Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Queenstown, New Zealand (8 April 2026) – Party leaders will go head-to-head on New Zealand's energy future at Electrify Queenstown next month, in a rare cross-party debate during an election year.

Labour leader Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, the Green Party's Chlöe Swarbrick, and The Opportunity Party's Qiulae Wong, will each deliver a speech at the award-winning event on 18 May, followed by a leaders' debate moderated by Paddy Gower.

A Government minister or Coalition representative is also expected to join the line-up, with the final speaker to be confirmed shortly.

With conflict in Iran disrupting global oil supply and pushing up fuel prices, the impacts are already being felt in New Zealand through rising travel costs and pressure on household and business budgets – making this discussion about energy sovereignty and affordability more timely than ever.

It will be one of the few opportunities early this year to see multiple party leaders debate energy policy side-by-side.

Set in one of New Zealand's fastest-growing regions, Electrify Queenstown (17-19 May) will examine how electrification can transform the tourism industry, households, and other sectors.

Other speakers include 2026 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Sir Rod Drury, New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year Mike Casey, and leading renewable electricity advocate Dr Saul Griffith.

The three-day programme will cover cost savings and productivity gains, funding pathways, and practical steps for businesses and households.

Event details:

The Future of New Zealand's Energy System: A Leaders' Debate

When: Monday 18 May, from 2pm-4.30pm

Where: Queenstown Events Centre

More information and full programme: www.electrifyqueenstown.co.nz

Tackling poverty is the single most important thing New Zealand can do to reduce the number of people with dementia, says University of Auckland’s Dr Etuini Ma’u.

Modelling in Ma’u’s latest research shows if everyone lived in the same wealthy environments as the top 20 percent of New Zealanders, dementia rates would drop by about 19 percent over 30 years.

His research shows a 50 percent higher risk of dementia among people living in the most deprived parts of New Zealand, compared with those in the most affluent areas.

Dementia risk increases across every ethnic group as deprivation rises, says Ma’u, who is a senior lecturer in psychological medicine and a Te Whatu Ora psychiatrist for older people.

Rates of dementia are about 50 percent higher among Māori and Pacific people aged over 60 than among European and Asian New Zealanders of the same age, he says.

The underlying driver of that high dementia rate is poverty. About 35 percent of Māori and Pacific people live in the poorest parts of New Zealand, says Ma’u, who is of Tongan descent.

“Dementia risk isn’t driven by ethnicity – it’s driven by deprivation.

“Māori and Pacific people living in affluent areas have a lower risk of dementia and Europeans living in areas with high deprivation are at higher risk of dementia,” he says.

In 2024, the Lancet published research identifying 14 risk factors for dementia.

Some factors can lead to damage to the brain, such as smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, hypertension, traumatic brain injury, high LDL cholesterol, and air pollution.

Other risk factors reduce brain stimulation. These include social isolation, untreated vision loss, hearing loss, depression, and less education.

The Lancet stated that dementia could be reduced by up to 45 percent if these 14 risk factors were eliminated.

“Dementia is the end result of incremental and cumulative damage to the brain over a lifetime.

“We think of it as a disease that affects older people, but that’s just when the brain can no longer cope with all the changes sustained over the preceding decades.”

Ma’u says people in poorer communities have higher rates of many of these risk factors.

People living in poorer areas are more likely to be surrounded by businesses selling unhealthy products, such as alcohol, tobacco, vapes, and fast food, that increase their risk of developing dementia, he says.

They also have less access to parks and cycleways that make it easier to exercise regularly.

“We’re all the product of our environment. Where we work, live and play influences our daily behaviours and our ability to make healthy choices.

“It’s time to ditch the idea individuals are responsible for their choices, and bad lifestyle choices lead to bad health.

“There’s an illusion of choice if you’re surrounded by an environment that makes it almost impossible to make healthy lifestyle choices.”

Rather than blaming individuals for making unhealthy choices, change is needed at a political and social level, Ma’u says.

Higher taxes on alcohol, tobacco, sugary drinks and foods that are high in salt or sugar could make a big difference to dementia rates, he says.

Poverty is also a barrier to accessing health services, making it harder for people to get early diagnosis and treatment for conditions that contribute to dementia, and for dementia itself, he says.

Cheaper GP visits and culturally appropriate services for older people could also help bring down dementia rates.

“If we reduced poverty in the population, many risk factors would reduce as well.”

The number of people with dementia in New Zealand is projected to double from 83,000 in 2025 to almost 170,000 by 2050, he says.

The Pacific population in New Zealand is comparatively young, so dementia rates are expected to soar in this group.

The costs of healthcare for dementia are expected to rise from $3 billion in 2025 to $5.9 billion by 2050.

“The only feasible way to reduce these costs is to prevent dementia from occurring.

“If we channel resources into the areas that need it most, that would most effectively reduce dementia risk across New Zealand,” says Ma’u.

8 April 2026 – An Indian-origin researcher is gaining national recognition in New Zealand’s rapidly evolving technology sector, after graduating with a Master of Applied Technologies from Unitec in Auckland on 1 April 2026.

Manochitra Loganathan, who moved from Tamil Nadu, India in 2024, is being recognised for her pioneering research into reducing bias in artificial intelligence (AI) systems—work that is increasingly relevant as AI adoption accelerates across government, education, and industry.

Now working as a data analyst at Land Information New Zealand, Loganathan has developed a practical framework aimed at identifying and mitigating bias in AI decision-making systems, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for Māori and historically disadvantaged communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“AI is increasingly shaping decisions that affect people’s lives,” she says. “My goal is to ensure those systems are fair, transparent and inclusive, especially for communities that are historically underrepresented.”

From rural India to New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem

Loganathan’s journey reflects the growing contribution of migrant talent to New Zealand’s knowledge economy. Raised in Othikkadu, a rural village in Tamil Nadu with limited access to higher education, she became the first in her family to study engineering before building a 12-year career in global technology companies.

Her decision to move to New Zealand was shaped by both family and opportunity.

“My decision to come to New Zealand was strongly influenced by my husband, who previously studied here,” she explains. “He often spoke about the welcoming culture, the high quality of education, and the opportunities the country offers. When I started considering my Master’s degree, New Zealand felt like the right place—not only for academic growth but also for building a meaningful future for our family.”

For migrant communities, her story highlights the role of education as a pathway to both professional advancement and long-term settlement.

Making education accessible for working parents

Choosing Unitec was a practical and personal decision. As a working professional and mother of a young child, flexibility was critical.

“When I began this journey, my child was only three years old,” Loganathan says. “Returning to a traditional full-time study environment wasn’t realistic. What drew me to Unitec was the flexibility. It allowed me to continue learning while balancing my family and studies.”

She adds that this accessibility is vital for non-traditional learners: “For someone managing work, family, and study, Unitec truly makes education accessible.”

Her experience is likely to resonate with vocational and university audiences, particularly mature students and those balancing multiple responsibilities.

Research with real-world impact

Loganathan’s Master’s research tackled one of the most pressing challenges in modern AI: fairness.

Working with real-world datasets from Stats NZ—including census, housing, ACC, and IRD data—her work was conducted within secure environments and aligned with strict privacy protocols.

“My research examined how AI systems can unintentionally produce biased outcomes and explored fairness-aware approaches to identify and reduce those risks,” she explains. “Because these datasets represent real people, there is a responsibility to ensure the outcomes are equitable.”

She emphasises the importance of cultural context in New Zealand’s data landscape:
“Building fair AI in Aotearoa means respecting the people, cultures, and communities whose lives are represented in the data.”

Her work earned national recognition, including third place at the Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa national final hosted by the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

Professor Hamid Sharifzadeh from Unitec says Loganathan’s research exemplifies the real-world impact of postgraduate study in New Zealand. “Her achievement demonstrates how Unitec's postgraduate research addresses real-world challenges with societal impact and shows the potential of our students’ work to resonate on the global stage,” he says.

The human side of data and technology

At the heart of Loganathan’s work is a philosophy that challenges purely technical approaches to AI.

“Data is not just numbers,” she says. “Behind every dataset are real people, real stories, and real lives.”

This perspective has shaped both her research and career path, reinforcing the need for ethical and inclusive innovation.

“I believe that technology becomes truly powerful when it is built with both intelligence and empathy.”

Professor Sharifzadeh adds that this mindset is exactly what is needed in today’s technology landscape, noting that Loganathan’s work reflects a deeper awareness of the societal responsibilities tied to data and AI.

Support, resilience, and community

Loganathan credits her success to a combination of institutional support and personal resilience. She received a Unitec scholarship for academic excellence and was supported to present her research at national and international forums.

She also highlights the importance of mentorship and cultural guidance during her studies, particularly in understanding the responsibilities tied to working with community data.

“Sometimes the hardest journeys become the most meaningful achievements,” she reflects, recalling the challenge of balancing postgraduate study with raising a young child in a new country.

Professor Sharifzadeh, who mentored Loganathan during her research, says her determination and commitment stood out throughout her studies, particularly in how she connected technical research with meaningful societal outcomes.

Contributing to New Zealand’s future

In her current role at Land Information New Zealand, Loganathan applies her expertise to national data systems that inform land management, environmental planning, and infrastructure decisions.

“What makes this role meaningful is knowing that the systems we build help support national services and contribute to informed decision-making that affects communities and the environment across Aotearoa.”

Her work underscores the value of aligning advanced technical skills with public good—an increasingly important focus for both higher education and government sectors.

Inspiring the next generation

Chosen as a keynote speaker for Unitec’s graduation ceremony at Auckland’s Aotea Centre in April 2026, Loganathan represented not just her own journey, but that of many students navigating complex pathways.

“Graduation represents years of perseverance, learning, and personal growth,” she says. “I represent the journey of many students who worked hard, overcame challenges, and believed in their dreams.”

Her advice to aspiring students—particularly those from migrant and non-traditional backgrounds—is grounded in curiosity and purpose:

“Stay curious and authentic in your journey… Be clear about the impact you want to create… and embrace the challenges along the way, as they often become the experiences that shape your growth.”

Loganathan’s story puts a spotlight on migration, vocational education, and innovation—demonstrating how inclusive learning environments, strong mentorship, and globally minded research can help shape a more equitable technological future for New Zealand and beyond.

Ministers and senior officials from Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) will convene in Port Vila, Vanuatu from April 13–15 for the third Pacific Ministerial Dialogue on the Global Just Transition – a landmark gathering that will shape the Pacific's unified position ahead of the world's first international conference dedicated to phasing out fossil fuels.

This engagement began in Port Vila in March 2023, following two devastating Category-4 cyclones in Vanuatu. There, PSIDS articulated a collective vision for a Fossil Fuel-Free Pacific and elevated the global call for a managed phase-out of fossil fuels. PSIDS are now returning to Port Vila for this preparatory summit, Port Vila II, ahead of the First International Conference on Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia later this month – a historic milestone they were central in bringing about, and will be crucial in taking forward.

Port Vila II aims to consolidate a unified Pacific stance on fossil fuel phase-out, build momentum for full region-wide support of the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal and establish a PSIDS Inter-Governmental Taskforce to lead regional engagement in the coming negotiation phase.

Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Government of Vanuatu said “The Pacific did not create the fossil fuel crisis, yet we are paying the highest price for it. Our communities are on the frontlines of sea level rise, intensifying cyclones, and the slow erasure of the only homes we have ever known. Port Vila II is about ensuring our voice doesn't just get heard at Santa Marta—it must shape what happens there. It serves as a powerful reminder of what we have achieved and what we can achieve when we stand up for the survival of our people.”

The Santa Marta Conference represents a defining moment in global climate diplomacy — and one that Australia, as a major fossil fuel exporter and a near neighbour to the Pacific, cannot afford to sit out. While Pacific nations have led efforts to build a multilateral framework for a managed global transition away from fossil fuels, Australia has continued to approve new coal and gas projects; a contradiction that Pacific leaders say is incompatible with the commitments of a genuine partner.

Joseph Sikulu, Pacific Champion for the Fossil Fuel Treaty said “For Pacific Islands, leading on Climate has never been a choice; it has been a matter of survival for us. We are constantly at the forefront pushing for ambition and testing the limits of multilateralism. We were the first to call for a fossil fuel treaty, knowing we need to try everything we can to bring about the transformation we need. Our hope is that we are joined by partners who are ready to take accountability for their actions and help us accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. The Santa Marta Conference is an opportunity for Australia, our big brother nation in the Pacific, to show up for the future of the region and to show us they are ready to lead on climate alongside us.”

With Australia to be president of negotiations at COP31 in 2026, the Santa Marta Conference represents an important moment for the region — and an opportunity for Australia to demonstrate genuine partnership with its Pacific neighbours on the defining issue of our time.

Dr. Tzeporah Berman, Founder and Chair, Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative said “Pacific Island Nations were the first countries to call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty. Even before the current supply constraints and high price of oil due to the war in Iran these countries have understood the threat dependence on fossil fuels poses to their security and to global climate stability. The current conflict has proven that even more so It is an honour for us to support their leadership as they prepare  for the first diplomatic conference on fossil fuel phase out in Santa Marta where they and other countries participating in the development of the Fossil Fuel Treaty will be a crucial voice for international cooperation, high ambition and fair timelines and financial mechanisms to support a fair phase out.”

ABOUT THE FOSSIL FUEL TREATY INITIATIVE

The idea of a Fossil Fuel Treaty was born in the Pacific, a region that has long understood that its survival depends on ending the world's dependence on coal, oil and gas. The movement gained significant momentum in Port Vila in March 2023, following the unprecedented impact of two Category 4 cyclones striking Vanuatu within the same week, when six nations issued a collective call for a global fossil fuel treaty – building on earlier endorsements from Vanuatu and Tuvalu. Today, that movement has grown to 18 countries, more than 150 subnational governments, 4,000 civil society organisations, and over one million individual endorsees worldwide.

Learn more at fossilfueltreaty.org

Awa spokesperson today issued condemnation of recent statements made by US President Donald Trump, calling his threats against the civilian population of Iran “alarming, irresponsible, and incompatible with the basic norms of political discourse.”

Trump’s social media post threatened that  “A whole civilisation will die tonight,” which has been widely interpreted as containing genocidal language. Coming from the head of a nuclear-capable state, such rhetoric is both escalatory and a direct threat to regional and global stability.

This latest statement follows Trump’s April 5th expletive-laden social media post threatening the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Iran.

“Threats of mass annihilation, whether literal or figurative, have no place in any forum,” AWA spokesperson Gabriella Brayne said. “We call on the New Zealand Government to condemn Trump’s statements immediately and reaffirm a commitment to international law.”

Brayne further urged that the “US-Israeli illegal war of agression” be formally condemned, that New Zealand troops deployed to the Red Sea be recalled immediately, and that New Zealand commit to full neutrality and abstention from further hostilities in the region.

“We are on the precipice of nuclear war and New Zealand cannot abscond from our duty to uphold international law and advocate for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy,” Brayne concluded.

About us

AWA – Anti-War Aotearoa – is an organisation launched in March 2026. AWA is committed to ending New Zealand's complicity in wars of aggression.  We promote respect for the United Nations Charter, a shift to a more independent foreign policy and New Zealand’s refusal to join the AUKUS military alliance.