PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 8, 2026 – Full Text
1. Flicket wins Exporter of the Year at ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards
August 7, 2026
Source: Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA)
Flicket, a provider of digital ticketing, booking and visitor management software, has won the ASB Bay of Plenty Exporter of the Year Award at a gala event this evening held at the Mercury Baypark Arena in Mount Maunganui.
Bay of Plenty software powering visitor experiences worldwide
Flicket has built a growing international presence by providing digital ticketing, booking and visitor management software for attractions, events and tourism operators around the world. The company has carved out a distinctive position in a highly competitive global industry through a technology platform backed by a strong customer partnership model and a disciplined approach to international expansion.
Judges praised Flicket’s ability to identify specialised international market opportunities and successfully scale into overseas markets, particularly in the USA, Australia and the UK, while remaining focused on delivering value for customers and executing its long-term vision.
Innovation helping shape the future of global food production
Taura Natural Food Ingredients, a producer of high-quality fruit-based ingredients and inclusions for leading global food brands, won the Excellence in Innovation Award.
The company was recognised for embedding innovation into its business model and developing products that anticipate future consumer demand. Judges highlighted Taura’s advanced technical capability, particularly its ability to preserve flavour and nutritional value through complex manufacturing processes, while responding to global demand for enhanced nutrition and protein-rich products.
Turning waste into valuable products for global markets
The Emerging Exporter Award was won by Cetogenix, a biotechnology company developing advanced bio-based materials and processing technologies for global industrial applications.
Cetogenix is developing technology that transforms organic waste streams into valuable products, including renewable natural gas, renewable chemicals and biomaterials. Judges recognised the company’s ambition, innovation and potential to help create a more circular economy while addressing a major global challenge.
Recognising those who drive export success behind the scenes
There were two joint winners of the Unsung Export Hero – Outstanding Individual Contribution Award, which recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the export success of a business. The award was presented to Hadyn Natusch and Mark Swetman of Oasis Engineering.
Having started their careers together as apprentices, the pair have played a critical role in Oasis Engineering’s growth, helping turn research and development concepts into commercially successful products through their technical expertise, problem-solving ability and longstanding commitment to the business.
Long-serving export advocate honoured
The Services to Exporting Award was presented to David Cotter, Customer Manager at NZTE, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to helping Bay of Plenty businesses succeed in international markets.
Through decades of experience across international markets, manufacturing, technology and export development, Cotter has become one of the region’s most respected export advocates, supporting businesses of all sizes to pursue growth opportunities and navigate increasingly complex global trading conditions.
Celebrating the Bay of Plenty exporting community
The awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses and individuals who export goods and services to markets around the world.
Organised by the local Bay of Plenty Export Advisory Board, EMA and ExportNZ, in partnership with NZTE, the awards are proudly backed by principal sponsor ASB, together with Port of Tauranga, Zespri, Page Macrae, Sharp Tudhope and Trimax.
According to EMA’s Head of Export & Membership, Simon Devoy, “Exporting is an integral part of the Bay of Plenty business community, so we’re delighted these awards showcase the inspiring businesses and individuals from the region who are succeeding in offshore markets. Well done to all the winners!
“The awards are more than just recognition – they’re a platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the network of export-focused companies that drive the region’s economic success.”
Chair of the ExportNZ BoP Executive Committee Warwick Downing says, “This year’s winners exemplify the innovation, resilience, and global ambition that define the Bay of Plenty’s export community.
“Their success is a testament to the region’s ability to compete, and thrive, on the world stage.”
Head of Trade Finance at ASB Bank Mike Atkins says, “We congratulate all the winners – they are true export champions of the Bay of Plenty region.
“At ASB we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through working capital and debt capital funding or other advisory initiatives across productivity, sustainability, food and fibre. Our partnership with ExportNZ in celebrating these awards underscores that commitment.”
Executive Director of ExportNZ Josh Tan says, “ExportNZ is delighted to help showcase these incredible export stories. Behind every successful exporter are years of innovation, perseverance, and ambition.”
“These businesses are taking Bay of Plenty excellence to the rest of the world and helping to build New Zealand’s reputation for high-quality products, services, and technology. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists on their outstanding achievements.”
Complete list of winners and full judges’ citations
ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards
1. Exporter of the Year – in partnership with Sharp Tudhope
Winner: Flicket – a provider of digital ticketing, booking, and visitor management software for attractions, events, and tourism operators worldwide.
Highly Commended: Pure Mama
– This award recognises the outstanding success of a business that is established in its international growth journey, with more than five years of international operations and total annual revenue above $5 million.
Judges’ citation: The judges were highly impressed by Flicket’s vision, commitment and execution in building a disruptive export business in a highly competitive global industry.
Rather than replicating existing ticketing models, Flicket has developed a distinctive approach that combines technology with a strong customer partnership model. The judges noted the company’s ability to identify targeted international niches and build momentum in highly specialised but significant markets.
Flicket has shown particular strength in the United States, where it has secured opportunities in sports and event categories that are major overseas markets. The judges were also impressed by the company’s disciplined approach of proving its offering locally before expanding internationally.
What stood out most was Flicket’s focus – its understanding of where it can compete, the value it can deliver for customers, and the talent required to achieve its vision. For the judges, Flicket is a standout example of a New Zealand business using innovation, strategy and execution to succeed on the world stage.
2. Excellence in Innovation – in partnership with Port of Tauranga
Winner: Taura Natural Food Ingredients – a producer of high-quality fruit-based ingredients and inclusions for leading global food brands.
Highly Commended: Flicket
– This Award recognises success in the commercialisation of innovation in international markets, incorporating intellectual property, strategy, processes and monitoring
Judges’ citation: The judges were impressed by the way Taura Natural Food Ingredients has made innovation a core part of its business model.
Its approach is disciplined, long-term and commercially focused, with the company investing in product development that anticipates future consumer needs.
The judges noted its strong technical capability, particularly in maintaining flavour and nutritional profiles through complex production processes, and its focus on global demand for enhanced nutrition and protein-rich products.
Taura Natural Food Ingredients stood out as a business using innovation with purpose, precision and clear international relevance.
3. Emerging Exporter – in partnership with Trimax
Winner: Cetogenix – a biotechnology company developing advanced bio-based materials and processing technologies for global industrial applications.
– This Award recognises a successful business in the early stage of its international growth journey, with up to 5 years of international operations and total annual revenue under $5 million.
Judges’ citation: The judges selected Cetogenix for the scale of its ambition and the potential global impact of its technology.
The company is developing ways to transform organic waste streams into valuable outputs such as renewable natural gas, renewable chemicals and biomaterials. In doing so, it is helping create a more circular system that reduces waste and captures value.
The judges saw Cetogenix as an emerging exporter with significant international potential – a purposeful, innovative business working to solve a major global challenge.
4. Unsung Export Hero – Outstanding Individual Contribution – in partnership with Zespri
Joint Winners: Hadyn Natusch & Mark Swetman of Oasis Engineering.
– This award recognises an individual or individuals who have made a substantial material contribution to the export success of a business.
Judges’ citations: The judges selected Hadyn Natusch and Mark Swetman in recognition of their longstanding contribution to the growth and success of Oasis Engineering and the important role they have played behind the scenes in the company’s export journey.
Having started their careers together as apprentices, Hadyn and Mark have become instrumental members of the Oasis Engineering team.
The judges were impressed by their commitment, technical expertise and ability to solve complex problems, while helping transform research and development concepts into products that work in real-world applications.
Often working behind the scenes, they have consistently supported customers, overcome technical challenges and contributed to the development of innovative solutions that have helped fuel the company’s growth. The judges described them as two halves of a whole – a partnership built on trust, skill and a shared commitment to excellence.
For their dedication, ingenuity and sustained contribution to the export success of Oasis Engineering, the judges are proud to recognise Hadyn Natusch and Mark Swetman as the recipients of the Unsung Export Hero Award.
5. Services to Exporting – in partnership with Page Macrae
Winner: David Cotter, Customer Manager, NZTE
– This Award recognises an individual or business, who may or may not be directly involved with exporting, but has made a significant contribution to exporting success in the Bay of Plenty.
Judges’ citation: The recipient of the 2026 Services to Exporting Award has spent decades helping New Zealand businesses succeed on the world stage.
Through a career spanning international markets, manufacturing, technology and export development, David Cotter has become one of the Bay of Plenty’s most trusted and respected champions of exporting.
Since joining New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in 2013 and relocating to the Bay of Plenty, David has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support exporters across the region. He has been a particularly strong advocate for businesses in the manufacturing, engineering, timber and wood sectors, helping companies of all sizes navigate international opportunities, overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth in global markets.
David has played an important role in strengthening the wider Bay of Plenty export ecosystem, including Rotorua’s innovation and manufacturing communities, and has been actively involved with ExportNZ Bay of Plenty and numerous initiatives supporting exporters.
What sets David apart is his unwavering commitment to the businesses he serves. He has supported businesses through international growth opportunities, market disruption, capability challenges and increasingly complex global trading conditions, always bringing a calm, pragmatic and solutions-focused mindset.
Whether working with established manufacturers, emerging exporters or deep-tech innovators, David brings commercial insight, international experience and a genuine desire to help New Zealand businesses succeed.
Quietly, consistently and without seeking recognition, David has helped countless companies achieve their export ambitions, exemplifying the spirit of this award through his enduring contribution to exporting success in the region.
The judges are delighted to present the 2026 Services to Exporting Award to David Cotter.
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2. Business funding now easier to find
August 7, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Kiwi businesses can now find their share of the $400 million a year the Government puts into business grants, funds, and equity schemes in minutes rather than hours, with the launch of the upgraded Funding Explorer, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer says.
Hosted on business.govt.nz, the tool brings together 15 funding opportunities from seven government agencies into a single searchable place.
“Business owners are busy people. They are running a business, employing locals and looking for ways to grow. They should not have to spend hours trawling through half a dozen government websites to work out what they are eligible for,” Mr Brewer says.
“There’s a lot of support available for businesses. The problem was that it was scattered, and too many struggled to find it. This fixes that.”
Businesses can search by sector and by what they are trying to do, whether that is commercialising an idea, lifting productivity, investing in research and development, or breaking into a new export market.
The upgrade came out of a cross-government review of how to lift the growth impact of business funding, which found the system was fragmented and hard for businesses to navigate. Seven agencies worked together to fix it.
“Getting seven agencies to line up behind one simple tool is not a small thing, and they deserve credit for it. Businesses do not care which department a fund sits in. They just want to know what they can apply for,” Mr Brewer says.
The tool was demonstrated to business groups before launch, including Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, whose chief executive Catherine Lye backed it as removing a real barrier for manufacturers who often do not know what support is available to them.
Funding Explorer sits alongside other business.govt.nz tools such as ONECheck and the Employment Agreement Builder, which are used by hundreds of thousands of business owners a year. Business.govt.nz recorded 6.2 million interactions in the past 12 months, with a 91 per cent user satisfaction score.
“Every hour a business owner spends navigating government websites is an hour not spent growing their business. Making support easy to find means more investment, more jobs and stronger exports,” Mr Brewer says.
“This is fixing the basics and building the future, so Kiwi businesses can spend less time on government paperwork and more time getting ahead.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/07/business-funding-now-easier-to-find/
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3. Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties Appoint New Chief Executive Officer
August 7, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Mr. Tsoi, aged 56, is a seasoned business leader recognized for his leadership in transformation and innovation, with more than three decades of experience in retail and business management across Asia. Currently he serves as CEO of Toys “R” Us Asia, where he transformed the business through a light-asset model, expanded the brand’s appeal to the kidult segment, and reignited growth across Greater China and Southeast Asia. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Starbucks China after holding several senior leadership roles, driving innovation and supporting the brand’s rapid expansion over more than a decade. Earlier in his career, he built a strong leadership foundation at PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble Greater China, driving growth through strategic vision and deep consumer insight.
Mr. Leo Tsoi said, “I am excited to join Hang Lung, a company whose expanding presence and commitment to ‘We Do It Well’ have made a meaningful impact across the communities it serves. I am grateful to Adriel and the Boards for their trust, and to Weber for laying down such a strong foundation to build upon. As I step into this role, I look forward to partnering with our talented team to strengthen relationships with stakeholders, tenants, and customers, and co-create Hang Lung’s next chapter of growth and impact.”
Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung, said, “Hang Lung are excited to welcome Leo as our next CEO. His track record in driving growth through excellence makes him the best candidate to lead Hang Lung into our next chapter, and the Boards and I look forward to working closely with him. I am confident that the organization will thrive under his leadership. I would also like to thank our retiring CEO, Mr. Weber Lo, for the significant contributions and achievements over the past eight years; he has put Hang Lung in a position of strength, setting us up for further future success.”
Mr. Weber Lo will serve as Advisor to the Chair for one year beginning October 1, 2026.
Mr. TSOI Tak Lun, Leo
Chief Executive Officer Designate and Executive Director (with effect from September 7, 2026)
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director (with effect from October 1, 2026)
Mr. Tsoi has been Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Board Member for Toys “R” Us Asia since April 2023, where he led a transformative journey across Asia’s key cities. During his tenure, he transformed the brand with a light-asset expansion strategy and accelerated the enterprise-wide digital transformation, driving significant brand elevation and business growth across Greater China and Southeast Asia.
Prior to this, Mr. Tsoi was CEO of Starbucks China and a member of the company’s Global Executive Leadership Team. He envisioned and led a decade-long expansion that scaled the business from 600 to 6,000 stores, while advancing Starbuck’s ESG agenda by launching plant-based campaigns and pioneering the Greener Store Lab. Earlier in his career, Mr. Tsoi held senior leadership positions at PepsiCo China and Procter & Gamble, where he delivered category leadership and launched iconic brands and campaigns that shaped consumer culture and inspired new lifestyles.
Mr. Tsoi currently serves as a member of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Toy Advisory Committee, and previously served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Pure Group. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, with a minor in Japanese Studies.
https://www.hanglung.com
Hashtag: #HangLungGroup #HangLungProperties #CEOAppointment
About Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties
The Group’s diverse portfolio in Hong Kong includes office towers and malls in prime districts, as well as luxury residential developments in prestigious areas. In Chinese Mainland, under the signature “66” brand, the Company’s mixed-use and retail developments are regarded as premium landmarks, strategically located in the hearts of key cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan, and Hangzhou.
The Group is recognized for pioneering sustainability in the real estate industry, with an MSCI ESG rating of AA and inclusion on CDP “A List” for Climate Change. The Group powers 10 of its 11 properties in the Mainland with renewable energy, with a net zero commitment by 2050.
At Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.
For more information, please visit www.hanglung.com.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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4. Earlier monetisation of Chorus debt to the Crown supports infrastructure investment
August 7, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Crown has entered into binding agreements to monetise the debt it holds in telecommunications lines company Chorus, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop have confirmed.
“The Government announced in December 2025 its decision to progress the early monetisation of interest-free loans provided to Chorus between 2012 and 2023 to help accelerate the rollout of fibre broadband across New Zealand,” Ms Willis says.
“These loans had a book value of $642 million.
“The fibre rollout is now complete and has delivered enormous benefits for New Zealanders, with most people now able to connect seamlessly with family, friends and colleagues across the country and around the world.
“Rather than waiting until 2036 to be fully repaid the Government has decide to monetise the current value of the loan so it can be reinvested in other priorities.
“The transaction delivers net proceeds to the Crown of approximately $702 million. This is a strong commercial result representing a gain over book value of over $60 million.
“These proceeds were anticipated in Budget 2026 and meant the Government could fund more of the infrastructure New Zealand needs – including the Cambridge to Piarere Road of National Significance, upgrades to New Zealand’s hospitals, and hundreds of new classrooms.”
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and every dollar of public investment needs to work as hard as possible to deliver the roads, homes, hospitals and schools that will improve living standards and grow the economy.
“Ministers have agreed NIFFCo can give investors limited protection for unlikely risks to get better value from the sale so there are more funds available for reinvestment now.
“Recycling capital from mature investments that have achieved their purpose into new infrastructure projects is a practical example of good financial management.
“The Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) securities are not ordinary shares. Their early monetisation will not change the ownership of Chorus, nor change the services and assets it provides or owns.”
“New Zealand’s future prosperity depends on disciplined public finances and continued investment in the infrastructure that underpins economic growth. That’s exactly what this Government is focused on as we fix the basics and build the future,” Ms Willis says.
Notes to editor:
- Settlement is expected to occur in August 2026.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/07/earlier-monetisation-of-chorus-debt-to-the-crown-supports-infrastructure-investment/
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5. Time to clean up the dirty flood of secret money into political parties – Greenpeace
August 7, 2026
Source: Greenpeace Aotearoa
The flood of secret money flowing into political parties shows the urgent need to clean up the electoral finance rules if we are to avoid a US-style system of one-dollar-one-vote, says Greenpeace Aotearoa.
“This flood of secret money into political parties is a systemic threat to our democracy. We need to clean up the electoral finance rules as a matter of urgency,” says Dr Russel Norman, Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director.
There has been a surge of ‘anonymous’ donations into political parties, nearly $500,000 so far this year. While the identity of the donors is kept secret from the public, there is no way of knowing if in fact the parties receiving the money know the identities.
“We need to close the loophole that allows these anonymous donations, just as we need to ban corporate donations and put a low cap on individual donations,” says Norman.
“These secret donations could be coming from polluting industries such as agribusiness, the oil industry, the fishing industry seeking to influence the political parties to protect their profits.
“We know already that there has been millions going into the political parties connected to fast track applications.
“The process for reforming campaign finance needs to be led by citizens, not political parties. The last independent review of electoral finance rules recommended removing these anonymous donations but the political parties did not progress these changes.
“We call on all political parties to commit to a citizens assembly led process to review the electoral finance laws and to commit to implementing the recommendations of the citizens assembly.
“As a society we need to make significant changes if we are to address the climate and biodiversity crises, but vested interests are donating to political parties in an effort to protect the status quo. We need to free our political system of the corrupting influence of secret money.”
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6. Sentosa GrillFest 2026 Returns with Its Largest Line-Up Yet: 42 Food Vendors, First-Ever Omakase-Inspired Beachfront Dining and Returning Crowd Favourites
August 7, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
- Debut of Chef’s Grill, an air-conditioned omakase-inspired eight-course dining experience co-curated with the Singapore Chefs’ Association
- Longstanding fan favourites Craft’ B, Slurp Your Oysters, Jett BBQ and DAMN return alongside 18 new vendors across five zones
- Marketplace by Indoguna and Sunset Lounge by Asahi introduces premium grilling, golden hour gatherings and new ways to experience the beachfront
- Beach-front seating and increased sheltered capacity, new ways to settle in and enjoy the festival by the sea
- First-ever use of solar energy to power the air-conditioned Chef’s Grill pavilion and beachfront festival lighting
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2026 – Sentosa GrillFest, Singapore’s favourite beachfront cookout supported by Singapore Tourism Board, returns to Siloso Beach for its ninth edition from 23 July to 16 August 2026. Since its debut in 2017, the festival has welcomed close to 800,000 visitors, and this year’s edition is its most ambitious yet. Featuring 42 vendors across five zones, including 18 new names and a host of returning crowd favourites, guests can look forward to bold new flavours, an elevated beachfront atmosphere, and first-ever dining concepts co-curated with the Singapore Chefs’ Association, all in a festival that welcomes guests of every kind, pets included. From the crackle of open flames and the aroma of food fresh off the grill to the anticipation of the first bite by the sea, Sentosa GrillFest 2026 is designed to be a gastronomic feast for all senses.
Omakase-Inspired Chef’s Grill
Making its debut this year is Chef’s Grill, Sentosa GrillFest’s first-ever eight-course omakase-inspired style beachfront dining experience, created in collaboration with the Singapore Chefs’ Association (SCA). Held in an air-conditioned tent with premium chinaware, the format gives diners a close look at live-fire techniques from a curated roster of Singapore chefs. Three mainstay vendors — Sentosa Golf Club, R&B Grill Bar and ASAP & CO — anchor the experience across all four weekends, while a rotating guest vendor slot brings fresh faces to the menu each week, giving guests a new reason to return every weekend.
Chef’s Grill also serves as the closing platform for the inaugural Singapore Chef Festival, organised in partnership with the SCA, marking Sentosa GrillFest’s growing role in Singapore’s culinary calendar.
For Chef’s Grill menu and pricing details, refer to www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest.
Marketplace by Indoguna
Returning in an elevated format this year is Marketplace, developed in collaboration with Indoguna, a leading premium food importer and distributor in Singapore. This year’s edition places a sharper focus on local sourcing and sustainable produce, with a curated selection of ingredients that champions responsible food choices without compromising on quality.
Drawing the eyes of all who enter is a central chiller display, where guests can browse and select fresh meats, seafood, vegetables and gourmet items, before watching them cooked-to-order across themed grill and serve stalls. Prepare to be entranced by the theatre of live-fire cooking through grilling, smoking and searing front and centre.
A retail section carries artisanal products, sauces, spices and ready-to-cook selections for guests who want to take part of the Sentosa GrillFest experience home.
And for those looking to capture the memories, the aura-reading photobooth is the perfect spot to snap share-worthy moments with friends.
Sunset Lounge by Asahi
As the sun dips below the horizon, the Sunset Lounge by Asahi, sets the scene for golden hour gatherings by the sea. Guests can ease into the evening at this dedicated beachfront bar experience, where the pace slows and the views take centre stage. The lounge is positioned as a standalone wind-down spot between the afternoon and evening sessions with DJ programming, live band performances.
For details on programming, refer to www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest.
Vendor Line-up for Every Palate
Beyond the new concepts, Sentosa GrillFest 2026 brings back three beloved zones: Local Grills, International Grills and Beachside Grills.
Local Grills returns with homegrown crowd favourites Slurp Your Oysters and Craft’ B, both longstanding fixtures of Sentosa GrillFest who have grown alongside the festival. Craft’ B, known for their Netflix-featured grass-fed ribeye, returns alongside Slurp Your Oysters, serving freshly shucked oysters sourced directly from Murotsu Bay in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Also back is DAMN, winner of Sentosa GrillFest’s People’s Choice Award in 2025, bringing their signature dry-aged meats and the much-anticipated return of their sold-out dry-aged beef burger. Joining them are new additions such as Cow Bae, known for their signature flambe on the grill, continuing Sentosa GrillFest’s commitment to championing local food businesses.
International Grills takes guests on a culinary journey across the globe, from Korean BBQ at Hanok Kimchi and Japanese flame-torched mentaiko wagyu beef bowls at Gyushi, to the bold smoky flavours of BBQ Box. Joining them this year are new entrants Umi Matsuri, bringing the Japanese art of robatayaki grilling to the beachfront, and 8 Degree Taiwanese Bistro, serving up the iconic Taiwanese night market classic 大肠包小肠 (Taiwan sausage with sticky rice).
Perched along the waterfront, Beachside Grills serves up open-flame cooking against the backdrop of Siloso Beach. New this year are Smokin’ Joe, bringing elevated options with their Australian Wagyu ribeye, and ChillBro (冷仔), rounding off the meal on a sweet note with grilled banana topped with chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce. Returning favourites include Jett BBQ, beloved for their show-stopping dinosaur ribs, and Smok Hous, known for its Texas-style barbecue.
Aside from the food, festivalgoers can look forward to live entertainment throughout the festival. Kicking off the first Sunday on 26 July, ZIP4, a Korean jazz band, will take to the stage at 7pm in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Singapore.
The full list of participating vendors can be found here: www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest.
Sustainability and Accessibility
This year’s edition marks a significant step forward in the festival’s sustainability journey. For the first time, the air-conditioned Chef’s Grill pavilion and beachfront festival lighting will be powered by battery and solar energy, reducing the festival’s reliance on conventional power sources and reducing carbon footprint.
Continuing commitments include the reduction of single-use disposables across the festival grounds, with all vendors required to use compostable packaging and cutlery in line with Sentosa’s Disposables Policy.
On accessibility, Sentosa GrillFest continues to provide dedicated beach tracks for wheelchair users and families with strollers, with priority seating available for guests with mobility needs throughout the festival grounds.
Event details – Sentosa GrillFest 2026
Time: 4.00pm to 10.30pm
Venue: Siloso Beachfront
Dates:
- Thu 23, Fri 24, Sat 25, Sun 26 July;
- Fri 31 July, Sat 1, Sun 2 August;
- Fri 7, Sat 8, Sun 9 August; and
- Fri 14, Sat 15, Sun 16 August
For more information on Sentosa GrillFest 2026, please visit www.sentosa.com.sg/grillfest.
https://www.facebook.com/sentosaofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/sentosa_island
https://www.tiktok.com/@sentosa_island
Hashtag: #discoverSentosa #sentosaIsland #wherediscoveryneverends
About Sentosa
The 500-hectare island resort is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations, world-renowned golf courses, a deep-water yachting marina and luxurious residences – making Sentosa a vibrant island resort for business and leisure. Sentosa is also home to Singapore’s first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa, which operates Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park.
Situated on the eastern end of Sentosa Island is Sentosa Cove, an exclusive waterfront residential enclave bustling with more than 2,000 homes, quayside restaurants, retail and specialty shops. The island is also proud to be home to Sentosa Golf Club and its two acclaimed golf courses, The Serapong and The Tanjong. Sentosa Golf Club has hosted a number of high-profile professional and amateur tournaments, including the Singapore Open and HSBC Women’s World Championship, welcoming international star players and world-class golf professionals from across the world.
Welcoming a growing number of local and international guests every year, Sentosa is an integral part of Singapore’s goal to be a global destination to work, live and play. For more information, please visit: www.sentosa.com.sg.
About Sentosa Development Corporation
SDC wholly owns its subsidiaries Sentosa Cove Resort Management Pte Ltd and Sentosa Golf Club. SDC also owns the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network, managed by Mount Faber Leisure Group Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary which operates as an autonomous commercial arm.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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7. Tourism – ZIPTREK STRENGTHENS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT THROUGH LOVE QUEENSTOWN PARTNERSHIP
August 7, 2026
Source: Love Queenstown
Queenstown Lakes, New Zealand (7 August 2026) – Queenstown tourism operator Ziptrek Ecotours has become a Love Queenstown Impact Partner, strengthening its support for local climate, conservation and biodiversity projects.
Ziptrek has been involved with the community fund since its launch in 2023, contributing to fundraising events, industry planting days and other environmental initiatives. The new partnership will provide sustained financial backing for grassroots projects across the Whakatipu.
Founder Trent Yeo says the partnership is a natural fit for Ziptrek and reflects the company’s belief in businesses working together.
“We love working with Love Queenstown, and this step makes our support more direct and ongoing,” he says. “No one can do it individually. Collectively is much better.”
Love Queenstown Community Fund Coordinator Ash Bickley says Ziptrek has long demonstrated responsible tourism in practice.
“Trent and the team have been an inspiration in this space, showing what’s possible when a business puts people and place at the heart of everything it does,” she says.
Since opening above Queenstown in 2009, Ziptrek has planted more than 6,000 native trees and contributed well over $250,000 to community and environmental organisations.
Its support has included Mana Tāhuna, Kiwi Birdlife Park and Sustainable Queenstown, alongside Locals’ Days, staff volunteering, environmental restoration, and education.
Ziptrek was also Queenstown’s first tourism operator to achieve Net Zero Carbon Business Operations certification, which it has maintained for six consecutive years.
Trent says Love Queenstown gives businesses and visitors a trusted, practical way to contribute to the place they live in or visit.
“Queenstown is developing as a place where people can formally, functionally and loudly contribute,” he says. “And our community wants to see that.”
After almost two decades in tourism, he says sustainability should become a normal part of doing business.
“You have to be simultaneously patient and impatient about these things,” he says.
“The whole idea of sustainable tourism should disappear and just become normal. I am hopeful. I’m also still impatient.”
He says Love Queenstown enables businesses to support credible local organisations without having to identify, assess and administer individual projects themselves.
“Love Queenstown is sitting there waiting to be fed,” he says. “It’s a very solid way to ethically give out money without every business having to work out who receives it and whether they’re the right organisation. Love Queenstown manages that.”
Love Queenstown Impact Partners commit either 1% of net proceeds or $10,000 or more annually. Contributions are pooled, with 80% supporting immediate environmental action through annual Impact Grants and 20% invested in an endowment fund for future generations.
About Love Queenstown and Love Wānaka
The Love Queenstown and Love Wānaka Community Funds support grassroots environmental efforts, providing an opportunity for visitors and businesses to give back and help care for the environment at the heart of our region.
Launched in 2023, Love Queenstown and Love Wānaka were the first initiatives to come to life from the region’s Destination Management Plan: Travel to a Thriving Future. They are delivered in partnership with Destination Queenstown, Lake Wānaka Tourism and the 45South Community Foundation.
Grants are available on an annual, contestable basis for charitable organisations undertaking local climate, conservation and biodiversity work.
About Ziptrek Ecotours
Ziptrek Ecotours has operated zipline experiences in the forest above Queenstown since 2009. Environmental stewardship and education are integrated throughout its operations, visitor experiences and community partnerships.
Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown are initiatives of Lake Wānaka Tourism and Destination Queenstown and are delivered in partnership with 45 South Community Foundation. (CC55258).
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8. Economy – RBNZ leadership continues regional engagement to hear first-hand economic perspectives in Nelson-Tasman
August 7, 2026
Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
7 August 2026
Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Governor Dr Anna Breman, Board Member Jeremy Banks, External Monetary Policy Committee Member Carl Hansen, and Director of Stakeholder Engagement Naomi Mitchell have travelled to Nelson-Tasman to engage with local businesses, industries, and communities as part of the RBNZ’s regional leadership engagement programme.
So far in 2026, the RBNZ’s leadership team have visited six centres across the regions as part of the programme outside of Wellington and Auckland, including Canterbury, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty (Rotorua and Tauranga), and Nelson-Tasman.
Across these visits, the RBNZ leaders met with more than 50 organisations, including councils, community and advocacy groups, farmers and agribusinesses, hospitality and tourism operators, iwi, exporters, and other regional stakeholders. In total, they have connected directly with around 600 local business operators and community members.
During their visit to Nelson-Tasman, RBNZ leaders met with local iwi, the regional economic development agency, aquaculture representatives, retirement providers, and transport companies to better understand current economic and financial conditions, opportunities, and the challenges facing the region.
“Hearing directly from people living and working in communities across New Zealand is an important part of our work,” Dr Breman says.
“I acknowledge that economic conditions remain challenging for many New Zealanders, and the recent increase in the unemployment rate reflects that. However, if we look a bit deeper, we can now see more people in employment and more people participating in the labour market.”
“Conversations on these topics like these help us understand how nationwide economic developments are affecting different regions, industries, businesses, communities, and households, and how experiences can vary across the country.”
“They also provide an opportunity for us to explain the work we do,” Dr Breman says.
Alongside its work on financial stability and cash and payments, the RBNZ seeks to keep inflation low and stable. The Monetary Policy Committee’s remit is to keep annual inflation between 1 and 3% over the medium term, with a focus on 2%, while avoiding unnecessary volatility in the economy.
The RBNZ undertakes a wide range of engagement and outreach activities to understand perspectives and sentiment from across New Zealand and to communicate the work it does. These include regional business visits led by different teams across the RBNZ, quarterly surveys of 500 to 700 businesses and around 1,000 households, public consultations, speaking engagements, and bilateral meetings with stakeholders.
The regional leadership engagement programme, alongside the RBNZ’s ongoing engagement activities, helps inform the Bank’s understanding of economic conditions across New Zealand and complements the economic and financial data it monitors.
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9. Covert retail crime operation sends a sting
August 7, 2026
Source: New Zealand Police
An undercover Police operation is sending a strong warning to retailers who might be using dubious supply chains or purchasing stolen goods.
For the past year, Manurewa CIB has been investigating allegations a retail store had been purchasing stolen products for resale in their own store.
This week, the covert operation culminated in detectives executing a search warrant at a Manurewa shop.
A 27-year-old man is now facing five money laundering charges as a result of the investigation.
Counties Manukau Central Acting Area Commander Inspector Warrick Adkin says Police are targeting retail crime on a multitude of fronts.
“Our investigation team has been examining these allegations since information was first received in July last year, particularly where stolen goods may be being offered for purchase at cheap prices to shop owners,” he says.
“While I can’t comment on specifics of this investigation, the use of our covert operators has been pivotal to progressing the case.”
During a search warrant at the Manurewa shop, Police located various items of interest, including a small quantity of illicit tobacco.
“Information obtained in our investigation this week has also led to a search warrant being executed at a Mount Wellington shop, and a residential address in the south Auckland area,” Inspector Adkin says.
Police have recovered other items of interest which will assist in ongoing enquiries.
The man charged will appear in the Manukau District Court today, Friday 7 August.
Inspector Adkin says: “We are warning retailers who are choosing to use unofficial supply chains or looking to purchase goods that are likely stolen.
“Police are not only investigating those committing theft and other retail crime offences, but also those that are buying or receiving these goods.
“Retailers need to be aware that by engaging in this behaviour they are creating a market for stolen goods, which in turn makes themselves and their fellow retailers targets for offending.”
Police will continue to use all available tools to investigate and prosecute retail crime.
If you have information regarding stolen goods, you can report this to Police online, via 105, or by calling Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson & Frankie Le Roy / NZ Police
Note for media:
B-Roll is available from this operation. Please email media@police.govt.nz for a copy.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/07/covert-retail-crime-operation-sends-a-sting/
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10. Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sunlight REIT”) Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2026
August 8, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
At 30 June 2026, the overall occupancy rate of Sunlight REIT’s portfolio stood at 90.8%. Occupancy rates of the office and retail portfolios came in at 92.0% and 88.4% respectively, while their corresponding passing rents were HK$30.6 per sq. ft. and HK$62.2 per sq. ft., down 1.3% and 2.7% from six months ago.
Financial Highlights of 2026 Interim Results
(in HK$’ million, unless otherwise specified)
| Six months ended
30 June 2026 |
Six months ended
30 June 2025 |
Change
(%) |
|
| Revenue | 382.4 | 391.2 | (2.2) |
| Net property income | 299.7 | 307.4 | (2.5) |
| Cost-to-income ratio (%) | 21.6 | 21.4 | N/A |
| Loss after taxation | (124.1) | (172.2) | N/A |
| Distributable income | 164.0 | 168.6 | (2.7) |
| Distribution per unit (HK cents) | 8.8 | 9.1 | (3.3) |
| Payout ratio (%) | 94.3 | 93.8 | N/A |
| At 30 June
2026 |
At 31 December
2025 |
Change
(%) |
|
| Portfolio valuation | 17,118.1 | 17,403.0 | (1.6) |
| Net asset value | 12,168.2 | 12,402.6 | (1.9) |
| Net asset value per unit (HK$) | 6.92 | 7.09 | (2.4) |
| Gearing ratio (%) | 28.3 | 27.8 | N/A |
Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for units in Sunlight REIT in Hong Kong or any other jurisdiction.
Hashtag: #SunlightREIT #REIT
About Sunlight REIT
Listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since 21 December 2006, Sunlight REIT (stock code: 435) is a real estate investment trust authorized by the Securities and Futures Commission, and constituted by the trust deed dated 26 May 2006 (as amended and restated) (the “Trust Deed”). It offers investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of 11 office and six retail properties in Hong Kong with a total gross rentable area of approximately 1.3 million sq. ft. The office properties are located in both core and decentralized business areas, while the retail properties are situated in regional transportation hubs, new towns and urban areas with high population density.
About the Manager
The Manager of Sunlight REIT is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Henderson Land Development Company Limited. Its main responsibility is to manage Sunlight REIT and all of its assets in accordance with the Trust Deed in the sole interest of its unitholders.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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