MIL OSI Publisher – Page 26 – rnzngin Fifth Estate

December 31, 2024

Activist News – Urgent Call to Action: Human Rights Violations Against Healthcare Workers and Patients of Kamal Adwan Hospital

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Date: 31st December, 2024 – The international community must respond to the escalating human rights violations targeting healthcare workers and patients at Kamal Adwan Hospital in the besieged Gaza Strip. Reports of attacks on this vital medical facility highlight grave breaches of international humanitarian law and the rights of civilians in conflict zones.

Kamal Adwan Hospital, a lifeline for tens of thousands of people, has been subjected to direct assaults, obstructing critical medical services. Healthcare workers, striving to save lives under relentless pressure, face life-threatening dangers daily. Patients, including vulnerable children and the elderly, are being denied their fundamental right to safe and accessible medical care.

In recent weeks, eyewitness accounts and verified reports have revealed:

The deliberate targeting of ambulances and medical personnel en route to assist the injured.
Significant damage to hospital infrastructure, severely limiting its operational capacity.
Psychological trauma inflicted on patients and healthcare providers due to repeated threats and attacks.

These actions contravene the Geneva Conventions, which unequivocally protect medical facilities and personnel in times of war and conflict. The targeting of healthcare facilities is a war crime and an affront to human dignity.

We call on the international community to take immediate and decisive action by:

Condemning the attacks: Governments, human rights organizations, and civil society must denounce these acts unequivocally.

Demanding accountability: Pressure must be exerted on those responsible for these violations to face justice.
Supporting the healthcare system: Immediate humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and equipment, must be delivered to Kamal Adwan Hospital and other affected facilities.
Ensuring protection: The international community must push for mechanisms to guarantee the safety of healthcare workers and patients in conflict zones.

This crisis is a test of our collective humanity. The lives of the innocent should never be collateral damage. We urge all stakeholders to stand in solidarity with the healthcare workers and patients of Kamal Adwan Hospital and to demand an end to these unconscionable violations.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

December 31, 2024

Fire and Emergency honours recipients congratulated

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan has congratulated five firefighters from Prebbleton, Papamoa, Ōtāne, Whangārei and Mataura who have been recognised in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List released today.

“These honours are a worthy recognition of the many years of dedicated service these five recipients have made to Fire and Emergency and their communities,” says Rebecca Keoghan.

The recipients are:

– Paul Francis Burns, Prebbleton – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Search and Rescue and Fire and Emergency New Zealand

– Ian Martyn Pickard, Papamoa – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand

– John William Oliver, Ōtāne – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand

– Ian (Harry) Peter Carter, Whangārei – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community

– Neville Gordon Phillips, Mataura- King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ice sports

“On behalf of everyone at Fire and Emergency and the communities that our recipients have served so diligently, I would like to extend my congratulations.” Says Rebecca Keoghan.

Additional information – Paul Burns, Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Search and Rescue and Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Mr Paul Burns served 40 years with Fire and Emergency New Zealand and was a member of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Southern Team in Canterbury for 20 years.

Until retirement in 2024, Mr Burns held several positions with Fire and Emergency including as Chief Fire Officer of several brigades across Canterbury, having obtained the rank of Senior Station Officer in 1994. He became the Leader of the Canterbury based Task Force 2 of USAR in 2002, contributing to the response efforts following the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. As a member of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) he has mentored USAR teams aiming to achieve their International External Classification (IEC), and has written the IEC-IER handbook used by the WHO accreditation process for medical teams. He was a member of the INSARAG Training Working Group between 2010 and 2024, and represented the 57 USAR teams globally. He was a mentor with the United States Agency for International Deployment, working with the Virginia USAR team who he helped achieve attaining the highest classification. He mentors the Urban Search and Rescue Teams for the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. Mr Burns has previously contributed to the training of staff working at Scott Base in Antarctica, both from New Zealand and the United States.

Additional information – Ian Pickard, Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Mr Ian Pickard has served more than 50 years with Fire and Emergency New Zealand as a member of several fire brigades, starting in the Timaru Fire Brigade in 1971.

Mr Pickard became Station Officer in Timaru in 1979. He was the inaugural Chair of the New Zealand Firefighters Welfare Society, an organisation operated by firefighters for the wellbeing of firefighters and their families. As Chair, Board member and Trustee for 30 years, he was instrumental in the purchase of the first of the Society’s holiday homes and establishing the ‘Healthcare99’, a healthcare plan for firefighters and their families. As Chief Fire Officer of the Dunedin Fire District from 1995, he deployed Community Safety Teams to place emphasis on fire prevention, and fire risk reduction, a shift from emergency response. As Assistant Fire Region Commander of Operations of the Southern Fire Region from 1997 to 2004, he led the 71 volunteer brigades and two career Fire Districts in the Southern region. He led the rollout of the Station Management System, a software system which allows for tracking and planning of work across all fire stations. Mr Pickard has volunteered and led teams with the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team during adverse weather events in numerous countries, including the 2016 Tropical Cyclone in Fiji.

Additional information – John Oliver, King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Mr John Oliver has served more than 50 years with Fire and Emergency New Zealand and has been a member of the Ōtāne Volunteer Fire Brigade since 1972.

Mr Oliver has been the Chief Fire Officer of the Ōtāne Volunteer Fire Brigade for 50 years and has been a driving force behind the brigade-owned water tankers which provide water deliveries. He has helped design and develop three water tankers, donating the first to another brigade. They act as resources for Fire and Emergency to respond to larger incidents in the community and neighbouring districts, if town supply was compromised. In 2019 he introduced a lapel pin to represent firefighters who have passed away, the design consisting of the kawakawa leaf which holds significance as a symbol of death in Māori culture, leaves are shaped in a heart, a symbol for courage and fortitude, and blue koro patterns and red koru symbolising the deep connection between firefighters and their communities. He has driven the development and build of the new Ōtāne tennis courts for the community as a member of the Ōtāne Sports club, and has been a member of the Ōtāne Arts and Crafts Centre. Mr Oliver has created an event hub for Fire and Emergency on annual Waitangi Day celebrations, educating the community on fire safety.

Additional information – Ian (Harry) Carter, King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community

Mr Harry Carter has served more than 43 years with Fire and Emergency New Zealand and has been a member of the Portland Volunteer Fire Brigade since 1980.

Mr Carter’s service across 43 years with Fire and Emergency has seen him hold various positions including Chief Fire Officer of the Portland Fire Brigade, where he mentored and provided advice and training to incoming Chief Fire Officers. He has attended and led training sessions at the Portland Fire Brigade and has facilitated training sessions across Te Tai Tokerau Northland on leadership and formed the Portland Cadet Group for children aged 11 to 16. The group aims to educate children on life skills such as personal care, respect, and fire brigade etiquette. He was a Portland School Board of Trustees member from 1989 to 1998 and continues to have a close supportive relationship with the school. As a long-standing member of the Portland Residents and Ratepayers Association, he has served as Chair and is currently Secretary. Mr Carter facilitates community discussion and feedback to and from groups such as Waka Kotahi and the Whangārei District and Northland Regional Councils.

Additional information – Neville Phillips, King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ice sports

Mr Neville Phillips has volunteered for more than 50 years with the Gore and Mataura Volunteer Fire Brigades.

Mr Phillips is a Life Member of the Mataura Brigade and held several offices between 1993 and 2020, including Deputy Chief Fire Officer. He has been involved with waterway competitions for 50 years as a competitor, judge and coach. He has chaired the Mataura Brigade’s Centennial Committee. He was President of the Otago Southland Fire Brigade Association from 2000 to 2001 and was previously President of the Northern Southland Sub Association from 1995 to 1996. He was a foundation member of the Gore and Districts Ice Skating Club (now Ice Sports Southland) in 1978 and remains involved as a current member. He spent 18 years on the Committee, with two years as President, and spent six years with the New Zealand Ice Skating Association, including as President from 1995 to 1996. He was delegate to the Otago Southland Ice Skating Sub Association for 10 years and has played and organised ice hockey in Gore. He was involved in the construction of three ice skating rinks in Gore, one of which remains today. Mr Phillips was a councillor on the Mataura Community Board from 2003 to 2013 and has served four terms on the Gore District Council since 2013.

December 31, 2024

Conservation countdown — our top stories of 2024 | Conservation blog

Source: Department of Conservation

We take a look back and count down some of the biggest conservation stories from 2024…

10. Rosvall Sawmill kiwi rescue

In April the Rosvall Sawmill crew in Whareroa alerted us to a curious kiwi who had found its way onto their work site. With the help of rangers, along with the support of Backyard Kiwi, Kiwi Coast, and Northland Regional Council, this feathered friend was in soon in safe hands.

After a thorough check-up, the little adventurer received a clean bill of health and was released into the safety of Mount Tiger, a nearby dog-free forest with strong predator control, where she “cruised off happily.”

This heartwarming story is a testament to the strength of the kiwi population in Northland thanks to dedicated predator control efforts. Since 2009, volunteers in the area have trapped more than 25,000 invasive pests.

Photo: Rosvall Sawmill

9. Hump Ridge Track – our newest Great Walk

The Hump Ridge Track in Southland became New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk in October.

Located in Te Wāhipounamu, the south-west corner of the South Island, the track is a 60 kilometre, three-day loop through southern Fiordland’s spectacular and diverse landscape. The track provides access to the spectacular southern coastline and forests, alpine tops and historic viaducts.

Photo: Liz Carlson

8. Kākā squatters in Aro Valley

Breeding season for kākā was in full swing from September through to April. Pairs around Wellington were out prospecting for potential nesting sites and some human abodes became prime real estate for these feathered flat-hunters.

We had a few calls from people checking for rats in their attic and finding a parrot with a large beak looking back at them instead. Rangers corralled a kākā in the attic of a house in Aro Valley in September, and it wasn’t the only one.

The return of kākā to Wellington is a true success story, the population increased a whopping 250 per cent between 2011 and 2020, thanks to the work of Zealandia Ecosanctuary and community trapping efforts.

Photo: DOC

7. Manganui Gorge Bridge opens

In May we were excited to announce the opening of the new Manganui Gorge Bridge. The 100-metre-long suspension bridge is a feat of engineering and well worth a visit for the epic views of Taranaki Maunga.

The bridge will be a major feature of the Taranaki Crossing project on Taranaki Maunga. The Taranaki Crossing is a partnership between Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, DOC and Kānoa.

Photo: Taranaki Regional Council

6. Campbell Island celebrates 20 years predator-free

20 years ago, the seemingly impossible happened; Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku was declared predator free.

Since then, the techniques and tools that the team pioneered helped propel the world into scaling up eradications of bigger and bigger islands. Now there have been over 1,000 island eradications worldwide, with Aotearoa New Zealand being responsible for the lion’s share.

We’re still using similar techniques today as we did back then, but to be able to eradicate predators from even larger islands or mainland Aotearoa, we’ll need newer, more efficient technology.

Photo: Madeleine Brennan

5. Cathedral Cove reopens

In December Mautohe Cathedral Cove reopened to walkers in time for summer.

The walking track closed after severe damage by extreme weather events including Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle in Summer 2022-2023.

The area is renowned for its dramatic natural rock arch and idyllic waters which have previously drawn 250,000 walkers annually, playing an important role in the local economy.

Photo: Frame Group

4. Rarest whale discoveries

In December mana whenua from Te Rūnanga o Ōtākau and scientists examined the rarest whale in the world for the first time ever.

The 5-metre-long male spade-toothed whale/tohora that washed ashore at Otago’s Taiari Mouth in July underwent a dissection at Invermay Agresearch Centre in Mosgiel.

Vestigial teeth were just one of many new discoveries made during the dissection. They also found that the whale had nine stomach chambers, which was previously unknown.

Photo: Michael Hayward

3. Adélie penguin visitor

A rare Antarctic visitor arrived on the shores of Petone Beach in October. The Adélie penguin had travelled thousands of kilometres from the frozen continent.

The penguin was taken to Te Kohanga/The Nest at Wellington Zoo to recover and recuperate. Our climate isn’t suitable for these cold-weather birds. Once back to full health she got a premium water taxi service from New Zealand Police into the Cook Strait, a boost to her southward journey home.

Huge thanks to Wellington Zoo Te Nukuao, New Zealand Police, and everyone involved in helping this wayward waddler on her way.

Photo: Wellington Zoo

2. Best season for Fiordland tokoeka kiwi

Kiwi numbers are increasing in a remote part of Fiordland for the first time in the history of their conservation, thanks to recent aerial predator control operations.

The population of Fiordland tokoeka at Shy Lake is now growing about 2% per year, officially turning the tide and reversing their decline. A 2% increase represents a significant win for the species at a population level.

It means not only are chicks surviving long enough to replace the adults, enough are making it to adulthood to officially grow the population.

Photo: DOC

1. Blue whale rescue on Kawau Island

In September a “highly unusual” situation occurred on Kawau Island. A pygmy blue whale, approximately 14-15 metres long, became ‘stuck’ under the private Schoolhouse Bay Wharf.

The wedged in whale quickly became international news, with media from around the world reporting on the incident. It took immense effort from all involved, and the removal of several piles from the wharf, to free the juvenile whale.

This was a huge collaborative effort, and is couldn’t have been done it without the help of the many people on the ground. From Ngāti Manuhiri, Stanaway Marine and STF contractors, and local residents, everyone played their part in this complex operation. Thank you!

Photo: DOC

We’re hoping for an even bigger and brighter year for conservation and recreation in 2025!

December 31, 2024

Māori excel in New Year Honours 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora e mua – Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.

Māori recipients in the New Year 2025 Honours list show comprehensive dedication to improving communities across the motu that inspires all New Zealanders, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.

The list of Māori recipients includes a Dame Companion and a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and dozens of others receiving Honours recognition.

Ingrid Collins of Ngāti Porou becomes a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori, business and health governance.

“The name Ingrid Collins wields a deep wealth of mana. Her knowledge of whenua has been informed by 50 years of governance to Whāngārā B5 and has been Chair of the Whāngārā Farms partnership since inception in 2006. Whāngārā Farms won the premiere Māori farming award and was named the Ahuwhenua Māori Farm of the Year for Sheep and Beef in 2009.

“Dame Ingrid’s impressive mahi includes representing Māori land matters in key international forums, including the United Nations Indigenous Forum, and through Whāngārā being the first Aotearoa New Zealand beef farm to join McDonald’s flagship farmers’ scheme in 2018.”

Dr Taku Parai of Ngāti Toa, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Tama becomes an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori, governance and the community.

“Dr Parai is a true Porirua legend – a pou at the centre of the community for more than 50 years, including as mana whenua representative to Porirua City Council since 1999.

“Along with his deep contribution to iwi, Dr Parai has held various advisory and committee roles with local organisations including Women’s Refuge, Porirua RSA, the Royal New Zealand Police College, sports clubs and various primary and secondary schools.”

Marama Royal of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and governance.

“Her earlier career demonstrated significant commitment to supporting others including through 20 years of mahi with the Ministry of Justice and Courts and 18 years with Victim Support New Zealand.

“Recently Mrs Royal led Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to grow key relationships with Foundation North, Sky City Auckland, the University of Auckland, Eden Park and the Ministry of Pacific Peoples.

“Linda Te Aho of Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta and Waikato has become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and legal education.

“Her mahi has resonated across the mighty Waikato. From sharpening the legal minds at Te Piringa Faculty of Law, University of Waikato, to developing a vision for the magnificent Waikato awa, the influence of Mrs Te Aho has significantly enhanced this rohe.

“While it’s my privilege to help highlight the resounding mahi of these people, they are among 190 amazing recipients to be recognised on this Honours list.

“Communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, and indeed elsewhere around the world, has benefited significantly from their being.”

December 31, 2024

Commissioner congratulates New Year Honours recipients

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has congratulated three members of staff who are today recognised in the New Year Honours.

Royal New Zealand Police College stalwart Alan Richards is made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) while Sergeant Les Clarke and Senior Constable Paul Lampe, both from Central District, receive the King’s Service Medal (KSM).

The three have a combined 144 years of police service.

“It’s fantastic to see this recognition for three such deserving members of the Police Family,” says Commissioner Chambers.

“Alan, Les and Paul have each given decades of service to communities here and overseas and we cannot overestimate the massive contribution they continue to make.

“Their careers illustrate the sort of skills that staff with such long and wide experience bring to policing – and to their roles as leaders in their communities.

“I congratulate them all on this achievement and thank them for their exemplary service.”

You can find citations for the three below.

Alan Richards has given 61 years of service to policing, starting with the Metropolitan Police in London before making the move to New Zealand.

He has been part of the Royal New Zealand Police College for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2001 at the rank of sergeant but continuing in an employee role. In 2015 his contribution was recognised with the award of a Police Meritorious Service Medal.

He says he is particularly pleased that the award recognises both his policing and education roles.

“When I found out I felt very surprised at first,” he says. “On reflection I felt very honoured that someone would nominate me to be recognised in that way.”

Les Clarke is acknowledged for his 52 years’ service in Police and his deep connections with his local community, particularly its young people.

“It is both humbling and exciting to receive this prestigious honour from the King in recognition of my work in the community,” he says.

“My 52 years in Police have been rewarding and I have enjoyed working for my community. The team I work with is also a big part of this.

“Throughout my service, my family has been my rock. They are always there and have supported and encouraged me throughout my career.”

Paul Lampe says his award – which cites his work in Youth Services, as a leading light in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentoring programme, and in supporting parents through Te Puna Trust – acknowledges “all those incredible volunteers, the fantastic children” involved.

“The families who allow our parent coaches to visit them weekly, the talented staff past and present, the professional yet volunteer governance board – and Police management for allowing me the space to create change for our community,” he says.

“The funders, corporates, small businesses, and individuals who financially contribute to allowing change to occur.

“The old saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is so true. I am just one piece of the puzzle that, together, has created change and no doubt reduced crime.”

CITATIONS

Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Alan Kenneth Richards
For services to the New Zealand Police and education.

Mr Alan Richards has given 61 years’ service to policing and police training both in New Zealand and overseas.

Beginning with the Metropolitan Police in London, Mr Richards joined the New Zealand Police in 1974. He began his involvement with the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) in 1986 and has since dedicated his career to Police training and adult education, currently as National Coordinator Workplace Assessment since 2011.

He designed and now administers an adult education certificate for new instructors and develops training plans and arranges attestations for past police officers wanting to rejoin.

He designed and delivered police training courses in Timor Leste, Bougainville, and in Niue in 2016. He was instrumental in designing a training course, run in Gisborne, to help reduce barriers for Māori applicants to join Police.

He is regarded as the guardian of protocols for New Zealand Police as the lead on the ceremonial aspects of Police Instructions for such events as state visits and graduations. He has been a main organiser of Remembrance Day commemorations since 1989. He has served on RNZPC committees and has been a member of the kapa haka group since inception.

Mr Richards gives his own time to present histories for the Police Museum to in-person visiting groups and online.

King’s Service Medal (KSM)
Sergeant Leslie Edward (Les) CLARKE
For services to the New Zealand Police and the community.

Sergeant Les Clarke has served with the New Zealand Police across a range of frontline roles in Auckland and Taihape since 1972.

Sergeant Clarke is a three-term member of the Taihape Community Board, including a term as Chair, and was elected to the Rangitikei District Council for a term. He was the driving force behind CCTV camera installation in Taihape, Hunterville, Marton and Bulls.

Identifying issues in Taihape with youth crime and troublemaking stemming from boredom in the early 2000s, he initiated a scheme with the local school for students to fundraise for trips to other locations and activities outside of Taihape, through performing jobs within the community.

The initial scheme funded a trip to Australia. He spent many hours of his own time to assist with fundraising opportunities, keeping the students on track and applying for grants, which sent youth groups to the Mount Everest basecamp.

He established the Taihape Community Development Trust 20 years ago and remains a member.

Sergeant Clarke coached various youth sports teams across netball, rugby, softball and touch rugby to provide wider sporting opportunities. These initiatives imparted life skills and discipline and helped reduce youth crime significantly, with three years of no youth offending and 15 years without one youth appearing in Taihape Youth Court.

King’s Service Medal (KSM)
Senior Constable Paul Hendrick Lampe
For services to youth

Senior Constable Paul Lampe has been involved in New Zealand Police Youth services for more than 20 years.

Senior Constable Lampe established the South Taranaki Youth Services in 2001 and in 2007 launched Big Brothers, Big Sisters in Taranaki, a one-on-one mentoring programme, equipping mentors with the right tools to build resilience in young people.

He has helped make a difference for more than 600 young people between the ages of six and 18 and has fostered positive relationships with businesses that fund the programme.

He created Te Puna Trust, which provides assistance to first-time parents, upskilling them and providing specific parenting education, empowerment and helping create optimum home environments for children.

Through these programmes, he has built positive partnerships between the local Police and the community, bringing credibility to the programmes and the Police. He has led the Taranaki Branch of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters programme to consistently be in the top three branches in providing support to children and holds an above-average length of 1100 days for mentoring matches.

Senior Constable Lampe has continued as a senior member of the New Plymouth Negotiating Team for more than 10 years.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

December 30, 2024

2024 in review: 35 children born into hunger every minute in 2024 – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

LONDON / GENEVA, 30 December 2024 – At least 18.2 million children were born into hunger in 2024, or about 35 children a minute, with conflict and climate crises combining to drive at least 800,000 more children into hunger over the year, according to a Save the Children analysis.

Analysis of U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data showed the number of children born into hunger rose by around 5% in 2024 compared to a year earlier and 19% more than the 15.3 million recorded in 2019 when progress on tackling childhood hunger began to stall. [1]

Conflict, displacement, extreme weather events, and the increasing relative cost of food have all contributed towards a decline in children’s nutrition globally.

Children born into hunger this year include babies born in countries facing a risk of famine or catastrophic conditions of acute food insecurity including South Sudan, Haiti, Mali and Sudan, where famine-levels of malnutrition have spread across half of the country’s 18 states. [2]

In addition, there was a warning in early November of a strong likelihood that famine was imminent or already underway in the northern Gaza Strip and 345,000 people across Gaza could face catastrophic hunger in the coming months.[3] The occupied Palestinian territory is not included in the annual FAO data on undernourishment,[4] but the warning came from the leading global authority on hunger, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

Hannah Stephenson, Global Head of Hunger and Nutrition at Save the Children, said:

“Over 18 million newborns this year – 35 children a minute – were born into a world where hunger is their reality from their first moments of life. Hunger knows no boundaries. It erodes childhoods, drains children’s energy and risks robbing them of their futures. Children should be free to play or expand their minds in class. No child should be worrying about when their next meal will be.

“We need immediate funding and safe access for humanitarian lifesaving services for children and families in desperate need of food, nutrition, healthcare, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, social protection and livelihoods support. We have the tools to significantly reduce the number of malnourished children right now, like we have in the past.

“However, if we do not tackle the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, we will continue to see the reversal of progress made for children.”

Children are always the most vulnerable in food crises and without enough to eat and the right nutritional balance, children are at high risk of becoming acutely malnourished. Malnutrition can cause stunting, impede mental and physical development, increase the risk of contracting deadly diseases, and ultimately cause death.

In countries where at least 20% of the population is facing hunger, the Democratic Repubilc of Congo (DRC) was expected to have the highest number of babies born undernourished this year at around 1.6 million with conflict remaining a key driver of hunger in the DRC and globally.

Climate shocks such as floods and droughts meanwhile increasingly threaten children’s access to food. More than 1.4 million babies were born into hunger in Pakistan, one of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries.[5] Pakistan saw the second highest number of babies born into hunger among countries with over 20% undernourishment.

Uzma-, 28 , lives in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan and is struggling to feed her five children, including 17-month-old Inaaya-, who is malnourished, and twin girls who were born in November. Her husband runs a small shop but does not earn enough to support the family. Save the Children supports Uzma’s- family with nutrition and with information on how to improve their hygiene practices.

“With my husband’s limited income and the need to focus on Inaaya’s- recovery from malnutrition, it is very hard to ensure that all our children have enough to eat. Sometimes, our older boys don’t get as much food as they need or the most nutritious meals. It worries me that they might not be eating enough to grow strong and healthy.

“Our newborn twin daughters also have special needs, and meeting those adds to the pressure. The overall food situation for our family is very challenging, and it feels like an ongoing struggle to make sure all five children have enough to eat. As a mother, it hurts deeply to see my children go without [food].”

Despite its relatively small population, Madagascar also had one of the highest numbers of babies born into hunger in 2024.

Aina-, aged 6 months, was one of around 400,000 babies born into hunger in the island nation. Her mother, Genie-, faced difficulties caring for and feeding her daughter because of the high cost of food and lack of money. She fed Aina-, who is exclusively breastfed, only twice a day, before and after returning from work in the field.

“My habits had had an impact on her diet and Aina’s- weight. She got progressively thinner and often felt hot and irritable,” said Genie-.

Save the Children taught Genie- how to feed her daughter healthily using lower-priced, locally available food as well as the importance of frequent breastfeeding.

Save the Children is calling on world leaders to address the root causes of acute food and nutrition insecurity including working harder to reduce conflicts, tackling the climate crisis and global inequality, and by building more resilient health, nutrition and social protection systems.

The child rights organisation is also calling for greater collaboration, dialogue and investment across sectors to bolster response planning and implementation, as well as our abilities to act early and prevent predictable shocks from turning into crises.

[1] For the analysis, Save the Children used data from the UN Population Prospects for 2024 and the latest country data on hunger from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), measured by undernourishment. The most recent published FAO country data used here is up until 2021-2023 as country data up to 2022-2024 has not yet been made publicly available. Data on prevalence of undernourishment is only available for the total population. In this analysis we estimate that the share of children affected by hunger is equivalent to the average of the total population, applying undernourishment rates to the number of births in each country. This likely underestimates the true effect as we would expect that poorer communities – in most countries home to proportionally more children – are more likely to be affected by hunger. According to the analysis, more than 21.5 million children were born into hunger in 2001. In 2018, the number dropped to about 14.5 million but then jumped up to 15.3 million in 2019. In 2024, there were an estimated 18.2 million undernourished births at a minimum.

[3] Gaza Strip: Acute Food Insecurity Situation for September – October 2024 and Projection for November 2024 – April 2025

– Names changed for anonymity

December 30, 2024

Weather News – A tumultuous end to the year – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 30 December 2024 – Thursday 2 January 2025 – MetService is forecasting rain with thunderstorms, localised downpours and hail for central parts of Aotearoa New Zealand today as a low-pressure system deepens in the east.

Severe Thunderstorm Watches have been issued for the eastern North Island, Tasman and western parts of Marlborough from 1pm to 9pm today (Monday). Severe thunderstorms in these areas could generate localised downpours and possibly large hail.

MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon warns, “Downpours associated with especially energetic thunderstorms can cause surface or flash flooding, as well as poor visibility for those hitting the roads today. Large hail is also a hazard and could cause damage to vehicles or crops. We’ll be issuing Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for any intense storms as they occur, so please keep an eye on metservice.com.”

While the thunderstorms are forecast to die off tonight, periods of heavy rain continue for eastern areas until tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Heavy Rain Watches are in force for the eastern North Island and Marlborough, including the already sodden Wairoa District. Southerly winds also strengthen across the country as the low deepens; a Strong Wind Watch is in place for Wellington from 10pm tonight until 10am tomorrow morning.

As the clock strikes twelve some of the best places to welcome the New Year will be in the far south and west of New Zealand. Wotherspoon elaborates, “The rain in the east eases significantly tomorrow as the low-pressure system begins to pull away, but a few showers will still be lingering into the New Year. Although it will be a windy day in Auckland for Tuesday, the winds should be easing and the sky clearing as we head towards midnight. On the South Island, Queenstown will welcome in 2025 under clear skies.”

December 30, 2024

Activist News – Protest against Israeli tennis player at the ASB Tennis Classic today

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

PSNA is supporting the protest at the ASB Tennis Classic this afternoon to express outrage at the participation of Israeli tennis player Lina Glushko.

In Glushko’s own words:

“In these tough days, what my country is going through I can’t be more proud and happy to play with the Israeli flag next to my name and win matches”

Glushko has served in the Israeli military and is an Israeli army reservist. She is representing the rogue, apartheid state of Israel at the tournament.

“It is utterly unacceptable that the ASB Tennis Classic would include a reservist soldier from an army committing genocide in Gaza” says PSNA National Chair John Minto.

“Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) and United Nations officials have all condemned Israel for crimes of genocide and extermination in Gaza”

Within the last few days Israel has renewed attacks on Gaza’s hospitals as it tries to drive the entire Palestinian population from northern Gaza in a massive ethnic cleansing operation called the General’s plan.

Palestinians have faced 76 years of brutal Israeli occupation, ethnic cleansing, apartheid and genocide and have repeatedly called for BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) against Israel to bring international pressure for change. This means ending sporting, cultural, economic and diplomatic relations with Israel.

“Apartheid is a crime against humanity wherever it is practiced. Just as we protested apartheid South African players at sports tournaments in the past we are protesting an Israel player today”

14 years ago Palestine solidarity supporters protested Israeli player Shahar Peer at the same tournament.

“Politics and sport are always strongly linked and Glushko’s presence is part of Israel’s strategy to normalise its racism and apartheid against Palestinians. New Zealanders will have none of it”

ASB itself is already morally crippled with its investments in companies such as Motorola which are complicit in building and maintaining illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Now it is helping to normalise Israeli genocide by having Lina Glushko compete.

PSNA has previously written to the government asking it to suspend all visas for Israelis who have served in the Israeli military from coming to New Zealand. We have not yet had a response.

John Minto

National Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

December 30, 2024

Ngāruawāhia homicide: Name release, appeal for information

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police conducting a homicide investigation following the death of a woman in Ngāruawāhia on Friday can now release her name.

She was 42-year-old Turipapa Tukere of Ngāruawāhia.

About 1.30pm on Friday 27 December, Police were alerted to a number people fighting on Waipa Esplanade, near the intersection of Newton Street.

Sometime later, a critically injured woman was taken to the ambulance station on Jordan Street but despite the best efforts of first responders, the woman died before she could be airlifted to hospital.

Acting Detective Inspector Andy Saunders, Waikato CIB, says Police enquiries into the circumstances leading up to her death are continuing.

“Someone who was present at that fight knows who is responsible.

“We are pleading with those people to come forward and speak to us.

“No piece of information is insignificant as we work to determine exactly what has occurred,” he says.

“We are committed to identifying who is responsible for Turipapa’s death, however we can’t do this without the support and assistance from the community and those who were present.

“There are people who know who is responsible and who are withholding information from the Police, but now is the time to do the right thing and speak to us.”

Acting Detective Inspector Saunders says an increased Police presence will remain in the area in coming days.

“We know this is unsettling for our community and those involved, and officers will be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.

“If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now at https://webforms.police.govt.nz/en/update-report or call 105.”

Please use the reference number 241227/6958.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

December 30, 2024

Name release, fatal crash, SH35, Hicks Bay

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can now name the woman who died in a single vehicle crash on SH35 (Te Araroa Road) on Thursday 26 December.

She was Mere Kohao Madeline McCabe, 39, of Gisborne.

Police extend our sympathies to her family and friends.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Source: Save the Children