PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 28, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust

Saturday September 26 was International Dumpling Day, and it marks the three-week-long exploration of the Great New Zealand Dumpling Trail across the country. The trail highlights great restaurants offering delicious dumpling meals, and offers people the chance to rate their favourites and win prizes while doing so. It stretches from Rising Sun Dumplings and Chopsticks101 in Dunedin to No. 8 in Whangarei.

You’ve checked out toasties, and burgers, and now, dumplings get their time in the spotlight!

Great New Zealand Dumpling Trail organiser Julia English says the Great NZ Dumpling Trail 2026 is a nationwide celebration of dumplings, culture, and community, powered by New Zealand Chinese Language Week.

She encourages people from 26 September to 17 October 2026 to get out and explore a hand-picked selection of dumpling destinations across Aotearoa, discover new local favourites, and celebrate the rich traditions behind one of the world’s most loved foods.

“To take part, simply visit a participating venue, scan the campaign QR code, and rate your dumpling experience. Every review submitted earns you an entry into the prize draw, and the more participating venues you review, the more chances you have to win.

“We’ll be giving away four $100 food vouchers, so start exploring, support local hospitality, and discover some of New Zealand’s best dumplings along the way.”

Details of participating restaurants and their locations are available on: www.greatnzdumplingtrail.com

Taste. Explore. Review. Win.

To enter, you need to visit one of the participating restaurants between 26 September 2026 and 17 October 2026, scan the official campaign QR code, and complete the review form.

Each valid review counts as one entry. Only one review per meal purchase can be submitted.

Four participants with the highest number of valid reviews submitted between 26 September 2026 and 17 October 2026 will each win a $100 food voucher.

The Great New Zealand Dumpling Trail is part of the work done by the New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust to promote Chinese language within the community.

The New Zealand Chinese Language Week Trust is a private charitable trust formed in 2014 by a group of academics and business people who wanted to encourage the learning of Chinese language. They facilitate New Zealand Chinese Language Week each year – this was June 29 to July 5 this year, and will be on June 13 to June 19 next year.

Source: National Emergency Management Agency

New Zealanders’ emergency preparedness is at a five-year high, but more than half have done nothing to prepare for an emergency in the past year, according to a new survey from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

NEMA’s Director General Dave Gawn says the 2026 results from its annual Emergency Preparedness Survey are frustrating, because many people are choosing to leave everything to chance.

“Everyone needs an emergency plan. We’ve seen too many disasters in recent years to count on getting lucky.

“In the immediate aftermath of a big event, it’s chaos. Transport and communication links could be down, families could find themselves separated with no way to get in touch, older or disabled people could be at home alone – and of course, your pets will need you too.

“Emergency services simply won’t have the time or resource to help you, because they’ll be flat out helping those in immediate danger. The reality is, for the first hours or even days, you and your family could be on your own.

“There is a widespread belief that Civil Defence is a standing army who will materialise in an emergency. That standing army is you and your community.”

“When disaster strikes, what you need more than anything is a plan – and those are completely free of charge. Your emergency supplies will be useful later.”

Nearly all the survey respondents (89%) said they believe it’s important for their household to be self-sufficient for several days in the event of a large emergency. However, less than half have taken steps in the past year to get prepared, and only 40 per cent have regular discussions about emergency preparation with other people in their household.

“The survey found that once again, cost is cited as the biggest barrier preventing people from preparing, but sitting down and making a plan is completely free.

“Put simply: plan now, shop later.”

Dave Gawn says being prepared for emergencies is everyone’s business, because when a big emergency happens, everyone needs to do their part.

“We live in a beautiful country with amazing landscapes, and some very powerful hazards,” Dave Gawn says.

“Living alongside these hazards means being ready for what could happen – and that applies to everyone.

“Whānau and communities are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to make sure that everyone’s ready to do their best on Aotearoa New Zealand’s worst day.”

Read the Survey report here: National Emergency Management Agency Emergency Preparedness Survey 2026

Economists interviewed for the series said that, as a key gateway to the world’s second-largest single market, ASEAN businesses cannot afford to overlook the historic opportunity to enter the Chinese market through Hainan. Chen Bo, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, said that with multiple policy incentives taking effect, the next decade represents a golden opportunity for Hainan. Xiao Saizi, a professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, noted that in the six months since the launch of special customs operations, the number of foreign trade companies registered in Hainan has grown rapidly. High-end manufacturing and processing industries—including chip packaging and testing, premium food processing, aviation maintenance, green energy, medical devices, and biopharmaceuticals—are among the sectors most likely to benefit.

Located at the southernmost tip of China, Hainan is within a four-hour flight of 21 Asia-Pacific countries. This natural geographic advantage makes it an important springboard for ASEAN businesses seeking to enter the Chinese market. Xiao said that Hainan received 106 million domestic and international tourist visits in 2025, making it an ideal testing ground where foreign investors can test the market at relatively low cost.

Previous surveys have shown that foreign exchange settlement is one of the key concerns for foreign investors. By the end of 2025, 11 banks in Hainan had launched EF accounts, enabling cross-border fund flows with 91 countries and regions, with total transaction volume equivalent to CNY 350.9 billion.

Several economists advised ASEAN businesses to conduct thorough internal assessments before making investment decisions. If they determine that the Chinese market will form part of their future growth strategy, they should consider entering Hainan early while the benefits of the Free Trade Port’s policies continue to unfold.

Hashtag: #FreeTradePort

The Netherlands is Green SM’s eighth market globally and its second European market, following Denmark. The start of pilot operations in the Netherlands further expands Green SM’s presence in Europe, while providing an opportunity for the company to gain deeper insights into local mobility needs and market characteristics.

During the initial phase, Green SM will provide services in Centrum, West and Zuid districts, before gradually expanding into Oost, Noord, Nieuw-West and Zuidoost, with the goal of extending coverage across Amsterdam. This phase will also allow Green SM to gather firsthand feedback from customers and drivers to further refine its services, operational processes and user experience ahead of the official launch.

Alongside the pilot operations, under its “Skilled Drivers – Bigger Opportunities” approach, Green SM is focusing on building an experienced and service-oriented driver network in the Netherlands, while offering flexible partnership opportunities with attractive earning potential and competitive benefits. These include an employment policy offering income of up to EUR 3,000 per month, as well as revenue sharing of up to 85% for drivers who choose the vehicle rental operating model. Notably, the first group of drivers to join Green SM in the Netherlands will be eligible for a joining bonus of up to EUR 600, along with exclusive benefits for pioneer drivers. The company aims to build a professional driver network that meets standards for vehicles, safety and service quality, creating a strong foundation for its long-term development in the market.

To mark the occasion, Green SM is also offering customer promotions, including 50% off each trip, capped at EUR 30 per ride, with up to 10 uses per user, giving customers an opportunity to experience its premium electric taxi service at a special introductory price.

Mr. Richard Nabil Chahine, CEO of Green SM Europe, said: “The Netherlands is an important next step in Green SM’s journey in Europe. At this stage, our priority is not simply to put the service into operation, but more importantly to build a strong foundation for a high-quality service, from selecting and supporting our driver network to ensuring a consistent customer experience. We look forward to listening to our customers, learning from the Dutch market and gradually building Green SM into a trusted electric mobility option, offering high-quality experiences at competitive prices.”

As the Netherlands is one of the markets with a well-developed electric mobility ecosystem, Green SM aims to create added value by combining a well-trained driver network with a modern pure-electric fleet, delivering smooth and comfortable rides at competitive prices. From the outset, the company is prioritizing service quality and customer experience, providing an additional green mobility solution to meet the diverse needs of residents and visitors in the Netherlands, while contributing to more environmentally-friendly mobility choices.

The start of pilot operations in the Netherlands represents the next step in Green SM’s international expansion strategy. Since entering its first market in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM has expanded across markets in Asia and Europe, progressively developing its green mobility model to meet the needs and characteristics of each market.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

Empowering Brand Globalization Through Innovative Premium Consumer Experiences

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – ZJLD Group Inc. (“ZJLD” or the “Company”, together with the Company’s subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) (SEHK stock code: 06979.HK), a flagship enterprise in China’s baijiu industry and the first baijiu company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is pleased to announce that its flagship brand, Kweichow Zhenjiu, has partnered with CDF (China Duty Free) Cruise to successfully host the themed event “Timeless Brew, Maritime Legend – Exclusive Zhenjiu Tasting on Adora Magic City” aboard China’s domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City. This collaboration marks a key milestone in ZJLD’s “go‑global” strategy by leveraging the cruise as an international showcase, while deepening bilateral cooperation by upgrading from a traditional supply‑only model to an all‑round co‑creation model.

Held from September 12 to 16, the event targeted high-net-worth individuals and duty-free consumers aboard the cruise. Through a diverse array of activities—including exclusive tasting sessions, fashion shows, and thematic workshops—the event showcased the deep cultural heritage and exquisite brewing craftsmanship of Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu to global travelers. During the event, Zhenjiu’s star products, “Da Zhen · Zhenjiu” and “NEWS Oak-Aged Craft Beer“, made their international debut, further conveying the brand’s core values and commitment to a high-quality lifestyle.

The Head of International Business at ZJLD stated: “Cruise ships represent a premium cross-border spending scenario, serving as an innovative testing ground for the globalization of Chinese baijiu. This partnership not only achieves deep integration between brand heritage and distribution channels but also marks a significant exploration of the global strategy for Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu. Moving forward, Kweichow Zhenjiu will remain committed to artisanal craftsmanship while taking innovative consumer touchpoints as a breakthrough point to showcase the unique charm of Chinese baijiu to global markets, striving to establish an international benchmark for China’s premium sauce-aroma baijiu.”

Hashtag: #ZJLDGroup

About ZJLD Group Inc.

Driven by growing customer interest in preventive healthcare and self-care, AS Watson recorded 10% growth in global health sales over the past year, reflecting increasing demand for products and services that support overall wellbeing and healthier lifestyles.

Peter Macnab, International Commercial Director of AS Watson, said, “As healthcare continues to evolve from treatment to prevention, AS Watson is supporting customers with trusted professional advice, personalised and innovative O+O (Offline plus Online) healthcare solutions. We proudly recognise our pharmacists and healthcare professionals whose expertise and dedication make a meaningful difference to the health of customers and communities every day.”

AS Watson Unveils Global Health Research
To better understand evolving customer health behaviours, AS Watson unveiled findings from its Global Health Research, conducted by WISE, its customer experience insights division, among over 11,000 respondents across 10 markets in Europe and Asia.

The survey found that health concerns(43%) are the main driver of health product adoption, with professional advice (41%) from healthcare experts remaining a key influence alongside recommendations from family and friends (32%).

Customers are increasingly adopting an offline and online approach to product research, combining online research(82%), health professional consultations (49%) and in-store product discovery(44%). When making purchase decisions, they consider a combination of price and promotion(56%), brand trust(48%), and product benefits(45%).

The findings highlight the increasingly important role pharmacists play in preventive healthcare, helping customers make informed health decisions through trusted professional advice and guidance.

Peter concluded, “The future of healthcare is increasingly preventive, personalised and accessible. By bringing together trusted expertise, personalised care and O+O innovation, AS Watson is building a healthcare ecosystem that helps people take charge of their health with confidence. Our ambition is to make preventive healthcare more accessible and relevant to every customer, helping create healthier lives and communities worldwide.”

https://www.aswatson.com/our-company/o-and-o-strategy/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aswatson/
https://www.facebook.com/ASWGroupofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/aswatsongroup_corp/

Hashtag: #ASWatson

About AS Watson Group

About WISE

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

On 9 March 2022, Parliament passed the Russia Sanctions Bill through all its stages in a single day. The Bill was introduced the previous day, received its first, second and third readings and completed its committee stage on 9 March, before receiving Royal Assent on 10 March.

The legislation created a dedicated framework allowing New Zealand to impose and enforce sanctions in response to Russia’s military actions and those assisting Russia.

The speed matters.

New Zealand had debated autonomous sanctions for years. But when Russia invaded Ukraine, the Government moved urgently and Parliament acted.

Now Labour has made its Israel policy explicit.

In its foreign-policy speech on 23 September, Labour committed to recognising the State of Palestine, placing economic sanctions on Israel, and requiring the NZ Super Fund and ACC to divest from companies on the UN list operating in the occupied territories. Labour also committed to intervening in South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice concerning the Genocide Convention.

That is a significant step beyond Labour’s earlier position.

In March 2025, Labour supported Chlöe Swarbrick’s bill that would enable sanctions against Israel over its occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Then, in September 2025, Labour called for “meaningful sanctions” including cutting trade and economic ties, freezing assets and travel bans on named individuals, explicitly referring to the approach New Zealand had taken towards Russia.

So the political commitment is now clear.

The mechanics are not.

The Russia Sanctions Act was specifically designed around Russia’s military actions. Its purpose is expressly tied to Russia and those assisting it.

If Labour wants to impose sanctions on Israel under a different legal basis, New Zealand needs to know what legislation Labour would use or introduce.

That is where the questions begin. When?

The Russia sanctions legislation went from introduction to all parliamentary stages in one day.

What is Labour’s deadline for legislation or other legal authority to implement its promised economic sanctions on Israel? How?

Will Labour support and pass Chlöe Swarbrick’s sanctions legislation, amend it, or introduce its own Government bill?

And if new legislation is required, how quickly would it be introduced? What sanctions?

Labour’s current speech says only that it will “place economic sanctions on Israel.”

But Labour has previously identified much more specific measures: cutting economic and trade ties, freezing assets and imposing travel bans on named individuals.

Will those measures form part of the policy?

Would Labour also consider restrictions on settlement-linked trade, procurement restrictions, financial measures, and sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for violations of international law? What comes first?

Labour has now committed to three significant measures: recognition of Palestine, sanctions on Israel, and intervention in South Africa’s ICJ case.

Will these happen simultaneously?

Or will there be a sequence and, if so, what is it?

These are not minor details.

A sanctions policy is a legal instrument, not simply a political statement. It needs legislation or legal authority, definitions, targets, enforcement mechanisms, exemptions, timelines and accountability.

Labour has said the right things about the need for consequences when international law is breached.

It has also demonstrated, through the Russia sanctions legislation, that New Zealand can act with extraordinary speed when Parliament decides that circumstances demand it.

So the question now is simple:

If Labour believes Israel should face economic sanctions, show New Zealand the plan.

Put the legislation on the table.

Put the timeline on the table.

Put the sanctions on the table.

And explain clearly how the promised action will move from a 23 September election commitment to an enforceable New Zealand sanctions regime.

The commitment has been made. Now the mechanics must follow.