PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 1, 2026 – Full Text
1. Kiwi Skincare Start-Up Eyes Multi-Million Dollar Export Expansion After Viral US Review
June 30, 2026
Source: Impact PR for Healthy Skin Lab
A New Zealand skincare start-up is set for a multi-million dollar export expansion after one of its products was named the “holy grail” of tinted sunscreens by a leading United States beauty reviewer.
Healthy Skin Lab, founded by internationally recognised skin cancer doctor and best-selling author Professor Sharad Paul, is seeking a $4 million strategic investment to scale its US operations, increase manufacturing capacity and support the rollout of new science-led skincare products.
Its tinted SPF 50 moisturiser, Protect, is believed by the company to be the first sunscreen formulation developed by a New Zealand skincare business to be registered with the US Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter drug product.
The registration is commercially significant because sunscreen is regulated as an over-the-counter drug in the US, rather than as a standard cosmetic product. The company says this creates a pathway into brick-and-mortar distribution through major pharmacy, healthcare, wellness and retail channels, including potential retailers such as Walgreens and Whole Foods.
The business also plans to use its US expansion as a platform for broader international growth, following early sales into the UK and Europe. It wants to build the inventory and logistics capability to hold stock in key offshore markets, including Germany, France and Italy, reducing delivery times and supporting local retail and ecommerce channels as demand grows.
The capital raise follows strong organic growth for the tinted moisturiser, which was first launched into the US through Amazon as a test market, without marketing support, paid influencer activity or a formal advertising campaign.
Despite this, the company says cumulative sales have reached over $2 million over two years, driven by word-of-mouth, independent reviews and repeat customer demand.
It now has more than 2,000 Amazon subscribers. The product has also sold out repeatedly, including after it was reviewed by Angie “Hot & Flashy”, a US beauty and skincare reviewer with an audience of more than 1.5 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook.
The mineral sunscreen has also been listed as the number one “Most Wished For” product on Amazon in the facial tinted moisturisers category.
The company says product shortages have been driven by manufacturing lead times and stronger-than-expected repeat ordering following the US review.
Professor Paul says the US launch was initially designed to test whether there was consumer demand for the New Zealand-developed formulation.
“The original idea was to put it on Amazon and see whether the product had a market. There was no major marketing campaign behind it, no influencer programme and no large team driving it,” he says.
“What has been significant from a business perspective is that customers found it, reviewed it and kept buying it. That level of organic validation has given us confidence that there is a larger commercial opportunity if the business has the capital and infrastructure to scale.”
Healthy Skin Lab is seeking $4 million in primary growth capital. The capital raise follows an independent valuation which placed the company at around NZ$8.4 million.
The primary growth capital would be used to appoint a CEO and operational team, expand manufacturing capacity, increase inventory, support Amazon and direct-to-consumer growth and build the commercial capability needed to pursue wholesale and physical retail distribution.
It would also support the plan to hold stock in key international markets as the business moves from a single-market test into a broader export platform.
Professor Paul says the company is seeking a strategic investor who can bring commercial capability and market access, rather than passive capital alone.
“The business has reached the point where the limitation is no longer whether there is demand. The limitation is whether we can manufacture enough, hold enough inventory and build the team needed to support larger channels.
“The right investor is likely to be someone who understands the US market, consumer health, pharmacy, ecommerce or retail distribution,” he says.
While the formulation was developed from New Zealand-based research, the product is manufactured in the US to meet regulatory requirements and supply its largest market more efficiently.
The company currently operates an eight-product portfolio spanning sun protection, anti-ageing, brightening and skin barrier repair. It is also progressing a second mineral SPF product through the FDA OTC registration process.
Professor Paul says the regulatory status gives the business a stronger base for expansion into health and retail channels.
“In the US, sunscreen sits in a regulated category. That makes the process more demanding, but it also gives a product greater credibility when it meets the required standard,” he says.
“For us, the FDA registration creates a platform for conversations beyond e-commerce. It gives the company the ability to look at pharmacies, dermatology clinics, healthcare partnerships and larger retailers that require properly registered inventory.”
Investor material forecasts revenue growth from around NZ$980,000 in FY26 to NZ$16.5 million by FY31 under its funded upside scenario, supported by capacity expansion, channel diversification and new product development.
About Dr Sharad Paul:
Dr Paul has treated over 100,000 skin cancer patients and is a world leader and academic in all aspects of skin cancer treatment and research into sunscreens and UV damage. Based in New Zealand, he has lectured and published widely on skin cancer medicine and surgical procedures. He is the author of popular bestsellers, Skin, A Biography (4th Estate) and The Genetics of Health (Simon and Schuster), and has a feature TED talk. He was awarded the New Zealand Medical Association’s highest honour, only awarded to one doctor across all specialities at any one time. He was also a finalist for the New Zealander of the Year Award, and has featured in TIME magazine.
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2. Economy – Recovery delayed, but not derailed – says Kiwibank Economists
June 30, 2026
In December, Kiwibank economists forecast a robust recovery for New Zealand in 2026. Since then, heightened global tension and the resulting oil price shock have seen the outlook revised, with a slower return to growth now expected.
Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr says that while early recovery momentum has softened, the economy is showing signs of resilience.
“We expected clearer skies this year, but instead we’ve had to navigate a storm. The important thing is we’re still moving forward. The recovery hasn’t disappeared, it’s just slower than we’d hoped.”
Global headwinds slow recovery
The outlook shows the economy entered 2026 with improved momentum, including early signs of stabilising demand and easing pressure on household and business budgets.
That progress was disrupted as conflict in the Middle East drove a surge in oil prices, lifting costs and weakening demand as Kiwi pulled back on non-essential spending.
At the same time, a soft labour market and subdued wage growth continue to weigh on activity.
“Kiwi households and businesses are feeling the squeeze. There’s been some relief in places, but for many, higher costs are still front and centre. That’s holding back a stronger rebound in spending as New Zealanders continue to balance their books.”
Encouragingly, data for the March quarter highlights areas of resilience across the economy.
Nine of the 16 industry groups recorded growth. Manufacturing rose 1.9%, driven by transport equipment and machinery production. Wholesale trade lifted 2.4%, supported by machinery and equipment, while business services increased 1.1%. Business investment also rose 3.7%.
“That’s encouraging, because for the first time in a long while, the construction drag is being offset elsewhere.”
Inflation outlook remains uncertain
Inflation is expected to remain volatile in the near term, reflecting global cost pressures, before gradually easing as weak demand and subdued wage growth take effect.
“There may be short-term spikes, but the underlying trend is weaker demand and wage growth doing a lot of the work to bring inflation down.”
Kiwibank economists expect headline inflation to rise to around 4.2% in this quarter, with tradable inflation, particularly oil-related, pushing up to around 5.6%. Domestic inflation is expected to lift more modestly to around 3.3%, before easing over time.
With the outlook evolving quickly, Kerr says monetary policy will play a key role in shaping the recovery.
“We still believe this is a shock that needs to be looked through, with a focus on maintaining conditions that support the recovery and rebuild demand.”
Two scenarios – and a more positive path still in sight
Kiwibank economists outline two possible paths for the New Zealand economy.
The upside scenario assumes a “bounce back” in the domestic economy, supported by easing costs, improving confidence, and a lift in household spending and business investment.
The downside scenario reflects prolonged global disruption, weaker domestic demand, and a more challenging recovery path.
“There are still risks out there, but the positive outcome remains achievable.”
Kerr expects conditions to gain traction through 2027, with inflation easing to around 1.9% as disinflationary forces take hold: “It’s taken longer than we expected, and that’s frustrating. But we’ve weathered though periods before. There are blue skies ahead – it just might take a little longer to get there.”
About Kiwibank
Kiwibank is a purpose-led organisation that has Kiwi values at heart and keeps Kiwi money where it belongs – right here in New Zealand. As a Kiwi bank, with more than a million customers, our trusted experts are focused on supporting Kiwi with their home ownership aspirations and backing local business ambitions, so together we can thrive here in Aotearoa and on the world stage. Kiwibank is among the top banks in Kantar’s 2026 Corporate Reputation Index and is one of the top 15 most trusted brands. To find out more about Kiwibank visit www.kiwibank.co.nz.
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3. Environment – The next government must restart action on plastic pollution – Zero Waste Aotearoa
June 30, 2026
Plastic Free July begins with an urgent call to put plastic pollution back on the political agenda. Plastic Free July is a worldwide campaign to reduce plastic waste and eliminate single use plastics.
“This coalition government has made no progress on addressing the plastic pollution crisis. The Plastics Action Plan targeting problematic plastics has stalled. The tools that would have made a difference are all still sitting on the shelf. We are calling on all political parties to make reducing plastic pollution a priority,” says Sue Coutts from Zero Waste Aotearoa.
“Kantar’s 2026 Better Futures report showed that most New Zealanders expect business to take responsibility for the impacts of the packaging and products they put onto the market and they do not think business or government are doing enough. Voluntary schemes to collect soft plastics and caps and lids collect a small proportion of what goes onto the market, less than 10%.”
“More and more plastic is being imported into Aotearoa, with no viable plan for reusing or recycling it.” says Sue Coutts from Zero Waste Aotearoa. “Harm is caused upstream, with ecosystem damage and health risks to communities near plastic production facilities. And downstream, as plastic is littered, burned, sheds microplastics and leaches harmful chemical additives. “
“Around 1.5 million tonnes of plastic are imported into Aotearoa NZ every year. About 400,000 tonnes of that is packaging. Less than 20%, only 68,000 tonnes of this gets recycled. The rest gets landfilled, littered, or burned. All three cause negative health, environmental and social impacts. “
“”Time and time again, New Zealanders say that plastic pollution is a major concern. Individuals, communities and small businesses can’t stop this flood of hard to recycle and problematic plastic on their own.”
“Government needs to upgrade the Waste Minimisation Act so New Zealand can implement the product stewardship scheme for plastic packaging and get the drink container return scheme up and running.”
“Business has to take responsibility for covering the real cost of these systems and adapt their business models and packaging designs so they are not putting hard to recycle plastics on the market in the first place.”
“High quality recycling helps but won’t solve our plastic pollution crisis. Phasing out the most problematic plastic products and polymers is essential for minimising the harms caused by plastic pollution. Phase outs make room for better alternatives, like reusables, to become mainstream.”
Plastic Free July puts the issue of plastic pollution squarely in front of all of the political parties. We challenge every party to get serious about implementing the practical solutions that will reduce unnecessary and single use plastic, make it viable to collect high value plastics for reuse and recycling and make it easier for everyone to live plastic pollution free lives.
Notes
Kantar Better Futures Survey Results – p12 – Business should take responsibility p15 Business, brands and government not doing enough: https://www.kantarnewzealand.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Better-Futures-Report_2026.pdf
Plastic statistics for Aotearoa NZ: from Envirowaste NZ presentation to the annual WasteMINZ conference, Wellington, May, 2026
Plastic Free July https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
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4. Competition, Workplace Safety and Financial Pressures Shape Risk Agenda for Korean Businesses, Aon Survey
June 30, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
- Competition rises as the top risk, reflecting intensifying markets, while workplace safety accountability remains high amid a stricter regulatory environment
- Liquidity and natural catastrophe risks point to growing pressure on financial resilience
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released the findings from South Korea for its 2025 Global Risk Management Survey, revealing that competition, workplace safety accountability and financial pressures are shaping the country’s risk agenda.
The survey, which gathered responses from nearly 3,000 organisations across 63 countries and 16 industries, highlights a risk environment shaped by digital transformation, economic uncertainty, geopolitical pressures and climate exposure.
Competition Tops the Risk Agenda in Korea
According to the survey, “Increasing competition” is the number one risk for organisations in Korea, compared with fifth globally. It also ranks as the top future risk over the next three years. The findings point to pressures in Korea’s market environment, where a relatively concentrated domestic market and high industry density are driving sustained competition.
Half of Korean respondents report financial losses linked to competition, above both the Asia Pacific (APAC) benchmark of 44.1 percent across APAC and global benchmark of 42.8 percent. Despite this impact, only 17.4 percent of Korean organisations report having a formal plan or review in place for competition risk, highlighting an opportunity to strengthen preparedness relative to exposure.
For Korean businesses, competition is no longer just a commercial issue – it is becoming a material driver of financial outcomes, with implications for margin pressure, investment capacity and long-term growth. This dynamic is closely linked to financial resilience, with sustained competition increasing the importance of liquidity and capital allocation decisions as businesses invest to maintain market position.
“Korea’s risk profile shows how structural market pressures are translating into tangible business impact,” said, Terence Williams, head of Commercial Risk for Aon in APAC. “Competition, regulation and financial volatility are converging, increasing the need for more connected risk strategies that link resilience with capital and growth decisions.”
Workplace Safety Accountability Remains a Major Concern
“Workplace accidents” remain among the top risks for Korean organisations, driven by stronger regulatory enforcement and increased accountability for organisations and senior management under the expanded Serious Accidents Punishment Act. Survey responses show that 64.3 percent of Korean organisations have a plan or formal review in place for work injuries, while over half (57.1 percent) are evaluating insurance or risk transfer solutions for this exposure. This suggests that workplace safety is being treated not only as a compliance requirement, but as a material governance and financial priority.
Financial Resilience Is Increasing in Importance
Natural catastrophe and liquidity risks are increasing in importance within Korea’s risk profile. “Weather and natural disasters” rank sixth among current risks, while “cash flow and liquidity risk” returns to the top 10 for the first time since 2019.While Korea is less exposed to large-scale catastrophe events than some APAC markets, recent extreme weather has still resulted in significant economic losses, including wildfires and flooding in 2025.
At the same time, cash flow and liquidity pressures are intensifying amid macroeconomic volatility, trade uncertainty and sustained competitive pressure. Survey data show that 78.6 percent of Korean organisations have a plan or formal review in place for liquidity risk – the highest level of preparedness among all top risks. The findings indicate that liquidity is closely linked to competitiveness, with sustained investment in talent, expansion and technology critical to maintaining market position.
2025 Top Ten Business Risks for Korea
The breadth of risks shaping Korea’s business environment is reflected in the current top ten rankings:
- Increasing Competition
- Economic Slowdown/Slow Recovery
- Business Interruption
- Work Injuries
- Property Damage
- Weather/Natural Disasters
- Regulatory/Legislative Changes
- Exchange Rate Fluctuation
- Cash Flow/Liquidity Risk
- Cyber Attacks/Data Breach
Future Risks Outlook
The findings suggest that Korean businesses are navigating an increasingly complex risk landscape shaped by both domestic pressures and global disruptions. “Increasing competition” remains the top future risk, while “cyber attacks and data breaches” continue to rise as organisations adapt to evolving operating environments.
Looking ahead, the survey highlights how these risks are expected to evolve as businesses position for growth:
- Increasing Competition
- Economic Slowdown/Slow Recovery
- Work Injuries
- Regulatory/Legislative Changes
- Cyber Attacks/Data Breach
A Greater Need for Structured, Data-Led Risk Management
The findings highlight a clear opportunity for Korean organisations to strengthen how risk is measured, managed and linked to strategic decision making. Compared with global peers, adoption of enterprise-wide risk management frameworks and quantitative analysis remains relatively limited. For example, only 22.2 percent of Korean organisations report that they have assessed increasing competition risk, and the same proportion report having developed continuity or risk management plans for it.
Cyber risk appears more mature, with 33.3 percent of organisations having developed continuity plans for cyber exposures.
More broadly, only 25 percent of Korean organisations report using a structured, enterprise-wide process to identify major risks, and just 2.9 percent use quantitative analytics tools to model risk scenarios and insurance strategies.
“The survey highlights a clear opportunity for Korean organisations to strengthen enterprise risk management and analytics capabilities,” said Kevin Kim, CEO of Korea for Aon. “By building stronger internal data, processes and expertise, businesses can move from reacting to risk toward making more confident, forward-looking decisions that support growth and capital efficiency.”
Hashtag: #Aon
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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5. OTP Bank Becomes First EU Financial Institution to Open a EUR 7 Billion EMTN Programme on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
June 30, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Rated AAA on the China national scale by Lianhe and recently ranked 398th on Forbes Global 2000, up from 1007th in 2022 · Milestone marked by a gong ceremony at the Connect Hall, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, on 30 June 2026
Official OTP Bank Gong Ceremony
The EUR 7 billion programme was established on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 28 May 2026, following approval of its base prospectus by Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) on 27 May 2026, allowing the issuer to raise debt in multiple tranches, currencies, structures and maturities over time. For OTP – which holds an AAA issuer rating on the China national scale from Lianhe Ratings, the highest available – it establishes a permanent platform for trading with certain OTP bonds, and later for raising capital from Asian institutional investors.
On 16 June 2026, OTP priced the programme’s inaugural issuance: a EUR 1 billion Tier 2 note, listed in Hong Kong and Luxembourg. It is OTP’s largest-ever bond transaction and, as at the issue date, the largest euro-denominated Tier 2 note issued by a bank in the CEE and wider CEMEA region. The offering drew a peak order book of EUR 4.1 billion – the largest in OTP’s history – and priced at a coupon of 4.625%.
The listing builds on OTP’s growing presence in Asian capital markets. In 2025 OTP issued its first Dim Sum green bond, raising CNH 900 million and becoming the first Hungarian institution to issue a public offshore renminbi green bond, following a CNY 300 million bond in 2024. The Bank has operated a representative office in Beijing since 2017, became a full member of the Asian Financial Cooperation Association (AFCA) in 2024, and maintains a strategic partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).
Sándor Pataki, Director of Investor Relations and Capital Markets Operations of OTP Bank, said: “Listing our EMTN programme in Hong Kong is a clear demonstration of OTP Bank’s long-term vision and strategic commitment to international capital markets. Hong Kong excels itself as one of the world’s leading international financial centres, serving as a vital bridge between East and West. For OTP Bank, this is not only an opportunity to access liquidity, but also to deepen relationships and build lasting trust with investors in this dynamic region. The demand we have seen for OTP’s credit, including the record order book for our inaugural issue off the programme, reflects the growing interest in high-quality European issuers.”
As Asian investors increasingly look to Europe to diversify their portfolios, Central and Eastern Europe offers a distinctive proposition: emerging-market growth rates combined with the low-risk profile of the European Union. The region’s attractiveness is reinforced by its convergence towards the eurozone. Three of the five countries in which OTP is the market leader sit at the heart of Europe’s euro-convergence story – Bulgaria, which adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, Slovenia, which adopted the euro years ago, and Hungary, OTP’s flagship market, where the recently elected government aims to create the conditions for euro adoption around 2030.
OTP combines what rarely comes together in European banking: high growth, strong profitability and an ultraconservative balance sheet built for resilience. OTP Group is one of the largest and fastest-growing banking groups in the region, recently ranked 398th on the Forbes Global 2000 list, up from 1007th place in 2022. It pairs an annual organic loan growth of around 15% with a disciplined acquisition record and high profitability – a 2025 return on equity of 21.6% – and with an ultraconservative balance sheet: a leverage ratio well above its European peers, strong capital and liquidity, and one of the most resilient outcomes in the European Banking Authority’s latest stress test. In 2023, OTP became the first European bank to enter Uzbekistan, bringing the total population across OTP’s markets to 110 million.
Sándor Pataki, Director of Investor Relations and Capital Markets Operations of OTP Bank, added: “We believe the combination of growth, profitability and stability is what makes OTP an attractive name for fixed-income investors. This is also reflected in our recent ranking among the world’s top 500 companies by Forbes.These achievements are the result of a consistent strategy: prudent growth, diversified funding sources, and a strong focus on long-term partnerships. Over the decades, OTP Bank has built a solid track record in international debt capital markets, and today’s milestones further strengthen that foundation. Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities to deepen our engagement with Asian investors and institutions. We are confident that this listing will serve as a cornerstone for long-term cooperation, mutual growth, and shared success.”
https://www.otpbank.hu/portal/en/retail
https://www.linkedin.com/company/otp-group/?originalSubdomain=hu
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https://www.instagram.com/otp_bank_magyarorszag?igsh=MXRhZmF3MHE3ZTJzaw%3D%3D
Hashtag: #OTPBank #Banking #Finance #HongKong #Hungary
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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6. Corded blinds to be made safer for children
June 30, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is moving to protect young children by making it mandatory for new corded blinds sold in New Zealand to meet recognised safety standards, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer says.
“Since 2008, eight young children have died in New Zealand after becoming entangled in the cords of window coverings. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, and behind every one of those numbers is a family that lost a child to something preventable. New Zealand families deserve to know the products they buy for their homes are safe,” Mr Brewer says.
“Between 2021 and 2026, three coroners recommended improvements to the safety of corded blinds.
“That’s why we are making it mandatory for new corded window coverings to meet internationally recognised safety standards, including those used in Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States. It’s a practical, sensible fix that brings us into line with international best practice and makes these products safer for children.”
Once the standards are in place, new corded blinds will need to remove or reduce cord hazards through shorter cords, clearer warning labels, or safety devices supplied with the item so parents can fix loose cords out of a child’s reach.
“Many corded blinds sold here, particularly pre-made products from major retailers, already meet a safety standard. So this targets the higher-risk products that don’t, while keeping compliance costs limited for businesses already doing the right thing,” Mr Brewer says.
“New standards only apply to new products, so for the blinds already in homes, awareness matters just as much. I’d urge any parent with corded window coverings to visit MBIE’s Product Safety website for advice on replacing them or keeping cords out of reach.
“As a parent myself, I want every mum and dad to have confidence that their home is a safe place for their kids. No family should lose a child to something this preventable, and putting these standards in place is the right thing to do.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/corded-blinds-to-be-made-safer-for-children/
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7. New courses added to EIT’s joint winemaking degree in China
June 30, 2026
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
2 minutes ago
Three new courses have been added to EIT’s joint winemaking programme with China’s Qilu University of Technology (QLUT), as the partnership marked its eighth graduation in Jinan.
EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen attended the June 16 graduation ceremony during her first visit to the QLUT campus. She also signed an addendum to the partnership agreement, adding Academic Wine English, Wine Industry Sustainability, and Global Wine Business and Marketing to the curriculum EIT delivers in China.
Representatives from EIT and Qilu University of Technology (QLUT) following the signing of an addendum to their partnership agreement in Jinan, China.
The EIT School of Viticulture and Wine Science has worked with QLUT since 2015, with EIT staff beginning to teach in China in 2017. Students in the programme are taught a range of wine science courses by EIT staff as part of their Chinese degree.
Seventy students graduated from QLUT’s Bachelor of Brewing Engineering (Wine Science) at the latest ceremony.
The programme enables students to complete the QLUT degree in China before becoming eligible to travel to New Zealand and, with a further two years of study at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale, complete EIT’s Bachelor of Wine Science, graduating with a double degree.
During the visit, Lucy met with QLUT Party Committee Secretary Yantao Wu and QLUT President Duan Peiyong and took part in a Joint Management Committee meeting.
Lucy said the visit reinforced both the strength of the relationship between EIT and QLUT and the value of the programme.
“It was a privilege to visit QLUT, celebrate the achievements of the latest graduating cohort and formalise changes that will support the continued growth of the programme,” she said.
“The warmth and manaakitanga shown by our hosts was deeply felt. The visit reinforced the value of the partnership and the contribution EIT makes through the quality of its teaching and the way it connects with learners and communities.”
Executive Dean of Commerce and Technology John West said the relationship with QLUT provides opportunities for EIT staff to engage with the local wine industry in China.
“This enhances the Hawke’s Bay Great Wine Capital status in working with the Yantai wine region, which has an associate status with the Great Wine Capitals of the world. As a result, students studying at EIT benefit through wider international perspectives in wine production.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/new-courses-added-to-eits-joint-winemaking-degree-in-china/
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8. Appeal for information following burglary, Hastings
June 30, 2026
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Detective Nicholas Moorhouse:
Police investigating a burglary in Hastings early Monday morning, are appealing to the public for information.
Around 4am yesterday [29 June], Police were called to a business on Heretaunga Street East after multiple security alarms had been triggered at the store.
Police responded immediately – no one was located on the premises; however, it was quickly established that a vehicle had been used to force the front door open and to smash the display windows on either side.
Enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved and Police are asking for anyone with information on the incident to please get in touch.
We are also seeking to locate a stolen grey/silver coloured Mazda CX-5 [pictured].
Anyone with information on this incident, the vehicle, or who was involved, is urged to contact 105 – either online or over the phone – and reference file number 260629/7431.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/appeal-for-information-following-burglary-hastings/
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9. PRHK 2026 Benchmark Report highlights how Hong Kong’s IPO revival, AI, and the GBA are reshaping the SAR’s PR industry
June 30, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 June 2026 – The Hong Kong public relations industry has a renewed sense of optimism, driven by the revival of the IPO market and expanding opportunities in technology and travel, according to the results of the 2026 PRHK Benchmark Survey. While agency leaders rated the 2025 business environment as a muted 2.50 out of 5, sentiment for 2026 climbed significantly to 3.08 out of 5.
Some key findings:
- The “GBA Paradox”: While there is a lot of talk about the Greater Bay Area’s promise, an overwhelming 73.3% of Hong Kong PR agencies currently generate no revenue at all from the GBA. The Hong Kong government’s recent launch of the GoGlobal connect platform, which can also connect agencies to Chinese companies, is one example of an opportunity to redress the situation.
- AI Adoption Gap: The PR sector has moved quickly to adopt AI: 81.3% of agencies now use ChatGPT, but 75% of agency leaders still flag AI as a top industry issue, struggling to bridge the gap between experimenting with tools and building disciplined, enterprise-wide operational workflows.
- Culture Trumps Cash: Defying the “revolving door” stereotype of agency life, the industry boasts a remarkably healthy median retention rate of 84.5%. When asked what keeps talent from leaving, 87.5% of leaders cited company culture as their number-one retention driver, completely eclipsing base compensation (43.8%).
Produced by Public Relations Hong Kong (PRHK) in collaboration with the Centre for Communication and Public Opinion Survey at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the report captures an industry successfully navigating structural challenges while keeping a firm eye on renewed growth.
Financial Services, Tech, and Tourism Lead Growth
When forecasting growth for the next 12 months, 75.0% of agency leaders identified financial services, specifically banking, insurance, and fintech, as the sector with the most potential. This optimism is largely fueled by the anticipated revival of Hong Kong’s IPO market, which is expected to generate significant communications mandates. Technology and travel/tourism tied for second, each cited by 56.3% of respondents as key growth drivers for the year ahead.
Penn Leung, Chairperson of PRHK, noted: “The Hong Kong PR industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience. While budget pressures and talent challenges remain, our agencies are adapting and showing a renewed sense of cautious optimism for 2026. The expected return of financial market activity and the structural expansion of tech and tourism prove that strategic communications counsel is more relevant than ever.”
Budget Pressures and the Threat of Fee Discounting
Pricing and client budgets remain the industry’s most pressing vulnerabilities. An overwhelming 81.3% of agency leaders cited shrinking client budgets as their number-one challenge for the coming year. Consequently, 68.8% of Hong Kong PR agencies admitted to discounting their professional fees in the last financial year to win assignments. The report warns that discounting at this scale carries compounding consequences, pushing down market fees and threatening the perceived value of strategic PR as a premium service.
David Ketchum, Research Chair of PRHK, commented: “The data reveals critical insights that agency leaders must address head-on. The disparity between ambitions in the Greater Bay Area and actual revenue generation is stark. Furthermore, the prevalence of fee discounting poses a structural threat to our industry. Agencies that will thrive in 2026 are those that firmly defend their value and operationalize new technologies to enhance their consulting-led strategies.”
Download the full 2026 PRHK Benchmark Report HERE
Download the Summary Infographic HERE
Hashtag: #PRHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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10. Six co-response team locations announced
June 30, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has today announced the remaining six locations for new mental health co-response teams, marking another step in the Government’s rollout of a better crisis response for New Zealanders experiencing mental distress.
“We’re transforming the way emergency services respond to people in mental distress by ensuring more New Zealanders receive a mental health response, rather than a criminal justice response when they call 111,” Mr Doocey says.
“It is utterly unacceptable that for too long, when a concerned mum, dad, friend or colleague calls 111 looking for a mental health response, they have received a criminal justice response. This Government is changing that because New Zealanders deserve better.
“Already we’ve announced new co-response teams in Auckland, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury, with positive results already coming through from the first tranche. Today, I can confirm Northland, Lakes, Hawke’s Bay, MidCentral, Whanganui, and Nelson Marlborough will be the next districts to get the new teams.
“Budget 2025 funded ten new co-response teams, tripling the number available across the country. Before this investment, there were just five teams; when the rollout is complete, there will be fifteen. That’s a significant expansion that will ensure more New Zealanders can access the right support.
“What’s particularly important about this next phase is that many of these locations will serve our rural communities. We know people living in rural New Zealand can face additional barriers to accessing support, whether that’s longer travel distances or more limited access to the range of mental health services available in urban areas.
“These communities know what works best for them. The new Co-Response Teams will be designed to meet the unique needs of the locations. Health and Police will work together to tailor their approach for the district and community.
“These locations were selected based on demand and need, using data including emergency department presentations, crisis contacts, engagement with specialist mental health services and suicide statistics.
“We want this additional resource going where it’s needed most and will make the biggest impact, because at the end of the day, location should never be a barrier. Whether someone lives in a major city or a rural town, they deserve faster access to the right support.
“We are tripling the number of co-response teams, which is a stark contrast to the previous Labour Government, which cut funding in 2018 after National had allocated it for these teams.
“Despite having the Wellington co-response evaluation that found there was a reduction in the use of powers under the Mental Health Act, fewer people needed to go to an emergency department or police station, and the level of wraparound support increased. They were slow to act.
“While I wish that hadn’t happened, and more New Zealanders were already receiving the response they deserve, I’m pleased this Government is taking action to ensure people get the support they need. Already we are seeing them make a big difference.”
Notes to editor:
• Budget 2025 includes $28 million to establish ten new mental health co response teams across New Zealand and increase crisis helpline capacity.
• Implementation planning for the six newly announced locations will now begin. Timeframes for each team will be confirmed as planning progresses.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/six-co-response-team-locations-announced/
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