Latest news with #OIA
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Controversial police directive saw retail crime investigations halve in some regions
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. Photo: Calvin Samuel / RNZ A former police directive to staff on retail crime thresholds has led to a significant decrease in the number of files being investigated across the country, documents released to RNZ reveal. The directive, which has since been scrapped, told staff they would no longer be investigating allegations of retail crime below certain financial thresholds . In the first 12 days of the directive, Wellington had the biggest shift in total number of cases going from an average of 60 per day to 30. Auckland City had a 26 percent drop, Tasman 56 percent, Canterbury 13 percent and Southern 37 percent. RNZ earlier revealed a directive was sent to staff relating to police's File Management Centre (FMC) titled 'Assignment Changes - Theft and Fraud'. The directive said FMC was applying "nationally standardised value thresholds" when assessing theft and fraud files. The value thresholds were: General theft $200, petrol drive off $150, shoplifting $500, fraud (paywave, online, scam etc) $1000, and all other fraud $500. "When assessing files with these offences, you will apply the relevant value threshold and file any file under that threshold regardless of any lines of enquiry or IFA score," it said. Following the revelations, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers canned the directive, which he called "confusing and unhelpful" following significant backlash. On Wednesday, a series of documents from police under the Official Information Act was released to RNZ. The documents include an email from 7 April revealing the number of files being assigned for investigation since the rules were put in place 12 days earlier. In the email, the police advisor said Wellington had the biggest change from an average of 60 per day to an average of 30. The numbers were being compared to baseline data over a 47-day period before the threshold was put into place. During the same period Auckland City had a 26 percent decrease, Counties Manukau 21 percent, Eastern 38 percent, Central 42 percent and Canterbury 13 percent. Waikato had a 2.7 percent increase, which the staffer said was due to filed being reassigned and appearing twice. The OIA also includes a template that had been created to send to victims whose crimes did not meet the threshold. The email thanked the victims for reporting their crime but said they "regret to advise, at this time, police is unable to investigate further". "While we would like to resolve all matters to our victims' complete satisfaction, there are occasions where we cannot," it said. "Investigations are prioritised using a range of factors including legal timeframes and the likelihood of a successful conviction." The email said police appreciated this may be "frustrating and upsetting" to hear, "particularly if you reported the incident recently or provided lines of enquiry". "We will however review your case if our ability to resolve this matter changes." Police earlier launched a review to establish how many cases of retail crime were filed while the controversial directive was in place. A police spokesperson earlier confirmed to RNZ the national value threshold applied to the prioritisation of lower-level theft and fraud offences was being removed. "A review is being completed on any cases that may have been impacted by those thresholds to assess whether they should be assigned to districts for follow-up," the spokesperson said. The review will be done by police's data quality team. "Police want to reassure that cases will continue to be managed locally balancing demand, resources and priorities to ensure the best possible service to victims in those communities." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Controversial police directive saw retail crime investigations half in some regions
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. Photo: Calvin Samuel / RNZ A former police directive to staff on retail crime thresholds has led to a significant decrease in the number of files being investigated across the country, documents released to RNZ reveal. The directive, which has since been scrapped, told staff they would no longer be investigating allegations of retail crime below certain financial thresholds . In the first 12 days of the directive, Wellington had the biggest shift in total number of cases going from an average of 60 per day to 30. Auckland City had a 26 percent drop, Tasman 56 percent, Canterbury 13 percent and Southern 37 percent. RNZ earlier revealed a directive was sent to staff relating to police's File Management Centre (FMC) titled 'Assignment Changes - Theft and Fraud'. The directive said FMC was applying "nationally standardised value thresholds" when assessing theft and fraud files. The value thresholds were: General theft $200, petrol drive off $150, shoplifting $500, fraud (paywave, online, scam etc) $1000, and all other fraud $500. "When assessing files with these offences, you will apply the relevant value threshold and file any file under that threshold regardless of any lines of enquiry or IFA score," it said. Following the revelations, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers canned the directive, which he called "confusing and unhelpful" following significant backlash. On Wednesday, a series of documents from police under the Official Information Act was released to RNZ. The documents include an email from 7 April revealing the number of files being assigned for investigation since the rules were put in place 12 days earlier. In the email, the police advisor said Wellington had the biggest change from an average of 60 per day to an average of 30. The numbers were being compared to baseline data over a 47-day period before the threshold was put into place. During the same period Auckland City had a 26 percent decrease, Counties Manukau 21 percent, Eastern 38 percent, Central 42 percent and Canterbury 13 percent. Waikato had a 2.7 percent increase, which the staffer said was due to filed being reassigned and appearing twice. The OIA also includes a template that had been created to send to victims whose crimes did not meet the threshold. The email thanked the victims for reporting their crime but said they "regret to advise, at this time, police is unable to investigate further". "While we would like to resolve all matters to our victims' complete satisfaction, there are occasions where we cannot," it said. "Investigations are prioritised using a range of factors including legal timeframes and the likelihood of a successful conviction." The email said police appreciated this may be "frustrating and upsetting" to hear, "particularly if you reported the incident recently or provided lines of enquiry". "We will however review your case if our ability to resolve this matter changes." Police earlier launched a review to establish how many cases of retail crime were filed while the controversial directive was in place. A police spokesperson earlier confirmed to RNZ the national value threshold applied to the prioritisation of lower-level theft and fraud offences was being removed. "A review is being completed on any cases that may have been impacted by those thresholds to assess whether they should be assigned to districts for follow-up," the spokesperson said. The review will be done by police's data quality team. "Police want to reassure that cases will continue to be managed locally balancing demand, resources and priorities to ensure the best possible service to victims in those communities." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman eyes strategic share of global polysilicon market
MUSCAT: With the Sultanate of Oman just months away from commissioning its $1.6 billion polysilicon production facility in SOHAR Port and Freezone, Oman is set to rank second only to China as one of the world's largest producers of this strategic commodity — central to the global solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry. United Solar Polysilicon, slated for launch before the end of this year, will be the first polysilicon project in the Middle East. Once fully operational, the plant — designed with an annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes — will position Oman as the second-largest producer globally, with an estimated 4.4 per cent share of worldwide capacity. 'The project aims to position Oman as a key player in the global photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing supply chain, reducing dependency on China-based production,' said the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), which has invested $156 million in the venture through Future Fund Oman (FFO), a platform that supports investments in strategic sectors of the Omani economy. China remains a polysilicon manufacturing powerhouse, accounting for around 93 per cent (equivalent to 2 million tonnes per year) of the world's total production capacity of 2.1 million tonnes. A distant second is Germany, with a 2.9-per cent share (65,000 tonnes), followed by the United States and Malaysia, each with 1.5 per cent (34,000 tonnes). In value terms, the global market was estimated at $34.3 billion as of end-2023. According to OIA, the decision to site the polysilicon project in Oman was based on several competitive advantages, foremost among them government support. 'A national negotiation team streamlined discussions, ensuring a smooth process for securing leases, utilities and incentives,' noted Oxford Business Group in an Impact Report on Future Fund Oman. Other factors influencing the investment decision included: Competitive electricity prices, crucial for maintaining profit margins; Proximity to SOHAR Port and Freezone, enabling efficient import of raw materials and export of finished products; Access to the US market via the Oman–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), allowing tariff-free exports; and a favourable regulatory environment. In addition, the project grants Oman a strategic entry into the global solar renewables supply chain. Detailing the production process, the Impact Report explained: 'The solar PV manufacturing process begins with the production of high-purity polysilicon, which is then melted and shaped into cylindrical ingots. 'These ingots are sliced into thin wafers, forming the base for solar cells. The cells undergo various treatments to enhance their efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. 'Finally, the cells are assembled into modules (solar panels) ready for installation in energy systems. This process is critical to the growth of renewable energy infrastructure worldwide.' Currently, around 4,000 contractual construction workers are engaged in building the sprawling complex, which spans 160,000 m² within the SOHAR Port and Freezone. During the operational phase, the plant will employ 1,000 to 2,000 staff, with Omanisation targeted at 70 per cent by 2030 through a combination of training and technology transfer programmes.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman posts strong gains in food self-sufficiency
BLURB: Oman is leveraging technology and capital to enhance productivity across its 1.4 million hectares of agricultural land, reinforcing food security and economic resilience. MUSCAT, July 25: Oman's food self-reliance metrics improved significantly across major staples in 2024, buoyed by strong new inflows of investment in agriculture, fisheries and food processing activities. According to the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), a key government entity mandated to strengthen food security among other objectives, the GDP contribution of the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors grew by 9.8 per cent year-on-year, reaching RO 966.4 million in 2023. By the end of the first half of 2024, the figure stood at RO 529.5 million, underscoring the significant pace of growth in the country's broader food economy. Oman Food Capital, the new brand established following the merger of OIA subsidiaries Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj) and Fisheries Development Oman (FDO), currently oversees investments and assets valued at over RO 1 billion. Its portfolio spans the entire food value chain, including fisheries, aquaculture, poultry and red meat production, dairy, fruits and vegetables, animal feed, food processing, agri-tech and R&D, logistics and cold chain infrastructure and local farming. These investments, coupled with initiatives by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources to stimulate sector-wide growth, have contributed to a significant uptick in food self-sufficiency ratios across key food categories. According to data compiled by Oxford Business Group on behalf of the OIA, Oman recorded notable shifts in its food self-reliance indicators in 2024 compared to the previous year. Fish remained the most self-sufficient food category, improving from 151 per cent in 2023 to 162 per cent in 2024, highlighting Oman's robust marine production and growing export potential. Fresh milk also saw a strong performance, rising from 88 per cent to 97 per cent signalling improvements in domestic dairy output and supply chain efficiency. Table eggs experienced a dramatic increase in self-sufficiency, jumping from 59 per cent in 2023 to 92 per cent in 2024, thanks to expanded poultry farming capacity and improved production practices. Fruit production more than doubled in performance, rising from 26 per cent to 57 per cent, indicating broader cultivation and improved seasonal yields. Red meat saw a modest increase from 44 per cent to 46 per cent, reflecting incremental gains in livestock production. Conversely, a few food categories saw declines. Vegetable self-sufficiency dropped from 77 per cent in 2023 to 60 per cent in 2024, while poultry experienced a modest decline from 61 per cent to 55 per cent. Nonetheless, Oman continues to strengthen its agricultural and food sectors through strategic investment. The Oxford Business Group report noted that the Sultanate of Oman is leveraging technology and capital to enhance productivity across its 1.4 million hectares of agricultural land, thereby reinforcing food security and economic resilience. 'By 2024, the country achieved self-sufficiency rates of 92 per cent in table eggs, 97 per cent in fresh milk and 162 per cent in fish production — reflecting considerable progress in fundamental segments', the report stated. The fisheries sector in particular has been described as a 'pillar of economic diversification', with production reaching 748,000 tonnes in 2022, valued at $1.2 billion. Exports rose by 23.7 per cent in the previous year to $362 million, positioning Oman as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture, the report added. In 2024, Oman launched 89 new investment projects in agriculture and fisheries, covering over 9 million square metres. These include 70 agricultural ventures, 10 livestock projects, seven water-related initiatives and two fisheries projects, all aimed at enhancing food security through modern scientific methods. The projects require a minimum 30 per cent Omani or GCC ownership, aligning with Oman's broader strategy to boost private sector participation and sustainable sectoral growth. By 2025, the sector aims to attract $1.2 billion in investment and generate 8,500 jobs. Notable initiatives include integrated aquaculture farms and artisanal fishery projects, supported by Oman's strategic geographic location and robust logistics infrastructure — further reinforcing the Sultanate of Oman's emerging role as a regional food distribution hub, the report concluded.
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Future Fund Oman approves projects worth RO 1.2 billion
Future Fund Oman (FFO) has demonstrated positive performance during its first year of operations, having approved 44 projects with a total project value of approximately RO 1.2 billion. FFO's contribution to these projects amounted to RO 333 million, while foreign capital contributions reached RO 885 million. This reflects growing international confidence in Oman's investment environment, according to a report by the Oxford Business Group (OBG) covering FFO's performance in 2024. The report highlighted the Fund's pivotal role in stimulating economic diversification and expanding the investment base in line with Oman Vision 2040. The report noted that Oman Investment Authority (OIA) established FFO with a capital of RO 2 billion, to be allocated over five years, as a key instrument to support sustainable growth and enhance the resilience of the national economy. The Fund operates within a comprehensive strategic framework designed to stimulate investment in promising high-potential sectors such as industry, renewable energy, ICT, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, alongside emerging fields such as e-commerce, fintech, and electric vehicles. The report also emphasized that FFO's role goes beyond providing capital; it aims to empower SMEs, support venture capital firms, and foster an innovation ecosystem. This aligns with the Fund's structure, which allocates 90% of its capital to major national projects, while 10% is dedicated to supporting SMEs and venture-backed startups. Through this strategic capital distribution, the Fund complements the National Development Fund (NDF) and the Future Generation Fund (FGF), working together towards realizing Oman's Vision 2040. The report praised the recent legal and regulatory improvements in Oman aimed at attracting foreign investment and diversifying income sources. These reforms include the introduction of a new law allowing 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, the launch of the 'Invest in Oman' platform as a unified digital gateway to streamline licensing procedures, and the update of the list of activities prohibited for foreign ownership, now reduced to only 123 activities. Other initiatives include the implementation of the privatization law, which enabled transferring government assets to the private sector and international investors through IPOs. As a result of these improvements and OIA's efforts, FFO has been able to contribute significantly to the national economy through quality projects approved during its first year. These projects include investment funds, major national projects, and initiatives supporting SMEs and startups. The report highlighted the Fund's collaboration with Chinese partners to launch two investment funds. The first, the 'IDG Oman Fund', was launched in partnership with 'IDG Capital' to invest its entire capital of USD 200 million within Oman, targeting ICT, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. The fund focuses on attracting foreign direct investment and supporting the growth of advanced industries and clean technologies, marking a strategic step towards building an advanced industrial base in the Sultanate of Oman. In addition, FFO partnered with the Chinese firm 'EW Partners', which focuses on investments in the Middle East and North Africa, developing an investment platform that connects leading Chinese companies with expansion opportunities in the GCC. The partnership resulted in the establishment of the 'EWTP Oman Fund' with a capital of USD 250 million, aiming to invest the entire amount within Oman in sectors such as ICT, renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture. This fund's importance lies in its focus on attracting leading Chinese industrial companies to establish their regional operations in Oman, creating local job opportunities, and strengthening supply chain capabilities, which aligns with the OIA's 'Oman Angle' philosophy. In addition to creating investment funds, FFO has undertaken a crucial role in supporting major national projects such as the United Solar Polysilicon Plant in Sohar Free Zone. This project is the largest of its kind outside China, with a production capacity of 100,000 tons of polysilicon. Abdulsalam al Murshidi, President of OIA, highlighted the project's added value in his interview with OBG, saying: 'FFO has successfully established a value chain in Oman by investing in the United Solar Polysilicon plant in Sohar, reinforcing Oman's position as an influential player in the renewable energy sector.' According to the report, this project is expected to enable Oman to capture 4.4% of the global polysilicon market, estimated at USD 37.3 billion. The report also noted FFO's support for SMEs and startups, having approved several related projects, including Q-Pay, Oman's first certified 'Buy Now, Pay Later' provider; Bima, a digital insurance services platform; and the SERB Project for managing drone traffic. Furthermore, the report detailed the FFO's five-year strategic vision (2024–2028) and its expected economic impact. Projects approved by FFO in 2024 alone are anticipated to create over 1,600 direct jobs, diversify the economy to reduce reliance on oil and gas, empower entrepreneurial ventures, and foster innovation. These objectives align with the pillars of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to build a productive and diversified economy led by the private sector, support sustainable development through clean energy and green industries, create jobs, develop local talent, and transfer knowledge to Omani workers while strengthening local and international partnerships in renewable energy and advanced technologies.
