for surveillance and reconnaissance adding substantial value to the operation. We currently have a Seasprite embarked on HMNZS TE KAHA who is on operational deployment until May and the helicopter is an integral part of this mission,” said Rear Admiral Steer.

Operation of the Seasprites is a joint effort between the Navy and Air Force. Seasprites are flown by Navy personnel and maintained by Air Force engineers and technicians who form No.6 Squadron at Whenuapai.

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Evening Report episode 1 – Nicky Hager Interview on the Snowden Revelations

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Evening Report episode 1 (March 9, 2015): EveningReport.nz launches tonight with an extended one-on-one interview with investigative journalist Nicky Hager on the Snowden Revelations. We invite you to participate and debate the issues raised in this interview, and trust the discussion will empower discussions on other mediums. Thanks for stopping by. BACKGROUNDER TO THE DEBATE: As you will all no doubt be aware, a team of investigative journalists began last week to reveal how the New Zealand Government has been spying on a massive scale on a host of Pacific nations. The spying has been a part of the United States-led Five Eyes alliance that includes the U.S., Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. The investigation is a collaborative effort between the New Zealand Herald, investigative journalist Nicky Hager, the Sunday Star Times, and the U.S. news site The Intercept. The reports are based on a cache of official documents released by US whistleblower Edward Snowden – and are being referred to as the Snowden Revelations. The documents reveal New Zealand has been intercepting all communications taking place in the South/West Pacific and parts of Melanesia. Since 2009, New Zealand’s signals surveillance spy agency the GCSB, or Government a communications Security Bureau, has been operating a Full-Take collection protocol, the technology provided by the United States. Once New Zealand’s spy agency acquires the communications, the data is transferred to the United States’ National Security Agency – the NSA. The information is then able to be accessed by US, British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand intelligence analysts. The data acquired goes further than just meta-data, but includes all email correspondence, all telephone and cellphone calls, all texts or SMS, all social media comments and chats. Specifically, the information feeds into the NSA’s X-Keyscore system and provides the five Eyes spies with analytics on everything communicated within the targeted Pacific nations including: Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and French Polynesia. It is understood that while all communications taking place within the countries is acquired, the operation also targets prime ministers, government officials, opinion shapers, and non government organisations. Meanwhile New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key said yesterday (Thursday): “Some of the information was incorrect, some of the information was out of date, some of the assumptions made were just plain wrong.” –]]>

Analysis & Video Debate Backbone of Evening Report

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Evening Report editor, Selwyn Manning. Evening Report editor, Selwyn Manning.[/caption] Editor’s Note: Welcome to Evening Report! I have launched EveningReport.nz tonight under a ‘Independent Interactive Debate’ brand. And as you can see, EveningReport.nz launches with an extended one-on-one interview with investigative journalist Nicky Hager on the Snowden Revelations. Here, you will find this e-media site as less tribal than a blog. Know, it is independent at its core. And, it is driven by public interest fourth estate journalism principles. EveningReport.nz is owned by Multimedia Investments Ltd (MILNZ.co.nz) a company that I established in the early 2000s. And I have decided to be the foundation editor of this project. I don’t normally write about myself. But it is important to provide a little detail here:

      I have 22 years experience as a journalist, and have specialised in investigative journalism, politics, foreign affairs, intelligence and security analysis and reportage. I hold MCS (Hons.) and BCS (Hons.) degrees. I spent about 18 months as a press secretary/political advisor to the Labour-led New Zealand Government 1999-2001.
I am a regular commentator on radio in New Zealand, Australia, and abroad, and have delivered to the public reportage and analysis via all expressions of media including: television, internet, newspapers and magazines. The decision to create EveningReport.nz was made because I believe New Zealanders are interested in following big issues and deserve a place to go where extensive-robust debate is encouraged irrespective of a person’s politics or beliefs. Like many, I’ve become tired of the infighting on some of the progressive blogs, and I believe a wider audience should have an independently positioned outlet that is less interested in attack lines and more interested in extending debate on big issues. So as you will see, EveningReport.nz is more analysis, and fourth-estate-based debate, as opposed to a polarising blog site. As editor, I’m looking for well-researched, well argued submissions, from journalists and writers who wish to expand on current affairs reportage. But I’m also inviting submissions from people, irrespective of their background or community, who have something to contribute to the New Zealand debate. That’s my invitation to you, the audience. EveningReport is designed with realtime interactivity in mind. Along with published articles, columns, and analysis it will webcast video debate and interviews on-site in realtime and on-demand. Public and audience interaction is also key to EveningReport’s brand. The ‘You Live‘ platform (which will go live by around Thursday) is a first for a New Zealand current affairs site. The ‘You Live‘ section provides a live text, live audio, and live video platform for you, the audience to debate issues in real time. also, you can still use the comment function at the foot of articles just as is the norm on mainstream media sites and blogs. EveningReport.nz’s editorial policy is simple: It is founded on public interest advocacy of humanitarianism, environmentalism, progressive economics, sustainable business practice, and security. Its agenda is also simple: If a decision has a positive impact on a community/region/sector then the issue will get a positive run. If the impact is contrary to progress then the causes will be identified, the effect examined, solutions explored, and decision-makers challenged to put it right. Do feel free to tell us what you think of EveningReport.nz via this feedback form. Thanks for stopping by. Details:
      Site name – EveningReport.nz
 
      Date Launched – 8pm March 9, 2015
 
      First Interview – With Nicky Hager on the Snowden Revelations.
 
      Editor – Selwyn Manning
 
    eMail – Editor@eveningreport.nz
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Change to MPs remuneration setting process

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Headline: Change to MPs remuneration setting process

Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Woodhouse today announced Cabinet’s decision to change the process for how the Remuneration Authority reviews MPs pay.

“Today Cabinet agreed that the average annual percentage change in public sector pay, as measured by Statistics New Zealand’s Quarterly Employment Survey (QES), will from now on determine MPs’ pay rises,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“Using the QES public sector index means that MPs pay will increase in line with average public sector salary movements.

“The law change is expected to be passed under urgency with the changes coming into force later this week and backdated to 1 July 2014. This means MPs’ overall pay rise for the year starting 1 July 2014 will be 1.5 per cent, rather than the 3.56 per cent announced by the Remuneration Authority.

“Previously the Authority had to take into account factors such as relativity to comparable positions, and the requirements of the job. With this change, the Authority will just need to annually apply the average QES index for the June year to the MPs’ total remuneration package.”

The Remuneration Authority will continue to have the ability to change the mix of cash and non-cash items in MPs’ overall pay.

This indexing of MPs’ salaries to the QES will be done at the same time every year, following publication of the June Quarterly Employment Survey.

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Paul Buchanan on democratic intelligence oversight

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By Dr Paul G. Buchanan REVELATIONS ABOUT MASS SURVEILLANCE gathering by the US and its primary allies serve the useful purpose of highlighting the need for, and proper role of, intelligence oversight in democracies. This essay provides a conceptual overview of some of the ideal types of democratic intelligence oversight. [caption id="attachment_770" align="aligncenter" width="512"]NSA Worldwide SIGINT Platform 2013. Photo: NSA via Wikimeida Commons. NSA Worldwide SIGINT Platform 2013. Photo: NSA via Wikimeida Commons.[/caption] Variations may exist in how these ideal types are implemented in practice, but the underlying rationale and conformation of intelligence oversight mechanisms remains the same regardless of the specific type of democracy in question. The fundamental difference between authoritarian intelligence operations and those conducted by democracies is that the former serve the regime while the latter serve society. Intelligence agencies in democracies answer to the government of the day but are not subjects of it. They are commonweal organizations: much like fire services, they are responsible to government in the first instance but serve society as a whole, without discriminating amongst its constituent parts either in service provision or in accountability. Under authoritarian regimes intelligence agencies overlap internal and external espionage functions and answer only to centralized executive authority. In democracies intelligence agencies separate internal and external espionage functions and are held accountable by a systems of checks and balances between the three branches of government even if their leadership is directly overseen by, or is a part of, the executive branch or government of the day. The reason democratic intelligence oversight is ideally split amongst the three branches of government is to avoid concentration of power in intelligence collection and to promote transparency and accountability amongst those who hold the critical responsibilities of safeguarding the nation’s secrets, thwarting the espionage of others, and collecting sensitive information about events, people, places and processes vital to the national interest. Intelligence oversight in a democracy is part of a larger principle known as horizontal and vertical accountability. Democracies are characterized by two dimensions of accountability, as are their component parts. Vertical accountability refers to the accountability of incumbents of national and local decision-making positions to the public at large. This can occur via elections, recalls, referenda, judicial review and other mechanisms by which those who govern are held to account by those they ostensibly serve. Citizens hold decision-makers in State agencies, particularly highly intrusive State agencies such as intelligence services and the Police, accountable through elected government. Agents of these agencies may be appointed or bureaucratically promoted, but they still serve the public interest under the scrutiny of elected public officers (even if indirectly, since senior judicial appointments often are subject to legislative approval). Horizontal accountability refers to the accountability of public institutions to each other. This lies at the core of the notion of separation of powers, whereby the actions of one branch can be reviewed and held to account by others. This most often means that the actions of the executive branch, which operates as the management agent of the State, is subjected to review by other State branches operating independently of each other. In practice this is done by the judiciary and legislature, and in the case of intelligence oversight, by specialized agencies working for them. These branches also have their own vertical accountability mechanisms, be it legislative elections or judicial recall procedures. The importance of independent specialized intelligence oversight agencies operated by the judiciary and legislature cannot be over-stated. These agencies require personnel with the technical skills and security clearances to expertly assess intelligence operations. Given that the scope of intelligence gathering has expanded exponentially in the digital age, this means that specialized intelligence courts, review boards and legislative committees require professionals with working knowledge of or career experience in all three types of intelligence collection: signals, technical and human. That in turns requires professional familiarity with technical aspects of intelligence tradecraft such as radio, phone, cyber, cable and satellite telemetric communications (Signals), infrared, imagery, acoustic, geospatial and seismic monitoring (Technical), and anthropological, cultural, demographic, economic, historical, political, psychological and social factors (Human). Only with such expertise can intelligence oversight agencies realistically assess the operations of and resist cooptation by the intelligence agencies they are charged with monitoring. Intelligence oversight bodies must act independently of the executive branch and have powers of compulsion under oath when seeking information from intelligence officials. That means dedicated funding as agencies of the legislature and/or judiciary. Otherwise, intelligence oversight is placed at the interface between politics and operational matters in a chain of responsibility, which reduces institutional autonomy and freedom of action. [caption id="attachment_769" align="aligncenter" width="575"]US intelligence oversight mechanisms. Source: Federation of American Scientists (fas.org). US intelligence oversight mechanisms. Source: Federation of American Scientists (fas.org).[/caption] Whether they ultimately answer to the courts and/or legislature, democratic intelligence oversight agencies are nonpartisan and apolitical. They serve as permanent autonomous agencies of the judiciary and legislative branch. Their oversight is operational as opposed to formulative. They do not make the rules governing intelligence agencies (something that is a matter for the legislature subject to judicial confirmation). Rather, they ensure that the rules are adhered to in the course of intelligence operations, something that reaffirms and reinforces adherence to the law by the agencies being overseen. An alternative to the separation of powers concept with regard to intelligence oversight is to appoint an independent review/oversight board with permanent staff and all of the powers mentioned above. The board can be nominated by the executive but is ratified by consensus in the legislature subject to judicial review and security vetting of nominees. For democratic intelligence oversight to be effective it must be prospective as well as retrospective. Prospective oversight refers to before-the-fact review of proposed intelligence collection efforts in pursuit of issuing surveillance warrants (particularly on domestic soil). Retrospective oversight refers to after-the-fact review of operational conduct in pursuit of determining the legality of intelligence operations at home and abroad. Taken together the two forms of oversight promote before and after accountability on the part of intelligence officials. The link between the prospective and retrospective aspects of intelligence oversight is made by weekly (classified) briefings by intelligence agency officials to oversight panels. The panels are made up of senior officials working on judicial and legislative intelligence oversight committees or intelligence review boards. With regard to the oversight role of the executive branch, which can often be the first point of contact when it comes to review intelligence operations, the responsibility for issuing intelligence warrants ideally rests outside the office of the prime minister or president. Normally that would be the province of the Attorney or Solicitor General acting on the prospective advice of external oversight agencies when considering requests by intelligence agencies. It is important to separate executive oversight from the partisan logics and political expediency that constitutes the daily ebb and flow of democratic governance. That allows objective review of surveillance warrants that are not beholden to electoral, opportunistic or other non-commonweal logics. That is why someone other than the Prime Minister or President must be the lead point of executive branch oversight, and why s/he must answerable to the legislature or judiciary on contentious or disputable issues involving intelligence operations. Appointing oversight bodies within the executive branch who depend on the intelligence community or the chief executive for resources is a fig leaf rather than a legitimate and effective oversight and accountability mechanism. If they are to fulfill their oversight roles they need institutional independence from the political leadership temporarily residing in the executive branch. At its core, intelligence oversight systems depend on intelligence officials who act honestly and in adherence to the secrecy oaths and legal obligations incumbent upon them. That can be achieved by rigorous security vetting and regular monitoring of individuals with sensitive security clearances. The costs of doing so are justified by the benefits of keeping state secrets uncompromised. There needs to be institutional means through which intelligence officers can address complaints and concerns about operations that they believe may be in violation of the legal charter governing intelligence operations (much like military justice systems dealing with illegal orders). With procedures and mechanisms for in-house review of intelligence operations, the job of external oversight becomes easier. Should those avenues not exist, then external intelligence oversight agencies must offer legal guarantees to whistleblowers that inspire confidence that complaints and concerns will be seriously considered and individual privacy and security protected. Otherwise the temptation will exist for potential whistleblowers to go outside the institutional framework and leak information to external actors. Absent strong permanent oversight, the tendency will remain for intelligence agencies to “push the envelope” of their institutional charter. It is natural (some might say required) of them to do so, as their commitment to service in defense of the national interest compel them to explore all means of advancing that goal absent legal prohibitions against specific operations or collection efforts. Besides preventing abuses or arbitrary exercises of power, independent and autonomous intelligence oversight is a democratic hedge against that compulsion. In sum, democratic intelligence oversight is a complex process involving mutual checks and balances among multiple specialized and dedicated agencies. The system may appear cumbersome but it is the only real guarantee against the “iron law of tyranny” that creeps into executive decision-making on security matters where and when they do not exist. [caption id="attachment_673" align="alignleft" width="300"]See 36th-Parallel.com for more Asia-Pacific analysis. See 36th-Parallel.com for more Asia-Pacific analysis.[/caption] The bottom line is captured by a phrase from Ronald Reagan:  “Trust, but verify.” His focus may have been on the Soviet Union but the principle he espoused is as true for intelligence oversight in democracies as it is for foreign relations in general.Reference: US intelligence community. http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/int023.html A condensed version of this essay was published on May 5, 2014 by the Lowy Institute “The Interpreter” blog. – This analysis was forst published on 36th-Parallel.com. –]]>

Keith Locke: No Public Accountability for the GCSB

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By Keith Locke “YOU SHOULDN’T WORRY IF YOU’VE GOT NOTHING TO HIDE” is one of the mantras trotted out when New Zealanders complain about the GCSB having access to their private communications. Let’s turn that mantra around as ask those running the GCSB why the feel they have to hide from public everything they do. Is it because, as recent revelations show, the agency is more about serving the interests of the US government than that of New Zealanders? Keith Locke debating chamberWhen I was an MP I ran up against a brick wall when I asked any questions about the GCSB, the Waihopai spy station or the Five Eyes. “We don’t comment on matters of national security” was the routine reply from the Prime Minister (Helen Clark followed by John Key). The PM’s stonewalling has become even more absurd now that the Snowden documents have shown that the GCSB is intercepting and collecting virtually all the communications in Pacific Island states. When asked whether former GCSB head Bruce Ferguson was right that the agency does engage in mass communications data collection, the PM said he didn’t know what Ferguson meant? He also said there was no obligation on the GCSB to inform any New Zealander that details about their private communications were being collected. Everything the GCSB does is lawful, Key, claimed, forgetting the Privacy Act and forgetting his previous assurance that the GCSB Act does not allow for mass surveillance of New Zealanders To me there doesn’t seem any question that the GCSB is illegally engaged in the wholesale collection of the communications of any New Zealander visiting or living in a Pacific Island, or any New Zealander emailing or phoning someone in the Pacific). The targeting of Pacific Island government communications (as mentioned in one NSA document) is also contrary to the Vienna convention, and not what a good neighbour should do. The rejoinder of Key apologists, that “all nations do it” is simply not true, and we would rightly be outraged if a foreign government was intercepting all of our government communications. Parliamentary oversight of the GCSB is a joke. There is an Intelligence and Security Committee, which operates in secret and is now limited to National and Labour politicians. They are told very little as evidenced by the comments of a former Intelligence and Security Committee member, Peter Dunne, who has expressed surprise that the GCSB is collecting communications data wholesale and passing it on to the NSA. Let’s not accept the PM’s obfuscations. Let’s demand enough information to allow us to have a proper debate about what GCSB is doing in our name. And let us have better parliamentary oversight of the agency through an all-party select committee whose hearings are where possible in public, like other parliamentary committees. — [Editor’s Note: Many of Keith Locke’s contributions can be found on TheDailyBlog within his section.]]]>

From a Coconet Spy Tempest to TPPA Secrecy

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By David Robie – Café Pacific. [caption id="attachment_909" align="alignright" width="300"]The "TPPA - no way" rally at the weekend in Auckland - one of more than a score of New Zealand cities hosting protests against the controversial proposed free trade agreement. Photo: David Robie. The “TPPA – no way” rally at the weekend in Auckland – one of more than a score of New Zealand cities hosting protests against the controversial proposed free trade agreement. Photo: David Robie.[/caption] PACIFIC commentator Barbara Dreaver called last week’s spying on the Pacific neighbours controversy a storm in a teacup. Or perhaps something more of a coconet tempest. Security affairs specialist Paul Buchanan was more concerned about getting French military backs up in response. We had enough of that three decades ago this year with a certain scandalous maritime bombing. State terrorism in fact. And Britain, the US and Australia – three of the Five Eyes club members along with New Zealand and Canada – remained so meek over that outrage. Fairfax Pacific reporter Michael Field pointed out that with a bit more methodical spying, New Zealand would be better informed about the region instead of being caught by surprise with both the Sitiveni Rabuka and George Speight coups in 1987 and 2000 and other events. Reliable intelligence is critical for New Zealand’s political and military responsibility to the region – “what are they expected to do for useful intelligence, Google it?” An editorial in The New Zealand Herald, which reported the Snowden paper expose along with The Intercept, chimed in the comment about the Pacific spying that “at least we know about it”. “Many New Zealanders will not feel scandalised by the Herald’s revelations about their country’s spying in the Pacific. They will be more inclined to applaud the activities of the Government Communications Security Bureau and its involvement in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. “There is, after all, yet to be conclusive evidence that what has been done, and is being done, is against the law. Spying, even on friends, is far from novel.” Principled reaction The Greens had the most principled reaction, calling for a public inquiry and condemning the treatment of New Zealanders from the Cook Islands and Niuean as “second-class citizens”. If the revelations failed to get many New Zealanders riled, another issue has been gradually raising the anger level, climbing another notch over the weekend. All over the country, thousands of New Zealanders took to the streets in peaceful protests over the John Key government’s arrogant betrayal of democracy and secrecy over the proposed “sell out” of policy to global corporates in the planned Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPPA). At the Auckland rally, it was a creative and innovative stunt to wheel out a Trojan horse representing the TPPA and what it would do to sabotage the New Zealand – and Pacific – way of life. The Trojan horse was dragged along by the powerful US-based transnational corporations “pulling the strings” behind the scenes. The TPP aims to create a regional free trade block involving 12 Asia Pacific countries: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States and Vietnam. However, as Auckland University law professor Jane Kelsey, one of the key speakers at the rally, points out, time is running out for the TPPA in spite of the Key government’s optimism. Unless a fast tracked document and a “blessing” by the International Trade Commission make it before Congress by August, the TPPA is bound to lose momentum. President Barack Obama is hardly likely to want to push ahead with such a controversial issue if he won’t even take credit it for it as part of his presidential legacy. As Dr Kelsey says about the current status of negotiations: “One major obstacle to the political endgame is the reassertion of core democratic principles, evidenced by two recent developments”:

  • While the John Key government and Trade Minister Tim Groser still believe they can get away with “signing a deal of this magnitude while keeping it secret”, the European Union Ombudsman has shown how secrecy can be stripped away in Europe over the parallel Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TIPP) negotiations.
  • A constitutional challenge to the TPP in Japan in protest over the potential agreement “usurping their Parliament’s supreme law-making authority”.
Perhaps one of the more poignant comments all week was by a Pacific Scoop reader responding to the week of a military “training” commitment to Iraq, the spying drama and TPPA, who said:
“John Key has no right to assume that the general populace of NZers are in support of his actions when he has not followed a democratic process to check this out.“ I say no to deployment of troops. Violence begets violence. The most striking proof of that is that what we see in the Mid-East is a result of Americas bombing raids in so many countries in the East.“John Key, stop smoothing up to the Americans and their bombings.”
Storm in a teacup Thousands protest in NZ cities against Pacific-wide free trade. [Editor’s Note: You can read more of Dr David Robie’s writings on Café Pacific.] –]]>

Canterbury Police and WorkSafe NZ investigations into fatal farming incident ongoing

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Headline: Canterbury Police and WorkSafe NZ investigations into fatal farming incident ongoing

Monday, 9 March 2015 – 5:31pm

Canterbury Police are now able to name the victim of the fatal farming incident at a rural property in Purau which occurred shortly after 12 noon on Friday (6 March 2015).  He was 34 year old Christopher James Corlett from Taranaki.

The death has been referred to the Coroner who will determine the cause of death.  His family are extremely upset and are being supported by Canterbury Police and his employer.

Witnesses report that the fertiliser truck he was driving was seen travelling backwards down a moderate slope before continuing down a steeper incline, coming to an abrupt stop in a gully.  Canterbury Police, Diamond Harbour Volunteer Fire Brigade and Westpac Helicopter attended the incident but the driver was confirmed as deceased at the scene.

Canterbury Police and WorkSafe New Zealand investigations into the cause of the incident are continuing. 

A family spokesperson says “We are all in shock and struggling to come to terms with the fact that Chris is not coming home.  He was a loving father of two, husband, son, brother and friend.  We understand that the public are interested in the events which took Chris from us but ask they understand why we ask for privacy while we come to terms with our tragic loss.  Our family will hold a private funeral where his friends and family can come together to celebrate his life and ask that the media do not attend or speak to his mourners.  We would like to thank Canterbury Police and emergency services for their help, support and professionalism and our friends for their unwavering support. “

Canterbury Police will not be making any further comment regarding this incident and ongoing investigation.

ENDS

Issued by:  Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District.  Mobile:  021 942 404
 

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Murder accused located

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MIL OSI –

Source: New Zealand Police – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Murder accused located

National News

Murder accused 17 year-old Beauen Wallace-Loretz, who has been breaching his electronic bail conditions since Thursday night (March 5), was located in the Auckland region at about 4.20pm today. He is in Police custody and will appear in the Auckland High Court tomorrow for a bail hearing.

ENDS

Issued by Noreen Hegarty

Auckland City District Communications Manager

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Predictable attack on dental expert for highlighting high sugar consequences

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MIL OSI –

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Predictable attack on dental expert for highlighting high sugar consequences

dental surgery

“It’s disappointing – but predictable – that one of this country’s foremost dental experts has been attacked for speaking out about a major health problem facing New Zealanders, the over-consumption of sugar,” says Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS).

Dr Rob Beaglehole highlighted the impact of sugary drinks in particular on toddlers and children in TVNZ’s Sunday current affairs programme last night, including the removal of rotting teeth from babies still in nappies and the high consumption of sugar among teenagers and others.

Mr Powell says it was concerning to see such an important issue trivialised by an unwarranted attack of Dr Beaglehole and TVNZ by Cameron Slater on his Whale Oil website this morning.

“Rather than engaging with the evidence and the real-life experience of Dr Beaglehole and others who are dealing with the consequences of high-sugar diets in their daily work, the mouthpieces for the sugary drinks industry just try to vilify them.  These are people who are speaking out because of their expertise and training in these areas, and they should be able to do so without fear of intimidation.

“New Zealand is fortunate to have public health professionals like Dr Beaglehole who are prepared to call it as they see it, despite repeated and ongoing attempts to silence them.  This is about clinicians having the right to stand up for their patients, many of whom are children.”

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Hundreds of rebuild workers to get free work health checks

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MIL OSI –

Source: Worksafe New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Hundreds of rebuild workers to get free work health checks

Around four hundred Canterbury construction workers will receive free health advice and checks over the next fortnight to help raise awareness about the health risks they face on site.

“While we’re pleased to see a number of construction companies continuing to improve their safety initiatives and plans, the ‘health’ in health and safety is often missing,” says WorkSafe New Zealand’s Canterbury Rebuild Health and Safety Programme Director Kathryn Heiler.

“Construction workers are exposed to a number of health hazards through the course of their work. This includes dust, noise, asbestos, and exposure to hazardous substances or chemicals,” says Ms Heiler.

Every year in New Zealand approximately 75 people die at work. Yet 600-900 people die every year from work-related diseases.

WorkSafe, with support from ACC, has organised an occupational health van to tour rebuild sites for two weeks from 9 March.

“There’ll be two very experienced occupational health nurses from TriEx on board, and over the fortnight they’ll be visiting 30 sites around Canterbury, talking to 400 workers,” says Ms Heiler.

“Workers can expect to receive more information on the health risks they face as well as having a health check – representative to health monitoring many employers carry out for their employees.”

There will also be sessions on how to make sure their personal protective equipment, such as face masks and ear plugs are fitted correctly.

“If it doesn’t fit properly it’s unlikely to provide much protection against the health hazard and there’s no point wearing it. It’s important employers and workers understand how to check if their gear is working and fitted correctly,” she says.

“Too many people become ill or die each year because of exposure to a health risk through their work. This is just one initiative that aims to raise awareness about the importance of health, not just safety,” Ms Heiler says.

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iPredict Update: Osborne’s Chances Plunge in Northland

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MIL OSI –

IPREDICT LTD

 

OSBORNE’S CHANCES PLUNGE IN NORTHLAND  

National’s Mark Osborne’s chances of winning the Northland by-election have plunged to just 55%, according to the combined wisdom of the 8000+ registered traders on New Zealand’s predictions market, iPredict.  Mr Osborne now has almost no chance of winning more than 50% of the vote and NZ First’s Winston Peters has a 45% chance of taking the seat.  While John Key remains safe, Paula Bennett is again favoured to become leader of the National Party if a vacancy arises, ahead of Steven Joyce and Jonathan Coleman.  The current Queensland fruitfly outbreak in Grey Lynn is expected to worsen with more than 20 expected to be found.  The Official Cash Rate is more likely than not to be cut on or before 29 October and then remain at 3.25% until at least the middle of next year. The chances of Wellington’s councils being amalgamated continue to fall.  In Australia, the Liberal/National coalition is overwhelmingly expected to win the most seats in the New South Wales state election while Tony Abbott’s short-term position as prime minister has improved, although he is still expected to be replaced before the next federal election by Malcolm Turnbull.  In the United Kingdom, the Conservatives have made gains over the last week ahead of the 7 May election.

 

New Zealand Politics:

·       National’s Mark Osborne expected to sneak home in Northland by-election (55% probability, down from 88% last week), falling short of 50% of the vote (only 4% probability of winning more than 50%, down from 29% last week)

·       45% probability the byelection will be won by a candidate from a party other than National or Labour, presumably Winston Peters (up from 11% last week)

·       Kevin Hague overwhelmingly favoured to be next Green Party co-leader (90% probability, down from 94% last week), followed by Gareth Hughes on just 8%.

·       John Key is expected to remain National leader until at least the end of 2016 (78% probability, down from 79% last week) and has a 50% probability of remaining National leader until at least the end of 2017 (steady)

·       Paula Bennett has re-emerged as favourite to become National Party leader if a vacancy arises (26%, down from 29% last week), followed by Steven Joyce (25%, down from 28%) and Jonathan Coleman (13%, up from 4%)

·       Stocks on Andrew Little’s longevity as leader of the Labour Party will be launched in the near future

·       Judith Collins expected to be appointed to Cabinet before next election (75% probability, up from 60% last week)

·       Next election expected in 2017 (92% probability, steady compared with last week)

·       Forecast party vote shares at next election:

o   National                             45.2% (steady compared with last week)

o   Labour                               32.1% (steady)

o   Greens                               11.0% (steady)

o   NZ First                                6.9% (steady)

o   Others                                  4.8% (steady)

·       National expected to win 2017 General Election (57% probability, steady compared with last week)

·       Wellington councils not expected to be amalgamated by end of 2015 (only 33% probability they will be, down form 43% last week) 

New Zealand Economics:

·       More than 20 Queensland fruitflies expected to be found in New Zealand as part of current outbreak (88% probability, up from 55% last week)

·       New Zealand dollar expected to reach parity with Australian dollar by the end of 2015 (69% probability, steady compared with last week) but not before July 2015 (12% probability, down from 30% last week)

·       Quarterly GDP growth expected to be:

o   0.7% in the March quarter (steady compared with last week)

o   1.1% in the June quarter (steady)

o   1.1% in the September quarter (steady)

o   1.1% in the December quarter (steady)

·       Annual growth expected to be 4.1% in the 2015 calendar year (up from 4.0% last week)

·       Unemployment expected to be:

o   5.4% in the March quarter (steady compared with last week)

o   5.3% in the June quarter (steady)

o   5.2% in the September quarter (steady)

o   5.3% in the December quarter (steady)

·       Current account deficit expected to be 3.5% of GDP in the December quarter (steady compared with last week) and 3.4% in the March quarter (steady)

·       Annual inflation expected to be:

o   0.3% to end of March 2015 quarter (steady compared with last week)

o   0.6% to end of June 2015 quarter (steady)

o   0.8% to end of September 2015 quarter (steady)

o   1.0% to end of December 2015 quarter (steady)

·       Official Cash Rate priced to be:

o   3.495% on 12 March (steady compared with last week)

o   3.488% on 30 April (steady)

o   3.450% on 11 June (up from 3.447%)

o   3.420% on 23 July (down from 3.421%)

o   3.377% on 10 September (down from 3.384%)

o   3.358% on 29 October (down from 3.365%)

o   3.349% on 10 December (down from 3.360%)

o   3.339% on 28 January 2016 (new stocks)

o   3.248% on 10 March 2016 (new stocks)

o   3.338% on 28 April 2016 (new stocks)

o   3.328% on 9 June 2016 (new stocks)

o   This implies the OCR is more likely than not to be cut on 29 October to 3.25% (steady compared with last week) but to remain at that rate until at least 9 June 2016

o   OCR stocks out to June 2016 will be launched in the near future

·       Only 20% probability of a fiscal surplus in 2014/15 (up from 18% last week)

·       Fiscal balance expected to be:

o   -0.22% of GDP in 2014/15 (down from -0.18% last week)

o   0.80% of GDP in 2015/16 (down from 0.81%)

o   1.98% of GDP in 2016/17 (steady)

o   2.43% of GDP in 2017/18 (up from 2.38%)

·       There is a 57% probability Fonterra’s payout in 2015/16 will be above $6.00 (before retentions) down from 63% last week

Foreign Affairs/Constitution:

·       Next UK Parliament expected to consist of:

o   Conservatives                               38.9% of seats in the House of Commons (up from 34.1% last week)

o   Labour                                          35.3% of seats (down from 38.1% last week)

o   Nationalist parties                           6.2% of seats (down from 6.8%)

o   UKIP and similar                             6.0% of seats (down from 6.4%)

o   Liberal Democrats                           5.2% of seats (down from 5.5%)

o   Unionist parties                               2.2% of seats (down from 2.3%)

o   Green and similar                            2.1% of seats (down from 2.2%)

o   Independents and Speaker     2.0% of seats (down from 2.1%)

o   All others                                        2.2% of seats (down from 2.3%)

·       David Cameron expected to be prime minister after next UK election with 57% probability, up from 52% last week

·       Boris Johnson expected to be elected to UK House of Commons this year (92% probability, steady)

·       Socialist Workers’ Party expected to defeat People’s Party in next Spanish election (60% probability, steady compared with last week)

·       All Eurozone countries, including Greece, expected to remain in Euro in 2015 (16% probability of an announcement of a departure this year, up from 12% last week)

·       New South Wales Liberal/National Coalition expected to win most seats in NSW state election (92% probability, up from 80% last week)

·       Tony Abbott is expected to remain leader of the Australian Liberal Party until 1 July 2015 (only 27% probability of departing before then, down from 38% last week) but be replaced by Malcolm Turnbull as leader of the Australian Liberal Party by nomination day (56% probability Turnbull will be leader on that day, down from 60% last week)

·       Bill Shorten expected to be Labor leader at next Australian federal election (88% probability, down from 90% last week)

·       Liberals marginally ahead of Labor for next Australian Federal election in 2016 (53% probability of Liberal win, up from 52% last week)

·       Hillary Clinton is favoured to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for US president in 2016 and to be elected to that office (44% probability, down from 47% last week).  Jeb Bush has a 39% probability of being the Republican nominee (steady compared with last week) followed by Scott Walker (22% probability, steady)

·       There is only a 31% probability New Zealand will sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership this year (steady compared with last week), and the Trans-Pacific Partnership is not expected to be ratified by the US Congress before 1 July 2017 (only 31% probability it will be, steady compared with last week)

·       Helen Clark’s prospects of being the next UN Secretary General are 29% (up from 23% last week)

·       There is a 9% probability New Zealand will become a republic by 2020 (down from 11% last week)

·       Ireland to vote in favour of same-sex marriage before July 2015 (97% probability, up from 92% last week)

·       There is a 22% probability Kim Jong-Un will cease being leader of North Korea before 2017 

Notes:

·       iPredict Ltd is owned by Victoria University of Wellington.  Details on the company and its stocks can be found at www.ipredict.co.nz.

·       The weekly economic and political update is prepared by Exceltium Ltd on a pro bono basis and is based on a snapshot taken at a random time each week.  This week’s was taken at 1.35 pm today. 

pdf icon 150309-1335-Economic-and-Political-Update-FINAL.pdf

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Manufacturing sales volume rises

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Headline: Manufacturing sales volume rises

The total manufacturing sales volume rose in the December 2014 quarter, with rises across several industries, Statistics New Zealand said today.

After adjusting for seasonal effects, the volume of total manufacturing sales rose 0.9 percent. This rise was led by a 7.2 percent increase in petroleum and coal product manufacturing, with meat and dairy product manufacturing up by 0.9 percent.

“The volume of meat and dairy manufacturing sales was slightly up after recent falls, while manufacturing excluding meat and dairy continues to rise,” business indicators manager Neil Kelly said.

Excluding meat and dairy, the sales volume for total manufacturing was up 0.9 percent in the December 2014 quarter. Sales rose for eight of the 12 manufacturing industries in this group. 

The trend for the total manufacturing sales volume, which gives a longer-term picture of movements, has been mainly rising since a low point in the June 2013 quarter.

When the effect of price changes is included, the total value of seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales fell 0.7 percent ($180 million). Meat and dairy product manufacturing sales decreased 2.7 percent ($207 million), with dairy prices falling and meat prices rising.

In actual terms, the total manufacturing sales volume was up 1.5 percent on the December 2013 quarter. The total manufacturing sales value was down 3.2 percent on the December 2013 quarter – to $25.6 billion. 

Ends

For media enquiries contact: Neil Kelly, Christchurch 03 964 8700, info@stats.govt.nz
Authorised by Liz MacPherson, Government Statistician, 9 March 2015

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Unarmed officers disarm threatening Waikato gunman

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Headline: Unarmed officers disarm threatening Waikato gunman

Monday, 9 March 2015 – 2:17pm

While commending her staff for a job well done following an armed standoff with a man in the North Waikato overnight, a senior Waikato Police officer said relatives who had been drinking with him need to reflect on their role in the incident.

North Waikato Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Gill Meadows, said two officers were called to a Glen Massey property about 10.35pm following reports of a man yelling and acting aggressively.

“Police arrived at a rural Waingaro Rd property and were advised by relatives that a 36-year-old man was upset and that he was in a small batch behind the main dwelling.

“As they approached the front door of the batch the unarmed officers were confronted by a man wielding a long barrelled firearm and had to dive for cover. Able to talk their attacker down, the officers were unaware their calls for backup on their radios went unheard due to poor radio coverage in the area.”

Ms Meadows said as the offender put his firearm on the ground and raised his arms in the air one of the officers approached him but the man went to reach for his gun again.

“The officer got between the offender and the gun and was arresting the man when a struggle began.

“Handcuffing the offender, the officer was able to get the attention of his partner and the pair were able to take him to their patrol car where he assaulted one of the officers again.”

Ms Meadows said the incident was currently being reviewed and the actions of the officer who disarmed the offender are being forwarded for the appropriate internal recognition.

“One of the other things that has been identified as a risk from last night is that we had a group of adults who provided a man with existing head and mental health issues alcohol with nearly tragic results.

“In addition, this man also had access to firearms which in this case was discovered to be a loaded air rifle. While the offender’s intoxication and health issues could be considered mitigating circumstances in what occurred, the actions of those drinking with him can not.”

Ms Meadows said Police are yet to decide what, if any further action will be taken.

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NZ tops OECD for fibre growth connections

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Headline: NZ tops OECD for fibre growth connections

Fibre growth connections in New Zealand have tripled in the last year, putting us first of all 34 countries in the OECD, says Communications Minister Amy Adams.

The latest OECD Broadband Portal penetration statistics show New Zealand is now number one among developed countries for annual growth of fibre connections from June 2013 to June 2014, with an annual growth of 272 per cent.

The average annual growth of fibre connections in the OECD was 12.4 per cent.

“In the year to December 2014, fibre connections in New Zealand grew from 19,000 to 69,301. This is an impressive jump and demonstrates the impact that the Government’s $2 billion investment in the Ultra-fast Broadband and Rural Broadband Initiative programme is having on the telecommunications services available to New Zealanders,” says Ms Adams.

“People are increasingly choosing fibre for its superior speeds, capacity and reliability as the build continues across New Zealand.”

The international broadband comparisons published by the OECD also show New Zealand’s overall broadband performance is continuing to improve relative to other OECD countries.

“Over the past ten years, we have moved up from 22nd place out of 30 OECD countries in June 2004 to being 15th out of 34 OECD countries for fixed broadband subscriptions as at June 2014,” says Ms Adams.

“We are now ahead of Australia, the US and Japan for fixed broadband, with more than 31 broadband subscriptions for every 100 New Zealanders signed up for this service.

“At the same time, the quality of people’s broadband packages is improving, with greater numbers of customers using VDSL or fibre, rather than the older ADSL technology.”

New Zealand is now also in the top ten in the OECD for wireless broadband, up from 16th just four years ago.

OECD Broadband Portal penetration statistics can be found at www.oecd.org/sti/broadband/oecdbroadbandportal.htm

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Aucklanders invited to calculate own city budget

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MIL OSI –

Source: Auckland Council – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Aucklanders invited to calculate own city budget

Auckland Council has today launched an online budget calculator that gives Aucklanders a go at setting their own 10-year budget for the region.

The interactive tool allows users to save money or spend money depending on what they see as a priority for the city. The choices they make affect levels of household rates and the council’s debt – making them rise or fall.

Matthew Walker, General Manager Financial Planning, says the calculator is an educational tool designed to give Aucklanders a greater understanding of the council’s budget.
 
“The budget calculator is all about giving Aucklanders a chance to sit in the driver’s seat and experiment with the budget. It demonstrates how and where the council spends money as well as the trade-offs you make when you decide to spend less or more,” he says.

The budget calculator, which is set at the proposed levels of spending in the council’s 10-year budget, looks at five spending areas of Auckland Council including transport, parks, community and lifestyle, economy tourism events and culture, Auckland development, and environment and regulatory.

On finishing, the budget calculator produces three graphs that show the impact of each user’s spend on debt, assets and rates across the 10-year period.

Public consultation on the council’s 10-year budget runs until 16 March 2015. There are a number of ways to give feedback including an online feedback form, a hard copy form (found in the council libraries, service centres and local board offices), using social media and at the ‘have your say’ events.

Auckland Council is also hosting a live online chat today (Thursday 5 March from 7pm to 9pm) that will cover the key issues included in the 10-year budget. Those who wish to take part can post comments and feedback in advance now or join the discussion on the night.

Feedback from the live chat will count as feedback for the 10-year budget consultation.

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Shooting death, Kaipara District, Northland.

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MIL OSI –

Source: New Zealand Police – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Shooting death, Kaipara District, Northland.

Northland

At approximately 4.30 pm Emergency services were called to an address in Mahuta, Kaipara District.

An elderly male aged 74 years has died as a result of what appears to be a tragic accident involving a firearm.

The Northern Communications Shift Commander Inspector Tony Wakelin said the deceaseds wife was at home at the time and is understandably very distressed. Victim Support has been arranged for her.

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Results of Creative New Zealand’s review of literature

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MIL OSI –

Source: Creative New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Results of Creative New Zealand’s review of literature

Support to increase readership and sales of New Zealand literature nationally and internationally and a greater focus on support for writers have resulted from Creative New Zealand’s review of its support for literature in New Zealand. 

In a report published today the Arts Council agreed to:

  • make activity that will increase national readership and sales of New Zealand literature a funding priority for Creative New Zealand’s grants and investment programmes
  • make publishing proposals from individual writers, as well as those from publishing companies and collectives, eligible for funding
  • make increased publishing subsidies available for literature in te reo or Pasifika languages, non-fiction work and publications about specific artforms
  • maintain support for developing international markets for New Zealand literature.

Increasing readership and sales of New Zealand literature

Increasing the national readership and sales of New Zealand literature will be a funding priority for Quick Response and Arts Grants and the Toi Uru Kahikatea investment programme. For the first time, block publishing applications made to Toi Uru Kahikatea can request support for promotional activity.

The key role for literature funded though the Toi Tōtara Haemata investment programme will also have a focus on activities that will increase sales and readership of New Zealand literature. Previously the focus had been on promoting reading and writing of New Zealand literature.

Support for individual writers and illustrators

The creation of a diverse range of high quality new work will be a new funding priority for Creative New Zealand’s funding of literature.

Writers or illustrators who make a compelling case will also be able to take longer than 12 months to complete a project when they are funded by an Arts Grant.

Publishing criteria have been revised to focus on the quality of proposals, rather than on whether the work is to be published by an individual writer, publishing company or collective. This will enable high-quality publishing proposals from individuals to be eligible for funding.

The provision of online, up-to-date information about resources and opportunities available to New Zealand writers, at all stages of their careers, will be part of the literature key role funded through Toi Tōtara Haemata.

Creative New Zealand’s $100,000 Michael King Writer’s Fellowship will continue to support a project that takes two or more years to complete. The fellowship will be offered once every two years, rather than annually, which will align it with Creative New Zealand’s other fellowships.

The funds not allocated through the fellowship will be ring-fenced for literature applications to our Arts Grants rounds in the year the fellowship is not awarded. After 2015, the next Michael King Writer’s Fellowship will be offered in 2017.

Additional publishing subsidies

Existing publishing subsidies will be retained but additional subsidies will beavailable for publications in te reo or Pasifika languages and non-fiction and artform publications.

These new subsidies take account of the smaller potential market for some of these works, the higher costs associated with their creation, and/or their unique cultural value.

Publishing internships

Creative New Zealand will request proposals for a single provider to deliver a national publishing internship programme to build the capability of the publishing sector.

Development of international markets

Creative New Zealand will request proposals for a single provider to deliver projects that support the development of international markets for New Zealand literature over the next three years. The services will include supporting New Zealand publishers to participate in international book fairs, managing an international travel fund, and a fund for the translation of New Zealand works into other languages.

Next Steps

  • New publishing criteria, funding priorities and additional subsidies will take effect from 1 July 2015.
  • The Toi Uru Kahikatea funding round closing on 8 May 2015 and Quick Response Grant round closing on 26 June will be assessed using the new publishing criteria, subsidy rates and funding priorities.
  • A request for proposals for the revised literature key role for the Toi Totara Haemata programme will be published this week with a deadline for proposals of 22 May 2015.

Creative New Zealand consults regularly with the arts sector to make sure our funding priorities, programmes and initiatives keep up with new arts practices and with New Zealand’s changing arts environment and demographics.

More detailed information on the full range of initiatives agreed plus analysis and findings are in the Review of Literature Final Report.

Our thanks go to all those who took the time to contribute to our review.

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Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) Day: Militarisation in the region

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MIL OSI – Source: Pacific Media Centre – Report published with permission of the Pacific Media Centre Headline: Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) Day: Militarisation in the region

Event date and time: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 – 18:00 – 20:00
PMC SEMINAR 2/15 – MILITARISATION IN THE PACIFIC REGION – NFIP DAY: “What happens at the UN when indigenous peoples even attempt to speak to the issue of demilitarisation? We are forced to leave the “process’ with the one thing we cannot even consider bargaining away – our conscience.” – Noho Hewa Are indigenous issues being sold out at the United Nations? Speaker: Bunny McDiarmid, executive director of Greenpeace New Zealand Organised by the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Coalition (APHRC) in association with the Pacific Media Centre. The seminar is followed by the APHRC annual general meeting. When: Tuesday, 17 March 2015, 6-8pm Where: WG808, Sir Paul Reeves Building, AUT University Censored news –]]>

Health Minister urges EU support for Ebola affected countries

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MIL OSI – Source: Federal Republic of Nigeria – Report: Headline: Health Minister urges EU support for Ebola affected countries BRUSSELS (Federal Ministry of Health Report) – The Supervising Minister of Health, Khaliru Alhassan (Dr) has called on the European Union (EU) to support the concept of medical diplomacy with concrete long term solutions in the health sector to help strengthen health infrastructure and systems of developing nations. He particularly mentioned those nations whose economy and healthcare systems had been affected adversely by the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The Minister made this call in Brussels, Belgium in his address at the European Union (EU) High-level International Conference on Ebola lately. Khaliru Alhassan observed that the concept of medical diplomacy has emerged strongly in recent times due to frequent outbreaks of diseases with great pandemic potential. He added that as long as the Ebola Virus Disease remains prevalent in any country, the entire world stands at risk. While sharing Nigeria’s experience and  ability to speedily contain the Ebola Virus Disease, he attributed Nigeria’s success to strong government leadership, effective control measures put in place to interrupt transmission of the virus, collaboration among the various tiers of government as well as robust multi-sectoral cooperation, early community engagement and aggressive public enlightenment. Khaliru Alhassan stressed that close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centre for Disease Control, (CDC), the European Union CDC, China CDC, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and other development partners as well as civil society groups is paramount in containing the disease. He further disclosed that Nigeria is doing everything possible to prevent a resurgence of the virus. He noted that a $41 million dollar plan is being evolved for the nation’s post-containment preparedness, prevention and control of the Ebola Virus Disease. He revealed that the EU High-Level International Conference on Ebola was organized to take stock of the fight against the outbreak, coordinate further action for total eradication of the disease and to discuss the recovery process in countries which have been  most affected by the disease. – –  ]]>

Saudi Arabia: 10 brutal facts beyond the Raif Badawi case

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MIL OSI – Source: Amnesty International NZ – Press Release/Statement: Headline: Saudi Arabia: 10 brutal facts beyond the Raif Badawi case This marks eight weeks since the Saudi Arabian authorities publicly flogged the blogger and activist Raif Badawi, sentenced to 1,000 lashes and 10 years in prison for “insulting Islam” and founding an online forum for political debate. After his first session of 50 lashes in front of a mosque in Jeddah on 9 January, a doctor advised prison authorities that his wounds had not healed sufficiently for him to undergo the second round of this brutal punishment. The following Friday, while a medical committee had advised that Raif Badawi should not be flogged because of high blood pressure, another prison doctor insisted that there was nothing wrong with him and that he should be flogged. Then, for five consecutive weeks the Friday floggings were not carried out for reasons that remain unknown. It is anybody’s guess whether the next part of his sentence will be carried out tomorrow. Raif Badawi has made headlines around the world. But his case is just the tip of the iceberg for the Gulf Kingdom’s appalling human rights record. Here are 10 sobering facts from Amnesty International’s research: 1. Cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments Saudi Arabia’s courts continue to impose sentences of flogging as punishment for many offences, often following unfair trials. Besides Raif Badawi, in the past two years the human rights defenders Mikhlif bin Daham al-Shammari and Omar al-Sa’id were sentenced to 200 and 300 lashes, respectively, and Filipino domestic worker Ruth Cosrojas was sentenced to 300. Amputations and cross-amputations are also carried out as punishment for some crimes. 2. Spike in executions Saudi Arabia is among the world’s top executioners, with dozens of people being put to death annually, many in public beheadings. So far this year 40 people have been executed – almost four times the equivalent number for this time last year. 3. Crackdown on activists Besides Raif Badawi, dozens more outspoken activists remain behind bars, simply for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. The authorities have targeted the small but vocal community of human rights defenders, including by using anti-terrorism laws to suppress their peaceful actions to expose and address human rights violations. 4. No space for dissent All public gatherings, including demonstrations, remain prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those who defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as “inciting people against the authorities”. 5. Systematic discrimination against women Women and girls remain subject to discrimination in law and practice, with laws that subordinate their status to men, particularly in relation to family matters such as marriage, divorce, child custody and inheritance. Women who supported a campaign against a de facto ban on women drivers face the threat of arrest and other harassment and intimidation. 6. Routine torture in custody Former detainees, trial defendants and others have told Amnesty International that the security forces’ use of torture and other ill-treatment remains common and widespread, and that those responsible are never brought to justice. 7. Arbitrary arrests and detentions Scores of people have been arrested and detained in pre-trial detention for six months or more, which breaches the Kingdom’s own criminal codes. Detainees are frequently held incommunicado during their interrogation and denied access to their lawyers. Some human rights activists have been detained without charge or trial for more than two years. 8. Entrenched religious discrimination Members of the Kingdom’s Shi’a minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face entrenched discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Shi’a activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. 9. Mass deportation of migrant workers According to the Interior Ministry, a crackdown on irregular foreign migrant workers in November 2013 led to the deportation of more than 370,000 people. Some 18,000 were still being detained last March. Thousands of people were summarily returned to Somalia, Yemen or other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses. 10. What happens in the Kingdom, stays in the Kingdom The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organizations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact us. Take Action: Five ways you can help Raif Badawi

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Te Matatini showcases outstanding kapa haka

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MIL OSI – Source: National Party – Press Release/Statement

Headline: Te Matatini showcases outstanding kapa haka

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry has congratulated Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival organisers for another outstanding celebration of Maori traditional performing arts.

The festival is the world’s largest celebration of Maori performing arts, attracting more than 30,000 performers, supporters and visitors over the four days.

This is the first time the event has been held in the South Island for more than twenty years.

“It’s really encouraging to see the festival in Christchurch where it’s making a dynamic and valuable contribution to the cultural recovery post-earthquake,” Ms Barry says.

“Kapa haka is about more than just the performance, it’s intrinsic to our New Zealand culture and identity and helps define who we are on the world stage. Research shows what a positive contribution kapa haka makes in the wider sense to our society and to better health and educational outcomes as well as its economic value,” she says.

Manatu Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, is Te Matatini’s principal funder and the annual funding of $1.248 million provides more than half its income.

“This year’s event reinforces my intention to not only continue this Government’s support for Te Matatini, but to work closely with the Board over the coming year to explore the ways we can contribute further to its future work and growth.”

“Te Matatini has some exciting ideas for expanding future investment in kapa haka. There is a desire to build the capability of kapa haka across the country by extending the professional development Te Matatini offers to rohe. There may also be opportunities to make better use of benefits from its intellectual property.”

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Pacific Scoop: Thousands protest in NZ against Pacific-wide free trade

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

Headline: Pacific Scoop: Thousands protest in NZ against Pacific-wide free trade

Thousands of New Zealanders turned out in protests across the country today against a Pacific-wide free trade deal claimed to be “selling out” the people’s future.

Protesters took to the streets in rallies in 22 towns and cities against the unpopular Trans-Pacific Partnership being pushed by Prime Minister John Key’s government against widespread opposition.

More than 3000 people marched in Auckland alone with a symbolic “Trojan horse” representing the TPPA being pulled along by corporate groups and an “Uncle Sam” character representing United States interests.

Many New Zealanders claim the TPPA will undermine the country’s sovereignty.

“It is about old-style imperialism. An Anglo-Saxon corporate ‘Old Boys’ club’ with modern technological toys,” said one rally organiser.

Groups of doctors opposed to the consequences for the New Zealand health system if the TPPA goes ahead were among those prominent in the march.

Trade block
The TPP aims to create a regional free trade block involving 12 Asia Pacific countries: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States and Vietnam,

The Auckland rally gathered in the central city Myers Park and then marched down Queen Street.

Radio New Zealand reported that in Wellington hundreds of people marched from Midland Park to Parliament.

In Christchurch, almost 3000 people were reported to have gathered in Shand’s Crescent in Addington before a march to Hagley Park.

The “Trojan horse” at the Auckland rally against the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership today. Image: David Robie/PMC

Part of the Auckland TPPA rally neat the Town Hall today. Image: David Robie/PMC

Creative Commons Licence

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 New Zealand Licence.

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Security Council condemns use of chemical weapons in Syria

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MIL OSI – Source: United Nations – Press Release/Statement: Headline: Security Council condemns use of chemical weapons in Syria 6 March 2015 – The Security Council today adopted a resolution strongly condemning the use of any toxic chemical, such as chlorine, as a weapon in Syria and stressing that those who use such weapons must be held accountable. According to the adopted resolution –put forth by the United States– the Council expressed deep concern that toxic chemicals have been used as a weapon in Syria which was the conclusion with a “high degree of confidence” by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapon (OPCW) Fact-Finding Mission. To that end, the Council reiterated that the use of toxic chemicals as a weapon would constitute a violation of Council resolution 2118 (2013). Under the text, the Council recalled its decision that Syria “shall not use, develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons, or, transfer, directly or indirectly, chemical weapons to other States or non-State actors.” Member also reiterated that no party in Syria should use, develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, retain, or transfer chemical weapons. Additionally, the Security Council expressed support for the OPCW Executive Council decision of 4 February 2015 to continue the work of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission, in particular to study all available information relating to allegations of use of chemical weapons in Syria. Members welcomed the intention of the OPCW Director-General to include further reports of the Mission as part of his monthly reports to the Security Council. Stressing that those individuals responsible for any use of chemicals as weapons, including chlorine or any other toxic chemical, must be held accountable, the Council called on all parties in Syria to extend their full cooperation to the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission. Lastly, the Council also recalled its decisions in resolution 2118, and in this context decides in the event of future non-compliance with resolution 2118 to impose measures under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. –]]>

Funding shortfall forces UN to scale back food aid to Syrian refugees in Turkey

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MIL OSI – Source: United Nations – Press Release/Statement: Headline: Funding shortfall forces UN to scale back food aid to Syrian refugees in Turkey 6 March 2015 -– The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today said “a critical shortage of funding” has forced it to reduce the number of Syrian refugees it can assist through an innovative electronic voucher system in Turkey, which hosts the largest number of asylum-seekers fleeing fighting in neighbouring Syria.



WFP spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs told reporters in Geneva today that in January, her agency had been able to assist 220,000 refugees in 20 camps throughout Turkey, but that last month, it had been forced to reduce that number to 154,000, after having to withdraw from 9 camps.



Ms. Byrs said predicting donation amounts is a “real challenge” as it is necessary to know those amounts before informing refugees outside of camps that WFP would launch assistance, but knowing that WFP would require $9 million each month for its assistance to Syrian refugees, a funding shortfall of $71 million in donations is being projected for all of 2015.



Since 2011, WFP has been providing food assistance to the most vulnerable Syrian refugees in Turkey through an innovative electronic voucher (e-food card) system, Ms. Byrs said, adding that the system has made it possible for refugees to buy their food in shops like anybody else.



“Unfortunately,” she explained, “due to a critical shortage of funding, WFP is unable to provide assistance at the same levels as before.”



Ms. Byrs emphasized how important that system is for refugees, saying that Turkey has welcomed the highest number of Syrian refugees, estimated at 1.7 million in 20 camps across the country.



Turkey had already spent $4.5 billion to protect and assist the refugees since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, and that since 2011, she said, WFP had injected almost $700 million into the Turkish economy through its e-food card program and large-scale food purchases.



WFP’s Syria Crisis emergency response, which provides life-saving food assistance to more than four million Syrians who have been displaced across all 14 governorates of Syria in addition to at least two million Syrian refugees in the Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt, in addition to Turkey. Inside Syria, WFP provides food rations, while refugees in the neighbouring countries primarily receive assistance through WFP’s electronic food vouchers programme that allows them to buy the food they need from local shops.

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Air New Zealand agrees to change how it sells travel insurance

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MIL OSI – Source: Commerce Commission – Press Release/Statement Headline: Commission targets ‘opt out’ pricing as Air New Zealand agrees to change how it sells travel insurance The Commerce Commission is calling on New Zealand businesses to scrap the use of ‘opt out’ pricing after gaining agreement from Air New Zealand that it will end its practice of pre-selecting travel insurance for customers when selling tickets online. The Commission is concerned that companies may be misleading consumers into purchasing something they didn’t intend to by requiring them to ‘opt out’ of buying additional goods or services during an online sales process. After receiving the Commission’s views, Air New Zealand wrote to the Commission to advise that it intends to move to an ‘opt in’ basis as the method of selling travel insurance from April. Commerce Commission Chair Dr Mark Berry said the Commission has issued Air New Zealand with a formal warning. No further action will be taken as the Commission considers its concerns will have been addressed if the change is implemented as agreed. “We are pleased that Air New Zealand decided to respond to our concerns and will ensure consumers aren’t unintentionally paying for products they may not want or need in the future,” Dr Berry said. “We will be targeting other companies we are concerned about. We would encourage all businesses selling online to proactively change their behaviour or drop any consideration of introducing this practice. We believe Air New Zealand made the right decision and other businesses should follow their example.” Dr Berry said it is the Commission’s preference that all companies employ an ‘opt in’ approach when selling add-on products to consumers online, to avoid any possibility of breaching the Fair Trading Act. “Consumers are perfectly capable of deciding for themselves whether they want to pay for additional products or services. If a company is concerned that its customers need insurance then a suitable approach is to require them to tick ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in a mandatory field and leave it in their hands.”

Relates to: Fair Trading

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Equal pay for International Women’s Day

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MIL OSI – Source: Labour Party – Press Release/Statement

Headline: Equal pay for International Women's Day

A successful court case that paves the way for better pay for work performed predominantly by women is in no way a justification for the Government to weaken laws around equal pay, Labour’s Women’s Affairs spokesperson Sue Moroney says.

“Sunday is International Women’s Day and the best gift this Government could give New Zealand women is a promise that it won’t tamper with the law to stop women like rest home worker Kristine Bartlett from getting paid what their work is worth.

“The outcome of this court case would do much to close the gender pay gap, which National says it wants to do, but it first has to take a positive approach to valuing women’s work.

“National has made no progress on achieving its targets for greater economic independence, women’s leadership or improved safety for women.

“In fact it has gone backwards on some measures – we now have in Minister Louise Upston someone who has even suggested beauty pageants are a way forward for New Zealand women.

“That is a sure sign the Government has no new ideas.”

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Audio + Text: NZ Spying on Pacific Nations Revealed

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New Zealand Report by Selwyn Manning – Recorded live on 6/03/15. A team of investigative journalists began this week to reveal how the New Zealand Government has been spying on a massive scale on a host of Pacific nations. Also a World War II veteran has received a medal from Vladimir Putin. ITEM ONE: A team of investigative journalists began this week to reveal how the New Zealand Government has been spying on a massive scale on a host of Pacific nations. The spying has been a part of the United States-led Five Eyes alliance that includes the U.S., Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. The investigation is a collaborative effort between the New Zealand Herald, investigative journalist Nicky Hager, and the US news site The Intercept. The reports are based on a cache of official documents released by US whistleblower Edward Snowden – and are being referred to as the Snowden Revelations. The documents reveal New Zealand has been intercepting all communications taking place in the South/West Pacific and parts of Melanesia. Since 2009, New Zealand’s signals surveillance spy agency the GCSB, or Government a communications Security Bureau, has been operating a Full-Take collection protocol, the technology provided by the United States. Once New Zealand’s spy agency acquires the communications, the data is transferred to the United States’ National Security Agency – the NSA. The information is then able to be accessed by US, British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand intelligence analysts. The data acquired goes further than just meta-data, but includes all email correspondence, all telephone and cellphone calls, all texts or SMS, all social media comments and chats. Specifically, the information feeds into the NSA’s X-Keyscore system and provides the five Eyes spies with analytics on everything communicated within the targeted Pacific nations including: Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and French Polynesia. It is understood that while all communications taking place within the countries is acquired, the operation also targets prime ministers, government officials, opinion shapers, and non government organisations. Meanwhile New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key said yesterday (Thursday): “Some of the information was incorrect, some of the information was out of date, some of the assumptions made were just plain wrong.” More reports are scheduled to be published on Saturday and Sunday. ITEM TWO: Stan Douglas, a WWII veteran, this week wandered down to his letterbox and found an interesting official-looking package. On opening it he realised he had been awarded Russia’s prestigious Ushakov Service Medal, by Vladimir Putin! Russia’s Ambassador to New Zealand, Valery Tereshchenko, wrote in an accompanying letter: “The President of the Russian Federation Mr Vladimir Putin decorates you for your participation in the Arctic convoys of the Allied Forces to the Russian Northern sea ports during the Second World War”. During the war Stan served on the HMS Javelin, which accompanied supply ships to the northern Russian port of Murmansk. – He remembers it as hell with freezing, rough conditions and his ship being targeted by German destroyers, bombers and U-boats. About receiving the medal, Stan said: “This one was quite a surprise.” New Zealand Report is broadcast live on Five AA Australia and webcast on EveningReport.nz, LiveNews.co.nz and ForeignAffairs.co.nz.]]>

Liberia releases last Ebola patient – flash quote from MSF

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MIL OSI – Source: Africa Press Organization – Press Release/Statement

Headline: Liberia releases last Ebola patient – flash quote from MSF


Liberia releases last Ebola patient – flash quote from MSF

MONROVIA, Liberia, March 5, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Commenting on the news that Liberia has released its last Ebola patient, Vickie Hawkins, Director of MSF UK, said:

“This is an encouraging sign for Liberia. However, there is no room for complacency as the number of new Ebola cases in the region has risen this week.

“From the outset, this outbreak has been characterised by its unpredictability and geographic spread. People move easily over the porous borders that separate Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, so until 42 days pass without a new case in any of the three worst affected countries we need to remain vigilant.

“There are serious gaps that persist in the response. Significant improvements need to be made in contact tracing and surveillance, and we still need to improve regional coordination. Practical collaboration between surveillance teams based in each country need to be implemented as soon as possible to avoid importing new cases into areas considered Ebola-free.”

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Libya Crisis: EU Foreign Ministers Meet in Riga

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MIL OSI – Source: European Union – Press Release/Statement

Headline: An informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers takes place in Riga On 6-7 March the Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs will host a two-day informal meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers.

The ministers will discuss the political tension in Libya, as well as the current developments in Ukraine and the EU’s relations with Russia. Likewise, preparations for the Eastern Partnership Summit will be considered. The ministers will also exchange opinions on the review of the European Security Strategy.

One of the sessions will review the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). A discussion with participation of foreign ministers from EU candidate countries will address developments in the EU’s neighbourhood.

The informal or the so-called Gymnich meeting is a traditional gathering of the foreign ministers of the European Union, organised by the Presidency. The meetings are chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and feature strategic discussions on the EU’s foreign and security policy goals and instruments.

No binding decisions are adopted during the Gymnich meetings. They provide an opportunity for ministers to discuss issues of current importance in an informal atmosphere.

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Moody’s – New Zealand’s economic growth supports Aaa rating

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MIL OSI – Source: Moody’s Headline: Announcement: Moody’s – New Zealand’s economic growth supports Aaa rating Global Credit Research – 05 Mar 2015 New York, March 05, 2015 — Moody’s Investors Service says that New Zealand’s economy is growing strongly, despite a steep fall in dairy prices during 2014. Construction, partly in relation to the rebuilding of Christchurch after the 2011 earthquakes, and also in the Auckland housing market, has been an important contributor to growth. As a result, Moody’s expects New Zealand’s real GDP to rise to close to 3% during 2015 and to remain robust through 2016. Moody’s says New Zealand’s strong economic profile is reinforcing government finances, with a return to budget surpluses expected in the 2015-16 fiscal year and thereafter. As for the stable outlook for New Zealand’s Aaa rating, Moody’s says the outlook reflects the fact that the country’s ratio of government debt to GDP has peaked at a level well below the median for Aaa sovereigns and is likely to fall over the next several years. Moody’s conclusions were contained in its just-released credit analysis, titled “New Zealand” and which examines the sovereign in four categories: economic strength, which is assessed as “very high (-)”; institutional strength “very high (+)”; fiscal strength “very high (+)”; and susceptibility to event risk “low (-)”. The report constitutes an annual update to investors and is not a rating action. Moody’s report says that when compared to other similarly rated sovereign issuers, New Zealand’s economy has demonstrated a track record of faster and more stable growth, which counterbalances its economic weaknesses, namely the small size, high concentration and relatively low income levels in comparison to other Aaa-rated sovereigns. New Zealand’s economy also benefits from stable growth in aggregate labor input and strong private investment. As a result, the country has seen consistently high GDP growth rates over the past two decades, ranking third in terms of average GDP growth in its rating category. On the other hand, Moody’s report also points out that New Zealand’s most important vulnerability is its structural current account deficit, which has been large for several decades. This deficit makes the country highly dependent on international capital markets. The government’s projections indicate that the current account deficit will rise from its recent relatively low level to a high level once again during the coming few years. Part of the increase will be mitigated by reinsurance payments resulting from payouts related to earthquake reconstruction. The net international investment position will therefore not deteriorate to the extent indicated by the current account deficit. On private consumption growth rates, Moody’s report says that after gaining momentum in recent years, growth in consumer demand will likely come under pressure in the short run, as the country’s external position and currency weaken. Household consumption has on average contributed 170 basis points to quarterly year-over-year growth since 2010, slightly exceeding the contribution of gross capital formation and making it the primary growth driver during the period. Moody’s new report notes that New Zealand’s banking sector is among the most resilient in the world. The sector is characterized by high concentration, with the four largest banks accounting for 84% of total loans and 91% of deposits. Despite moderate competitive pressures, the banks have not drifted toward riskier business models and were able to maintain sound loan portfolios even in the wake of the global financial crisis in 2008-09 and the Christchurch earthquakes. While less capitalized than the banking systems of several other Aaa-rated sovereigns, New Zealand banks’ capitalization ratios are broadly commensurate with the low riskiness of their loan portfolios. In addition, the banking system demonstrates some of the highest profitability levels in its peer group, minimizing the likelihood of capital erosion in the near-term. Subscribers can access the report at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_179413 This publication does not announce a credit rating action. For any credit ratings referenced in this publication, please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for the most updated credit rating action information and rating history. –]]>

Nationwide day of action against TPPA: “Ignore us at your peril” government warned

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MIL OSI – Nationwide day of action against TPPA: “Ignore us at your peril” government warned

“The lead-up to Saturday’s protests against the TPPA shows the commitment of people across the country to send a message that the government can’t ignore”, said ItsOurFuture spokesperson Edward Miller.

A video shows young activists publicising Saturday’s nationwide protests with footage from Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch, and Nelson.

Action in the 22 centres starts at 10am in Raglan and many of the larger centre marches begin at 1pm, including Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

“People have been incredibly creative”, Miller said. “In Christchurch a giant plain-packaged cigarette packet will be marching in the crowd, while Auckland will be led by an enormous Trojan Horse, locked in a tug-of-war between major commercial interests and activist communities.”

“Around the country everyday kiwis will be photographed for a virtual campaign with signs saying ‘I am a ___________ and I say #TPPANoDeal.’ Already this campaign has been very popular.”

“Trade minister Tim Groser needs to recognise that people don’t buy the ‘trust me’ line. They want to be listened to when they say they don’t want the TPPA. And they deserve to be listened to.”

[caption id="attachment_825" align="alignleft" width="679"]Tell The Government TPPANoWay. Tell The Government TPPANoWay.[/caption]
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