VinFast Philippines, V-Green, and Green GSM Philippines seal strategic partnership with BDO Unibank to drive e-mobility in the Philippines

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September 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Remutaka Hill Road is closed due to a high wind warning.

The closure of the road is required for safety and won’t be reopened until winds ease.

Motorists are advised to add extra time to their journey, as the alternative routes are State Highway 3 / Te Ahu a Turanga or the Pahiatua Track, which are significantly longer.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

First Responders – Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews respond to multiple fires across Canterbury region

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September 17, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews are battling eight vegetation fires across the Canterbury region.

Strong winds across the region are fanning fires and the public are being asked to check burn piles are extinguished.

Fire and Emergency crews are working to bring a large vegetation fire in Southbridge under control.

Eleven ground crews supported by two helicopters are battling the blaze, which is approximately 30 hectares in size.

Fire and Emergency crews are also fighting at a vegetation fire in Springfield.

Nine trucks and two helicopters supported by heavy machinery are fighting the blaze, which is approximately 10 hectares in size.

Crews are working to contain the fire and bring it under control.

The public is being urged to check any burn piles.

Hot windy weather is the perfect condition for old fires to reignite and escape.

If you’ve been burning vegetation any time in the last few months or so, check the fire is completely extinguished.

If there’s hot ash, and it’s safe to do so, dig into it, spread it out and pour water over it.

Fire and Emergency – King’s Birthday Honours recipients recognised

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September 17, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers from Oxford, Fox Glacier, Matatā, and Taihape were presented with their Royal Honours by Governor-General the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro at Government House in Wellington today.

“These four recipients have dedicated years to supporting their communities to become stronger, safer, and more resilient through their roles as volunteers for Fire and Emergency, and through all their other community contributions. It is wonderful to see their efforts recognised today,” Fire and Emergency Board Chair, Rebecca Keoghan, says.

“On behalf of Fire and Emergency and the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, we wish to thank you for your outstanding service – your communities are richer for your work.”

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Returns to Singapore from 7–13 October with More Days and More Ways to Save

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September 17, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Entering its third year, the event continues to grow, giving Prime members in Singapore early access to savings across thousands of products, from categories such astoys, babies, electronics, and home & kitchen.

Customers can get a head start on their holiday shopping with some of Amazon’s best deals of the season, with savings on popular brands such as Nerf, Pigeon, Bose, SMEG and Dyson.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – (NASDAQ: AMZN) – Amazon today announced that Amazon Prime Big Deal Days will return to Singapore from 7 – 13 October 2025, giving Prime members exclusive access to deals on thousands of trusted products from top local and international brands across multiple categories including groceries, toys, babies, electronics, and home & kitchen at Amazon.sg/primebigdealdays. Prime members also enjoy free delivery on eligible items including international store. The shopping event comes at the perfect time for those looking to get an early head start on holiday shopping, with deep discounts set to be available on popular brands such as Nerf, Pigeon, Bose, SMEG and Dyson. From popular gifts to everyday essentials, Amazon serves as the ultimate holiday destination where customers can conveniently complete all their seasonal shopping needs.

Sneak Peek: Top Deals on Prime Big Deal Days
From 7 – 13 October, spanning 7 days, Prime members can unlock some of the year’s best savings from leading local favourites to global brands, everyday essentials, and small businesses. Here’s a preview of what’s in store*

Up to 50% off on Bioderma
Up to 45% off on SMEG, with additional S$50 off S$300
Up to 40% off on Nerf, Transformers, board games and more
Up to 30% off Bose headphones, earbuds, speakers and more
Up to 30% off on UGREEN chargers, USB cables & more
Up to 30% off Dyson
Buy 4 Get 20% off Magiclean, Biore, Liese
Up to 50%, with additional 3 for 15% off on Dettol, finish and more
Up to 40% off on Pigeon, with additional 3 for 15% off

“Prime Big Deal Days is one of the ways we deliver on our promise to Prime members – combining exclusive savings with the convenience and trust they already enjoy every day with Amazon,” said Peter Li, Director, China & Singapore, International Stores, Amazon. “We know our customers use sale moments to save on essentials, prepare for the holidays, and invest in bigger-ticket items at great value.”

More Ways to Shop and Save:

Join Prime: New prime signups can enjoy a 30-day free trial. Prime renews at S$4.99 per month or S$49.90 per year. Sign up at https://www.amazon.sg/prime
Enjoy convenient Delivery and Return options: Prime members can enjoy fast and free shipping on millions of eligible items across domestic selection, Amazon Fresh as well as Amazon International Store. Need to return an item from US, Japan or Germany? Easy – customers can now experience hassle-free and faster returns, including pick-up from your address or via a drop-off center. More information here.
Amazon Fresh: Free Scheduled Two-Hour Delivery (FST) for Prime members with a minimum spend of $60″ but i’m not sure about this part “available from now until 31 Dec 2025.
Exclusive Prime Member discounts: Exclusive Prime Member discounts: Prime members enjoy up to 10% off on over a million products on Amazon.sg
Amazon.sg Gift Cards: Amazon.sg Gift Cards offer an easy, simple, and convenient gifting experience, providing access to an extensive selection of products on Amazon.sg at Amazon.sg/giftcard. Purchase an Amazon.sg Gift Card worth S$200 to receive additional S$15 credit from 23 September till 13 October*
Amazon Vouchers: Discover more ways to save with Amazon Vouchers. Find discounts on everyday essentials, as well as gifts, electronics, beauty, toys, and more. Simply clip the voucher and the discount will be applied at checkout. Visit Amazon.sg/vouchers for information.

*Terms and conditions apply to all promotions listed above. Shop Prime Big Deal Days Globally
Prime Big Deal Days will begin on 7 October in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the U.S., and the UK, and for the first time, Colombia, Ireland and Mexico.

Every Day Made Better with Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime was designed to make your life better every single day. Over 200 million paid members around the world enjoy the many benefits of Prime, including the best of shopping and entertainment. In Singapore, Prime membership offers a range of benefits including a discount of up to 10% on over a million eligible products on Amazon.sg, unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, unlimited access to video game benefits with Prime Gaming, Prime Day, and more. Prime was built on the foundation of unlimited fast, free shipping. Prime members enjoy access to free one-day delivery on domestic Prime eligible selection on Amazon.sg, free delivery on selected delivery windows for orders of S$60 and above on Amazon Fresh, free 2-hour scheduled delivery for orders of S$60 and above on Watsons and Little Farms on https://www.amazon.sg/prime , as well as early access to deals and exclusive deals. Prime is S$4.99 per month, and S$49.90 per year. Start a 30-day free trial of Prime at Amazon.sg/prime

Hashtag: #AmazonSingapore #PrimeBigDealDaysSG

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

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

Police call for information in ‘cowardly’ aggravated robbery

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September 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Whangārei detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in investigating a cowardly aggravated robbery late last month.

Police would like to speak to two men featured in footage after the victim was left with facial injuries following the ordeal.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, of Whangārei CIB, says the victim was approached at around 2.10am on 17 August 2025 in Whangārei CBD.

“The victim had been seated on Rathbone Street after a night out in town, when he was approached by two men,” he says.

“These men have spoken with the victim, who was intoxicated at the time, before he was assaulted a number of times.

“At one point the victim has briefly lost consciousness during the offending and has suffered bruising as a result.”

Items have been stolen from the victim’s pockets during the aggravated robbery, including his wallet.

Detective Sergeant Overton is calling on the community to provide information.

“This was a cowardly assault, and I know the community will share a dim view on what has happened,” he says.

“I’m confident someone will know exactly who these two individuals are, and I’m asking them to come forward and provide information.”

If you can assist Police enquiries, you can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250817/7197.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Have your say on proposed speed limit change – SH3 Hāwera north

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September 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency is seeking public feedback on a proposed speed limit change for a section of State Highway 3 (SH3) in Hāwera.

The proposal is to change the speed limit to 60 km/h on SH3 from just north of Kerry Road to just north of Fantham Street.

This 1km section of highway currently has a mix of 70 km/h and 100 km/h speed limits.

NZTA Director of Regional Relationships Linda Stewart says NZTA has been working with South Taranaki District Council.

“This proposed change reflects the area’s ongoing transformation from rural to urban fringe, driven by two decades of growth and development.

“Planned industrial expansion, including the business park near Kerry and Fitzgerald Roads, is expected to further increase traffic volumes and activity along this corridor.

“Lowering the speed limit will support safer and more accessible travel for all road users and aligns with the South Taranaki’s District Council’s Corridor Strategy for SH3 (Normandy to Hāwera). The strategy includes planned upgrades to key intersections, such as new right-turn bays at Kerry Road and Fitzgerald Road,” says Ms Stewart.

Have your say

We want to hear your views on the proposed speed limit change. You can share your feedback by completing a short survey on our website before Wednesday 29 October.

All feedback will be considered alongside technical assessments, safety data, and cost-benefit analysis before a final decision is made.

A summary of consultation feedback will be published on the NZTA website following the consultation period.

Serious crash: Main Highway, Ellerslie

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September 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are in attendance at a serious crash on Main Highway in Ellerslie this afternoon.

A two-vehicle crash was reported at 3.37pm, near the busy intersection with Ellerslie-Panmure Highway.

At this early stage we can advise that one person has been critically injured and another person seriously injured.

A section of Main Highway has been closed as a result.

The Serious Crash Unit will attend the scene to carry out enquiries.

Main Highway has been closed between the intersections of Ellerslie-Panmure Highway and Amy Street.

Police recognise this will cause serious disruption to travel through the area.

We ask that people avoid the area if possible and expect delays as closures are expected for a few hours this evening.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Families to get extra help with ECE costs

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September 17, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

From the start of next month tens of thousands of households will get extra help with the cost of early childhood education (ECE) thanks to the expansion of FamilyBoost, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“Legislation expanding the ECE support scheme passed through its final stages in Parliament today.

“I am delighted that despite previously voting against FamilyBoost, Labour has today reversed its position, sensibly voting to support the enhanced FamilyBoost scheme.

“More than 60,000 families have already benefited from Family Boost and I’m sure they will welcome Labour’s ‘Road-to-Damascus’ conversion.

“The changes made today put more money in the pockets of households currently receiving FamilyBoost and extend the scheme to more households,” Nicola Willis says.

“Because the changes took effect from 1 July, households can apply for their first three months at the increased rate from 1 October.

The Income Tax (FamilyBoost) Amendment Bill increases the proportion of ECE fees families can claim from 25 to 40 per cent.

“An eligible household with fees of $100 a week will see its FamilyBoost entitlement increase from $25 to $40 a week, or from $1300 to $2080 a year.

“The entitlement for a family with weekly fees of $200 could increase from $50 to $80 a week, or $2600 to $4160 a year.

“FamilyBoost is paid on fees up to $300 a week so the maximum a family can now claim increases from $75 to $120 a week.

The Act also increases the household income limit for FamilyBoost from $180,000 a year to just under $230,000, making about another 21,000 households eligible for help with ECE costs.

To date, 87,800 households have registered for FamilyBoost and more than 67,000 families have received payments through the scheme.

“I encourage all parents paying for ECE who have not yet checked their eligibility for entitlement to do so.

“The last few years have been tough for many families, and FamilyBoost provides support at a time when many younger families are facing additional costs.

“Households can check eligibility and apply on Inland Revenue’s website. Families who have made a claim tell us it is simple to do and only takes five minutes.”

Notes to editor:

Officials have been asked to progress work on longer term improvements to the scheme, including exploring ways to make the process more automated and easier for families.

FamilyBoost is also included in the Early Childhood Education Funding Review which is examining the full range of supports available to families with children in early childhood education.

Approximately 162,000 families have children enrolled in ECEs across New Zealand.

Politics and Policy – Former Prime Ministers and young MPs unite at Parliament for launch of “Tomorrow Together”, a call for better long-term decision-making in Aotearoa

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September 17, 2025

Source: WEAll Aotearoa New Zealand

On Wednesday 17 September, Tomorrow Together, an initiative of WEAll Aotearoa, is unveiling a national discussion document at Parliament, asking Kiwis how our country can get better at long-term decision-making, to ensure fairness for future generations.

Hosted by the youngest Members of Parliament across the political spectrum (National, Labour, Te Pāti Māori, and the Greens), the forum will also feature reflections from former Prime Ministers Jim Bolger and Sir Geoffrey Palmer, who are urging bold, cross-party dialogue and action.

“Everyone knows Aotearoa has been bad at thinking long-term,” says Gareth Hughes, Director of WEAll Aotearoa. “You can see it in our infrastructure, the environment, and policy flip-flops.”

“We are highlighting practical policies that can address our challenges and move us beyond the type of short-term politics that enable poor decisions,” adds Hughes.

One of the flagship proposals in the discussion document is a Future Generations Act, a piece of legislation that could embed long-term thinking and intergenerational fairness into all public decision-making.

Similar models are already gaining traction internationally, including in Wales, Scotland, Australia, and through initiatives led by the UN and EU.

“Too often, it feels like our leaders make decisions without considering the interests of my generation, and those following. But it is within our power to change this. We can refuse to accept a future marked by decline,” says Sophie Handford, Future Generations Lead at WEAll Aotearoa.

Sophie adds, “It’s time we made a conscious choice as a country, to be guided by a deep sense of responsibility to current and future generations and to put the wellbeing of our mokopuna and te taiao at the heart of our decision-making processes.”

“It’s time for a serious and collaborative national conversation about how we make decisions that serve an ideal long-term vision for Aotearoa, not just short-term interests.”

About the Discussion Document

The event and discussion document aim to spark public engagement and political collaboration around policies that prioritise wellbeing over the long-term. It poses eight key questions to help collectively determine which policy levers are best for Aotearoa to use.

People are invited to share their responses to these questions by visiting weall.org.nz/tt-doc

About WEAll Aotearoa

WEAll Aotearoa is a non-partisan and independent ‘think and do’ tank working to redesign Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy around the wellbeing of our people and te taiao. We use an evidence-informed approach and focus upstream to develop practical, long-term solutions for the public good.