Latest news with #IndigenousPacific
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Albanese Government Must Act, CSIRO Research Fuels Calls For Deep Sea Mining Moratorium
As the peak international body on deep sea mining begins a three-week meeting, CSIRO has released a series of reports commissioned by mining proponent The Metals Company (TMC) that underscore the severe environmental risks and scientific uncertainty surrounding the dangerous industry. The findings confirm international consensus; the deep ocean is too poorly understood to proceed with deep sea mining safely or responsibly, prompting major environmental organisations to call on the Albanese Government to support a moratorium. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading The timing of the CSIRO reports appears to align with what was, until recently, TMC's plan to submit an application to the ISA on June 27 – plans the company has now abandoned in favour of a controversial U.S. based pathway via a dormant 1980s law and enabled by the Trump administration. Pressure is mounting on the Albanese Government to adopt a precautionary stance supporting a moratorium at the ISA in line with many of its major partners, including the UK, Canada, France, Germany and New Zealand. Currently, 37 countries back a deep sea mining moratorium. TMC continues to apply pressure on international regulators to accelerate approvals for this high-risk untested industry. With a state-funded agency producing research likely to be used to legitimise mining in international waters, ocean advocates are calling on the Albanese Government to direct CSIRO to take no further actions on behalf of TMC. The CSIRO reports confirm the likely damage to the seafloor and to the marine environment that civil society, Indigenous Pacific communities, and independent scientists have warned about; deep sea mining is too destructive and there is too much uncertainty to proceed. 'These findings echo the concerns we've heard right across the Pacific region – that the deep ocean is a highly complex, precious environment, and that accelerating deep sea mining would be dangerous,' said Phil McCabe, Pacific Regional Coordinator at the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition. There remains a severe lack of real-world data about deep sea ecosystems – particularly in relation to the long-term environmental impacts and the risk of toxic pollution entering the food chain. Scientists warn that many of these impacts are likely to be irreversible in human timeframes. The CSIRO reports acknowledge the potential for heavy metals to bioaccumulate in marine life, including tuna, swordfish, whales, and dolphins. 'We've seen this before; traffic light systems, digital twin technology, adaptive management systems – all designed to give the illusion of sustainable management,' said Dr. Helen Rosenbaum, Research Coordinator at the Deep Sea Mining Campaign. 'When the science is this uncertain, the only responsible signal is red.' TMC's recent decision to abandon its application to the ISA and instead issue permits through a dormant U.S. law has been widely condemned by governments and legal experts as a direct challenge to international law and multilateralism. The move undermines the ISA's authority just as states prepare to negotiate key regulations. 'Australia's credibility is on the line,' said Duncan Currie, International Lawyer and advisor to the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition. 'CSIRO's involvement with The Metals Company (TMC) risks implicating Australia in their attempt to sidestep international governance. The Albanese Government must now draw a clear line; support a moratorium at the International Seabed Authority, and ensure CSIRO takes no further action on TMC's behalf.' 'At the ISA, a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep sea mining is the only viable path to protecting the deep sea,' said Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific. 'Delegates at the ISA must listen to the science and the voices of Pacific nations and back a moratorium to stop deep sea mining before it starts.' The Deep Sea Mining Campaign, Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, and Surfrider Australia call on the Albanese Government to announce its support for a Moratorium at the upcoming ISA meeting in Jamaica; and direct CSIRO to take no further actions on behalf of TMC.
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
VetMAP Students Celebrate Graduation Milestone
The first cohort of Māori and Indigenous Pacific students supported by the Veterinary Māori and Pacific (VetMAP) initiative graduated this week, marking a proud milestone for both the students and the programme. VetMAP is a dedicated pathway within Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University's Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) that fosters equity, success and cultural connection in the veterinary profession. VetMAP was introduced in 2020 as an outcome of the PhD research of Professor Eloise Jillings, Ngāti Maru, which explored access to veterinary education for Māori. The initiative is a targeted entry and support pathway offered by Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science. There are several key reasons why VetMAP was established. Firstly, it aligns with Massey's commitment to being a Tiriti-led institution. Secondly, the kaupapa aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, supporting access to all levels of education for Indigenous peoples. Finally, VetMAP supports students in achieving their goals while helping the veterinary profession reflect the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand. The programme has had a significant impact since its inception. In the five years since VetMAP started, 79 Māori and Pacific students have been selected into the veterinary programme—compared to only 13 in the three years prior. This increase underscores the importance of creating welcoming and inclusive spaces where Māori and Pacific students feel a sense of belonging and see role models who reflect their backgrounds. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading Through tailored mentoring, academic support and a strong sense of community, VetMAP ensures that students are well-equipped to thrive during the rigorous BVSc programme and beyond. Academic support includes funded tutorials and development of study communities. Holistic pastoral care is also central, with the kaiurungi (carrier) acting as a trusted point of contact for students. They also benefit from the support of the Pacific Student Success team and Te Rau Tauawhi Māori Student Centre. VetMAP Kaiārahi Coordinator Pauline Seymour says the programme is grounded in the values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. 'VetMAP is about walking alongside our students from the beginning of their journey to the moment they graduate. We want them to feel confident, connected and proud of who they are and where they come from.' This week's graduation is particularly meaningful as these students not only complete a demanding professional degree but also represent a growing legacy of Māori and Pacific excellence in veterinary science. BVSc graduate Ariana Miller, Ngāpuhi says looking back over the past five years of vet school brings a wave of emotions like excitement, frustration, fear, pride, exhaustion and relief. 'From the uncertainty of pre-vet to the joy of securing my place in the programme, every moment has been part of a transformative journey. VetMAP has been a constant source of awhi and tautoko throughout, helping to shape not just the vet I am today but the person I've become. I'm deeply proud to have grown alongside my VetMAP whānau and to now support the next generation of tauira as they step into their own paths. Kia māia, kia kaha, kia mau – your time will come.' Fellow BVSc graduate Taylor Waterson, Whakatōhea says VetMAP was her designated home away from home throughout her studies. 'It was a place of whānau, belonging, aroha and acceptance where everyone would always manaaki one another no matter the challenge. Knowing there were others on the same journey to lean on was a huge source of comfort early on and those connections have turned into lifelong friendships. I'm tremendously proud of the mahi my colleagues and I have put in to get to where we are today.' BVSc graduate Tamara Anderson, Kūki 'Āirani says VetMAP had a significant impact on her during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 'The community of VetMAP during the pandemic and lockdowns led to friendships that I still hold dear; and even though our graduate jobs have taken us all over Aotearoa, I now have the privilege of working alongside one of those friends as a fellow intern at Massey University. As a tuākana of this initiative, it's been amazing to see how much VetMAP has grown in size and strength.' Head of Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science Professor Jon Huxley extends his congratulations to the graduates. 'I am very proud of the whole VetMAP whānau and what they have achieved, and I would like to take the opportunity to wish our graduates all the very best in their careers. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi – with your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.'
