Category: MIL-OSI

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Australia News – Consumers cut back discretionary spend but leave room for travel and entertainment – CBA

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Latest CommBank iQ Cost of Living Insights Report shows spending falling for younger Australians with those in their twenties hardest hit.

Australians continue to prioritise spending on travel and entertainment despite feeling ongoing pressure from rising living costs, according to the latest CommBank iQ Cost of Living Insights Report.

The report shows quarterly spending by Australians on essential goods and services rose, but well below inflation, while overall discretionary spending was flat.

Australians are increasing their expenditure on essentials such as insurance, medical costs and pharmacies, leaving less room to spend on discretionary categories like household goods and clothing. Travel and entertainment spending were the only discretionary categories to record above-inflation growth (8.2 per cent and 8.6 per cent respectively) – compared to an 8.1 per cent decrease in households good spending.

According to the report, 25-29 year olds have been the hardest hit with a 5.1 per cent decline in their total spending – the only age group to decrease both discretionary and essential spending. Despite a pullback in discretionary purchases, those in their twenties continued to find room in the budget for entertainment experiences (up 13 per cent).

“Leaving room in the budget for experiences is a continuing trend. However, they are having to reduce spending in other areas,” said CommBank iQ Head of Innovation and Analytics Wade Tubman.

“We’re seeing consumers in their twenties cut back spending but still leave room to fund experiences. We’ve also seen younger people redirecting discretionary spending from things like clothes and homewares, to spend on cinemas and ticketed events such as concerts and sport.”

The report uses spending data for the September 2023 quarter compared to the same period in 2022 and paints a picture of spending at an individual level. The latest results confirm that, despite interest rates remaining on hold through the period, many Australians are feeling more pressure from rising living costs.

“Given the most recent rate rise, it will be interesting to continue to monitor these tr

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Family Planning – New survey shows the need to remove barriers to sexually transmitted infection (STIs) prevention for women and girls

Source: Family Planning

A new survey from Family Planning shows that in a health system under pressure, we need to remove barriers for people getting STI tests and information and ensure women and girls are not overlooked in STI prevention initiatives.
The survey of over 1,000 people – 84% of whom were women and girls – found that 63% of participants had never had a health practitioner talk to them about getting an STI test, unless they brought it up or had symptoms. This rises to 77% among 16-19-year-olds, and over half of 20-24-year-olds had also never been asked.
“We know that health practitioners in primary care are already under extreme pressure, with staff shortages and high demand for services,” said Dr Tania Huria, Director of Hauora Māori and Equity at Family Planning. “Supporting people to self-test is part of the solution because people can manage their own health and get a test quickly, without needing to wait for an appointment.”
“The STI self-testing that Family Planning offers is popular with young people, who are at greatest risk of STIs. These sorts of options should be expanded, but we also need to make sure there is adequate follow-up where someone tests positive.”
Family Planning chief executive Jackie Edmond says the survey findings confirm that women and girls must be included in initiatives to expand STI testing and treatment options and health promotion.
The survey also found that 47% of participants were asked about STI tests at the time of a cervical screen.
“This was a surprise to us, but it makes sense given the way the old tests were done, that if you were having a screen, you might as well get a swab for STIs while you are there,” said Ms Edmond. “With cervical screening changing to every five years, and with a self-testing option, it is important that we don’t lose the opportunity to test for STIs and develop other opportunities for opportunistic testing. Making sure these include options that focus on the specific needs of women and girls is critical.”
Over 85% of people responding to the survey felt that STI information should be shared through relationships and sexuality education in school.
The survey also showed that school was a critical place to learn about sexual health, and how to have healthy relationships.
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NZ Made Day 2023: Buy sustainable products that last

Source: Buy NZ Made

Today is NZ Made Day, a day dedicated to honouring the craftsmanship, innovation and ingenuity of Kiwi manufacturers and entrepreneurs.
This event showcases the immense pride Kiwis take in their locally-produced goods and services, highlighting the impact they have on the economy and the environment.
“We are encouraging consumers to make ethical consumption choices that prioritise local craftsmanship and sustainability in the lead up to Black Friday,” Buy NZ Made executive director Dane Ambler says.
“Kiwi businesses continue to face challenges. Our research suggests 64% are struggling with rising costs, and 30% are struggling with cashflow and inflation. Just 46% are optimistic about the Christmas period and a quarter say staying afloat will be their priority in 2024.
“NZ Made Day is a unique opportunity to get behind these companies. From artisanal goods to advanced technology, this event highlights the diversity and quality of locally-produced items.”
Consumers are encouraged to support local businesses by purchasing New Zealand-made products, boosting the economy and reducing the carbon footprint associated with imports.
In the lead up to Black Friday, the day is also a reflection of New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
“Black Friday is a day of wasteful consumption which sees many Kiwis sending their money into the pockets of overseas big box retailers.
“Let’s acknowledge the incredible talents and dedication of our local creators this year.”
Shoppers can find unique deals and giveaways by heading to the Buy NZ Made Facebook page or searching the hashtag #nzmadeday 
About the Buy New Zealand Made Campaign:
The New Zealand Made Campaign is an organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting New Zealand-made products and services. 
With a focus on authenticity, quality, and sustainability, the Campaign seeks to strengthen the local economy and reduce the environmental impact of imports by encouraging consumers to choose Kiwi-made goods.
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Arts News – Shall We Dance? – Dance-inspired music that will have your toes tapping

Source: Resonance Ensemble

3.00pm, Sunday 26 November – At The Piano (156 Armagh Street, Christchurch) – Following Resonance Ensemble’s very enthusiastically received previous programmes this year, this innovative and vibrant orchestra is lightening the tone for its final concert of 2023 with toe-tapping rhythms and exhilarating orchestral textures. From Saint-Saëns to Tchaikovsky, Brahms to Elgar, and Franz von Suppé to Richard Rodgers, this programme is full of sparkling gems that cater to every taste.

A special feature of this concert includes charismatic violin soloist, Rakuto Kurano, who adds his own touch of originality with some fiendish fiddling as he brings the graveyard to ghostly life in Saint-Saëns’ turbulent Danse Macabre before the concert

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Petition – Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine to Deliver Petition to Parliament Today

Source: Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine

A letter demanding a ceasefire in Gaza signed by over 1,500 healthcare workers will be presented to the caretaker and incoming governments outside Parliament on Tuesday 21 November at 4:30 pm.

Doctors, nurses, dentists, social workers, healthcare assistants, midwives and others working in hospitals and community health settings around Aotearoa express their grave concern for the Palestinian people facing systematic, indiscriminate and relentless violence at the hands of the State of Israel.

“A humanitarian catastrophe, worsening by the minute, is unfolding right before our eyes.  We call on the New Zealand government to take immediate action to address the dire situation “, says spokesperson Dr Tellawi.

International humanitarian and human rights organisations condemn the bombardement and signal evidence for war crimes being committed. Hospitals, health centers, schools, refugee camps, places of worship, residential buildings and ambulance convoys are being deliberately targeted by ground, air and sea.  

“We are shocked to see our colleagues in Gaza being killed in the line of duty, being held under siege in hospitals with dead bodies piling up.  We despair knowing colleagues are having to operate by torch light without anesthetic and increasingly having no choice but to leave their patients to die because they are deprived of the resources they need to save lives” says Dr Tellawi.

Save the Children report the 4,104 Palestinian children killed since 7 October is more than the annual number of children killed across all conflict zones since 2019. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres recently described Gaza as a “graveyard for children”.

“The number of children being indiscriminately killed and dying because of the health system collapse is unconscionable” says Dr Tellawi.

The blockade on clean water, food, medicines, and fuel to operate bakeries, desalination and water treatment plants means that Palestinains, in addition to the cataclysmic military assault, face a dire public health catastrophe with spreading infectious diseases, malnutrition and starvation.

“Health workers demand that the caretaker and incoming governments call for:
1. An immediate ceasefire in Gaza to end Israeli bombing and military attacks
2. Sufficient and effective humanitarian corridors to allow aid and fuel to enter Gaza immediately
3. The protection of healthcare workers and civilians in Gaza, demanding accountability from Israel for their actions
4. A UN peacekeeping force in Gaza to protect the Palestinian civilians”

“We are also very concerned at the escalating violence in the occupied West Bank with mounting military raids, detentions and killings of Palestinians.  Hospitals and ambulances are fast becoming military targets there too” says Dr Tellawi.

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Research – New Zealand households spend $77 a week on goods linked to child and forced labour – World Vision

Source: World Vision

New research, released today by World Vision, reveals that New Zealand imported nearly $8 billion worth of goods associated with child and forced labour in 2022.

The Risky Goods – Supply Chain Risk Report finds that 10% of the country’s imports are likely harvested, mined, or produced using modern slavery.
 
That means the average New Zealand household sp

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2024 Calendar – Organic gardeners bare it all for a good cause

Source: Soil & Health NZ

Aotearoa's nude gardening calendar unveiled for a green Christmas

Auckland, November 21 –  This Christmas, the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand proudly presents its first Nude Gardening Calendar. It's not just your run-of-the-mill calendar – it's a celebration of organic gardening, regenerating the land, and a bit of good-natured cheekiness!

The 2024 Nude Gardening Calendar features people gardening au naturel in Aotearoa, in a tribute to organic growing practices.

“Gardening in the nude symbolises shedding the layers between us and nature. It's a statement of authenticity and joyful, connected living,” says Jenny Lux, organic market gardener from Rotorua and Co-Chair of Soil & Health NZ. “Every picture tells a story of cultivating not just plants but our total wellbeing.”

All proceeds from the 2024 calendar sales will go towards supporting the vital work of the Soil & Health Association, which is dedicated to promoting organic and regenerative practices, advocating for living soils, nutritious food, healthy people, and a thriving environment.

By purchasing the calendar, supporters not only acquire a unique conversation starter for their wall or the perfect Christmas present – they also contribute to a greener future.

“Being part of this calendar, which celebrates the connection between ourselves and the Earth, was an empowering experience,” says Rebecka Keeling, owner of Slow Blooms pick-your-own flower farm in Matakana. “At Slow Blooms, we grow according to permaculture ethics – which is about working with nature and not against it. Stripping away our clothes for the photo shoot felt like a metaphor for simplifying our lives and embracing the beauty of an organic, regenerative world.”

Claire Flynn is the designer for OrganicNZ magazine and the driving force behind the calendar.

“We wanted to plant the seed of sustainability in a way that's both entertaining and thought-provoking,” she says. “We are passionate about promoting a healthy and regenerative way of living, nurturing our soil for generations to come, and what better way to convey this message than through the art of nude gardening.”

The main photographer Imke Kauta, based in Bay of Plenty, specialises in capturing people in their most natural state, empowering them to love their bodies. She volunteered her skills for the project. “It was an honour to be trusted with capturing these impressive gardens and natural beauty of the human body,” Imke says.

The calendar is available for purchase on the OrganicNZ website. There are two calendar options – one for the stylish, slightly more modest gardener, and another one for those who don't mind a bit more 'cheek'. The calendar is priced at $30 for one or $55 for both versions. https://organicnz.org.nz/product/nude-calendar-2024/

Get in quick so you don't miss out on the most talked-about Christmas gift that will make your gardener fri

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Global Bodies – Helping parliaments reach new heights in mountain adaptation – IPU

Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union

Geneva, Switzerland – The IPU and Adaptation at Altitude, a programme of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, have published a new Issue Brief for parliamentarians: Responding to climate change in the mountains: Opportunities for parliamentarians to act.

 The Brief is designed to help parliamentarians identify policies and actions to adapt to the consequences of climate change in mountain ecosystems.

The publication comes in the lead-up to COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference, which starts on 30 November 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and at which adaptation will be a critical item on the agenda.

 Mountains are vital ecosystems for people and the planet. They provide fresh water for half of the world's population, host rich biodiversity and hold cultural importance for communities around the world.

Unfortunately, they are also facing severe impacts from climate change – rapid temperature increases, melting glaciers, more frequent and intense natural hazards, and changing precipitation patterns.

Climate change threatens the water, food and energy security of the 1.2 billion people who live in the mountains, and directly affects some 2 billion people who live in the lowlands and depend on mountain ecosystems for survival.

With their legislative, budgetary, oversight and representation functions, parliamentarians have key roles to play in accelerating climate action in mountain areas.

As representatives of the people, parliamentarians can help ensure that the needs of their constituents affected by climate change in mountain areas are addressed in decision-making processes.

They can prioritize legislation that explicitly supports climate action in the mountains and allocate adequate funding to mountain-specific adaptation efforts.

Legislation in spatial planning and development is key for sustainability and priority setting of climate change adaptation in mountains.

The Brief contains many actions that parliamentarians can take now as well as case studies from around the world.

The Issue Brief was launched at an online event, Mountains, Parliaments, and the Global Goal for Adaptation – Preparing for COP28, on Monday 20 November 2023.

 The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded more than 130 years ago as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 180 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes democracy and helps parliaments develop into stronger, younger, greener, more gender-balanced and more innovative institutions. It also def

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Climate and Environment – Report: Richest 1% emit as much planet-heating pollution as two-thirds of humanity – Oxfam

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

The richest 1% of New Zealanders cause double the consumption emissions of all 2 million people who live in Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati, combined.
The richest 1 percent of the world’s population produced as much carbon pollution in 2019 as the five billion people who made up the poorest two-thirds of humanity, reveals a new Oxfam report today. This report comes ahead of the UN climate summit in Dubai, amid growing fears that the 1.5°C target for curtailing rising temperatures appears increasingly unachievable.
“This report confirms the shocking truth, it is the super rich who are harming the climate with their extravagant lifestyles and irresponsible investments in dirty industries, not the low-income communities in Aotearoa and the Pacific who are facing the worst of the climate crisis.” said Oxfam Aotearoa Climate Justice Lead Nick Henry.
Data from Oxfam’s global research shows that for Aotearoa New Zealand:
– The richest 1% of New Zealanders, 48,000 people, cause double the consumption emissions of all 2 million people who live in Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati, combined.
– A single New Zealander in the richest 1% causes as much climate damage as 149 people from Kiribati.
– The richest 1% of New Zealanders cause more consumption emissions than 30% of the population with the lowest incomes, combined. This 30% are already consuming less than the global limit to keep global heating below 1.5 degrees.
“The injustice of the climate crisis is driven by economic injustice and inequality, where the rich take far more than their fair share of the world’s resources. We know that New Zealand is consuming too much fossil fuel and other resources compared to our neighbours in the Pacific, but this report shows it’s the richest New Zealanders who are causing the problem, not low-income communities in Aotearoa,” said Henry.
“The rich need to reduce their impact. The rest of us need collective solutions that improve our lives while reducing our emissions. Taxing the rich can help with both.”
“ Climate Equality: A Planet for the 99%” is based on research with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and assesses the consumption emissions of different income groups in 2019, the most recent year for which data are available. The report shows the stark gap between the carbon footprints of the super-rich -whose carbon-hungry lifestyles and investments in polluting industries like fossil fuels are driving global warming- and the bulk of people across the world.
– The richest 1 percent (77 million people) were responsible for 16 percent of global consumption emissions in 2019 -more than all car and road transport emissions. The richest 10 percent accounted for half (50 percent) of emissions.
– It would take about 1,500 years for someone in the bottom 99 percent to produce as much carbon as the richest billionaires do in a year.
– Every year, the emissions of the richest 1 percent cancel out the carbon savings coming from nearly one million wind turbines.
– Since the 1990s, the richest 1 percent have used up twice as much of the carbon we have left to burn without increasing global temperatures above the limit of 1.5°C than the poorest half of humanity.
– The carbon emissions of richest 1 percent are set to be 22 times greater than the level compatible with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement in 2030.
Climate breakdown and inequality are locked in a vicious cycle -Oxfam has seen first-hand how people living in poverty, women and girls, Indigenous communities and Global South countries are feeling the unequal brunt of climate impacts, which in turn increase the divide. The report finds that seven times more people die from floods in more unequal countries. Climate change is already worsening inequality both between and within countries.
Governments can tackle the twin crises of inequality and climate change by targeting the excessive emissions of the super-rich, and investing in public services and meeting climate goals. Oxfam calculates that a 60 percent tax on the incomes of the richest 1 percent would cut emissions by more than the total emissions of the UK and raise $6.4 trillion a year to pay for the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
“We must make the connection explicitly. Not taxing wealth allows the richest to rob from us, ruin our planet and renege on democracy. Taxing extreme wealth transforms our chances to tackle both inequality and the climate crisis. These are trillions of dollars at stake to invest in dynamic 21st century green governments, but also to re-inject into our democracies,” said Behar.
Oxfam is calling on governments to:
– Dramatically reduce inequality. Oxfam calculates that it would be possible, through a global redistribution of incomes, to provide everyone living in poverty with a minimum daily income of $25 while still reducing global emissions by 10 percent (roughly the equivalent of the total emissions of the European Union).
– Get off fossil fuels quickly and fairly. Rich countries are disproportionately responsible for global warming and must end oil and gas production correspondingly faster. New taxes on corporations and billionaires could help pay for the transition to renewable energy.
– Prioritize human and planetary well-being over endless profit, extraction and consumption. Stop using GDP growth as the measure of human progress.
Notes:
Download “ Climate Equality: A Planet for the 99%“, the Oceania regional briefing, and the methodology note. The Stockholm Environment Institute’s Emissions Inequality Dashboard is also available for consultation.
According to Our World in Data, road transport accounts for 15 percent of total CO2 emissions.
According to SEI’s research, a person in the bottom 99 percent emits on average 4.1 tons of carbon a year. Richard Wilk and Beatriz Barros’ study of 20 of the world’s billionaires found that they emitted on average 8,194 tons CO2 equivalent per year. This includes all greenhouse gases, so when converted to CO2, this is approximately 5,959 tons CO2. 5,959 divided by 4.1 is 1,453.
Oxfam’s research has shown that the investments of just 125 billionaires emit 393 million tonnes of CO2e each year -the equivalent of France- at an individual annual average that is a million times higher than someone in the bottom 90 percent of humanity.
Oxfam water engineers are having to drill deeper, more expensive and harder-to-maintain water boreholes used by some of the poorest communities around the world, more often now only to find dry, depleted or polluted reservoirs. One in five water boreholes Oxfam digs now is dry or unfit for humans to drink.
According to the UN, more than 91 percent of deaths caused by climate- and weather-related disasters over the past 50 years occurred in the Global South. Evidence shows that inequalities between rich and Global South countries are already 25 percent larger than they would be in a world without global warming.
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Health Investigation – Te Whatu Ora breaches Code in care of man with severe lung condition 21HDC00863

Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

The Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner has found Waitematā District Health Board DHB (now Te Whatu Ora Waitematā) breached the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (the Code) in its care of a man with a severe and progressive lung condition. Sadly, the man, in his sixties, passed away as a result of the condition.
Deborah James found Te Whatu Ora breached Right 4 (1) of the Code – the right to services of an appropriate standard provided with reasonable care and skill.
The breach concerns the assessments, communication and support referrals made for the man who wished to receive palliative treatment at home by two hospitals of the Waitematā DHB in 2020.
Ms James was critical of the way the man’s discharge and palliative care was managed.
“Mr B was not reviewed by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist prior to discharge …. A physiotherapy and occupational therapy assessment, including a home visit prior to discharge, would have allowed for the necessary equipment to be in place to allow [Mr B] to be as comfortable as possible in his last days of life,” she said.
Ms James noted the man’s partner of many years was unclear about the oxygen delivery plan and about the oxygen saturation settings for the palliative oxygen care at home. She said overall communication with the man and his partner was poor, leaving his partner feeling confused about the progress of the man’s condition while he was in hospital, and about the timeframe for appropriate hospice support after discharge.
Ms James’ report notes that the man would have benefitted from hospital palliative care involvement and, under the man’s circumstances, inpatient palliative care assessment should have been standard care. She noted that if all the appropriate assessments prior to discharge had been done, the man and his partner would have received more support at home.
Te Whatu Ora has advised HDC that since the complaint it has ensured medical wards have access to inpatient palliative care services to refer patients to, if needed. It has made sure there are multi-disciplinary team meetings on the ward and that family can meet with these teams. It also now recomm