Today’s decision by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) union to walk away from bargaining and continue with strike action next week will leave more than 13,000 patients without the care they need.
This is despite Health New Zealand tabling an updated offer during negotiations this week that would have cost the taxpayers more than $160 million over a 16-month term for around 5,500 senior doctors.
Based on the impacts of the last ASMS union strike, Health New Zealand estimates the upcoming 48-hour strike will postpone care for more than 13,000 patients, adding further pressure to those already waiting too long:
1800 elective procedures such as hips, knees, and cataracts.
3600 first specialist assessments.
7000 follow-up appointments.
800 out-patient procedures.
“The decision to strike follows the union’s recent refusal to enter binding arbitration to resolve its ongoing dispute with Health New Zealand, despite more than a year of negotiations.
“The ASMS union is putting politics ahead of patients, while Health New Zealand continues to engage in good faith.
“Senior doctors are among the most well-remunerated public servants, with many also working in private practice. At Health New Zealand, their average total remuneration, including overtime and allowances, is $343,500. They also receive generous conditions including:
Six weeks’ annual leave.
Two weeks’ paid leave each year for training and conferences.
A fully paid three-month sabbatical every six years.
Reimbursement for licences, college memberships, and insurance.
“Let’s be clear: this strike is a choice. It is a decision by some of the most well-paid public servants in New Zealand to walk away from patients and cancel care.”
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson travels to China today to the 36th Nanjing Wool Market Conference to promote New Zealand’s premium strong wool.
“China is New Zealand’s largest wool market, In the year ending 30 June 2025, we exported $446 million worth of wool, with $176 million going to China.” Mr Patterson says.
The Nanjing Wool Market Conference is China’s leading and longest-running conference on wool, attended by all the world’s major market players.
“New Zealand has a great story around the innovation, sustainability, integrity and quality of our premium strong wool. This means we’re well placed to meet consumer demand in China for premium wool products.
“This opportunity brings together industry representatives, wool growers and processors, and trade experts to foster cooperation and promote and build on the commitment of the coalition Government to ensure the future success of New Zealand’s wool.
“Attending this global event is a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships and discuss ways to grow New Zealand’s and China’s wool sectors.”
Mr Patterson will also meet with New Zealand wool businesses operating in China.
“This Government is committed to champion New Zealand’s wool sector, grow exports and return more to value to Kiwi farmers, processors, and manufacturers.
We’ve reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility in Napier following a $50 million rebuild, marking a major step forward for the industry.
We also drove changes that resulted in Kāinga Ora committing to using woollen carpets in new state homes.”
Minister Patterson will be in Shanghai and Nanjing China from 17–21 September.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 September 2025 – Beauty Amora, a fast-growing e-commerce platform offering a diverse range of beauty products from leading Asian brands. This Spring, Beauty Amora is launching three exciting offers to help customers refresh their skincare routines: Spring Glow-Up Sale, medicube Gift with Purchase and New Member Registration Offer.
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Focuses on those products with moisturizing, strengthen the skin barrier and hydration.
This is a new promotion for Spring. Beauty Amora would like to provide you with some skincare products for Spring in Australia with a discount. The weather in spring is relatively drier, so moisturizing is very important to skincare products.
Promotion: medicube – Gift with purchase
Purchase any medicube skincare devices, that can receive a gift.
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Here is the promote code of new member registration for enjoyment the 15% off [BUFIRST]
Provides special offers to new members, which would hopefully let people have a trial of our products and our platform, to experience the convenience and pleasant online shopping in Beauty Amora.
Skincare products and procedures should not be burdens; everyone has the right to keep their face and the best status of their body. That’s why Beauty Amora provides different kinds of promotions, for those who want to have a quality of skincare products, everyone should focus more on skin care.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 September 2025 – The 12th edition of the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) will take place from November 14-16, 2025, in Shanghai at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC). As the leading event in the Asia Pacific region dedicated to children’s books and content, the 2025 CCBF is expected to host 500exhibitors from over 35countries and regions, with an anticipated attendance of more than 50,000 visitors across a 25,000-square-meter exhibition area.
CCBF serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western children’s publishing, promoting Chinese original titles globally and showcasing emerging talent from China and the Asia-Pacific region. The fair provides a professional platform for publishers, agents, booksellers, illustrators, digital creators, and cross-media partners to connect, collaborate, and explore new business opportunities.
CCBF 2025 is divided into two zones: the Copyright Zone and the Hybrid Zone. The Copyright Zone focuses on copyright exchange and international collaboration, open exclusively to industry professionals. The Hybrid Zone combines copyright activities with marketing, distribution, channel development, promotion, and retail. CCBF warmly welcomes global industry colleagues and all book lovers to join this vibrant celebration of children’s books!
Highlightsof CCBF 2025
This year, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Russia, South Korea, UAE, and the UK will have national pavilions. Featured areas like the BOP – Bologna Prize Lounge, Asia Pacific New Entry Lounge, and Rights Centre will return, alongside the Belt and Road Lounge for publishers from BRI partner countries.
A new Cross Media Lounge highlights global projects such as BookGorae (South Korea), Frontiers for Young Minds (Switzerland), MakeMake Digital Library (Colombia), and Weltentdecker (Germany). The BOP Lounge features award-winning houses like Andersen Press (UK), Barefoot Banana (Thailand), Enchanted Lion Books (USA), and Fukuinkan Shoten (Japan). The Asia Pacific New Entry Lounge hosts Difference Engine (Singapore), Jiaxuan Publishing (Malaysia), Pepper Dog Press (Singapore), and Sekaibunkasha Group (Japan).
Leading Chinese publishers—China Education Publishing, Shanghai Century Publishing, CITIC Press, 21st Century Publishing, Jieli Publishing, Phoenix Juvenile, New Buds, and Hunan Juvenile & Children’s Publishing—along with private publishers like Post Wave Kids, Little Bean, Lelequ, CheerFly Culture, and Jojo Reading, will participate in discussions and exchanges throughout the fair.
Spotlight on New Books
The new Spotlight on New Books will showcase 2025’s latest titles and features book launches, author signings, and rights-purchasing sessions. It provides a unique platform for visitors to acquire rights, forge partnerships, and connect directly with leading global children’s publishers.
Leverage Professional Expertise and Discover Innovative Trends
CCBF 2025 will host 17professional conferences and seminars fostering cross-cultural exchange across the children’s content industry. A highlight is the International Children’s Reading Promotion Forum, supported by the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which will gather global leaders, including Gvantsa Jobava (IPA President) and Basarat Kazim (IBBY President) to discuss best practices, digital innovation, and building safe, multicultural reading environments. Other sessions will feature the Award Winners’ Series, insights into Chinese and global book retail markets, and discussions on IP operations, AI in education, Asian children’s content, and innovative storytelling.
A stellar lineup of distinguished guests—including Sydney Smith, winner of the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration; Shinsuke Yoshitake, recipient of the Bologna Ragazzi Special Prize; Leo Timmers, eight-time winner of the Children’s and Youth Jury Award and recipient of the Bookpeacock Award;Alessandro Sanna, winner of multiple Premio Andersen awards; Øyvind Torseter, winner of the Bologna Ragazzi Award and Norwegian Book Art Prize; and Matthew Forsythe, Oscar-nominated artist—will be participating in the Fair.
Children Plus:Comics
CCBF will spotlight comics with the special exhibition Children Plus – COMICS: Exploring the World, One Bubble at a Time. The exhibition is divided into two sections: international and domestic. The international section is curated by an international team led by Grazia Gotti, Co-founder of the Giannino Stoppani Children’s Bookshop and the Accademia Drosselmeier, with Marina Lepore (Secretariat and Coordination, Cooperativa Giannino Stoppani/Accademia Drosselmeier) and Mariaelena Schiavo (Special Projects for BCBF and CCBF). The Chinese section is curated by Fei Jia, Senior Editor and Picture Book Researcher.
The exhibition will showcase around 200 international titles, celebrating comics as an art form and a learning tool. A dedicated panel will explore this theme in depth.
Emerging talent inIllustration
The Golden Pinwheel Illustration Exhibition highlights 69 outstanding shortlisted works from the 2025 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, alongside the launch of the official Yearbook, bringing the latest in cutting-edge illustration to the public.
The Illustrators Survival Corner, in partnership with Mimaster Illustrazione, will feature 11masterclasses, 9 creative workshops, and 27 one-on-one mentorship sessions, empowering young illustrators to showcase their skills, improve their craft, and engage in valuable exchanges.
Registration & Travel Info
Professionals in children’s publishing, education, entertainment, and related fields can attend free of charge. Using the online matchmaking system, visitors and buyers can browse exhibitors and products, schedule pre-arranged meetings, and expand their professional networks. Visit www.ccbookfair.com/en or search “ccbookfair” for details.
International visitors should apply for a visa in advance. China offers visa-free entry for 47 countries and a 240-hour transit visa-free policy for 55 countries. For further information or consultation on relevant visa exemption policies, please visit www.visaforchina.cn
Media Contact Ms. Yvonne Sun T: +86-33683186*8044 | E: yvonne.sun@bfchina.net
Hashtag: #CCBF
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MUSCAT, OMAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 September 2025 – Business deals exceeding US $320 million was the target of Oman’s flagship technology and investment exhibition, COMEX 2025, making this year’s gathering from September 8 to 11, the most ambitious in the event’s 34-year history.
“This is the biggest and most important event in Oman when it comes to trade, investment and business,” said Amr Baabood, CEO of the Arabian Research Bureau and organiser of the show.
“We are focused on the future: digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the technologies that will drive economic growth.”
Record International Participation
More than 35 countries are taking part, with government agencies, private companies, universities and start-ups presenting innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, cybersecurity, logistics, and digital government services.
Live-streamed sessions also enabled a global audience to follow key discussions with nearly 60 Omani government entities highlighting progress toward the nation’s Oman Vision 2040 master plan.
“They’re demonstrating what has been achieved and how public–private partnerships can help realise our big vision,” Baabood noted.
This was conceded by his Marketing Director, Huzaifah Ubaid Khan, who highlighted the show’s scale and strategic focus:
“Our main theme is driving investment in tech with Oman, and we’ve built the event around five key growth ecosystems—digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity, e-sports and gaming, agriculture technology, and banking and fintech—all aligned with Oman Vision 2040,” he said.
“With nearly 400 exhibitors overall, and an expected 100,000 visitors, COMEX has become the platform where investors, innovators and policymakers connect.
“Oman’s historic trade links with Asia—from Malaysia and Singapore to Indonesia—make this the right time for Southeast Asian companies to explore opportunities here.”
Khan also pointed to firsts that reflect the exhibition’s growing clout: a major China pavilion, strong GCC representation, and even an Oman Air aircraft carrying the COMEX logo—a national first.
“We’ve taken bold steps in marketing and partnerships this year, and the response has been incredible,” he said.
Technology for Every Sector
Dedicated zones covered government e-services, banking and fintech, insurance technology, cybersecurity, and advanced logistics.
Exhibitors showcased everything from telemedicine platforms and health-tracking apps to next-generation shipping and aviation monitoring systems.
“Oman is globally recognised for its strong cybersecurity framework,” Baabood said.
“We have the world’s leading companies here, ensuring data is as safe as possible.”
A Gateway for Asia and Beyond
Baabood also highlighted opportunities for Southeast Asian businesses—particularly from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines—to collaborate with Omani counterparts.
“Oman’s location makes it a natural hub for the GCC, Africa and Europe,” he explained.
“Asian countries lead in technologies such as semiconductors. We invite their companies to set up here and serve the wider region.”
Sustainability and Green Energy
Sustainability was also central to the show with Oman investing heavily in green hydrogen and renewable energy.
Major companies at COMEX also demonstrated how digital tools—from drones to smart tracking—can cut environmental impact.
“Digital transformation is not just about technology,” Baabood stressed.
“It’s about people, skills and mindset.”
Youth and Teamwork
Despite his own youth, Baabood credits COMEX’s success to a “young, energetic team—most of them under 28 years old—and the strong support of experienced partners.”
“Age is not a factor when everyone works together toward a common vision,” he said.
Cybersecurity Front and Center
Among the standout participants at COMEX was Dreamlab Technologies, unveiling a suite of locally developed cybersecurity tools aimed at strengthening digital sovereignty across the Middle East and beyond.
“We are proud to present advanced solutions built in Oman by Omani professionals,” said Mohammed Al Mamari, General Manager of Business Development.
“From our base in Muscat we are driving innovation that serves not only the Middle East but also international markets, making Oman a regional hub for cybersecurity solutions.”
Government Innovation on Display
Highlighting the public sector’s role, Sultan Al Subhi, representing Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, showcased an eight-week national hackathon that recently earned a Guinness World Record for the longest digital government transformation project.
“We opened 28 real-world challenges to anyone—regardless of age or nationality—and were amazed by the creativity,” Al Subhi said.
“COMEX is the perfect platform to reveal these solutions because it brings the private sector, public sector and international innovators together under one roof.”
Among the ministry’s prototypes are a multiplayer online version of traditional Omani games, a sports-complex maintenance platform, and Melody, a new social network and credentialing system for musicians.
“We offer partners a safe sandbox to pilot technology live, plus access to Middle Eastern culture and markets,” Al Subhi added.
Palestinian Tech Gains Momentum
First timers at COMEX, Technology for Youth and Jobs Project (TechStart) which aims to increase economic opportunities for IT service firms in the West Bank and Gaza, brought 18 pioneering Palestinian IT firms ranging from semiconductor innovators to cybersecurity specialists.
“In just the first two days, three of our companies signed MOUs or contracts with partners here in Oman—something almost unheard of at exhibitions like these,” said Feras Nasr, who co-leads the initiative with Farah J Said.
“Our goal is to help Palestinian IT companies build capacity, secure market access and attract investors,” Farah added.
“We see strong future opportunities in Southeast Asia—in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia—where the interest in Palestinian technology and the openness to collaboration are very encouraging.”
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, Amr Baabood envisions COMEX continuing to grow in both scale and quality.
“It’s about the value and results for everyone—whether they come to learn, network, invest or simply experience Oman’s hospitality,” he said.
“Our goal is to drive the nation’s digital economy from 2 percent to 10 percent of GDP and position Oman as one of the world’s most advanced, connected nations.”
Hashtag: #COMEX2025
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Thank you, Minister of Transport, for outlining the Government’s substantial investment in Auckland’s passenger rail system.
Mayor of Auckland, it is good to see you and to hear a bit of pragmatism.
Distinguished guests who have already been acknowledged, thank you again.
David Gordon, the can-do man from KiwiRail, thank you for your leadership of this project and thank you to your team for delivering it.
Now, let us set the record straight.
The Third Main Line has been a long time coming.
While many advocated for it, we funded it.
In late 2019 the New Zealand Upgrade Programme started life as an NZTA wish-list of planned but unfunded projects, and the then Minister for State Owned Enterprises insisted on including rail projects too.
You might wish to check who that Minister was.
KiwiRail presented extremely well considered projects and we got on with it.
On 29 January 2020, we announced four rail projects:
This one, building the Third Main Line between Wiri and Westfield.
Extending Auckland’s electrified network from Papakura to Pukekohe, completed earlier this year.
Upgrading Wellington’s network, particularly into Wairarapa.
Developing Drury with new rail stations.
That was more than $1 billion for essential rail upgrades, and more when factoring in our upgrades to Northland’s line and the part-funding of the Marsden Point Rail Link.
This built on wider investments to revitalise New Zealand’s rail system, a programme which we really got going from 2018 after decades of mismanagement and irresponsibility.
We changed the law so that rail is funded like a road.
We committed the funding for major asset renewals – new bridges, culverts, signals, locomotives, carriages, network equipment and much more.
We even saved rail ferries twice – first in 2020, and again after the previous Government went away with the ferries, so to speak.
The end product is a commercial and competitive freight business that will seriously boost our economy, and a passenger network that works for Auckland, Wellington and the regions.
But back to the third track.
This project means freight can run separately from passenger trains at the busiest rail junction in Auckland.
Had we not done this, the busier passenger services that Aucklanders want to see would have shut freight out from the rail network during the day.
We would have had a busier passenger network but derailed our economy.
Ports of Auckland work during the day, so no trains into and out of that port would have a severe impact on imports and exports.
Wealth from our exports are the very reason our country can afford to pay for infrastructure in our cities in the first place.
Fonterra, who rely on Ports of Auckland for resilience, choice and flexibility, are a huge user of rail freight and represent a quarter of New Zealand’s exports in dollar terms.
Their distribution centre in Hamilton is deliberately located at the centre of the Golden Triangle between Auckland and Tauranga.
Companies like Coca-Cola have invested in an expanded rail siding, increasing rail volumes heading south and unlocking carbon, road maintenance and safety benefits in the process.
Mainfreight has invested millions in new rail-served facilities, taking trucks off Auckland’s roads with lower road maintenance and congestion benefits.
The fact is that this railway must serve commuters and the economy.
And investments like the third main line does exactly that.
And unlike those who are fast on the lip but slow on the hip, we deliver.
But far more importantly, the team at KiwiRail delivered the work.
And today, it is our pleasure to extend our thanks, on behalf of the Government, to the men and women of KiwiRail who put the hard yards in and built this line.
Combined with the City Rail Link and the Rail Network Rebuild, the investment in Auckland’s network is actually about New Zealand.
A clogged up, congested major city is not good for the economy.
Roads ripped up by heavy trucks, in a city that rains far too often, is no good for a road budget paid for by road users and taxpayers.
That is why the longer-term projects remain firmly on our radar.
Auckland’s Southern Corridor is the busiest line in New Zealand, serving passengers and freight.
Section by section, we will need to add third and fourth main lines across it to expand capacity, boost frequencies and ensure freight can keep reaching our largest domestic market.
We will also need to grapple with building the Avondale-Southdown corridor.
New Zealand has owned that corridor since the 1940s.
KiwiRail is doing more design work now, particularly on an alternative route beyond Onehunga at the request of locals.
The corridor could see eight trains an hour serving suburbs that have never been connected into the rail network – creating an outer loop from West to South to East and complementing Auckland’s inner city rail link.
A corridor across Auckland, bypassing the busy CBD, would enable freight hubs to flourish in West Auckland as they do currently in South Auckland.
That would get trucks off the local roads, using rail instead, and freeing up the roads for locals and tradies.
That corridor is significant for New Zealand, not just Auckland.
An efficient freight route across Auckland is not just about Auckland, it’s about Northland, Southland and everything in between.
That opens up Northland and ensures exporters and shipping lines have choice and capacity across Tauranga, Auckland, and Northport.
These are longer term projects, but now is the time to get ready.
And as we have shown here in the Third Main Line, we mean business.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have welcomed news that the first housing development has received consent under the Fast-track Approvals Act.
The Maitahi Village housing development in Nelson lodged its application in February 2025 and has now been approved by an independent expert panel.
Minister Bishop says the Maitahi Village development is expected to deliver approximately 180 homes, including 50 Ngāti Koata iwi-led houses, a retirement village with 194 townhouses and 36 in-care units, and a commercial centre.
“The development will provide much-needed housing and commercial infrastructure for the Nelson region.
“It is a significant investment in the future of Nelson and is expected to inject up to $308 million into the local economy.
“The Maitahi Village development is the second project to be approved through the Fast-track one-stop shop following the Port of Auckland wharf extension’s approval last month. I’m pleased to see the system starting to deliver approvals in these key areas to help address our significant infrastructure deficit and increase housing supply.”
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said he was looking forward to more regional housing developments reaching the approval stage, along with other regional projects in the pipeline.
“I’m working with Minister Bishop on legislative changes to speed up the process and get projects under way faster.”
