MORNING REPORT/RNZ Andrew Little insists the decision to ban the tech giant Hauwei from Spark's 5G rollout isn't because the company is Chinese. The Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) says Huawei has been blocked from providing 5G equipment to Spark because of the technology, not because it is Chinese. The decision was revealed on Wednesday. The GCSB rejected the deal, citing concerns about national security. Andrew Little told RNZ he could not elaborate on what those concerns were. Installation of any new 5G technology had potential security implications, he said. The United States and Australian governments have long expressed concerns about the security implications of using telecommunications equipment from China. READ MORE: NZ's big call on Huawei Kiwi mobile phone users would pay for 5G ban on China's Huawei, 2degrees warns Report on Huawei security risk for New Zealand could be out this week A spokeswoman … [Read more...] about Ministers briefed on GCSB’s Huawei 5G ban
5g network health concerns
Next development in Huawei saga may not be about 5G
ANALYSIS It may take months or years before Kiwi telecommunications companies find out whether they will be able to buy 5G equipment from China's Huawei . But the next instalment in the Huawei saga could come sooner than that, with one of New Zealand's spy agencies revealing it is requiring telecommunications companies to submit plans on proposed network changes on average every few days. In December, the Government Communications Security Bureau blocked a proposal by Spark to use Huawei equipment to upgrade its mobile network to 5G, citing "significant network security risks". Spark now has the right to explain how it could "prevent or mitigate" the risks the GCSB has identified, after which the spy agency could refer the matter to the Minister responsible for GCSB, Andrew Little, for a final decision if it wasn't satisfied. READ MORE: Let us into 5G and we could pay millions for NZ cyber lab, says Huawei Tough calls ahead on 5G mobile roll-out 2degrees could … [Read more...] about Next development in Huawei saga may not be about 5G
2degrees could face ‘significant’ costs if Huawei banned from 5G
ANALYSIS 2degrees and strong mobile market competition could be the biggest losers from the restrictions being placed on Chinese telecommunications equipment giant Huawei, with 2degrees facing "significant" costs if it has to switch to another supplier. That raises the question of whether 2degrees may need more regulatory favours from the Government if the strong three-way competition in the mobile market that has benefited consumers is going to be maintained. The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) last week blocked a proposal from Spark to use Huawei's radio network access equipment for 5G, on security grounds. Spark and 2degrees both currently use some 3G and 4G access equipment from Huawei on cellphone towers, with 2degrees highly reliant on it. READ MORE: Huawei's woes deepen with arrest of CFO and British snub China's 'National Intelligence Law' one reason for Huawei's 5G block Show us what we've done wrong, says Huawei If … [Read more...] about 2degrees could face ‘significant’ costs if Huawei banned from 5G
Let us into 5G and we could pay millions for NZ cyber lab, says Huawei
China's Huawei says it could invest millions of dollars in a "cybersecurity evaluation centre" that would be under the control of the Government Communications Security Bureau. The lab could vet 5G and other equipment that Huawei and potentially other companies supplied to the country's telcos, Huawei NZ deputy managing director Andrew Bowater said. But GCSB director-general Andrew Hampton responded coolly, appearing to indicate the offer might not be enough to allay its concerns about Huawei's involvement in the industry. Huawei's proposal would mirror its arrangements in Britain under which Huawei pays "tens of millions" for a laboratory to check equipment it supplies both to the UK and to New Zealand. READ MORE: China's Huawei offers to use '100% NZ' workers to mitigate spy concerns Huawei's woes deepen with arrest of CFO and British snub Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters promises to clarify Huawei matter with China The British Huawei Cybersecurity … [Read more...] about Let us into 5G and we could pay millions for NZ cyber lab, says Huawei
Huawei for dummies: China’s tech company and why it’s been banned by our spies
OPINION: On Wednesday afternoon, New Zealand's intelligence agency, the GCSB, confirmed it had banned Chinese-company Huawei from building Spark's new 5G network. We've quietly accepted Huawei in New Zealand, with Telecommunications Users Association New Zealand chief executive Craig Young pointing out we've allowed it to build parts of our ultra fast broadband network and two mobile networks. It's had a dabble in our copper networks too, he says. But this move, IT commentator and Gorilla HQ founder Paul Spain says, draws a clear line for telcos in New Zealand - and Huawei: You are on the outer when it comes to this new technology roll-out in New Zealand. READ MORE: NZ's big call on Huawei - politics best explains 5G 'ban' GCSB declines Huawei proposal * Kiwi mobile phone users would pay for 5G ban on China's Huawei, 2degrees warns Report on Huawei security risk for New Zealand could be out this week But why? It's most likely geopolitics, … [Read more...] about Huawei for dummies: China’s tech company and why it’s been banned by our spies
Cancer warning: New research reveals THOUSANDS of chemicals could leak from food packaging
Prostate cancer: Dr Hilary outlines signs and symptoms Sign up HERE for science breakthroughs in health, business and more that matter SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info International experts identified thousands of such chemicals, 65 percent of which were previously never discovered to be in contact with food. The study, published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, found more than two-thirds were identified in plastic packaging. Experts warned that some of the chemicals found were extremely dangerous and could cause cancer . Related articles UK signs 'landmark' deal with New Zealand EU humiliated as deadline for UK scientists to leave UK passes Jane Muncke, CEO of Food … [Read more...] about Cancer warning: New research reveals THOUSANDS of chemicals could leak from food packaging
Jacinda Ardern: No politics behind New Zealand flight turned back from China
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said politics were not involved after an Air New Zealand flight turned back from China at the weekend. Air New Zealand Flight 289 from Auckland to Shanghai was about four-and-a-half or five hours into its journey on Sunday when a "technicality" was discovered that meant the plane was not registered in China, the airline said. The flight returned to Auckland. "We know customers will be deeply disappointed and frustrated by this situation and we are very sorry for the disruption to their travel plans," the airline said. " These customers have now since arrived in Shanghai ." STUFF Air New Zealand flight to Shanghai touches down after earlier flight was turned away by Chinese Authorities. Ardern said the incident had no bearing on the relationship between the two nations and she wouldn't be seeking reassurance on that point from Chinese officials. READ MORE: Air NZ passengers on diverted flight to China finally … [Read more...] about Jacinda Ardern: No politics behind New Zealand flight turned back from China
Covid: Funding uncertainty over post-pandemic learning scheme
By Robbie Meredith Published 4 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Related Topics Coronavirus pandemic Funding for a scheme that employs teachers to help children's learning recover after the pandemic is still not in place for the next school year. This was revealed in a letter from the education minister to schools, sent after term ended. Money for a counselling programme for primary school pupils is also yet to be confirmed. A union said children were casualties of the failure of politicians to provide effective governance. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) also said the timing of the Department of Education (DE) communication had caused "great offence". The Engage programme was introduced by the department in September 2020 and continued in the 2021-22 school year. Schools were given money to employ teachers or … [Read more...] about Covid: Funding uncertainty over post-pandemic learning scheme
Elon Musk is still ‘missing’- fears soar as SpaceX CEO not seen for 10 days on Twitter
Elon Musk: Twitter will be as inclusive as possible Sign up HERE for science breakthroughs in health, business and more that matter SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info The world’s richest man, and one of the prominent Twitter influencers, Mr Musk has been silent on the popular microblogging site in passing days. For the billionaire, who’s currently in the process of buying Twitter for $44billion (£36.4billion), this has been the longest period without tweeting in over ten months. On Tuesday, Mr Musk was showered with hundreds of birthday wishes online from fans and family members, but he replied to none. Related articles UK signs 'landmark' deal with New Zealand EU humiliated as deadline for UK … [Read more...] about Elon Musk is still ‘missing’- fears soar as SpaceX CEO not seen for 10 days on Twitter
Sorry to burst your bubble but Beyoncé’s ‘anti-capitalist’ anthem isn’t what you think it is
I have some upsetting news. Beyoncé is a capitalist. I know, I was as shocked as you that the woman who once received $2 million to perform for the son of Muammar Gaddafi is a devotee of our exploitative economic system. (To her credit, she later said she donated the money .) But it’s worth mentioning today as Bey positions herself as just one of the proletariat, releasing what is the biggest workers’ anthem since Dolly Parton poured herself a cup of ambition. “Break My Soul” is a fantastic song. It has a great beat and a message which will no doubt resonate with many people. It certainly resonated with me. “Now, I just fell in love/And I just quit my job/I’m gonna find a new drive/Damn, they work me so damn hard,” she sings. And honestly, I’ve never found her more relatable than in that verse. You see, at the end of 2019, I finally quit my job in the mortgage industry to pursue writing full-time. After eight years of misery, I was free. It is the best decision I ever … [Read more...] about Sorry to burst your bubble but Beyoncé’s ‘anti-capitalist’ anthem isn’t what you think it is