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Kiwi pilot freed after being held hostage for 592 days

After 592 days in <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/rebel-fighters-share-eerie-footage-of-abducted-kiwi-pilot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">captivity</a>, a New Zealand pilot is finally going home. Phillip Mehrtens was taken hostage in Indonesia by a West Papua rebel group in February 2023 when he was working for Indonesian airline Susi Air. The pilot was kidnapped by rebels from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) insurgent group at Papua’s Nduga airport on February 7th 2023, and spent over a year and a half in captivity. On Saturday, the 38-year-old was collected by police and military forces from a village in Nduga district before being given medical and psychological checks. He was then flown to the Papuan city of Timika before jetting to the capital Jakarta where he was handed over to New Zealand’s ambassador. “Today I have been freed,” Mehrtens told reporters. “I am very happy that shortly I will be able to go home and meet my family." “Thank you to everybody who helped me today so I can get out safely in a healthy condition.” New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters earlier said Mehrtens was “safe and well” and had been able to speak with his family, saying, “This news must be an enormous relief for his friends and loved ones." Mehrtens' long-anticipated release came after intense negotiation efforts between Wellington and Jakarta, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo saying that Jakarta had secured Mehrtens’ freedom through negotiation, not force. “We prioritised the safety of the pilot who was held hostage. It took a long process and I appreciate the authorities,” he told reporters. The rebels had demanded that the Indonesian government recognise Papuan independence in return for his freedom, as Mehrtens' kidnapping was part of a long-term, often brutally violent conflict between the Indonesian government and West Papua’s Indigenous people. Image credits: The West Papuan National Liberation Army / Handout

Travel Trouble

Flu shots play an important role in protecting against bird flu. But not for the reason you might think

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/allen-cheng-94997">Allen Cheng</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> A current strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has become a global problem. The virus has affected <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/data-map-commercial.html">many millions</a> of birds, some other <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html">animal species</a>, and a <a href="https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/influenza/avian-and-other-zoonotic-influenza/joint-fao-oie-who-preliminary-risk-assessment-associated-with-avian-influenza-a(h5n1)-virus.pdf?sfvrsn=faa6e47e_28&download=true">small number of people</a>. Last week, the Australian government <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/australians-issued-new-health-risks-travel-warning-for-europe-asia-and-the-americas/gmh1hk9py">issued a warning</a> to residents travelling to Europe, North America, South America and Asia about the risk of bird flu. The alert, published on the <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-outbreak">Smartraveller website</a>, included advice to ensure your flu vaccine is up to date. If you are about to go travelling, this generally means if you’ve had a flu jab this year, although if it has been 3–6 months since your vaccine you should discuss this with your doctor. But the seasonal flu vaccine we get each year doesn’t actually prevent bird flu in humans. So why is it being recommended in this context? <h2>Some bird flu background</h2> Smartraveller notes <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-outbreak">several strains</a> of bird flu are currently circulating. The most concerning strain, called the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-38415-7">2.3.4.4b clade</a>, emerged a few years ago from a type of influenza A (H5, or A/H5) that has been circulating for several decades. Clade 2.3.4.4b primarily affects birds, including wild birds and poultry. It has had <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk-poultry-can-roam-free-outside-again-but-bird-flu-risk-hasnt-gone-away-203361">devastating effects</a> on bird populations, as well as farmers and others involved in the poultry industry. In recent years, clade 2.3.4.4b has adapted to <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44298-024-00039-z">infect some mammals</a>. Unfortunately it seems to cause severe disease in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11083745/">certain animals</a>. Some marine mammals have been hit particularly hard, with mass mortality events <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/08/mass-deaths-elephant-seals-penguins-bird-flu-antarctic-ecological-disaster-aoe">reported</a> in elephant seals and sea lions. In the United States, bird flu has also spread <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html">among dairy cows</a>. Compared to the huge number of animal cases, there have been a relatively small number of <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/joint-fao-who-woah-preliminary-assessment-of-recent-influenza-a(h5n1)-viruses">humans infected with bird flu</a>. Since 2003, <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/cumulative-number-of-confirmed-human-cases-for-avian-influenza-a(h5n1)-reported-to-who--2003-2023--3-october-2023">878 cases</a> of A/H5N1 influenza have been reported in humans, with a small proportion of these reported since 2020 when <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/emerging-risks/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza">clade 2.3.4.4b first emerged</a>. The reported cases have been people who have had close contact with infected animals. It does not appear to spread from person to person. As such, the <a href="https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/infectious-disease-topics/z-disease-list/avian-influenza/threats-and-outbreaks/risk-assessment-h5">risk to travellers is low</a>. There are some situations where the risk may be greater, such as for people visiting live markets, or those who are travelling specifically to work with wildlife or animals in food production. <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/joint-fao-who-woah-preliminary-assessment-of-recent-influenza-a(h5n1)-viruses">Infections in humans</a> with H5 influenza can vary significantly in severity, from mild conjunctivitis up to fatal pneumonia. H5 influenza strains appear to be <a href="https://asm.org/articles/2024/june/what-you-should-know-about-avian-influenza-a-h5n1">sensitive to antivirals</a> (oseltamivir, also known as Tamiflu) and they are generally <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/hcp/novel-av-treatment-guidance/">recommended</a> as treatment for human infection, but it’s <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01307-2/fulltext">not clear</a> whether they reduce the risk of death in those with severe disease. To date, one case of A/H5 influenza (not 2.3.4.4b) has been <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-22/bird-flu-avian-influenza-human-detection/103879886">reported in Australia</a>, in a child who had recently returned from overseas. While <a href="https://www.fao.org/animal-health/situation-updates/global-aiv-with-zoonotic-potential/en">clade 2.3.4.4b has been detected</a> in all continents <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/emerging-risks/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza">except Australia</a>, other avian influenza strains (A/H7) <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/current-outbreaks/avian-influenza">have been reported here</a> earlier this year. <h2>Seasonal flu vaccines are not effective against bird flu</h2> Seasonal influenza refers to the flu strains that circulate each year. Since the COVID pandemic, three different strains have circulated in various proportions – influenza A H1N1 (descended from the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature08182">2009 swine flu strain</a>), influenza A H3N2 (which has <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6149781/">circulated since 1968</a>) and an influenza B strain. Interestingly, a second influenza B strain (the Yamagata lineage) <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2314801">appears to have vanished</a> during the COVID pandemic. Seasonal influenza vaccines contain up-to-date variants of these types (A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B) that are recommended by the World Health Organization each year. They are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5912669/">moderately effective</a>, reducing the risk of hospitalisation by about 40–60%. Influenza vaccines are quite specific in the protection that they provide. For seasonal vaccines, even the very small changes that occur in the virus from year to year are enough to allow them to “escape” vaccine-induced immunity. Therefore seasonal flu vaccines <a href="https://www.cdc.gov.au/topics/avian-influenza-bird-flu">do not provide any protection</a> against A/H5 influenza. <h2>Preventing a hybrid bird-human strain</h2> The rationale for recommending travellers have a flu shot in the context of the current bird flu outbreak is that seasonal flu vaccines may help reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with both A/H5 and a seasonal influenza strain. When this occurs, there is potential for a “recombination” of the genetic code from both viral strains. This could have the transmissibility of a seasonal human virus with the severity of an avian influenza virus. The 2009 swine flu strain <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra0904322">arose from the recombination</a> of several strains over years to become more transmissible in humans. Obviously a more effective vaccine would include a H5 strain, to generate immune responses specific to the H5 flu strain. Vaccine manufacturers have <a href="https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/celldemic">developed H5 vaccines</a> over the years, but to date <a href="https://thl.fi/en/-/avian-influenza-vaccinations-begin-vaccine-to-be-offered-to-persons-at-increased-risk-of-infection">only Finland</a> has deployed a H5 vaccine in a small group of people who work closely with potentially infected animals. Currently the <a href="https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/infectious-disease-topics/z-disease-list/avian-influenza/threats-and-outbreaks/risk-assessment-h5">level of risk</a> posed by H5 to humans is not thought to be sufficient to require a specific vaccine program, as the potential benefits are small compared to the costs and the potential risks associated with any new vaccine program. <h2>The value of a flu shot for travellers</h2> Seasonal flu vaccines protect against influenza infection, and may also reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with human and bird flu strains. Bird flu aside, for most travellers who haven’t received a flu shot this year, reducing the risk of illness disrupting travel plans should be enough of a reason to get one. For those who have already received a flu shot this season, similar to COVID jabs, protection after vaccination appears to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8499703/">wane over time</a>. So if you’re travelling to the northern hemisphere during the winter months, and it’s been more than 3–6 months since you received a flu vaccine, your doctor may recommend you have another. Bird flu is only a small risk to most travellers, but people may want to take sensible precautions, such as avoiding close contact with birds at markets.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237859/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/allen-cheng-94997">Allen Cheng</a>, Professor of Infectious Diseases, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/flu-shots-play-an-important-role-in-protecting-against-bird-flu-but-not-for-the-reason-you-might-think-237859">original article</a>. </div>

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Aussie travellers warned over bird flu outbreak

Australian travellers have been warned to be cautious after concerns about the sudden outbreak of bird flu. Strains of Avian Influenza, known as the bird flu, are circulating across the globe, with <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smart Traveller</a> warning of outbreaks in Europe, North and South America and Asia. “Human infection is rare. But be aware of increased health risks when travelling to impacted countries,” the alert states. The virus typically affects birds but can be transferred to other animals before being passed on to humans. “Eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat if handled and cooked using safe food handling practices,” the alert states. Travellers have been urged to look out for signs of infection, including eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficult breathing, and pneumonia. Travellers have also been urged to minimise contact with animals in areas affected by the bird flu, avoid contact with dead or sick animals (including wild birds), and avoid poultry farms and live bird “wet” markets. While there is no specialised vaccine for bird flu, travellers have been urged to check that their other influenza vaccines are up to date before travelling. Smart Traveller states, “If you feel unwell while travelling back to Australia, tell a crew member or airport staff. Make sure to tell them about any contact with sick people or animals.” Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Bird strike: what happens when a plane collides with a bird?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/doug-drury-1277871">Doug Drury</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> Late last night, Virgin Australia flight VA 148 set out from Queenstown in New Zealand bound for Melbourne. Not long after takeoff, the right engine of the Boeing 737-800 jet started <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/virgin-australia-flight-makes-emergency-landing-after-engine-catches-fire/iquv5w1is">emitting loud bangs</a>, followed by flames. The pilot flew on with the remaining engine, bringing the plane’s 73 passengers and crew to a safe emergency landing at nearby Invercargill airport. Virgin Australia says the dramatic turn of events was caused by a “possible bird strike”. Queenstown Airport <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/bird-strike-blamed-for-fiery-virgin-australia-emergency-out-of-queenstown/news-story/9ef5c57829d0535baed223d2caf0b55f">played down</a> the likelihood of bird strike, saying “no birds were detected on the airfield at that time”. While we don’t know exactly what happened, bird strike is a common and real risk for aircraft. It can damage planes, and even lead to deaths. <h2>How common are bird strikes?</h2> A bird strike is a <a href="https://skyaviationholdings.com/bird-strikes-on-planes/">collision between</a> an aircraft and a bird. (Though the definition is sometimes expanded to include <a href="https://aawhg.org/">collisions on the ground</a> with land animals including deer, rabbits, dogs and alligators.) The <a href="https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdm_usdanwrc/1459/">first bird strike</a> was recorded by Orville Wright in 1905, over a cornfield in Ohio. Now they happen every day, with some seasonal variability due to the <a href="https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_5.html">migratory patterns</a> of birds. Perhaps the most famous migratory bird strike occurred in 2009, when <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Airways_Flight_1549">US Airways Flight 1549</a> encountered a flock of migrating Canadian geese shortly after taking off from LaGuardia Airport in New York. Both of the plane’s engines failed, and captain Sully Sullenberger was forced to pilot it to an unpowered landing in the Hudson River. Between 2008 and 2017, the Australian Transport Safety Board recorded <a href="https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2018/ar-2018-035">16,626 bird strikes</a>. In America, the Federal Aviation Administration reported <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2023/04/25/bird-strike-plane-american-airlines/">17,200 bird strikes</a> in 2022 alone. <h2>Where do bird strikes happen, and what are the effects?</h2> According to the <a href="https://www.icao.int/Pages/default.aspx">International Civil Aviation Organization</a>, 90% of bird strikes happen near airports. In general, this is while aircraft are taking off or landing, or flying at lower altitudes where most bird activity occurs. The effect of bird strike depends on many factors including the type of aircraft. Outcomes may include shutting down an engine, as may have happened with the Virgin Australia flight. This plane was a Boeing 737-800, which has the capability to fly on a single engine to an alternate airport. In smaller aircraft, particularly single-engine aircraft, bird strikes can be fatal. Since 1988, <a href="https://aawhg.org/#:%7E:text=The%20majority%20happen%20at%20low,billion%20in%20aircraft%20damage%20annually.">262 bird strike fatalities</a> have been reported globally, and 250 aircraft destroyed. <h2>How do manufacturers and pilots defend against bird strike?</h2> Most <a href="https://aawhg.org/">bird strikes</a> occur early in the morning or a sunset when birds are most active. Pilots are trained to be vigilant during these times. Radar can be used to <a href="https://detect-inc.com/aircraft-birdstrike-avoidance-radar/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvb-zBhCmARIsAAfUI2ullN-s0MdDfzV2Hu9fLfdr8pKQCuyZWsoJfRN2W5s-tSm6Vo0wHgwaAgBMEALw_wcB">track flocks of birds</a>. However, this technology is ground-based and not available worldwide so it can’t be used everywhere. The two largest manufacturers of passenger jets, Boeing and Airbus, use <a href="https://aerospaceengineeringblog.com/jet-engine-design/">turbofan engines</a>. These use a series of fan blades to compress air before adding fuel and flame to get the thrust needed to take off. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lgspIiTFWIk?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Engine manufacturers test how well they are likely to stand up to a bird strike.</figcaption></figure> Bird strike in one of these engines can cause severe damage to the fan blades, causing the engine to fail. Engine manufacturers test the safety of these engines by firing <a href="https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/news/engine-testing/faa-proposes-new-engine-test-for-bird-ingestion.html">a high-speed frozen chicken</a> at them while the engine is operating at full thrust. The Australian Government’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority <a href="https://www.casa.gov.au/wildlife-hazard-management">circular on wildlife hazard management</a> outlines what airports should do to keep birds and animals away from the vicinity of the airport. One technique is to use small gas explosions to mimic the sound of a shotgun to deter birds from loitering near the runway. In areas with high bird populations, airports may also use certain grasses and plants that do not attract the birds.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/232702/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/doug-drury-1277871">Doug Drury</a>, Professor/Head of Aviation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/bird-strike-what-happens-when-a-plane-collides-with-a-bird-232702">original article</a>. </div>

Travel Trouble

With all this bird flu around, how safe are eggs, chicken or milk?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/enzo-palombo-249510">Enzo Palombo</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> Recent outbreaks of bird flu – in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm">US dairy herds</a>, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2024-06-04/third-victorian-poultry-farm-declares-outbreak-avian-influenza/103932694">poultry farms in Australia</a> and elsewhere, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-is-hitting-australian-poultry-farms-and-the-first-human-case-has-been-reported-in-victoria-heres-what-we-know-230691">isolated cases</a> <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2024/05/30/bird-flu-third-case-human-infection-caused-respiratory-symptoms/">in humans</a> – have raised the issue of food safety. So can the virus transfer from infected farm animals to contaminate milk, meat or eggs? How likely is this? And what do we need to think about to minimise our risk when shopping for or preparing food? <h2>How safe is milk?</h2> Bird flu (or avian influenza) is a bird disease caused by specific types of influenza virus. But the virus can also infect cows. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm">In the US</a>, for instance, to date more than 80 dairy herds in at least nine states have been infected with the H5N1 version of the virus. Investigations are <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock">under way</a> to confirm how this happened. But we do know infected birds can shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. So bird flu can potentially contaminate animal-derived food products during processing and manufacturing. Indeed, fragments of bird flu genetic material (RNA) were found in <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-bird-flu-virus-fragments-get-into-milk-sold-in-stores-and-what-the-spread-of-h5n1-in-cows-means-for-the-dairy-industry-and-milk-drinkers-228689">cow’s milk</a> from the dairy herds associated with <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2024/05/30/bird-flu-third-case-human-infection-caused-respiratory-symptoms/">infected US farmers</a>. However, the spread of bird flu among cattle, and possibly to humans, is likely to have been caused through contact with <a href="https://www.agriculturedive.com/news/contaminated-milk-equipment-potential-source-of-bird-flu-spread-to-cattle/712555/">contaminated milking equipment</a>, not the milk itself. The test used to detect the virus in milk – which uses similar PCR technology to lab-based COVID tests – is also highly sensitive. This means it can detect very low levels of the bird flu RNA. But the test does not distinguish between live or inactivated virus, just that the RNA is present. So from this test alone, we cannot tell if the virus found in milk is infectious (and capable of infecting humans). Does that mean milk is safe to drink and won’t transmit bird flu? Yes and no. In Australia, where bird flu has not been reported in dairy cattle, the answer is yes. It is safe to drink milk and milk products made from Australian milk. In the US, the answer depends on whether the milk is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B978184569216250013X?via%3Dihub">pasteurised</a>. We know pasteurisation is a common and reliable method of destroying concerning microbes, including influenza virus. Like most viruses, influenza virus (including bird flu virus) is inactivated by heat. Although there is little direct research on whether pasteurisation inactivates H5N1 in milk, we can extrapolate from what we know about heat inactivation of H5N1 in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22060732?via%3Dihub">chicken</a> and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7481/13/4/60">eggs</a>. So we can be confident there is no risk of bird flu transmission via pasteurised milk or milk products. However, it’s another matter for unpasteurised or “raw” US milk or milk products. A recent <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2405495">study</a> showed mice fed raw milk contaminated with bird flu developed signs of illness. So to be on the safe side, it would be advisable to avoid raw milk products. <h2>How about chicken?</h2> Bird flu has caused sporadic outbreaks in wild birds and domestic poultry worldwide, including <a href="https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-is-hitting-australian-poultry-farms-and-the-first-human-case-has-been-reported-in-victoria-heres-what-we-know-230691">in Australia</a>. In recent weeks, there have been <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2024-06-04/third-victorian-poultry-farm-declares-outbreak-avian-influenza/103932694">three reported outbreaks</a> in <a href="https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu#h2-0">Victorian poultry farms</a> (two with H7N3 bird flu, one with H7N9). There has been <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2024-05-23/bird-flu-detected-western-australia-chicken-farm/103880002">one</a> reported outbreak in <a href="https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-biosecurity/avian-influenza">Western Australia</a> (H9N2). The strains of bird flu identified in the Victorian and Western Australia outbreaks can cause human infection, although these <a href="https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu#h2-8">are rare</a> and typically result from close contact with infected live birds or <a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/situations/avian-influenza-a-(h7n9)-virus-outbreak">contaminated environments</a>. Therefore, the chance of bird flu transmission in chicken meat is remote. Nonetheless, it is timely to remind people to handle chicken meat with caution as many dangerous pathogens, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, can be found on chicken carcasses. Always handle chicken meat carefully when shopping, transporting it home and storing it in the kitchen. For instance, make sure no meat juices cross-contaminate other items, consider using a cool bag when transporting meat, and refrigerate or freeze the meat within two hours. <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-you-shouldnt-wash-raw-chicken-before-cooking-it-so-why-do-people-still-do-it-192723">Avoid washing your chicken</a> before cooking to prevent the spread of disease-causing microbes around the kitchen. Finally, cook chicken thoroughly as viruses (including bird flu) <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22060732?via%3Dihub">cannot survive</a> cooking temperatures. <h2>Are eggs safe?</h2> The recent Australian outbreaks have occurred in egg-laying or mixed poultry flocks, so concerns have been raised about bird flu transmission via contaminated chicken eggs. Can flu viruses contaminate chicken eggs and potentially spread bird flu? It appears so. A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0196655306011862?via%3Dihub">report</a> from 2007 said it was feasible for influenza viruses to enter through the eggshell. This is because influenza virus particles are smaller (100 nanometres) than the pores in eggshells (at least 200 nm). So viruses could enter eggs and be protected from cleaning procedures designed to remove microbes from the egg surface. Therefore, like the advice about milk and meat, cooking eggs is best. The <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/egg-guidance-regulation-and-other-information/questions-and-answers-regarding-safety-eggs-during-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-outbreaks">US Food and Drug Administration</a> recommends cooking poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature and preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked food. <h2>In a nutshell</h2> If you consume pasteurised milk products and thoroughly cook your chicken and eggs, there is nothing to worry about as bird flu is inactivated by heat. The real fear is that the virus will evolve into highly pathogenic versions that can be transmitted from <a href="https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-is-hitting-australian-poultry-farms-and-the-first-human-case-has-been-reported-in-victoria-heres-what-we-know-230691">human to human</a>. That scenario is much more frightening than any potential spread though food.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/231280/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/enzo-palombo-249510">Enzo Palombo</a>, Professor of Microbiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/with-all-this-bird-flu-around-how-safe-are-eggs-chicken-or-milk-231280">original article</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

Molly the magpie carers rescue another native bird

Molly the Magpie's carers have rescued another native bird. Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen, who went viral for the interspecies friendship between their two staffies and a magpie named Molly, shared the update on Facebook. “Meet Charlie the vulnerable little kookaburra,” the family wrote on Tuesday. The Mortensen's explained that Charlie had been in their care since the new year period, after a neighbour discovered him unable to fly following wild weather. “He was found by neighbours huddling at the bottom of a tree, they watched for a day and he was all alone and too young to face the world with many dangers around including a stray cat ready for its next feed we were called over to check out the situation,” they wrote. “Reece was in training for his wildlife licence so with the direction and support of wildlife carers specialising in kookaburras we were able to bring this little kookaburra back to our place.” Unlike Molly who developed a special bond with the family's dogs, Charlie was rehabilitated outside, with his own kin watching over him. “We kept him outside as much as possible so the kookaburras knew exactly where he was and could come in and feed him which they did,” they explained. “At times we would count 14 kookaburras keeping an eye on this little one. He would try to fly and achieved short distances but needed practice with his landing.” The family shared the update after Charlie “found the confidence” to return to the wild. “It was such an exciting thing to witness and to be part of,” the family wrote. It has been a wild year for the Queensland family, after Molly was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/outcry-after-authorities-seize-internet-famous-magpie-from-queensland-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">voluntarily surrendered </a>to the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation in March, when authorities found the couple were not permitted to care for native wildlife. Over a month later, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) announced that they would return Molly to the family with a few special conditions, including obtaining a license and meeting specific requirements to ensure her ongoing health and wellbeing. The reunion was definitely one to remember with followers and animal lovers across the country over-joyed at the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/first-pics-of-molly-the-magpie-reunion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reunion</a>. Images: Facebook

Family & Pets

Magpie murderer slapped with massive penalty

A Victorian man has copped a $2,349 penalty after inflicting “callous” acts on magpies. His sentence comes after an investigation by Victorian authorities who were tipped off that birds were being shot at a property in the state’s Sunraysia region. After inspecting the property in 2021, investigators discovered four dead magpies as well as two so severely injured they had to be euthanised. The 57-year-old was placed on a good behaviour bond after appearing at the Mildura Magistrates Court. He admitted to 10 offences of wounding and inflicting aggravated cruelty on the native birds. While Victoria does allow wildlife to be killed by property owners, they must apply for a permit before they start shooting. After the sentence was handed down, the state’s Conservation Regulator Glen Smith warned offenders would be prosecuted. “Magpies are an iconic native bird and they are protected in Victoria. There is no excuse for unlawfully killing or injuring them," he said. “The Conservation Regulator takes wildlife crime extremely seriously and this court result should act as a warning that we will pursue penalties for offenders.” These “callous” acts on the native birds come soon after another Australian man was found guilty of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/man-who-killed-350-kookaburras-ordered-to-pay-fine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shooting and killing</a> a staggering 350 kookaburras. Anyone with information about wildlife crime can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Image credit: Shutterstock

Legal

American zoo apologises to disgruntled New Zealanders

An American zoo has issued an apology after admitting it made a “huge mistake” that outraged an entire country. Footage of Miami Zoo’s paid encounters with Paora the kiwi went viral online, showing the bird being handled and passed around for pictures in broad daylights and under bright lights despite being a shy, nocturnal animal. The handling of their national icon had New Zealanders fired up, with a petition to save the “mistreated” animal being launched amid the video, which received more than 10,000 signatures. “He has been tamed and is subjected to bright fluorescent lighting four days a week, being handled by dozens of strangers, petted on his sensitive whiskers, laughed at, and shown off like a toy,” the petition read. “Kiwi are nocturnal animals, who should be kept in suitable dark enclosures, and minimally handled. “The best practice manual for kiwi states that they shouldn’t be handled often or taken out of their burrow to be held by the public. He is kept awake during the day, with only a small box in a brightly lit enclosure to mimic his natural underground habitat.” The zoo’s communications director Ron Magill has confirmed the attraction has been cancelled and has issued his own apology in an interview with the New Zealand Herald. “We regret the unintentional stress caused by a video on social media depicting the handling of Paora, the kiwi bird currently housed within Zoo Miami,” Magill said. He also told RNZ he had informed the zoo’s director that “we have offended a nation”. “When I saw the video myself I said we have made a huge mistake here,” he said. “I am so sorry. I am so remorseful. Someone asked how would you feel if we did that to your bald eagle, and you’re 100 per cent right. “I never want to come across as making excuses, I am here to apologise … to everyone. I feel profoundly terrible about this.” However, Magill noted Paora was healthy and well despite the uproar. “He eats like he’s on a spa day every day and he’s doing well. It doesn’t excuse what he was subjected to. But I promise it will never happen again,” he said. After the video went viral, the zoo was bombarded with complaints, with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation confirming it would be “discussing the situation with the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums to address some of the housing and handling concerns raised”. New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins also weighed in, claiming the ordeal “shows a lot of Kiwis take pride in our national bird when they’re overseas”. “The New Zealanders who witnessed what was happening there caught it pretty quickly,” he said, adding that the zoo had “made public statements of regret on what’s happened, and I acknowledge that and thank them for taking it seriously”. The kiwi is considered to be a Taonga species - native birds, plants and animals of special cultural significance and importance to native New Zealanders. Image credit: Getty

Travel Trouble

Kiwi rugby star found dead at just 33

New Zealand rugby player Billy Guyton has been found dead at the age of 33. The death of the halfback player, who played for the Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes, was confirmed by the Tasman Rugby Union. "It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Billy Guyton (a 52 game Mako player, and recent coach of our FPC Mako team),'' the Tasman union said in a statement. "Billy was a much-loved member of our whole Tasman Rugby Union team and had a positive impact on those he played alongside and coached. Billy has been a major contributor to the development of women's rugby across our Tasman region.” "Our condolences and aroha are extended to Billy's whanau, friends and colleagues during this sad time.'' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Billy Guyton. Billy was a much-loved member of the Blues from 2016-17, as well as playing for the Crusader and Hurricanes. Our condolences and aroha are extended to Billy’s whānau, friends and colleagues during this sad time. <a href="https://t.co/5KBfCpRyPV">pic.twitter.com/5KBfCpRyPV</a> — Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) <a href="https://twitter.com/SuperRugby/status/1658007748800548864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2023</a></blockquote> During his prolific career, Guyton also represented the Māori All Blacks, Tasman and North Otago, but it was his time playing for the Blues that had the biggest impact on his sporting career. Guyton was a member of the Blues squad in 2016 and 2017, and played 24 Super Rugby games for the franchise. Upon hearing of his death, the Blues said in a statement, "We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Billy Guyton... we cannot imagine the heartache his family and friends must be feeling at this difficult time. To everyone who knew Billy, we send them our sincere sympathy." Guyton was forced to announce his retirement from playing in 2018, after concussion symptoms continued to impact his daily life. After retiring, the Tasman union announced Guyton was working as an assistant coach with the women's provincial team, where he guided the Marist side to a title in the senior women's club competition. Image credits: Getty Images

News

Rebel fighters share eerie footage of abducted Kiwi pilot

Rebel fighters in Indonesia’s Papua region have released terrifying footage of Captain Philip Mehrtens, who they kidnapped last week. The New Zealand pilot touched down in Paro village on February 7th to pick up 15 construction workers who had been building a health centre in the remote Papua province. The rebel group set fire to the Susi Air plane and released all five passengers on board the flight, but held onto Mehrtens as a hostage. The group have said they will be holding Mehrtens until Indonesia recognises Papua’s independence. In a series of videos, released to The Associated Press, a man understood to be Mehrtens is surrounded by rebels holding rifles, spears, and bows and arrows. “Indonesia must recognise Papua is independent,” he says in one, seemingly under duress. “I took him hostage for Papua independence, not for food or drinks,” Rebel leader Egianus Kogoya says in another one of the videos. “He will be safe with me as long as Indonesia does not use its arms, either from the air or on the ground.” Indonesian officials are believed to be making efforts to secure the Kiwi pilot’s release. The West Papuan National Liberation Army (TPNPB), who are responsible for Mehrtens' abduction, has also issued a warning to Australia. “This pilot is a citizen of New Zealand,” a statement from Sebby Sambom, a spokesman for the TPNPB armed wing, said last week. “TPNPB considers New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, America, Europe, all are responsible. The US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand has supported the Indonesian government, trained The Indonesian National Police, supplied weapons to kill us West Papuans from 1963 to today. They must be held accountable.” Violence in the region has seen a sharp increase over the last year, with dozens of rebels, security forces, and civilians killed in the name of demanding indolence from Indonesia. Image credits: The West Papuan National Liberation Army

News

James Cameron caught giving fans the bird after being booed

Legendary director James Cameron has been caught flipping off the fans who booed him for not signing autographs over the weekend. After the famed director attended a screening of his new film, Avatar: The Way of Water, in LA, he refused to stop for a crowd of autograph-seeking fans. Cameron, 68, powered past the group of people asking him to sign their items, which caused the crowd to turn on him and shout. “F**k Avatar,” one person yelled, as Cameron was escorted into a black car. As the cheering and jeering continued, the Titanic filmmaker slightly rolled down his tinted window to reveal his middle finger. Fans were divided over the interaction, with some calling him a “jerk” and “annoying.” Others dubbed him “a legend” and argued that the people booing him weren’t real fans. “They were fake fans ready to resell autographed stuff 100%. The embarrassing way they reacted to his refusal proves that. Jim was right for ignoring them let’s be serious,” one person wrote on Twitter. Check out the footage and see for yourself. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> James Cameron flips off crowd who boos him for not signing autographs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AvatarTheWayOfWater?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AvatarTheWayOfWater</a> <a href="https://t.co/frDDoY4alM">pic.twitter.com/frDDoY4alM</a> — Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) <a href="https://twitter.com/CultureCrave/status/1604621184611471360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote> Images: Twitter

Movies

"We're offering plenty": Kiwis targeted for job no Aussies want

A Perth mining company has resorted to looking for workers from New Zealand after Aussies have continued to turn down roles that offer up to an enticing $300,000 salary per year – and that's for roughly six months of work in any standard 12 months. As a result, Mineral Resources has launched a brand new advertising campaign, geared up to attract Kiwi tradies, guaranteeing “a great pay packet”. “We’re offering plenty,” Mineral Resources CEO Mike Grey told NZ programme AM. “The incentives are amazing, and I have no doubt that our salaries double [New Zealand salaries]; in some examples, they triple.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClX7JZZv16i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClX7JZZv16i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Mineral Resources (@mineral_resources)</a> </div> </blockquote> The mining business is on the hunt for new workers to fill a range of roles including: construction, mining, operations, unskilled labour and administration. The firm is also recruiting higher-paying roles such as mining engineers. One of the highest paying jobs on offer is for construction supervisors and superintendents who can earn up to $300,000 a year. Workers will be required to work on a fly-in, fly-out basis. They would be flying out of New Zealand to work the mines in Perth, with roughly half of the workforce only working for six months per year. It’s not the first time Australian mines have struggled to find workers for highly-paid roles. Earlier in 2022, mining services firm Thiess offered new staff members a $10,000 sign-on bonus and a $5000 bonus for a successful referral. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

Kiwi firefighters receive rare Aussie honour for heroic efforts

A New Zealand firefighter has been awarded one of Australia’s special service awards for his efforts in fighting bushfires during the summer of 2019 and 2020. Phil Muldoon, Lake Ōkāreka’s chief rural fire officer, was one of 53 firefighters awarded the Australia National Emergency Medal during a recent awards ceremony. Muldoon, who worked 16-hour days fighting fires, said the honour was very humbling. “It’s not what we do it for but it is nice to be recognised, especially from the Australian Government,” Muldoon told <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/australia-bush-fires-nz-firefighter-given-rare-and-special-honour/4K7KKB2WRVEHXJKJ7IC5WBFY4I/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>. He was among a 208-strong contingent of New Zealanders sent to help their Aussie neighbours, including personnel from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), the Department of Conservation, forestry company partners, and the New Zealand Defence Force. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> We were proud to see 27 Department of Conservation firefighters awarded the Australia National Emergency Medal last week for their efforts fighting the devastating Australian wildfires during the 2019/2020 black summer. 🎖️<a href="https://t.co/Wh7xVdZQ8g">https://t.co/Wh7xVdZQ8g</a> <a href="https://t.co/vl8iEC9acs">pic.twitter.com/vl8iEC9acs</a> — Department of Conservation (@docgovtnz) <a href="https://twitter.com/docgovtnz/status/1591974150008377344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2022</a></blockquote> The majority of those who took part received the award during recent official ceremonies hosted in New Zealand by Australian High Commissioner HE Harinder Sidhu. Muldoon received his award along with 38 firefighters from FENZ, two members of the NZ Army, eight NZ Air Force members, two from the Department of Conservation, and three from forestry company partners. Having been a firefighter for 25 years, Muldoon said fighting the bushfires was his 16th deployment and that firefighters were chosen to deploy based on their skillset. “We went to help their firefighters in Australia who had a tough season. We’re fresh feet on the ground and give them a break,” Muldoon said, adding that the contingent brought New Zealand’s “can-do” attitude with them. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> A great honour to present the Australian National Emergency Medal at Ohakea <a href="https://twitter.com/NZAirForce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NZAirForce</a> base, and to personally thank members of the <a href="https://twitter.com/NZDefenceForce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NZDefenceForce</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FireEmergencyNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FireEmergencyNZ</a> for their service to Australia in support of the 2019-20 Australian Bushfires response. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZAirForce?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZAirForce</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Force4NZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Force4NZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/GtTUay8VY6">pic.twitter.com/GtTUay8VY6</a> — Harinder Sidhu (@AusHCNZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCNZ/status/1580682019985854464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2022</a></blockquote> Earlier this month, nine firefighters from Northland received the award, including wildfire specialist Rory Renwick. After spending 14 days fighting blazes in remote Australian bush, Renwick said the gratitude expressed through the medal was just “icing on the cake”. "People stopped you on the street to shake your hand and say thank you. It's humbling and pretty amazing," he told <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/northland-firefighters-awarded-medal-for-efforts-during-australian-bushfires/FIMYEOSD5QQGEYTVSFHIRP34WI/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>. Renwick explained that New Zealand crews were often working in remote areas and tackling large fires. "We were trying to put out the edge of the fire to stop it spreading," he said. "We did anything from patrolling edges [and] dealing with small hotspots to working with aircraft and heavy machinery to slow the fire down and stop it." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I was presented with a national emergency <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/medal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#medal</a> Monday night for the 19/20 bushfires here in Australia. <a href="https://t.co/L8il9Eob7P">pic.twitter.com/L8il9Eob7P</a> — Craig Chiffers (@cchiffers) <a href="https://twitter.com/cchiffers/status/1569818214888263681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2022</a></blockquote> The award, which was approved by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, is given to those who performed significant or sustained service during “nationally-significant emergencies”, according to the Governor-General’s <a href="https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awardsnational-emergency-medal/bushfires-2019-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>. Muldoon, Renwick, and the many others recognised for their efforts during the bushfires will receive a medal with a clasp that reads, “BUSHFIRES 19-20”. Russell Wood, the national commander of FENZ, said the award had never been given to any member of the organisation before. “This is a rare and special honour that the Australian Government has extended to us,” he said. “The bushfires in Australia in 2019/20 were catastrophic and we were glad we could be there to help them. “I am immensely proud of our people, who responded to the call so selflessly and put their time and energy into fighting one of the biggest wildfire disasters of our time. “It was a dangerous environment for everyone to be in, and they showed true Kiwi spirit in their sustained efforts under challenging conditions. “As a nation, we are very proud of our fine firefighters.” Image: Fire and Emergency NZ (Facebook)

Domestic Travel

Two-time Big Brother winner's tragic health news

TV personality Reggie Bird, who won Big Brother twice, has taken to social media to share tragic news. The 48-year-old told her thousands of followers that she had recently been diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a condition that affects sight and hearing. Bird was first declared legally blind in 2008 following her diagnosis with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and has now shared news that she said was “the worst thing you could have”. “It’s not what I wanted to hear,” Bird said in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ReggieBirdBB/videos/1343107059766143" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a video</a> shared online, with clips showing her in an interview and in August when she received her diagnosis. “I’m gonna find out today what my link is for my RP. I had my DNA taken 13 years ago and it’s just been found what the genetic link will be,” she explains in the clip. After being told that she has Ushers syndrome, Bird fought back tears. “It’s the worst thing that you could have. I’m going to be deaf-blind.” According to <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15046-usher-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cleveland Clinic</a>, Ushers syndrome is a genetic condition that causes varying degrees of hearing and vision loss, as well as balance issues in some cases. After shooting to stardom following her 2003 win, Bird’s condition worsened. In 2014, she revealed that she had no peripheral vision and that her field of vision had become constricted to only 10 degrees. Earlier this year, she made her return to TV on Big Brother’s ‘Contenders vs Royalty’ season and won once again, taking home another $250,000 in prize money. “I’m honestly so proud of myself for going in and doing what I did and having a go,” Bird said after her second win. “I just wanted to show people who do live with disabilities that you can get out there and achieve anything that you put your mind to. “I’m so proud to represent people with a disability.” Since making her announcement, Bird took to social media again to thank fans for their support. “A s**t announcement really, finding out that I’ve got Ushers syndrome,” she said. “But, you know, life goes on and you’ve gotta make the most of each day and I’m gonna have so fun and I’m gonna get fit again. “Love you all, and thank you for listening.” Image: @reggiebirdbb (Instagram)

Caring

King Charles III offloads Kiwi mansion

In an estate that boasts the likes of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, one property belonging to the newly-minted King Charles III is located in a surprising place: northwest Auckland. But, the documents for the two-storey heritage villa in Hobsonville show the registered owner to be the Queen herself, forming part of an expansive portfolio inherited by the new king. In actual fact, the home doesn’t belong to King Charles III since Crown real estate is owned by the Defence Force. As a result, the Auckland mansion, known as Clark House, was used for Royal New Zealand Airforce operations from 1950 to 2016, when they moved out and left the home boarded up and unused. According to historical records, the Crown paid just £8000 for the home, which now holds a category 1 listing on the Historic Places Register. The home was built in 1902 to showcase innovative new building blocks created by entrepreneur Rice Owen Clark, whose family stayed in the house until it was sold to the Crown. During its use by the RNZAF, the house became the office of Task Force Headquarters and even hosted a South East Asian Treaty Organisation conference in the grand rooms in 1955. Phill Gurnsey, a general manager of estate strategy for Defence, said Clark House had most recently been used as a medical unit, with rooms upstairs acting as offices and the lower floor used for reception and medical testing. Harcourts agent Graham Lewis said the sale of Clark House was an opportunity to own a piece of New Zealand history that might not be seen again in our lifetime. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a special buyer to purchase a slice of New Zealand’s history from the current owner, His Majesty the King,” Mr Lewis said. “The building is a fine example of the Italianate villa style. Because of its role as a showpiece, no expense was spared in the building.” Most of the original features have survived, including the grand staircase, ceilings and carved mantlepieces made with timber from the kauri tree, stained glass windows, a wrought iron verandah and a tiled entry floor. As a historical building, Mr Lewis noted that potential buyers should be aware of the responsibilities and restrictions that come it, adding that the home could be turned into a lodge or fine hotel, an art gallery, or even corporate headquarters. “It takes your breath away the first time you see it. This was a supreme legacy to Rice Owen Clark’s beloved family, status and ambitions,” Mr Lewis said. “I think he’d be pleased that the passion and care of a new owner will bring this home back to its former glory as a historic landmark for generations to come.” The house will be <a href="https://www.oneroof.co.nz/25-59-clark-road-hobsonville-waitakere-city-auckland-1823259" target="_blank" rel="noopener">available for tender</a> until November 21. Images: Getty Images, Harcourts Realty

Real Estate

Kiwi journalist hits back at viewer’s complaints about her Māori tattoo

A popular New Zealand newsreader has hit back at an irate viewer who has repeatedly complained about her traditional Māori face tattoo, asking him to keep his comments for “another lifetime”. Oriini Kaipara made headlines in 2021 when she became the first person to bear a moko kauae - a traditional Māori tattoo that covers a woman’s lips and chin - while anchoring a prime-time news broadcast in New Zealand. While many viewers have applauded Ms Kaipara, others were less kind, with one repeat objector prompting her to take to Instagram to respond on Thursday, saying she had “had enough” of his complaints. “Today I had enough. I responded. I never do that. I broke my own code and hit the send button,” the Newshub presenter shared with followers in a since-deleted post. The viewer, identified only as David, had written to the entire newsroom to complain about Ms Kaipara’s tattoo, which he mislabelled as a “moku” and said was “offensive” and “a bad look”. “We continue to object strongly to you using Māori TV presenter with a moku, which is offensive and aggressive looking. A bad look,” he wrote. David also objected to the use of te reo Māori during broadcasts, despite the fact that the Māori language features in most Kiwi TV broadcasts. “She also bursts into Māori language which we do not understand. Stop it now,” he said. On Instagram, Ms Kaipara shared her full response to him. “Thank you for all your complaints against me and my ‘moku’. I do find them very difficult to take seriously, given there is no breach of broadcast standards,” she wrote. “If I may, I’d like to correct you on one thing – it is moko not ‘moku’. A simple, helpful pronunciation guide of ‘Maw-Caw’ will help you articulate the word correctly. “I gather your complaints stem from a place of preference on how one must look on-screen, according to you. Moko and people with them are not threatening, nor do they deserve such discrimination, harassment or prejudice. “Moko are ancient cultural markings unique to the indigenous people of Aotearoa, myself included. We mean no harm or ill intent, nor do we deserve to be treated with such disregard. Please refrain from complaining further, and restrain your cultural ignorance and bias for another lifetime, preferably in the 1800s.” She ended her message with, “Nga mihi matakuikui o te wa,” a polite te reo Māori farewell, and signed off as “the lady with the moko kauwae who speaks Māori but MOSTLY English on TV”. Speaking to the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/newshubs-oriini-kaiparas-response-to-viewers-complaint-about-her-offensive-moko-kauae/LWLE2VNRPXM2GJTQ73Z3FNME74/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a> after, Ms Kaipara said the viewer had been “relentless” in his complaints. “These types of complaints are being sent by a minority,” she told the publication, adding that she receives plenty of “lovely and thoughtful” messages from viewers. “The fact that my existence triggers some people is testament to why we need more Māori advocates in key roles across every sector.” Ms Kaipara, who is of Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi and Ngāi Tūhoe descent, has previously said she got her moko in 2019 to remind herself of her identity as a Māori woman. “When I doubt myself, and I see my reflection in the mirror, I’m not just looking at myself,” she explained. “I’m looking at my grandmother and my mother, and my daughters, and those to come after me, as well as all the other women and Maori girls out there. It empowers me.” Image: @oriinz (Instagram)

Technology

“We will miss you brother”: Kiwi soldier killed in Ukraine identified

A New Zealand soldier who died in Ukraine fighting alongside other foreign troops in the International Legion has been remembered by fellow soldiers as “strong, hardcore and handsome”. Corporal Dominic Abelen was fighting on the frontline in the east of Ukraine while on leave away from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and not on active duty, as reported by the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/russia-ukraine-war-off-duty-new-zealand-soldier-dominic-abelen-killed-in-ukraine/M45ZWJEZ47I2Z5XD4Q44KNJFD4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>. The 30-year-old soldier was based at Burnham Military Camp, outside Christchurch, with the Royal New Zealand Regiment’s 2nd/1st Battalion. “At this early stage, there is still more information to be gathered in order to understand the circumstances fully,” the NZDF said in a statement. Brigadier Rose King, the Acting Chief of Army, said <a href="https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/further-details-released-on-nzdf-soldier-reportedly-killed-in-ukraine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in a statement</a> that their efforts would be concentrated on supporting Abelen’s family and NZDF personnel. “Any loss of one of our whānau (‘family’) is deeply felt across the New Zealand Defence Force. We are concentrating our efforts on supporting Corporal Abelen’s loved ones and our personnel as they grieve,” she said. His family have requested not to be approached by the media, with his father, Bryce, sharing a statement with the NZDF. “Dominic was in the New Zealand Army for 10 years but never got to fight for his country,” Bryce said. “He didn't tell us he was going to Ukraine until he was there. He knew we would talk him out of it. He also knew the risks of going there but still went to fight for them. “That is Dominic, always thinking of helping others. “We understand why he went and hold no grudge against the NZ or Ukraine Army and fully support what he did. “Dominic loved being in the army, the life-long friends he made there. “There has been relentless support from half the Burnham Military Camp that knew him, as well as personnel from overseas. “A kind, gentle man with the most infectious smile that you couldn't help but smile back. “He had a love of the outdoors and did a lot of tramping. He spent his holidays travelling around New Zealand and the world. “I'm extremely proud of my children and especially Dominic for standing up and doing what he thought was right. He leaves a massive hole in all our hearts.” Abelen’s siblings describing him as “the most amazing human being”, the “buffest” member of their family, and that he had “the biggest heart to match”. A former NZDF soldier who is also fighting with Ukraine’s International Legion paid tribute to his fallen comrade, describing him as “a warrior until the end”. “The bro was anything but scenery. Strong, hardcore, handsome but extremely humble,” he wrote online. “Best believe he died doing what he loved and was extremely good at. “We will miss you brother. So much. You have left a hole that we are feeling and we could never hope to fill.” Sources have since told the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/russia-ukraine-war-off-duty-new-zealand-soldier-dominic-abelen-killed-fighting-re-taking-trench-in-ukraine/26EVXCDFPOAROXLSARVPKIZSQU/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald</a> that Abelen was involved in a joint operation to retake the frontline of a trench network and was instantly killed in a firefight during a dawn assault. Another American fighter is also said to have died. Defence Minister Peeni Henare expressed his condolences to Abelen’s family, friends, and colleagues. “I have been advised the New Zealand Army are supporting the soldier’s family through this difficult time,” he said. Tenby Powell, the former commanding officer of the NZDF who is currently in Ukraine undertaking humanitarian work, said he was asked by Abelen’s family to bring him home. Though he didn’t go into the details surrounding the soldier’s death, he told Today FM that the family were distraught. “It’s a very sad day here in Ukraine, not just for New Zealanders but for everyone,” Powell said. “I’ve talked to a family member they have asked me and I have agreed to go and get him. We need to do this in a very respectful and expedient manner. I have given the family my assurances that he will be well looked after all the way back. “The critically-important thing is to ensure that he is recovered and brought back in a way where he is looked after for the entire trip back to New Zealand.” Powell intended to drape the New Zealand flag over the coffin for the trip home and ensure that Abelen had all the care a person serving in the defence force warranted. Abelen would be taken first through Warsaw, then Ukraine and on to New Zealand. “We are determined to bring him out. He will come out and he will be looked after all the way,” Powell said. The soldier’s passing comes after the New Zealand government announced that a further 120 NZDF personnel would be sent to Britain to help train Ukrainian soldiers, on top of the 30 personnel deployed in May. "New Zealand has been clear that we will continue to answer the call of Ukraine for practical support as they defend their homeland and people against Russia's unjustified invasion," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on August 15. "We know that one of the highest priorities for Ukraine right now, is to train its soldiers, and New Zealand is proud to stand in solidarity alongside a number of other countries to answer that call." Image: NZDF

Caring

Missing Kiwi cameraman remembered as “exceptional” and “sweetest” person

A top New Zealand cameraman has been remembered as the “sweetest” and an “exceptional” colleague after he was found dead several days after disappearing. Jason Day, who formerly worked for New Zealand’s TVNZ, was last seen on Saturday, April 30 in the British city of Bristol, where he was living with Kelsey Mulcahy, his partner of five years. Just three days later, Mr Day’s next of kin were informed by police that they located a body at Avon Gorge, as reported by <a href="https://7news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/top-tvnz-cameraman-joseph-day-found-dead-in-mysterious-circumstances-in-bristol-uk-c-6672258" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. “While formal identification has not yet taken place, we have updated the family of missing 31-year-old Joseph Day,” Avon and Somerset police said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to them and we thank them for their patience while inquiries into the circumstances of death continue. “We’d ask the public to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of Joseph’s family at this time.” <iframe style="overflow: hidden; border: initial none initial;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Favonandsomersetpolice%2Fphotos%2Fa.66888374811%2F10159874114884812%2F%3Ftype%3D3&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="451" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Mr Day and his partner were engaged and reportedly planning to return to New Zealand to tie the knot at the end of the year. Ms Mulcahy last spoke to her fiancé on the same night he disappeared, with her last text reminding him to pull the blinds down at home before going to bed. “My last message to him was reminding him to pull down the blackout blinds because he always forgets and it’s light so long in the UK now,” she told the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/something-s-gone-wrong-kiwi-cameraman-goes-missing-in-the-uk-20220503-p5ahxz.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Morning Herald and The Age</a>. “His reply was ‘will do’ and then he stopped responding but before that we were talking about how we were going to go to London in three weeks. “We just adore each other, we have not had problems in our relationship and I would be truly honest if we did.” When she arrived home the next afternoon, she said she panicked after discovering he wasn’t home and the grocery box that had been delivered to them was still outside. “I ran upstairs and the bed was made and the blinds were open and everything was shut up,” she said. After his disappearance, Ms Mulcahy took to social media asking for any help locating him, writing: “This is extremely out of character for him, we always keep in touch every minute of the day. “Everyone who knows Joe loves him very much, he is incredibly special to me, and his family and friends.” Speaking to <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/new-zealander-and-former-tvnz-cameraman-joseph-day-missing-in-bristol-england/JL5N7G4JIHJMR6VZY3GG6UIEOQ/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>, she said her partner had planned to have “a really nice night in” with the apartment all to himself. “It’s hard because there are so many people that love him in New Zealand, his family and all of his friends adore him - he’s just the sweetest, nicest guy ever,” she told the publication. Mr Day’s colleagues have echoed the same sentiments in their tributes to the cameraman, describing him as “exceptional”, “loyal” and “humble”. “He had the ability to capture angles, lights and moments that added so much beauty to each story. He was loyal and honourable,” TVNZ current affairs reporter Maca Moayyed wrote on Twitter. “When we would go out on shoots, the people we were filming adored him. He was humble, hardworking, but work wasn’t his life. “It was clear how much he loved his family and his fiancée. My heart is broken for them. Rest in peace, Joe.” Correspondent Mark Crystall wrote: “Absolutely devastated to hear of Joe Day’s passing. “Joe like his dad, Pete, was a much loved member of our SundayTVNZ whanau - his beautiful eye & deep soul became pictures that lifted our stories to another level. “Our deepest sympathies & love to Pete & mum, Feloani.” Image: Facebook

News

“I need a new butt!” Kiwi book leads to teacher being fired

An assistant principal has claimed that he was fired from his job after reading a book about butts to his year two students. Toby Price was reading I Need A New Butt! to his second graders at Gary Road Elementary School in Mississippi. The children’s book, written by New Zealand author Dawn McMillian, tells the story of a boy who looks for a new bum after seeing a crack on his. Mr Price said the children “loved” and “really liked” the book, but it appears those on top did not and he was soon called to the principal’s office. "About 10 minutes after that, the principal called me into her office and said, 'Mr Price we are probably going to get some parent calls about this book' and I understood, a very professional lady, I get it," he told <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-the-monday-edition-1.6384517/this-assistant-principal-says-he-was-fired-for-reading-kids-a-book-called-i-need-a-new-butt-1.6384717" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CBC</a>. "A few minutes after that I was called to the superintendent's office - there are two superintendents - the main superintendent, she let me have it pretty good for choosing that book. "She asked me if that was the kind of thing I thought was funny - butts and farts - and before I walked in there I thought it was." Mr Price was placed on administrative leave and two days later was “totally blinded” after being fired. The educator of 20 years has the support of the parent-teacher association and because of how much traction his story received, it will go to court to reverse the decision. He admits he’s scared of the decision because it “might not be the happiest work environment". Image: Facebook

Books

Cheaper in Oz: One Kiwi shopper’s savvy way to save on groceries

A New Zealand woman has shared the unusual way that she saved 35 percent on her usual grocery bill - and it involves and it even comes with free shipping. The woman, who asked not to be identified, told the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/kiwi-shopper-saves-35-per-cent-ordering-groceries-from-australia/BL3RATPOZGLJQASWDRVY3DC4O4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a> that purchasing her usual groceries from Australia and shipping them to New Zealand ended up being significantly cheaper than shopping at her local supermarket. The Otago woman ordered 13 items from the neighbouring country, including pasta, nuts, dried fruit, rolled oats, toothbrushes, shampoo and hair dye, via Amazon. She told the publication she received her goods within five days, having paid just $AUD 93.30 ($NZD 100.59). “I only bought items that were included in a free shipping promotion, so I wasn’t charged for shipping. According to the receipt, shipping would have added $15,” she said. When she compared prices using the Countdown online shopping app, she found that the same items would have cost her an upwards of $30 more, totalling $NZD 139.96 ($AUD 129.82). She found the best deal was on toothpaste, which she paid $AUD 2.50 ($NZD2.69) for. “All the items were long-shelf life items. I don’t think ordering from Australia would work for fresh food,” she said. Though she made a significant saving, the savvy shopper says she might not repeat her “crazy little experiment” due to the carbon footprint that came with it. Image: Getty Images

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