Source: New Zealand Police
Piha Road is closed in both directions following a serious crash this evening.
Police were notified of the single-vehicle crash by Automatic Crash Detection from a cellphone at around 5:40pm.
Initial indicators that a person has received critical injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit have been notified and the road will remain closed for sometime while emergency services work at the scene.
Motorists are advise to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.
ENDS
Source: Media Outreach
Key highlights include:
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2025 – Hongkong Land has become the first developer in Hong Kong to introduce a pioneering solution for recycling tempered glass and laminated glass waste from shopfront and curtain wall buildings, a long-standing challenge in the construction and property sectors. This milestone was made possible through a three-way collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and Gammon Construction.
Photo：Hongkong Land pioneers Hong Kong’s first tempered and laminated glass recycling solution at Tomorrow’s CENTRAL
This innovation exemplifies a true closed-loop circular economy within the Tomorrow’s CENTRAL project by converting demolished tempered and laminated glass into partition blocks and low-carbon cement alternatives, which is targeted to be reused within the project itself, maximising resource efficiency whilst minimising environmental impact.
This step forward is essential for achieving Tomorrow’s CENTRAL’s 75% waste diversion goal, in full alignment with LEED and BEAM Plus sustainability standards. By advancing this target, it also tackles a pressing environmental challenge in Hong Kong, where landfill sites are projected to reach capacity by 2026, making waste diversion an urgent priority.
Michael Smith, CEO of Hongkong Land, said: “Tomorrow’s CENTRAL represents a visionary step in sustainable innovation amid a global and local waste issue that requires immediate attention. At Hongkong Land, we’re committed to building a circular economy – one where waste is not a burden but a resource. This project advances the future of climate-resilient construction by delivering scalable, replicable models sure to shape construction practices in Hong Kong and beyond.”
Kevin O’Brien, Chief Executive, Gammon Construction, said: “At Gammon, we believe sustainability must be embedded from the earliest stages of construction. As the main contractor for Tomorrow’s CENTRAL, we are proud to support Hongkong Land’s bold vision by identifying and implementing circular solutions for demolition materials. By connecting with PolyU in this project, this commercial-academic partnership not only demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can drive meaningful industry-wide change, but also powerfully reflects the spirit of our sustainability strategy, ‘United Ambitions’.”
Prof. Chi Sun Poon, Distinguished Research Professor and Director of the Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said: “Our research team is proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, which will transform how tempered and laminated glass waste is handled. This technology is set to make a far-reaching impact on Hong Kong’s construction industry and beyond, and we are thankful for Hongkong Land’s commitment and vision in sustainability.”
Creating a circular economy that transforms waste into resources
The project comes at a crucial time for the construction industry, which places a serious burden on the environment. Globally, construction consumes more than 30% of the world’s natural resources and generates over 30% of global waste, and in Hong Kong, construction and demolition waste accounts for roughly 20% of landfill intake.
This context shaped Tomorrow’s CENTRAL, announced in June 2024 as Hongkong Land’s bold three-year plan to expand and upgrade its LANDMARK retail portfolio. The plan includes extensive façade upgrades, retail reconfigurations, office lift lobby relocations, and the addition of new exit staircases. Sustainability has been a core principle from the start of the project, driving forward-thinking solutions during a comprehensive pre-construction phase that began in 2023.
During this phase, a pre-construction study by Gammon revealed over 50 tonnes of shopfronts, façades, and curtain walls glass slated for demolition, with no viable recycling solution in Hong Kong. Tempered and laminated glass, extensively used in curtain walls and cladding of the city’s high-rise buildings, are particularly challenging materials that traditionally end up in landfill when demolished.
Recognising the significant challenge this posed for waste diversion, Hongkong Land partnered with industry and academic leaders, Gammon Construction and PolyU, to spearhead a groundbreaking system: recycling tempered and laminated glass into low-carbon concrete partition blocks that meet Buildings Department standards – a first for Hong Kong.
Leading the charge in sustainable construction
Under Hongkong Land’s 2030 sustainability framework, the Group aims to divert 50% of commercial waste and 60% of construction waste by 2030, a considerable step toward reducing environmental impact. Achieving these targets requires a fully integrated approach across the entire value chain, with 100% of suppliers operating in line with the Group’s Sustainable Procurement Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct.
Tomorrow’s CENTRAL represents a major milestone, setting a benchmark for sustainable addition and alteration projects in Hong Kong. This is particularly significant given the city’s aging building stock. With thousands of structures over 50 years old, Hong Kong’s urban landscape is continuously undergoing modernisation. The project demonstrates how technologies such as tempered and laminated glass recycling can provide scalable waste management solutions for the industry. This approach makes refurbishment far more sustainable by reducing landfill pressure, reducing natural resource extraction and creating economic incentives for waste material recovery.
Adoption of tempered and laminated glass recycling is targeted for 2026, following research completion across Hongkong Land’s portfolio and Gammon’s projects. PolyU will publish the findings, creating global reference material to guide future applications and accelerate industry-wide change.
Hashtag: #HongkongLand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau and Long Bar were both named among Asia-Pacific’s finest at the Tatler Best Awards 2025.
Currently helmed by Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau has garnered a slew of gastronomy awards since opening in 2015, with its unique interpretation of the Italian culinary canon and superlative service earning it top-tier recognition. As the third restaurant of three-Michelin-starred Chef Umberto Bombana, it has held one Michelin star for a standout 10 consecutive years, a Forbes Travel Guide five-star rating for the past three years, and a Black Pearl Restaurant Guide One Diamond rating for the last two years running. Among its many other accolades, it was named among both the Best 20 Restaurants in Macau and Best 20 Bars in Macau at the Tatler Best Hong Kong and Macau Awards 2025, as well as earning its place among Asia-Pacific’s finest in the inaugural Tatler Best Awards.
This marks the second consecutive year that 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau has been listed as one of 100 Best Restaurants across Asia-Pacific.
Universally acclaimed by critics, the restaurant has attracted a fiercely loyal following among food connoisseurs and gastronomes, who return time and again to experience the culinary creations that adhere to Umberto Bombana’s overarching philosophy of providing pristine Italian cuisine, presenting the vibrant culinary culture of Italy with impeccable skill and service.
Although only open for one year, Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau has already established itself as a jewel in the crown of the regional mixology scene. The world’s first Raffles’ speakeasy to carry the famed Long Bar name, its unique design by Hong Kong interior design star Joyce Wang takes inspiration from the Madre de Deus, a Portuguese carrack that brought precious spices to Macau in the 1500s, while its distinctive drinks menu is led by a selection of vintage-aged-gin-based cocktails that pay homage to the spices that were carried in the Madre de Deus’ hold on her voyages around the New World.
Iconic speakeasy Long Bar has been recognised as one of Asia-Pacific’s 100 Best Bars, carrying the legend of Long Bar into bold new territory with mixology and vinyl vintage rock music at Raffles at Galaxy Macau.
An intoxicating combination of cutting-edge mixology and old-world speakeasy charm has won Long Bar legions of fans and an ever-expanding array of awards. In addition to its debut appearance on this year’s Tatler Best Awards list, Long Bar was also honoured at the Tatler Best Hong Kong and Macau Awards 2025 earlier this year, where it was named as one of the “Best 20 Bars in Macau” as well as “Best New Bar – Macau,” with Long Bar’s dynamic Chief Mixologist and Bar Manager, Nokoy Mak, winning the “Rising Star” award.
Honouring the top 100 Hotels, 100 Restaurants, and 100 Bars across Asia-Pacific, the Tatler Best Awards 2025 celebrates excellence in hospitality in the region. Following the inaugural Tatler Best Awards in 2024, this year’s main event took place in Bangkok, Thailand from October 21-22. Winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a panel of more than 700 experts and tastemakers, who collectively spotlighted the people and places that continue to redefine the standards of excellence in the world’s most dynamic luxury gastronomy landscape.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire- 23 October 2025 – To help customers take advantage of the low interest rate environment, Dah Sing Bank, Limited (“Dah Sing Bank” or “The Bank”) continues to support customers in planning their finances with greater flexibility with its personal loan offers. Through its personal loan offerings – Express Money and Credit Mastermind Instalment Loan – customers can access loan amounts of up to HKD2,000,000. These offerings provide customers with enhanced financial flexibility to enjoy new life experiences.
Express Money: Low Interest Rates for Fresh Life Experiences
Dah Sing Bank is committed to supporting the diverse financial needs of its customers. Whether upgrading equipment, home renovation, planning overseas education for children or covering other personal expenses, Express Money offers flexible solutions. With an attractive APR as low as 1.68%* and a repayment period of up to 60 months, customers can enjoy greater possibilities and fresh experiences at a low cost. Eligible applicants of Express Money may enjoy a cash rebate of up to HKD13,888 upon meeting the specified conditions.
Credit Mastermind Instalment Loan: Substantial Loan Amount for Debt-Free Living in as Fast as 24 Hours
Designed for credit card debt consolidation, Credit Mastermind Instalment Loan offers a substantial loan amount with approval and disbursement in as fast as 24 hours. With a monthly flat rate as low as 0.11%, customers can pay off all outstanding card balances in one go, instantly easing financial pressure and starting fresh. Eligible applicants may also receive a cash rebate of up to HKD18,000 upon meeting the specified conditions.
New-to-bank customers who successfully apply for Express Money or Credit Mastermind Instalment Loan and submit the required documents between now and 31 December 2025 will receive an extra reward of HKD200 supermarket cash coupons.
*An APR is a reference rate which includes the basic interest rate and other fees and charges of a product expressed as an annualized rate.
To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!
The service(s) / product(s) mentioned herein is / are not targeted at customers in the EU.
The above service(s) / product(s) are subject to relevant terms and conditions. For details, please visit Dah Sing Bank website.
Hashtag: #DahSingBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 1 between Clinton and Balclutha has now re-opened to all traffic.
Further north between Milton and Balclutha is only open to light vehicles.
Police are still urging motorists to please avoid travel unless it’s urgent.
If you are needing to travel, take extreme care and be mindful of powerlines, trees and debris on our roads.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Police in Hawke’s Bay will be working hard to ensure the community remains safe this long weekend.
Hawke’s Bay is expected to get an influx of visitors for its anniversary tomorrow; Hawkes Bay A & P Show; Six60 concert; and a gang-related celebration in Hastings.
“People can expect to see police on our roads and at many of the events that are on this weekend,” says Inspector Sycamore, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander.
Road Policing teams will have fatigue stops and impairment checkpoints in and around Hawke’s Bay to ensure roads are safer over the weekend period.
The first of these was over the lunchtime period today in Bridge Street, Wairoa where weary travellers were able to enjoy food, drink, and a rest.
Police encourage people to adhere to the law and wish everyone a happy and safe long weekend. Pay attention to the latest conditions and you can check your journey on NZTA’s Journey Planner.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are advising all motorists that Tamaki Drive remains closed this afternoon following a fatal crash between a bus and a car at 9.20pm last night.
It is likely this closure will extend into this evening.
We will update the public once the road reopens.
Police would like to thank the community for their ongoing understanding and patience.
ENDS.
Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
Source: Media Outreach
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 October 2025 – Ecube Car Rental, a leading provider of car leasing solutions in Singapore, has expanded its rental fleet with a range of new models to address rising demand in the market. The move underscores the company’s commitment to offering customers more choice, greater flexibility, and an enhanced rental experience at a time when car ownership is becoming increasingly costly.
Ecube Car Rental Expands Car Rental Fleet to Meet Growing Demand in Singapore
Beyond Inventory: Custom Selection for Long-Term Mobility
Unlike conventional rental companies that rely solely on fixed inventory, Ecube’s fleet expansion strategy is driven by a flexible, customer-first procurement model primarily focused on long-term leases (minimum one year). This service caters to a wide audience, including private-hire drivers, families, and corporate clients seeking dependable mobility without the commitment of purchasing a vehicle. Crucially, Ecube upholds a “no restrictions” policy: if a specific make or model is preferred, the company will source it to fulfil the rental commitment, ensuring every customer’s unique preferences are met.
Popular models recently procured include family-friendly multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) such as the Toyota Noah and Toyota Voxy, premium options like the Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire, and practical choices such as the Kia Niro and the Honda Freed. The fleet will also feature luxury models, including the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200 and CLA series, as well as the BMW X2 and 4 Series Gran Coupé.
Modern Features, Prompt Delivery, and Commitment to Value
The vehicles added to the rental fleet prioritise modern efficiency, with most models being hybrids, complemented by petrol and electric alternatives. Customers can expect standard features such as premium solar window films, front and rear recording cameras for security, and Android-based infotainment systems for seamless connectivity. Furthermore, for customers committing to leasing a brand-new car for three years or more, Ecube offers options to customise the vehicle’s specifications to match specific personal or business requirements.
Ecube’s customer-first approach also extends into the delivery process, ensuring prompt access to the chosen vehicle. The new vehicles are available once bookings are confirmed, with an estimated waiting period of two to four weeks to prepare each car. While brand-new vehicles are reserved exclusively for long-term car leasing, short-term options may be offered depending on overall fleet availability.
Offering a Hassle-Free Alternative to Car Ownership
According to Allen Lim, Director of Ecube Car Rental, the decision to expand the rental fleet was prompted by soaring car prices in Singapore, which have led many to reconsider the financial commitment of buying a car. Ecube aims to present a practical, cost-efficient alternative with their long-term rental solutions, removing the heavy administrative and financial responsibilities that come with ownership.
“With our services, customers will no longer have to deal with the hassles of ownership, such as yearly inspections, insurance, road tax, or unexpected breakdowns,” shared Mr Lim. “We provide 24-hour assistance, replacement cars in the event of accidents or breakdowns, and even personalised services for customers with special requirements.”
Ecube Car Rental remains committed to offering customers the best possible car leasing rates and value. For more information about their latest fleet additions and tailored rental options, visit www.ecubeauto.com.
https://www.ecubeauto.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ECUBEAUTOLEASING/
Hashtag: #carrental #ecubecarrental #carssingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are asking for the public’s help finding Aimee, who was reported missing from the Palmerston North area.
The 17-year-old was reported missing to Police on Wednesday 15 October, unfortunately initial enquiries into locating Aimee have been unsuccessful and we are now appealing for sightings or information.
Aimee has not been physically seen since Friday 26 September and it is possible that she could be in wider Manawatū area.
Police and Aimee’s loved ones have great concerns for her welfare and would like to find her as soon as possible.
If you have seen Aimee or have any information that could help us find her, please call Police on 111 immediately and quote file number: 251015/5524.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police Search and Rescue Team Leader.
Northland Police are urging boaties and water users to take safety seriously ahead the first long break of the warmer season.
“This is when the weak links show up,” says Detective Sergeant Paul Overton. “Flat batteries, petrol leaks, faulty ignitions, and no working radio comms — these are the kinds of issues that can quickly turn a day on the water into a rescue operation.”
Since the start of daylight saving, Police have already responded to several near misses, particularly involving kayakers and smaller vessels.
In a recent incident, Police received a call about three people stuck on a small boat in Opito Bay, Kerikeri, after their outboard motor failed and the vessel began drifting. Fortunately, all three were wearing lifejackets and were not in immediate danger. Coastguard were already in contact and towed the boat back to shore — a service covered by their membership.
“This example shows how quickly things can go wrong, even close to shore,” Detective Sergeant Overton says. “Preparation is key.”
Police are urging all water users to:
“Don’t wait until problems occur to realise something’s wrong,” Detective Sergeant Overton warns. “A few simple checks can prevent a serious situation.”
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
