Halfback Jamal Fogarty has backed ‘once in a lifetime player’ Jordan Rapana to slide into the No.1 jersey with a minimum of fuss in the absence of Xavier Savage. The 33-year-old Kiwi has played nine games at fullback across the past four seasons and finds himself there again this weekend after Savage suffered a broken jaw in Moruya in round one of the Pre-Season Challenge. With Savage set to be sidelined for up to eight weeks, Fogarty is confident the 180-game veteran will ease seamlessly into the spine ahead of their first full-team hit out this weekend. “I think Raps (Rapana) can do the job there, we’ve seen it before last year when he’s gone back a couple of times to play fullback,” Fogarty told media during pre-season training. “Raps is once in a lifetime footballer. He’s so carefree - so many other players worry and stress about things where Rapa just goes out and plays football. “And to be honest he’s never holding the wing anyway, he’s always roaming around so it probably suits him very well.” Coach Ricky Stuart is spoilt for choice with utility backs capable of filling the No.1 jersey with the likes of Albert Hopoate and Harley Smith-Shields both experienced in the position. Fogarty has faith in the Raiders' depth but he admits it did sting losing Savage after the pair had just completed their first pre-season as part of Stuart's first-choice spine. “It’s not ideal, myself and Xav (Savage) have worked really hard over the pre-season to get that combination going to get a steady start to the season,” he said. “Losing him we're kind of back to square one with a new fullback but we’ve got players here and the right coaching staff to get ready for the early rounds.” The hard-running Rapana proved his worth at fullback for the Māori All Stars in 2022, topping the run metres (156) and breaking seven tackles in a 16-10 win, before returning to the wing for this year's game in Rotorua. Fellow outside back Matt Timoko is another Raider in no doubt that Rapana can acquit himself well at fullback against Wests Tigers with Nick Cotric and Smith-Shields filling the wing spots. “Raps is a very experienced player, you can chuck him anywhere and he will definitely do his job,” Timoko said. “I’m keen to go out there and play with him. It’s been a couple of months. “It is a big blow having Sav out because he was our number one fullback from the start of pre-season and he’s been training well there. "But at the same time, we’ve got to keep moving forward and not dwell on the setbacks.” Source: NRL.Com

Growing up, Susan Alape watched her father take daily medication. In high school, Susan resolved to become a nurse so she could provide support for her father and others like him. After graduating from Pacific Adventist University, Susan realized her goal of becoming a nurse. With 5 years’ experience, Susan joined UNFPA and Burnet Institute’s Faculty Development Programme. She completed the first module on evidence-based practice in 2022. “I was referred to the course by one of the Maternal and Child Health Coordinators for National Capital District Provincial Health Authority, who said I should try it out,” said Susan, after completing the course. “I didn't think I was going to be accepted as I'm a general nurse with less than ten years experience, but I have an interest in this area of maternal and child health. I was elated to have been accepted.” UNFPA’s Faculty Development Programme, hosted in partnership with the Burnet Institute, focuses on education - how to deliver the lessons learned - to other practitioners. The development and strengthening of those who teach is one important strategy to improve the quality of care provided by maternity health professionals and in turn, to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. “Evidence-based practice is relevant in all areas of the healthcare system,” said Susan. “ It ensures that what we teach and practice is of high standard and produces quality outcomes fornursing care and good patient satisfaction.” Delivering the best care means engaging in continued education about emerging technologies in the healthcare space. Susan shared that keeping up to date with the latest advancements is essential for those working in nursing. “As time goes by, technology advances and science evolves, bringing in new information and evidence that we may use in our practice and teaching,” said Susan. “We have to be up to date with new information and this course highlighted the importance of evidence-based practice, particularly the importance of examining how and from where you get your information and self-critiquing the research you do to support your practice.” Patient satisfaction is one of the most important outcomes for Susan. “I believe that the patient's smile reflects the quality of care given and I'm always glad when I see patients smile when they leave.” “I do hope to have a career in maternal and child health in the near future and be able to undertake further learning.” Whether or not Susan utilizes her new skills to advance her interests in maternal and child health, Susan is now letting evidence-based practice guide her work as a nurse. “Despite the challenges faced in our healthcare system in PNG, I enjoy serving people from all walks of life,” shared Susan. “I am able to care for my father as well as serve my countrymen and women through my nursing career.”

PNG Fashion Week Limited through its economic arm, Miss Papua New Guinea has launched its second shop, this time an international branch in Brisbane, Australia which is a first for the business and a very first for the nation in this industry. The shop which specializes in selling locally designed clothing and local arts and craft is looking forward to serving the demand for Papua New Guinean made items in Australia and the surrounding international community. According to PNG Fashion Week Director Ms Philma Kelegai, the Brisbane branch located at 28/198 Adelaide Street, Anzac Square, Brisbane CDB, will provide an avenue for local designers to tap into the international market to further push their local brands and in turn reach more international clients for their businesses. For over five years now, the Miss Papua New Guinea shop located at Vision City in Port Moresby has been carrying local brands by local Papua New Guineans and so far has created a mark in the fashion and textile industry as a brand that is here to stay. Ms Kelegai said that with the country facing a downturn in the economy as far as inflation and the turnout of success for SMEs is concerned, the focus for the business now is to look outside of the local market and explore promising opportunities at the international level. “With the country’s economy going through some tough challenging times, the focus for us now is to look further and find avenues for growth for our business and our clients whom we are connected to.” “With the opening of our newest shop in Brisbane, our clients (local designers) can now have direct access to the international market as whatever products we have in our branch in country will be the same for our international branch as well,” Ms Kelegai said. Miss Papua New Guinea is a business pathway for local designers and creatives who are part of the country’s premiere fashion platform, PNG Fashion Week. Ms Kelegai said, “With a platform as massive as PNG Fashion Week, the potential for pushing local brands on there is very promising and so that has been our focus, to push for and to encourage local designers through all our major activities, the most coveted one being the NGCB Paradise Runway.” Dubbed as “the future of culture”, the NGCB Paradise Runway is PNG Fashion Week’s largest and most popular high fashion runway which is dedicated to promoting Papua New Guinea’s diverse and unique cultures through culturally and traditionally inspired designs. With the opening of the Brisbane shop, Ms Kelegai is confident that the future is looking bright for PNG Fashion Week and more importantly for the Miss Papua New Guinea brand as they continue to venture into unexplored markets to establish themselves as a leading brand in the world of fashion. The official launching and opening of the shop was attended by representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office as well as officials from National Gaming Control Board Ltd who currently remain as the naming rights sponsors to the NGCB Paradise Runway. NGCB CEO Ms. Imelda Agon officially opened Miss Papua New Guinea - Brisbane on 14th February, 2023. Source: PNG Fashion Week

Coral Sea Hotels, which includes the Coral Sea Hotels nationwide, and the Grand Papua Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals; is the PNGAFF’s exclusive hospitality partner for 2023. According to Coral Sea Hotels General Manager, Peter Laigaard Jensen, Coral Sea Hotels has been a long-term supporter of the sporting ambitions of PNG, through the support of PNG AFFF. “We were there for the Pacific Games in 2015 as a major sponsor, and we have always welcomed sports officials and players at our establishments”, commented Mr. Jensen. “Sport is an important part of community living in PNG, and our representatives bring much prestige and honour to the local communities as well as the country” continued Mr. Jensen. “If we can contribute to their preparation through the provision of high-quality hospitality, then we are confident that they will be in the best position to do PNG proud”. In responding to Mr. Jensen, the President of PNG AFF, Timothy Dom Jim, thanked Coral Sea Hotels for support of sport in PNG. “We are grateful for the invaluable support from Coral Sea Hotels, and a partnership that will grow over the years”. About the Coral Seas Hotels Coral Sea Hotels are a hospitality pioneer in Papua New Guinea and offers a portfolio of premium, mid–market, and upscale quality hotels, residences & apartments in strategic well appointed locations throughout the country. Coral Sea Hotels - YOUR HOME IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA. Coral Sea Hotels is a business division of Steamships Limited. About the Papua New Guinea American Football Federation (PNG AFF) The PNG-AFF is a Non-Profit Organization aimed at developing American Football, tackle and Flag Football in Papua New Guinea. PNG American Football Federation is now an Allied Member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). By 2025, PNG American Football Federation will be a Full Member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).

An agreement has been signed to allow more Papua New Guineans in the informal sector to save for retirement through the National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund). Nasfund signed a partnership with MiBank, to develop a member onboarding software, which will be used by MiBank agents and Nasfund officers to register citizens through the Fund’s Eda Supa product. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for an initial 2 year period, was signed today by Nasfund Acting Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma, and MiBank Chief Executive Officer Tony Westaway. According to Nasfund Acting CEO Rajeev Sharma, this is exciting for the Fund, as it leverages off MiBank’s proven technology and track record and to enable quality service delivery to Nasfund’s Eda Supa members. “This initiative is part of the strategic direction by the Board of Nasfund on the key focus area of member benefits and offerings. As we all know, technology is at the heart of the digital age, and our organization recognizes the importance of partnering with a leading-edge technology savy bank like MiBank to drive innovation, enhance our products and services, and ultimately deliver greater value to our members. The Fund is confident that through this software, member biodata and monetary transactions will be captured accurately, to ensure timely update of member details and superannuation accounts. This solution will improve our service delivery to our Eda Supa members and enable our Eda Supa members to consistently increase their contributions as they see their balances increase each time they make a deposit to Nasfund using this new platform. The Fund is excited at the impact this development will have on our members, especially in the informal sector who will use our Eda Supa product. Nasfund would like to thank Chief Executive Officer Tony Westaway, Chief Operating Officer Trudi Egi, the Board and the staff of MiBank for supporting Nasfund in this initiative. We look forward to partnering with MiBank in the coming weeks and months, as we welcome our new members.” MiBank CEO Tony Westaway echoed similar sentiments. “Mi-Bank is the leading banker of rural Papua New Guineans and those in the informal sector. With over 16 branches and 280 agents nationwide, we work with account holders in Agriculture, Forestry, Mining and Petroleum project sites, as well as with SMEs in the informal sector in towns and cities around the country. With the help of our digital platform, we have opened up to 467,000 accounts for customers nationwide. This partnership with Nasfund will build on this, to widen the net for financial inclusivity and allow more of our customers to save for retirement through Eda Supa. We are working together to ensure more Papua New Guineans are ready for tomorrow.”

U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security Program representatives conducted a capacity-building seminar on port security audits in Port Moresby from February 13-16, 2023.   The United States Embassy Port Moresby assisted the U.S. Coast Guard to organize a program for more than 40 Papua New Guinea port security officials.  “The U.S. Coast Guard has worked directly with the Department of Transport to tailor this seminar to the needs that were identified by Papua New Guinea. The knowledge gained from this seminar will be used by ports around the country to enhance their port security programs, thus enhancing the security of worldwide maritime transportation system.” said Lieutenant Commander Adam Mullins, Activities Far East, Japan.   The program was designed to enhance port security capabilities in compliance with the 2004 International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, following recommendations during a U.S. Coast Guard visit in 2019. Key features of the program include providing technical assistance in the following areas:  1) Port facility access control, in order to enhance the physical protection systems and security capabilities of each port facility.   2) Drills and exercises in order to enhance the effective coordination and implementation of the port facility security plans.  3) Physical security and threat risk assessment, in order to enhance the identification of threats, vulnerabilities, capabilities, preparedness, and existing security measures related to the port.   In an effort to establish a comprehensive approach to maritime security, the International Maritime Organization and its Member States developed the ISPS Code, the only internationally accepted blueprint for the implementation of maritime security measures. The Coast Guard's International Port Security Program was established in 2003 to reinforce implementation of the ISPS Code in order to better understand of maritime security measures worldwide.   Implementation of these international standards is a worldwide partnership between maritime nations.“The audit seminar has vastly cleared the minds of all PNG participants about what an ISPS audit is about, and now makes it clearer and easier for the PNG Ministry of Transport to put Audit recommendations to respective port facilities,” said Sylvester Adema – First Assistant Secretary – Maritime Security Division PNG Department of Transport. “We truly appreciate the efforts and rare support from the USCG IPS Program and its team members.”   The Coast Guard is the principal Federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports and inland waterways, along more than 95,000 miles of U.S. coastline, throughout the 4.5 million square miles of U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, and on the high seas. As a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency, a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community, and a first responder, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities, broad jurisdiction, flexible operational capabilities, and a network of partnerships. Coast Guard safeguards U.S. national security, border security, and economic prosperity in a complex and evolving maritime environment. 

Papua New Guinea’s latest corruption score is a damning indictment of the government’s failure to properly fund anti-corruption agencies and it confirms PNG as one of the most corrupt country in the world. The recently published Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (CPI) shows PNG’s ranking has dropped six places from 124th to 130th out of 180 countries . PNG’s CPI index score which is based on public sector corruption has dropped from 31 in 2021 to 30 in 2022. “Corruption is costing Papua New Guinea billions of Kina every year”, says Campaign Manager Eddie Tanago. “It is ruining our economy and impoverishing the nation.” ACT NOW! says if the government is serious about making PNG ‘the richest black nation on earth’ then it must start to properly fund institutions like the Auditor General’s Office, the newly formed Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Police Fraud Squad and the Department of Implementation and Rural Development. It also needs to introduce new measures to make the government more open and transparent. “We welcome the government’s commitment to establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption”, says Tanago. “but a K10 million budget is pathetic when corruption is so entrenched and it looks measly when compared to the K20 million given to every District Development Authority. International accountancy firm Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC) has used global economic data to estimate the cost of a one-point change in CPI scores. “The PwC analysis shows that the one point drop in PNG’s corruption score from 2021 to 2022 could be costing the economy as much as K10 billion” says Eddie Tanago. “That is equivalent to a 10% decrease in our Gross Domestic Product or K1,000 being taken from every man woman and child in the country”. Conversely, says ACT NOW, if PNG can improve its corruption score then, that will have the effect of boosting the economy. Improving PNG’s CPI score by just 3 points to match the next worse country in our region which is the Philippines, could boost the size of the economy by 30% or K30 billion. Tanago suggests that the “government boosts its spending on anti-corruption agencies, adding it will have a direct impact in boosting PNG’s national economy and putting money in the hands of ordinary Papua New Guineans”. “Rather than giving K20 million to each DDA, the government could give K19 million instead and use the K96 million saving to boost the AGO, ICAC, DIRD and the fraud office. These institutions should have been strengthened first before the SIP funding was increased” ACT NOW! says corruption puts all sorts of extra costs on to business and makes the economy very inefficient. Corruption suppresses competition, increases prices, makes workers unproductive and leads to very poor infrastructure and services. The easiest way for the government to grow the economy and improve people’s livelihoods is therefore to tackle corruption head-on by properly funding the anti-corruption agencies and ensuring its decision making is open and accountable.

St Helens contingent of England World Cup representatives are hoping to make amends for their semi-final exit against a Samoa-stacked Panthers side in Saturday’s World Club Challenge. Jack Welsby, Tommy Makinson, Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees and Joe Batchelor were all involved in England’s heart-breaking World Cup campaign, which was ended by a Stephen Crichton extra time field goal at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Crichton and Panthers team-mates Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Spencer Leniu, Taylan May and Izack Tago were members of the Samoa squad which created history by reaching the World Cup final, losing 30-10 to Australia at Old Trafford. [caption id="attachment_36289" align="alignnone" width="840"] Luai, Crichton, To'o and Leniu after Samoa's World Cup semi-final defeat of England[/caption]  “We know that Penrith are a special team,” Welsby said. “They have gone back-to-back in the NRL and obviously we know how good all their players are like Luai, To’o, Crichton and Cleary, who for me is probably the best player in the world. “It is something I am looking forward to, coming up against the best is something we want to do and if we can come away with the win it proves that we are pretty strong.” St Helens have won four consecutive Super League premierships but because of COVID travel restrictions have not been afforded a chance to play in the World Club Challenge since their 2020 loss to Sydney Roosters. In addition to the five World Cup representatives, Saints prop Alex Walmsley, halves Lewis Dodd and Jonny Lomax and centre Mark Percival were ruled out of the England squad due to injury. After thrashing Samoa 60-6 in the opening match of the World Cup at Newcastle’s St James Park, England had been expected to comfortably qualify for the World Cup final on home soil but were left stunned after the 27-26 loss in London. “It is probably more than 1-1 against them,” Makinson said. “They went on to play in the World Cup final so they definitely got it over us there. “It was a tough defeat to take. We produced a great performance against Samoa in the opening game and really gave it to them, but then they just came back like they world class outfit that they are and we let it slip. [caption id="attachment_36290" align="alignnone" width="788"] Makinson scores a record five tries[/caption] “I felt like we had good moments in that game where we probably should have won and we had a great side so it hurt.” The 2018 IRL Golden Boot winner as international player of the year said the Saints players were  looking forward to proving themselves against a Penrith team who will go into the match as heavy favourites. “I obviously played in the World Cup against a few of their boys for Samoa and they are fantastic,” Makinson said. “Cleary bosses them around and he is probably the best half on the planet, Luai is brilliant and they have got danger all over the park with the likes of Crichton and To’o. [caption id="attachment_36291" align="alignnone" width="788"] Match Highlights: England v Samoa[/caption] "But we have got some good players as well and we are looking forward to some good match ups. Penrith are a double champion side in the best competition in the world. "The NRL is the pinnacle so for us to come over here and beat Penrith would mean everything to us. As a player you want to play in the biggest games and for me this is the biggest game. “We know how good a side we are, as well, and I think sometimes we get a bit undervalued. "In our competition in England, we have won four in a row, which has never been done before, but we know this is a step above and will be the biggest game we have ever played as a club. “They are the best team on the planet, and we have got to come up against them and beat them.” Source: NRL.Com

Concerns have been expressed by the community as to the haste in which the Government is conducting consultation on a draft National Media Development Policy which could undermine media freedoms in Papua New Guinea. The Community Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC) in a media statement is calling on the Department of Information and Communication Technologies to extend the time and breadth of consultation on this proposed national policy. “Extended and broader consultation is required for this as media freedoms are vital to our democracy. The two weeks given for consultation is not sufficient to consider the national and societal impact of this Media Policy and whether it is actually required. For instance, while the abuse of social media platforms is a new issue that is given as justification for the Media Policy, there are already existing laws that address the issue without undermining media freedom. This month when we commemorate the legacy of Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, we recall his personal stance when Prime Minister opposing the regulation of PNG’s media when a similar bill was proposed in 2003,” said Transparency International PNG Chairman Peter Aitsi, in his capacity as co-chair of the Community Coalition Against Corruption. “The editorial independence of newsrooms is a cornerstone of a functional democracy. Undermining media freedom, diminishes the role of the media as the mouthpiece of the people, holding those in power to account. Failure by the Government to provide adequate time and conduct meaningful consultation, will ultimately undermine confidence in the Government and the country, both domestically and abroad. If the concern is poor journalism, then the solution is more investment in schools of journalism at tertiary institutions, this will also increase diversity and pluralism in the quality of journalism. We need newsrooms with access to trainings on media ethics and legal protection from harassment,” said Media Council PNG President Neville Choi, in his capacity as co-chair of the Community Coalition Against Corruption. The Media Policy was initially released by the Department of ICT on 5th February 2023 and the public was only given 12 days to comment on the document, with the current deadline for feedback being 17th February 2022. The policy includes provisions for the regulation of media and establishment of a Government Information Risk Management (GIRM) Division within the Department of ICT to implement measures to prevent the unauthorized access to ‘sensitive information’. The Community Coalition Against Corruption is a loose network of organizations that come together to discuss and make recommendations on national governance issues, it is currently co-chaired by Transparency International PNG and the Media Council PNG.

An independent commission looking into the sexual abuse of minors in the Catholic Church said on Tuesday it had documented cases pointing to at least 4,815 victims. Set up by the Portuguese Episcopal Conference to examine abuse in recent decades, the commission added this was the tip of the iceberg. Presenting the report, the commission's president, child psychiatrist Pedro Strecht, described its objective as "giving voice to the silence" of victims. He paid tribute to the hundreds who contacted its staff to provide testimony. "They have a voice; they have a name," he said. In all, the commission documented 564 experiences of people who said they had been victims of abuse by priests or other Church officials. The exercise looked at cases dating back to 1950. In many cases, testimony pointed to other minors having been abused - hence the estimate of thousands of further victims. Throughout his presentation, Mr Strecht quoted victims' testimony, stressing the impact the abuse had on them. He cited the "black hole" in which one victim said that he had been living. The president of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, José Ornelas, Bishop of Leiria-Fátima, is due to make a statement later. On Sunday, he said he had received the report "with gratitude", and that an extraordinary session scheduled for 3 March would ponder the best way to offer "justice" to victims. According to the commission, a total of 25 cases have been passed to public prosecutors. Many others fell outside the statute of limitations. Among the recommendations the report makes is that, in cases of alleged sexual abuse of minors, the existing provision for victims to be able make a criminal complaint until the age of 25, even if the statute of limitation applies, should be raised to 30.   Source: BBC

US workplace safety regulators have fined a Pennsylvania factory after two workers fell into a vat of chocolate and had to be rescued. The Mars Wrigley factory in the city of Elizabethtown was fined more than $14,500 (£12,000) by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The workers were contractors who did not work full-time for the factory. The incident happened in June 2022. A hole had to be cut into the bottom of the partly-full tank to get them out. More than two dozen rescuers responded, and one worker was transported to hospital by helicopter, according to local reports. The regulator's report labelled the incident "serious". It says the workers were hired to clean tanks, and were not provided with proper safety training. It noted that the workers fell into a batching tank - a tank used to mix ingredients - for Dove chocolate, a brand sold in the US. In the UK and elsewhere, Dove is sold as Galaxy. A representative for Mars Wrigley welcomed the outcome of the investigation. "The safety of our associates and outside contractors is a top priority for our business," said the spokesperson. "As always, we appreciate [the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's] collaborative approach to working with us to conduct the after-action review." Mars and Wrigley - both American confectioners that are each over a century old - merged in 2008. In addition to Dove, the company produces several popular sweets such as M&Ms, Snickers and Twix. Source: BBC

New Zealand's prime minister says Cyclone Gabrielle, which has pummelled much of the North Island, is a weather event not seen "in a generation". Chris Hipkins' government has declared a state of emergency - only the third in New Zealand's history. About a third of the country's population of five million people live in affected areas. Many people are displaced and some were forced to swim from their homes to safety after rivers burst their banks. Others have been rescued from rooftops. About a quarter of a million people are without power. Falling trees have smashed houses, and landslides have carried others away and blocked roads. The storm's damage has been most extensive in coastal communities on the far north and east coast of the North Island - with areas like Hawke's Bay, Coromandel and Northland among the worst hit. Communications to one town in the region have been completely cut after a river burst its banks. Civil defence authorities in Hawke's Bay said they couldn't cope with the scale of the damage. Australia and the UK have pledged to help. A firefighter remains missing after being caught in a landslide in Muriwai, west of Auckland. A second firefighter involved was critically injured, rescue agencies said. Marcelle Smith, whose family lives in a cliff-front property in Parua Bay on the east coast of the North Island, told the BBC she had fled inland with her two young children on Monday night. Her husband remained behind to set up protections for their home. Some embankments set up had already been washed away and they were still battling wild weather on Tuesday. "We are trying to do everything we can to protect what we have put our lives into. It's man versus nature at this point," she told the BBC. Local media have reported that some residents in Hawke's Bay had to swim through bedroom windows to escape as waters flooded their homes. People have been warned they could be without power for weeks. Aerial pictures of flooded regions showed people stranded on rooftops waiting for rescue. The vast scale of the damage includes uprooted trees, bent street lights and poles, and row after row of flooded homes. New Zealand's Defence Force released dramatic pictures of officials rescuing a stranded sailor, whose yacht was swept out to sea when its anchor cable snapped amid strong winds. "The severity and the damage that we are seeing has not been experienced in a generation," Mr Hipkins said on Tuesday. "We are still building a picture of the effects of the cyclone as it continues to unfold. But what we do know is the impact is significant and it is widespread." He has pledged NZ$11.5m (£6m; US$7.3m) in aid to support those affected by the disaster. Declaring the national state of emergency on Tuesday morning, the Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, described the storm as "unprecedented". The emergency order enables the government to streamline its response to the disaster. It has been applied to the Northland, Auckland, Tairawhiti, Tararua, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Hawke's Bay regions. New Zealand has only previously declared a national state of emergency on two occasions - during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. The government has attributed the scale of the disaster to climate change. "The severity of it, of course, [is] made worse by the fact that our global temperatures have already increased by 1.1 degrees," said climate change minister James Shaw. "We need to stop making excuses for inaction. We cannot put our heads in the sand when the beach is flooding. We must act now." Cyclone Gabrielle has hit New Zealand just two weeks after unprecedented downpours and flooding in the same region, which killed four people. The MetService says conditions are expected to clear in coming days, and heavy rain warnings are being lifted for some parts of the country. But it has warned that wind could still cause further damage.     Source: BBC