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The new Dunedin Hospital build site. RNZ/Tess Brunton

The approved budget for the new Dunedin Hospital (NDH) is just over $2 billion, though the government continues to use a figure $174 million less than that.

The newly revealed budget is $2.05b, while the government as recently as Wednesday said it was $1.88b.

The difference was revealed in a report released by Treasury this week. Treasury then pulled the report to check if it had revealed commercially sensitive information. It had not, and it was republished on Friday.

The report gave the ‘approved budget’ at Dunedin as $1.614b for the inpatients block and $440m for outpatients – $2.054b altogether.

This was based on Health NZ data given to Treasury for the latest quarterly investment report (QIR) covering June-September 2025, that it has released.

The QIR also said fragmented oversight and “limited visibility” threatened to undermine the project.

A spokesperson for Health Minister Simeon Brown said the project had an “approved total budget” of $1.88b.

The higher “approved budget” included a contingency for cost overruns, and an option to fully fit out a floor (that might otherwise be empty) that the lower figure does not, Treasury told RNZ.

Such details were “not routinely published”, it said.

But it did publish them, on Tuesday in the QIR. Realising this, Treasury called RNZ midweek asking it to hold off reporting the $2.054b figure. RNZ agreed.

“It was brought to our attention that commercially sensitive information may have been released as part of the QIR documents,” it said.

“In such cases, Treasury’s practice is to remove the document in question from the website while we investigate and ascertain whether the information is commercially sensitive before re-publishing.”

It was not. Treasury republished the QIR on Friday but told RNZ it expected to blank out three other small parts after it turned out these might be commercially sensitive.

“The government has previously announced a cost of $1.88b that related to the NDH Inpatients and Outpatients Building,” it told RNZ on Thursday evening.

“Health NZ has informed us the additional cost of $174m was not included in the $1.88b announcement as it related to costs for project level contingency and preserving future optionality.”

Asked for comment about the difference on Thursday, Brown said only that “the government is committed to delivering the New Dunedin Hospital” and referred RNZ to Treasury’s statement.

The hospital project was bedevilled early on by bad oversight, official reviews showed. The government cut it back in 2026 to hit the newly imposed $1.88b target, sparking public protests, warning otherwise it might escalate to $3b.

Protesters say the lower South Island will pay for any cuts made to the new Dunedin Hospital. RNZ / Tess Brunton

But by September 2025 the project was still fraught, according to the Treasury QIR based on data from Health NZ.

“New Dunedin Hospital (Inpatient Building) has reported an 18-month delay,” the report said.

“The Treasury and the Investment Panel share concerns that the fragmented governance of the whole NDH programme and limited visibility of the NDH Inpatients project has the potential to undermine effective oversight and implementation of the investment.”

It recommended Brown get it looked into. The report gave a December 2029 end date for the inpatients build, but last September Brown said “practical completion” would be in 2030 and it would actually open to patients in 2031.

Brown’s spokesperson told RNZ he had a review done last August of inpatients by an independent panel appointed by Treasury.

“The review made seven recommendations to strengthen delivery, and those recommendations have been accepted and are being actioned.”

RNZ has asked for a copy of the review.

Brown’s office said the government had appointed a Crown manager to “strengthen governance and ensure clear accountability for delivery” and Health NZ reported back regularly to the minister.

The government was focused on delivering the project whereas Labour only announced it, “without a credible delivery plan”.

Professor Robin Gauld, a close observer of the build who has an honorary role at the University of Otago, said, “It’s an unfortunate of affairs and no surprise that Treasury now has this on their radar, with a number of significant risks and high likelihood of a budget blowout.

“It could be comparatively straightforward if our politicians would understand that the public expects them to work together across administrations on multi-year projects such as this.

“Our lot unfortunately just don’t get it. They would rather see hundreds of millions of dollars wasted while blame-shifting.”

Gauld said the country was missing a long-range hospital planning unit like Singapore had, and also missing a joint oversight framework like in Finland that joined key politicians with project managers and construction companies.

The QIR showed for the September 2025 quarter the inpatients project spent only about a third of what had been forecast it would spend in those three months, and had so far spent just 1 percent in total of its $1.6b budget. The further-advanced outpatients, due to open later this year, spent 62 percent of forecast in the quarter.

Brown’s office said the digital programme for outpatients was “on track” while the digital infrastructure phase for inpatients was being prepared for joint ministerial approval.

Simeon Brown. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The QIR also put the Nelson Hospital redevelopment project two in the category “successful delivery in doubt”.

Last month Health NZ shrugged off ‘red’ warning alerts on the Nelson and Dunedin projects contained in the QIR for the previous April-June 2025 quarter.

In Auckland, the Specialised Rehabilitation Centre at Manukau Health Park was way overdue, the QIR said.

Brown’s spokesperson said this project was progressing, with a tender seeking information input completed and a tender for actual proposals to build it coming up.

“Labour announced this project without a clear plan to deliver it, much like the Middlemore Hospital recladding project which was announced in 2018 but never started.

“This government got that project underway last year and we are taking the same approach to ensuring the Manukau rehabilitation centre is delivered.”

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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/2026/03/06/new-dunedin-hospitals-approved-budget-higher-than-government-claimed/

March 6, 2026

The Strategic Importance of Latin America

Source: New Zealand Government

[Speech to the New Zealand Innovation Showcase, Brasilia, Brazil, 5 March 2026]

Executive Secretary and Deputy Minister Elias, excellencies, distinguished guests, tēnā koutou katoa, boa noite, good evening.

We want to acknowledge the senior New Zealand bipartisan political delegation joining this mission:

Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Hon Nicole McKee, Minister for Courts
Hon Damien O’Connor, Opposition Spokesperson for Trade
Mr Tim van de Molen, Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee

We are also joined by a wide range of New Zealand companies active in Brazil. Some of their senior representatives have travelled with us from New Zealand, others are based here in Brazil, and a few have come from other parts of Latin America. They bring innovative solutions to essential sectors in Brazil – solutions for infrastructure, energy and resources, healthcare, defence, and agriculture.

All of these companies share a common thread: New Zealand’s reputation for innovation, practical solutions, and world-class quality.

It therefore is a great pleasure to formally open this New Zealand Innovation Showcase.

It’s wonderful to be back in Brazil. New Zealanders have long admired your country. For us, way down at the bottom of the Southwest pacific, just north of the penguins, Brazil has always grabbed our imagination. The mighty Amazon, the world’s lungs, its great river, and within its vast canopy, the greatest biodiversity anywhere on the planet. We admire the vibrant rhythm and flair of your people, and, of course, the magnificent history of your football team.

The first New Zealand football team to qualify for the World Cup was in 1982, after our team survived 15 gruelling matches just to qualify for the world’s premier sporting event. When the draw came out, with Brazil in our group, we all wondered how our team could hope to compete against a Brazilian side containing brilliant, world class players like Éder, Falcao, Júnior, Sócrates and Zico.

Well, you were very respectful of New Zealand that day, only scoring four goals against us, for which we remain grateful. Such was the euphoria New Zealanders felt to be even on the same pitch as your team, our capital’s then leading newspaper declared after the big loss that ‘Four years ago it would’ve been 20-0!’

In 1982 you were the best team at the tournament, but you didn’t win. New Zealanders understood your pain 13 years later, when a great All Blacks rugby team, the best performer at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, faltered at the final hurdle. That day we understood how Brazilians felt in 1982.

It was also an honour to meet Pelé in 2006, at FIFA’s invitation for that year’s World Cup Final in Berlin. Pelé came to define Brazilian football with his sublime skill, the freedom and excitement with which he played, his resilience and determination during his long career, and the way he carried himself on the pitch with a grace that only the most gifted can reach.

We would now like to turn attention to another important topic for all of us here: New Zealand’s relations with Latin America.

Though a vast ocean, and the imposing Andes, separate New Zealand from Brazil, we share important values – a commitment to democracy, the international rule of law, multilateralism, and a vision to create, however imperfectly, a future that sustains and nourishes our children and their children’s material needs, and whose environment and climate is tended to with a serious duty of care. Brazil’s demonstrated this duty of care during its recent impressive hosting of COP 30.

Twenty twenty-six marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the New Zealand Embassy here in Brasilia, and the 62nd anniversary of our diplomatic relations.

We have, since coming into office, led a highly active diplomacy, focusing most particularly on our own region, the Pacific, and in South and Southeast Asia. Now is the time, we believe, to build on our history in South America to elevate our diplomatic and economic relationships with your continent.

We do so because those of us who have history together, who share common beliefs, and possess the same essential values, must strengthen our bonds as we work to protect institutions that have, for all their imperfections, helped to sustain conditions of global peace for 80 years. We come as friends wanting to talk about the work ahead.

That is also why we are here as a cross-party delegation, alongside our business delegation, to signal as clearly as we can, that boosting our relationships with Brazil and with your Latin American neighbours is a goal on all sides of New Zealand politics.

This commitment is not made lightly, nor is it merely a response to the current regional and global disruptions we face. It is a recognition from New Zealand that we have not done enough in past decades to grow our relations, and we are resolved not just to improve them, but to transform them.

That will take time, and this is just the beginning, but we are keen to move fast as we find those areas where our people can mutually benefit from our governments and businesses’ greater collaborations and partnerships.

We see Latin America as an important partner in addressing major global challenges, including building climate resilience, and boosting food and energy security.

We also share serious concerns over the ever present and fast-growing threat of transnational organised crime. We also share in the urgent need to protect and promote effective rules-based multilateralism and trade architecture.

Put simply, New Zealand cannot expect to be able to progress initiatives in the international arena without Latin American cooperation – be that in the United Nations, Antarctic Treaty System, APEC, or on trade. Your region matters enormously for us.

As we say, continuing to build our relationships with the region is a strategic choice for New Zealand. It is why we have a sizeable network of diplomatic missions spread across the region, and why we have held a series of foreign policy consultations over the last year. Our Latin American partnerships matter.

And this is again why we considered it important to undertake this rare cross-parliamentary, business and cultural mission to the region. Within a geo-strategic environment that is changing rapidly and is hugely challenging, deepening our engagement with Latin America is critical for achieving our enduring objectives of ensuring:

A sustainable future, a prosperous and resilient future, and a stable, safe, and just future – for your people and ours.

A sustainable future

We recall first visiting Brasilia almost 20 years ago now as Foreign Minister, when President Lula was leading your country. Back then we spoke about how Brazil was emerging as a political superpower. Today, Brazil is viewed as a leader in the multilateral space at a time of profound geopolitical change and challenge.

Brazil’s hosting role convening COP30 and the G20 reveals your country’s ability to bridge divides and foster dialogue among diverse partners, large and small. Brazil can feel proud in showcasing how committed it is to inclusive, forward-looking solutions on climate resilience, economic governance, and global security.

In our meetings here, with Minister Vieria, Ambassador Amorim and Deputy Minister Elias, we agreed that this is something we all need to do if we are to be successful in defending and advancing the international rules-based order on which our shared security and prosperity rely.

In an era where consensus is increasingly elusive, the ability to convene, lead, and inspire collaboration is indispensable. We have been saying in multilateral and bilateral fora that never has diplomacy been more needed than now. We need to talk more, listen more, even to those with whom we might not agree. But from more diplomacy, more listening to other perspectives, we see a path towards greater understanding between nations.

Our time here in Brasilia was preceded by visits to Buenos Aires and Montevideo, where we similarly spoke with President Milei and President Orsi on the fundamental importance, indeed necessity, of boosting global cooperation and effective coalition-building with our Latin American and other partners.

Our shared interest in preserving the Antarctic as a zone of peace and science was a key topic, following on from New Zealand’s hosting late last year of an Antarctic Parliamentary Assembly. It was the first time the assembly was held in the Southern Hemisphere, and we were thrilled to be able to attract parliamentarians from across Latin America, including from Argentina and Uruguay.

While the Antarctic Treaty has been maintaining peace and promoting scientific collaboration for close to seven decades, the region is not immune to the impacts of the geopolitical landscape. Protecting the Antarctic is as important to us as protecting your vast rainforest is to you, as both have impacts on our global climate’s health.

We must work together to ensure the long-term protection of the Antarctic as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science, which supports our shared security and prosperity.  As such, we were especially pleased to sign a new Antarctic Cooperation Arrangement with Uruguay while we were in Montevideo, and to take the pulse of the one we have with Argentina while in Buenos Aires.

Chile, where we will visit next, is also a gateway nation to Antarctica and a close partner when it comes to protecting it, as well as our shared oceans – in fact, it was at the United Nation’s “Our Oceans Conference” that we last met with our Chilean Foreign Minister counterpart.

New Zealand’s relationship with Chile is a close and longstanding one. Last year, we marked our 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It is a relationship that was sealed back in 1945 when we were both proud founding members of the United Nations, an institution where we have worked so long and so closely with Latin American partners. And we will continue to do so.

We have highlighted in speeches at the United Nations that the United Nations’ system is facing unprecedented challenges that have built up over time. We urged the United Nations leadership and members to work seriously to achieve long overdue but necessary reforms that help to reduce the vulnerabilities the UN currently faces. Do more with less, and be effective, by focussing on its core purpose to improve its impact and delivery.

The next UN Secretary will have a significant role in carrying forward the all-important reform process.

New Zealand is already supporting that effort through its co-leadership of the United Nations mandate review, and we will work closely with Latin American countries to ensure this aspect of United Nations reform is fit for purpose for another 80 years.

Another key success of our Latin American partnerships has been positioning ourselves at the vanguard of developing innovative future-focused trade architecture. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a great example of this. In the early 2000s, Chile and New Zealand led the creation of the high-quality and comprehensive P4 Agreement. It was then expanded into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (bringing onboard Mexico and Peru), and it has subsequently transformed into what now has global reach and influence with the accession of the United Kingdom, and others – including Costa Rica, Uruguay and Ecuador – seeking to do so.

Innovative leadership on trade rules gives small and medium-sized trading nations like New Zealand and many of our Latin American partners a larger, more influential voice in shaping the international trade environment that we all depend on.

Alongside CPTPP, we have successfully collaborated on a range of modern trade agreements. The latest offering is the innovative Future of Investment Partnership, which we were pleased to launch last year alongside a range of partners, including Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Peru.

At a time when the international rules-based system is facing multiple challenges, open, rules-based trade is more important than ever, whether through CPTPP, Mercosur, or other platforms such as the Pacific Alliance – which New Zealand remains keen to join as an Associate Member when appropriate. Open, rules-based trade is critical for our shared future prosperity.

A prosperous and resilient future

There is so much more we should be doing to grow our shared prosperity. For New Zealand, Latin America remains a region of significant untapped trade potential where we can and want to do more, including in terms of diversifying our trading base.

Latin America represents the world’s fourth-largest economy – US$6.34 trillion – almost twice that of India. Latin America is home to 660 million people with high education levels; large middle classes; sizable youth populations; and an abundance of natural resources.

In fact, it holds half of the world’s biodiversity, a quarter of its forests, and a substantial share of minerals essential to the twin digital and low carbon transitions. The region’s sheer size and resources present significant opportunities for New Zealand businesses looking to diversify beyond the Indo-Pacific and traditional markets.

The New Zealand Government is aiming to double its export value by 2034. And this is why we are joined on this Latin America Mission by a delegation of New Zealand business leaders. Our time here also dovetails our Minister of Trade’s successful mission to São Paulo in October 2024, which saw us achieve a $100 million trade boost from the 13 arrangements signed. They covered a broad range of sectors, including technology, healthcare and advanced manufacturing, showcasing New Zealand’s diverse offerings and a growing regional interest in New Zealand expertise.

Here in Brazil, our volume of trade is not huge, but it is fresh and exciting. That’s because, in Brazil, New Zealand is not known as a source of high-volume primary goods, but instead as a high-quality technology exporter successfully engaging in areas where we can add real value, by raising productivity, efficiency and profitability for our Brazilian customers and partners.

And this brings me to the theme of the Innovation Showcase here today: Accelerate Brazil, with its focus on boosting commercial opportunities through greater engagement in the technology sector.

Among the success stories featured here today is Tait Communications. Tait entered the Brazilian market back in 2006, and it has since become a strong regional player, which is challenging the market share of larger, US-based companies such as Motorola, to provide communication and security solutions in the mining and defence sectors. Over the years, Tait’s business has seen remarkable growth, and it has turned its headquarters here in Brazil into a regional hub for its operations in South America.

As demonstrated by some of the businesses here with us today, including Livestock Improvement Corporation and Gallaghers, there is also, we think, a great opportunity for further engagement in agritech. Though New Zealand has previously been viewed as a competitor, there appears to be an increasing awareness of the value of collaborating with us in the agriculture sector – something which is backed by New Zealand’s record of helping to improve the productivity and sustainability of small, medium, and large dairy producers in the region.

By example, back in 2007, when we last visited, New Zealand also first invested in the Kiwi Group dairy farm in Goiás state. The operation has since gone from strength to strength, showing how New Zealand pasture-based sustainable production systems can be adapted to Brazil’s climate conditions – and with great success. The farm is now the largest milk producer in the state and will shortly inaugurate a new modern farm.

There are also other similar Kiwi-Brazilian collaborative farming stories, including in Bahia. We hope we can do much more with Brazil and other partners across the region in the agricultural and other sectors, as the benefits of New Zealand agritech products and systems become better-known.

As demonstrated at this showcase, New Zealand is well-placed to provide a broad range of focused, smart solutions that enable increased productivity and efficiency, and therefore economic development, in sectors of strategic importance throughout the region, such as technology-driven service solutions that support export agriculture, the mining industry, and other sectors including IT, retail, healthcare and film.

On the film sector, we signed with the Brazilian Foreign Minister yesterday a Brazil – New Zealand Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement, which aligns with our Government’s

“Going for Growth” economic strategy. The agreement allows approved film and television projects to gain the status of official co-productions, entitling them to the benefits accorded to national productions in each of the co-producer’s countries. New Zealand’s co-production agreements with partners worldwide have delivered tangible benefits for our local film industry, and we have every expectation that this will be the case here too.

Indeed, tonight, we are pleased to have here with us an exemplar of what can be achieved in this area in the person of David Schurmann, a Brazilian New Zealander who produced and directed the film Little Secret – a film that Brazil submitted to the foreign-language category of the Oscars back in 2016.

New Zealand is eager to ensure that the implementation of the agreement is a success, and LANZBC – which is with us on this mission – will shortly host a film webinar, alongside the New Zealand Film Commission and Brazil’s ANCINE.

We were also pleased to sign yesterday a refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement with Brazil. Education and research have long been an important strand of our relationship with Brazil and the broader region. All eight New Zealand universities are ranked in the top two percent globally and prior to COVID, we hosted some 25,000 students from the region each year to further their education and research.

While those numbers are still rebuilding, we are very keen to see that this vital exchange of our best and brightest youth continues to grow.

A safe, secure, and just future

Beyond our diplomatic and economic relations, we see value in shoring-up our relationships with Latin American partners to help protect and advance national, regional and international security. Collectively we are facing the most challenging strategic environment in 80 years. Geostrategic competition, armed conflict and the instability it causes, and transnational organised crime are all on the rise. No region is immune, although nor has there ever been better appreciation about how inter-connected our regions are.

Given this context, it is critical we actively contribute and work together towards global peacebuilding and security. And we have a track record of doing so in the past: from WW2, where the “Smoking Snakes” of Brazil fought courageously at Monte Castello in the north of Italy, whilst New Zealand troops did the same at Monte Cassino in the south; to today, where we have units working together in contemporary peacekeeping missions, such as with Uruguay and Colombia, and in the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai.

New Zealand calls for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law to be upheld in Venezuela, and that all political prisoners and others arbitrarily detained to be released. The people of Venezuela must determine their country’s political future.

We have also been a steadfast supporter of Colombia’s 2016 peace agreement. While New Zealand was President of the UNSC, we co-sponsored resolution 2261, which established a UN political mission to monitor and verify the bilateral ceasefire between the Colombian Government and FARC. This has been followed by New Zealand supporting post-conflict demining efforts, including a contribution made last year to the UN Multi-partner Trust Fund for sustaining peace in Colombia, also focussing on demining efforts.

More recently, the New Zealand Government agreed a comprehensive plan to disrupt and prevent drug exports to New Zealand and Pacific Islands, with the Islands vulnerable to the dreadful poison of drugs. We’ve established new offshore liaison positions to increase collaboration with our international partners, because it’s one battle we cannot afford to lose.

Latin America countries share our concerns about transnational organised crime and are key partners in the fight against it. We are pleased to announce that one of those new offshore liaison positions will be based in Bogotá with a regional remit, working alongside the Australian Federal Police, and embedded with the Colombia National Police.

A positive global future requires a Latin America that is safe, secure, active, and prosperous, and we look forward to strengthening our engagement with Brazil and other partners in the region on these important issues.

Closing Remarks

The key objective for our mission is to reinforce both bilaterally and across the region the value we are attaching to our Latin American partnerships. No country or region on its own can satisfactorily or sustainably address the multiple challenges we face today. We need to work hard to collaborate more politically, commercially, and through people-to-people links.

Indeed, promoting our growing people-to-people links remains one of the best ways we can deepen and broaden our collaboration. In that regard, New Zealand was pleased to support the launch of the new airlink between Auckland and Buenos Aires, and we hope more such direct linkages will be possible in the future.

The last 25 years has seen the welcome emergence of a steadily growing Latin American community in New Zealand. It now numbers more than 38,000 and they make an outsized contribution to the vibrancy and value of our country. Many thousands have been supported to experience New Zealand through our working holiday schemes with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay, which are hugely popular. Perhaps a few more of your footballers might like to join them.

We encourage young New Zealanders, too, to take up the opportunity to travel between our countries and forge life-long experiences and connections, which in turn will strengthen our bonds.

Muito obrigado,

muchas gracias,

thank you and kia ora mai tātou.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/06/the-strategic-importance-of-latin-america/

March 6, 2026

Huawei Highlights Digital Inclusion and Conservation Tech as AI Use Accelerates

Source: Media Outreach

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Huawei gathered partners, policymakers and international media in Barcelona on March 1 and 2, ahead of Mobile World Congress, to discuss narrowing connectivity and digital skills gaps as artificial intelligence spreads through sectors including healthcare, finance and public services.

About 80 guests attended the first day’s forum at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Barcelona Fira. In remarks published by Huawei, Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG, said the digital divide “seems to be widening further” even as AI accelerates. “High-speed networks and robust computing facilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era,” he said.

The International Telecommunication Union estimates about 2.2 billion people were still offline in 2025. Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, said inclusion must be treated as a prerequisite for the AI era.

“AI must strengthen meaningful connectivity and support inclusive digital transformation. This requires responsible AI governance, investment in local talent and content, and capacity building, particularly for young girls, women, indigenous communities and marginalized groups.”

Huawei said it has fulfilled a commitment under the ITU Partner2Connect Digital Coalition to help expand connectivity in remote regions. By the end of 2025, the company said its initiatives had supported digital access for 170 million people in rural and underserved areas across more than 80 countries. In a Huawei news release, Jeff Wang, president of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, said: “To bridge the digital skills gap, Huawei works closely with governments and partners to enhance digital access, deliver skills training, and advance STEM education for underserved communities.”

On March 2, the focus shifted to conservation with a visit to Spain’s Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac. Here, digital monitoring tools are being used to support biodiversity protection, including efforts to safeguard the endangered Bonelli’s eagle alongside better managing potential impacts from outdoor activities like climbing on rock-dwelling birds and caving on protected bat species. The project forms part of the Tech4Nature initiative, developed with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to support digital tools in protected areas across 11 countries.

Sònia Llobet, the park’s director, said the project is helping managers balance visitor access with nature protection.

“As park managers, our challenge is how to make visitor access compatible with the conservation of this natural space,” she said. “This project is helping us answer some of the questions we face in balancing tourism and environmental protection.”

Hashtag: #Huawei

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/2026/03/06/huawei-highlights-digital-inclusion-and-conservation-tech-as-ai-use-accelerates/

March 6, 2026

Adam Hall grateful family and friends will see him in his last Paralympics

Source: Radio New Zealand

Adam Hall will be competing in his sixth Winter Olympics in Milan this month. PHOTOSPORT

Sixth Paralympics in, Wānaka’s Adam Hall knows exactly how rare this moment is.

The 38-year-old para alpine skier is preparing for what will likely be his final Winter Paralympics in Italy. But for the first time in his decorated career, he’ll have a full family cheering squad on the sidelines.

Hall and fellow Kiwi Corey Peters make up New Zealand’s two-strong Paralympic team, and both head to the Italian Alps as genuine medal contenders. But for Hall, this campaign carries an extra layer of meaning.

Born with spina bifida, Hall burst onto the global stage with gold in the men’s standing slalom at Vancouver in 2010. Eight years later he reclaimed the title at PyeongChang, adding to a haul that also includes three Paralympic bronze medals.

Now, with nearly two-thirds of his life spent on snow, he said perspective comes easily.

He said he is full of gratitude for those around him, including team-mates and coaches, who have supported him. As for many top athletes though it is family who sacrifice most.

Hall’s seven year old daughter Gracelynn will watch her father race in person for the first time, alongside his wife Elitsa – herself a two-time US Winter Paralympian.

With travel restrictions during the last games because of Covid, Hall’s family and friends are making the most of seeing him in action this time.

“To have our daughter there watching is something special and she is at an age now where hopefully she’ll be able to remember that experience,” Hall told RNZ.

Adam Hall has been competing on the international stage for more than two decades. Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz

Hall also has the in-laws, cousins and an old childhood mate from his days growing up in Outram among his supporters.

He calls the Kiwi Paralympic squad “a small but mighty team” who spend a lot of their time away from family and is hoping to reward them with another podium finish in Italy.

“I’m just missing a silver so we’ll see if we get the full set or not.”

His specialist event is the slalom but he’ll also line up in the giant slalom.

“The competition is so tight now and the margins are getting smaller and I’ve said this before that no matter what colour, if it’s a bronze or silver it feels just as good as gold.

“Can’t be too fussy about the colour but we do strive to be on top.”

Hall is familiar with the Italian Alps and closely followed the Winter Olympics with interest as he’ll be skiing on the same slopes around Cortina.

“For us we call the Olympics the test event, jokingly, they kind of iron everything out before the big show.”

The big show for Hall starts with the GS on March 13 followed by the Slalom on the 15th.

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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/2026/03/06/adam-hall-grateful-family-and-friends-will-see-him-in-his-last-paralympics/

March 6, 2026

Correcting and Replacing: Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra Ushers in New Premium Era

Source: Media Outreach

Thanks to powerful partnerships with industry leaders, NOTE 60 Ultra represents Infinix’s boldest entry in the flagship tier, debuting in Barcelona during MWC 2026

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Infinix is cementing its status within the premium smartphone segment in a bold new way with NOTE 60 Ultra, its landmark flagship debuting in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress 2026.

Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra Design by Pininfarina

Co-developed with Italian automotive and design legend Pininfarina, NOTE 60 Ultra’s design is driven by an emotion-led aesthetic inspired by super cars. Beneath its bold design lies a fully realized flagship experience, integrating breakthrough in-house innovations with best-in-class partner technologies. A professional-grade 200MP ultra-high-definition imaging system, built-in multi-country satellite communication connectivity, and immersive audio precision-tuned by SOUND BY JBL come together to challenge expectations in the premium segment.

Supercar Design DNA in a Flagship, Shaped by Pininfarina

In the premium segment, the design language is a device’s opening statement. A user’s perception at first glance is shaped by aesthetics, long before a single specification is considered.

Drawing inspiration from the aerodynamic philosophy and pioneering spirit of high-performance sports cars, Infinix, in partnership with Pininfarina, takes a radical departure in sculpting a flagship. What stands out immediately is what’s missing: the camera bump. As premium handsets adopt larger sensors, they often sacrifice form with increasingly protruding camera modules.

True to the sports car heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra introduces a fully integrated, single-body rear: the Aluminum Unibody Design. At the heart of this craftsmanship is the World’s 1st Uni-Chassis Cam Module, formed a single, continuous sheet of CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS VICTUS that virtually conceals the presence of the camera. Much like a supercar sculpted for low-drag, the rear design maintains a smooth, uninterrupted silhouette. This also ensures a natural in-hand feel and unobtrusively slips into any pocket, while reinforcing the phone’s durability and structural integrity.

Paying homage to Italian cultural and racing heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra arrives in four striking colorways: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver. Each hue draws inspiration from the most iconic scenes and legends of Italy’s motorsport and cultural history, capturing the spirit of speed, lifestyle, and emotional beauty.

Just as a supercar announces its ignition through sound and light, NOTE 60 Ultra mirrors the ritual. A Floating Taillight signature spans the rear, illuminating as the device powers on. And as a final nod to automotive heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra features an Active Matrix Display reminiscent of a supercar dashboard at startup. Concealed within the rear surface, the hidden display lights up to reveal notifications, expressive icons, or a pixel-style virtual companion.

Dual Flagship Cameras for Detail, Zoom, and True-to-Life Imaging

Although discreet at first glance, Infinix makes no concessions on camera performance and earmarks a new era for Infinix’s imaging capability. Delivering performance on par with industry-leading standards, Infinix’s Dual Flagship Imaging Architecture marks several brand-first breakthroughs and improvements across three dimensions, reinforcing its position as a signature offering.

Under the hood, it’s clear that NOTE 60 Ultra refuses to settle for less. Discreetly integrated within the Uni-Chassis Cam Module is a powerful triple-camera array. Anchored by a next-generation 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE sensor, NOTE 60 Ultra delivers ultra-high-definition clarity. And ensuring flagship-grade versatility across focal lengths, the phone is complemented by a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 periscope telephoto lens and a 112° ultra-wide lens.

However, hardware alone does not define the full experience. For the first time, Infinix supports the XDR display standard with Ultra HDR Capture. Powered by a proprietary XDR Image Engine, Infinix’s advanced system delivers a superior dynamic range, ideal for true-to-life photos of bright lights at night or breathtaking sunset scenes.

The result is exceptional resolution that sets a higher bar for precise framing in daylight or after dark, while faithfully preserving details often lost in standard photography. Whether exploring daytime cityscapes or distant horizons, NOTE 60 Ultra excels with its advanced optical‑to‑digital zoom performance. Crisp, detailed shots are captured across a versatile zoom range, from a 2× optical crop and native 3.5× optical zoom to a 7× lossless digital zoom, extending up to 100× for extreme distances.

Expansive Satellite Calling and Messaging Coverage

Beyond what meets the eye, NOTE 60 Ultra carries a more subtle capability designed to accompany the user’s ambition, as far as and wherever the road leads. NOTE 60 Ultra is the first¹ to introduce dual-way satellite calling with expansive global coverage across a far greater number of countries¹. Powered by two-way messaging and calling beyond traditional terrestrial networks, NOTE 60 Ultra offers an added peace of mind whether navigating remote terrain beyond cellular coverage or facing large-scale network disruptions. The device bridges regional connectivity gaps to maintain communication and enables emergency location sharing when it matters most.

Ultra-Fast, Enduring Functionalities for an All-Around Flagship Experience

NOTE 60 Ultra combines category-leading performance and enduring power to support multi-sensory entertainment without interruption. Complementing this, its latest user experience delivers forward-looking innovations and AI-driven optimizations, making it more accessible and seamless for everyday use.

Impressively, Infinix debuted the Proprietary Battery Self-Healing Technology. Despite featuring a massive 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery within a slim, lightweight frame, NOTE 60 Ultra is engineered to restore up to 1%² of battery health every 200 charge cycles. Complementing this breakthrough, NOTE 60 Ultra supports wired 100W All-Around Fast Charge and 50W wireless charging, achieving a full charge from 1% to 100%² in only 48 minutes through a wired connection.

Even with a massive battery, Infinix pulls out all the stops to optimize for both speed and energy management. Featuring a 4nm all-big-core MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset together with Infinix’s self-developed performance engine, NOTE 60 Ultra achieves up to 25%² faster multitasking, accelerated app responsiveness, and sustained smoothness.

NOTE 60 Ultra excels in its class with a captivating, 1.5K Ultra HDR cinematic display. Delivering fluid 144Hz responsiveness and exceptional 4500-nit peak brightness, visuals remain vibrant across most lighting conditions. Even in motion, intelligent predictive stabilization minimizes motion sickness, whether watching a film or playing games from within a car. And just as a high-performance vehicle demands calibrated acoustics, NOTE 60 Ultra doesn’t settle for less. It delivers high-fidelity audio through a stereo system with SOUND BY JBL, completing a truly compelling entertainment experience.

The NOTE 60 Ultra’s optimized performance enables its intelligent AI features to run fluidly and efficiently with minimal battery drain. Its integrated AI ecosystem focuses on practical daily-enhancing functions, including real-time vitals tracking via Advanced Health Monitor, personalized file organization and an adaptive AI-powered knowledge base, all evolving with user preferences. These AI capabilities are seamlessly woven into GlowSpace, a new interface debuting on XOS 16.³ Powered by Android 16, GlowSpace introduces a fully reimagined UI centered on fluid motion and luminous details that animate with every interaction.

Through co-engineering with leading technology and innovation partners, Infinix has aligned NOTE 60 Ultra around a unified vision of excellence. The outcome is a benchmark-setting flagship defined not by spectacle, but by deeply integrated and purposeful engineering, inside-out.

Product availability

NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a promise of 3 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

NOTE 60 Ultra is available in four colors: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver.

It will be available in two variants: 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, with built-in eSIM⁴.

NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a deluxe gift box with automotive-inspired display stand design. A Supercar-Inspired MagCharge Base in Zinc Alloy, a Kevlar-Pattern MagPad, a Custom Kevlar MagCase, and a Track-Edition SIM Ejector Pin are included in the gift box.

Disclaimer

¹As of launch, this device is the first commercially available smartphone to support two‑way satellite calling across multiple countries. Feature availability, supported regions and coverage are subject to local certification, network deployment and market conditions.

²All data comes from Infinix laboratories. The testing data may vary slightly between different test versions and testing environments.

³The specific XOS upgrade plan for each model will be announced separately. Please note that availability of this upgrade may be limited in certain countries.

⁴eSIM availability is carrier and region-dependent; it may not be supported in all countries.

Hashtag: #Infinix

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/2026/03/06/correcting-and-replacing-infinix-note-60-ultra-ushers-in-new-premium-era/

March 5, 2026

HortPlus announces key appointments to senior leadership team

Source: HortPlus

New Zealand agritech company HortPlus has today announced key appointments to its senior leadership team as it positions itself for growth and international expansion.

Director Mike Barley has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, Cody Ellingham has been named Chief Strategy Officer and Bailey Jewell has taken up the position of Chief Technology Officer.

The three bring decades of experience in the technology and horticulture industries and have a deep understanding of HortPlus, its customers and the global agri-tech landscape.

“I’m delighted with the expertise we’ve assembled, not just across our leadership team, but across the entire business,” Barley says.

“The coming year holds significant opportunities for international growth, expansion of our weather station network and groundbreaking new integrations between our flagship MetWatch weather and disease portal and other leading technologies and services.”

Last year HortPlus expanded its services to Fresh Berry Company by enhancing the well-known New Zealand berry producer’s industry-leading ‘Berry Harvest Planning Tool’, developed by HortPlus to make harvest planning and forecasting easier.

This follows recent collaborations with other major corporates, including Constellation Brands which harnesses HortPlus data to support crop protection decisions that improve sustainability, reduce crop losses and boost profitability.

“It’s a buzz to be providing services to household names that are growing the crops that so many people in New Zealand, and internationally, know well.

“As the twin waves of AI and data-driven technology continue to converge and more people embrace the value of data for sound horticultural and business decision making, I’m confident the tools we provide will only get more popular, and more powerful.”

Established in Hawke’s Bay more than 25 years ago, HortPlus now has offices in Hawke’s Bay and Wellington, with customers in horticulture regions globally as far away as Italy.

It manages a network of more than 1,000 weather stations across Australia and New Zealand and offers a wide array of consultancy and environmental data services. That includes its well-known online platform, MetWatch, used by thousands of growers in a wide variety of different horticultural sectors, as well as researchers and science bodies such as Bioeconomy Science Institute and Foundation for Arable Research, among others.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/hortplus-announces-key-appointments-to-senior-leadership-team/

March 5, 2026

“Children living in fear”: More than 100 million children impacted in Middle East regional conflict – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

At least 100 million children in countries directly impacted by the escalating violence in the Middle East and wider region face deepening fear, distress and the risk of physical harm and displacement, Save the Children said.

This is the most expansive conflict in the region in decades, impacting at least 15 countries with strikes destroying homes, schools and hospitals in some of the worst-affected countries. Children are at heightened risk of physical and mental harm, exploitation and abuse.

Nearly 200 children have been killed in the first five days, according to official and media reports – the equivalent of more than six classrooms full of children.

Many schools across the wider region have closed due to the conflict, children are being kept inside and not allowed out to play, families are struggling to access healthcare services, and children are struggling to sleep.

Prices of certain food items have skyrocketed in some areas. Families living in the region have spoken of doing everything they can to protect their children, ranging from fleeing homes to seek safety in schools and other buildings to moving in with relatives and friends with basements and more secure areas.

Save the Children staff said people are taping up windows to stop the glass shattering with explosions and playing white noise to help their children sleep.

Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children’s Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe Regional Director, said children were paying the highest price in the conflict:

“Every war is a war on children, and as always, we are seeing children impacted the most. Children are living in fear, caught in the crossfire of this adult war. We have already seen nearly 200 children killed, and more innocent lives could be lost without immediate action. Children must never be considered as acceptable ‘collateral’. Wars have laws and children must be off limits in every conflict.

“Children across the region are terrified of being pulled into a devastating regional war. For some, this is the first time they have faced blasts and explosions that shake their homes, and they don’t understand what is happening. Others have faced too many years of conflict that have marred their childhoods. Some have been displaced multiple times and lost all sense of safety and security.

“More than 100 million children are living in areas that have been impacted by the escalating hostilities. Every possible effort must be taken to end all hostilities, prevent further escalation, and safeguard children. Only diplomacy can prevent further civilian suffering and create the conditions for lasting security for children across the region. Any further escalation risks pushing an already fragile region into a wider conflagration, with children paying the highest price of a war that they played no part in creating.”

Save the Children urgently calls on all parties involved to immediately de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by ensuring that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, are spared from attack.

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas risks severe harm to civilians, especially children, and should be avoided at all costs.

Save the Children is the world’s largest independent child rights organisation, reaching tens of millions of children annually in about 110 countries through its work to save and improve children’s lives.

Save the Children is currently raising funds in New Zealand to support the response in the Middle East through its Children’s Emergency Fund.

Notes:

[1] In the first five days since the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East and the wider region, government statements and media reports indicate that at least 181 children under the age of 10 have been killed in Iran, eight in Lebanon according to the country’s ministry of health, three in Israel and one in Kuwait
More than 100 million children live in at least 15 countries that have been impacted by the escalation including Bahrain, Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, occupied Palestinian territory, Syria, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. At least 14 countries have experienced one or more missile or air strikes since 28 February, while Israel closed some of the border crossings into Gaza following this escalation. Child population data for 2026 is taken from UN World Population Prospects.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/children-living-in-fear-more-than-100-million-children-impacted-in-middle-east-regional-conflict-save-the-children/

March 5, 2026

Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra Ushers in New Premium Era

Source: Media Outreach

Thanks to powerful partnerships with industry leaders, NOTE 60 Ultra represents Infinix’s boldest entry in the flagship tier, debuting in Barcelona during MWC 2026

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Infinix is cementing its status within the premium smartphone segment in a bold new way with NOTE 60 Ultra, its landmark flagship debuting in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress 2026.

Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra Design by Pininfarina

Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra family

Supercar Design DNA in a Flagship, Shaped by Pininfarina

In the premium segment, the design language is a device’s opening statement. A user’s perception at first glance is shaped by aesthetics, long before a single specification is considered.

Dual Flagship Cameras for Detail, Zoom, and True-to-Life Imaging

Expansive Satellite Calling and Messaging Coverage

Ultra-Fast, Enduring Functionalities for an All-Around Flagship Experience

Product availability

NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a promise of 3 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

NOTE 60 Ultra is available in four colors: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver.

It will be available in a single variant with 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and built-in eSIM⁴.

Disclaimer

²All data comes from Infinix laboratories. The testing data may vary slightly between different test versions and testing environments.

³The specific XOS upgrade plan for each model will be announced separately. Please note that availability of this upgrade may be limited in certain countries.

⁴eSIM availability is carrier and region-dependent; it may not be supported in all countries.

Hashtag: #Infinix

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/2026/03/05/infinix-note-60-ultra-ushers-in-new-premium-era/

March 4, 2026

Geopolitical instability and interconnected risks raise fears of Black Swan scenarios

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Despite seeming predictable in hindsight, Black Swans are unexpected or unforeseen events that are highly disruptive and economically damaging. Examples include the 9/11 attacks of 2001 in the US, the 2008 global financial crisis, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Allianz Research estimates cumulative global GDP losses from the pandemic between 2020 and 2023 to be in the region of US$12trn.In addition to the huge financial and business costs, such events typically have long-lasting implications, resulting in geopolitical and societal shifts that continue many years after the initial event. According to new Allianz Risk Barometer analysis, more than half of the 3,000+ respondents (51%) identify a global supply chain paralysis due to a geopolitical conflict as the most plausible Black Swan scenario globally which could impact their company in the next five years. Fear of a global internet outage ranks second (47%) which reflects the increasing awareness of cyber and artificial intelligence (AI) risks among business leaders.

Respondents in Asia Pacific also identified a global supply chain paralysis and global internet outrage as the two most plausible Black Swan scenarios; the former is ranked first in China and Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, while the latter is ranked first in Australia, India, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Allianz Commercial CEO Thomas Lillelund comments: “Although Black Swan events are not seen to be immediately likely, these rare, high-impact scenarios are perceived as increasingly plausible and should be considered by executive boards given their potential consequences. Growing interconnectivity across both physical and digital supply chains means disruptions now cascade much faster and can turn into major losses. In today’s fragmented geopolitical environment, companies must double down on resilience and integrated risk management to ride out the next perfect storm.”

Geopolitics is a key driver for Black Swans
Given the current geopolitical environment, it is no surprise that supply chain paralysis resulting from a geopolitical conflict is regarded as the most plausible Black Swan scenario. The threats of tariffs, trade wars and protectionism, as well as disruption to supply chains and shipping caused by regional conflicts in the Middle East and Russia / Ukraine are at the top of every board agenda. Allianz Research estimates that cumulative GDP losses over a two-year horizon triggered by a global supply chain disruption on the scale of the war in Ukraine could total US$1.5trn. In fact, political-related risks stand out as a leading potential trigger for Black Swan events, according to respondents. Mass social unrest and political instability is regarded as the fourth most plausible scenario globally (29%) and is a top three risk in the Americas (31%) and Africa and the Middle East (41%) regions, as well as in France (42%), for example. A sudden collapse of a major financial institution or a sovereign debt crisis, leading to a global liquidity crisis and severe market volatility ranks third (30%).

Interconnectivity and interdependency of both physical and digital supply chains are potentially increasing vulnerability at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, rapid advances in technology, and climate change. Businesses and global supply chains are also more vulnerable to Black Swan events due to growing concentrations of economic activity reliant on a limited number of critical suppliers and products in areas like AI and digital services, semiconductors, rare earth processors and transition technologies.

Company size influences risk perception
Global supply chain paralysis due to a geopolitical conflict halting the movement of goods and raw materials ranks top for both large (>US$500mn annual revenue, 55% of responses) and mid-sized companies (US$100mn+ to US$500mn, 52%). In contrast, smaller companies (

“Awareness of Black Swans and the need to build resilience has increased in recent years, but businesses can never fully prepare for rare high impact events such as a global outage or an unforeseen climate-related catastrophe. Building organizational agility, fostering a risk-aware culture and developing scalable response plans for a range of scenarios remain the most practical steps to best prepare for Black Swan events. Insurers can play a critical role in helping businesses strengthen their resilience in areas such as cyber risk and support more informed decisions when assessing and selecting critical suppliers,” says Michael Bruch, Global Head of Risk Consulting Advisory Services, Allianz Commercial.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/04/geopolitical-instability-and-interconnected-risks-raise-fears-of-black-swan-scenarios/

March 4, 2026

Education – Whitireia and WelTec welcome ākonga with powerful Pōwhiri, Mihi Whakatau and vibrant orientation events

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

Whitireia and WelTec has launched the 2026 teaching year with a series of uplifting Pōwhiri, Mihi Whakatau and orientation events across their campuses, marking an exciting beginning for both new and returning ākonga (students). The events brought together ākonga and their whānau, kaimahi (staff), and community in a spirit of unity and anticipation for the year ahead.

Delivered in partnership with Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Te Āti Awa, the Pōwhiri and Mihi Whakatau remain a cornerstone of the Whitireia and WelTec experience. These ceremonies formally welcome ākonga into the Whitireia and WelTec whānau, honouring te ao Māori and reinforcing the values of connection, culture, belonging and manaakitanga from day one.

International students were also welcomed as part of the 2026 intake, with dedicated orientation activities designed to help them settle confidently into life and study in Aotearoa New Zealand. This year’s cohort represents a vibrant mix of countries including Germany, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Philippines, Russia, Ireland, Vietnam, Ukraine, Poland, Bangladesh, Denmark, South Africa, Nepal, and Malaysia, reflecting the growing global reach of the institute.

Across campuses, student expos are underway offering ākonga the chance to meet support teams, explore student services and discover the wellbeing, learning and pastoral resources available to them. Local businesses, community groups and student associations have joined the celebrations, contributing to a welcoming, festival-like atmosphere that showcases the strength and diversity of the local communities.

“At Whitireia and WelTec, ākonga success is about more than the classroom,” says Dr Leanne Ivil, Operations Lead. “Our wraparound support model ensures every ākonga feels connected, supported and confident throughout their learning journey. Starting the year with such powerful iwi-led ceremonies sets ākonga up with a sense of belonging that will carry them forward.”

With energy high and campuses buzzing, Whitireia and WelTec is excited to support ākonga as they take their first steps into a year of learning and opportunity.

See events and enrolment information: www.whitireiaweltec.ac.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/04/education-whitireia-and-weltec-welcome-akonga-with-powerful-powhiri-mihi-whakatau-and-vibrant-orientation-events/

March 3, 2026

World Wildlife Day: Medicinal and aromatic plants.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on 3 March to celebrate and raise awareness about wild animals and plants. This year, the focus is on medicinal and aromatic plants.

Today is World Wildlife Day

The date was chosen because the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed on 3 March 1973. This global agreement uses permits to control the international trade of wild plants and animals, making sure it is legal and sustainable.

Which New Zealand native plants have medicinal or aromatic properties?

New Zealand has many native medicinal plants (rongoā) such as kawakawa, mānuka, horopito, kūmarahou, harakeke, kōhūhū, hoheria and tōtara. We also have several aromatic native plants, including tarata (lemonwood), kānuka, mānuka, kopoti, kohukohu, fragrant hebe, and Olearia (tree daisy) species.

These plants are increasingly used in local skincare products. Kawakawa balm is popular for eczema and sensitive skin, and kūmarahou is valued for its natural, soap-like cleansing properties.

Most of New Zealand’s medicinal and aromatic plants are not protected under CITES, because they are not currently threatened by international trade.

Kawakawa plant – Herb, Christophers

Which New Zealand Native plants are protected by CITES?

The only New Zealand native plants protected under CITES are orchids and tree ferns. The whole orchid family (Orchidaceae) and the tree fern genus Cyathea are listed globally.

New Zealand has 26 genera and 118 species of native orchids. Orchids are used in beauty and health products overseas, but native orchids are not commonly used this way in New Zealand.

Thelymitra cyanea – Christopher, Stephens

Cyathea has over 450 species, with many globally threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and overuse for horticulture. In New Zealand, there are seven native and one introduced Cyathea species. Only two species, found only on Raoul Island, are classified as at risk.

The black tree fern (mamaku, Cyathea medullaris) and the silver fern (ponga, punga, Cyathea dealbata) are the primary native Cyathea ferns used in rongoā.

Cyathea medullaris – Jacqui, Geux

Some trade has occurred in these species:

Cyathea dealbata has been exported as live plants and sometimes logs to the UK, Europe, and China.

Cyathea medullaris has been exported as live plants, powdered trunks, and tissue extracts, mainly to Europe and Japan. Powdered trunks have been exported to French cosmetic companies for use as exfoliants, and small amounts of plant fluid extracts have more recently gone to Australia, China, and France for use in health supplements.

These exports were managed under CITES regulations.

What medicinal and aromatic species are listed under CITES internationally?

Many medicinal and aromatic plants listed globally under CITES are available in New Zealand.

Medicinal plants:

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): A North American plant – vulnerable to endangered, depending on the region.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): A vulnerable North American herb.

Pygeum/African Cherry (Prunus africana): A vulnerable tree from central and southern Africa.

Costus root (Saussurea costus): Also known as Kuth or Aucklandia. A critically endangered medicinal herb from the Himalayas.

Dendrobium (Dendrobium): A large genus of orchids, with many species used in traditional medicines. At high risk because of habitat loss, climate change and illegal harvesting.

Aromatic plants:

Agarwood-producing species (Aquilaria): Trees from Southeast Asian rainforests that produce the fragrant resin agar (used in Oud perfume). Twenty-one species now classified from vulnerable to critically endangered.

Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng – Doug McGrady

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Saussurea costus, Vinayaraj

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What can we do for World Wildlife Day?

Support our native medicinal and aromatic plants so they aren’t over-harvested, as has happened to many species overseas.

Buy beauty and health products from trustworthy sources to make sure ingredients are collected responsibly.

Check permit requirements when bringing or taking any CITES protected products across international borders.

Find out more about CITES

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/world-wildlife-day-medicinal-and-aromatic-plants/

March 3, 2026

MWC 2026 | China Telecom President Liu Guiqing Delivers Keynote Speech

Source: Media Outreach

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2026 – On March 2 local time, the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC 2026) opened in Barcelona, Spain. China Telecom President Liu Guiqing attended the Congress and delivered a keynote speech entitled “The Transformation of a Large Telco to a Key Promoter in AI Era.”

Liu Guiqing stated that China Telecom is fully embracing AI and advancing its corporate strategy toward the “Cloudification, Digital Transformation and AI for Good” upgrade, consistently placing technological innovation at the core of its corporate strategy and driving the company’s transformation from a traditional telecommunications operator into a technology-oriented enterprise. China Telecom’s eSurfing Cloud has already become the world’s largest carrier cloud service provider and China’s largest hybrid cloud service provider, and is now stepping into a new phase of intelligent cloud development.

Liu Guiqing noted that, in advancing the commercial deployment of 5G networks, how to achieve industrial coordination and promote green, sustainable development is a question that operators around the world have been continually exploring. China Telecom and China Unicom have jointly explored 5G co-construction and sharing, overcoming a series of world-class technical and engineering challenges to build the world’s first and largest 5G SA co-built and shared network, providing invaluable experience for large-scale 5G deployment globally. The two parties have now shared over 1.54 million 5G base stations and over 2 million 4G base stations, cumulatively saving USD 56.5 billion in investment, reducing annual operating costs by USD 6.5 billion, and cutting carbon emissions by 13 million tonnes per year.

Liu Guiqing introduced that, in the era of AI, China Telecom is fully leveraging the operator’s integrated advantages in “computing power + algorithms + data” to build its core technology “Xirang” and construct a five-in-one intelligent cloud system encompassing “computing power, platform, data, models, and applications.” At the IaaS layer, it has built a computing power layout covering general computing, intelligent computing, supercomputing, and quantum computing, achieving three-dimensional coverage across all-optical networks, computing-power internet, mobile communications networks, and satellite networks. At the PaaS layer, it provides one-stop computing scheduling and AI development services. At the DaaS layer, it builds high-quality datasets and a trusted data circulation toolchain. At the MaaS layer, it independently develops AI large models, establishing leading advantages in the fields of semantics, speech, vision, and multimodal capabilities. At the SaaS layer, it builds standardized AI products and launches industry-specific large models and intelligent agent services. Simultaneously, it is actively building a mutually beneficial and win-win cooperative ecosystem and a security framework spanning models, data, and applications, releasing the “Jianwei” security large model and open-sourcing China’s first foundational security guardrail for large models.

China Telecom is advancing cloud-network integration to provide customers with integrated computing-network services offering ultra-strong computing power, ultra-low latency, and full-domain scheduling. It is continuously upgrading intelligent computing data center construction, with a total data center rack scale exceeding 590,000 racks. It is continuously upgrading fundamental network capabilities, building a millisecond-access computing network, deploying AIDC-centric inter-node networks and lossless intra-node networks, and completing the world’s largest 100G/400G all-optical network, reducing inter-hub node round-trip latency to 12 ms. It is continuously upgrading the integrated computing-network system — the Xirang integrated intelligent computing service platform — with schedulable computing power reaching 87 EFLOPS. The Triless platform architecture has been launched, achieving triple decoupling of resources, frameworks, and tools to provide users with flexible scheduling of cross-domain and heterogeneous computing power. China Telecom is also deepening “computing-power and electricity coordination.” In Shanghai, it has established the world’s first subsea data center, deployed directly on the seabed and powered directly by an offshore wind farm, with a green electricity utilization ratio exceeding 95% and electricity costs reduced by 50%.

China Telecom is working to become a provider of data and foundational large model services. It has built a Data Intelligence Middle Platform that aggregates proprietary, open-source, and third-party data — including 10 trillion tokens of telecommunications-industry data and over 350 TB of industry data spanning 14 sectors — to empower model training and applications, and to provide customers with dataset and annotation services. It independently develops the Xingchen large model system and the intelligent agent service platform, and actively introduces third-party foundational large models and various industry-specific large models to meet the needs of different industries and customers for large model selection and application scenario innovation, accelerating the drive toward more inclusive model services.

Liu Guiqing emphasized that only by continuously expanding the breadth and depth of applications can AI bring about qualitative change. China Telecom integrates AI into the core processes of its own network operations, customer service, and technology R&D, using AI to transform corporate workflows and comprehensively enhance operational efficiency. For example, in network operations, it has built a cohort of digital employees based on network large models to handle repetitive and foundational operational tasks, reducing the average monthly number of on-site repair visits by field technicians by 35%. Leveraging R&D large models, AI-generated code now accounts for 40% of all code produced, improving R&D efficiency by 20%. AI is comprehensively reshaping core services, with the development of a series of intelligent products including eSurf Smart Ring, eSurf IntelliHub, AI Cloud Computer, and AI Phone. For instance, the “eSurf IntelliHub” has reengineered the traditional “FTTR + IPTV” home service model, becoming the unified gateway for home AI and integrating full-scenario services including security and protection and healthcare. It is also driving AI empowerment of enterprise clients’ core processes, providing AI services to customers in industrial manufacturing, education, healthcare, and other sectors, facilitating the digital-intelligent transformation of the economy and society.

Liu Guiqing stated that operators inherently possess the resource endowments of extensive network connectivity and rich data scenarios. How to transform these core advantages into forward-looking core competitiveness in the era of AI is a question requiring in-depth exploration and collaborative resolution. Drawing on China Telecom’s own practice, Liu Guiqing put forward five proposals:

6G standard innovation and network deployment must fully account for the rapid development of AI. Global operators should consolidate industrial efforts to build a globally unified 6G standards framework. 6G standard-setting must proactively adapt to the rapid iteration of AI development, achieving deep integration between network connectivity and the intelligent engine.
Cloud-network integration will play an ever greater role in the AI era. Global operators should fully leverage the core driving force of “cloud-network integration,” actively advancing the upgrade of DCs to AIDCs, providing customers with integrated computing-power interconnection and scheduling services, fulfilling the strategic mission of AI infrastructure providers, and building a solid computing-power foundation for AI.
AI security governance will become a mandatory topic for global operators, and is also a watershed defining the strength of operational and service capabilities in the intelligent era. Security has become a vital cornerstone of AI — “no security, no intelligence.” Global operators must collaborate in governance, actively participating in the improvement of AI security governance frameworks, and steering the healthy and orderly development of AI in a beneficial, safe, and equitable direction.
Computing-power and electricity coordination capability will become the key to the sustainable development of intelligent computing infrastructure. Global operators must jointly address the challenges posed by energy supply, coordinate and schedule computing-power resources, deepen computing-power and electricity coordination — strengthening computing power through electricity — and promote the integrated development of AI and green, low-carbon practices.
The flourishing development of AI applications requires operators to open up and cooperate with greater force. Global operators should deepen communication and collaboration, promoting the open sharing of AI models and the inclusive prosperity of AI applications, so that the fruits of AI innovation benefit global industry partners.

Finally, Liu Guiqing stated that China Telecom is willing to use this Congress as a bond to join hands with GSMA and global industry partners, and together build a bright future for operator development in the era of AI.

Hashtag: #ChinaTelecom #LiuGuiqing #MWC2026

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/2026/03/03/mwc-2026-china-telecom-president-liu-guiqing-delivers-keynote-speech/

February 28, 2026

Wuxi, the Newest UNESCO City of Music, Charms Europe with 2026 Folk Tour

Source: Media Outreach

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – A high-level cultural delegation from Wuxi, China’s renowned “Home of Erhu,” has completed a landmark two-week musical tour across Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Featuring an over 80-member ensemble from the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group, the tour represents the city’s most significant international outreach since it was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2025.

Caption: A standing ovation for the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

Launched on February 14, the “Chinese Folk Music Odyssey” featured seven major concerts alongside a series of academic and grassroots cultural exchanges. The tour served as a high-level dialogue between the traditional heritage of China’s Jiangnan region and the classical musical heartlands of Europe.

The tour opened at the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels, where a capacity crowd of 2,000 experienced the vibrant Spring Festival Overture. The ensemble presented a “Chinese Music Feast,” using traditional instruments to paint an auditory “Jiangnan Scroll” of southern Chinese life. In a poignant finale, Chinese fiddles joined forces with local keyed violins to perform the classic Horse Racing. The fusion of Eastern and Western strings brought tears to the eyes of the Chinese diaspora and earned standing ovations from local attendees.

“The melodies possess both natural charm and profound cultural heritage,” noted Belgian music critic Philippe, following six curtain calls. “It is a truly borderless musical exchange.”

Beyond the concert halls, the group engaged with European pop culture in the heart of Brussels’ Comic Strip district. A “flash mob” titled Tintin’s Encounter with Jiangnan Music saw musicians performing alongside iconic murals of Tintin, engaging local youth and residents through social media-friendly cultural interaction.

Caption: Local residents experienced traditional Chinese instruments at the street event.

The journey continued through Germany’s elite venues, including Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie and the Tonhalle Düsseldorf, showcasing the technical precision of Chinese folk orchestration. In the Austrian Tyrol, the tour took an improvisational turn as Wuxi musicians performed alongside local artists against the backdrop of the Alps, a live demonstration of the “beauty without borders”.

The tour concluded on February 26 in Vienna, where the ensemble hosted the “Dreamy Jiangnan” cultural salon at the Wiener Konzerthaus. The event paired musical performances with an interactive exhibition of Wuxi’s intangible cultural heritage, featuring traditional embroidery and clay figurines. The delegation also visited the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna for the “Jiangnan Charm, Harmonious Resonance” China-Austria Music Exchange event. Through a series of academic dialogues with faculty and students, both sides engaged in a meaningful cultural encounter. These interactions went beyond simple performances, significantly deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the musical ties between East and West.

By integrating the “Voice of China” into the “World Symphony,” the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group has opened a new chapter in Wuxi’s enduring musical engagement with the world.

Hashtag: #WuxiInformationOffice

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/2026/02/28/wuxi-the-newest-unesco-city-of-music-charms-europe-with-2026-folk-tour/

February 28, 2026

Huawei Debuts Cutting-Edge Innovations in Madrid with Focus on Running Watches

Source: Media Outreach

MADRID, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – Huawei unveiled its latest innovations at the “Now is Your Run” global product launch event in Madrid, Spain on February 26. The tech giant marked its return to professional running watches after a five-year hiatus with the debut of the all-new HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2. The event also showcased the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2, HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, HUAWEI MatePad Mini, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5, and HUAWEI Band 11 Series. Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge was introduced as the global ambassador for HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner. “Running means much more than running fast,” said Kipchoge. “I believe that running is the most beautiful activity on every level. Together with Huawei, we can reach millions of runners around the world and hopefully impact their lives in a beautiful and positive way.”

HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2: Five Years of Accumulation, Redefining Professional Running Watches

HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 is equipped with a new 3D floating antenna architecture, engineered to deliver unparalleled positioning precision. Equipped for the first time with an intelligent positioning algorithm, it continues to calculate the runner’s trajectory and distance even during signal interruptions, ensuring uninterrupted positioning. The new intelligent marathon mode offers one-stop race management, acting as a personal coach on your wrist throughout the journey. Not only does the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 help professional athletes boost their performance, but it also brings a smart and professional running experience to amateur runners. Eliud Kipchoge shared his experience of co-creating products with Huawei at the event, stating, “I am passionate to share my opinions and perspectives to improve the smartwatch experience not just for elite athletes but for runners all around the world.”

HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 and HUAWEI Band 11 Series: Next-Level Fitness

At this event, Huawei unveiled a range of new wearable devices designed to deliver more professional and personalized fitness experiences for users. The HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 debuted in a striking “Green” color, maintaining its top-tier capabilities for diving and outdoor adventures while introducing enhanced features specifically tailored for golf driving range and on-course play. This offers a more precise and intelligent high-end sports experience. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI Band 11 Series combines sleek design with practical functionality, featuring a larger and clearer display that ensures excellent visibility even under bright sunlight. Integrating health monitoring, activity tracking, and convenient features into one compact device, it serves as a reliable companion for users’ daily fitness needs.

HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro: Cutting-edge Flagship Setting New Benchmark in Mobile Experience

Huawei makes a grand return to the global market with its Mate Series, showcasing the company’s technological prowess. The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, representing Huawei’s cutting-edge innovation, features an upgraded True-to-Color Camera that ensures consistent color accuracy across various lighting conditions and mixed color temperatures. Its new Dual Space Ring Design, which blends classic elegance with modern aesthetics, earned widespread acclaim from attendees. With enhanced performance, 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass, and advanced AI capabilities, Huawei continues to deliver state-of-the-art technology and experiences, pushing smartphone experience to new heights.

Trendsetting Technology Unveiled for Ultimate Intelligence

Huawei unveils its first-ever Mini tablet, the HUAWEI MatePad Mini. Featuring a compact 8.8-inch body that’s slimmer and lighter than traditional tablets, it easily fits into pockets or handbags. Whether for reading documents, watching your favorite shows, or on-the-go creative work during business trips, this device is ready whenever you need it. It serves as an ideal digital companion for business professionals, avid readers, office workers, and academic researchers alike. The company also introduced the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 5 earbuds, the industry’s first wireless earbuds with dual-engine AI noise cancellation. Paired with a dual-drive acoustic system, they deliver exceptional noise reduction while preserving vocal and instrumental details, offering users an immersive live-listening experience.

Last year, Huawei introduced its brand proposition “Now is Yours”, aiming to establish genuine and close connections with global consumers through a more inclusive and youthful communication approach. At this “Now is Your Run” launch event, Huawei partnered with Eliud Kipchoge to promote running as a sport and advocate for a healthy lifestyle. Moving forward, Huawei will continue to promote fitness and health through technological innovation, using warm products and sincere communication to enable more people to enjoy a healthier and more vibrant life through technology.

Hashtag: #Huawei

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/2026/02/28/huawei-debuts-cutting-edge-innovations-in-madrid-with-focus-on-running-watches/

February 27, 2026

Alibaba Cloud Drives a More Sustainable, Efficient and Intelligent Olympic Experience at Milano Cortina 2026

Source: Media Outreach

Transportation Management System mobilizes over 80,000 Olympic stakeholders
Media Rights Rights Holders had access to 4,198 video highlights produced by Alibaba Cloud’s Real-Time 360º Replay systems
Qwen models power first use of LLM Technologies supporting fan engagement and Olympics ecosystem

MILAN, ITALY – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – In a ongoing effort to redefine the digital landscape of the Olympic Movement, Alibaba Group, the Worldwide TOP Partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has supported the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (Milano Cortina 2026) in becoming the most intelligent Games in Olympic history.

Through a suite of advanced cloud and AI-driven solutions, Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, is empowering the IOC and the Milano Cortina local organizing committee to monitor and manage energy consumption, optimize transportation systems, enhance broadcasting operations, and foster IOC’s first use of LLM technology.

Kirsty Coventry, International Olympic Committee President, said: “Every Olympic Games leaves its own mark in terms of technological innovation. With Alibaba’s Cloud technologies and Qwen models, these Games have set a new benchmark for intelligence and creativity.”

Dr. Feifei Li, Senior Vice President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, President of International Business, said: “Milano Cortina 2026 marks a milestone with the first use of LLM technologies in the Olympic history powered by Alibaba’s Qwen models. Our cloud and AI-powered systems that supported Milano Cortina 2026 demonstrate our dedication to enabling smarter operations, deeper engagement, and new possibilities for the Olympic Movement.”

Sustainability successes

Alibaba Cloud’s AI-driven sustainability solutions and energy-efficient cloud infrastructure enabled Milano Cortina 2026 to effectively measure and analyze carbon emissions. This move sets a scalable model for future host cities to deliver more energy-efficient and carbon-saving Olympic Games.

Key systems developed and deployed include:

Enhanced Energy Data Management System deployed across all competition venues, allowing the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee and the IOC to monitor and analyse energy consumption and carbon emissions in real time. The IOC is also testing the Intelligent chatbot powered by Alibaba’s Qwen large language models, which enables staff to access both historical and real-time insights on electricity usage and power demand contingency.
Energy Issue Tracking System that digitalise workflows for identifying, escalating, and resolving energy anomalies, ensuring rapid responses and improving operational efficiency.
Codeveloped Sustainability Platform that allows organisers to assess the full lifecycle footprint of Milano Cortina 2026, with a dedicated focus on generating long-term benefits for local communities.

Accelerating efficiency

Drawing on iconic, world-class winter sports venues, Milano Cortina 2026 unfolded across more than 22,000 square kilometres of northern Italy’s alpine mountains and historic cities. Milano Cortina 2026 marked the Winter Games with the widest geographical spread in Olympic history. Spanning tens of thousands of square kilometres across the Alps, the event utilized Alibaba Cloud’s systems to assist game judging, coordinate logistics and operations, ensuring the Games ran smoothly and efficiently.

The IOC has worked with Alibaba Cloud to debut a sophisticated Video Adjudication system for the Milano Cortina 2026. Built on Alibaba Cloud’s low-latency livestreaming technology, this solution has been integrated into the core competition infrastructure to improve officiating precision. By synchronized management of multi-signal video feeds, the system assists referees in identifying fouls and provides instant arbitration playback to resolve scoring disputes. The technology has been deployed in Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard Slopestyle events to ensure accuracy for the judging panel.

The Transportation Management System (TMS), built on Alibaba Cloud, seamlessly connected venues across vast distances and delivered precise mobility assurance for Olympic stakeholders including IOC staff, athletes, volunteers, media and key personnel. Through the Milano Cortina 2026 Transport App and related system services, athletes and Olympic staff accessed personalised journey planning and real-time updates via connected official transport services. Throughout the Games, the app has mobilized over 80,000 individuals.

Other operational service applications — from e-voucher system supplying meals to tens of thousands of Olympic stakeholders, to meteorological service portal providing real-time weather information for Milano Cortina Organizing Committee to ensure the safety of outdoor competitions — also ran on Alibaba Cloud’s stable and resilient infrastructure.

In addition, the cloud provider’s Apsara Video technology has powered cloud-based live streaming and broadcasting for Milano Cortina 2026, enabling global media access to press conferences, IOC daily briefings, and post-competition athlete interviews in real time. This fully cloud-hosted Game Video Content Distribution service supported journalists with seamless video processing, editing, live and on-demand distribution, and secure download capabilities — all delivered through Alibaba Cloud’s resilient infrastructure.

An AI makeover on Olympic Tradition

Alibaba Cloud introduced an “Intelligent Pin Trading Station” in the Milano Olympic Village, adding an AI-enabled twist to one of the Games’ most cherished traditions.

Powered by Alibaba’s Qwen model, the station combines embodied devices with an AI system capable of understanding both language and visuals. Athletes place a pin into a capsule and interact naturally using voice and gestures. The AI interprets commands in real-time and guides a robotic arm to select a pin left by a previous participant. The result is a playful exchange that connects athletes through a tradition they already love, while broadening the range of people, countries, and stories represented in each trade.

The Intelligent Pin Trading Station demonstrates how cloud-based AI can support new forms of engagement—creating small moments of delight that encourage connection and discovery. Throughout the Games, Alibaba Cloud Intelligent Pin Station facilitated over 8,000 pin exchanges among athletes.

Intelligent by design

At Milano Cortina 2026, Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen large language models powered the first use of LLM technologies in Olympic history, advancing the IOC’s digital transformation and delivering a smarter, more connected Games. Qwen supported a range of applications, from enhancing global fan engagement to streamlining information management and operations across the Olympic ecosystem.

Key platforms — including the Olympic AI Assistant, NOC AI Assistant, and the Sports AI Platform — used Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure to enable multilingual fan interactions, intelligent content search, and largescale media management. Collectively, these AI-driven systems set new benchmarks for accessibility, efficiency, and intelligence within the Olympic environment.

Broadcasting redefined

In broadcasting, the OBS Live Cloud Platform, powered by Alibaba Cloud, transformed how the Olympic Games were produced and delivered. Replacing traditional satellite operations, the cloud-based platform provided flexible, scalable, and high-quality content distribution of 442 live video feeds for 42 broadcasters worldwide.

Cloud broadcasting significantly reduces the physical footprint. Milano Cortina 2026’s International Broadcasting Centre was 25% smaller than Beijing 2022 and 30% smaller than Pyeongchang 2018.

Complementing this were advanced AI solutions such as the Real-Time 360º Replay systems and the Qwen-powered Automatic Media Description System (AMD). Together, these innovations modernised live production workflows, improved media turnaround speed, and set a new standard for intelligent broadcasting in the Olympic Movement. Throughout the Milano Cortina 2026, AMD has processed livestream signals of 391 competition sessions; meanwhile, Media Rights Holders (MRHs) had access to 4,198 video highlights of exciting moments from the competitions, all captured and produced by Alibaba Cloud’s Real-Time 360º Replay systems.

Through its longstanding collaboration with the IOC, Alibaba Cloud continues to transform the Olympic Games, making them more sustainable, efficient, and intelligent for all participants and audiences worldwide.

Hashtag: #Alibaba

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/2026/02/27/alibaba-cloud-drives-a-more-sustainable-efficient-and-intelligent-olympic-experience-at-milano-cortina-2026/

February 26, 2026

Gecko repatriation closes curious trans-national case

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 26 February 2026

Jewelled geckos are native to the southeast of the South Island and are generally a striking bright green with diamond-shaped patches or stripes although in some populations the males are grey or brown. Their bodies grow up to 8 cm in length, but their tail doubles their length. Their New Zealand threat classification is “At Risk, Declining”. If you’re out naturing in forests or shrublands in places like Canterbury, Otago or Southland, you might be fortunate to see one.

DOC’s Wildlife Crime Team Leader Dylan Swain says a group of 14 jewelled geckos were discovered by Dutch wildlife authorities as part of Operation Thunder in 2023. Operation Thunder is an international operation, involving several government organisations and Interpol, which focusses on the illegal trade in protected wildlife.

“Jewelled geckos have never legally been exported from New Zealand,” Dylan says.

“It’s likely the geckos found by our Dutch counterparts were in fact smuggled out of New Zealand or are the offspring of such animals.”

Dutch authorities are continuing investigations into the person who was found with the geckos.

The six geckos returned to New Zealand comprise two males and four females.

They were returned to New Zealand in International Air Travel Association‑compliant individual containers with small ventilation holes and kept at a consistent temperature throughout their journey.

All geckos will receive close care and attention, and the entire group will spend a minimum of 60 days in quarantine as part of their return process.

Although some of the original group of animals have since died, DOC has worked closely with at The Netherlands NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority), United for Wildlife (part of the Royal Foundation) and Korean Air to safely return the geckos all the way from Netherlands to New Zealand via Korea.

A Dutch inspector accompanied the geckos on their repatriation journey.

“We are delighted to be able to bring a small group of six of the geckos back to New Zealand,” Dylan says. “They’ll spend a quarantine period at Wellington Zoo before they’re shifted to a new permanent home.”

NVWA spokesperson Lex Benden says: “We are pleased our investigation has contributed to the geckos now being back where they belong.”

Dutch authorities are collaborating with DOC to share information on this matter and the wider trade in geckos across Europe.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/gecko-repatriation-closes-curious-trans-national-case/

February 25, 2026

Advocacy – Gaza-based Humanitarian organisations petition Israeli High Court as closure deadline approaches – Oxfam

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

The clock is ticking on a large part of the humanitarian response sustaining civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Thirty-seven international aid organisations have been ordered by Israeli authorities to cease operations in the occupied Palestinian territory by the end of February under revised Israeli registration rules. With efforts to force closures imminent, a group of leading humanitarian organisations have taken the unprecedented step of jointly petitioning the Israeli High Court to suspend the measures before irreparable harm is done to civilians who rely on their assistance.

On 30 December 2025, the affected organisations were formally notified that their Israeli registrations would expire the following day and that they would have 60 days to wind down activities in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The notification letter stated that the decision could only be overturned if organisations completed the full registration process, with which they cannot legally or ethically comply.

Efforts to force closures could begin as early as 28 February 2026. The effect would be immediate, extending well beyond individual organisations to the wider humanitarian system. In Gaza, families remain dependent on external assistance amid continuing restrictions on aid entry and renewed strikes in densely populated areas. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, military incursions, demolitions, displacement, settlement expansion and settler violence are driving rising humanitarian needs.

Palestinian Authority registration provides the lawful basis for international NGOs to operate in Palestinian territory. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, an occupying power must facilitate relief for civilians under its control. Conditioning humanitarian presence on sweeping administrative demands, including the transfer of comprehensive national staff lists, alongside vague and politicised grounds for denial, risks disrupting life-saving services and eroding the obligation to ensure civilian welfare under occupation.

The demand to transfer personal data raises acute security and legal risks. It exposes national staff to potential retaliation and undermines established data protection and confidentiality safeguards. For European organisations in particular, compliance would create serious legal and contractual liabilities. More broadly, such requirements set a precedent that could chill principled humanitarian engagement in highly politicised contexts.

International NGOs have proposed practical alternatives, including independent sanctions screening and donor-audited vetting systems, that preserve both compliance and staff protection without disclosing personal data. No substantive response has been provided. Enforcement has meanwhile begun in practice, including blocked supplies and denial of visas and access for foreign staff.

Alongside UN agencies and Palestinian partners, international NGOs support or implement the delivery of more than half of all food assistance in Gaza, 60 per cent of field hospitals’ operations, nearly three quarters of shelter and non-food item activities, all inpatient treatment for children suffering severe acute malnutrition and 30 per cent of emergency education services, in addition to funding over half of explosive hazard clearance.

The petition seeks an urgent Interim Injunction to suspend expiry of registrations and prevent further enforcement pending judicial review. The petitioning organisations contend that these administrative measures constitute an effort to curtail established humanitarian operations in a manner incompatible with the obligations of an occupying power under international humanitarian law.

Governments must act urgently to prevent implementation of these measures and to ensure that humanitarian relief remains principled, independent, and unhindered. If these measures take effect, aid will be impeded not because needs have eased, but because it has been rendered optional, conditional, or politicised. At a moment when civilians depend on assistance to survive, that outcome would carry immediate and irreversible human consequences.

Petitioners and supporting organizations

1. All We Can

2. ActionAid Australia

3. Alianza Por La Solidaridad

4. Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA)

5. Bystanders No More

6. CADUS e.V.

7. Choose Love

8. Christian Aid

9. Churches for Middle East Peace

10. DanChurchAid

11. Danish Refugee Council

12. Diakonia, Sweden

13. Humanity & Inclusion – Handicap International

14. medico international

15. Middle East Children’s Alliance

16. Movimiento por la Paz, Desarme y Libertad – MPDL

17. Muslim Aid

18. Nonviolent Peaceforce

19. Norwegian Church Aid

20. Norwegian Refugee Council

21. Oxfam

22. Pax Christi International

23. Première Urgence Internationale (PUI)

24. Pro Peace

25. Refugees International

26. Start Network

27. Tearfund

28. Terre des hommes Italy

29. Terre des hommes Lausanne (Tdh)

30. United Against Inhumanity

31. Weltfriedensdienst e.V. (WFD; World Peace Service)

Notes:

Executive Summary – Joint Petition against the Inter-Ministerial Team:

1. Introduction

This Petition is filed by 17 leading international humanitarian aid organizations (INGOs) and the Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA) which form the critical infrastructure for providing medical services, food, and water to the civilian population in the West Bank and Gaza. The Petitioners challenge the Respondents’ December 2025 decision, which orders the “termination of their activities” due to their refusal to provide personal contact details (Nominal Lists) of thousands of local employees. The Petition presents an unprecedented “legal deadlock” in which the demands of the Israeli administration directly contradict international privacy laws and the fundamental principles of humanitarian neutrality.

2. Urgent Request for an Interim Injunction

The Petitioners seek an interim Injunction to preserve the status quo and prevent the expiration of their registration, the deportation of foreign staff and cessation of all activities until a final ruling is reached. It is argued that the “Balance of Convenience” clearly favors the Petitioners: while the Respondents will suffer no harm by maintaining the current situation, the cessation of the organizations’ activities will lead to a humanitarian collapse and irreparable harm to the right to life and health of hundreds of thousands of individuals in need.

3. Legal Arguments

A. Breach of the Inter-Ministerial Team’s Basic Obligations as an Administrative Authority

The Respondents’ conduct is tainted by administrative laches (undue delay) and a lack of good faith. The Respondents delayed their response to registration requests for many months while creating a false representation that the applications were under review. These draconian requirements were imposed without granting a Right to be Heard and without meaningful dialogue, violating the heightened duty of fairness applicable to the authority.

B. The Requirement for Employees’ Personal Details (Nominal Lists)

– B.1 GDPR Regulation and the “Adequacy” Issue: The Petitioners, who are bound by European law, demonstrate that transferring employee data from the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) to Israeli security authorities constitutes a criminal and administrative offense. Since the European Union’s “Adequacy” decision regarding Israel does not apply to the territories, the organizations are exposed to heavy fines and tort claims. The Petition relies on the Schrems II precedent of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which prohibits data transfer to jurisdictions lacking independent judicial oversight over security agencies.

– B.2 The Demand for Employee Details and Violation of International Law: The requirement to provide personal phone numbers and contact details of the entire staff violates the principle of “Data Minimization” and endangers the personal safety of the employees. Turning humanitarian organizations into an information-gathering arm for a party to the conflict stands in total contradiction to the principle of neutrality.

C. The Decision for a Sweeping Cessation of Activity is Void Due to Illegality

– C.1 Decision Lacking Authority (Ultra Vires): The Team’s government mandate is limited to technical registration and visas. Assuming the authority to order the termination of an international organization’s activities is an extreme deviation from authority without an explicit legal source.

– C.2 Deviation from Israel’s Sovereignty (Oslo Accords): Pursuant to the Civil Annex of the Oslo Accords, the authority to register and manage NGOs operating in Palestinian Authority territories was transferred to the Palestinians. Israel lacks the authority to order the closure of these entities.

D. Regulation Article 8.4 – Voidness due to Lack of Authority and Breach of International LawThe Petitioners challenge the article in the regulation that allows for the suspension of registration based on vague “security considerations” without a duty of specification or reasoning.

– D.1 Applicability of Article 63 of the Fourth Geneva Convention: This article imposes an obligation on the Occupying Power to allow relief societies to continue their work. The Petition relies on expert legal opinions establishing that this provision fully applies to International NGOs (INGOs) performing essential humanitarian functions.

E. Extreme Unreasonableness and Lack of Proportionality

The decision fails the “Proportionality Stricto Sensu” test: the limited administrative-security benefit of collecting phone numbers is dwarfed by the catastrophic human damage caused by withholding aid from the population. The Respondents refused to consider “less restrictive means,” such as cross-referencing names against public global terror lists.

F. Violation of Israel’s Obligations to Facilitate Humanitarian Aid

As an Occupying Power, Israel bears positive obligations (Articles 55, 56, and 59 of the Convention) to ensure the supply of food and medical services. Arbitrary and bureaucratic interference with organizations fulfilling these duties constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the directives of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/advocacy-gaza-based-humanitarian-organisations-petition-israeli-high-court-as-closure-deadline-approaches-oxfam/

February 24, 2026

Hong Kong Tech Delegation Heading for Market Expansion at Mobile World Congress 2026

Source: Media Outreach

Debut at startup-centric zone 4YFN, Dual-presence at World Class Tech Exhibitions in Spain

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will lead a delegation of 21 Hong Kong tech companies and institutions to showcase at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026—the world’s premier connectivity event, and debut at 4 Years From Now (4YFN) 2026—a global stage for start-ups, taking place concurrently 2-5 March in Barcelona, Spain.

Building on the momentum from MWC 2025—the Delegation will be featuring solutions beyond the Connectivity category, covering focus areas across Devices and Systems, Digital Transformation and support from Ecosystem Partners. The Pavilion duet ought to give a more comprehensive picture of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) capabilities in engaging global telecom leaders, enterprise decision-makers, industry partners, and investors, bridging cutting-edge research and development (R&D) into real-world applications and propelling Hong Kong’s I&T sector onto the international stage.

Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development, HKSTP said, “MWC is a global bellwether for communications technology and tech companies at any stage, to connect with the industry and investors, to have a solid ground that validate solutions, catalyse pilot projects, accelerate commercialisation, and scale internationally.”

Iris Wong, Director, Merchandise Trade and Innovation / Director, External Relations, HKTDC, said, “The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is an ideal platform for Hong Kong tech enterprises to present their latest R&D achievements at major international tech gatherings, support their journey to explore overseas markets, while highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths as an international innovation and technology hub.”

A series of dialogues and exchanges, spanning from networking reception and themed talks to pitching sessions, will take place throughout the events at the Pavilion to facilitate partnerships and investment opportunities for innovative solutions that are market-ready with high potential for market expansion, in particular, Asmote and Cresento under “Connectivity” make stellar examples of the notion:

5G & 6G for Communication, Sensing, and AI computing – Shannon & Turing, (Asmote), located at MWC, specialises in mmWave technology for Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology—drone communications and control—rising to the occasion as the city advances its low-altitude economy initiatives, while winning favors for its efficiency in managing industrial scenarios such as smart ports and dark factories. The company previously secured the world’s first 26GHz mmWave 5G commercial communications project, demonstrating its leadership in industrial-grade applications.

Smart Performance Insights for Sport – Cresento, located at 4YFN, focused on developing an AI-powered shin guard to deliver real-time insights—performance analytics, team leaderboards, and more—with a design that incorporates into gears that athletes already wear and creates minimal friction for, in particular, football players to adapt, will be moving from prototypes to pilot collaborations with European football clubs, academies and sport tech platforms and distributors.

HKSTP continues to join hands with HKTDC to support Hong Kong tech enterprises to “go global” by jointly organising the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion to build bridges linking tech companies with the world. This expedites the industry’s progress in internationalisation to meet the growing demand for I&T globally. This will attract talents, facilitate forward-looking investments and explore opportunities globally, realising the mission of entrepreneurs to reach out to the world and further consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T hub.

Mobile World Congress Barcelona (MWC) & 4 Years From Now (4YFN)
Date: 2-5 March 2026
Venue: Fira Gran Via, Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain

Hong Kong Tech Pavilion:
MWC – Booth 6E44 at Hall 6
4YFN – Booth 8.1B31 at Hall 8.1

Please visit https://bit.ly/MWC2026HKTech for more information on Hong Kong Tech Pavilion and the exhibitors.

Appendix: Full list of 21 tech entities showcasing at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion during MWC and 4YFN 2026 (in alphabetical order)

No.	Name of Tech Company / Institution	Category
MWC 2026 – Booth 6E44 at Hall 6
1	Entoptica Limited	Devices & Systems
2	eSIX	Connectivity
3	Faraconix Technologies Co., Ltd.	Connectivity
4	FreightAmigo Services Limited	Digital Transformation
5	Glassdio Scientific Company Limited	Connectivity
6	Harvest Elite International Limited	Digital Transformation
7	HongKong Umedia Limited	Devices & Systems
8	iASPEC Services Limited	Digital Transformation
9	InvestHK	Ecosystem Partners
10	Robocore Technology Limited	Devices & Systems
11	Shannon & Turing Technology Limited	Connectivity
12	The Hong Kong Polytechnic University	Ecosystem Partners
13	Xeroptix Technology	Devices & Systems
4YFN 2026 – Booth 8.1B31 at Hall 8.1
14	AIGM Limited	Digital Transformation
15	BWSea Technology (HK) Co., Limited	Digital Transformation
16	Cresento Limited	Devices & Systems
17	GoGoChart Technology Limited	Digital Transformation
18	HairCoSys Limited	Devices & Systems
19	KNQ Technology Limited	Digital Transformation
20	Solos Technology Limited	Devices & Systems
21	Vista Innotech Limited	Devices & Systems

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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/2026/02/24/hong-kong-tech-delegation-heading-for-market-expansion-at-mobile-world-congress-2026/

February 23, 2026

Joint statement on AI Generated Imagery

Source: Privacy Commissioner

23 Feb 2026, 16:33

AI systems generating realistic images and videos depicting identifiable individuals without their knowledge and consent has led to the New Zealand Office of the Privacy Commissioner co-signing a joint statement on the issue. The concerns about these technologies include the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery and potential harms to children and other vulnerable groups.

The co-signatories remind all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems that these systems must be developed and used in accordance with applicable legal frameworks, including data protection and privacy rules. The statement also notes that fundamental principles should apply when using AI content generation systems, including implementing robust safeguards, transparency, and addressing specific risks to children.

Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy

The co-signatories below are issuing this Joint Statement in response to serious concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) systems that generate realistic images and videos depicting identifiable individuals without their knowledge and consent.

While AI can bring meaningful benefits for individuals and society, recent developments – particularly AI image and video generation integrated into widely accessible social media platforms – have enabled the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery, defamatory depictions, and other harmful content featuring real individuals. We are especially concerned about potential harms to children and other vulnerable groups, such as cyber-bullying and/or exploitation.

Expectations for Organisations

The co-signatories remind all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems that such systems must be developed and used in accordance with applicable legal frameworks, including data protection and privacy rules.

We also highlight that the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery can constitute a criminal offence in many jurisdictions.

Whilst specific legal requirements vary by jurisdiction, fundamental principles should guide all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems, including:

Implement robust safeguards to prevent the misuse of personal information and generation of non-consensual intimate imagery and other harmful materials, particularly where children are depicted.
Ensure meaningful transparency about AI system capabilities, safeguards, acceptable uses and the consequences of misuse.
Provide effective and accessible mechanisms for individuals to request the removal of harmful content involving personal information and respond rapidly to such requests.
Address specific risks to children through implementing enhanced safeguards and providing clear, age-appropriate information to children, parents, guardians and educators.

Coordinated Response

The harms arising from non-consensual generation of intimate, defamatory, or otherwise harmful content depicting real individuals are significant and call for urgent regulatory attention.

To encourage the development of innovative and privacy-protective AI, the co-signatories of this statement are united in expressing their concern about the potential harms from the misuse of AI content generation systems. The co-signatories aim to share information on their approaches to addressing these concerns that can include enforcement, policy and education, as appropriate and to the extent that such sharing is consistent with applicable laws. This reflects our shared commitment and joint effort in addressing a global risk.

Conclusion

We call on organisations to engage proactively with regulators, implement robust safeguards from the outset, and ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of privacy, dignity, safety, and other fundamental rights – particularly for the most vulnerable of our global society.

List of signatories

Information and Data Protection Office of the Republic of Albania
Andorran Data Protection Agency, Andorra
Agency of Access to Public Information – DPA Argentina
Ombudsman’s Office of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Office of the Information Commissioner, Queensland, Australia
Basque Data Protection Authority, Spain
Data Protection Authority, Belgium
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Bermuda
National Data Protection Agency, Brazil
Commission for Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Bulgaria
Commission for Information Technology and Freedoms, Burkina Faso
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta, Canada
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia, Canada
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Commission on Access to Information of Quebec, Canada
National Commission of Data Protection, Republic of Cabo Verde
Catalan Data Protection Authority, Catalonia (Spain)
Superintendence of Industry and Commerce of Colombia
Croatian Personal Data Protection Agency
Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, Cyprus
Superintendence of Personal Data Protection of Ecuador
European Data Protection Board
European Data Protection Supervisor
National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties, France
Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, Germany
Data Protection Commission Ghana
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
Office of the Data Protection Authority, Bailiwick of Guernsey
Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong (SAR), China
The Icelandic Data Protection Authority
Data Protection Commission, Ireland
Isle of Man Information Commissioner
Israeli Privacy Protection Authority
Italian Data Protection Authority
Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner, Bailiwick of Jersey
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, Kenya
Information and Privacy Agency, Kosovo
Office of the Information and Data Protection Commissioner of Malta
Mauritius Data Protection Office
Institute for Transparency, Access to Public Information and Personal Data Protection of the State of Mexico and Municipalities, Mexico
Institute for Transparency, Access to Public Information and Personal Data Protection of Nuevo León, Mexico
Personal Data Protection Unit of the Anti-Corruption and Good Government Secretariat, Mexico
Personal Data Protection Authority, Monaco
Dutch Data Protection Authority, Netherlands
Office of the Privacy Commissioner, New Zealand
Nigeria Data Protection Commission
Norwegian Data Protection Authority
The National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information, Panama
National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data, Peru
National Privacy Commission, Philippines
Personal Data Protection Office, Poland
Portuguese Data Protection Supervisory Authority, Portugal
Personal Data Protection Commission of the Republic of Singapore
Information Commissioner of the Republic of Slovenia
Personal Information Protection Commission, Republic of Korea
Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner, Switzerland
ADGM Office of Data Protection, Emirate of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, Emirate of Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
UK Information Commissioner’s Office, United Kingdom
Regulatory and Control Unit for Personal Data, Uruguay

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/23/joint-statement-on-ai-generated-imagery/

February 23, 2026

SUDAN: Children killed on first day of Ramadan must spur urgent action to protect every child – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

As families across Sudan marked the first day of Ramadan, children were reportedly among those killed in renewed violence, underscoring the urgent need for international action to protect children after nearly three years of war, Save the Children said.

At least 18 people, including children, were killed on Wednesday when a drone strike hit a water collection point in Umm Rusum village, located in Al-Sunut locality of West Kordofan State, according to local media .The latest deaths came as a United Nations fact-finding mission said that atrocities committed in El-Fasher in Darfur bore the hallmarks of genocide, with the report documenting widespread and systematic attacks against civilians, including women and children.

Save the Children said urgent action is needed to protect civilians especially children, with Sudan’s children remain trapped in a relentless war that has shattered communities, caused the world’s largest displacement crisis impacting 15 million people, and pushed families to the brink of famine.

Francesco Lanino, Deputy Country Director of Programmes and Operations for Save the Children in Sudan, said: “Ramadan should be a time of peace, reflection and family. Instead, children in Sudan are being killed in their homes and in places where they should be safe. No child should ever pay the price for a conflict they did not create.

“Reports from the UN about the scale of atrocities in El Fasher should shock the conscience of the world. Children are not only caught in the crossfire but in many cases, they are directly targeted or suffer the long-term consequences of displacement, hunger and trauma. At the very least parties to the conflict must commit to an immediate ceasefire during the holy month of Ramdan, allowing families to observe this sacred period in safety and dignity. This should serve as first step toward a sustained and meaningful cessation of hostilities.

“Sudan’s children cannot wait. The international community must move beyond statements of concern and take concrete action to protect children’s lives, uphold international law and ensure those responsible for atrocities are held to account.”

Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support.

About Save the Children NZ:

Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/23/sudan-children-killed-on-first-day-of-ramadan-must-spur-urgent-action-to-protect-every-child-save-the-children/

Thanks to powerful partnerships with industry leaders, NOTE 60 Ultra represents Infinix’s boldest entry in the flagship tier, debuting in Barcelona during MWC 2026

Disclaimer

Source: Save the Children

Thanks to powerful partnerships with industry leaders, NOTE 60 Ultra represents Infinix’s boldest entry in the flagship tier, debuting in Barcelona during MWC 2026

Disclaimer

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

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Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Debut at startup-centric zone 4YFN, Dual-presence at World Class Tech Exhibitions in Spain

Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy

Expectations for Organisations

Coordinated Response

Conclusion

List of signatories

Source: Save the Children