PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 7, 2026 – Full Text

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand exporters are seeing major gains in India as demand grows for high-quality Kiwi products, and the Free Trade Agreement hasn’t even come into force yet, Trade Minister Todd McClay says.

“The New Zealand-India FTA has been signed and is now before Parliament. We expect it to enter into force later this year, but we’re already seeing a strong halo effect. Export volumes are up because businesses and customers can see the quality of what New Zealand has to offer.

“We’ve seen this pattern with other trade deals. Exports start growing as soon as people spot the opportunity, and the India FTA is no different. The benefits will only grow once the agreement is up and running.”

On entry into force, 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India will be tariff-free from day one, with more benefits phasing in over time.

Strong momentum for apples

Apples are a stand-out. Since negotiations began, volumes have jumped 63 per cent on the 2024 season, from 27,000 tonnes to 45,000 tonnes so far this year with the season still going. In just two years India has climbed from our seventh-largest apple market to our fourth.

“Once the FTA takes effect, apple tariffs halve to 25 per cent from day one on an initial quota of 32,500 tonnes, rising to 45,000 tonnes by year six. That’s a real financial boost for growers,” Mr McClay says.

Significant gains for kiwifruit growers

Kiwifruit growers also stand to gain. The deal delivers tariff-free access within a new quota starting at 6,250 tonnes and rising to 15,000 tonnes by year six, with tariffs halved outside the quota from the start. The industry expects around $125 million in tariff savings over five years.

Forestry and wool sectors benefiting

The engagement is flowing through to other sectors too. In June, Matariki Forests sent its first shipment of logs from Bluff to India since 2020, and chip and pulp exporters are reporting strong momentum. New Zealand recently hosted Indian wool delegations looking to access our premium fibres and expertise in processing, technology and advisory services.

Tourism growth underlines people-to-people links

Tourism is another bright spot. Visitor arrivals from India are reaching new heights even before the FTA takes effect. April 2026 saw around 8,000 Indian visitors, well up on the same month in previous years.

Air New Zealand just announced it is working on joint venture plans with Air India that would allow it to start the first direct services between our countries.

Securing better access for wine and services

There is also more on the table for wine and services. India agreed to improved access for both in its recently concluded agreement with the European Union, and under the Most Favoured Nation clause in our FTA, New Zealand automatically picks up those better terms once our agreement is in force.

“This is exactly why timely ratification matters. Getting our agreement in force ahead of the EU’s means New Zealand exporters capture those improved terms from day one. 

“This momentum is down to the hard work of New Zealand exporters who got in early, built relationships and positioned themselves to make the most of the FTA when it kicks in. I’m confident we’ll see plenty more success stories in the months ahead,” Mr McClay says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/06/nz-india-fta-already-boosting-exports/

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Oldham, Li & Nie (OLN) is pleased to announce the launch of its dedicated Family Office Services practice, expanding its capabilities in private wealth, trusts, succession planning, and cross-border structuring to meet the growing needs of international families.

Hong Kong has established itself as a premier destination for family offices, underpinned by common law system, attractive tax regime, and government-backed initiatives such as FamilyOfficeHK, tax concessions for Family-Owned Investment Holding Vehicles (FIHVs), and the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES). In 2026, the city has become the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre, according to the Boston Consulting Group[i], reinforcing its appeal for global wealth planning,

OLN’s new Family Office Services practice will provide integrated legal support across the following areas:

• Family Office Establishment and Structuring
• Wills and Succession Planning
• Trusts and Asset Protection
• Complex Estate Planning
• Cross-Border Tax and Structuring Advice, including the US and France elements
• International Family Office Coordination
• Ongoing Accounting and Reporting
• Outsourced CFO and COO Support
• Strategic Business Advisory Services Tailored to Family Offices and Private Investment Structures
• Litigation Support
• Immigration Law

“Hong Kong offers an exceptional platform for families seeking to build a lasting presence in Asia while staying closely connected to opportunities around the world,” said Gordon Oldham, Senior Partner. “At OLN, we understand that every family’s journey is unique. Drawing on our longstanding strengths across private client, tax and corporate services – as well as our dedicated US tax and French practices – we take a truly personal approach. We work alongside our clients to create tailored structures that not only protect and grow their wealth, but also reflect their values, aspirations and long-term legacy.”

The firm’s Family Office Services practice adopts a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with third-party fund managers and financial advisers.

For more information about the Family Office Services practice, please visit https://oln-law.com/practice-areas/family-office-services/

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https://www.instagram.com/olnsolicitors/

Hashtag: #familyoffice #oln #successionplanning

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Media Outreach

DKSH entered a strategic partnership with Lilly to sell, promote and distribute Lilly’s pharmaceutical products in Hong Kong and Macau. Building on the successful collaboration in Singapore and Vietnam, DKSH will expand the access to reliable healthcare in the region.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – In direct response to the rapid evolution of digital finance, profound transformations in the credit market, and the escalating demand from clients for personal privacy and asset security, Pak Tak Credit, a premier licensed money lender in Hong Kong, proudly announces the launch of its newly upgraded FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System.

This milestone innovation is specifically engineered to address a critical pain point in the traditional lending market: the compromise of a client’s credit rating (TransUnion/TU score) with every single financing inquiry. By leveraging cutting-edge financial technology to streamline processes and combining it with “1-on-1 empathetic, human-centric service,” Pak Tak Credit enables Hong Kong citizens and SME owners seeking a premium financing experience to explore optimal financial solutions with zero burden and zero risk. The company firmly states that rather than engaging in blind interest rate price wars, it will redefine the service benchmarks for tier-1 financial companies through its core values of “integrity, absolute confidentiality, and a premium client experience.”

Addressing Market Pain Points: Traditional Inquiries Penalize Credit Health
In today’s complex and volatile economic environment, maintaining an excellent credit rating is paramount to securing financing, whether for personal wealth planning, property mortgages, or enterprise working capital. However, market observations reveal that traditional financial institutions or banks frequently perform a “Hard Inquiry” on a client’s credit bureau profile during the preliminary inquiry or quotation stage.

This conventional approach leaves a permanent footprint on the client’s credit report. When clients attempt to shop around and compare rates across multiple institutions within a short period, these inquiries accumulate rapidly, leading to a sharp decline in their credit score (commonly known as a “damaged credit profile”). This not only erodes the credit health that clients have meticulously maintained over the years but can also severely jeopardize future bank mortgage approvals or commercial loan applications.

Pak Tak Credit firmly believes that a tier-1 brand’s duty lies in prioritizing the client’s peace of mind and anticipating their needs. The newly introduced “No-Trace Loan Query” system dismantles these traditional barriers. By utilizing advanced financial technology to conduct “Soft Evaluations,” clients can obtain highly accurate credit evaluations and interest rate proposals with absolutely zero impact on their credit ratings and full peace of mind.

Technical Analysis: What is the FinTech “No-Trace” Soft Evaluation Mechanism?
Unlike traditional institutions that immediately request a formal credit report at the outset, Pak Tak Credit’s “No-Trace Loan Query” system utilizes an advanced big data risk control model. During the preliminary evaluation and pre-approval stage, the system only conducts a “Soft Inquiry” using partial information authorized by the client alongside proprietary internal algorithms.

The distinct advantage of this mechanism is twofold: it empowers the risk management team to accurately assess repayment capabilities and deliver genuine quotes, while guaranteeing that absolutely no footprint visible to other financial institutions is left on the individual’s TransUnion (TU) report. In other words, whether or not the client ultimately proceeds with the application or accepts the approved credit line, their credit rating remains 100% intact and perfectly protected.

Four Core Advantages: Smart Big Data Fused with Personalized Human Service
The launch of this new service represents more than just a technological upgrade; it is a revolution in “human-centric” financial experience, featuring four key pillars:

• “No-Trace” Soft Inquiries to Safeguard Credit Assets: We guarantee zero adverse impact on the client’s credit rating during the preliminary consultation and pre-approval phases, making the process of exploring financing options as worry-free as online shopping.
• Big Data Intelligent Pre-Approval for Instant Quoting: By integrating modern FinTech, clients simply input basic information online. The system automatically performs a multi-dimensional risk assessment, bypassing the traditional, tedious submission of preliminary documents to deliver instant reference credit lines, significantly accelerating capital turnover.
• Rejecting Cold AI Responses for 1-on-1 Empathetic Service: Pak Tak Credit firmly believes that while technology drives efficiency, the core of financial service remains human connection and understanding. We refuse to rely solely on cold, automated responses. Every client inquiring through the system is assigned an experienced, dedicated account manager for “1-on-1 personalized follow-up,” crafting the most flexible and customized repayment structures tailored to the client’s true circumstances and pain points.
• Ultimate Privacy Protection to Eliminate Industry Nuisances: The dignity of a tier-1 institution is built upon its respect for clients. Pak Tak Credit strictly enforces the highest standards of data encryption and privacy protection regulations. We pledge that all inquiry data is strictly restricted to internal evaluation purposes, will never be disclosed to third parties, and completely eliminates any form of telemarketing nuisance, restoring financial experiences to true prestige and confidentiality.

Application Scenarios: Meeting Diversified High-Value Asset Allocation Demands
This system upgrade comprehensively strengthens support for large-scale financing scenarios, precisely covering premium client segments:

1. Property Owners & Investors: Prior to initiating property first mortgages, second mortgages, or refinancing for cash-out purposes, owners can utilize the no-trace system to evaluate property appreciation space and loan-to-value ratios without affecting subsequent bank mortgage refinancing approvals.
2. SME Owners & Startup Founders: Facing market operational turnovers, short-term payroll obligations, or expansion needs, business owners can rapidly test large commercial loan approval limits without jeopardizing their personal credit lines.
3. High-Net-Worth Individuals: For clients possessing diversified asset portfolios (such as precious metals or marketable securities), we provide professional, customized financing consultations featuring cross-asset synergy.

Strategic Vision: Winning the Market Through Integrity and Professionalism over Price Wars
Financial experts at Pak Tak Credit point out that the Hong Kong lending market is currently flooded with promotional slogans advertising “exceptionally low interest rates.” However, such schemes often conceal hidden handling fees, expensive consulting charges, or highly restrictive application thresholds that are practically unattainable for average applicants.

Pak Tak Credit refuses to engage in blind, malicious low-price competition. We deeply believe that true “tier-1 service” is anchored in absolute transparency of fees and the impeccable integrity and compliance of the process. Through “No-Trace Queries,” savvy borrowers no longer need to run into walls or risk a drop in their credit scores just to “test” the market. They can clearly understand their financial capabilities in the safest and most respected environment, enabling them to make the most rational wealth decisions.

Conclusion: Doing Our Duty, Standing as Your Most Reliable Financial Anchor
Financial service is more than the circulation of capital; it is a long-term commitment built on a foundation of trust. Pak Tak Credit’s brand-new FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System is dedicated to providing the most professional and dependable backing for every Hong Konger who pursues high efficiency, intelligence, and values privacy. Experience true tier-1 financial services starting today—begin with a no-trace query and secure your financial future with complete peace of mind.

Hashtag: #PakTakCredit

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

MIL OSI

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Hong Kong consumers have very low tolerance for brands and organisations that are deemed not believable, responding with rapid and decisive backlash when corporate promises trigger doubt. According to a new study on “The Believability Economy” by Ogilvy and YouGov, local residents quickly escalate from questioning claims to complaining on social media, switching to competitors, and fully disengaging. Part of a seven-market Asia Pacific initiative, the Hong Kong SAR edition of Ogilvy’s “Believability Index: The Power of Proof” reveals how critical proof has become to maintaining brand survival.

Silent Disengagement Directly Threatens Revenue

When believability falters, consumer action is almost universal. Of the 1,032 Hong Kong residents aged 18 and over surveyed between late April and early May 2026, 94% stated that they take punitive action once they harbour doubts about a brand or organisation, leaving only 6% with their behaviours unchanged. The local backlash is only slightly below the APAC average of 96%.

This belief-triggered disengagement also inflicts immediate financial consequences: 61% of Hong Kong respondents (70% in APAC) have stopped engaging with or purchasing from a brand or organisation over the past 12 months due to a lack of belief in its claims.

More importantly, silent forms of disengagement dominate the Hong Kong market. Nine in 10 Hongkongers (89%) opt for “silent disengagement”, walking away without saying a word. This quiet exit also carries a severe commercial penalty: it includes 46% who stop purchasing altogether and 32% who migrate to a competitor.

“The research findings are a stark wake-up call for brands and organisations, and show believability makes or breaks consumer decisions in immediate and severe ways,” said Clara Shek, President, Ogilvy Public Relations Hong Kong. “The Hong Kong findings reflect a broader trend in the Asia Pacific region: disengagement often combines quiet withdrawal with more visible signals. Brands and organisations must recognise that what they see publicly is only part of the picture — the quieter, unseen behaviours are dangerous and could be the silent killers of an organisation’s success.”

Vocal punishment is common. Over half (58%) of the respondents say they would take public or semi‑public action, such as:

• Telling friends, family or colleagues not to support the brand or organisation (30%)
• Reporting or flagging organisational content as misleading (17%)
• Leaving a negative review or public comment (15%)
• Actively and publicly avoid their content (14%)
• Contacting them directly to express concerns (12%)
• Posting personal experiences directly on social media (10%)

Lack of Competence and Ethics Triggers Consumer Disengagement

When consumers abandon a brand or organisation due to a breakdown of belief, the top reasons that prompted them to stop engaging or stop purchasing in the past 12 months tie directly to operational execution:

• Products and services didn’t deliver what was promised (34%)
• The brand or organisation handled an issue or mistake poorly (29%)
• Poor business ethics (27%)

Communication missteps also erode foundational belief. A quarter of consumers (25%) state that exaggerated or misleading communications have prompted them to disengage, and 24% disengage when a brand or organisation is unresponsive to issues they raise. In contrast, influencers and spokespeople play a smaller role in believability-driven disengagement — only 15% of respondents report that they would stop engaging with a brand or organisation because a spokesperson or influencer loses credibility.

Drivers of Believability

In Hong Kong, believability is driven far more by the credibility of the source than by the creative style of the content, and people rely primarily on their own judgement or official sources, rather than influencers or highly-polished content. Three quarters (76%) of Hong Kong residents rely on credibility-related influences (such as credible sources and multiple sources), 62% rely on personal perception (whether information aligns with existing knowledge), 59% turn to reviews, and 43% turn to peer validation.

Across all ages, the top drivers of belief are consistently rooted in familiarity and prior experience:

1. A source they already find credible (43%)
2. Information that aligns with their own knowledge or experience (34%)
3. Official or institutional sources (30%)

Conversely, the signals that dominate digital and social media culture — polished and professionally produced content (8%), the amount of people engaging with or sharing the information (16%), and “authentic” creator content (12%) — sit at the bottom of the list as factors that influence whether they believe new information about a brand or organisation.

The Channel Paradox – Where Belief and Scepticism Collide

The Ogilvy Believability Index 2026 finds that mainstream media and official brand channels remain the most influential sources of increased belief in Hong Kong. Almost two-thirds (58%) of Hong Kong residents say information from mainstream media increases their belief in brands and organisations that matter to them, and half (50%) say official brand channels improve belief. Both sources were greeted with relatively minimal scepticism (7% and 8% respectively).

Influencer content and private messaging apps tell a more complex story. The study shows that 30% of Hong Kong consumers say information from social media influencers and KOLs increase their belief, but 26% express heightened scepticism. Private group chats such as WhatsApp show the same near‑equal split: 30% say these channels strengthen their belief, while 26% say they make them more doubtful. In these environments, brands and organisations aren’t generating belief alone — they’re generating belief and doubt in almost equal measure.

“Social media channels may be influential in reach and visibility for brands and organisations, but they are far less effective at strengthening belief,” Ms. Shek said. “In fact, they often create a mix of belief and doubt – a paradox that organisations need to navigate carefully. Traditional tracking tools can create a blind spot for senior leadership as organisations run the risk of over-indexing spending on the exact platforms that are triggering scepticism.”

The importance of mainstream media echoes the latest findings in South China Morning Post’s (SCMP) Intersection of Influence study released on June 24, 2026. The SCMP study shows news media commands the highest attention of any channel in Hong Kong, significantly outperforming other channels (such as social media) in terms of audience focus and staying power. Sixty-one percent (61%) say news reports stay with them long after reading, and 16% use the information to make important decisions. For believability, this shows that news environments don’t just attract attention; they generate intentional, lasting and active engagement in the content.

Negative Ripple Effect for Other Brands

When believability breaks, it spreads. A third (31% local; 36% in APAC) of consumers admit that when their belief in a brand or organisation is lost, they become more wary or suspicious, with 38% of Hong Kong consumers (29% in APAC) reporting that they will subsequently minimise their use of similar products or services from other brands and organisations.

Restoring Belief – Action is Louder Than Words in Hong Kong

On the bright side, 82% of Hong Kong residents (85% in APAC) say belief can be restored. Only 14% of Hong Kong residents (11% in APAC) say that once belief in a source is lost — whether an organisation, media outlet, or public figure — it can never be regained.

When it comes to restoring belief, Hong Kong consumers respond most positively to concrete action. Half (50%) say an organisation must “actively fix the issue” before they will believe them again – a requirement that ranks well above a “public acknowledgement” (40%). Furthermore, another 40% believe it is important to “demonstrate consistent accuracy.”

For Hongkongers, these concrete actions carry far more weight than shifts in communication style alone. Only 29% of respondents feel that being “more transparent or further evidence-based” in their communication helps restore belief, while only 13% say “endorsements from respected individuals” helps restore belief. In other words, accountability and follow‑through are the real drivers of believability.

“Consumers are open to brands and organisations that take actions to repair that credibility. The path to redemption clearly lies in tangible action – correcting problems, publicly acknowledging mistakes and demonstrating consistency. As the findings show, accountability is the ultimate currency of belief,” said Ms. Shek at Ogilvy.

“Despite the popularity of social media and digital channels, Ogilvy’s Hong Kong edition of the ‘Believability Index: The Power of Proof’ calls for a rethink on marketing and issue management approach,” Ms. Shek concluded. “To protect against silent disengagement, leaders must deliver on their core promise, tackle issues transparently, and anchor their communications in mainstream media and official channels, with mindful management of social media and influencer strategy recognising these channels’ belief-scepticism double-edged impact on consumers.”

Hashtag: #Ogilvy

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a single vehicle crash on Collingwood-Puponga Main Road this afternoon. 

Emergency services were called to the scene at Ferntown Bridge around 4pm, where a vehicle had gone into the Aorere River. 

One person was located in a serious condition, however despite best efforts by emergency services, they died at the scene. 

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/06/fatal-crash-collingwood/

MIL OSI

Source: Media Outreach

Singapore-founded wellness brand brings powder production in-house with new Johor Bahru facility, strengthening product development, quality control and end-to-end batch traceability

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.