Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Activist News – HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND COMMUNITY GATHER FOR SILENT VIGIL IN SOLIDARITY WITH KAMAL ADWAN HOSPITAL

Source: Auckland healthcare workers

Auckland healthcare workers, along with members of the local community, gathered for a silent vigil in solidarity with the victims of the recent attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza.

On December 27th, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) carried out another devastating assault on a hospital, Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, bombing and burning the facility, before forcibly evacuating patients, healthcare workers, and families seeking refuge. Among those abducted during the attack were 240 individuals, including the hospital’s director, Dr. Hussan Abu Safiya. Dr. Abu Safiya’s unwavering commitment to his community has drawn international attention to the critical role healthcare professionals play during times of war and the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

The attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital is being denounced as a war crime under international law, with global calls for accountability and justice.

Dr. Abdallah Gouda, a Palestinian orthopaedic surgeon whose family was displaced to Gaza City’s Rafah camp in 1948, will also be present at the vigil. Dr. Gouda, who immigrated to Aotearoa with his family in 2011, will stand in solidarity with healthcare workers and the Palestinian people, as well as to raise awareness about the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.

This peaceful vigil honored the victims of the Kamal Adwan Hospital attack and to stand with all healthcare professionals working under the most dire and dangerous conditions.

DETAILS of Vigil:
Date: Friday, 3 January 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Auckland Hospital, along Park Road, Grafton.

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Acknowledgements – IHC recognises long-term disability issues stalwart Dame Tariana Turia

Source: IHC

IHC New Zealand would like to recognise and honour the life and work of former MP Dame Tariana Turia who died today.

Dame Tariana led the Disability Issues portfolio from 2009-14 and, alongside IHC, championed a range of critical issues including inclusive education, participation, presence and learning of disabled children while at school.

IHC Acting Chief Executive Janine Stewart says the former Labour Party Minister was a staunch supporter of people with intellectual disability to live full and satisfying lives in their community.

“Dame Tariana, having first-hand experience of whānau with intellectual disability, was incredibly committed to whānau playing an active role in the support of their loved ones,” says Janine. “She recognised the importance of self-advocacy, for people to be able to stand up for, and express, their own needs, which led through to the very early conversations around Enabling Good Lives.

“Māori make up a significant number of people with intellectual disability in New Zealand, and so Dame Tariana was a Minister who had a real understanding of how to respond to the needs of all people with intellectual disability across New Zealand.”

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

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Weather News – Cool and Wet Start to 2025, with Glimpses of Sunshine in Between – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Friday 3 – Monday 6 January – The wet and cool start to 2025 is forecast to continue this weekend for many parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. However, some regions can look forward to periods of settled weather, and by Monday, the bulk of the South Island and western North Island have a drier, brighter day on the cards.

Today (Friday) sees a wet day for much of the South Island as a cold front makes its way up the country. The northern half of the island could even be in for thunderstorms, some of which may bring heavier downpours or large amounts of hail. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in place for Nelson, Marlborough, and the inland parts of the Hurunui District until 9pm this evening. The North Island also sees its share of wet weather today, with thunderstorms possible.

While rain jackets may still be needed this weekend in the North Island, a slice of drier weather is expected between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “For Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, however, the rain hangs on a bit longer on Saturday, only clearing at night. The Wairoa District of Hawke’s Bay has a Watch for Heavy Rain from midday until 11pm.”

It’s a brighter story for the bulk of the South Island this weekend, apart from rain at times in Marlborough and a shower or two in Canterbury, coastal Otago, and Southland. Meanwhile, Westland and Fiordland remain some of the sunnier spots in the country this weekend.

An extra jumper will continue to be a summer companion this weekend with southerly winds bringing a chill to the eastern and southern parts of the North and South Islands. Temperatures look well cooler than average for the time of year, with highs of 14°C in Wellington on Sunday, 15°C in Christchurch and Dunedin, and 18°C in Napier and Hastings.

By Monday, much of the South Island will enjoy a settled day with sunshine in the afternoon, a welcome start for those heading back to work. For the North Island, the weekend pattern continues into Monday, with cool showers in the south and east, and the odd shower elsewhere.

“Those still on holiday will find plenty of dry slots throughout the day to continue enjoying the downtime,” Makgabutlane adds.

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Activist News – “Sanction Israel for genocide” – nationwide protests continue in 2025 – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

 

While the stench of decaying morality hangs over the coalition government and its MPs after 15 months of complicity with genocide, nationwide protests against Israel’s genocide continue in 2025.

 

“Over 15 months of weekly nationwide protests is unprecedented in New Zealand history on any issue at any time” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “We are enormously proud of New Zealanders who stand with the vast mass of humanity against Israel’s systematic, indiscriminate killing of Palestinians in Gaza”

 

“This week’s protests are the first of New Year and they will continue while our government cowers under the bedclothes and refuses to sanction Israel for genocide”

 

The horrendous official death toll stands at more than 45,000 – the majority killed being women and children.

 

Today’s death toll of innocents killed is a repeating nightmare for Palestine while our western media highlight every utterance of filthy Israeli propaganda to justify the endless massacres while ignoring Palestinian voices.

 

 

John Minto

National Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

 

Nationwide rallies/marches/MP protests/vigils this week

 

These are on the PSNA Facebook events page here with the basic details listed below.

 

North Island
Opononi – Gathering for Palestine
No Rally this week

Kerikeri – Rally
First Saturday of the month – Saturday 4 January
9:00 – 11:00 am
Kerikeri roundabout, State highway 10

Whangarei – Rally
No more Rallies until the new year

Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!
Every Saturday
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ostend Market, Waiheke Island

Auckland – Stand for Palestine 
Starting again on Thursday 2 January
Monday – Friday
3:00 – 4:00 pm at the US Consulate – 23 Customs Street East
4:00 – 5:00 pm at Te Komititanga Britomart Square

Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau
Every Saturday
This week
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
St Lukes road overbridge(by Motat)
Text John on 021 899 659 for more details

Auckland – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
2:00 pm
Te Komititanga – Britomart Square, Tamaki Makaurau

Thames – Vigil to Stop the war on Children
(Hosted by The Basket – Social and Environmental Justice – Hauraki)
First Saturday of the month – Saturday 4 January
10:00 am
Thames Market, 700 Pollen Street, Thames

Tauranga – Picnic in the Park
Friday 3 January
6:00 pm
Gourmet Night Market, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui

Tauranga – Flags
Sunday 5 January
11:00 am
Coronation Park, Mt Manganui

Hamilton – Flag Waving for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
1:00 pm
Flynn Park, Cnr Wairere Drive & Naylor, Hamilton

Hamilton – Vigil – Global Action Participation
Saturday 4 January
2:30 pm
Waikato Hospital – Lorne Street & Ohaupo Road Intersection, Hamilton

Cambridge – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:00 am
Cambridge Town Hall

Rotorua – Rally for Palestine
Every Thursday
4:30 pm
National MP Todd McClays Office – Cnr Amohau and Ranolf St lights, Rotorua

Gisborne – Farmers Market – Vigil to Stop the war on Children
Every Saturday
9:30 – 11:30 am
Gisborne Farmers Market

Napier – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
11:30 am
Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout

Hastings – Rally for Palestine
Sunday 5 January
1:00 pm
Hastings Town Clock – Hastings CBD

Palmerston North – Rally
Every Sunday
2:00 pm
The Square, Palmerston North

New Plymouth – Flags on the Bridge
Every Friday
4:30 pm
Paynters Ave Bridge, New Plymouth

New Plymouth – March for Gaza
Saturday 4 January
1:00 PM
The Landing, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth

Whanganui – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
11:00 am
Riverside Market, Whanganui

Carterton – Gathering for Gaza
Every Tuesday
12:00 midday
Memorial Square.

Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine
Every Wednesday
11:00 am
The square at the top of Kitchener St, Martinborough

Masterton – Gathering for Gaza
Every Sunday
9:30 am
Town Hall Lawn, Masterton

Featherston – Gathering for Gaza
Every Saturday
11:00 am
The Squircle (opposite the op shop).

Wellington – Flags on the Bridge
(hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
Friday 3 January
No Flags this Friday. Starts again Friday 10 January

Wellington – Vigil for Palestine
(hosted by Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine)
Every Friday
6:00 pm
In front of Wellington Hospital, 49 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

Wellington – Rally 
(hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
Resuming rallies on Saturday 11 January
Watch this space

South Island
Nelson – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
10:30 am
Hikoi, Tahuna Beach, Rocks Rd, Nelson

Blenheim – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
11:00 am
Blenheim Railway Station

Christchurch – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
1:00 pm
Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

Timaru
No Rally this weekend

Dunedin – Rally
No rally this weekend

Queenstown
No rally this weekend

Invercargill – Rally for Palestine
Sunday 5 January
1:00 pm
Wachner place Invercargill .

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

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

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

The participants call on the international community to:

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

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

Time: 6 PM
Location: Outside Auckland Hospital, Park Road
Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand
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He poroporoaki ki a Kahurangi Tariana Turia

Source: New Zealand Government

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Map of affected area [PDF, 424 KB]

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

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

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

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

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

For Media enquiries, call 029 894 0328

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

Background

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

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

How to identify the fly

Adult flies:

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

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

Oriental fruit fly showing dark “T” shaped marking on the abdomen (the part behind the waist)
Female oriental fruit fly laying eggs in fruit. Image: Scott Bauer, USDA.

If you think you’ve found the fruit fly

For further information on the oriental fruit fly detection

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Appeal for information following anti-social road activity

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please use the reference number 250102/4742.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Southern Motorway closed following crash, Dunedin

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

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

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

Four people have received moderate injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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New qualification a step forward for diabetes care

Source: New Zealand Government

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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