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PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 23, 2026 – Full Text

PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 23, 2026 – Full Text

PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 23, 2026 – Full Text

Generated August 23, 2026 06:00 NZST · Included sources: 10

1. Winston Peters: “Adding Real Export Value – Use It or Lose It”

August 22, 2026

Source: New Zealand First

Democracy

As we each day draw closer to the election, New Zealanders are beginning to focus more on political parties and the policies they stand for.

Source: New Zealand First

Democracy

As we each day draw closer to the election, New Zealanders are beginning to focus more on political parties and the policies they stand for.

It is true that we all get to exercise our democratic right every three years, but the reality is that we only exercise that right on one day every thirty-six months. 

That means the electoral choice on that one day is critical. It is important for New Zealanders to understand the values, principles, and character of the party they choose to vote for on Election Day.

However, what’ s different this time is, that if New Zealanders as a country make the wrong choice in November, it will put New Zealand on a pathway from which we may never recover. 

There are countless examples in other countries where the wrong choice has taken the country from being a leader, straight to the third world. 

For those voters thinking of changing the government, we suggest they carefully look at the four parties on the left, have a good look at their track record, then view the list of changes they want to make to New Zealand, and then ask this question – are these changes possible without inflicting irreversible harm on New Zealand. 

Later in this speech we will be talking about our polices, but first, lets look at the other side.

And we mean all four of the parties on the left because they will all be needed to form a government.  

It is not just a vote for Labour, or just a vote for the Greens, or just a vote for the Māori Party, or just a vote for the Opportunity Party.

They will all be needed to form a four-headed government combination the type we have never seen in this country’s history. 

Because within these four groups are communists, separatists and worse still they are all globalists. Which is a sure fire toxic concoction to turn our country into the Venezuela or Myanmar of the South Pacific.

That is not an exaggeration. 

We cannot be more serious in our warning that those parties of the left would destroy the New Zealand we know. Our values, our character, our economy, and our society.

In an interview last week, Ryan Bridge asked the Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi why the Māori Seats are needed when this current government has the highest number of Māori in Cabinet on record – that’s even more Māori in Cabinet than when Labour and the Greens were in power.

Do you know what Rawiri said? 

“They may have whakapapa Māori, but they’re not kaupapa Māori based MPs.”

You know what that means don’t you? That Rawiri thinks that you’re the wrong kind of Māori if you don’t agree with what Rawiri thinks.

Here is someone leading a party that purports to ‘represent Māori interests’ in our country, yet only received three percent of the vote – out of a claimed seventeen percent population of Māori in New Zealand. That means less than one in eight Māori even voted for the Māori Party, so who do they represent exactly?

What is worse, is the Māori Party are now actively campaigning against people giving their party vote to the Māori Party.

They are wanting to manipulate the Māori vote by telling people to party vote for some other party on the left.

This is after giving everyone a lecture for decades on the importance of an independent Māori vote, and why other Māori MPs are not Māori enough.

All they have done is treat Māori with disdain, turn up to parliament once a month, and do a haka now and again in the House.

And who wants to sit with them at Cabinet with their extremist views? The Labour Party.

Another party the Labour Party wants to work with is the shiny new Opportunity Party.

The Opportunity Party wants homeowners to pay 1.75% of your home’s land value every year, that’s on top of your local rates.

Now you will have to pay an annual rent to the government.

And what did the leader of the Opportunity Party say when questioned about a couple on the pension, who worked hard and saved all their lives, bought a house for their future and their children’s future, who would now, under Opportunity Party, face a $20k land tax bill every year? She said, yes, they will have to downsize their house to afford it.

This is blisteringly ignorant. But it gets worse.

Because, do you know what that money would be used for? 

The $20k for an old couple on the pension? Infrastructure? Health? Education? Fuel security? Or food prices? No.

The $20k of land tax taken from the old couple, will be used to give everyone in New Zealand, working or not, a Universal Basic Income of $19,400 a year – for free, for life, even if you’re doing nothing.

Opportunity Party calls this ‘fairness’. 

New Zealand First calls it ‘communism’.

The question is, what are you as the voter, going to call it?

The Opportunity Party also wants to raise the youth court age to twenty-five years of age – however, when they were questioned on that, they quickly deleted the 25 year court age from their website and then said they haven’t figured out the new court age yet.

Something Opportunity also changed, only when they were found out, was that their constitution that stated the unelected board could veto caucus decisions. The leader, on television, revealed that she didn’t even know there was such a provision.

Their ‘redistribution of wealth’ and bludging tax policy doesn’t stack up, their ridiculous view on law and order doesn’t stack up, and their policy to intrench Te Tiriti into law along with a Māori Upper House in parliament is worse than the Māori Party’s racist policies.

The mainstream media promoted Opportunity Party campaign is falling apart everyday – just ask the Labour Party leader Helen Clark.

But who wants to sit across from them in Cabinet? The Labour Party.

As for the Green Party, they have proven themselves to be the nutbars they always were.

The Greens want an $88 billion debt increase, and have a new policy bribe to give $2.4 billion to Marae – without any oversight or audit.

If you’re a Māori in this room today, tell us honestly, what does that reflect about what they think of you?

This is inverse racism of the worst sort. They think they can use a bribe to get your vote. Does that reflect respect for you or sheer contempt?

The Greens care more about a geopolitical war happening ten thousand miles away that they know nothing about, than they do about what is happening in their own country.

The are obsessed with race, gender, pronouns, and protests, performative politics, virtue signalling, and woke cancel culture, and they have lost sight of what their party once stood for.

They are no longer worried about the environment like Rod Donald and Jeanette Fitzsimons once were – they have turned into a bunch of weirdo globalists who like to sanctimoniously lecture people – while wearing costumes from some other country.

And who wants to sit across the Cabinet table with them? The Labour Party.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the stark truth. The Labour Party that you once knew, perhaps even supported, is no more.

That party is gone. All of these polices and parties they are willing to support are proof of that.

Can you imagine Helen Clark or Michael Cullen, or Bob Tizard or Peter Frazer signing up to this?

These parties on the left are not people who see New Zealand as one people, one country, one flag, one law, or who believe in fundamental kiwi values like hard work, ambition, and personal responsibility.

These are people who believe in a separatist society, and who want to borrow, tax, and spend – but have zero economic credentials, or even vision, to deliver growth.

Chris Hipkins and Labour are willing to work with parties like Opportunity, Greens, and the Māori Party because Labour care more about the number of seats that will give them power, rather than the danger of who it is they will share power with.

Ladies and gentlemen, part of New Zealand First’s mission is to keep these dangerous lefties out of power.

NZ First will not let Waikato farmers be buried by “Plan Change 1”

This week New Zealand First has made our position clear that the Waikato Regional Council’s “Plan Change 1” must be paused before it becomes a bureaucratic death sentence for farmers and growers across the region.

“Plan Change 1” is a 14-year-old regulatory mess, dragged out by the old RMA, and now threatening to strangle the very people who feed this country.

These rules were designed under a planning system the Government is already replacing. It is absurd to force Waikato farmers into costly consents, gold-plated farm plans, and layers of compliance just as Parliament is moving to scrap the very framework that created this mess.

More than 4500 farms across the Waikato and Waipā catchments could be affected, with hundreds facing the prospect of needing resource consent simply to continue existing farming operations.

That is not environmental management. That is economic vandalism.

New Zealand First will not stand by while regional bureaucrats and courtroom processes make it harder to grow vegetables, milk cows, produce food, and keep rural communities alive.

We are in a cost-of-living crisis. And the last thing New Zealand needs is a planning regime that pushes food prices up.

New Zealand First is calling for PC1 implementation to be paused until the replacement RMA system is in place, existing lawful farming operations are protected, and any future freshwater rules are subject to a primary production viability test.

Cleaner rivers do not come from bankrupting farmers. They come from practical, workable rules that recognise the work already being done on-farm.

And we are not going to allow, PC1, to continue to be the tool for Treaty of Waitangi claims that were not there when the Tainui settlement happened in the 1990s.

New Zealand First’s position is common sense. We must protect productive land, protect food production, and stop the bureaucratic war on farmers.

“Use it or Lose it” Dairy Policy

This week we also announced another policy.

New Zealand First is proposing changes to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 to incentivise investment in value-added dairy manufacturing in New Zealand.

The ‘use it or lose it’ policy would give qualifying manufacturers investing in new value-added dairy production access to up to 500 million litres of Fonterra milk per year for ten years, by lifting existing regulatory settings tenfold from 50 million litres at present.

As you know Fonterra recently flogged off a number of well-known brand-names to Lactalis France. 

That means Anchor, Mainland, Kapiti, and more were sold off and now all of that added value to milk products is going to some other country, not ours. 

How ignorantly economically counterproductive to your own economy can you be?

Fonterra was created, by Parliament, and by statutory monopoly, to build a dairy co-operative of extraordinary scale to sell milk and dairy products, and Parliament has the right and the responsibility to ensure the policy is to turn our milk into the maximum possible value for New Zealand jobs, wages, skills, exports, and wealth.

The legislation currently allows independent processors to access up to 50 million litres of milk per season, but this is too low to incentivise manufacturing of substantial scale, so we will lift it tenfold to 500 million litres.

The current regime can help investors start, but it is specifically designed not to help them reach industrial scale, and that is not appropriate now that Fonterra has sold its own consumer products to another company in another country.

The current rules obstruct future investors in added value. That must change.

We are changing the rules, but for those who wish to use the new rules, they must use the rule change now, or lose the benefit.

To qualify, you need to establish a dairy product manufacturing base in New Zealand, majority owned by New Zealanders, marketing ‘New Zealand dairy’ to the world.

Milk would not be subsidised. Manufacturers would pay the farm gate milk price plus efficient collection and delivery costs.

Fonterra and farmers would be paid as usual, but we wish to give certainty to new investment in the dairy market to diversify, secure New Zealand jobs, and add value to New Zealand milk.

We are giving certainty for any business willing to manufacture dairy products in New Zealand.

We want industry in New Zealand. If investors want to invest more in higher-value manufacturing, then our economic settings should welcome them.

Build the factories. Build the brands. Take New Zealand dairy products to the world.

Experience Matters Most

New Zealand First started our long campaign in March this year and we have been packing the halls around the country every week delivering the message to thousands of kiwis that we are focussed on two things – bold policies our country needs for a real change, and the fight for ordinary hard working kiwis against the establishment, the elites, and the status quo.

Experience and leadership has never mattered more.

We need leaders of the next government to say the things that people are thinking without fear or favour – even the things that might be unpopular.

New Zealand needs strong leadership who are not afraid to be strong on important issues.

And we don’t need weak leaders who don’t understand New Zealand values.

We can’t go on allowing the two old parties to tinker round the edges of big issues, and do nothing but manage the decline of our country.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have already announced a number of bold policies this year.

It is what we need for real change to drive down the cost of living, secure a better future for kiwis, and reinforce who we are as New Zealanders.

Announced Bold Policies

We have announced practical, logical and workable policies to break up the power companies’ monopoly, and drive power prices down.

We have announced practical, logical and workable policies to split the supermarket duopoly, and drive food prices down.

We have announced practical, logical, and workable polices to re-establish a competitive New Zealand owned state bank, to drive banking charges down.

We have announced polices to return mining royalties, created in the regions, back to the regions.

We have announced establishing a proper transparent inquiry into those who were injured by the Covid 19 vaccine – so we can find out exactly what happened, who was responsible, and publicly hold them to account.

And we are going to further inquire into how over 311,000 twelve to seventeen year olds got the second vaccine when the then Prime Minister Ardern, and two Ministers in charge Hipkins and Verrill, were advised not to.

Ladies and gentlemen, the fact that this is not headlining in the mainstream media or in parliament is testimony to how the establishment, media and political, almost completely conformed to the “podium of truth”.

The reason why you aren’t seeing any headlines is that both the media and politicians are exposed to their wanton compliance and obedience in how they mislead the public of New Zealand – this is a conspiracy.

We are going to expose the cover-up on this issue by the other political parties and the establishment who all signed a document not to talk to the protesters.

We announced our KiwiSaver policy of making it compulsory with automatic $1000 sign-up at birth. It means the day a baby is born it gets $1000 in its account to start saving.

We have announced our policy is to establish a $100 billion Future Fund that will invest in a thirty-year infrastructure plan for our country. And that’s where we are going to get the money to build the projects that we promise in our country.

We have also announced that we will pull out of the failing Paris Agreement that is senselessly hamstringing our economy. 

New Zealand has one of the loosest electoral laws in the world, and that is why we have announced a policy to ensure that by 2029 only citizens are allowed to vote in our country. 

At our Campaign Launch, we announced a policy to invest $1billion to start exploring our gas and oil reserves in our deep-sea basins so we can own and export our own oil and gas – we need to be independent from events like in the Strait of Hormuz.

We also have announced the ‘Kiwi Kids Grant’ that will support New Zealand citizens raising their first three children, through the first three years of their lives – $5000 per child for each of the three years.

Value of Citizenship

New Zealand needs to start viewing our citizenship as most other countries around the world do – as a privilege that comes with special and unique rights. 

This does not take away from migrants the ability to move here and help build our country, from showing total commitment and patriotism for New Zealand by becoming a citizen. 

We have massively allowed so many of our standards to drop.

Even the most basic of privileges and rights in any country like voting has in our country become more like an expectation for anyone, rather than a unique right for New Zealanders.

Ladies and gentlemen, why do so many ‘apologetic globalists’ act shocked and dismayed that a political party is wanting to ensure that citizenship actually mean something? 

There is a difference in this election. Kiwis are looking at what parties are offering as their values and principles in these uncertain times.

NZFirst Party of Conservatism, Patriotism, Nationalism

We signed a coalition agreement to govern with stability and experience three years ago – and we have kept our word. 

New Zealand First brings what is too often missing in politics – experience and common sense.

New Zealand First brings a commitment to New Zealand industry, to manufacturing, to jobs right here for our own people.

New Zealand First brings commonsense to immigration policy – where we allow in people that we need, not people who need us.

We believe in infrastructure before population growth, not afterwards, and infrastructure focused on fixing what’s broken, not flash upgrades and vanity projects.

New Zealand First brings traditional kiwi conservative values – where hard work should be rewarded, where job security and home ownership underpins a stable family life. 

We want a country where young people aren’t worried about their family’s future, or where they see better opportunities overseas.

We are the party of social conservatism, patriotism, and nationalism. Those values are what it means to be a Kiwi – and New Zealand First is proud to not only stand by those values, but to fight for them.

We must be focussed on what New Zealanders gave us a mandate to do – turning this country around with policies and values that will give our country a better future – driving down the cost of living, cost of food, cost of power, cost of fuel, and turning this economy around – and doing it all with stability and experience.

We in 2023 inherited an economic nightmare. But not enough government members of parliament understood that. 

This pivotal election voters want to hear a clear and unified message – that we are going to win, and take New Zealand back to being a leading economy again. 

Challenging the Status Quo

The greatest threat to this blind ideology, to social elitism, and to the status quo, is New Zealand First.

And the country we are defending is called New Zealand – it’s in our party’s name.

We fight for the hardworking blue-collar Kiwi battler, who just wants the chance to help build a country they are proud of.

In this election, we have a rare chance to change the shape of parliament for the better, and in doing so, to reshape our country the way you want it.

We are asking you to make a choice with our future generations in mind.

Take back control from the Wellington bubble.

Take back control from those who choose to be CV politicians, where they are here one day, “no more gas in the tank”, and are gone the next – taking with them a rolodex of international jobs, speaking circuits, or book tours, looking back over their shoulder at New Zealand’s decline – which they caused. 

New Zealand First, from our launch thirty-three years ago, has been battling that elitist status quo. No one can deny that. On issue after issue that needed public exposure, the rest remain silent. When others wouldn’t raise a finger, we have raised the roof.

Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen, we are all here because we love our country, and we are proud of it.

True democracy is a rare flower in the history of humanity.

Down thousands of years living in democracy with freedom is a historical rarity. 

We have inherited a free country that our forebears fought and died for, and it’s our job to preserve it.

But only if we are proud of what we have inherited can we come together and move forward to shape the vision of our country’s future.

We live in a country that, at its core, traditional New Zealand values once saw us amongst the world’s leaders – hard work, fair pay, valuing our citizenship, building a sense of community, and knowing who we are as kiwis.

We must remember, New Zealand is the beneficiary of Western values, democracy, and the rule of law. And the advancement and enhancement of those principles have only occurred in those societies that have united together as one people – and who celebrate their nationhood instead of perpetuating division.

There is a lot of uncertainty around the world and at home, but we must keep hope alive that, with hard work and perseverance, tomorrow will be better.

New Zealand First is nationalist, patriotic, and socially conservative values that we fight for. 

It hasn’t been easy – but things in life worth doing never are.  

We must never forget that challenge.

We must never stop believing in New Zealand.

That is our vision and that is our mission.

To protect, to save, and to restore New Zealand’s place at the top of the world.

By putting New Zealand and New Zealanders first.

We are asking you to join us – and Party Vote New Zealand First.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/22/winston-peters-adding-real-export-value-use-it-or-lose-it/

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2. Tesson Holdings Limited Launches “Tesson Smart Energy” Strategy to Accelerate Industrial Deployment of New Energy Ecosystem in Mainland China and Hong Kong

August 20, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

The event was attended by core management of Tesson Holdings : Chairman and Executive Director, Mr. Wei Mingren; Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Li Jingquan; Executive Director, Mr. Li Yang; as well as distinguished guests including Ms. Li Jinying (李錦瑩), President of Logistics Planning Research Institute of CFLP; Mr. Yan An (閆安), President of the Digital Lianli Research Institute of the Jiangxi Centre of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (中科院江西中心數字連理研究院); Professor Yu Changyuan, Chairman of Anlaseo Technology; and Dr. Cheng Zhi, Chief Executive Officer of Anlaseo Technology.

Strategic Evolution: From “Battery Manufacturing” to “Smart Energy Operation”

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2026 – Tesson Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 01201.HK) recently hosted the “Tesson Smart Energy: Recharged & Ready” 2026 Brand Evolution & Strategic Partnership Signing” at Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong. At the event, Tesson Holdings Limited formally announced its strategic upgrade from lithium-ion motive battery manufacturing business toward new energy smart electricity platform-based operation. The company also entered into strategic and industrial partnership agreements with Logistics Planning Research Institute of China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP), Zhongke Lianli (中科连理) and Hong Kong Polytechnic University Anlaseo Technology respectively.

The event was attended by core management of Tesson Holdings : Chairman and Executive Director, Mr. Wei Mingren; Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Li Jingquan; Executive Director, Mr. Li Yang; as well as distinguished guests including Ms. Li Jinying (李錦瑩), President of Logistics Planning Research Institute of CFLP; Mr. Yan An (閆安), President of the Digital Lianli Research Institute of the Jiangxi Centre of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (中科院江西中心數字連理研究院); Professor Yu Changyuan, Chairman of Anlaseo Technology; and Dr. Cheng Zhi, Chief Executive Officer of Anlaseo Technology.

Strategic Evolution: From “Battery Manufacturing” to “Smart Energy Operation”

Tesson Holdings has long been engaged in the research, manufacturing and sales of lithium-ion motive batteries. In 2025, the Company launched its Hong Kong-based “photovoltaic storage charging and checking” AI-inspected ultra-fast charging and zero-carbon microgrid asset operation business, completing the acquisition of the assets of seven new energy integrated service stations and marking its first step towards strategic recharge.

Mr. Wei Mingren said that the recharge does not represent a departure from the Company’s existing industrial foundation, but rather based on the company’s past decade of industrial foundation of the system of motive battery manufacturing business, the experience of the operation of charging network in Hong Kong and the capabilties of industrial integration and capital management.”Based on our manufacturing foundation, Tesson Holdings is accelerating its transformation into a smart energy platform operator, enabling every unit of electricity to unleash greater value.”

Mr. Li Jingquan outlined development pathway of the company:”Battery manufacturing → zero-carbon microgrid and energy storage operations → AI-powered electricity trading and carbon-energy asset management platform.”

He noted that Tesson will leverage its “photovoltaic storage charging and checking” microgrid operations as an entry point, collaborate with supply chain partners to develop zero-carbon microgrids and virtual power plants, while strategic upgrade gradually from an energy equipments manufacturer into a smart energy platform operator.

Mr. Li Yang further elaborated on the company’s core competitiveness built around “Data, Intelligence and Electricity”:”Data” represents the credible data base; “Intelligence” represents the AI-driven capabilities of electricity trading; “Electricity” represents capabilities of electrical assets operation.

The Company will expand its regional market presence actively, aim to secure over 10% of regional market share in multiple cities, and building an operating ecosystem servicing up to 10 billion kWh of electricity consumption.

Industrial Opportunities: Policy Support Driving New Energy Infrastructure Development in Mainland China and Hong Kong

Ms. Li Jinying (李錦瑩) noted that China is simultaneously advancing the upgrading and restructure of two major infrastructure networks — the new power system and modern logistics network.

She highlighted that logistics facilities are evolving beyond traditional transportation hubs into important industrial platforms for energy consumption, green transformation and electrical data collection. The cooperative operation of energy flows, logistics flows and data flows is reshaping the pattern of national infrastructure. Tesson Smart Energy timely deploy related industries

Since 2026, the company has entered into strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding with DST Sustainable Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (地上鐵綠色科技(深圳)股份有限公司) (DST) and China Railway First Group Co., Ltd respectively. The first pilot project of China Railway First Group, located at car park of Hoi Wang Road in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, and will be developed into a zero-carbon integrated facility combining parking, charging and vehicle inspection functions.

Meanwhile, the joint venture company established with DST plans to build 10 more multi-functional battery swapping stations.

The launch event follows the completion of the Company’s financing activity of placing of new shares. With the completion financing activity of placing, strategic launching and industrial partnership signings simultaneously, signaling the new energy strategic of”Tesson Smart Energy”which is driven by “Technology + Industry + Capital” formally set sail.

Strategic Partnerships Covering the Full “Industry–Research–Application” Value Chain

The three strategic partnership signings at the event covering national think tank, research institutions and university spin-offs, surrounding modern power and development of new energy ecosystem, forming a complete layout from strategic planning, technology development and commercial application.

Mr. Wei Mingren said the significance of these signings is not only “plans announcing”, but rather is “in progress and amplifying the outcomes through ecological cooperation”.

The cooperation between Tesson Holdings and Logistics Planning Research Institute of CFLP is particularly crucial. Both parties will establish a joint venture big data operation company in Beijing to formally advance to transport logistics, important scenario of power consumption.

As a national logistics think tank and the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) publishing organization, the Logistics Planning Research Institute of CFLP, both parties will work together to explore the integration path of new and renewable energy power and green logistics, pushing logistics industry to upgrade in the direction of low-carbonization and intelligentization.

Afterwards, Tesson Holdings also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Zhongke Lianli (中科连理) focusing on development of industrial brain data resource, digitization of logistics hub energy and scenario collaboration of modernized power grid, further improving the capabilities of digitization and intelligentization of new energy industry

Finally, Tesson Holdings entered into a strategic partnership with Hong Kong Polytechnic University Anlaseo Technolgy, which is a startup incubator of Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Anlaseo Technology was also subsidized by the Hong Kong Government’s “Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+)”.Its intelligent battery sensor system enabling intelligent lifecycle monitoring of batteries through edge computing and AI algorithm, providing the core technological support in the of field of such as electrical safety awareness and smart management. .

Future Outlook: Anchoring the Strategic Position of Smart Energy Platform Operator

With the upgrade of strategy of “Tesson Smart Energy” and the implementation of significant industrial cooperation partnership signings, Tesson Holdings is in the stage of systematically advancing the deployment of new energy ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Tesson Holdings will continue advancing systematic deployment across energy generation, distribution and consumption sectors with core strategic brand of “Tesson Smart Energy”.

Through a dual strategy combining strategic acquisitions and organic development, Tesson Holdings aims to build an integrated new energy ecosystem covering renewable energy generation, energy storage, charging infrastructure, electricity trading and carbon-energy asset management.

Hashtag: #Tesson

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

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

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3. Achieving competitive urban land markets in new system

August 19, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Achieving competitive urban land markets in new system

The government will establish an independent economic umpire to ensure councils achieve competitive urban land markets through the new planning system, Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and RMA Reform Under-Secretary Simon Court say.

Source: New Zealand Government

Achieving competitive urban land markets in new system

The government will establish an independent economic umpire to ensure councils achieve competitive urban land markets through the new planning system, Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and RMA Reform Under-Secretary Simon Court say.

An amendment paper to the Government’s Planning Bill will establish the role of an independent Urban Land Market Officer to determine whether urban land markets are competitive, to monitor and report on land market performance, and to advise central government and councils on actions to increase competitiveness.

“For too long, the Resource Management Act (RMA) has acted as a handbrake on growth and opportunity. It is directly responsible for New Zealand’s housing crisis by limiting the supply of urban land and housing – driving up costs for New Zealanders,” Mr Bishop says.

“Our new planning system will deliver the most significant pro-housing reforms in a generation. It will give homeowners more freedom and give prospective homeowners and renters more choice. It will also speed up consenting and create clear and consistent rules across the country. Additionally, private plan change requests will be made much easier.

“A specific goal of the new Planning Bill is for the system to enable competitive urban land markets by making land available to create abundant development opportunities for residential and business use.

“This creates a statutory obligation on councils to ensure that the supply of urban land is responsive to demand such that land prices do not materially or persistently reflect scarcity premiums. In other words, councils will need to be conscious that their planning rules do not create an artificial scarcity of developable land which in turn pushes up land prices. 

“This is fundamental to improving housing affordability, supporting economic growth, and accelerating productivity.

“To ensure councils fulfil this obligation, Cabinet has agreed to establish a new Urban Land Market Officer. They will provide independent assurance to government that planning decisions made locally support competitive urban land markets – getting these critical decisions out of the hands of central government politicians and into the hands of experts.

This new officer will focus on monitoring and advising on urban land market competitiveness. It will have functions to:

  • develop a framework which would include any thresholds for determining competitiveness set in line with national instruments
  • monitor and report on the competitiveness of urban land markets 
  • require information from local authorities to enable an assessment as to the competitiveness of their urban land markets
  • assess the extent land use regulation is impacting the competitiveness of urban land markets
  • make formal determinations on whether a land market is competitive or not.
  • advise the government on actions to increase competitiveness in land markets

If the Officer makes a determination that a local authority’s actions under the Planning Act have contributed to a non-competitive urban land market, then the local authority will need to take action to address this, such as by progressing a plan change to enable more capacity for housing. 

“Monitoring in other markets that have monopolistic characteristics drives better outcomes for New Zealanders – like the Commerce Commission and regulated utilities. Urban land markets are similar as a council effectively controls the supply of urban land and development capacity in an urban market.

“What happens in our land markets matters a great deal to growth, productivity and prosperity and deserves appropriate independent scrutiny.

“This is one of the final pieces in the puzzle of Pillar One of our Going for Housing Growth agenda. The independent officer will help ensure that every council is zoning enough land for housing.

Mr Bishop says that the overriding statutory obligation on councils to ensure competitive urban land markets is on top of agreed government policy to make it easier for cities to expand up and outward through:

  • the abolition of rural-urban boundaries, 
  • Housing Growth Targets which will set a requirement for councils to enable 30 years of feasible development capacity, 
  • new standardised zones which will provide for a mix of uses across urban areas and not allow for minimum floor areas or balcony requirements, and
  • a requirement to upzone around transport corridors. 

These policies will be developed through National Policy Direction and National Standards in the new system.

“The government is throwing the kitchen sink at sorting out the fundamentals of housing supply.”

Mr Court says the Officer adds another important accountability mechanism to make sure councils turn the corner from the RMA and start making the decisions needed to deliver the step change these reforms are designed to achieve.

“Regulatory relief and the Planning Tribunal are already key safeguards against the over-regulation that became synonymous with the RMA.

“The Urban Land Market Officer is another lever for driving culture shift, with a clear focus on whether councils are actually enabling enough land for growth.

“For too long councils have been able to weaponise an ever-growing list of ‘effects’, or game theoretical capacity targets, while constraining real development and driving land and house prices to eye-watering levels.

“The Urban Land Market Officer will bring independent expertise, scrutiny, and transparency to that problem. If a council is choking off land supply, there will now be an independent umpire to call it out and require action — without putting those decisions back into politicians’ laps.”

“This is a significant shift that will help ensure the planning system supports rather than hinders the delivery of homes,” Mr Bishop says.

“We’ve also removed all barriers to private plan change applications, allowing developers to request these at any time. In addition, we expect the National Policy Direction to require that where land markets have been found to be uncompetitive by the Independent Officer, the assessment for residential private plan changes will put the ‘finger on the scale’ towards development.

“It is about making sure New Zealand has enough land for homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Being more transparent on planning rules which are holding us back from growth, will help create the conditions for more housing, lower costs, and ultimately better opportunities for New Zealanders.”

Notes to editor:

  • An Amendment Paper will shortly be released to create the role and set out its functions and powers in the Planning Bill that will replace the RMA.
  • The Officer will be an independent statutory officer within the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport.
  • The Officer will develop and publish a framework for assessing urban land market competitiveness. Using the framework, the Officer will make formal determinations on whether a land market is competitive and publish the reasons for those determinations. Councils will be required to respond to any determinations that find that the council has contributed to a lack of competitiveness.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/achieving-competitive-urban-land-markets-in-new-system/

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4. A more practical planning system for food and fibre production

August 19, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is making targeted changes to the new planning system to create a more practical system for food and fibre production, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and RMA Reform Under-Secretary Simon Court say.

“The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill will replace the Resource Management Act with a faster, clearer and less costly planning system that better supports housing, infrastructure, primary production and economic growth, while protecting the natural environment,” Mr Bishop says.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is making targeted changes to the new planning system to create a more practical system for food and fibre production, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and RMA Reform Under-Secretary Simon Court say.

“The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill will replace the Resource Management Act with a faster, clearer and less costly planning system that better supports housing, infrastructure, primary production and economic growth, while protecting the natural environment,” Mr Bishop says.

“The changes will remove unnecessary complexity, better reflect real-world farming and horticultural practices, and provide greater certainty for investment and day-to-day operations.”

Mr Bishop says the changes include simplifying the Natural Environment Bill’s environmental limits framework by removing resource cap provisions and simplifying action plan provisions.

“These changes clarify our intent that action plans are the primary mechanism for managing resource use when a limit is at risk of being breached,” Mr Court says.

“This is about making the framework less prescriptive. It allows greater precision and flexibility through national instruments, without materially altering the intent or requirements of the environmental limits framework.”

“This will make requirements easier to apply on the ground for farmers and growers, while not reducing core environmental protections,” Mr McClay says.

The Government will also expand what counts as an existing use to better account for seasonal activities. Existing uses will now include lawfully established activities carried out in the past 12 months, up from 6 months.

“Farmers and growers operate in the real world, where activities are often seasonal and do not always fit neatly into a six-month window,” Mr McClay says.

“Extending the existing use period to 12 months better reflects how food and fibre production works, including activities such as crop rotation.”

The definition of long-lived infrastructure will also be amended to include water storage and distribution, meaning a minimum 35-year duration will apply to permits for water infrastructure. This will apply to building the relevant infrastructure, not the taking of water.

“Water storage and distribution infrastructure is critical for productive and resilient rural communities,” Mr McClay says.

“Longer consent durations will provide greater certainty for investment in the infrastructure farmers and growers rely on.”

The Amendment Papers also include changes to sections 70 and 107 of the Resource Management Act. These changes will enable councils to permit, or grant consent for, activities in the transition period where adverse effects are already occurring in a waterbody, as long as the permitted activity or consent includes requirements to reduce those effects over time.

“This will allow councils to recognise situations where improvement is already being built into the rules or consent conditions,” Mr Hoggard says.

“Where effects are already occurring, the law should support activity continuing where there are clear requirements to reduce those effects over time.”

Mr Hoggard says the package responds to concerns from farmers and growers about how the new planning system will work on the ground.

“Food and fibre producers need rules that are clear, proportionate and practical. These changes will help reduce unnecessary complexity while maintaining a focus on environmental improvement.”

The Amendment Papers also include changes to strengthen environmental protections in the Bills, such as amending the indigenous biodiversity goal in the Natural Environment Bill, replacing “no net loss in indigenous biodiversity” with “protect significant indigenous biodiversity”.

“We’ve heard feedback about the workability of the ‘no net loss’ approach and we’re making this change to ensure biodiversity protections are focused where they are needed most.”

Mr Bishop says the changes make the Bills more workable without changing their overall direction.

“The new planning system is designed to be faster, clearer and more enabling, while protecting the natural environment.

“These targeted changes will help ensure the system works in practice for farmers, growers and other New Zealanders who rely on natural resources.”

The Amendment Papers will be considered during the Committee of the Whole House stage.

The Government is also announcing related changes to make freshwater farm plans more proportionate and cost-effective, and targeted action on Plan Changes 1 and 2 to provide respective certainty for farmers and growers in the Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui while the new planning system is put in place.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/a-more-practical-planning-system-for-food-and-fibre-production/

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5. NZ First launches ‘Use It or Lose It’ dairy policy

August 20, 2026

Source: New Zealand First

New Zealand First is proposing changes to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 to incentivise investment in value-added dairy manufacturing in New Zealand, New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.

The ‘Use It or Lose It’ policy would give qualifying manufacturers investing in new value-added dairy production access to up to 500 million litres of Fonterra milk per year for ten years, by lifting existing regulatory settings tenfold from 50 million litres at present.

Source: New Zealand First

New Zealand First is proposing changes to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 to incentivise investment in value-added dairy manufacturing in New Zealand, New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.

The ‘Use It or Lose It’ policy would give qualifying manufacturers investing in new value-added dairy production access to up to 500 million litres of Fonterra milk per year for ten years, by lifting existing regulatory settings tenfold from 50 million litres at present.

“The Lactalis sale should be a turning point, not the end of the manufacturing line,” Mr Peters says.

“Fonterra has made its choice. Now New Zealand must make our choice.”

“Fonterra was created by Parliament to build a dairy co-operative of extraordinary scale to sell milk and dairy products, and Parliament has the right and the responsibility to ensure the system to turns our milk into the maximum possible value for New Zealand jobs, wages, skills, and exports.”

“The legislation currently allows independent processors to access up to 50 million litres of milk per season, but this is too low to incentivise manufacturing of substantial scale, so we will lift it tenfold to 500 million litres.

“The current regime can help investors start, but it is specifically designed not to help them reach industrial scale, and that is not appropriate now that Fonterra has sold its own consumer products.

“The current rules tell investors: don’t bother. That must change.”

Under the policy, qualifying manufacturers could access up to 500 million litres annually for the first six years. The entitlement would then taper to 80 per cent, 60 per cent, 40 per cent and 20 per cent over the following four years before ending, as an incentive on the market to ‘use it or lose it’ by investing now in New Zealand-based dairy manufacturing prospects.

“To qualify, you need to establish a dairy product manufacturing base in New Zealand marketing ‘New Zealand dairy’ to the world.”

Milk would not be subsidised. Manufacturers would pay the farm gate milk price plus efficient collection and delivery costs.

“Fonterra and farmers would be fairly compensated, but this provides certainty to new investment in the dairy market to diversify, secure New Zealand jobs, and add value to New Zealand milk.

“This is certainty for any business willing to manufacture dairy products in New Zealand.”

The proposal would be advanced through the current review of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act, for which the next Minister of Agriculture is due to report to Parliament in 2027.

“We want industry in New Zealand. If investors want to invest more in higher-value manufacturing, then our economic settings should welcome them.”

“Build the factories. Build the brands. Take New Zealand dairy products to the world.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/20/nz-first-launches-use-it-or-lose-it-dairy-policy/

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6. Pacific – President backs Winston Peters economy comments as Naoero’s economic progress is called world’s best

August 20, 2026

Source: The Republic of Naoero

August 20, 2026

As the region prepares for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, President David Adeang has supported a call from New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters for Pacific leaders to shift their focus from aid to strengthening their own economies.

Source: The Republic of Naoero

August 20, 2026

As the region prepares for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, President David Adeang has supported a call from New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters for Pacific leaders to shift their focus from aid to strengthening their own economies.

Mr Peters told Pacific Mornings that stronger economies are vital if island countries are to have more control over their future.

He said, “I go to ASEAN, and it’s all about the economy, the economy, economy, economy. I go to the Pacific, it’s all about aid.”

President Adeang said his Government had been pursuing that approach since he was elected in 2023 and its long-term economic strategy is delivering strong results.

He said the progress has been driven by bold thinking, innovation, close friendships with Australia, China, and the ADB, and long-term planning to create a stronger future.

“From the outset we said that our future will not be defined by the UN’s ranking of Naoero as the world’s fifth most vulnerable nation to economic and climate shock.”

Naoero’s success has now been hailed in a recently published analysis by Australian National University’s director of the Development Policy Centre, Professor Stephen Howes.

Professor Howes highlighted Naoero’s economic transformation over the past decade, noting strong growth in national income, increased employment and the success of new sources of foreign income in supporting the nation’s development.

He noted that Naoero experienced average annual growth in national income of 4.9 per cent per person between 2009 and 2024. With major advances coming in the years President Adeang served as finance minister, Naoero is once again soon to be classified as a high-income country by the OECD.

His report also highlighted major economic improvements between the 2011 and 2021 censuses, including a 36 per cent increase in jobs for men, a 74 per cent increase in jobs for women, and employment growth from 47 per cent to 64 per cent of the population.

In the report, Professor Howes noted the available economic indicators suggest Naoero’s strong economic performance has continued beyond the 2021 Census.

“While the 2021 census data is now a bit old, there is no sign of Naoero’s boom having ended,” Professor Howes wrote.

“If any other boom worldwide has delivered similarly stunning results in such a short period, I am not aware of it.”

Reflecting on Naoero’s economic recovery journey, President Adeang has previously highlighted the importance of transparency, trust and working closely with communities.

He said dei-Naoero understood the importance of the Intergenerational Trust Fund which was securing the financial future for generations to come, and are embracing initiatives like advances in crypto, the citizenship program, new fishing initiatives and third-party resettlement arrangements with Australia.

“We are succeeding because we were transparent, because we spoke directly with our people, and because they trust that the sacrifices were for Naoero’s future,” he said.

President Adeang said those same values continue to guide the government’s approach to leadership and nation building.

“Faith, family, and community remain our compass. Leadership means keeping community relationships close and never forgetting who we serve.”

MIL OSI

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7. ISCA and ICAI Deepen Collaboration on AI Fluency and Professional Recognition

August 21, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) are deepening their longstanding collaboration through two initiatives focussed on strengthening AI capabilities among accounting professionals and enhancing professional qualification recognition.

ISCA today signed a Letter of Cooperation setting out a framework for proposed Global AI Fluency Initiative centred on ISCA’s AI Fluency Programme. The proposed cooperation will explore how ISCA and ICAI can work together to extend practical and responsible AI learning to ICAI members and students, subject to relevant approvals and mutually agreed implementation arrangements.

Source: Media Outreach

Collaboration could extend Singapore-developed AI training to ICAI’s members and students, alongside greater recognition of relevant professional learning

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 August 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) are deepening their longstanding collaboration through two initiatives focussed on strengthening AI capabilities among accounting professionals and enhancing professional qualification recognition.

ISCA today signed a Letter of Cooperation setting out a framework for proposed Global AI Fluency Initiative centred on ISCA’s AI Fluency Programme. The proposed cooperation will explore how ISCA and ICAI can work together to extend practical and responsible AI learning to ICAI members and students, subject to relevant approvals and mutually agreed implementation arrangements.

ISCA also announced its approval of a proposed Module Exemption Agreement (MEA) with ICAI relating to their professional qualification pathways.

Extending Singapore-developed AI capability internationally

The proposed AI collaboration builds on the early momentum of ISCA’s AI Fluency Programme. Through the proposed collaboration, ISCA and ICAI will explore opportunities to extend access of the programme to ICAI’s professional community of more than 1.5 million members and students, broadening the international reach of Singapore-developed AI capability building for the accountancy profession.

The approximately 30-hour programme comprises 180 hands-on cases based on workplace applications, structured around three areas:

  • AI Fluency Foundations: Building essential AI confidence for everyday professional work;
  • AI for Accounting Specialisations: Applying AI across accounting, audit, finance, tax and related professional functions; and
  • AI Leadership & Governance: Developing the capability to lead AI adoption responsibly, with appropriate governance and oversight.

The practical approach is designed to help learners identify where AI can add value while continuing to exercise professional judgement, appropriate oversight and responsibility for their work.

The proposed collaboration will explore:

  • Programme promotion: Supporting the promotion of respective AI programmes to each institute’s members through mutually agreed arrangements;
  • Member outreach and promotion: Promoting the AI Fluency Programme to ICAI members in India and, where appropriate, across ICAI’s global network through mutually agreed communications;
  • Professional application: Exchanging views and use cases on the application of AI in accounting, audit, finance, tax and related professional work;
  • AI leadership and responsible adoption: Sharing perspectives on appropriate governance, oversight and responsible adoption of AI within the profession; and
  • Knowledge exchange: Exploring further opportunities for thought leadership, professional learning and capability development relating to AI.


Strengthening professional recognition

ISCA has approved a proposed Module Exemption Agreement (MEA) with ICAI. The proposed arrangement would provide specified exemptions under the respective qualification pathways for eligible ICAI and ISCA members, supporting greater recognition of professional qualifications.

While the MEA has yet to be formally executed, ISCA will implement the specified exemptions from the SCAQ for eligible ICAI members with effect from 21 August 2026. Eligible candidates must continue to meet the applicable entry, assessment and remaining qualification requirements. ¹

The AI initiative and proposed module exemption arrangement collaborations are built on the longstanding relationship between ISCA and ICAI and their shared commitment to developing a future-ready, internationally connected accountancy profession.

Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “AI is reshaping the accountancy profession and building AI fluency alongside strong professional expertise will be critical to enabling the profession to adapt and create greater value. Through the proposed Global AI Fluency initiative, we hope to share Singapore’s experience in practical and responsible AI capability development with a wider professional community and contribute to responsible AI adoption across the global accountancy profession. Our longstanding relationship with ICAI also provides opportunities to strengthen the recognition of relevant professional learning and reduce extent of duplication for qualified professionals. Together, these initiatives contribute to a future-ready and internationally connected accountancy profession.”

Mr Prasanna Kumar D, President of ICAI, said: “The exchange of letters between ICAI and ISCA on 21st August marks a defining step in our shared journey and a clear statement of intent to work towards strengthening recognition between our professional qualifications. For our members, this opens up the potential for greater opportunities and professional recognition. At the same time, our discussions on Artificial Intelligence capability building reflect our shared commitment to strengthening AI capabilities across the profession. We look forward to working closely with ISCA to explore mutually beneficial opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building and preparing a future ready profession.”

¹ The formal execution of the MEA remains subject to the necessary approvals in India and completion of the remaining formalities.

Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy

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

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

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8. Energy Sector – Equinor and ORLEN strengthen energy partnership with crude oil agreement

August 20, 2026

Source: Equinor ASA

20 August 2026 10:00 (CEST)

Last modified 20 August 2026 10:05

Source: Equinor ASA

20 August 2026 10:00 (CEST)

Last modified 20 August 2026 10:05

Equinor has signed an agreement with Poland’s ORLEN for the sale of crude oil from the Johan Sverdrup field on the Norwegian continental shelf. The agreement will run for three years from the beginning of September.

Annual supplies under the agreement will be from 5 million tonnes to over 9 million tonnes. Further commercial terms are confidential between the parties. The agreement also allows for the possibility of supplying other crude grades produced from fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Irene Rummelhoff, executive vice president for Marketing, Midstream and Processing in Equinor.
Arne Reidar Mortensen

“This agreement is another example of how energy from the Norwegian continental shelf contributes to security of supply for Europe. We are very pleased to strengthen our relationship with ORLEN through this agreement for sales of crude to their refineries in Poland, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, says Irene Rummelhoff, executive vice president for Marketing, Midstream and Processing in Equinor.

The agreement expands the energy partnership between Equinor and ORLEN and underlines the continued importance of reliable energy supplies from Norway to Poland and Europe. Johan Sverdrup is the oil field with the highest production on the Norwegian continental shelf, making it a significant contributor to European energy supply. The field is also known for highly energy efficient production with significantly lower CO₂ emissions from production than the global average, mainly due to power from shore.

Ireneusz Fąfara, President of the Management Board of ORLEN.

“A secure future begins with decisions made in advance. That is why we are strengthening the ORLEN Group’s access to stable sources of crude oil from Norway, which may account for up to one-quarter of our annual demand. Equinor is a reliable partner, with whom we are building a relationship based on shared responsibility for the region’s energy security. This agreement is a concrete response to global market instability and demonstrates that resilience in the energy sector is built through long-term cooperation with partners that provide predictable supplies and operational reliability,” says Ireneusz Fąfara, President of the Management Board of ORLEN.

Equinor has a broad energy offering in Poland and continues to work with Polish partners across oil, natural gas and lower-carbon solutions. The crude oil agreement with ORLEN builds on this wider cooperation and reflects the role of Norway as a long-term, reliable energy partner for Poland.

In addition to supplying Poland with oil, pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), Equinor is building a broader and growing energy position in the country. Together with Polenergia, Equinor is developing the Bałtyk offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea. Equinor’s subsidiary Wento is also expanding its onshore renewables business in Poland, with a growing portfolio of solar and onshore wind assets as well as battery storages. In addition, Wento is developing a project pipeline that includes battery storages.

Official release

MIL OSI

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9. Stick with the Good Vibes: OZO and Benzilla Turn Travel Memories into Collectable Luggage Art

August 19, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

Featuring Benzilla’s signature LOOOK character, the limited-edition designs invite travellers to add a new story to their luggage with every OZO stay. The collaboration forms part of ONYX Hospitality Group’s 60th anniversary celebrations under More of What You Love, bringing OZO’s Unpack Good Vibes philosophy and Local Pulse brand pillar to life through art, travel and destination-inspired experiences.

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – Every journey leaves a story behind – sometimes in photographs, sometimes in the scratches, tags and stickers collected on our luggage along the way. OZO is turning those travel memories into something guests can take with them, teaming up with acclaimed Thai street artist Benzilla to launch four exclusive OZO x BENZILLA luggage stickers inspired by the character and energy of its destinations.

Featuring Benzilla’s signature LOOOK character, the limited-edition designs invite travellers to add a new story to their luggage with every OZO stay. The collaboration forms part of ONYX Hospitality Group’s 60th anniversary celebrations under More of What You Love, bringing OZO’s Unpack Good Vibes philosophy and Local Pulse brand pillar to life through art, travel and destination-inspired experiences.

OZO, ONYX Hospitality Group’s upper-midscale lifestyle hotel brand, is built around its Unpack Good Vibes philosophy and three brand pillars: Rest to Rise, helping guests recharge; Feel the Buzz, embracing fun and social experiences; and Local Pulse, connecting travellers with the people, culture and character of each destination.

The collaboration grew out of OZO’s Local Pulse concept, with Benzilla using his distinctive visual style and LOOOK character to interpret the personality of four OZO destinations.

Guests booking directly with participating OZO hotels will receive one limited-edition OZO x BENZILLA luggage sticker per room, per stay at check-out. The offer applies to bookings made by 30 April 2027, for stays completed by 30 June 2027, while stocks last.

OZO Hotels in Thailand

  • OZO North Pattaya puts guests close to North Pattaya Beach, local restaurants, lifestyle attractions and the energy of the city. After a day exploring Pattaya, guests can cool off at the SPLASH swimming pool, recharge at TONE or unwind over food and drinks at EAT and THIRST – making it an easy base for combining city experiences with time to relax.
  • OZO Phuket is just moments from Kata Beach, one of Phuket’s best-known beach and surfing spots. With a lagoon pool, children’s pool, water slides and play areas, the hotel works particularly well for families, while its location makes it easy to experience Phuket’s beaches, water activities and island lifestyle. Guests can also dine at EAT and Prego, relax at CHILL or recharge at TONE.
  • OZO Chaweng Samui sits directly on Chaweng Beach, placing the sea at the heart of the stay. Guests can spend their days enjoying the beach and SPLASH swimming pool, discover Koh Samui at their own pace, or simply settle into the island atmosphere with drinks at the BEACH BAR and burgers at STACKed Burger Samui.

OZO Hotels in Malaysia

  • OZO George Town Penang offers a contemporary base for exploring UNESCO-listed George Town, from its famous street art and heritage streets to the food and multicultural influences that have shaped Penang. Back at the hotel, guests can take in city views from the rooftop SPLASH swimming pool, enjoy Malaysian and international dishes at EAT on the 21st floor, or relax and reconnect at CONNECT.
  • OZO Medini is well placed for families and travellers exploring Johor’s growing leisure district, with attractions including LEGOLAND Malaysia, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club and X Park nearby. After a day of adventures, guests can return for a swim at SPLASH, a meal at EAT or poolside refreshments at THIRST before recharging for the next day.

Bringing OZO’s Local Pulse pillar to life in a playful and tangible way, the collaboration turns the character of each destination into something guests can carry beyond their stay. Because while a trip may end at check-out, the Good Vibes – and the stories collected along the way – can travel on to the next destination.

https://www.onyx-hospitality.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/
https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup
https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitality #OZO #Benzilla

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group is an established hospitality management company in the Asia-Pacific region, operating a comprehensive yet complementary portfolio of brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – designed to meet the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across a region in which the Group has deep expertise. Beyond its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also offers hospitality services spanning spas and food and beverage. Drawing on six decades of management experience, the company delivers innovative solutions throughout the region while upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimum operational flexibility. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving needs of travellers.

For more information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

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. Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau Wins ESG Champion Award For Sustainable Healthcare At Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2026

August 19, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

The Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2026, supported by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, is one of Malaysia’s recognized platforms for celebrating organizations that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The award ceremony was officiated in Kuala Lumpur by YB Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, underscoring the national significance of advancing sustainable and socially responsible business practices in Malaysia.

Source: Media Outreach

JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau has been awarded Company of the Year – ESG Champion for Health, Wellness and Sustainability at the Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2026. The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in environmental stewardship, community impact, responsible governance and sustainable business practices.

The Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2026, supported by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, is one of Malaysia’s recognized platforms for celebrating organizations that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The award ceremony was officiated in Kuala Lumpur by YB Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, underscoring the national significance of advancing sustainable and socially responsible business practices in Malaysia.

Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau received the award for integrating sustainability into healthcare delivery while improving health outcomes for the Johor community. The national award recognizes the hospital’s leadership in environmental sustainability, responsible governance, community health programs and sustainable healthcare delivery in Malaysia.

The award recognizes Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau’s unwavering commitment to integrating sustainability into healthcare delivery while creating meaningful and lasting value for the communities it serves. It reflects the hospital’s dedication to responsible governance, environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Over the years, Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau has embraced its mission of “Caring Beyond Boundaries” by extending quality healthcare beyond the hospital walls through impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, preventive health education, free health screening programmes and strategic community partnerships. These initiatives have empowered thousands of individuals to take charge of their health while improving access to quality healthcare in Johor Bahru and even across Johor.

Beyond its community outreach, Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau has embedded green initiatives into its daily operations through energy-efficient practices, responsible waste management, recycling initiatives, digitalisation and paperless workflows to minimise its environmental footprint. These efforts reflect the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while fostering long-term healthcare sustainability.

Receiving the Company of the Year – ESG Champion for Health, Wellness and Sustainability Award reflects the hospital’s holistic approach to sustainability; balancing quality healthcare, environmental responsibility and good governance to create a healthier and more sustainable future.

“This recognition is a proud milestone for our entire team and reinforces our commitment to delivering not only quality healthcare but also lasting value to our communities,” said Dr. James Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau. “Healthcare organizations have a responsibility beyond treating illness. We believe sustainable healthcare means improving community health, reducing environmental impact and strengthening responsible clinical governance. This recognition reflects how Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau integrates these commitments into everyday patient care.”

The hospital attributes this achievement to the unwavering dedication of its doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff, whose passion and commitment have enabled Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau to consistently deliver compassionate, patient-centred care while championing ESG and sustainability initiatives.

Looking ahead, Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau remains committed to strengthening community partnerships, embracing innovative healthcare solutions and further advancing sustainable healthcare through responsible environmental stewardship and digital transformation.

https://www.columbiaasia.com/malaysia/hospitals/tebrau/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbia-asia-malaysia/
https://x.com/columbiaasia?s=11
https://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaAsiaHospitalTebrau
https://www.instagram.com/columbiaasia/
Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@columbiaasiamalaysia?_r=1&_t=ZS-98n3fNa4Eab

Hashtag: #ColumbiaAsiaHospitalTebrau #RightHereForYou #HealthcareExcellence #TeamTebrau #CommunityCare #HospitalCommunications #AwardWinningTeam #CSRMalaysiaAward #CSR #Sustainability #ESG

About Columbia Asia

For 30 years, Columbia Asia Group of hospitals has been at the forefront of quality healthcare in the private healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it has evolved from its first hospital in Shah Alam to its latest in Penang, to date. As an international healthcare provider, its services span across 19 hospitals in the region; 13 in Malaysia, five in Indonesia, and one in Vietnam. Through the years, the company strategy has always been about making private healthcare accessible to all, hence its hospitals are strategically located in densely populated areas. Under the umbrella of private healthcare company, Asia OneHealthcare, the Columbia Asia group has expanded its reach to bring effective healthcare, closer to home.

Through the years, Columbia Asia’s emphasis has consistently been about early detection of diseases. This is achieved through advanced diagnostic technology that enables greater precision and supports minimally invasive procedures. To fulfil the typical healthcare needs of communities, Columbia Asia offers core disciplines such as obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, and general surgery. Today, it also provides tertiary healthcare addressing more complex fields of medicine such as neurosurgery, cardiac disease treatments, and integrated cancer care.

As it approaches a new decade, Columbia Asia continues to expand; adopting advanced technology to meet the ever-increasing needs of today’s discerning customers.

Upholding strict clinical governance and medical ethics, Columbia Asia is committed to deliver excellent patient outcomes in a safe and trusted environment.

Columbia Asia. Right Here For You.

About Asia OneHealthcare

Asia OneHealthcare (A1H) unites 32 hospitals across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam into one connected healthcare network with a shared purpose. Built on Columbia Asia’s strong community focused hospitals network and complemented by advanced tertiary and super-specialty centres, A1H is dedicated to caring for people during some of the most important moments of their lives — when they are most in need of trusted medical care.

Our network includes leading institutions such as Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) and super-specialty hospitals including ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital, Beacon Hospital, Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL), Hospital Picaso, and Northern Heart Hospital Penang. Together, they provide access to advanced clinical expertise, specialised treatments, and modern medical technology, delivering the best care possible.

With over 4,000 beds across the region, A1H delivers seamless, coordinated care — from initial diagnosis and treatment to complex, life-saving procedures. Guided by our promise, Right Here For You, A1H is committed to standing alongside patients, families, and communities with compassionate, high-quality care when it matters most.

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

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