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Delays on SH20 following crash

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Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a crash on State Highway 20 this morning.

Emergency services are responding to the three-vehicle crash, just after the Walmsley Road off-ramp, which was reported to Police at about 6.04am.

At this stage there are no reports of injury.

One southbound lanes is blocked and motorists are advised to expect delays or seek an alternate route.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

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Police committed to getting justice for Baby Ru

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Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:

Two years ago today, a small boy who the country has come to know as Baby Ru arrived at Hutt Hospital with critical injuries.

Tragically he passed away as a result of those injuries, just a few days short of his second birthday.

The cause of death was found to be blunt-force trauma, which Police believe to be non-accidental.

This week, Baby Ru and his wider whānau should have been excitedly preparing for his upcoming fourth birthday – instead, whānau are marking the second anniversary of his death.

Three adults remain persons of interest in the police investigation into Baby Ru’s death.

I know that people across New Zealand share the immense frustration – and sadness – that our investigation team feels, knowing that the person responsible for Baby Ru’s death has not yet been held to account for their actions.

I can assure the New Zealand public that our investigation team remain as committed as we were on day one of the homicide inquiry to ensuring that justice is served for Baby Ru.

I urge those who could help us hold Baby Ru’s killer to account to do so. Contact Police and tell us what you know. It’s not too late to do the right thing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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New Zealand and United Kingdom Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue held

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Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper held the second annual NZ-UK Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue in London today. 

“The UK is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most important international partnerships,” Mr Peters says. 

“In the current adverse strategic environment, the UK-NZ relationship is only becoming more and more important.

“Our discussions at today’s Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue underlined the vast array of issues on which New Zealand and the UK must cooperate even more closely.”

Discussions included bilateral security, economic and strategic cooperation; working together in the Pacific and Indo-Pacific region; and combating Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“This was a valuable opportunity to discuss our shared values, as natural partners in a challenging global environment. New Zealand is committed to working with our like-minded partners to uphold the international rules-based order,” Mr Peters says.    

Mr Peters invited Foreign Secretary Cooper to visit New Zealand in 2026 for the third annual Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue.

While in London, Mr Peters also met Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Seema Malhoutra; Shadow Foreign Secretary, Priti Patel; and the Leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage. 

During his ongoing European trip, Mr Peters will also visit Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

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Chinese Cosmetics Companies Sweep Awards at 2025 INPD in Paris

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Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2025 – On October 15-16, the annual global beauty innovation event, the 2025 INPD was held in Paris, France. From unveiling of the INPD awards to the specially curated “C-Beauty Landscape” and the dedicated Chinese Premium Cosmetics Appreciation Event, the rise of Oriental beauty made a remarkable impact at the Louvre, captivating the entire audience.

Chinese Cosmetics Companies Sweep Awards at 2025 INPD in Paris

During the prestigious 2025 INPD International Innovation Awards ceremony, Chinese cosmetic companies(global@chinacosmetics.com.cn) stood out across multiple categories, demonstrating robust innovative capabilities.

In the raw materials category, 9 Chinese companies—Guyu, ReaLi Tide Biological, AFU, Coachchem Technology, Zhejiang Peptites Biotech, Farberly, MiQi, FALAIMI and Absolute Rose—were honored with the “INPD Raw Materials Award” for their R&D achievements.

In the star product segment, 8 products from leading Chinese brands such as BioHyalux from BLOOMAGE Biotech, MiQi, RenDorA, Girl Begin, FAN WEN HUA, ZMFORU, INFINITUS and Mooncherry received the “INPD Star Product Award.”

For technological breakthroughs, 3 companies—Beihao Group, UPROVEN and AFU—were recognized with the “INPD Innovative Technology Award.”

In brand development, Marie-Anne and LUXBORLIKE were awarded the “INPD Innovative Brand Award.”

Additionally, Beihao Health & Aesthetics Cultural Park under Beihao Group earned the “INPD Manufacturing Process Award” for its advanced smart manufacturing capabilities.

At the C-Beauty Landscape of 2025 INPD, renowned makeup artist and founder of the MAOGEPING brand, Mr. Mao Geping, delivered a presentation titled “The beauty of the East makes the world more splendid”. His insights into the core of oriental aesthetics sparked a “beauty storm” among the audience. Professor Jean-Claude Tabet, an authoritative expert in mass spectrometry, who demystified the “hardcore science behind high-end cosmetics R&D” in his speech “How mass spectrometry is emerging as an essential analytical tool for cosmetics

development”. Subsequently, a delegation of C-beauty cluster took the stage. Representatives included the China Cosmetics Review, along with Sang Ying (Executive Chairman of CBE), Li Zhigang (CEO of Absolute Rose), Yan Youmiao (CEO of Dr.Eileen) and Tian Tian (Founder of ZMFORU). Centering on the core theme “C-Beauty Landscape: Innovation Drives, Beauty Thrives”. They collectively decoded the innovative and internationalization pathways for Chinese cosmetics.

During the summit, the specially curated “C-Beauty Landscape”—a dedicated Chinese brand pavilion at the Louvre—drew large crowds of international visitors. Chinese Premium Cosmetics Appreciation Event was also successfully held within the pavilion, where leading domestic brands like BioHyalux, Florasis, Forest Cabin, Absolute Rose, INFINITUS, Farberly, FALAIMI and Girl Begin showcased their star products, earning widespread acclaim from a global audience.

The summit also saw the signing of the MOU on Memorandum of Cooperation on China-France

Cosmetic Education and Training between China Cosmetics Review and ISIPCA, further strengthening industry ties and marking a new phase in Sino-French collaboration.

Hashtag: #ChinaCosmeticsReview

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

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

Discover Xinghua, China – a “Dual Heritage + Four Seasons” Journey Through Scenic Countryside

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Source: Media Outreach

XINGHUA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2025 – Dongluo Village in Taizhou, Jiangsu, was named one of UN Tourism’s 2025 “Best Tourism Villages” at the UN Tourism awards on October 17, 2025. This honor marks the third world-class award for Xinghua, showcasing its cultural and tourism appeal as a “city of dual heritage.”

A Fleeting Glance

Rooted in its ecological foundation of water, fields, forests, and islets, and enriched by three thousand years of human history, Xinghua invites you to embark on a “Dual Heritage + Four Seasons” journey of harmony and beauty.

Each season, Xinghua offers its own charm. In spring, admire the sea of rapeseed flowers in Qianduo and experience rice planting in Dongluo; in summer, explore the Lower River Wetland, cycle along the Qianduo Scenic Road, and watch traditional boatbuilding in Zhuhong; in autumn, enjoy seas of chrysanthemums, taste red-roe crabs, and watch the night performance “A Thought of Qianduo”; in winter, appreciate snowy reed scenery, sip warm tea in Shagou, and stroll through the Intangible Heritage Fair.

Convenient Water and Land Transportation

As a “land of dual heritage,” Xinghua preserves the millennium-old wisdom of its 468,000 mu of islet fields, while Dongluo Village stands as a model of rural revitalization through “small-scale renovation.”

In the Lichong Water Forest, herons perch among the trees; on Jindongmen Old Street, the historic “Shangchizhai” gains new life through cultural creativity; at the Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall, the legacy of the great scholar endures; and in the ancient town of Shagou, visitors are tempted by its aromatic cuisine.

The culinary delights of Dongluo Village are unforgettable: the farmhouse full-fish banquet bursts with freshness; Shagou’s fish balls are springy and tender; autumn’s hairy crabs are rich with golden roe; and Xinghua’s morning tea—featuring hot dried tofu shreds, crab-roe buns, and fish soup noodles—captures the everyday charm of local life.

There are three themed routes. The “Ecological Secrets” route includes Dongluo Village, Qianduo Scenic Area, and the Water Forest. The “Cultural Discovery” route covers Dongluo Village, Jindongmen, and Banqiao Memorial Hall. The “Gourmet Journey” route features a Dongluo Fish Feast, Shagou Fish Balls, and Downtown Hairy Crab.

Every corner of Xinghua tells a story—come and discover yours!

Hashtag: #JiangsuProvincialDepartmentofCultureandTourism

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

10th World Traditional Wushu Championships Held in Emeishan City, China

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Source: Media Outreach

EMEISHAN CITY, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2025 – On October 16, the 10th World Traditional Wushu Championships opened in Emeishan City, Sichuan Province, China. Against the backdrop of Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, 5,092 athletes from 54 countries and regions engaged in exciting competitions.

Opening Ceremony of the 10th World Traditional Wushu Championships in Emeishan City

The championships were held from October 17 to 19 at the Sichuan International Tourism Trade Expo Center. Featuring both domestic and international divisions, the event encompassed individual, duo, and group competitions. The World Traditional Wushu Championships have now been held in Emeishan City for four consecutive sessions. It has gradually evolved into a platform for global traditional Wushu practitioners to exchange skills and foster friendships, as well as a bridge promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and other countries.

On October 16, the opening ceremony commenced with the grand “Tea and Wushu Welcome Guests” performance. A unique blend of tea art, intangible cultural heritage Wushu, and intelligent robots shared the stage, presenting a fascinating dialogue between ancient culture and modern technology. Subsequently, team flags and placards from the delegations of various countries and regions entered the venue in sequence, symbolizing the transmission and blending of the Wushu spirit across national borders.

During the Image Ambassador awarding ceremony, the International Wushu Federation (IWUF) presented honorary certificates to two individuals with outstanding contributions to Wushu promotion: Jet Li and Wu Jing. Concurrently, Wu Jing, as the new IWUF Image Ambassador, participated in a handover ceremony with Jet Li.

This year’s event not only provided a stage for global Wushu enthusiasts to display their skills but also aimed to promote the global inheritance and development of traditional Wushu through diverse cultural exchange activities. During the championships, a series of supporting events integrating cultural displays and interactive experiences were held simultaneously. These included the “Golden Summit Sword Discussion” (Jinding Lun Jian), the Wushu Masters Forum, Wushu/Kungfu performance shows, and sports culture commodity exhibitions, deeply showcasing the unique charm of the integrated “Wushu and Tourism” concept.

Golden Summit Sword Discussion (Jinding Lun Jian)

As the host location for multiple World Traditional Wushu Championships, Emeishan has its own representative tradition. Emei Wushu is a representative project of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage. With a history of nearly three thousand years, it boasts over eighty schools and hundreds of boxing styles and routines, making it one of the three major schools of Chinese Wushu. In recent years, through measures such as establishing the Emei Wushu College and developing standardized systems, Emei Wushu has established a comprehensive inheritance and development system.

Using Wushu as a universal language, Emeishan enhances its cultural connections and sports interactions with the international community. This effectively promotes the global dissemination and exchange of outstanding traditional Chinese culture and injects new vitality into the high-quality development of Emeishan’s cultural tourism industry and the enhancement of its international reputation.

Hashtag: #10thWorldTraditionalWushuChampionships

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

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

GIT Elevates Thailand’s Gem and Jewelry Industry with “Sustainability Standards” Advancing Good Governance, Transparency, and Traceability to Capture a Share of the USD 366 Billion Global Market

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Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2025 – The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), or GIT, has unveiled a strategic plan to accelerate the adoption of Sustainability Standards aimed at strengthening Thailand’s gem and jewelry industry. The initiative promotes good governance, transparency, and traceability across the supply chain, establishing international benchmarks that build confidence among global buyers and leading brands.

GIT Elevates Thailand’s Gem and Jewelry Industry with “Sustainability Standards”

The move aligns with the expanding global gem and jewelry market valued at more than THB 11 trillion and responds to the growing sustainability trend that is reshaping consumer demand and trade practices worldwide. The plan is designed to help Thai entrepreneurs capture a larger share of this market by aligning with verified sustainable standards.

Global Market Shift: Sustainability as the New Competitive Edge

According to a report by McKinsey & Company, sustainability factors now influence 20–30% of global jewelry sales, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior. Today’s buyers look beyond beauty and craftsmanship to the origin of materials, environmental impact, and human rights practices throughout production. As a result, international standards such as the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) have become vital “trade passports” for access to major markets.

In this landscape, GIT is proactively supporting Thai jewelry businesses especially SMEs to align with international standards, strengthening consumer and partner confidence to meet these globally recognized benchmarks while enhancing the competitiveness of Thai enterprises in the global marketplace.

Mr. Sumed Prasongpongchai Director General of GIT

Mr. Sumed Prasongpongchai Director General of GIT stated “Thailand’s craftsmanship and design excellence are already world-class. What will truly unlock the potential of our entrepreneurs to compete globally are trusted standards encompassing responsible sourcing, fair labor, safety, and environmental protection.

The global gem and jewelry market is worth USD 366.79 billion in 2024, and consumer behavior is shifting rapidly from aesthetics and emotion toward transparency and good governance. These will soon define competitiveness in our industry.

“Standards are not just tools for ensuring trust throughout the supply chain; they are entry passes to international partnerships. GIT’s mission is to guide Thai entrepreneurs particularly SMEs toward Sustainability Standards under the GIT Standard framework, preparing them to meet global benchmarks. By turning product quality into traceable credibility, Thai businesses can achieve stronger and more sustainable growth both domestically and globally.” Mr. Sumed added

GIT’s Three-Pillar Framework for Global-Standard Transformation

GIT has developed a systematic framework to elevate Thailand’s gem and jewelry industry through full value-chain integration from raw material sourcing to international trade. Anchored on three interlinked operational pillars, the framework provides a clear and practical roadmap for sustainable industry advancement and global recognition.

  1. GIT Standard for Laboratories – Building Trust and Credibility: This standard enhances the testing, analysis, and certification processes to ensure that every piece originating from Thailand is not only crafted with exceptional skill but also comes with a clear, traceable origin story that meets internationally recognized standards.
  2. Due Diligence and Traceability for Entrepreneurs – Strengthening Corporate Governance: Building robust internal governance covering fair labor practices, workplace safety, transparent record-keeping, and material traceability. These elements create a foundation of trust among domestic and international buyers, including tourists and neighboring markets increasingly attuned to ethical sourcing.
  3. International Standard Readiness – Supporting Export Competitiveness; Through training and incubation programs, GIT equips entrepreneurs to comply with international frameworks such as the RJC Code of Practices and Chain-of-Custody Guidelines, which cover critical areas including human rights, responsible sourcing, environmental management, and occupational safety essential for global market access.

This integrated structure enables to create greater opportunities for Thai businesses, particularly SMEs, to connect with responsible global partners, elevate product and brand value, as well as reduce long-term regulatory or reputational risks linked to labor or environmental issues, contributing to the overall sustainability of Thailand’s gem and jewelry industry.

Expanding Nationwide Through 2026

GIT plans to extend its Sustainability Standards initiative through 2026 in collaboration with industry partners and government agencies. The expansion aims to institutionalize structural standards across the entire value chain from manufacturers and factories to laboratories and domestic retailers ensuring consistency and accountability at every level. In parallel, GIT will provide advisory support to entrepreneurs seeking to assess operational gaps and develop improvement plans that align with international partner expectations.

Hashtag: #GIT

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

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

CAAT Reports 10 Years of Success as Thailand Tops Global Aviation Safety Scores at 91.35%, Surpassing the Global Average by Over 20%

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Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2025 – The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced the results of the audit on the civil aviation safety oversight system under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP CMA) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), conducted from 27 August to 8 September 2025.

The preliminary results, covering only the areas under CAAT’s direct responsibility showed a preliminary score as high as 91.35%, nearly 20% above the global average of 70.50%.

The audit covered all eight key areas, namely:
1. Primary Aviation Legislation and Civil Aviation Regulations (LEG)
2. Civil Aviation Organization (ORG)
3. Personnel Licensing (PEL)
4. Aircraft Operations (OPS)
5. Airworthiness of Aircraft (AIR)
6. Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG)
7. Air Navigation Services (ANS)
8. Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA)

The preliminary results, covering only the areas under CAAT’s direct responsibility -namely legislation, civil aviation organization, aircraft operations, airworthiness, personnel licensing, air navigation services, and aerodromes – showed a preliminary score as high as 91.35%, nearly 20% above the global average of 70.50%. ICAO will be sending a draft report to be reviewed within 90 days after the audit is completed, and the official scores are expected to be announced on ICAO’s website around February 2026.

Thailand achieved a perfect score of 100% in two areas – Aviation Legislation (LEG) and Civil Aviation Organization (ORG) -exceeding the global average by 20–30%. This is ample evidence that Thailand currently has a modern and comprehensive aviation legal framework aligned with international standards, along with a strong, well-structured civil aviation authority on par with the world’s leading aviation nations. It also demonstrates how far Thailand has come since being placed under the ICAO “Red Flag” in 2015, underscoring the country’s progress towards becoming a globally recognized aviation hub.

Thailand’s Aviation Safety Development Path

  • January 2015: Thailand (then under the Department of Civil Aviation) underwent an audit that identified 33 Significant Safety Concerns (SSC). As a result, ICAO issued a “Red Flag,” with Thailand’s Effective Implementation (EI) score at 33.53%.
  • September 2017: CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand) resolved all deficiencies, leading ICAO to remove the Red Flag; the EI score rose to 41.11%.
  • May 2019: All remaining deficiencies were addressed (except in AIG, due to ICAO’s shortage of AIG experts). The EI score increased to 65.83%.
  • September 2021: ICAO conducted an Offsite Validation focusing solely on AIG, with the EI score recorded at 66.08%.
  • January 2022: ICAO updated its audit protocol from the PQ2017 Edition to PQ2020 for the USOAP-CMA, affecting the Effective Implementation (EI) scores of all states. Thailand’s EI score was adjusted to 61.60%.
  • July 2025: ICAO introduced the new PQ2024 Edition, the latest set of criteria for USOAP-CMA audits.

Preliminary Results

  • Current Score (before the audit): 61.60%
  • Preliminary Score: 87.71%
  • Preliminary Score (for areas under CAAT’s direct oversight – legislation, civil aviation organization, aircraft operations, airworthiness, personnel licensing, air navigation services, and aerodromes): 91.35%
  • Global Average: 70.50%

CAAT devoted the full expertise of its personnel to prepare for this USOAP CMA audit, the largest in the past decade since 2015. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of CAAT explained CAAT’s approach to the ICAO assessment that “ICAO provides Thailand with a checklist, questions, and guidance – the same procedure applied worldwide. Each CAAT division responsible for its respective area must work with its own team, covering legislation, operational procedures, and inspections of operators to ensure compliance with CAAT standards, thereby demonstrating the Authority’s oversight capability. Afterwards, ICAO reviews what CAAT has documented, such as regulations and operating procedures, to verify whether CAAT officials enforce them correctly, including applying penalties when operators or licensed personnel violate rules or laws. All these elements contribute to the high scores awarded by ICAO. This process reflects a comprehensive and transparent implementation of aviation law in line with international standards.”

CAAT will perpetually enhance and uphold the standards through ongoing development. Significantly, this achievement was not accomplished by CAAT solitarily but through the collaboration of all stakeholders – including Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd., Airports of Thailand Plc., the Department of Airports, the Civil Aviation Training Center, airlines, and all relevant partner agencies. Their collective efforts drove this mission to success, giving confidence that Thailand will continue to advance steadily towards becoming a safe and reliable aviation hub for the region and the world.

“Normally, ICAO conducts audit programs for its 193 member states, with around 12–20 countries assessed each year. Given Thailand’s high score in this audit, it is expected that, in terms of managing safety risks among member states, there will likely be a considerable interval before Thailand is reviewed again. Over the past decade, Thailand has been among the countries most frequently audited by ICAO. In addition, the checklist used by CAAT for this assessment was the latest 2024 version, which is more efficient. From now on, ICAO will be using this checklist to evaluate all member states before the cycle returns to Thailand,” Air Chief Marshal Manat concluded.

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