As nationwide protests against Israeli genocide continue this weekend into the third year, PSNA is demanding Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemn Israeli torture of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti and Israel’s failure to abide by the terms of the ceasefire.
PSNA’s Co-chair, John Minto, says Barghouti is Palestine’s equivalent to South African anti-apartheid leader, Nelson Mandela.
“Israel has held him in prison since 2002. He is revered as the most likely Palestinian to lead Palestinians out of occupation and apartheid. Though not affiliated to Hamas, he was top of their list of prisoners for Israel to release.”
“Israel refused. Instead, his jailers have kicked him unconscious and smashed his ribs.”
Minto says this is the clearest message to the world that Israel has no interest in allowing anybody like Nelson Mandela to ever emerge as a Palestinian leader to bring real peace and justice.
“Peters should be condemning this torture in the strongest terms.”
“He loudly complained that the protest movement in this country didn’t congratulate Trump with his plan to outsource the occupation of Gaza to Tony Blair, Egyptian secret police and Turkish soldiers.”
“But now, when Israel continues to kill Palestinians in Gaza every day, Peters is silent. Israeli snipers shot 35 Palestinians dead last Friday alone. Israel has also activated its al-Qaeda gangster gangs in Gaza to try to start of civil war.”
“There is no ceasefire. If Peters is to atone for his completely mistaken optimism about Trump’s peace plan, then he ought to be hauling in the Israeli ambassador today for an official rebuke and then send the ambassador packing.”
“Peters has been quick to impose sanctions on Iran. But, as usual, no action on Israel.”
The Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ) is supporting new rules that make natural hazard information in Land Information Memoranda (LIMs) clearer, more consistent, and easier for New Zealanders to understand.
From 17 October new regulations came into force for councils to standardise how hazard information must be summarised and presented in LIMs. It follows changes in July when councils had new obligations when preparing LIMs.
ICNZ’s Chief Executive Kris Faafoi said the changes will give property buyers and owners greater confidence when making important decisions about where to live and invest.
“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions Kiwis make. Having clear, consistent information about the natural hazard risks that affect a property helps people make informed choices and take steps to protect themselves,” he said.
“Understanding your risk is the first step in managing it. These changes mean homeowners can better plan to strengthen, adapt or insure their properties appropriately.”
The new approach ensures natural hazard information, including the potential impacts of climate change, is summarised and presented in a user-friendly format across all councils. This greater transparency will help people understand the risks that could affect their property, from flooding and landslides to coastal erosion and earthquakes.
“Insurers support the Government’s aim to improve how natural hazard information is shared, ensuring that everyone, from first-home buyers to long-term owners, has access to clear, consistent data that supports resilience and risk reduction,” Kris Faafoi said.
Official election results released this morning (Subs: Sat 18 October) have left an outcome effectively unchanged from Election Day for the Northland Regional Council.
The official results – now available at www.nrc.govt.nz/results2025 – confirm there will be four new councillors on the nine-strong Northland Regional Council and that the council’s Te Raki Māori Constituency will be removed from 2028.
New councillors are Colin (Toss) Kitchen (who will represent the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa General Constituency and who returns to council after a three-year break), John Hunt (Coastal South General Constituency) and Pita Tipene and Arama Morunga (both Te Raki Māori Constituency).
Re-elected to council are Amy Macdonald (Coastal Central General Constituency), Joe Carr (Far North General Constituency), John Blackwell (Kaipara General Constituency), Jack Craw (Whangārei Central General Constituency) and Geoff Crawford, who was re-elected unopposed in the Mid North General Constituency.
Council Chief Executive Jonathan Gibbard today congratulated the successful candidates. He also paid tribute to former councillors Marty Robinson (who did not seek re-election) and Peter-Lucas Jones, Tui Shortland and Rick Stolwerk, whose bids for re-election were all unsuccessful.
“On behalf of council and its ratepayers I’d like to thank them for their contributions to council over the past three years.”
A joint powhiri for all elected members of the four Northland councils is expected to be held at Waitangi at 10am on Thursday 23 October. Northland Regional Council’s inaugural meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday 5 November.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 October 2025 – The Mineral Boutique Spa, a new luxury wellness destination located on the 36th floor of WWTTC Mall in Causeway Bay, officially opened in August 2025. Overlooking panoramic sea views and the city skyline, the spa introduces a new era of mineral-based skincare and personalized wellness experiences in Hong Kong.
Positioned between a spa and a clinic, The Mineral Boutique Spa redefines what modern luxury beauty feels like — refined, intimate, and results-driven.
“Our vision was to create a sanctuary where indulgence and performance coexist seamlessly,” said Kimmy Lee, Chief Commercial Officer of The Mineral Boutique Spa. “Every detail—from the treatments to the environment—was designed to deliver visible transformation while nurturing long-term skin health.”
When Luxury Meets Results
Most spas offer relaxation, while clinics emphasize results. The Mineral Boutique Spa dares to deliver both.
Guests are greeted with warm lighting, calming interiors, and a sense of stillness create an atmosphere designed for high-performing individuals who need a true reset. Behind the serenity lies advanced aesthetic technology, mineral-rich formulations, and expert therapists who sculpt, lift, and transform with precision.
The Mineral Philosophy: Beauty That Works From the Inside Out
Minerals are the foundation of cellular health, restoring balance, energizing the skin, and supporting long-term vitality. The Mineral Boutique Spa infuses mineral potency into every treatment, pairing it with state-of-the-art devices to deliver visible, lasting change.
Treatments provide:
Glass-like radiance
Sculpted facial contours
Lifted firmness
Deep hydration
Long-term skin resilience
Each protocol is curated like a haute couture experience—personalized, elevated, and unforgettable.
The newly opened spa features two distinctive immersive rooms that have become signature experiences:
The Red Light Therapy Room — The Glow Chamber
Unlike traditional machines or panels, this is a full-body red light immersion room. The treatment stimulates collagen and elastin, smooths fine lines, reduces inflammation, and accelerates cellular renewal. It delivers a lit-from-within glow that is immediately visible after a single session.
It has become the go-to treatment before important events and appearances.
The Salt Room Halotherapy — The Mineral Breath Sanctuary
Inspired by European salt caves, this mineral-infused room is designed for deep healing and full-body reset. As guests inhale fine salt particles, the body begins to naturally rebalance.
Benefits include:
Lung and airway detoxification
Stress and anxiety reduction
Strengthened immunity
Calmed nervous system
Mineral absorption through the skin
A Sanctuary in the Sky
The Mineral Boutique Spa Room 01, 36/F, WWTTC Mall 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay Hong Kong
The space feels private, boutique, and discreet. Every corner is designed to calm. Every detail reflects quiet luxury.
Hashtag: #TheMineralBoutiqueSpa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Injury statistics – work-related claims: 2024 – information release
17 October 2025
Injury statistics for work-related claims give information about claims accepted by ACC for work-related injuries.
Key facts
A total of 209,400 work-related claims were made in 2024 (down 16,600 from 2023).
In 2024, the incidence rate for work-related injury claims was 80 claims per 1,000 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs). This is the lowest rate since the start of the series in 2002.
The agriculture, forestry, and fishing; arts and recreation services; and manufacturing industries had the highest incidence rates of work-related injury claims in 2024.
By body site of injury, the abdomen (including pelvis, kidney, lower back/spine) had the highest number of work-related injury claims in 2024, with 39,700 claims.
Trades workers had the highest number of claims by occupation in 2024, with 34,400 claims.
By age group, the oldest workers (aged 75 and over) had the highest incidence rate of claims in 2024, with 131 claims per 1,000 FTEs.
By region, Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay had the highest incidence rate of claims in 2024, with 120 claims per 1,000 FTEs.
Visit our website to read this information release:
Two ultra-luxury freehold developments on prestigious Wireless Road officially named Upper House Residences Bangkok and The Wireless Residences by Upper House
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 October 2025 – City Dynamic, a joint venture between City Realty and Swire Properties, and Swire Hotels proudly announce a strategic partnership to bring the internationally acclaimed Upper House brand to Bangkok. This collaboration introduces Upper House Residences Bangkok, the world’s first Upper House branded residences, and The Wireless Residences by Upper House, extending the brand’s renowned hospitality to residential living. These two ultra-luxury freehold residential towers, situated on Bangkok’s prestigious Wireless Road, offer panoramic views of Lumphini Park and Benjakitti Park, while being steps away from the city’s premier shopping destinations, five-star hotels, international schools, and embassies.
The World’s First Upper House Branded Residences Launch in Bangkok
This landmark project presents world-class design and hospitality together with a commitment to sustainability, setting a new benchmark for premium living in Southeast Asia. With construction commencing in April 2025 and completion expected by 2030, these high-quality residences represent a significant milestone for Bangkok’s luxury property market.
Upper House is a collection of refined, highly individual properties managed by Swire Hotels, renowned for their distinctive designs and exceptional service. The brand’s flagship property, Upper House Hong Kong, was ranked among the top five hotels in The World’s 50 Best Hotels for 2023 and 2024, and was awarded a coveted Two Keys rating in the inaugural global MICHELIN Keys selection in 2025. The Houses in Chengdu and Shanghai have each been awarded One MICHELIN Key. With six hotels currently operating across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the United States, and five additional hotels under development in the Chinese Mainland and Japan, Swire Hotels continues to expand its presence in the region.
Casey Au, Co-Managing Director, City Dynamic, said, “In unveiling the world’s first-ever Upper House Branded Residences, we are proud to place Bangkok at the forefront of global luxury living. This pioneering partnership combines Upper House’s iconic identity with City Dynamic’s vision to create timeless and transformative living spaces that can be enjoyed for generations. We are excited to draw on the understated luxury and commitment to excellence that has made the Upper House so successful, to set a new benchmark for branded residences in Bangkok.”
Thomas Woolsey, Co-Managing Director, City Dynamic, added, “Our partnership with Swire Hotels provides additional appeal to Upper House Residences Bangkok and The Wireless Residences by Upper House in addition to its prestigious location on Wireless Road and the rare opportunity for freehold ownership at Bangkok’s most coveted address. Following acclaimed residential developments such as OPUS Hong Kong and EDEN Singapore, this exciting development offers buyers the chance to own the next masterpiece in Swire Properties’ collection of landmark residences.”
Toby Smith, Chief Commercial Officer, Swire Hotels, said, “Upper House Residences Bangkok and The Wireless Residences by Upper House herald an exciting new chapter in Upper House’s remarkable story, bringing world-renowned design and luxury hospitality to residential living. This milestone venture in Southeast Asia sets the stage for future business expansion, driven by a clear vision as the group extends its presence across international markets.”
Located on Wireless Road, in the heart of Bangkok’s business district, Upper House Residences Bangkok and The Wireless Residences by Upper House integrate wellness and sustainability with timeless design, brought to life through a collaboration with world-class design partners to deliver an exceptional living experience. The architecture, shaped by Foster + Partners through F&P (Thailand) Ltd., focuses on proportion, light, and orientation, while PLandscape creates gardens and sky terraces to bring nature into daily life.
The two projects are distinguished by their interior design approach. Upper House Residences Bangkok, a 52-storey tower comprising 156 units, offers an immersive brand experience. From its interior design to the full-suite of amenities and wellness programmes available for residents, it represents a complete expression of the Upper House brand. Interiors by BAR Studio blend warmth, texture, and everyday comfort with hospitality-inspired design, while wellness facilities, created in collaboration with global wellness specialist GOCO, deliver a holistic living experience. The Wireless Residences by Upper House, a 71-storey tower with 239 units, is designed by PIA Interior, incorporating local context and functional elements. The Wireless Residences also feature front-of-house services managed by Upper House, ensuring residents experience the brand’s signature hospitality.
An immersive experience exploring the mythical origins of diamonds, presented by De Beers
LONDON, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 October 2025 – For centuries, diamonds have held a singular place in human history. From ancient myths to modern rituals, diamonds they have remained enduring symbols of celebration, strength, truth, and love – revered not only for their inherent beauty, but also for their timeless meaning. Some of nature’s most ancient storytellers, they carry a living legacy across generations, through time and space.
From 15th – 19th October, De Beers partners with Frieze Masters for the first time to premiere Voyage Through the Diamond Realm, an immersive experience that invites audiences to journey through the timeless myths that surround these natural works of art. Through visual storytelling, scenography and soundscapes, the installation reveals the living heritage of diamonds and their cosmic and earthly journeys across time.
At the opening reception on 15th October, artists and creatives from multiple disciplines gathered to celebrate this debut. Notable attendees included Lily Allen, Anoushka Shankar, Erin O’Connor, Lennon Gallagher, Ananya Panday, Kesewa Aboah, Karan Johar, Giles Deacon, Supriya Lele, Twinkle Khana, and Wyman Wong. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception before being fully immersed in the history, tales, and legends surrounding the origins of natural diamonds—from their birth as stardust in the fiery hearts of stars to their discovery in the wild landscapes of rivers, deserts, and ice. It reveals how diamonds have inspired humanity’s most enchanting stories about life and our place in the universe.
Echoing Frieze Masters’ celebration of history through rare artefacts, significant artworks and enchanting objects, natural diamonds endure as one of nature’s most treasured masterpieces – shaped by the elements over millennia each with their own story to tell.
Voyage through the Diamond Realm is the first chapter in a series of immersive experiences that will tour globally across the U.S., India and China, from early 2026.
GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 October 2025 – On October 15, the 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) opened in Guangzhou. As one of China’s leading manufacturers, Gree, under the theme “Gree Innovation, Green Life”, brought over 100 innovative products spanning home appliances, commercial systems, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment, comprehensively showcasing its latest achievements in low-carbon technology, intelligent manufacturing, and global market expansion.
Gree’s Booth at the 138th Canton Fair
At this year’s Canton Fair, Gree unveiled its GMV9 series of central air conditioners for overseas markets. Aimed at meeting diverse global demands through differentiated technological approaches, the series consists of GMV9, GMV9 FLEX, GMV9 MINI, and GMV9 HOME. As the flagship product of the series, GMV9 is specially designed for harsh environments. It boasts an ultra‑wide operating temperature range of –35°C to 60°C and the capability to handle height differences of over 120 meters. Combined with ultra‑high energy-efficient SEER 9.0 and AI-powered energy‑saving technology, GMV9 delivers highly efficient and stable heating and cooling solutions for large‑scale commercial projects.
To date, Gree has accumulated 50 internationally leading technologies and filed over 100,000 patent applications. Its products are available in more than 190 countries and regions, with self-owned brands accounting for nearly 70% of total export sales, significantly leading the industry. In 2024, Gree achieved the world’s highest retail sales volume for split-type air conditioners, ranked first in customer satisfaction for air conditioners for 16 consecutive years, and maintained its position as China’s top central air conditioner seller for 13 consecutive years.
At the 138th Canton Fair, Gree won the “Canton Fair Design Award with four innovative products spanning washing machines, water purifiers, industrial equipment, and robots. These accolades not only reflect Gree’s diversified technological capabilities beyond HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) but also underscore its integrated, full-industry-chain strength from household appliances to industrial equipment.
Overseas Buyers at Gree’s Booth
In the first half of this year, Gree’s overseas market revenue increased by 10.19% year-on-year. This steady growth was confirmed at the Canton Fair, where customers from Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and other regions showed strong interest in the products exhibited by Gree. Multiple cooperation intentions are currently under active and in-depth negotiation.
Hamad Tufiq Ahmed, a buyer primarily serving Middle Eastern clients, said that Gree’s newly launched air conditioners at the fair particularly caught his attention. He was also eager to find models with ultra-wide operating temperature ranges that suit the Middle Eastern market.
As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, sustainability and intelligence have become pivotal arenas for corporate competitiveness. At the fair, Gree effectively demonstrated its comprehensive technological capabilities across its full product portfolio and its steadfast commitment to sustainable development. This will not only help the company secure more opportunities for international cooperation but also offer a vivid example for Chinese manufacturers striving toward “high-quality global expansion”.
Hashtag: #Gree
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.