Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Health NZ drops plan to charge market rates for hospital car parking

Source: Radio New Zealand

Christchurch Hospital car park. Supplied / Ngāi Tahu Property

Health New Zealand has dropped plans to charge market rates for hospital car parking.

In a statement, the health agency said it had received “constructive and detailed input from staff during the consultation process”.

It thanked staff for their feedback, and assured them the focus remained on ensuring patients, visitors and staff could access safe, secure, and sufficient parking.

“Any changes to hospital parking must be considered carefully, particularly in the context of cost-of-living pressures,” it said.

“Health New Zealand’s Health New Zealand will not be progressing any changes at this time.”

The Press is reporting management of the car parks was to have been outsourced to private firms.

Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton said the national consultation document had landed within the past week, and there had been a “really strong response from staff”.

“People were really fired up about it,” she said.

Parking was already a difficult issue for patients and staff for many hospitals around New Zealand, she explained.

“If you work at night, or you’re a patient with a disability or who’s got limited mobility because of your condition, it’s not always an option to use public transport – if it’s available.”

Parks reserved for doctors on-call or who needed quick access to the hospital because of the nature of their work were not always respected, she said.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation delegate and Christchurch health care assistant Al Dietschin called it an “embarrassing U-turn for Te Whatu Ora”, but said it was heartening to see they had listened to members.

“Last year there were several shocking attacks on hospital health workers forced to walk to their cars because they can’t park at or near their workplaces. This includes a Palmerston North nurse being carjacked and a Christchurch nurse being left with a concussion.

Members had provided “robust feedback”, pointing out that charging market rates would leave those unable to pay even less safe.

The government has been forced to backdown after trying to hike hospital parking fees for patients, visitors and health workers already squeezed by rising costs.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/health-nz-drops-plan-to-charge-market-rates-for-hospital-car-parking/

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LHM Investor Site Visit Presentation

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN, TSX:PDN, OTCQX:PALAF) (“Paladin” or the “Company”) advises that it has released a presentation for the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) investor site visit being held on 12 February 2026, in Namibia.

The presentation is available on the Company’s website (https://www.paladinenergy.com.au/investors/asx-announcements/).

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Paladin Energy Ltd.

Contacts

About Paladin

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN TSX: PDN OTCQX:PALAF) is a globally significant independent uranium producer with a 75% ownership of the world-class long life Langer Heinrich Mine located in Namibia. In late 2024 the Company acquired Fission Uranium Corp. in Canada, resulting in a dual-listing on the both the ASX and TSX. With the integration of Fission’s operations, the Company now owns and operates an extensive portfolio of uranium development and exploration assets across Canada, which include the Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Saskatchewan and the Michelin project in Newfoundland and Labrador. Paladin also owns uranium exploration assets in Australia. Paladin is committed to a sustainability framework that ensures responsible, accountable and transparent management of the uranium resources the Company mines – both now and in the future. Through its Langer Heinrich Mine, Paladin is delivering a reliable uranium supply to major nuclear utilities around the world, positioning itself as a meaningful contributor to baseload energy provision in multiple countries and contributing to global decarbonisation.

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://feedcreatorngin2.fifthestate.nz/2026/02/12/lhm-investor-site-visit-presentation/

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Samoan Chief behind bars following slavery trial

Source: New Zealand Police

A Samoan Chief who falsely promised two people a better way of life, now faces up to 16 years behind bars.

Today, Moeaia Tuai was sentenced on numerous charges relating to slavery, rape and indecent assault.

The 63-year-old was sentenced in the Auckland High Court to 16 years and four months’, with a non-parole period of eight years.

A multi-agency investigation over 18 months culminated in a five week trial.

Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin, Counties Manukau CIB, says the bravery of the two victims coming forward and a strong partnership between Police and Immigration New Zealand led to the successful prosecution.

“The charges are the result of more than two years of work by Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Police, dating back to 2024 when the first allegations of Tuai’s offending were brought to our attention.”

Detective Inspector Adkin says  the offending relates to two Samoan nationals who he arranged to bring to New Zealand in 2016.

“Initially the victims were promised a good education and a better way of life.

“But that’s not what happened, instead he put them to work, kept their wages and assaulted them.

“For the victims to stand up in court against a Matai is significant in their culture, but they did it and their compelling evidence led to a conviction.”

He says the conviction and subsequent sentence is the culmination of a lot of hard work from a number of teams across the board.

“This is a great result and I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of our investigation team, who worked tirelessly to bring this case to court, and the specialist agencies who supported the victims throughout this process.”

“Immigration New Zealand is committed to supporting Police to ensure those who deliberately harm or take advantage of others are held accountable,” says Jason Perry, National Manager Immigration Investigations (Immigration New Zealand).

“Immigration Investigators worked closely with Police throughout the operation, helping to ensure those responsible for these often hidden crimes are brought to justice.

“Coordinated action like this is essential to protecting vulnerable people and raising awareness. If you see signs of exploitation, report it.”

For more information on how to identify and report concerns related to serious exploitation, visit Working to stop migrant exploitation :: Immigration New Zealand

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/samoan-chief-behind-bars-following-slavery-trial/

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Government increases New Zealand space launch limit to 1000

Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied / Rocket Lab

A physics professor says he does not trust the New Zealand Space Agency to make good decisions about a likely host of new space launches.

The government is raising the total number of launches allowed to 1000, as the cap set at 100 in 2017 comes close to being breached.

The US-NZ company Rocket Lab dominates the launch market from its pad at Mahia.

Space Minister Judith Collins said the 100 cap was likely to be hit this year.

“This change ensures our space and advanced aviation industries can continue to expand while operating within clear environmental boundaries.”

The environmental impact from more debris from space vehicle launches had been newly determined to be low.

The rules would have required a special marine consent for every launch over the 100 cap.

Space Minister Judith Collins. Nick Monro

The government has been streamlining aerospace regulations under its strategy to double the industry to be worth $5 billion by 2030.

“This is yet another example of the government fixing the basics while building the future,” Collins said in a statement.

The review late last year covered impacts from debris in the Exclusive Economic Zone on the ocean and seabed but not beyond that, and not the effects on space or the atmosphere.

Māori, maritime and fishing rights, international obligations, economic benefits and environmental sustainability were looked at.  

Professor Richard Easther of Auckland University said the new 1000 cap was good for the tech industry – albeit it was over a long period of time.

“You could easily imagine it taking two decades to get through a thousand launches.”

However, he said New Zealand had yet to match its leading launch position globally with taking some sort of lead on the related environmental issues, such as launches and what satellites and other vehicles they take up impacting the nightsky and the chemistry of the upper atmosphere.

“It certainly gives us a seat at the table that otherwise we wouldn’t have … and I would like to think that we were leading on that.”

But the country was not.

“As a country that regulates orbital launch New Zealand should be at the front of these discussions. However, the announcement is silent on this context,” Easther said on Thursday.

There appeared to still be limited opportunity for oversight of launches.

“Firstly, we need to look at whether we trust the New Zealand Space Agency to do the right thing in private.”

Widespread concerns remained the agency had not been forthcoming about a methane-measuring satellite that taxpayers put $32m into but which got lost in space last year.

“They have shown that they can overly deferential to international partners.

“It seems that they didn’t insist on transparency and clarity when they had the ability to do that.

“The question of what gets launched is different from the MethaneSAT question but it is true that it is roughly the same people who are giving advice on both things and so if we don’t have confidence in one it’s very hard to have confidence in the other.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/government-increases-new-zealand-space-launch-limit-to-1000/

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SAS rules ‘tightened’ since death of soldier Nicholas Kahotea in training accident

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lance Corporal Nicholas Kahotea, of the 1st NZSAS Regiment, died in a training accident in South Auckland in 2019. Defence Force / Supplied

Army training rules have been tightened since the death of special forces soldier Nicholas Kahotea, the man in charge of training says.

Kahotea fell several storeys while training to step from a hovering helicopter onto a building in May, 2019.

He died in hospital from his injuries.

Almost seven years later, a Coronial inquest into his death would examine what went wrong.

Colonel Paul Hayward, the assistant chief of army for training, was questioned on the intensity of training required of SAS soldiers.

He set out the different levels of training capability expected of soldiers.

“The three descriptors of levels of training we normally use are BLOC, DLOC and OLOC,” he said.

“BLOC first is the basic level of capability, initial entry training and some lower-level training courses, DLOC is a directed level of capability, what you would do subsequent to [BLOC] training, and DLOC is where most of the army sits at any given time.”

He explained the third level of capability, OLOC, was meant for soldiers preparing to deploy on specific operations.

“Most of the army will not be at OLOC unless they’ve been specified for a particular mission,” he said.

“The difference is the special forces always sit within OLOC, so they sit at a much higher level because of the complexity of what they’re required to.

“[They must be] ready to go, they’re basically the 111 of the military.”

Central to the inquiry was the decision to allow the soldiers to attempt the so-called “bump landing” at nighttime and while wearing heavy equipment.

The Coroner was earlier told Kahotea was carrying between 20 and 35 kilograms of equipment and was wearing night vision goggles as he stepped off the helicopter.

It was the first time the SAS troopers had attempted the manoeuvre, in which a helicopter balanced one wheel on the edge of a building and attempted to hold steady as the soldiers stepped off.

The NZDF’s “crawl, walk, run” policy requires soldiers to start with the easiest iteration of an exercise during daylight hours with minimal equipment, before moving onto gradually more difficult scenarios.

In the years since the fatal accident, Colonel Hayward said additions had been made to the army’s training rules to ensure the policy was followed.

“They specify in mandatory language some of the requirements down to the number of rehearsals required wearing various kit before an activity can be conducted, they are specified in both the training and safety manual and the mobile air training manual,” he said.

In addition, he said the NZDF performed a full assessment of the facility where the training took place, minimising tripping hazards and other potential issues.

Colonel Hayward addressed the family and admitted the Defence Force had made a mistake by allowing the training exercise to occur.

“Your loss is profound, and the NZDF deeply regrets the devastating impact that Nik’s death has had, and the irreversible consequences of this tragedy,” he said.

“NZDF acknowledges failures on our part in relation to the planning and authorising of the activity.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/sas-rules-tightened-since-death-of-soldier-nicholas-kahotea-in-training-accident/

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Milestone health and safety bill passes first reading

Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has welcomed the passing of the first reading of the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, which will reform New Zealand’s work health and safety law and regulations.  

“The changes in this Bill will make it easier to run a business in New Zealand by increasing certainty and removing fear, helping to ease costs of compliance and improve safety outcomes,” says Ms van Velden. 

The Bill addresses concerns businesses had in two key ways. First, by increasing available guidance and support through a strengthening of Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) giving businesses access to guidance that is tailored to their own industries and easier to keep up to date than regulations.  

“ACOPs will now act as ‘safe harbours’ for compliance, meaning that if a business complies with their sector’s ACOP, they have done enough to meet their health and safety requirements.  

“Secondly, the Bill will clarify WorkSafe’s functions.  

“A major theme in the feedback we received from businesses was that they don’t know what they need to do to manage their risks and meet their obligations. I also heard concerns about a lack of guidance, regulations not keeping pace with best practice, and uncertainty about WorkSafe’s approach as the regulator arising due to inconsistency and heavy-handedness in punishment. 

“This all results in a feeling of fear and uncertainty that leads businesses to take unnecessary actions to protect themselves, creating more costs to the business without actually making workers any safer.  

“The Bill will require WorkSafe to move from an approach of expecting everyone to address every possible risk, towards one in which WorkSafe provides guidance on the critical risks a workplace must address to meet their obligations under the Act.  

“I expect this will significantly help businesses to understand their responsibilities and give clarity about the actions they should take to protect their workers,” says Ms van Velden. 

“This new focus will make WorkSafe a more consistent and helpful agency, so that businesses can get the support they need to keep workers safe, without wasting resources on external consultants or excessive paperwork compliance. 

“I’m looking forward to hearing feedback, particularly around whether these changes are clear and workable, once the Bill opens for submissions at select committee. 

“Today is a win for practical, common-sense changes that will set businesses up for success in keeping people safe,” says Ms van Velden.  

Note to Editors: 

Other changes include: 

  • Creating a carve-out for small, low-risk businesses from general Health and Safety at Work Act requirements. These businesses will only have to manage critical risks and provide basic facilities to ensure worker welfare.
  • Clarifying what a director’s health and safety due diligence duty involves and where it stops. 
  • Many directors think they need to do more than they should, and directors and management are also duplicating work. This change clarifies that the day-to-day management of health and safety risks is to be left to managers so directors can focus on governance.
  • Clarifying that businesses do not owe health and safety duties to individuals engaging in recreational activities on their land, unless the business has work happening on the same part of the land at the same time. 
  • This will ensure that landowners will not be responsible if someone is injured on their land while doing recreational activities and that health and safety responsibilities will lie squarely on the organisation running the activities. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/milestone-health-and-safety-bill-passes-first-reading/

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Is it time for the All Blacks to have a Pasifika coach?

Source: Radio New Zealand

A former All Black believes it’s time for a Pacific Islander to take the reins as New Zealand coach.

In 2024, players with Pacific Island heritage made up 14 of the 32-man All Blacks squad, with Christian Lio-Willie, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Du’Plessis Kirifi earning caps in 2025.

Star Moana Pasifika signing Ngani Laumape wants to see Tana Umaga given the job in the wake of Scott Robertson’s sacking in January.

With such a predominant Pasifika contingent in the squad, Laumape said it’s time for a cultural change and that Umaga is the inspirational leader needed.

“For sure. 100 percent. When ‘T’ speaks, everyone listens. When he talks about our purpose, it gives me goosebumps. When he talks like that, the boys are pretty revved up to go out and play for him. I feel like he’ll be an awesome coach for the All Blacks.”

Fellow former All Black Sonny Bill Williams also touted Umaga as the man for the role.

Tana Umaga has been touted by former All Blacks as the ideal candidate as Scott Robertson’s replacement. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

“We need some more flavour in the coaching group. I’m a big believer that in order to correct, you must connect, and these players at this level know how to play rugby. But what got the best out of me was believing in the coaches, wanting to go out there and run through a brick wall,” Williams said on Instagram.

The man himself was coy on the prospect when asked this week, shifting the focus to his side’s round one clash with the Fijian Drua.

“I’ve got a big enough job doing what I’m doing right now.”

Umaga said through the love of his parents and his Māori wife, he is privileged to understand what New Zealand means on “a lot of different levels.”

“I am a very proud New Zealander, born in Aotearoa, but I am passionate about my heritage.”

Like Robertson, Laumape himself also had a tumultuous tenure with the All Blacks, playing just 15 tests and arguably leaving at the peak of his powers in 2021 after being consistently overlooked.

Ngani Laumape. PHOTOSPORT

However, Laumape said he has put that chapter of his career to bed.

“I feel like it doesn’t matter if you played one game or 100, you still achieved that jersey. You still achieve that dream of representing the All Blacks. But I think for me now, I’ve closed that chapter and It’s been an awesome journey being overseas the last couple of years, but it’s really refreshing being back representing Moana.”

The powerful midfielder is now setting his sights on representing Tonga at next year’s World Cup.

“You can have more than one dream, and for me, I I still have one more goal that I want to achieve in my rugby career and that’s representing Tonga and I feel like this is the closest way that I can build to that dream.”

As the big name signing for Moana, Laumape said he won’t be trying to replicate the influence of Ardie Savea in 2025.

“I don’t think anyone can fill those shoes, but I think for me what he did not only inspired the young Pasifika kids but also inspired a whole generation of old and young and I just want to credit my brother for being the leader that he is.”

Laumape said he was annoyed by the narrative surrounding Savea and Robertson’s departure.

“I’ve seen that he’s been getting a lot of backlash in the media, there’s more people that were in those meetings and I feel like it’s pretty bull crap that only his name was out there and I know there’s probably about 10 players in that leadership group who were also in that review, and if one name comes out, all of them should come out.”

As for the season ahead, Laumape said they are far from a one man band and will not let the standards set by Savea in 2025 drop.

“We’re not here to make numbers. We’re here to carry on what the boys did last year.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/is-it-time-for-the-all-blacks-to-have-a-pasifika-coach/

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Reserve Bank review set for completion in September, originally due to be done by March

Source: Radio New Zealand

The independent review will look at the Reserve Bank’s response to the pandemic. RNZ / Alexander Robertson

A review into the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic was originally intended to be completed by March.

The Finance Minister says the delay was due to how long it took to appoint the right people to lead the review.

On Wednesday, Nicola Willis confirmed she had commissioned an independent review into the Reserve Bank’s response to the pandemic, including cuts to the Official Cash Rate, and the Large Scale Asset Purchase programme.

The opposition has criticised the government for the timing of the review, given it is set to be published in September, just weeks before the election.

The review will be led by monetary policy experts Athanasios Orphanides and David Archer.

Orphanides was a former governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus, and member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank.

Archer was a former Reserve Bank assistant governor and former head of the Central Banking Studies Unit at the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland.

On Thursday, the Treasury released a series of documents related to the review’s establishment, which show Willis first informed the Reserve Bank in July 2025 she was considering a review, and took the matter to Cabinet for sign-off in August 2025.

At the time, Willis expected the review would be completed by March 2026.

The documents also show parts of the review’s terms of reference were changed to factor in the benefits of its decisions, after a suggestion from the Reserve Bank.

Why the delay?

Willis told RNZ the hold-up was due to the appointment of the international reviewer.

She said following the Cabinet mandate, it was her job to find the appropriate reviewers, with Treasury making recommendations.

“First, people we approached weren’t available in the appropriate timeframe. We then had a challenge where one reviewer we proposed was available in the timeframe, but another wasn’t. And so we were both trying to balance getting a balance of someone with domestic perspective and international perspective, the appropriate international credentials, and being available for their time period,” she said.

“So there was a bit of a back and forth on finding appropriate reviewers. And at all times, I was very mindful of Treasury advice on the credentials that they needed to fulfil.”

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the delay was due to the appointment of the international reviewer. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Willis said it was “frustrating,” but ultimately felt the most important thing for the credibility of the review was the quality of the reviewers.

“I’m satisfied that we’ve landed on very credible reviewers. No one’s questioning their authority, their credibility. Clearly, these are people who are independent. There’s not a political bone about them.”

The Cabinet minute shows Willis had the authorisation to approve the selection of the experts and make changes to the terms of reference, in consultation with the associate finance ministers.

What do the documents say?

In a letter dated 10 July 2025 and sent to then-Reserve Bank chair Neil Quigley and Governor Christian Hawkesby, Willis said the Monetary Policy Committee took “unprecedented” actions in response to the “significant economic challenges” caused by the pandemic.

She acknowledged the Bank’s review and assessment of its monetary policy performance between 2020 and 2022, which commissioned independent experts to provide peer review but was not independent of the Bank.

“As such, I am considering an external review to provide the Government with an independent perspective on the MPC’s performance during 2020 to 2022. This will ensure there is appropriate transparency over the MPC’s performance during a period of significant economic challenges, and will help identify lessons for future episodes of instability,” she wrote.

Feedback from then Governor Christian Hawkesby about changing the terms of reference were taken on board. RNZ / Dom Thomas

In response, Hawkesby said the Bank had made “significant progress” in implementing the recommendations of the 2022 review, but would fully cooperate with the external review if Willis chose to proceed with it.

Hawkesby had suggested the draft terms of reference be amended, particularly a section on whether the “stimulus” provided by the Large Scale Asset Purchase and Funding for Lending programmes “justified the risks to the public balance sheet and other costs”.

“We note that this frames the benefits and costs associated with these tools in narrow terms and should be widened to capture the impact LSAPs played in stabilising markets, and their broader fiscal benefits through lowering Crown borrowing costs and increasing tax revenue,” he wrote.

This feedback was taken onboard, with the final terms of reference changed to reviewing whether the “benefits” provided by the programmes “justified the risks and costs”.

Hawkesby also raised another section which referred to the review making “recommendations to improve the monetary policy response to future shocks, including commentary around potential changes to the frameworks, having regard to the benefits of hindsight”.

He said the Monetary Policy Committee’s remit was an important part of the policy framework, and while it could be reviewed at any time there were benefits to stability in the objectives of monetary policy.

“We suggest that any recommendations related to the objectives of monetary policy would be best addressed as part of the 5-yearly formal review of the MPC Remit, which is due by mid-2028.”

This was not changed.

On 9 February she told the new chair Rodger Findlay and new Governor Anna Breman that the government had finalised the establishment of the review, with the final terms of reference showing the new expected completion date of August.

“Independent monetary policy is a central pillar of New Zealand’s macroeconomic frameworks. The review strengthens this by supporting accountability and public confidence in the operational independence of monetary policy and informing its ongoing effectiveness,” Willis wrote.

She told Findlay and Breman she had adopted the Bank’s suggestion to broaden the review’s assessment of the costs and benefits of alternative monetary policy.

Willis told RNZ she thought it was important to engage with the Bank about how to get the best lessons out of the review.

“I think the final terms of reference allow for a full and penetrating review. So the questions will be asked, the information will be furnished, and those reviewers will be able to reach conclusions.”

She said it was up to former governor Adrian Orr and former chair Neil Quigley to decided if they wanted to front up to the inquiry, but said “if they’re wise, they will.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/reserve-bank-review-set-for-completion-in-september-originally-due-to-be-done-by-march/

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Who is the new face of China’s Year of the Fire Horse? Draco Malfoy, of course

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justine Poplin, Teaching Associate, Faculty of Education, Southern Cross University

Warner Bros, Canva, The Conversation, CC BY-NC

The Chinese Year of the Fire Horse has a new, unexpected mascot: Draco Malfoy.

Associating the Harry Potter antagonist with China’s Year of the Fire Horse might seem odd or whimsical. But it has much to teach us about the complexities of Chinese Mandarin wordplay, online participation and meme-making culture.

A search for Malfoy memes manifest his youthful head floating jubilantly, amid a background of red, gold and black calligraphy.

Meaning in images

In China, Lunar New Year decorations are designed to summon luck, prosperity and protection into the home – and visual puns and homophones are a common feature.

Classic New Year prints often include images of names that sound like phrases for good fortune or prosperity. You will commonly see images of the Zodiac, red lanterns, golden carp, fleshy pink peaches and gold ingots – all symbolising abundance.

Prior to the annual festival, the Chinese character fu 福 (good fortune) is often displayed upside-down on doors and walls in Chinese homes.

This is because the word for “upside-down” (倒, dao) is word play on the word “arrive” (到, dao) in Mandarin. Hanging the fu 福 upside down means “Good fortune has arrived”.

There is other word play, too. Yu 魚 (fish) sounds like the word for surplus, so fish imagery suggests abundance.

During last year’s Year of the Snake wordplay used snake (蛇, shé) and earthly beings/humans (巳, sì) to pair snake imagery with phrases about time, events or letting go.

This Year of the Fire Horse is historically linked with energy, momentum and breakthrough.

In Mandarin, Malfoy 马尔福 (Ma er fu) contains phonetic elements that resonate with words associated with horses (马, ma) and good fortune (福, fu). Hanging Malfoy upside-down on a door or wall extends the same pun, suggesting “good horse fortune has arrived” in your home.

In this way, Malfoy sheds his snake skin from villain to a serendipitous linguistic fit for a year defined by fiery horses and potential prosperity: a modern good luck poster.

Visual remixing

Humour, wordplay and visual remixing are a key feature of Chinese internet culture.

Memes thrive on shared visual references, which can be easily remixed. Malfoy’s titanium white hair and sharp features make him iconic, even in small or edited images.

Another example of homophonic wordplay was during the #MeToo movement.

Facing political sensitivity in China, activists embraced phonetic wordplay to visualise the phrase #MeToo, juxtaposing images of a bowl of rice (米饭, mi fan) with a rabbit (兔子, tuzi). The Chinese meme, Mi Tu (literally rice bunny) is visually coded “cute” on the surface, yet functions with the potency and strategic agility of a Trojan Horse.

The memes became a political statement, to visually disrupt and address sexual abuse or harassment.

The Grass Mud Horse (草泥马m cǎonímǎ) is a mythological alpaca co-created in 2009 as a linguistic and visual protest symbol.

Its name is a homophone for a well known insult, enabling users to express defiance while circumventing censorship. It became a playful yet powerful emblem of resistance to information control, widely circulated through music videos, memes and satirical narratives.

The homophonic wordplay of Draco Malfoy performs a similar cultural function – with celebration that evolves tradition, rather than political protest. Users paste Malfoy’s face onto fire horse emojis, Chinese calligraphy or zodiac themed layouts. Others animate him riding red horses or link his image with auspicious greetings.

Culturally specific memes

Visual culture is culturally specific: meaning cannot be transported across contexts without interpretive friction.

Chinese culture has a long history of playful symbolism. The Malfoy memes fit into that tradition using humour and visual puns to express good wishes. It does not replace sacred rituals or religious practices.

Lunar New Year is not only about preserving tradition. Malfoy as a literary villain may be ironic through a Western lens. However, his image becomes a shared entry point into cross-cultural exchange.

It is about renewing hope for the future, and memes are a clever example of how language shapes visual culture and how traditions evolve.

Visual literacy enables us to unlock the cultural keys embedded within symbols and myths, revealing layers of meaning that might otherwise remain obscured.

Online spaces are where a fictional wizard can temporarily join a centuries-old symbolic system built on flexible wordplay and visual humour for the Year of the Fire Horse.

Justine Poplin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Who is the new face of China’s Year of the Fire Horse? Draco Malfoy, of course – https://theconversation.com/who-is-the-new-face-of-chinas-year-of-the-fire-horse-draco-malfoy-of-course-275443

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/12/who-is-the-new-face-of-chinas-year-of-the-fire-horse-draco-malfoy-of-course-275443/

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New deal paying above market price for regenerative sheep farmers’ wool

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Regenerative sheep farmers could muster an above-market pay cheque for their sustainable wool clip, thanks to a new industry deal.

Wools of New Zealand signed a new contract to supply American-owned company Keraplast, based in Ōtautahi, with hundreds of tonnes of strong wool over the next five years.

Keraplast extracted keratin, the main protein in wool, that was then used as an ingredient in haircare, skincare, nutraceuticals and medical products.

Wools of New Zealand chief executive John McWhirter said the contract linked growers to high-value end uses, rather than the traditional textile markets based on commodity prices, to improve returns.

“This agreement demonstrates how strong wool can move beyond traditional textile markets into advanced, high-value applications.

“It shows strong wool has a future when we combine quality farming and innovative global manufacturing.”

Regenerative farmers focussed on enhancing the health of their soil, waterways and their animals, practices which were auditted for certified farmers.

The new super-premium wool contract was paying 40 percent or $2 a kilogram above market pricing for 2025, at $6.88 per kilo clean – and prices will increase $0.50 a kilo each year.

Keraplast chief executive, Howard Moore said the deal was about shoring up the supply of low-carbon New Zealand strong wool.

John McWhirter of Wools of New Zealand and Howard Moore of Keraplast. SUPPLIED

“We really do want to encourage the supply of regeneratively-farmed wool, but we also do feel it as an obligation from the company for us to to share in the value that we are adding to wool, sharing that with our farmer suppliers.”

Moore said the wool-only company was committed to net positive, a business strategy about creating more positive impacts than negative on the environment, society and the economy.

He said its industrial American customers were very focussed on sustainability.

Read more

“We sell to industrial customers and these industrial customers are concerned about their carbon footprint,” he said.

“And so we are able to demonstrate to these industrial customers of ours that we are doing our bit to source wool that’s got a reduced carbon footprint.

“That commitment to sustainability through using regeneratively farmed wool does help us with with our customers.”

Overseas competitors making products from keratin instead sourced the protein from chicken feathers, he said.

Moore said its 40 employees were working towards processing up to 100 tonnes of wool each year at its new factory near Hornby.

Since around August, wool prices in the North and South Islands had increased, exceeding levels in 2023 and 2024.

However, the national sheep flock was continuing to decline and major broker PGG Wrightson announced last month it was going to end its historic North Island from May.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/new-deal-paying-above-market-price-for-regenerative-sheep-farmers-wool/

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New Zealand First to campaign on Māori seats referendum

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters speaking at Waitangi Treaty Grounds last week. (File photo) RNZ / Mark Papalii

New Zealand First will campaign on a referendum on the Māori seats this year, with the party saying the time had come for a decision on their future.

Te Pāti Māori said it was “race baiting” and “rage baiting” and Labour said it was a “cheap and cynical” attempt to gain votes.

New Zealand First made the announcement on Thursday, saying it believed it had an “opportunity now” to ensure the policy was implemented after the election.

It’s a policy the party also took to the 2017 election.

On Thursday, NZ First leader Winston Peters referenced the Royal Commission into the electoral system in 1986, which stated the MMP system would create a more representative Parliament and the original justification for the Māori seats would no longer exist.

He also said there’d been a dramatic increase in the number of Māori in Parliament.

“We’re massively over represented. Now please take the advantage that you’ve got, be pleased about that and move on.”

He called Te Pāti Māori’s behaviour over the past two years the “last straw.”

“They hold the majority of the Māori seats and do not turn up to parliament, disregard the rules and processes, and show utter disdain for the system that gives them the very seats they hold – they represent no one.

“They have proven the seats they hold are no longer relevant nor serve their original purpose.”

He referenced outgoing Labour MP Peeni Henare’s losses in the Tāmaki Makaurau seat recently, saying he was “robbed blind” and there was “nothing to defend” in regards to the seats.

Peters said a referendum was necessary because that was how MMP was introduced in the first place.

“I’m saying to people in this country, if you want a dramatic, unified electoral system, vote for it,” he said.

Peters rejected it could be a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi “because it wasn’t in there in the first place.”

He said everything he had done for Māori was on the basis of need not race.

Asked how quickly a referendum would take place after this year’s election, Peters indicated he wouldn’t want the Māori seats during the 2029 election.

Politicians react

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi accused NZ First of “race baiting”. (File photo) VNP / Phil Smith

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi said it was “race baiting” and “rage baiting” to suit New Zealand First voters.

“The types that Winston Peters represents is a dying cohort of people in Aotearoa.

“I would hope that New Zealand is mature enough to see the value in the Māori seats sitting here in Parliament.”

He said the timing of the announcement showed Peters was “threatened” by the fact it would be the Māori electorates that decide the next Prime Minister.

“He likes to sit in that position as the king maker, but unfortunately, every poll is saying that he is no longer in that position.

“This country should be celebrating the maturity of te iwi Māori in this democracy.”

On representation in Parliament, Waititi said the Māori seats allowed for a “unique Māori voice in Parliament.”

“Quite often we’ve had Māori in those Māori seats without being tied to party lines.

“What this allows us is a unique opportunity for Māori to have an independent voice in Parliament.”

Waititi suggested there should be a referendum on list seats, because it wasn’t clear who they represented, “they don’t have a mandate from constituents.”

“The Māori seats are clear. They have a clear mandate.”

Labour’s Kieran McAnulty said Peters was quite happy with Māori seats when he stood for one in 1975, and when New Zealand First won them all in the 90s.

“But now he wants to pretend to New Zealanders that they don’t like them and want to get rid of them. I don’t think Kiwis will buy it.”

Labour’s position was that Māori should decide whether to keep the seats or not, and “that position will remain firm.”

“It’s a cheap and cynical attempt to try and get some cheap votes,” McAnulty said.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said a referendum on Māori seats wasn’t something the National party had discussed.

“What we’re really focused on is fixing the basics and building the future at the moment.”

He acknowledged the seats had been a feature of the political system for some time.

National deputy leader Nicola Willis said National planned to run candidates in the Māori seats this election, but no one had been selected yet.

In terms of a referendum, she said the policy would need to be taken to caucus for discussion.

ACT’s deputy leader Brooke van Velden said ACT wouldn’t take it to referendum, it would get rid of the seats through Parliament.

“It’s been an ACT party position – and a longstanding position – that we should abolish the Māori seats, because it goes against what the ACT party philosophy is, which is that there should be all people equal before the law and that it’s wrong to have separate seats based on people’s ethnicity.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/new-zealand-first-to-campaign-on-maori-seats-referendum/

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Car of Tekanimaeu Arobati, swept away in Mahurangi River, found

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police found the Nissan X-Trail in the Mahurangi River. NZ POLICE / SUPPLIED

The car of a man who was swept away in the Mahurangi River north of Auckland last month has been found.

Tekanimaeu Arobati disappeared during severe weather on 21 January.

The 47-year-old’s body was found three days later in the river.

Now, police have recovered his SUV from the river.

Police found the Nissan X-Trail in the Mahurangi River. NZ POLICE / SUPPLIED

It was found on Thursday after the police national dive squad was sent in.

Arobati was described as a kind, strong, and straight-talking man who was deeply loved by his family, his brother-in-law Kai Tenanoa earlier told RNZ.

Police said their thoughts were with Arobati’s family and the wider Kiribati community.

His death was being referred to the Coroner.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/car-of-tekanimaeu-arobati-swept-away-in-mahurangi-river-found/

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NZ-AU: December 2025 Half Year Financial Results Overview

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN, TSX:PDN, OTCQX:PALAF) (“Paladin” or the “Company”) advises that it has released its December 2025 Half Year Financial Accounts and Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for Paladin Energy Ltd and its controlled entities for the three and six month periods ended 31 December 2025 (“FY2026 Interim Financial Results”).

Half Year Highlights

  • Revenue of US$138.3M driven by strong sales of 1.96Mlb U₃O₈ at an average realised price of US$70.5/lb U₃O₈1, reflecting the quality of the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) contract book and strengthening uranium pricing environment
  • Cost of sales totalled US$112.3M in the period, reflecting the continued ramp up of production at LHM
  • Gross profit of US$26.0M for the period, a significant increase from previous period
  • Net loss after tax of US$6.6M driven by the ongoing production ramp-up at LHM, business expansion following the Fission Uranium Corp (now Paladin Canada Inc.) acquisition and TSX listing and financing activities
  • Successful completion of a fully underwritten A$300M equity raising and a A$100M share purchase plan (SPP), primarily to advance the development of the Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project towards a final investment decision alongside the ongoing ramp up of the LHM
  • Enhanced balance sheet following completion of the equity offering, and the restructure of the syndicated debt facility with cash and investments of US$278.4M and an undrawn US$70M Revolving Credit Facility at year end

“The first half of the year demonstrated strong and continually improving performance at Langer Heinrich Mine as our team increased its knowledge and experience of how to optimise the production process, including the mining activities that were gathering pace at the start of this financial year. With the remaining mining fleet arriving on site, the foundations are now in place to successfully complete our ramp-up at Langer Heinrich Mine during the remaining months of the year.

The half year results also highlight the robust financial position of Paladin Energy with increasing revenue from strong sales augmented by a successful equity raising and a restructure of the debt portfolio that will enable us to complete our ramp-up activities at the LHM and continue to progress the PLS Project in Canada, including our winter drilling program.”

Paul Hemburrow
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Financial Performance

Key Operational and Financial Metrics Units Six Months Ended
31 December 2025		  
OPERATIONS2    
U₃O₈ Sold Mlb 1.96  
Average Realised Price1 US$/lb 70.5  
Cost of Production3 US$/lb 40.5  
EARNINGS    
Sales Revenue US$M 138.3  
Cost of Sales US$M 112.3  
Gross Profit US$M 26.0  
Loss After Tax US$M (6.6)  

LHM sold 1.96Mlb of U₃O₈ at an average realised price of US$70.5/lb, generating sales revenue of US$138.3M. Cost of sales totalled US$112.3M, reflecting the continued ramp up of production, with a higher proportion of mined ore fed into the plant resulting in higher production and sales volumes.

This resulted in an increased gross profit for the period of US$26.0M (H1FY2025: US$0.9M).

Net loss after tax of US$6.6M (H1FY2025:US$15.1M) was driven by the ongoing production ramp-up at LHM, business expansion following the Fission Uranium Corp (now Paladin Canada Inc.) acquisition, TSX listing and financing activities.

Financial Position

    31 December 2025 30 June 2025 Change
%
Cash and cash equivalents US$M 121.0   89.0   36%  
Short-term investments US$M 157.4   –   n.m4  
Total unrestricted cash and investments US$M 278.4   89.0   213%  
Debt Facility (Drawn)5 US$M (40.0)   (86.5)   54%  
Net Cash/(Debt)6 US$M 238.4   2.5   9,260%  
Total Equity US$M 1,051.9   801.6   31%  

Total unrestricted cash and investments increased by 213% during the period to US$278.4M (30 June 2025: US$89.0M), following the successful completion of a fully underwritten A$300M equity offering and a A$100M share purchase plan (SPP) (both before transaction costs).

On 19 December 2025, Paladin completed the restructure of its Debt Facility with its lenders, Nedbank Ltd (acting through its Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking division), Nedbank Namibia Ltd and Macquarie Bank.

The restructure aimed to right-size the overall debt capacity, reducing it from US$150M to US$110M leveraging Paladin’s enhanced liquidity position following the successful completion of the equity raise and SPP. The restructure also reflects Paladin’s increasing maturity as a uranium producer as it continues to progress the ramp up at LHM, while providing greater undrawn debt capacity and balance sheet flexibility.

The restructure provides Paladin with a US$110M Debt Facility including a US$40M Term Loan Facility (following a repayment of US$39.8M as part of the restructure) and an undrawn Revolving Credit Facility of US$70M (US$50M prior to the restructure). No additional debt was drawn during the period.

Presentation of information
This announcement should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Interim Financial Report lodged on 11 February 2026 and available on Paladin’s website (https://www.paladinenergy.com.au/investors/asx-announcements/). The Condensed Interim Financial Report relates to the six month period ended 31 December 2025. This Condensed Interim Financial Report also includes information relating specifically to the three month period ended 31 December 2025, which has been included in this Condensed Interim Financial Report to comply with quarterly reporting disclosure requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Further information regarding the inclusion of the 31 December 2025 quarterly information is included in Note 1 to the Condensed Interim Financial Report.

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Paladin Energy Ltd.

Contacts

About Paladin

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN TSX: PDN OTCQX:PALAF) is a globally significant independent uranium producer with a 75% ownership of the world-class long life Langer Heinrich Mine located in Namibia. In late 2024 the Company acquired Fission Uranium Corp. in Canada, resulting in a dual-listing on the both the ASX and TSX. With the integration of Fission’s operations, the Company now owns and operates an extensive portfolio of uranium development and exploration assets across Canada, which include the Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Saskatchewan and the Michelin project in Newfoundland and Labrador. Paladin also owns uranium exploration assets in Australia. Paladin is committed to a sustainability framework that ensures responsible, accountable and transparent management of the uranium resources the Company mines – both now and in the future. Through its Langer Heinrich Mine, Paladin is delivering a reliable uranium supply to major nuclear utilities around the world, positioning itself as a meaningful contributor to baseload energy provision in multiple countries and contributing to global decarbonisation.

Forward-looking statements

This document contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Australian securities laws and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to in this document as forward-looking statements). All statements in this document, other than statements of historical or present facts, are forward-looking statements and generally may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “likely”, “propose”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, “could”, “may”, “believe”, “forecast”, “estimate”, “target”, “outlook”, “guidance” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding continued development of the PLS Project; permitting approvals and community engagement; advancement of the PLS Project through to FID; development and ramp-up of operations at the LHM; LHM guidance for FY2026; the equity offering; debt and related restructurings and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

Forward-looking statements involve subjective judgment and analysis and are subject to significant uncertainties, risks and contingencies including those risk factors associated with the mining industry, many of which are outside the control of, change without notice, and may be unknown to Paladin. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to liabilities inherent in mine development and production, geological, mining and processing technical problems, the inability to obtain any additional mine licences, permits and other regulatory approvals required in connection with mining and third party processing operations, Indigenous Peoples’ engagement, competition for amongst other things, capital, acquisition of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel, incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions, changes in commodity prices and exchange rates, currency and interest fluctuations, various events which could disrupt operations and/or the transportation of mineral products, including labour stoppages and severe weather conditions, the demand for and availability of transportation services, the ability to secure adequate financing and management’s ability to anticipate and manage the foregoing factors and risks. Readers are also referred to the risks and uncertainties referred to in the Company’s “2025 Annual Report” released on 28 August 2025, in Paladin’s Annual Information Form for the year ended June 30, 2025 released on 12 September 2025, and in Paladin’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, released on 11 February 2026, each of which is available to view at paladinenergy.com.au and on www.sedarplus.ca.

Although as at the date of this document, Paladin believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements due to a range of factors including (without limitation) fluctuations in commodity prices and exchange rates, exploitation and exploration successes, environmental, permitting and development issues, political risks including the impact of political instability on economic activity and uranium supply and demand, Indigenous Peoples engagement, climate risk, operating hazards, natural disasters, severe storms and other adverse weather conditions, shortages of skilled labour and construction materials, equipment and supplies, regulatory concerns, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions and risk factors associated with the uranium industry generally. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate.

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and should rely on their own independent enquiries, investigations and advice regarding information contained in this document. Any reliance by a reader on the information contained in this document is wholly at the reader’s own risk. Recipients are cautioned against placing undue reliance on such projections without conducting their own due diligence with appropriate professional support. The forward-looking statements in this document relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made. Paladin does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No representation, warranty, guarantee or assurance (express or implied) is made, or will be made, that any forward-looking statements will be achieved or will prove to be correct. Except for statutory liability which cannot be excluded, Paladin, its officers, employees and advisers expressly disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the material contained in this document and exclude all liability whatsoever (including negligence) for any loss or damage which may be suffered by any person as a consequence of any information in this document or any error or omission therefrom. Except as required by law or regulation, Paladin accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in this document or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information. Nothing in this document will, under any circumstances, create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Paladin since the date of this document. To the extent any forward-looking statement in this document constitutes “future-oriented financial information” or “financial outlooks” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, such information is provided to demonstrate Paladin’s internal projections and to help readers understand Paladin’s expected financial results. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and readers should not place undue reliance on such information. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking statements generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions, and subject to the risks and uncertainties, described above.

Non-IFRS measures
Paladin uses certain financial measures that are considered “non-IFRS financial information” within the meaning of Australian securities laws and/or “non-GAAP financial measures” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to in this announcement as Non-IFRS Measures) to supplement analysis of its financial and operating performance. These Non-IFRS Measures do not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

The Company believes these measures provide additional insight into its financial results and operational performance and are useful to investors, securities analysts, and other interested parties in understanding and evaluating the Company’s historical and future operating performance. However, they should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for information prepared in accordance with IFRS. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any Non-IFRS Measures. The Non-IFRS Measures used in this announcement are described below.

Average Realised Price
Average Realised Price (US$/lb U3O8) is a Non-IFRS Measure that represents the average revenue received per pound of uranium sold during a given period. It is calculated by dividing total revenue from U₃O₈ sales (before royalties and after any applicable discounts) by the total volume of U₃O₈ pounds sold. This measure provides insight into the actual pricing achieved under the Company’s uranium sales contracts and spot sales during the reporting period, taking into account the mix of base-escalated, fixed-price and market-related pricing mechanisms within contracts. The Company uses Average Realised Price to assess revenue performance relative to market prices, contractual pricing structures, and production costs. It is also a key measure used by investors and analysts to evaluate price exposure, contract performance, and profitability potential.

It is important to note that Average Realised Price is distinct from both the spot market price and the term market price for uranium, and it may vary significantly from quarter to quarter based on timing of deliveries, customer contract structures, and the prevailing market environment.

Revenue from uranium sales is reported in the Company’s financial statements under IFRS. The Average Realised Price is derived directly from IFRS revenue figures and disclosed sales volumes.

The table below reconciles the Average Realised Price for the quarters ended 31 December 2025 and 31 December 2024:

    Three Months
Ended
31 December
2025		 Six Months
Ended
31 December
2025		 Three Months
Ended
31 December
2024		 Six Months
Ended
31 December
2024
Sales revenue US$M 102.4 138.3 33.5 77.3
U3O8 Sold lb 1,426,820 1,960,6091 500,1432 1,123,2072
Average Realised Price US$/lb 71.8 70.5 66.9 68.8

1.   Includes 85,000lb loan material delivered into existing contracts
2.   Includes 200,000lb loan material delivered into existing contracts

Cost of Production 
The Cost of Production per pound represents the total production costs divided by pounds of U₃O₈ produced. The Cost of Production is calculated as the total direct production expenditures incurred during the period (including mining, stockpile rehandling, processing, site maintenance, and mine-level administrative costs), excluding costs such as cost of ore stockpiled, deferred stripping costs, depreciation and amortisation, general and administration costs, royalties, exploration expenses, sustaining capital and the impacts of any inventory impairments or impairment reversals. This measure helps users assess Paladin’s operating efficiency.

Cost of Production per lb = Cost of Production ÷ U₃O₈ Pounds Produced.

Cost of Production is a unit cost measure that indicates the average production cost per pound of U₃O₈ produced. This is not an IFRS measure but is widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark of operational efficiency and cost competitiveness. Paladin’s Cost of Production metric is calculated as the total direct production expenditures as defined above (in US dollars) incurred during the period, divided by the volume of U₃O₈ pounds produced in the same period. The Company uses Cost of Production per pound to track progress of operational performance, to assess profitability at various uranium price points, and to identify trends in operating costs. It is also a key metric for investors and analysts to evaluate how efficiently the Company is producing uranium, independent of depreciation and accounting adjustments.

This measure allows stakeholders to monitor trends in direct production costs and to assess the Company’s operating breakeven threshold relative to uranium market prices. Investors are cautioned that our Cost of Production metric may not be comparable with similarly titled “C1 cash cost” metrics of other uranium producers, as there can be differences in methodology (e.g., treatment of royalties or certain site costs). Paladin’s Cost of Production figure as defined above, focuses strictly on the on-site cost to produce uranium concentrate in the current period. All figures are in US$/lb U₃O₈. We provide this information in good faith to enhance understanding of our operations; however, the IFRS financial statements (particularly the Cost of Sales line in the income statement) should be considered alongside this metric for a complete picture of our cost structure.

The table below reconciles the Cost of Production for the for the quarters ended 31 December 2025 and 30 December 2024:

    Three Months
Ended
31 December
2025		 Six Months
Ended
31 December
2025		 Three Months
Ended
31 December
2024		 Six Months
Ended
31 December
2024
Cost of Production US$M 48.9 93.2 26.9 53.7
U3O8 produced lb 1,233,128 2,299,624 638,409 1,278,088
Cost of Production/lb US$/lb 39.7 40.5 42.3 42.1


Net Cash/(Debt)
Net Cash/(Debt) is a non-IFRS liquidity measure that represents the surplus of cash and cash equivalents over total interest-bearing debt. It is calculated by subtracting gross debt (including face value and accrued interest on borrowings) from unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. The Company uses Net Cash/(Debt) as an indicator of the Company’s net liquidity position at a point in time, providing a simple measure of financial flexibility after accounting for existing debt obligations. This measure is useful to investors and analysts because it isolates the Company’s net cash or net debt balance, enabling better assessment of balance sheet strength and funding capacity, particularly as it relates to capital allocation decisions and ability to finance operations and growth.

Net Cash/(Debt) is distinct from individual IFRS line items as it combines and offsets gross financial liabilities and cash balances into a single figure. As such, it is classified as a non-IFRS measure.

The table below reconciles the Net Cash/(Debt) at the end of the quarters ended 31 December 2025 and 30 June 2025:

US$M As at 31 December 2025   As at 30 June 2025  
Cash and Investments 278.4   89.0  
Borrowings – syndicated debt facility (40.0)   (86.5)  
Net Cash/(Debt) 238.4   2.5  


_______________________________________
1 Average Realised Price is a Non-IFRS Measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for more information
2 Refers to LHM’s operational results on a 100% basis
3 Cost of Production is a Non-IFRS Measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for more information
4 The percentage movement is not meaningful due to nil balance in the prior period
5 Excludes shareholder loans from CNNC Overseas Limited (CNOL) and capitalised transaction costs
6 Net Cash/(Debt) is a Non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for more information

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/nz-au-december-2025-half-year-financial-results-overview/

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VinFast VF 8: The ‘Just In Case’ Electric SUV for Modern Families

Source: Media Outreach

Built for growing families and unpredictable schedules, the VinFast VF 8 combines spaciousness, towing capacity, advanced safety features, and long-term warranty coverage in an electric SUV that handles daily routines and unexpected detours alike.

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – In the Middle East, families rarely plan only for what is certain. A typical week can shift quickly from school runs and office commutes to last minute road trips, extended family visits, or a spontaneous decision to tow something sizeable across town.

The VinFast VF 8 is positioned as a “just in case” SUV, engineered to address these varied and dynamic demands.

Firstly, the VF 8’s 2,950 mm wheelbase provides ample rear legroom, not the kind that appears generous only in images. The cabin accommodates child seats, growing teenagers, or visiting relatives without compromise. When additional cargo space is needed, the 60:40 split folding rear seats allow the space to adapt quickly.

In terms of capability, the VF 8 can tow up to 1,800 kg when properly equipped. For families with boats, trailers, or desert camping equipment, that figure translates into practical reassurance that the man of the house will not have to decide which items stay behind. The vehicle demonstrates that electric powertrains do not inherently limit utility.

On open highways between cities, the VF 8 delivers composed and confident performance. Plus variant, equipped with all-wheel drive, produces up to 402 horsepower and provides smooth, immediate acceleration for overtaking. The Eco version offers up to 493 km of range under NEDC standards, sufficient for most daily routines and many intercity drives without constant planning around charging stops.

Comfort, particularly in the Middle Eastern climate, is essential. The VF 8’s dual zone automatic climate control system, with integrated air quality management, ensures that cooling is evenly distributed and adjustable to different preferences.

For safety, the VF 8 comes equipped with 11 airbags and a comprehensive Level 2 driver assistance suite that includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist. These technologies support the driver during heavy traffic or long highway stretches, reducing fatigue and providing added reassurance for parents.

Ownership confidence is a significant advantage of the VF 8. VinFast addresses reliability concerns with a 10-year/200,000-km vehicle warranty and a 10-year unlimited kilometer battery warranty. The vehicle also includes 5 years or 100,000 km of free service, whichever comes first. For families considering their first electric vehicle, these commitments shift the conversation from hesitation to practicality.

The VinFast VF 8 does not attempt to reinvent family SUV expectations. Instead, it focuses on enhancing daily usability while remaining prepared for unexpected needs. It is a “Just In Case” vehicle, handling routines, road trips, and everything that arrives unannounced.

https://me.vinfast.com/en

Hashtag: #VinFast #V8

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/vinfast-vf-8-the-just-in-case-electric-suv-for-modern-families/

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December 2025 Half Year Financial Results Overview

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN, TSX:PDN, OTCQX:PALAF) (“Paladin” or the “Company”) advises that it has released its December 2025 Half Year Financial Accounts and Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for Paladin Energy Ltd and its controlled entities for the three and six month periods ended 31 December 2025 (“FY2026 Interim Financial Results”).

Half Year Highlights

  • Revenue of US$138.3M driven by strong sales of 1.96Mlb U₃O₈ at an average realised price of US$70.5/lb U₃O₈1, reflecting the quality of the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) contract book and strengthening uranium pricing environment
  • Cost of sales totalled US$112.3M in the period, reflecting the continued ramp up of production at LHM
  • Gross profit of US$26.0M for the period, a significant increase from previous period
  • Net loss after tax of US$6.6M driven by the ongoing production ramp-up at LHM, business expansion following the Fission Uranium Corp (now Paladin Canada Inc.) acquisition and TSX listing and financing activities
  • Successful completion of a fully underwritten A$300M equity raising and a A$100M share purchase plan (SPP), primarily to advance the development of the Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project towards a final investment decision alongside the ongoing ramp up of the LHM
  • Enhanced balance sheet following completion of the equity offering, and the restructure of the syndicated debt facility with cash and investments of US$278.4M and an undrawn US$70M Revolving Credit Facility at year end

“The first half of the year demonstrated strong and continually improving performance at Langer Heinrich Mine as our team increased its knowledge and experience of how to optimise the production process, including the mining activities that were gathering pace at the start of this financial year. With the remaining mining fleet arriving on site, the foundations are now in place to successfully complete our ramp-up at Langer Heinrich Mine during the remaining months of the year.

The half year results also highlight the robust financial position of Paladin Energy with increasing revenue from strong sales augmented by a successful equity raising and a restructure of the debt portfolio that will enable us to complete our ramp-up activities at the LHM and continue to progress the PLS Project in Canada, including our winter drilling program.”

Paul Hemburrow
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Financial Performance

Key Operational and Financial Metrics Units Six Months Ended
31 December 2025		  
OPERATIONS2    
U₃O₈ Sold Mlb 1.96  
Average Realised Price1 US$/lb 70.5  
Cost of Production3 US$/lb 40.5  
EARNINGS    
Sales Revenue US$M 138.3  
Cost of Sales US$M 112.3  
Gross Profit US$M 26.0  
Loss After Tax US$M (6.6)  

LHM sold 1.96Mlb of U₃O₈ at an average realised price of US$70.5/lb, generating sales revenue of US$138.3M. Cost of sales totalled US$112.3M, reflecting the continued ramp up of production, with a higher proportion of mined ore fed into the plant resulting in higher production and sales volumes.

This resulted in an increased gross profit for the period of US$26.0M (H1FY2025: US$0.9M).

Net loss after tax of US$6.6M (H1FY2025:US$15.1M) was driven by the ongoing production ramp-up at LHM, business expansion following the Fission Uranium Corp (now Paladin Canada Inc.) acquisition, TSX listing and financing activities.

Financial Position

    31 December 2025 30 June 2025 Change
%
Cash and cash equivalents US$M 121.0   89.0   36%  
Short-term investments US$M 157.4   –   n.m4  
Total unrestricted cash and investments US$M 278.4   89.0   213%  
Debt Facility (Drawn)5 US$M (40.0)   (86.5)   54%  
Net Cash/(Debt)6 US$M 238.4   2.5   9,260%  
Total Equity US$M 1,051.9   801.6   31%  

Total unrestricted cash and investments increased by 213% during the period to US$278.4M (30 June 2025: US$89.0M), following the successful completion of a fully underwritten A$300M equity offering and a A$100M share purchase plan (SPP) (both before transaction costs).

On 19 December 2025, Paladin completed the restructure of its Debt Facility with its lenders, Nedbank Ltd (acting through its Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking division), Nedbank Namibia Ltd and Macquarie Bank.

The restructure aimed to right-size the overall debt capacity, reducing it from US$150M to US$110M leveraging Paladin’s enhanced liquidity position following the successful completion of the equity raise and SPP. The restructure also reflects Paladin’s increasing maturity as a uranium producer as it continues to progress the ramp up at LHM, while providing greater undrawn debt capacity and balance sheet flexibility.

The restructure provides Paladin with a US$110M Debt Facility including a US$40M Term Loan Facility (following a repayment of US$39.8M as part of the restructure) and an undrawn Revolving Credit Facility of US$70M (US$50M prior to the restructure). No additional debt was drawn during the period.

Presentation of information
This announcement should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Interim Financial Report lodged on 11 February 2026 and available on Paladin’s website (https://www.paladinenergy.com.au/investors/asx-announcements/). The Condensed Interim Financial Report relates to the six month period ended 31 December 2025. This Condensed Interim Financial Report also includes information relating specifically to the three month period ended 31 December 2025, which has been included in this Condensed Interim Financial Report to comply with quarterly reporting disclosure requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Further information regarding the inclusion of the 31 December 2025 quarterly information is included in Note 1 to the Condensed Interim Financial Report.

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Paladin Energy Ltd.

Contacts

About Paladin

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN TSX: PDN OTCQX:PALAF) is a globally significant independent uranium producer with a 75% ownership of the world-class long life Langer Heinrich Mine located in Namibia. In late 2024 the Company acquired Fission Uranium Corp. in Canada, resulting in a dual-listing on the both the ASX and TSX. With the integration of Fission’s operations, the Company now owns and operates an extensive portfolio of uranium development and exploration assets across Canada, which include the Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Saskatchewan and the Michelin project in Newfoundland and Labrador. Paladin also owns uranium exploration assets in Australia. Paladin is committed to a sustainability framework that ensures responsible, accountable and transparent management of the uranium resources the Company mines – both now and in the future. Through its Langer Heinrich Mine, Paladin is delivering a reliable uranium supply to major nuclear utilities around the world, positioning itself as a meaningful contributor to baseload energy provision in multiple countries and contributing to global decarbonisation.

Forward-looking statements

This document contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Australian securities laws and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to in this document as forward-looking statements). All statements in this document, other than statements of historical or present facts, are forward-looking statements and generally may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “likely”, “propose”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, “could”, “may”, “believe”, “forecast”, “estimate”, “target”, “outlook”, “guidance” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding continued development of the PLS Project; permitting approvals and community engagement; advancement of the PLS Project through to FID; development and ramp-up of operations at the LHM; LHM guidance for FY2026; the equity offering; debt and related restructurings and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

Forward-looking statements involve subjective judgment and analysis and are subject to significant uncertainties, risks and contingencies including those risk factors associated with the mining industry, many of which are outside the control of, change without notice, and may be unknown to Paladin. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to liabilities inherent in mine development and production, geological, mining and processing technical problems, the inability to obtain any additional mine licences, permits and other regulatory approvals required in connection with mining and third party processing operations, Indigenous Peoples’ engagement, competition for amongst other things, capital, acquisition of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel, incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions, changes in commodity prices and exchange rates, currency and interest fluctuations, various events which could disrupt operations and/or the transportation of mineral products, including labour stoppages and severe weather conditions, the demand for and availability of transportation services, the ability to secure adequate financing and management’s ability to anticipate and manage the foregoing factors and risks. Readers are also referred to the risks and uncertainties referred to in the Company’s “2025 Annual Report” released on 28 August 2025, in Paladin’s Annual Information Form for the year ended June 30, 2025 released on 12 September 2025, and in Paladin’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, released on 11 February 2026, each of which is available to view at paladinenergy.com.au and on www.sedarplus.ca.

Although as at the date of this document, Paladin believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements due to a range of factors including (without limitation) fluctuations in commodity prices and exchange rates, exploitation and exploration successes, environmental, permitting and development issues, political risks including the impact of political instability on economic activity and uranium supply and demand, Indigenous Peoples engagement, climate risk, operating hazards, natural disasters, severe storms and other adverse weather conditions, shortages of skilled labour and construction materials, equipment and supplies, regulatory concerns, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions and risk factors associated with the uranium industry generally. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate.

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and should rely on their own independent enquiries, investigations and advice regarding information contained in this document. Any reliance by a reader on the information contained in this document is wholly at the reader’s own risk. Recipients are cautioned against placing undue reliance on such projections without conducting their own due diligence with appropriate professional support. The forward-looking statements in this document relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made. Paladin does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No representation, warranty, guarantee or assurance (express or implied) is made, or will be made, that any forward-looking statements will be achieved or will prove to be correct. Except for statutory liability which cannot be excluded, Paladin, its officers, employees and advisers expressly disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the material contained in this document and exclude all liability whatsoever (including negligence) for any loss or damage which may be suffered by any person as a consequence of any information in this document or any error or omission therefrom. Except as required by law or regulation, Paladin accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in this document or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information. Nothing in this document will, under any circumstances, create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Paladin since the date of this document. To the extent any forward-looking statement in this document constitutes “future-oriented financial information” or “financial outlooks” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, such information is provided to demonstrate Paladin’s internal projections and to help readers understand Paladin’s expected financial results. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and readers should not place undue reliance on such information. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking statements generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions, and subject to the risks and uncertainties, described above.

Non-IFRS measures
Paladin uses certain financial measures that are considered “non-IFRS financial information” within the meaning of Australian securities laws and/or “non-GAAP financial measures” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to in this announcement as Non-IFRS Measures) to supplement analysis of its financial and operating performance. These Non-IFRS Measures do not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

The Company believes these measures provide additional insight into its financial results and operational performance and are useful to investors, securities analysts, and other interested parties in understanding and evaluating the Company’s historical and future operating performance. However, they should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for information prepared in accordance with IFRS. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any Non-IFRS Measures. The Non-IFRS Measures used in this announcement are described below.

Average Realised Price
Average Realised Price (US$/lb U3O8) is a Non-IFRS Measure that represents the average revenue received per pound of uranium sold during a given period. It is calculated by dividing total revenue from U₃O₈ sales (before royalties and after any applicable discounts) by the total volume of U₃O₈ pounds sold. This measure provides insight into the actual pricing achieved under the Company’s uranium sales contracts and spot sales during the reporting period, taking into account the mix of base-escalated, fixed-price and market-related pricing mechanisms within contracts. The Company uses Average Realised Price to assess revenue performance relative to market prices, contractual pricing structures, and production costs. It is also a key measure used by investors and analysts to evaluate price exposure, contract performance, and profitability potential.

It is important to note that Average Realised Price is distinct from both the spot market price and the term market price for uranium, and it may vary significantly from quarter to quarter based on timing of deliveries, customer contract structures, and the prevailing market environment.

Revenue from uranium sales is reported in the Company’s financial statements under IFRS. The Average Realised Price is derived directly from IFRS revenue figures and disclosed sales volumes.

The table below reconciles the Average Realised Price for the quarters ended 31 December 2025 and 31 December 2024:

    Three Months
Ended
31 December
2025		 Six Months
Ended
31 December
2025		 Three Months
Ended
31 December
2024		 Six Months
Ended
31 December
2024
Sales revenue US$M 102.4 138.3 33.5 77.3
U3O8 Sold lb 1,426,820 1,960,6091 500,1432 1,123,2072
Average Realised Price US$/lb 71.8 70.5 66.9 68.8

1.   Includes 85,000lb loan material delivered into existing contracts
2.   Includes 200,000lb loan material delivered into existing contracts

Cost of Production 
The Cost of Production per pound represents the total production costs divided by pounds of U₃O₈ produced. The Cost of Production is calculated as the total direct production expenditures incurred during the period (including mining, stockpile rehandling, processing, site maintenance, and mine-level administrative costs), excluding costs such as cost of ore stockpiled, deferred stripping costs, depreciation and amortisation, general and administration costs, royalties, exploration expenses, sustaining capital and the impacts of any inventory impairments or impairment reversals. This measure helps users assess Paladin’s operating efficiency.

Cost of Production per lb = Cost of Production ÷ U₃O₈ Pounds Produced.

Cost of Production is a unit cost measure that indicates the average production cost per pound of U₃O₈ produced. This is not an IFRS measure but is widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark of operational efficiency and cost competitiveness. Paladin’s Cost of Production metric is calculated as the total direct production expenditures as defined above (in US dollars) incurred during the period, divided by the volume of U₃O₈ pounds produced in the same period. The Company uses Cost of Production per pound to track progress of operational performance, to assess profitability at various uranium price points, and to identify trends in operating costs. It is also a key metric for investors and analysts to evaluate how efficiently the Company is producing uranium, independent of depreciation and accounting adjustments.

This measure allows stakeholders to monitor trends in direct production costs and to assess the Company’s operating breakeven threshold relative to uranium market prices. Investors are cautioned that our Cost of Production metric may not be comparable with similarly titled “C1 cash cost” metrics of other uranium producers, as there can be differences in methodology (e.g., treatment of royalties or certain site costs). Paladin’s Cost of Production figure as defined above, focuses strictly on the on-site cost to produce uranium concentrate in the current period. All figures are in US$/lb U₃O₈. We provide this information in good faith to enhance understanding of our operations; however, the IFRS financial statements (particularly the Cost of Sales line in the income statement) should be considered alongside this metric for a complete picture of our cost structure.

The table below reconciles the Cost of Production for the for the quarters ended 31 December 2025 and 30 December 2024:

    Three Months
Ended
31 December
2025		 Six Months
Ended
31 December
2025		 Three Months
Ended
31 December
2024		 Six Months
Ended
31 December
2024
Cost of Production US$M 48.9 93.2 26.9 53.7
U3O8 produced lb 1,233,128 2,299,624 638,409 1,278,088
Cost of Production/lb US$/lb 39.7 40.5 42.3 42.1


Net Cash/(Debt)
Net Cash/(Debt) is a non-IFRS liquidity measure that represents the surplus of cash and cash equivalents over total interest-bearing debt. It is calculated by subtracting gross debt (including face value and accrued interest on borrowings) from unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. The Company uses Net Cash/(Debt) as an indicator of the Company’s net liquidity position at a point in time, providing a simple measure of financial flexibility after accounting for existing debt obligations. This measure is useful to investors and analysts because it isolates the Company’s net cash or net debt balance, enabling better assessment of balance sheet strength and funding capacity, particularly as it relates to capital allocation decisions and ability to finance operations and growth.

Net Cash/(Debt) is distinct from individual IFRS line items as it combines and offsets gross financial liabilities and cash balances into a single figure. As such, it is classified as a non-IFRS measure.

The table below reconciles the Net Cash/(Debt) at the end of the quarters ended 31 December 2025 and 30 June 2025:

US$M As at 31 December 2025   As at 30 June 2025  
Cash and Investments 278.4   89.0  
Borrowings – syndicated debt facility (40.0)   (86.5)  
Net Cash/(Debt) 238.4   2.5  


_______________________________________
1 Average Realised Price is a Non-IFRS Measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for more information
2 Refers to LHM’s operational results on a 100% basis
3 Cost of Production is a Non-IFRS Measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for more information
4 The percentage movement is not meaningful due to nil balance in the prior period
5 Excludes shareholder loans from CNNC Overseas Limited (CNOL) and capitalised transaction costs
6 Net Cash/(Debt) is a Non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for more information

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://feedcreatorngin2.fifthestate.nz/2026/02/12/december-2025-half-year-financial-results-overview/

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Exploring AI to support breast screening services

Source: New Zealand Government

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being explored as a way to support breast screening services and improve early detection for women across New Zealand, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“AI is providing new opportunities to strengthen our healthcare system and deliver smarter, more responsive care for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

“As part of this, Health New Zealand is inviting organisations with experience in AI image reading to outline how the technology could be safely and effectively used within BreastScreen Aotearoa.

“This exploratory step is about understanding how best to ensure New Zealand women continue to have access to quality, future focused breast screening services.”

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in New Zealand. Around 3400 women are diagnosed each year, and approximately 270,000 women aged 45 to 69 are screened annually through BreastScreen Aotearoa. 

“As demand grows, we need to look at smarter ways to support our workforce and deliver faster, more reliable screening.”

This is the first step in a validation process to understand how AI tools could support radiologists, reduce workload pressures, and improve patient outcomes, while maintaining strong clinical oversight and safety standards.

“This work is focused on future-proofing breast screening so services remain accessible, patient-centred, and responsive to the needs of women.

“AI is already being used internationally to assist with medical imaging. Exploring how it could complement the work of radiologists in New Zealand is an important step toward strengthening early detection and ensuring the long-term sustainability of screening services.”

Health New Zealand will draw on advice from the health technology sector, engage with the breast screening workforce, and assess international examples of AI use in medical imaging.

The work builds on recent improvements to BreastScreen Aotearoa, including extending the screening age range to 74 and transitioning to a population based digital register.

“At the heart of this work is one simple goal: enabling more women to access timely screening and giving them the best possible chance of early detection,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/exploring-ai-to-support-breast-screening-services/

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Gen Z, Millennials turn hawking their wares into a side hustle

Source: Radio New Zealand

Clothing is among the most popular things to sell. Rawpixel Ltd

The rising cost of living is seeing New Zealanders increasingly choosing to buy and sell goods in the secondhand marketplace.

According to TradeMe’s latest report on the circular economy which surveyed 4000 people, 64 percent cite financial pressure as the reason for looking to buy and sell pre-loved items more often, up 4 percent on last year.

Younger generations are leading the trend, with 83 percent of those aged 24 to 39 having offloaded items in the last six months.

“The younger generations are the real power players in this space,” says Lisa Stewart, TradeMe head of marketplace.

“Many in that generation are not just selling their unwanted goods, but they’re looking at them as a side hustle and proactively hunting out things that they could upcycle to make some extra profit.”

Concern for the impact on the environment of buying new and a desire to recycle was also a big factor in younger people’s choice to buy and sell secondhand.

Time to clean out the garage?

The report suggests 75 percent of people have unused, unwanted items in their homes they could sell, which adds up to 76 million items ready for a new home.

Stewart said on average, each person has 19 items to sell, with an estimated value of $1300 per person. And when it comes to decluttering, clothing and home and living are the most popular items to sell.

“In terms of the things that are flying off our digital shelves, we’re seeing lots of demand for outdoor furniture this time of year, and also for fashion brands like Kowtow or Lululemon,” Stewart said.

“For many households, $1300 isn’t a small amount, it’s a flight to see family, a significant buffer against rising bills, or a kickstart for a savings goal.”

The report also points to conservative spending behaviour, with 56 percent saying the cost of living has directly led them to extend the life of their household goods through upcycling, repurposing, or restoring them.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/gen-z-millennials-turn-hawking-their-wares-into-a-side-hustle/

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ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for February 12, 2026

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on February 12, 2026.

Yes, men have a biological clock too. But it’s not just age that affects male fertility
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Theresa Larkin, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong joyce huis/Unsplash When we talk about a biological clock ticking, it usually means the pressure women feel to fall pregnant before a certain age. It’s linked to the decline in eggs (ova) and fertility as females age.

That e-bike you bought your teen might be an illegal electric motorbike – and the risks are real
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dorina Pojani, Associate Professor in Urban Planning, The University of Queensland A “health emergency”. A “total menace”. “Take them away and crush them”. E-bikes are in the news for all the wrong reasons. A spate of deaths and injuries linked to e-bike crashes have led to widespread

Italy hosted the Winter Olympics 70 years ago. What was it like, and what’s changed?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Baka, Honorary Professor, School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Canada; Adjunct Fellow, Olympic Scholar and Co-Director of the Olympic and Paralympic Research Centre, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University Italian skier Bruno Burrini at the 1956 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina. Getty Images The

Italy hosted the Winter Olympics 70 years ago. What was it like, and what’s changed?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Baka, Honorary Professor, School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Canada; Adjunct Fellow, Olympic Scholar and Co-Director of the Olympic and Paralympic Research Centre, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University Italian skier Bruno Burrini at the 1956 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina. Getty Images The

Why do I get ‘butterflies in my stomach’?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Loughman, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, The University of Melbourne Alfonso Scarpa/Unsplash “Butterflies in the stomach” is that fluttery, nervous feeling you might have before a job interview, giving a speech or at the start of a romance. It’s a cute description for one part of the

Why do I get ‘butterflies in my stomach’?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Loughman, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, The University of Melbourne Alfonso Scarpa/Unsplash “Butterflies in the stomach” is that fluttery, nervous feeling you might have before a job interview, giving a speech or at the start of a romance. It’s a cute description for one part of the

For $40, you can name a star for your Valentine. But it won’t mean much
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Nicole Driessen, Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio Astronomy, University of Sydney With Valentine’s Day around the corner, romance is in the air. And what could be more romantic than a picnic under the stars, pointing up to the night sky, and gazing at a star you’ve named

4 lessons NZ should take from another summer of weather disasters
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Iain White, Professor of Environmental Planning, University of Waikato DJ Mills/ AFP/Getty Images Another summer of extreme weather has destroyed and damaged homes, cut off communities and, in the most tragic cases, left families mourning their loved ones. It reminds us that New Zealand is one of

How Indigenous ideas about non-linear time can help us navigate ecological crises
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philip McKibbin, PhD Candidate, Sydney Environment Institute, University of Sydney Noel Nesme/Pexels, CC BY It is common to think of time as moving in only one direction – from point A, through point B, to point C. However, many Indigenous peoples – including Māori, the Indigenous people

How bird poo fuelled the rise of Peru’s powerful Chincha Kingdom
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jo Osborn, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Texas A&M University Islands off the coast of Peru are home to millions of seabirds. Their droppings were an important fertiliser for Indigenous people in the Andes. Jo Osborn In 1532, in the city of Cajamarca, Peru, Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro

Will Ozempic-style patches help me lose weight? Two experts explain
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University Kate Wieser/Getty Could a simple patch, inspired by the weight-loss drug Ozempic, really help you shed excess kilos without the pain and effort of an injection? Promotions of these Ozempic-style, weight-loss patches are popping up online, promising dramatic

Deep-sea fish larvae rewrite the rules of how eyes can be built
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fabio Cortesi, ARC Future Fellow, Faculty of Science, The University of Queensland A _Maurolicus muelleri_ viewed under fluorescent light. Dr Wen Sung Chung The deep sea is cold, dark and under immense pressure. Yet life has found a way to prevail there, in the form of some

Natural hydrogen can make decarbonising industry cheaper – NZ’s turbulent geology could give it an edge
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Wright, Professor in Marine Geology, University of Canterbury Hydrogen is seeping from the seabed in Poison Bay in Fiordland. Department of Conservation, CC BY-NC-ND Hydrogen is emerging as a critical part of the low-carbon transition for industries where electrification is not a straightforward solution. This includes

Why Australia’s trade deal with Europe hinges on a forgotten promise – and a handshake
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nathan Howard Gray, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for International Trade, Adelaide University Pixabay, Canva, The Conversation, CC BY-NC Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell is in Brussels this week, trying to close a trade deal that has been nearly a decade in the making. The EU–Australia Free Trade

Who is Angus Taylor and could he cut it as opposition leader?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Angus Taylor has all the on-paper qualifications to be opposition leader. But there are big questions over how well he could do the job, when a miracle worker is needed to lift the struggling Liberal Party from its existential crisis.

Southern right whales are having babies less often, but why?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Charlton, Leader of Australian Right Whale Research Program, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Ivan Stecko/Pexels, CC BY-SA For decades, southern right whales have been celebrated as one of conservation’s success stories. Once driven to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling, southern right whales

View from The Hill: Angus Taylor quits frontbench, declaring Sussan Ley can’t lead Liberal Party ‘as it needs to be led’
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Leadership aspirant Angus Taylor resigned from the shadow cabinet on Wednesday night, but when the Liberal Party will vote on the leadership remained up in the air. After a day of high tension in the party, Taylor went to Ley’s

NSW Premier Minns’ police attack Muslims in prayer, peaceful Gaza protesters
By Pip Hinman in Gadigal Country/Sydney NSW Premier Chris Minns is sounding even more defensive after videos of NSW police violence towards peaceful protesters in Australia went viral — including attacks on Muslims praying in Sydney’s Town Hall Square after the rally on Monday. His “primary concern”, he told ABC TV, was to prevent the

US designates two Micronesian leaders over corruption allegations
RNZ Pacific The United States has designated two high-profile public office holders from Palau and the Marshall Islands for “significant corruption”, the US Department of State says. Palau’s Senate president Hokkons Baules has been designated “for his involvement in significant corruption on behalf of China-based actors,” while the former mayor of the Kili/Bikini/Ejit community in

‘New Zealanders are inventive by necessity’: how the master clown Philippe Gaulier shaped NZ theatre
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Joyce Banks, Lecturer in Creative Industries, University of the Sunshine Coast Brig Bee/A Slightly Isolated Dog Master clown and French theatre guru Philippe Gaulier has passed away aged 82, but his influence will live on around the world – particularly in Aotearoa New Zealand. The performance

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/12/er-report-a-roundup-of-significant-articles-on-eveningreport-nz-for-february-12-2026/

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Analysis Reveals Three Major Coverage Misunderstanding for Hong Kong Travelers

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – As Hong Kong’s outbound travel market surges, so do the headaches involving insurance claims. A recent deep dive by 10Life, the independent insurance comparison platform, shows a growing rift between what travelers think they bought and what their policies actually cover. Their data suggests that large proportion of disputes are born from simple misunderstandings, with the most significant risks lurking in cruise packages, road trips, and complex cancellation clauses.

Cruises and Road Trips: The Newest Coverage Blind Spots

Many travelers assume a standard policy for Japan or Southeast Asia is a “catch-all,” but 10Life experts warn that cruises and multi-leg journeys often fall through the cracks. A surge in rejected claims has been linked to travelers failing to add specific “Cruise Cover” to their plans. Without this specific add-on, high-cost risks like onboard medical treatment or sudden itinerary shifts are frequently excluded.

The story is similar for self-drive travellers. While most people now know to check for “snow driving” exclusions, a major point of confusion remains the difference between a ruined experience perceived loss and an actual monetary loss. For instance, if bad weather prevents you from visiting a famous hot spring, insurers view this as a non-monetary “loss of experience” and won’t pay out. However, if that same weather forces you to book an extra night at a hotel, those specific accommodation costs may be covered (subject to the policy specificity).

The Depreciation Sting: Why Your Lost Gear Isn’t Fully Covered

Losing personal property is a common travel nightmare, yet the relevant insurance policy terms are also frequently misunderstood. 10Life study showed that most policies compensate based on an item’s depreciated value rather than its original price tag. When you factor in strict sub-limits for high-value tech like iPhones or camera with depreciation, the payout is often much lower than expected.

Documentation remains the biggest hurdle for successful payouts. Many claims are dead on arrival because the travellers failed to secure a police report. Furthermore, travelers are often surprised to find that baggage delay coverage typically only applies to the outbound journey. If your suitcase is damaged, most insurers also insist you squeeze the airline for compensation first, only stepping in to cover the “shortfall” that the airline refuses to pay.

The Fine Print Behind “Cancel for Any Reason”

In a post-pandemic world, everyone wants the flexibility to cancel, but the terms “Trip Cancellation” and “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) are often misunderstood. Traditional plans only trigger for “listed events” like severe illness or natural disasters.

Even specialised CFAR policies come with heavy strings attached. These plans usually require you to buy the insurance within a tight window—such as 7 days—of making your first trip deposit. Crucially, they rarely offer a 100% refund, usually only returning a fixed percentage of your prepaid costs.

Clarity Over Cost: The New Standard for HK Travelers

The tide is turning in how Hong Kongers shop for protection. 10Life’s data shows that over half of their users are now looking past the cheapest premiums to compare medical limits, property caps, and cancellation fine print. It is a clear sign that travelers are becoming more sophisticated and demand transparency over marketing fluff. 10Life concludes that for the market to grow healthily, insurers need to place greater emphasis on policy clarity and transparency in claims processes, especially regarding newer product features like CFAR coverage.

Hashtag: #TravelInsurance #Insurance #10Life

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/analysis-reveals-three-major-coverage-misunderstanding-for-hong-kong-travelers/

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Burglar caught by victim in their own web

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Acting Superintendent Ash Tabb, Christchurch Metro Acting Area Commander:

A quick-thinking member of the public led Police to a burglar after spotting their own stolen tools on Facebook marketplace.

They arranged to meet the seller and viewed the tools which were reported stolen in January. After seeing the engravement they made, the victim knew the tools were theirs. As they left, they snapped a picture of the offender to pass onto Police. 

Police executed a search warrant on the property and located the tools, returning them to the victim. A further three bags and crate of tools were seized for officers to evaluate whether they were stolen.

A firearm was also located and seized from the roof space.

A 33-year-old man will appear in the Christchurch District Court tomorrow on a range of charges including receiving stolen property, unlawfully possessing a firearm, and drugs charges.

Police will continue to investigate to determine whether the seized items have been reported stolen.

To prevent theft and help to recover tools:

  • Store your tools securely in a locked cupboard, out of sight.
  • Engrave the tools to help identify them during recovery.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/burglar-caught-by-victim-in-their-own-web/