Transporting New Zealand welcomes competition law shake-up

September 16, 2025

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road Freight Association Transporting New Zealand is welcoming the Government’s competition law shakeup, saying that reform is needed to address limited competition in ports, airports, airlines, retail electricity and fuel.

Transporting New Zealand’s Head of Policy and Advocacy Billy Clemens says that as a highly competitive sector of over 5,000 individual businesses, 75% operating 5 trucks or fewer, road freight businesses were frustrated with large supply chain partners frequently increasing costs without improving their services.

“ Reports from MBIE and the OECD have highlighted weak competition in key sectors of the economy, including from banking, insurance, ports, and airports, just to name a few.”

“As an example, over the past few years our members have seen substantial hikes in some port access feesthat road freight companies and their customers pay to collect and deliver cargo, with no proportional increase in port productivity and performance.”

Clemens says that the proposed reforms had the potential to stop markets becoming increasingly concentrated, and could potentially enable the creation of industry codes or rules to promote competition between supply chain partners.

“This is a great opportunity to boost New Zealand’s productivity and put downward pressure on road freight costs, that will benefit all businesses and consumers.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing the Commerce Act amendments introduced to Parliament and consulted on before Christmas, and passed by mid next year.”

MIL OSI

Employment – Tokoroa can’t take more job cuts – NZCTU

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to help the Tokoroa community after Carter Holt Harvey confirmed the likely closure of the plywood plant in the town.

“This is another body blow to a community already reeling from the loss of jobs at the OJI Fibre plant. 100 secure, well-paid jobs are being lost. The Government must act now to help,” said Wagstaff.

“It’s not just the workers directly impacted by this change who will feel its effect. Their families, communities, and the local economy have already suffered due to job losses.

“These workers could face a brighter future if the Government were to genuinely commit to delivering a just transition for Tokoroa. The skills and talents of workers don’t need to be lost if we could build sustainable industries that provide well-paid jobs.

“This Government lacks the political will to invest and seems content to sit by and watch these workers and the Tokoroa community suffer.

“These job losses are the latest in a trend of large employers closing their operations in New Zealand. Unemployment is rising. Businesses are not investing. Working people are suffering. Yet there is no plan except cuts and empty promises.

“With a different approach, different outcomes are possible. It’s time to change track, and invest in communities like Tokoroa, and not let them fall further behind,” said Wagstaff.

MIL OSI

Events – Auckland Central City Library celebrates Pasifika heritage with Lupe I Vao Ese exhibition

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Visitors will find a beautiful ode to measina (taonga/treasure) at the upcoming free exhibition Lupe I Vao Ese (LIVE), opening its doors to the public on 17 September 2025, at Auckland Central City Library for all Aucklanders to enjoy.

The title “Lupe I Vao Ese” is Samoan for “doves in different pastures” and highlights the journey of measina, the cultural treasures of Moana Oceania. Auckland Council Libraries Curator, Pasifika, Pamata Toleafoa, says this exhibition has been two years in the making and it is a delight to finally be able to share this with Aucklanders.

“With Lupe I Vao Ese, we’re aiming to inspire people to treasure their cultural heritage. Measina are inseparable from Pasifika identity, carried across oceans and generations as communities migrate and adapt. These treasures both influence and are influenced by the diverse contexts they inhabit, adapting alongside the people who uphold them.

“This exhibition challenges the idea of measina/taonga as something only displayed at festivals, ceremonies or preserved behind glass,” adds Pamata. “We want to encourage our visitors to honour measina as active companions that continue to shape daily life, memory and belonging. Measina reside in the hearts, hands and memories of Pasifika peoples. As indigenous communities migrate and establish themselves in new environments, their measina accompany them, inseparable from identity.”

Along with the precious physical items known as measina, on loan from the Moana Pasifika Network and Auckland Council Library staff members, the exhibition showcases Pasifika heritage ranging from archival material and illustrations to photography from the 18th and 19th century to today. The measina on display range from Tivaevae (a form of quilting), Kato (woven baskets or bags), Masi (tapa cloth in Fiji used in ceremonies, gifting, weddings and chiefly gatherings) and Ie Toga (finely woven mat in Samoan culture) to name a few.

Auckland Council Libraries Head of Library and Learning Services, Catherine Leonard says exhibitions of this nature are vital for our communities in Tāmaki Makaurau, which are so diverse.

“It’s important to us, the Central City Library, to offer exhibitions that are diverse and represent the communities of Tāmaki Makaurau. Lupe I Vao Ese celebrates Pasifika heritage and creates opportunities to connect and enrich ourselves culturally. It’s a unique experience for the entire whānau that will leave you feeling inspired.”

This free exhibition is open from 17 September 2025 to 6 March 2026 at Auckland Central City Library. Wider Lupe I Vao Ese activities listed below:

Tāmaki Untold: Measina at Home with Edith Amituanai: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events/2025/09/lupe-i-vao-ese-measina-at-home/

Central City Library, Saturday 20 September

Edith Amituanai is a New Zealand–born Samoan lens-based artist in Tāmaki Makaurau. Her work explores how environments shape identity, focusing on Samoan transnational communities. In this talk, she reflects on the domestic interior—particularly the “front room”—as a kind of stage, and how these spaces connect to the exhibition Lupe I Vao Ese (doves in different pastures).

Lupe I Vao Ese (LIVE) at Play: Celebrating Auckland Heritage Festival: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/09/auckland-heritage-festival-2025-auckland-at-play/

LIVE at Play Artboards: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events/2025/08/lupe-i-vao-ese-live-at-play-artboards/

Eastern Viaduct, Wynyard Quarter, Monday 4 August – Monday 29 September

Celebrate a crossover between the Auckland Heritage Festival 2025 and Lupe I Vao Ese | LIVE at Play – an artboard satellite exhibition highlighting people with their measina in their communities.

Lightboxes

Te Komititanga and Darby Street, Wednesday 17 September – Sunday 5 October

A creative take on this year’s Auckland Heritage Festival theme of “Auckland at Play” which highlights Tangata Moana using Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections.

Workshops:

Create your own work inspired by Auckland Libraries’ Pasifika Heritage Collections. All workshops take place at Ellen Melville Centre. Bookings required.

Weaving workshop – Thursday 25 September, 11am–1pm
Zine making – Saturday 27 September, 2pm–4pm
Diorama making – Friday 3 October, 11am–1pm

Proudly sponsored by the City Centre targeted rate.

MIL OSI

AIA Corporate Solutions partners with leading healthcare group to support employee wellness through more affordable access to cancer care

MIL OSI

September 16, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2025 – AIA Hong Kong and Macau has announced a strategic partnership formed with Concord Healthcare¹, a healthcare group in Mainland China which is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, on 11 September 2025. As part of the collaboration, eligible insured members of AIA’s designated group insurance can have access to more affordable designated cancer proton therapy and health screening packages^2,3 at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center⁴ (廣州泰和腫瘤醫院)—one of the flagship institutions under Concord Group⁵ renowned for its advanced cancer treatment capabilities, including proton therapy. This partnership aligns with our strategies in supporting and enhancing holistic employee wellbeing under the WorkWell with AIA programme.

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges. In Hong Kong, a new cancer diagnosis occurs every 15 minutes⁶, underscoring the importance of prevention, early detection, and accessible treatment. For employers, this gives rise to the growing need to support workforce health through comprehensive and proactive wellness strategies.

While proton therapy offers relatively precise and non-invasive treatment for certain cancers, the cost of treatment in Hong Kong can be a critical factor in decision-making. Through this partnership, AIA enables designated group insurance’s eligible insured members to access more affordable cancer care at preferential rate^2,3 at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, helping reduce financial stress while improving health outcomes.

Ms Amelie Shen, Chief Corporate Solutions Officer of AIA Hong Kong and Macau, said: “At AIA, we go beyond traditional employee benefits by delivering holistic and innovative solutions that support Hong Kong’s workforce and their families. This partnership is more than a healthcare solution – it represents our commitment to helping organisations and their employees access to more affordable advanced cancer care — when they need it most. By leveraging this collaboration, we’re helping employers build more resilient and healthier workforces. Together, we’re enabling employees and their families to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”

This initiative reflects AIA’s vision to build a proactive, integrated wellness ecosystem—one that supports prevention, resilience, and recovery for employees and their families.

Remarks:

“Concord Healthcare” herein refers to Concord Healthcare Group Co., Ltd.
The preferential rate on the medical expenses of the designated proton therapy and health screening packages offered by Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center (“Preferential Rate”) is only available to the eligible insured members of AIA’s designated group insurance plans. The Preferential Rate does not form part of the contractual benefit, and is not guaranteed.
The medical expenses of the designated proton therapy and health screening packages shall be settled by the eligible insured members of AIA’s designated group insurance plan directly with Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center. Please take note that any claim reimbursement shall be subject to the provision of complete claim documents, the insured member’s benefits entitlement, the terms and condition of the policy of AIA’s eligible group insurance plan. For details, please contact AIA for enquiry.
For identification purposes only.
“Concord Group” herein refers to Concord Healthcare Group Co., Ltd. together with its subsidiaries.
Hospital Authority Hong Kong Cancer Registry (2022)

Hashtag: #AIA

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

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

Green SM expands all-electric taxi service to Bekasi, supporting the city’s smart mobility vision

MIL OSI

September 16, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

BEKASI, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2025 – Green SM, the pioneering all-electric taxi service under GSM, has officially launched in Bekasi. From today, residents and visitors can experience safer, cleaner, and more modern journeys in Green SM’s signature cyan taxis, with exclusive launch offers of up to IDR 150,000 for new users.

Green SM’s expansion contributes to Bekasi’s smart city vision.

The debut in Bekasi features a fleet of VinFast all-electric taxis, which can be easily booked through the Green SM app. Built on the company’s “5 Goods”, Green SM guarantees Good Car – modern and well-maintained vehicles; Good Driver – courteous and reliable driver-partners; Good Price – transparent fares; Good Experience – pleasant travel experience; and Good for the Environment – eco-friendly journeys contributing to cleaner urban air.

Green SM’s expansion to Bekasi follows its successful debut in Jakarta, where it quickly gained strong public support and became a symbol of green urban mobility. By expanding into Bekasi, the company enhances the city’s transportation network through direct connections to TransJakarta, LRT Jabodebek, and Commuter Line stations, making it easier for commuters to access first- and last-mile options. This is especially significant in Bekasi, known as Indonesia’s “city of workers” and an important industrial center where hundreds of thousands of trips are made daily to Jakarta for work and school. Green SM’s dependable all-electric taxi network is expected to reduce dependence on private motorbikes and cars, ease congestion, lower emissions, and improve local air quality, while offering affordable and safe transportation choices for families and workers.

The expansion also represents a major milestone in Green SM’s Jabodetabek growth plan. By promoting clean energy transportation in one of Indonesia’s busiest metropolitan areas, the company supports national carbon reduction goals and contributes to Bekasi’s smart city vision. This initiative is not only about launching a new service but also about building a long-term ecosystem where technology, mobility, and community needs move forward together toward sustainable growth.

Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, shared: “Our expansion into Bekasi is more than just launching a new service; it reflects a deeper commitment to the people and rhythm of the city. Bekasi is a place full of energy and resilience, where industry, families, and commuters influence daily life. We see Green SM as a partner to that vibrant community, providing clean and modern transportation that seamlessly fits into busy routines while supporting Indonesia’s climate goals. This launch demonstrates how the public and private sectors can collaborate to advance smart city development through practical, low-carbon solutions.“

Looking ahead, Green SM plans to expand further across Indonesia, with Surabaya and Makassar set to join the network soon. This eastward growth beyond Java’s core highlights the company’s ability to operate at scale across diverse urban environments, reinforcing its role as a key player in greening Indonesia’s transportation sector. Bekasi thus marks not only the latest milestone but also a gateway for Green SM’s broader mission to accelerate sustainable mobility in rapidly growing cities nationwide.

To celebrate this achievement, Green SM is offering launch promotions worth up to IDR 150,000 for new users, encouraging residents to experience premium electric rides that are both convenient and affordable. By combining global expertise with a deep understanding of local needs, Green SM reaffirms its long-term vision: to make every journey in Indonesia safer, cleaner, and truly green.

Hashtag: #GSM #GreenSM

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

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

Strengthening NZ–Saudi Arabia investment ties

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay has met with His Excellency Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, to progress opportunities for deeper investment links between the two countries.

“Saudi Arabia is set to be the world’s sixth largest economy by 2050, with an ambitious reform agenda under Vision 2030. New Zealand is well placed to contribute to this transformation and to attract Saudi investment into high-growth sectors across our economy,” Mr McClay says.

The meeting builds on the conclusion of the New Zealand–Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement last year and the growing commitment to enhanced trade and investment cooperation.

Discussions focused on creating opportunities for both counties through increased investment ties.

Minister McClay highlighted New Zealand’s priority growth sectors – including renewable energy, cleantech, advanced food production, wood processing, aquaculture, advanced transportation, and tourism.

Both Ministers also agreed to establish a Cooperation Framework Agreement between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment and New Zealand’s Invest NZ.

“This agreement will provide a formal platform to identify and advance investment opportunities, strengthen institutional links, and ensure closer collaboration between the two countries’ investment agencies,” Mr McClay says.

“I was honoured to meet His Excellency again following my visit to the Kingdom last month. I have invited him to visit New Zealand with a delegation to see first-hand the investment opportunities our country offers.”

The Government is making it easier for foreign investors to do business in New Zealand, through streamlined investment settings and stronger commercial engagement.

“If it is good for New Zealand and good for New Zealanders, we will be saying yes to investment. Stronger trade and investment ties create jobs, lift regional economies, and deliver better opportunities for every New Zealander,” Mr McClay says.

MIL OSI

Rapid response rescues night diver near Goat Island, Leigh

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A search in darkness for a missing diver involving Police and Coastguard volunteers swung into action north of Auckland last night.

Police alerted Coastguard after the diver’s car was located at Goat Island, raising concerns the diver had not returned from a planned night dive.

“He had dived at night before but we were concerned the diver was out there on his own,” Sergeant Craig Kennedy, Auckland Police Maritime Unit, says.

“Eagle took off immediately and Deodar 3 was also despatched. Volunteers from Coastguard Kawau and Hibiscus responded and six volunteers on the vessel ‘Kawau Rescue’ assisted.”

Eagle spotted the lone diver 100 metres offshore around 9.18pm, and instructed him over the onboard PA to conserve energy.

The Police helicopter guided Coastguard to the diver and he was retrieved from the water around 10pm.

“Good, clear sea conditions helped everything go smoothly,” Coastguard Kawau Skipper Thelma Wilson says. “The diver was found in good spirits and equipped with the right gear to stay buoyant. He was reunited with friends back at Leigh Wharf.”

Sergeant Kennedy says clear communications and the co-ordinated response helped avert a potentially life-threating situation.

“A key safety message from Police is to always dive with a buddy and have a fully charged torch with you if you’re diving at night.

Coastguard is grateful to the volunteers who helped.

“This was one of those incidents that highlights just how much our volunteers give. The hours of training, the late-night callouts, the time away from family and friends – it all leads to moments like this,” Kawau Rescue Skipper Thelma Wilson says.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Man charged following threatening behaviour

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A 34-year-old man is facing a raft of charges after two incidents in the Far North where he allegedly behaved in a threatening manner.

On Sunday, Police were called to an address in Kakapo St, Ahipara after a person allegedly threatened a number of people with a firearm before leaving.

Police had been making enquiries into the matter when they were called to a similar incident in Kaitaia yesterday.

Inspector Al Symonds says at about 10.40am Police responded to a report of a person being threatened at a Lake Road address.

“The Armed Offenders Squad was deployed following information received that the person was in possession of a firearm.

“A man was quickly taken into custody without incident.

“These types of incidents can be concerning for our community, however I would like to reassure them we take these types of reports very seriously and will respond accordingly.”

The 34-year-old man has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, threatening to kill, speaks threateningly, possession of an offensive weapon, driving while disqualified, demands to steal and failing to appear in court.

He has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Kaitaia District Court on 9 October.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

DL Holdings Partners with a Leading Bitcoin Miner to Build Hong Kong’s “First Bitcoin Hashrate Stock”

MIL OSI

September 16, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2025 – After trading hours on 15 September 2025, DL Holdings Group Limited (HKEX: 1709) announced a major strategic cooperation with Fortune Peak Limited. DL Holdings will acquire the latest-generation, top-efficiency Bitcoin mining machines via the issuance of Convertible Bonds, fully entering the Bitcoin mining sector with the aim of becoming the Hong Kong capital market’s leader in both Bitcoin hashrate and reserve. The Company targets annual production of ~200 BTC and, over the next two years, seeks to become the Hong Kong-listed “first Bitcoin hashrate stock” with a reserve target of over 4,000 BTC.

The ultimate controller of Fortune Peak previously served as Chief Investment Officer at Antalpha Capital (BVI) Limited, bringing extensive digital-asset investment and operational experience as well as a deep understanding of the industry’s technology and operations.

Partnering with the controller who formerly served as Antalpha’s CIO gives DL access to high-end mining hardware and the broader ecosystem of an industry leader. This will help ensure competitive hosted deployment and operations for DL’s miners, supporting stable, efficient mining.

DL Holdings will acquire 2,200 S21XP HYD Bitcoin miners, with a total hashrate of approximately 1,040,600 TH/s. The total consideration is US$21,852,600, to be paid by issuing zero-coupon Convertible Bonds. The initial Conversion Price is HK$3.17 per Share, representing approximately an 8.65% discount to the 5-day average closing price before the announcement date. The Convertible Bonds will have a two-year lock-up period, during which they cannot be transferred without the Company’s consent, and the Conversion Shares will also be subject to a two-year lock-up.

In addition, as part of the consideration, DL Holdings will issue 40,000,000 Warrants at an initial Exercise Price of HK$3.80 per Share, representing approximately a 9.51% premium to the 5-day average closing price before the announcement date. The Warrants will have a two-year exercise period, and 50% of the Warrant Shares issued upon exercise will be subject to a six-month lock-up. Furthermore, upon achieving agreed performance targets, DL Holdings will issue up to 13,442,451 Earn-out Shares, as incentives to the counterparty to ensure stable operation and efficient delivery of hashrate.

This structure optimizes capital allocation, uses clearly locked instruments to bind long-term interests, and provides a robust financial and operational foundation for DL Holdings’ expansion into Bitcoin mining.

As “digital gold,” Bitcoin accounts for roughly 55%–58% of the total crypto market capitalization and, as of September 2025, has a market value around US$2.29 trillion, ranking roughly 5th among global assets. Owing to its scarcity, decentralization, and store-of-value attributes, it has been recognized by governments and institutions as a strategic allocation with long-term preservation and appreciation potential. The U.S. government reportedly holds ~198,000 BTC, and the U.K. holds over 60,000 BTC. Leading fund houses including BlackRock and Fidelity have launched Bitcoin ETFs, drawing significant institutional flows. Technology leaders such as Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey have also publicly acknowledged holding Bitcoin and its long-term potential. Through self-mining, DL plans to acquire Bitcoin directly, increasing the weight of digital assets on its balance sheet and enhancing diversification and risk resilience.

Amid accelerating global digitalization, investing in Bitcoin mining can provide recurring cash flows and bolster market confidence, offering potential long-term support to the Company’s share price. The Convertible-Bond-funded miners are expected (management plan) to generate up to ~200 BTC per year, roughly US$20 million in revenue at illustrative pricing assumptions, supporting growth while preserving financial flexibility. DL also plans to scale out mining capacity and ecosystem participation, with an additional ~200 BTC per year as a planning target. Leveraging the partner’s industry resources, DL targets, within two years, to become the largest Bitcoin mining company among Hong Kong-listed peers—with 4,000+ BTC in reserve and sustained, efficient digital-asset output.

Moreover, the Company will (as part of the overall consideration) issue 40,000,000 Warrants to deepen strategic cooperation and has established earn-out incentives tied to operational stability, hashrate delivery, and share-price performance. If targets are achieved, the Earn-out Shares will be issued, further aligning interests and jointly advancing the mining business.

William Li, Partner at DL Holdings, commented: “Bitcoin mining has evolved into a mature, stable, real-economy industry with a clear and sustainable profit model. As ‘digital gold’, Bitcoin’s anti-inflation and value-preservation attributes are increasingly recognized by institutions. This strategic move optimizes our asset structure and aims to deliver long-term, stable returns for shareholders—an integral piece of DL’s digital-finance ecosystem.“

DL is simultaneously accelerating its digital-asset layout, advancing a three-phase plan for a comprehensive digital-finance ecosystem. In August 2025, DL raised over HK$650 million, earmarked for digital-finance growth—strategic acquisitions, RWA tokenization plans, Bitcoin mining, and building a virtual-asset trading network. In parallel, DL’s strategic investee Asseto has launched its flagship product CASH+ on BNB Chain, the first derivative token of an Asian asset-management USD money-market strategy issued on BNB Chain. Looking ahead, DL will continue to leverage its capital-markets experience and compliance framework, working with ecosystem partners to provide more efficient and transparent financial-product experiences for institutions and investors.

Hashtag: #DLHoldings

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

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

Further detail on Auckland plan change

LiveNews Publisher

September 16, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will ensure Aucklanders can have their say on the city’s future growth, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Last month, as requested by Auckland Council, Parliament passed a law allowing Auckland Council to withdraw its controversial Plan Change 78. The Council asked for the ability to not apply the Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) and “downzone” areas of the city vulnerable to natural hazards like floods.

“If Auckland withdraws Plan Change 78, the Council must notify a replacement plan change which provides for equivalent housing capacity – but Aucklanders and Auckland communities will have much more choice and discretion about where that growth occurs.

“By giving Auckland Council the option to withdraw PC78, we’ve returned decision-making to locals. If Auckland follows this new plan change, the medium density residential standards will be removed, so for the most part the Council can once again decide how and when housing growth happens.

“As part of this process, the Government will also require Auckland Council to provide greater density around key stations that benefit from the new City Rail Link.

‘“Pretty much everyone agrees that greater housing density around CRL stations makes sense. It’s how we unlock the full benefits of this once-in-a-generation public transport investment.

“As I’ve said publicly many times, it is important that Aucklanders have robust opportunities to participate in this important process.

“The Council itself has asked for a transparent process, and that’s exactly what we’re committed to delivering.

“I cannot make formal decisions on the process until after I receive formal notice from Auckland Council. However, today I am announcing that I have confirmed to Mayor Brown that, subject to receiving formal notice from Auckland Council, I am looking at a submission period of 3 November to 19 December, in line with what the Council has requested. That gives Aucklanders a clear window to have their say on how and where housing growth should occur.

“In the new year, I consider it appropriate for hearings on the Plan Change to be held before an independent panel of experts, known as an Independent Hearings Panel (IHP). The IHP will hear from Aucklanders who have submitted on the plan change through the process.

“I am looking at setting an overall timeframe of around 18 months for the plan change process. This will give certainty to Aucklanders after years of delay and uncertainty but also makes sure the IHP has a good chance to do its work and consider the – doubtless – many submissions.

“This process ensures local voices are at the centre of decisions on Auckland’s growth, while creating more housing options, making the most of the City Rail Link, and setting the city up for the future.”

Note to editors

Auckland Council will vote on whether to withdraw Plan Change 78 in favour of a new plan change on 24 September.

If Council votes to withdraw, it will send a formal notice to the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform. Once that notice is received, the Minister may then set out the timeframes and processes by which the new plan change will proceed.

Attached: Correspondence between Minister Bishop and Mayor Brown.

MIL OSI

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