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Child Poverty – End Benefit Sanctions To Give Families a Fair Chance

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Source: Child Poverty Action Group

As the world turns its focus to social and institutional maltreatment, Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is joining with other community groups to demand an end to the harmful practice of benefit sanctions.
Right now, thousands of people in Aotearoa New Zealand are being sanctioned by the Ministry of Social Development. These sanctions reduce already inadequate incomes and punish families who are struggling to survive.
CPAG’s recent Below the Income Floor research shows that more and more households relying on income support are in deficit. That means their income is falling below the bare minimum needed to cover essentials, let alone to participate fully in society.
While the Government insists sanctions are about “compliance”, the facts tell a different story. Sanctions rose sharply in both the March and June 2025 quarters, even before the Social Security Amendment Act 2025 came into effect in May.
In reality, there are many reasons why someone might miss an MSD appointment, ranging from childcare, to health or transport issues, all made worse by the prolonged cost of living crisis. A Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) client had their benefit halved after they missed their Work and Income meeting due to their child being unwell.
Instead of recognising these barriers, the Government continues to punish families who are already doing it tough, despite the Government restating its commitment in May to the legislated 2028 goal of halving child poverty.
Right now, government agencies are developing proposals for the 2026 Budget. We call on them to take bold, principled action by putting people at the centre of their advice.
Two years on from the last election, New Zealanders should be seeing results. Instead, we are seeing increased hardship. It is time for the Government to change course, and a good start would be to end sanctions and treat families receiving support with dignity.
Notes: The Fairer Future collaboration has consistently called for the elimination of benefit sanctions since May 2022. It has campaigned for a fairer welfare system, including updated liveable income benchmarks based on the Welfare Expert Advisory Group’s 2019 recommendations.
Fairer Future groups supporting this release:
Auckland Action Against Poverty (AAAP)
ActionStation
Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)
Citizens Advice Bureau NZ
Disabled Persons Assembly
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Methodist Alliance
New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS)
United Community Action Network (UCAN).

MIL OSI

Primech Holdings Signs Strategic MOU with GAIB to Unlock First-of-its-kind ARaaS Revenue Models Through Tokenization

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2025 – Primech Holdings Ltd. (“Primech” or the “Company”), a leader in AI-powered hygienic robotics, today announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with GAIB, the economic layer for AI infrastructure. The partnership establishes a framework to tokenize Primech’s HYTRON autonomous cleaning robots and enable next-generation AI Robotics-as-a-Service (ARaaS) business models that open new capital pathways and expand profitability potential.

Under the MOU, GAIB will develop comprehensive protocols to tokenize HYTRON as digital assets, enabling fractional ownership and creating liquid secondary markets for robot investments. The collaboration introduces revolutionary capital solutions by leveraging tokenized assets as collateral for onchain credit facilities, while establishing next-generation ARaaS frameworks that enable automated usage-based payments and continuous revenue generation from robot operations. This tokenization approach transforms traditional robot sales into recurring revenue streams while providing global investors access to AI robotics investments through crypto markets.

The strategic collaboration directly addresses Primech’s capital deployment constraints by unlocking rapid scaling of HYTRON without conventional financing limitations. Asset tokenization creates liquidity premiums for previously illiquid physical equipment, expanding the potential investor base from individual purchasers to thousands of token holders per robotic unit. The blockchain-based infrastructure facilitates international market expansion across multiple networks, enabling Primech to secure global financing and implement transparent, automated payment systems that enhance operational efficiency and reduce transaction costs.

“The partnership with GAIB represents a fundamental breakthrough in realizing the full profit potential of our HYTRON technology,” said Ken Ho, Chairman and CEO of Primech Holdings. “By tokenizing our AI robots, we’re transforming how the robotics industry accesses capital and generates value. Instead of being bounded by traditional financing models, we can now offer fractional robotic ownership to global investors while creating continuous ARaaS revenue streams that multiply the profitability of each HYTRON unit. This alliance positions us to unlock the true economic potential of autonomous hygiene solutions while pioneering new business frameworks that will define the future of AI robotics commercialization.”

Hashtag: #PrimechHoldings #PrimechAI

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

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

OPPO Find X9 Series to Launch Globally, Set to Redefine Mobile Imaging

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2025 – OPPO, the world’s leading smart device brand, today announced the global launch of its latest flagship Find X9 Series following the product’s successful debut in the Chinese market. The launch event will be held in Barcelona on October 28th, 2025, where Find X9 and Find X9 Pro will make their official global debut, setting a new benchmark for mobile photography and flagship smartphone excellence.

“With Find X Series, OPPO continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile imaging, uniting industry-leading hardware with state-of-the-art computational photography,” said Pete Lau, SVP and Chief Product Officer at OPPO. “Together with Hasselblad, we are taking a monumental leap forward in imaging quality with Find X9 Series. Combined with a refined design, extraordinary battery life, and the fast and smooth ColorOS 16, Find X9 Series is set to redefine the flagship experience and inspire a new era of creativity with mobile devices.”

Find X9 Series introduces a new-generation design that combines elegance with ergonomic comfort. Find X9 is offered in three color options: Titanium Grey, Space Black, and Velvet Red. Find X9 Pro arrives in two premium finishes, Silk White and Titanium Charcoal. All models feature a refined matte glass finish and matte aluminum frame that enhances both aesthetics and grip.

Complementing this design are two impeccably crafted flat displays. Find X9 features a compact 6.59-inch screen, while Find X9 Pro boasts a larger 6.78-inch immersive display, both of which are framed by ultra-thin 1.15mm symmetrical bezels on four sides.

Both Find X9 and Find X9 Pro feature the latest Hasselblad Master Camera System powered by the LUMO Image Engine, OPPO’s in-house computational photography solution. Find X9 Pro pushes boundaries even further with its breakthrough 200MP Hasselblad Telephoto. Co-developed with Hasselblad in both sensor calibration and optical design, this telephoto camera meets Hasselblad’s exacting standards, delivering unparalleled detail and clarity in zoom shots.

Beyond photography, Find X9 Series delivers exceptional video capabilities, supporting recording at up to 4K 120fps in Dolby Vision for incredibly smooth, cinematic footage. For professional users, the series introduces LOG recording with ACES support, perfect for seamless integration into a professional workflow. Paired with the cutting-edge telephotos and optimizations like Stage Mode and AI Sound Focus, Find X9 Series is perfect for capturing clear, high-quality concert shots and video, even from the back row.

Powering the series is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, making Find X9 Series among the first equipped with this advanced 3nm platform. This is paired with OPPO’s advanced third-generation silicon-carbon battery technology, featuring capacities of 7025mAh in Find X9 and 7500mAh in Find X9 Pro to deliver up to two days of battery life at average usage.

Find X9 Series also features the latest ColorOS 16, setting a new standard for smoothness, intelligence, and connectivity. With the new Seamless Animation and Luminous Rendering Engine, ColorOS 16 delivers a silky-smooth experience all across the user interface, while OPPO AI continues to enhance the user experience with easy-to-use features like AI Portrait Glow. With extended connectivity, users can seamlessly connect with PCs, Macs, and other accessories.

OPPO partnered with Discovery Channel to launch the campaign Every Culture Finds Its Stage. It encouraged global communities to share their cultural stories through the Find X9 Series’ Hasselblad Telephoto camera. In 2025, OPPO and Discovery continued this journey with the second chapter of Culture in a Shot. The campaign spanned 15 countries, capturing vibrant festivals and traditions worldwide.

As it concludes, OPPO now highlights cultural performances on stage. Using the Find X9 Series, every detail is captured with clarity, near or far. And everyone is invited to zoom in on detail and celebrate cultural diversity.

Stay tuned to discover more about the OPPO Find X9 Series and ColorOS 16 at the upcoming global launch.

Hashtag: #OPPO #X9 #X9Pro #ColorOS16

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

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

Kling AI Redefines Content Creation with AI-Powered Films at MIPCOM Cannes

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

CANNES, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2025 – Kling AI, the AI-powered creative platform from Kuaishou Technology, made a compelling debut at MIPCOM Cannes, the premier gathering of television professionals, buyers and innovative content creators. The platform showcased a captivating collection of short films from global creators, demonstrating the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in video production.

Kling AI showcases “Echo Hunter: A Memory Too Far” during MIPCOM Cannes

MIPCOM Cannes, held annually at the Palais des Festivals, attracts over 12,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries, including top buyers, production companies, distributors, and broadcasters. The intersection of content owners, streaming platforms, global brands, and the creator economy makes Cannes the key meeting point for shaping the next phase of media.

A highlight of Kling AI’s showcase at MIPCOM Cannes was Echo Hunter: A Memory Too Far,a groundbreaking prequel created in collaboration with U.S. creative studio Phantam X and directed by Kavan Cardoza (known as “Kavan the Kid”). The film, starring human actors including Canadian-American influencer King Bach, pioneered the use of Kling AI’s latest 2.5 Turbo model to generate complex and costly scenes, from dramatic car crashes to heart-racing chase scenes.

The film builds on the success of its predecessor, Echo Hunter, which was the first AI-generated film approved by the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The new prequel, with its trailer, has garnered over 2.5 million views globally across all platforms.

“We’re witnessing a significant shift as content creators are no longer using AI for single clips; they are leveraging it to develop entire IP series with the potential to evolve into large-scale, impactful projects,” said Zheru Liu, Manager of Parternerships at Kling AI.

Global Spotlight on AI Storytelling

Also at MIPCOM, Kling AI hosted a dedicated screening session for ten exceptional short films, selected from over 4,600 submissions to its global NextGen Creative Contest. The initiative, launched to celebrate AI-powered visual innovation, attracted participants from 122 countries and regions, competing for a $42,000 prize pool and 1.25 million Kling AI credits.

Hailing from diverse countries across Asia, Europe, and North America, the ten final pieces explore a wide spectrum of themes, from intimate human experiences to bringing ancient history to life. Ghost Lap, a short film from the U.K., tells the story of a young driver who finds himself reaching for more than just victory – he’s racing the memory of the one who never crossed the line. Lost & Found from Poland is an intimate look into the life of a boy who lost himself in immersive worlds created by his imagination.

The contest winners will be announced on October 18, with their films featured at an exclusive Kling AI event during the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Shaping the Future at the MIP Innovation Lab

Reflecting the industry’s embrace of AI, MIPCOM’s newly inaugurated MIP Innovation Lab served as a dedicated space for the intersection of content, technology, and audience behavior. Kling AI participated in discussions alongside industry powerhouses like Luma AI and Mantis AI, exploring AI’s potential to transform every aspect of the entertainment ecosystem.

Kling AI further reinforced its leadership by spotlighting its collaborations. This includes nine AI-generated short films produced with renowned Chinese directors such as Jia Zhangke and Academy Award-winning art director Timmy Yip, celebrated for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. On the global stage, Kling AI has also teamed up with leading AI studios like Phantom X, bringing to life projects such as Michael Mitchell’s The Variable, S.A.V.’s OG Prime and Kavan the Kid’s Echo Hunter: A Memory Too Far.

Gennie, a generative AI content studio uniquely focused on documentary and non-fiction storytelling, tapped into Kling AI to produce a trailer for a film that was also showcased during MIPCOM.

“At Gennie, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with generative video. Kling AI’s technology has allowed us to achieve a new level of fidelity and scale in our reenactments — it’s a key part of how we’re transforming factual television production into something faster, smarter, and more cinematic,” said Max Einhorn, CEO and Co-Founder of Gennie.

As Zheru Liu commented, “The future of content creation is collaborative, merging human ingenuity with AI’s expansive capabilities. Our presence at MIPCOM underscores our commitment to empowering creators worldwide to tell their stories in unprecedented ways.”

Hashtag: #KlingAI

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

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

Annual food prices increase 4.1 percent – Selected price indexes: September 2025 – Stats NZ news story and information release

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LiveNews Publisher
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MIL OSI

Selected price indexes: September 2025 − Correction to annual and monthly percentage movements for food price index (FPI)

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LiveNews Publisher
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0

MIL OSI

Street Showdown. Seven Title-Contending Lineups Converge on Beijing for GT World Challenge Asia Season Finale

By
MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2025 – This weekend, the 2025 Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS heads to Beijing for its season-ending showdown, where seven driver lineups will battle on the Chinese capital’s streets for the overall drivers’ championship—a record-equalling number of title contenders in series history!

Caption: The 2025 GT World Challenge Beijing E-Town Round will take place from October 17 to 19, 2025, in the Tongming Lake area of Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town)。

Following 12 thrilling races across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, the championship finale will feature two 60-minute races. Notably, this Beijing round marks the first time GT World Challenge Asia has held a street race, with a purpose-built circuit designed exclusively for this event.

The Beijing street circuit, designed by Apex Circuit Design Ltd, spans 4.9 kilometers and features 12 corners. Located in the scenic Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), the track winds through modern architecture and alongside Tongming Lake Park, utilizing public roads and urban expressways temporarily converted for racing.

A total of 24 cars will take to the grid, with 25 drivers from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan competing on home soil. Among them, eight Chinese drivers remain in contention for the overall championship.

Defending GT World Challenge Asia champions Yuan Bo and Ye Hongli enter the finale as clear favorites, holding a 14-point lead over their Origine Motorsport teammate Lü Wei. Prince Jefri Ibrahim of JMR sits just one point further back, 15 points off the lead.

Other title contenders include 2023 series champion Liu Xu and his Phantom Global Racing teammate Dorian Boccolacci; Cheng Congfu and Yu Kuai of FAW Audi Sport Asia Team Phantom, who lead the Silver Cup standings; Ruan Cunfan and Maxime Oosten of KRC, who are on the verge of clinching the Silver-Am title; and Cao Qi from Craft-Bamboo Racing—all of whom retain mathematical chances of claiming the overall crown.

However, Yuan and Ye will start Saturday’s opening race from 10 grid positions further back due to a penalty—a significant variable that could inject major uncertainty into the first race and open the door for their rivals.

Adding star power to the home lineup is Ye Yifei, Ferrari driver and winner of the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans, who returns to Harmony Racing for this event. He joins fellow local talents Deng Yi (Winhere Harmony Racing), Liang Jiatong (Craft-Bamboo Racing), and Uno Racing’s Rio and Tang Weifeng—all still in mathematical contention for the Silver Cup.

In the Silver-Am class, Japan’s Yu Kanamaru (5ZIGEN) remains the only driver capable of challenging Ruan and Oosten’s dominance, though he trails by 36 points. With a maximum of 50 points available across the weekend’s two races, an upset remains theoretically possible but highly improbable.

In the Am class, Indonesian driver David Tjiptobiantoro and his teammate Christian Colombo have already secured a commanding lead. Their only remaining challengers—Ben Porter (AMAC Motorsport) and Setiawan Santoso (Earl Bamber Motorsport, or EBM)—must overcome deficits of 38 and 40 points respectively, and would also need Garage 75’s Ferrari entry to suffer a major setback during the weekend.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time an SRO-sanctioned championship has visited a Chinese street circuit. Between 1994 and 1995, the BPR Global GT Series used temporary public roads in Zhuhai before moving to the newly built Zhuhai International Circuit. In 2011, the FIA GT1 World Championship also held a demonstration event outside Beijing’s iconic “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium.

GT World Challenge Asia has previously visited permanent circuits in China, including Shanghai International Circuit, Ningbo International Circuit, and Zhejiang International Circuit. This weekend’s Beijing event will run alongside the SRO GT Cup—a new domestic series for Chinese GT4 teams—which will stage its penultimate round concurrently.

All sessions, including qualifying and both 60-minute races, will be streamed live globally via SRO’s official “GT World” YouTube channel. Additionally, China Central Television (CCTV) will broadcast Sunday’s second race live nationwide.

Beijing Round Schedule

Friday, October 17
09:00 – 10:00 Official Test Session 1
12:50 – 13:50 Official Test Session 2
15:25 – 16:25 Official Practice
16:30 – 17:00 Bronze Driver Practice

Saturday, October 18
09:00 – 10:00 Pre-Qualifying Session
12:20 – 12:35 Qualifying Session 1
12:42 – 12:57 Qualifying Session 2
16:15 – 17:15 Race 1

Sunday, October 19
15:05 – 16:05 Race 2

Hashtag: #2025FanatecGTWorldChallengeAsia

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

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

The 3rd Liangzhu Forum to Open in China’s Hangzhou to Highlight Harmonious Civilization Interplay

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MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2025 – From October 18 to 20, the 3rd Liangzhu Forum will be held in Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province, when the profound legacy of the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu will embrace the vibrancy of global civilizations.

Poster for the 3rd Liangzhu Forum

Some 400 guests from nearly 60 countries will bring with them fresh research findings on various civilizations and innovative models for preserving diverse cultures, making the forum a profound dialogue on cultural exchange — one that transcends time and celebrates the beauty of shared humanity.

Liangzhu, literally meaning “a beautiful islet amid waters,” lies in the river-interlaced plains of Yuhang District, Hangzhou. The Liangzhu Site stand as a testament to China’s magnificent prehistoric rice-farming civilization over 5,000 years ago.

In 2019, the site earned a well-deserved spot on the World Heritage List. The inaugural Liangzhu Forum, held in 2023, emerged as a high-caliber national event that embodied a global vision, Chinese grandeur, Zhejiang charm, and a focus on exploring civilizations.

Today, Liangzhu’s international network spans 123 countries and regions worldwide, and the forum has evolved into a pivotal platform for advancing global cultural dialogue, facilitating exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative, and showcasing the richness of Chinese civilization.

This grand cultural gathering, co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the National Cultural Heritage Administration, and the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province, with support from UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization, is packed with compelling highlights.

The forum’s theme this year — “Revitalization of Civilization: Cultural Heritage and Human Culture Diversity” — has maintained a consistent thread with the previous editions, all advancing a common goal: fostering exchange and mutual learning, moving in step with the times, and illuminating the path ahead.

Human cultural diversity is what makes the world so rich and vibrant, as it allows the world to connect, live in harmony, learn from each other’s strengths, and drive innovation through cultural integration. The focus on discovering the beauty of diversity through dialogue and exploring innovation rooted in heritage is fully reflected in the forum’s sub-forums.

Curious about ancient civilizations? The sub-forum “Cultural Roots: Timeless Wisdom and Contemporary Value of Ancient Civilizations” will draw comparisons between civilizations such as those along the Yellow River and Yangtze River, the Mediterranean, and the Maya.

For those interested in heritage protection practices, the sub-forum “Innovation in Practice: Urban Archaeology, Heritage Site Conservation and Coordinated Urban-Rural Development” will showcase new archaeological discoveries from Liangzhu and Maya settlements.

At “Sustained Legacy: Expansion of Museum Functions and Utilization of Cultural Relics,” the Silk Road International Museum Alliance will welcome new members from Qatar and Tunisia, and release a declaration of the Silk Road International Museum Alliance.

Marking the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the World Heritage Convention, the sub-forum “Future Vision: World Cultural Heritage and A New Model for Human Advancement” will share insights and practices in world cultural heritage protection and management, alongside an exhibition reviewing China’s innovative efforts over the past four decades.

In Liangzhu, a millennium-old Chinese heritage site converges with the world’s colorful cultures, and tradition is revitalized through advanced technology. The Liangzhu Forum is more than an innovative showcase of the world’s rich and diverse cultures — it is a bridge for deepened mutual learning between civilizations. The 3rd Liangzhu Forum is sure to leave a warm, inspiring cultural mark on the journey toward building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Hashtag: #TheOrganizingCommitteeoftheLiangzhuForum

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

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

FEV expands portfolio with advanced robotics and bundles expertise for sustainable and economical applications

By
MIL OSI
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Source: Media Outreach

AACHEN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 16 October 2025 – Technological advances in artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics are opening up new potential for commercial applications. In parallel, requirements for efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness are constantly increasing. FEV is expanding its portfolio to encompass the field of ‘advanced robotics’, offering companies from numerous industries new opportunities to further develop humanoid systems in a targeted manner, integrate them into products, and leverage value creation potential.

FEV expands its portfolio to include advanced robotics and offers solutions for sustainable, economical applications.

With this newly created offering, FEV is bundling its expertise in vehicle development, software, AI, and strategic consulting. The goal of the innovation leader is to support customers with forward-looking technologies along the entire value chain. The offer ranges from strategic market and technology consulting to the development of business models and benchmarking, to the development of cost-optimized hardware and software, and industrial integration.

“With ‘advanced robotics,’ we are creating a link between cutting-edge robot technologies and real business applications,” said Benjamin Knobloch, Principal at FEV Consulting. “Our integrated approach combines strategic consulting and technical expertise, enabling us to support our customers along the entire value chain.” Various studies and projects have given FEV extensive experience in the field of humanoid robots. In addition, the company has its own humanoid robot, which is used to test applications in simulation and reality.

“We are building up comprehensive expertise in the field of humanoid robots, which flows directly into our clients’ consulting and implementation projects,” said Dr. Hagen Wegner, Director at FEV Consulting. With this combined expertise, FEV supports manufacturers in the development of humanoid robots, users in their implementation, and suppliers in entering this new industry.

For more information, visit: www.fev-consulting.com/advanced-robotics. This press release is available for download at: https://fev.group/8a66e3

Hashtag: #FEVGroup

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

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

EIT student brings Latin flair to Matilda the Musical

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LiveNews Publisher
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Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

3 hours ago

EIT Bachelor of Creative Practice (Music) student Nicolas Lopez has stepped into the role of Rudolpho in Matilda the Musical.

The 28-year-old, who is in his final year of the Bachelor of Creative Practice (Music) at EIT, took to the stage for two weeks at the end of September, after months of rehearsals.

Originally from Colombia, Nico moved to New Zealand seven years ago. His last musical theatre role was a decade ago in South America when he played Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

“It feels special to be back in musical theatre again, especially playing another Roald Dahl character. So in a way it feels like coming full circle.”

EIT Bachelor of Creative Practice (Music) student Nicolas Lopez brought Latin flair to the role of Rudolpho in Matilda the Musical at the Napier Municipal Theatre. He is pictured with actress Rox Batkins who performed the role of Mrs Wormwood.

Rehearsals for the Napier Operatic Society production began in March and involved three sessions a week, each lasting up to six hours. Nico says the process was challenging but “extraordinarily rewarding”.

“It’s a big commitment, but it’s been such a good learning experience. We rehearsed so much that it was just about showing up, enjoying it and having fun on stage.”

Playing Rudolpho has also given Nico the chance to draw on his own background in Latin dance. He teaches salsa and bachata at his Hastings-based dance school, Connection Latin Dance Studio, and says the role has been both fun and insightful.

“It’s been really fulfilling to bring my experience as a Latin dancer into the character, even though Rudolpho is an exaggerated stereotype of a Latin dancer, portrayed with flashy mannerisms and socially unhealthy behaviours. Leaning into that has been a challenge, but also a lot of fun.”

Now he is pursuing his long-held passion for music, with a NZ Diploma in Music from EIT under his belt and a Bachelor of Creative Practice imminent.

“The campus is inspiring, the facilities are excellent, and the tutors are amazing musicians. For me it’s been a real game-changer.”

Among those tutors is Christopher Beernink, who was also be part of the Matilda production, performing in the pit band.

“Chris is such an inspiring tutor. He and others in the music team are not only knowledgeable but also really supportive and understanding. It’s really cool knowing he’s part of the same show.”

Nico also credits lecturer Svetlana Eliason for encouraging him to take the leap.

“Svetlana generously suggested I audition for the role, and she’s been so supportive along the way. She’s even been involved in the media advertising for the show, and it’s extra special that her talented son Adler is playing one of Matilda’s friends.”

EIT IDEAschool Music Lecturer Svetlana Eliason said she is “so pleased that Nico auditioned for the role of Rodolpho”.

“He often brings the Latin dance flair to EIT by doing lunchtime performances outside the cafe. I had no doubt that he would be the right person with the best Latin moves. What I didn’t know is that he is also a brilliant actor.”

MIL OSI

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