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Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Opinion: Green budget aims for a stronger South
Warm cosy homes, local nutritious food, birdsong in the trees and the return of the Southerner: all part of Green Budget we announced last month. We developed this budget to give advance notice of our priorities once in government and to provide a point of contrast against this government's austerity. Essentially we put it forward so New Zealanders could see a clear choice: between the common good, where everyone has enough to live well v pure greed, where the extremely wealthy get to decide what scraps to dish out to everyone else. Like many here in Ōtepoti, we in the Greens have been frustrated and angry at the backsliding and broken promises around the new Dunedin Hospital. With so many redesigns and uncertainty, we've seen waste in terms of time and money and loss of capability and confidence. Our Green Budget is designed to deliver confidence with a publicly funded southern hospital — including the new inpatient building, a standalone, publicly provided pathology unit and an inter-professional learning centre. It will require public support and we are heartened by commitments made by other opposition parties. Our own commitment to Ōtepoti Dunedin is fully costed and set out clearly in black and white. This commitment to our hospital is echoed by my new Youth MP, James Watson. James hails from Wānaka and works in Wellington. According to him, the hospital is "a key piece of infrastructure that serves all of Otago and even most of Southland at times as the biggest hospital in the area". "It's disappointing to see the cuts made as we already know the health sector is underfunded," James said. It's especially unfortunate as much of my family lives in Dunedin and in Otago and to see the willingness to cut back funding on something that would greatly benefit such a huge area including the people I love shows that we aren't prioritising correctly." Of course, that's not all, and we would love to share more about what our budget has for you and your whānau. Our co-leader Chloe Swarbrick and the Green Budget Roadshow will be arriving in Ōtepoti Dunedin on July 25 for a public meeting to discuss how we can create an economy that belongs to us all, not just a few. We can fund a health system that works for everyone. We can ensure warm cosy homes for all and a restored Southerner passenger rail service to Christchurch. Building our shared future means investment in jobs, infrastructure and climate action. Chloe Swarbrick always loves visiting our place because of the southern spirit and as James Watson says, we need "a shift in opinions on the climate crisis and all the social issues that intertwine with it". I hope to see many of you on July 25.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The ginormous, record-breaking buildings being constructed in Swindon
The new Panattoni Park now under construction in Swindon will feature two huge, record-breaking buildings. Europe's largest developer of industrial and logistics real estate has started work on what is the largest project of its kind ever undertaken in the UK. The first phase includes the construction of a 915,000 sq ft speculative logistics building, which is going to be the biggest warehouse of its kind in the country. For comparison, that's the equivalent of approximately 12 football pitches or the size of a shopping mall. This, and the 545,000 sq ft unit under construction nearby, should be completed at some point in the first quarter of 2026. The commencement of work on this enormous facility follows the letting of Panattoni's previous record-breaking development, an 885,000 sq ft unit at Avonmouth. The wider Panattoni site also has detailed planning consent for a plot which is the largest single unit with planning permission in the UK. This centrepiece of the industrial estate measures 1.2 million sq ft, which is the equivalent of around 20 football pitches, is twice the size of the ground floor of Amazon's Symmetry Park warehouse, as big as the largest Lidl warehouse in the world (which is based in Houghton Regis), and roughly the same size as the ExCel London venue. It is available on a pre-let basis and can be delivered within 10 months. James Watson is head of development for Southern England and London at Panattoni UK. He said: 'Having recently leased Panattoni Park Avonmouth, the largest speculative warehouse to have ever been built in the country, I'm pleased to announce we are now commencing construction of an even larger speculative warehouse in Swindon.' Panattoni has spent several weeks demolishing the old Honda manufacturing plant and wider works so that the area can be given a new lease of life. The masterplan for the Panattoni site includes the three previously-mentioned buildings as well as seven more structures sized at 45,000, 60,000, 145,000, 205,000, 330,000 400,000, and 725,000 sq ft, respectively, which will be built as part of future phases which are yet to be detailed. Altogether, this investment of nearly one billion pounds into the transformation of the former Honda site will cover 7.2 million sq ft and hopes to attract £1.2 billion to the economy. It will also feature a community park and hub, a 'linear' park, relaxation areas, miles of trim trails and cycle routes around the area, wildflower meadows, and advanced landscaping.
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First Post
25-04-2025
- Science
- First Post
History Today: When a 7.8-magnitude earthquake shook Mt Everest, killing nearly 9,000 in Nepal
In 2015, a 7.8 earthquake hit Nepal, killing nearly 9,000 and injuring thousands. The earthquake resulted in losses exceeding $5 billion, roughly one-quarter of Nepal's GDP at the time. In 1953, American biologist James Watson and English physicist Francis Crick described DNA's double helix structure for the first time read more On April 25, 2015, Nepal was shaken by one of the deadliest earthquakes. File image/Reuters April 25 has been a day of devastation for Nepal. It was on this day 10 years ago when the nation was shaken by one of the deadliest earthquakes. The powerful 7.8-magnitude temblor killed nearly 9,000 and left thousands injured. It was also the day in 1953, when scientists James Watson and Francis Crick first described the structure of DNA, unlocking the code of life and changing the course of biology forever. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's a closer look at the moments that made history on April 25 in Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today. Powerful earthquake devastates Nepal At 11:56 am on April 25, 2015, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck Nepal. Its epicentre was near Barpak in the Gorkha District, approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Kathmandu. The quake was the most powerful to hit the country since 1934. The damage was extensive. Nearly 9,000 people lost their lives, and over 22,000 were injured. More than 600,000 structures were either damaged or reduced to rubble. Among them were several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, as well as significant religious sites such as the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas, and the Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan temples. Several historic sites, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites, were either destroyed or reduced to rubble. File image. Reuters One of the most widely reported consequences of the quake was the avalanche it triggered on Mount Everest. At the time, many climbers were gathered at the Everest Base Camp during the peak of expedition season. The avalanche claimed at least 22 lives and injured more than 60 others. It was the deadliest incident on the mountain in recorded history. Beyond the capital and tourist areas, rural communities were also severely affected. Entire villages in remote regions were flattened, and access to these areas was made difficult by landslides and damaged roads. Rescue operations were further hindered by ongoing aftershocks. One of the most widely reported consequences of the quake was the avalanche it triggered on Mount Everest. The avalanche claimed at least 22 lives and injured more than 60 others. It was the deadliest incident on the mountain in recorded history. File image/ Reuters The economic impact was also significant, with estimated losses exceeding $5 billion, roughly one-quarter of Nepal's GDP at the time. In response, the Nepalese government declared a state of emergency and mobilised the army for search and rescue operations. International support came swiftly. Countries around the world, along with various humanitarian organisations and the United Nations, contributed aid, personnel, and resources. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When DNA structure was described for the first time On April 25, 1953, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick published a seminal paper in the journal Nature, proposing the double helix structure of DNA. This discovery provided critical insights into how genetic information is stored and transmitted in living organisms. Their model described DNA as two strands forming a helical structure, with complementary base pairs—adenine pairing with thymine, and guanine with cytosine—held together by hydrogen bonds. This arrangement explained the mechanism. This arrangement explained how DNA replicates and transmits genetic information. On April 25, 1953, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick published a seminal paper in the journal The breakthrough was made possible by the X-ray diffraction images, particularly 'Photo 51', produced by Rosalind Franklin, whose work was instrumental in revealing the helical nature of DNA. However, Franklin did not receive the same recognition as her male counterparts during her lifetime. In 1962, Watson, Crick, and Maurice Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their contributions to understanding the molecular structure of nucleic acids. The elucidation of DNA's structure marked the beginning of modern molecular biology, paving the way for advancements in genetics, biotechnology, and medicine. This day, That year 1859: Construction of the Suez Canal officially began. 1901: New York became the first US state to mandate license plates 1990: Violeta Barrios de Chamorro became Central America's first female president as she was sworn into office in Nicaragua. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 1990: The Hubble Space Telescope was sent into orbit 2021: Chinese filmmaker Chloé Zhao became the first person of colour to win the Academy Award for best director for Nomadland (2020) With input from agencies
The National
19-03-2025
- Science
- The National
DNA breakthrough as Saudi scientists see how genes begin to copy
DNA scientists in Saudi Arabia have reported a breakthrough after seeing for the first time the moment our genetic code begins to copy itself. Looking through microscopes, a team at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology saw how our DNA 'unwinds' from its spiral shape. That is a necessary step before it can be copied. The twisted strands of the DNA double helix are 'melted' by chemicals called helicases, according to the scientists. They describe them as 'machines or, because of their size, nanomachines' acting inside our bodies. Once pulled apart, other chemicals take over and get to work copying the strands of DNA. Almost every cell in the human body contains the same genetic code, which dictates things such as the colour of our eyes and hair. Nobel Prize winners James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the double-helix structure of DNA in the 1950s – but scientists did not know, until now, how exactly it is unwound, said Alfredo De Biasio, one of the King Abdullah University scientists. Researchers called it a milestone in the field. They said their new findings published in the journal Nature amount to the detailed description yet of the 'very first steps' of DNA replication. With their cryo-electron microscopes, scientists in Prof De Biasio's laboratory, and that of bioscientist Samir Hamdan, watched 15 atomic states unfold that reveal how the strands are split apart. They found that two of the 'machines' work together to melt the DNA in one spot each. The whole thing works so efficiently that it could be a model for designing miniature technology, it is hoped. That makes the study 'more than an attempt to answer the most fundamental scientific questions about life', Prof De Biasio said. 'From a design perspective, helicases exemplify energy-efficient mechanical systems,' he said. Miniature machines 'could harness similar energy-efficient mechanisms to perform complex, force-driven tasks'. He said the 'machines' that prise apart our DNA are powered by a molecule called ATP. This functions 'like the spring in a mouse trap, snapping the helicase forward and pulling the DNA strands apart', he said. Saudi Arabia launched a $200 million fund to invest in high-tech companies two years ago as part of a new strategy for King Abdullah University. The aim is to improve the chances of 'turning research into economically beneficial innovations'. The university's previous work includes a coral reef restoration on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast described as the world's largest, and a nanosatellite launched in 2023 to monitor the kingdom's natural resources.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - America is breaking its own maritime law — and China knows it
President Trump's announcement to Congress that he will create a new White House Office of Shipbuilding marks a long-overdue recognition of America's maritime crisis. This initiative couldn't come at a more critical time: just last December, Spain denied entry to two U.S.-flagged vessels over allegations that they carried military cargo for Israel. This incident reveals a deeper problem: The U.S. no longer controls enough of its own shipping capacity to enforce its trade and security interests independently. If we had a robust merchant fleet, civilian ships that carry commercial cargo, this disruption would be an isolated diplomatic spat, not highlighting a critical vulnerability. This shortage exists because we have allowed our commercial fleet to diminish despite clear legal requirements. The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 explicitly requires that the U.S. maintain 'a merchant marine sufficient to carry a substantial part of the waterborne export and import foreign commerce.' This legal mandate is a national security imperative that we have systematically abandoned. The contrast between U.S. and Chinese commercial maritime power is staggering, leaving the U.S. reliant on foreign shipping in an increasingly contested global environment. America's merchant fleet has collapsed to fewer than 200 U.S.-flagged vessels, while China has deliberately built a commercial armada exceeding 7,000 ships. More than a numerical advantage, it represents a fundamental global influence and economic leverage shift. Rear Adm. James Watson's 'ZERO POINT FOUR: How U.S. Leadership In Maritime Will Secure America's Future,' notes that China's merchant fleet carries about 20 percent of global trade, while U.S.-flagged vessels move less than 2 percent of American overseas trade despite our economy generating nearly a quarter of global GDP. More concerning, China's 130+ major shipyards can produce more ships annually than America's mere five large shipyards could build in a decade. China's strategy extends far beyond shipbuilding. Beijing has created an integrated network of Chinese-built vessels, Chinese-owned shipping companies, Chinese bank financing, and Chinese-controlled ports. Chinese firms now operate terminals at 96 overseas ports, including 36 of the world's top 100. Most concerning, China's state-controlled LOGINK platform manages data for half of global container volume, giving Beijing unprecedented visibility into supply chains. This maritime dominance undermines our military readiness, creates dangerous dependencies on potential adversaries and weakens American diplomatic leverage when our power projection relies on foreign shipping companies. The economic security implications are equally concerning. American businesses pay a 'China premium' of billions annually to foreign shipping companies that control our trade routes. Meanwhile, Chinese firms can leverage their dominant position to obtain preferential access to ports, resources, and markets worldwide. There is a solution. Just as the CHIPS and Science Act recognized semiconductors as critical infrastructure requiring national investment, the bipartisan Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security Act provides a framework to address America's maritime crisis. The administration has now signaled its commitment to this vital issue and resurrected the American shipbuilding industry. This announcement represents a critical first step but must be followed by comprehensive action. Congress must now take three urgent actions: : Coordinating with the new White House Office of Shipbuilding, Congress must expand American shipbuilding capacity through direct investment and reformed contracting models, similar to successful initiatives in semiconductors. : America faces a shortage of over 1,800 skilled mariners. If the U.S. activated its entire reserve fleet today, we wouldn't have enough trained sailors to crew the ships. Congress must expand training pipelines, offer incentives for maritime careers and establish expedited certification programs for veterans. : The U.S. Merchant Marine lacks unified oversight, with responsibilities scattered across multiple agencies. A National Maritime Security Council would integrate combat and commercial maritime needs into our national security planning. As President Trump raises concerns about controlling the Panama Canal, we must recognize that controlling waterways means little if America doesn't have its own ships to sail through them. Even if we maintain the world's most powerful navy, what good is that power if we can't sustain global logistics without relying on foreign vessels? True sea power has never been about having the biggest navy alone. It combines naval military strength with a robust commercial fleet supporting trade and national security. Right now, China has both elements of sea power. America has only one. We have a legal obligation under the Merchant Marine Act to maintain sufficient maritime capacity for national defense and commerce. The president's commitment to revitalizing American shipbuilding acknowledges this reality, but success will require sustained investment and policy coordination across the executive and legislative branches. Without rebuilding our shipping industry to fulfill this mandate, American tough talk on China remains just that — talk. Establishing a White House Office of Shipbuilding signals a welcome shift in priorities, but it must be the beginning, not the end, of America's maritime revival. Cmdr. Ander Heiles is a surface warfare officer and licensed merchant mariner attending the Joint Advanced Warfighting School in Norfolk, VA. He commanded the USS Monsoon (PC 4) and is the prospective executive officer for the Naval Talent Acquisition Groups Empire State. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
