PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for October 15, 2026 – Full Text
1. Cushman & Wakefield Hosts “Gateway to America” Summit to Support Chinese Retail Brands’ U.S. Expansion
October 14, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
On October 13, Cushman & Wakefield hosted its Gateway to America Summit in Shanghai, bringing together retail experts from the firm’s U.S., Asia Pacific and Greater China teams. The event focused on the opportunities and challenges facing Chinese brands entering the U.S. market, offering insights into American retail market dynamics, practical expansion strategies, local operations and evolving consumer trends. The summit attracted entrepreneurs, brand executives and business partners for in-depth discussions and networking.
K.K. Chiu, International Director and Chief Executive, Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield, delivered the opening remarks: “Chinese brands are entering a new phase of globalization. An increasing number of Chinese retail, cultural and creative, and premium consumer brands are gaining international recognition, marking a significant transition from ‘Made in China’ to globally recognized Chinese brands. Their influence in international markets continues to grow. Through this summit, we aim to provide valuable insights into U.S. market dynamics and localization strategies, facilitate meaningful dialogue, and help Chinese brands identify new opportunities as they expand their global presence.”
Fanny Fan, Executive Director, U.S. Retail Services, Cushman & Wakefield, commented: “As one of the world’s largest consumer markets, the United States has long been a strategic destination for international brands. However, the U.S. retail landscape is undergoing significant transformation. Rapidly evolving consumer preferences, rising operating costs and intensifying competition have raised the barriers to entry for brick-and-mortar retailers.
For Chinese brands seeking to establish a presence in the U.S., success requires more than a compelling product offering. It demands a thorough understanding of local retail markets, strict adherence to regulatory requirements and the ability to anticipate changing consumer trends. Every site selection decision and operational strategy plays a critical role in determining a brand’s long-term success in an overseas market.”
The U.S. retail market continues to demonstrate resilience, with consumer spending maintaining positive growth despite a moderation in its pace. According to Cushman & Wakefield research, U.S. retail vacancy rates remain low, at only 6.0% for U.S. shopping-center space in the second quarter of 2026 while annual rent growth remained slightly above 2%. Although new retail development has remained limited, the volume of projects under construction has reached its highest level since 2023. Available retail space is expected to remain constrained, particularly in prime shopping destinations, where demand continues to outpace the supply of high-quality space.
Duke Zhen, Managing Director, Head of Retail Services, China, Cushman & Wakefield, added: “Leveraging our global network of more than 350 offices across over 60 countries, together with our extensive experience supporting multinational corporations and Chinese enterprises expanding overseas, we have developed an integrated service model that combines local market expertise in China with on-the-ground execution capabilities internationally.
“Our China-based teams have a deep understanding of Chinese brands’ business models and growth strategies, while our U.S. teams bring extensive knowledge of local market regulations, retail landscapes, compliance requirements and cross-cultural operations. By combining these capabilities through our global platform, we are committed to helping more Chinese brands successfully enter international markets, establish sustainable operations and translate their product strengths and brand potential into lasting global competitiveness.”
Hashtag: #CWK
About Cushman & Wakefield
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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2. Record Demand for Meet the Buyer™, WA’s premier dedicated food and beverage trade show world-wide delegates
October 14, 2026
Source: Buy West Eat Best
Eighty-five exhibitors are set to showcase up to 600 products at the sixth annual food and beverage trade show on Tuesday, 20 October at Crown Perth.
Presented by the State Government’s Buy West Eat Best program, Meet the Buyer
is Western Australia’s only dedicated food and beverage industry and business trade show and networking forum.
Growing year on year, exhibitor space sold out in record time and delegate registrations are at a record high. The trade floor will be buzzing.
Melissa Worthington, program manager of Buy West Eat Best at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, said Meet the Buyer remained WA’s key platform for WA producers and suppliers.
“Each year, we hear the success stories resulting from attendance at Meet the Buyer, of how connections have led to new business, new distribution channels, or business collaborations,” Ms Worthington said.
One example is Corner Dairy in Doubleview which attended Meet the Buyer and now lists products from La Latticiini Delizia and Halls Family Dairy on its menu.
Corner Dairy head chef Dave Thornton has attended every Meet the Buyer since the event began, and last year Owner Manager Ben Wood brought the whole kitchen team.
“Normally there’s a delivery driver bringing produce, so it’s great to meet the people behind the business,” said Wood.
“It’s about making those connections and building those relationships. Then, when you do need something at the last minute, they are only too happy to help.”
Then there is WA Chip, which attended Meet the Buyer for the first time last year and met a Singapore supplier to Michelin-star restaurants, who showed interest and requested samples ahead of exporting a finished frozen product.
“For local producers who have secured an exhibition space, they’ll have the opportunity to connect with buyers and distributors, and they’ll be able to meet producers face to face and discover new products.
“Everyone is there to ultimately secure commercial outcomes, all under one roof and all in one day.
“The reputation of Meet the Buyer as WA’s only dedicated local food and beverage exhibition trade show now consistently attracts delegates from around the state, across the country and from overseas.”
Delegates include major supermarket retailers, independent gourmet grocers, chefs, restauranteurs, hospitality and catering groups, sommeliers, importers, aged care providers, media and educators.
“The relaxed and collaborative atmosphere of the trade show is deliberate, to foster meaningful conversations without the pressure of predetermined timed meetings,” Ms Worthington said.
“For delegates, it’s a day of discovery and opportunity, of finding new suppliers and new ingredients to showcase on a menu or in stores, and importantly, a chance to actually meet the people behind the brands.
“Over the past five years, there have been many success stories as a result of business done at Meet the Buyer. It’s where business connections are made and opportunities grow.”
Independent feedback from previous Meet the Buyer participants shows strong commercial outcomes for WA businesses with almost 80 per cent establishing new business contacts, 70 per cent reporting a positive commercial outcome, and 30 per cent reporting increased sales or revenue within six months. Ninety per cent would recommend Meet the Buyer to a colleague.
WA’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is a significant contributor to the State’s economy, with $9.75 billion in turnover in 2024–25 (up 10 per cent), 1,870 businesses (up 8.3 per cent) and more than 22,000 people employed. For every job in the sector, an additional seven people are employed across the supply chain, equating to more than 150,000 jobs.
Buy West Eat Best is a voluntary food labelling and marketing initiative developed by
the Western Australian Government to assist local food and beverage producers to promote their products to consumers whether they be grocery shoppers or those that dine out.
For more information about Meet the Buyer, visit https://meetthebuyer.com.au/.
The Corner Dairy’s manager Ben at the bar
Rawlicious and delegates discuss their range at Meet the Buyer
WA Chip uses only WA potatoes for their product
Jingili Olive Oil is a delegate favourite at Meet the Buyer
Marshall’s Honey show their beautiful produce off at Meet the Buyer
Nutsy Butter doing business at at Meet the Buyer
About Buy West Eat Best
Buy West Eat Best is a Western Australian Government initiative established in 2008 to strengthen the State’s food and beverage sector through local product identification, marketing and market development to assist local businesses promote their products and grow demand for WA produce.
As Australia’s only government-administered food and beverage brand mark, Buy West Eat Best is a trusted symbol of WA provenance and local pride, championed by industry and supported by the community.
The program plays a strategic role in connecting the WA food and beverage supply chain, building market opportunities for local businesses and strengthening consumer recognition and demand for WA products across retail and foodservice.
Through its distinctive bite mark logo, Buy West Eat Best helps consumers identify local products while championing the buy local message, seasonal produce and the diversity of WA’s food and beverage offering.
By supporting local market opportunities and strengthening connections between industry and consumers, the program contributes to business growth, local jobs, regional economic development and a more resilient, diversified WA economy.
The Buy West Eat Best registered trademark is owned by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), which administers the program.
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3. Tech and Governance – Meet the Value Archaeologist
October 14, 2026
Source: Aligned Outcomes
Key facts
- Martin Johnston, Director of Cost Optimisation at Aligned Outcomes, has launched the Value Archaeologist – a campaign encouraging Australian organisations to uncover hidden savings within their existing technology budgets through contract reviews, invoice reconciliation and supplier negotiations.
- With over 30 years’ experience in IT cost optimisation, Johnston argues that many organisations continue paying for outdated, duplicated or poorly structured technology services simply because invoices go unchallenged and legacy contracts remain unexamined.
- Recent engagements demonstrate tangible results: a national waste management operator recovered credits equivalent to 16% of annual telecommunications spend, while an ASX-listed property group secured savings of 17% of annual spend before any contracts were renegotiated.
- The Aligned Outcomes team works alongside clients’ internal technology, finance and procurement specialists, combining organisational knowledge with industry benchmarks and commercial expertise, with savings verified following negotiation and implementation.
- Organisations can begin with a free corporate mobile benchmark or a focused Proof of Value assessment to determine whether a deeper investigation is warranted.
The treasure is real. The map is usually a spreadsheet.
SYDNEY, 14th October 2026 Some people hunt for treasure in ancient ruins. Martin Johnston prefers a supplier contract nobody has opened since the last renewal.
Johnston, Director of Cost Optimisation at Aligned Outcomes, is the real person behind the Value Archaeologist, a tongue-in-cheek take on the serious business of finding money buried in Australian technology budgets.
With more than 30 years’ experience in IT cost optimisation, Johnston brings expertise in technology cost management, strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations across enterprise and government. The pith helmet adds a little theatre to work that requires patience, commercial knowledge and a willingness to ask awkward questions.
The project ended. The charges survived. The person who negotiated the contract left three restructures ago. Somewhere, an invoice is still being approved because it looks much like last month’s.
That is where the digging starts.
“Most organisations do not need a treasure map. They need someone willing to read the contract, reconcile the invoices and ask why they are still paying for something agreed two CIOs ago,” Johnston said.
“The helmet is optional. The evidence is not.”
Aligned Outcomes is introducing the Value Archaeologist to bring those investigations to life and encourage executives to question expenditure that has become part of the furniture.
At a national waste management and resource recovery operator, suspected carrier overcharging prompted a detailed investigation of invoices and contracts. The work secured credits equivalent to 16% of annual telecommunications expenditure, a recovery worth 20 times the engagement fee.
At an ASX-listed diversified property group, the team reconstructed a fragmented cost baseline and examined historical invoices and contracts. It secured savings equivalent to 17% of annual spend before a single contract was renegotiated. The engagement operated on a risk/reward basis, with no upfront client fee.
The targets are not always obvious mistakes. They include supplier pricing that has quietly drifted, duplicated services, underused capacity and commercial models built for an organisation that no longer exists.
Some opportunities sit near the surface. Others require more excavation, particularly where the service remains essential and the invoice is technically correct.
“A bill can be accurate and still represent poor value,” Johnston said. “You can need the service, like the supplier and still be paying too much. A long relationship is a good thing. An unchallenged price is something else.”
Johnston and the Aligned Outcomes team work alongside internal technology, finance and procurement specialists. They combine the client’s organisational knowledge with industry benchmarks, commercial experience and the capacity to follow an opportunity through negotiation, implementation and savings verification.
The approach recognises that keeping services running leaves little time to investigate years of accumulated commitments. Savings are pursued through better commercial outcomes and optimised service delivery, with proposed changes assessed and approved by the client.
“The people inside the organisation often know where to start looking,” Johnston said. “What they need is the time, evidence and support to do something about it. We help them turn ‘I think we are paying too much’ into a result they can prove.”
Organisations can start with a free corporate mobile benchmark or a free, focused Proof of Value assessment, then decide whether the findings justify a deeper investigation.
Before searching for new funding, the Value Archaeologist suggests checking what is already buried in the budget.
About Aligned Outcomes
Aligned Outcomes brings together TeleResult, CDRU and ClearCost to help government and enterprise organisations find hidden value in technology spending. With roots dating to 1972 and more than 5,000 client engagements across its businesses’ combined history, the group combines specialist consulting, managed services and financial management software through Cost Optimisation as a Service (COaaS).
The businesses within Aligned Outcomes have delivered more than $100 million in verified client savings in the past two years. The group reports typical client cost reductions of 15-30%, depending on the scope reviewed and existing commercial arrangements.
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4. Diesel reserve extended to maintain fuel security
October 14, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has extended an agreement for a 550,000-barrel strategic diesel reserve until August 2027 to maintain New Zealand’s fuel resilience, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.
“Maintaining our national fuel security, particularly through a period of global uncertainty, remains a top priority for the Government. That’s why we’re pleased to announce this extension to our existing deal with Z Energy for the diesel reserve at Marsden Point,” Nicola Willis says.
“We explored all options available to us and considered advice from officials before making this decision. It offers continued fuel resilience and serves the best interests of New Zealanders, especially in light of the current volatility in the international markets.”
Shane Jones says fuel supplies remain consistent but the extension to the agreement ensures domestic fuel resilience and protects against potential disruption to diesel supply.
“Diesel remains critical to New Zealand’s economy, from farms growing our food to trucks moving goods around our country. Our strategic diesel reserve provides confidence that we can keep key industries and services moving in the face of a threat to our fuel security,” Shane Jones says.
The Government continues to monitor the impacts of the Middle East conflict closely and has a plan in place to respond appropriately should the global situation change, Nicola Willis says.
“This year, we have shown how seriously we take New Zealand’s energy resilience and have taken steps in several policy areas to shore up our fuel supplies, working closely with the fuel industry throughout,” Nicola Willis says.
The diesel will continue to be stored in tanks at Marsden Point, refurbished with $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. The storage allows for around 90 million litres of fuel, equivalent to roughly nine days of typical national consumption.
Note for editors:
Z Energy will continue to own and manage the volume of diesel under the agreement while the Crown will control its release into the New Zealand market.
The deal will run until 1 August 2027. If the diesel is unused by the end of the contract, it would progressively transition into Z Energy’s business-as-usual stocks through to November.
The agreement limits the Crown’s exposure to any long-term fall in fuel prices
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/14/diesel-reserve-extended-to-maintain-fuel-security/
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5. Tech – Epson New Zealand celebrates 40 Years of innovation and success
October 14, 2026
Source: Epson New Zealand
Epson New Zealand is celebrating 40 years in Aotearoa with the opening of a new office and experience centre in Auckland, marking four decades of achievement while setting the stage for a new era of innovation and success.
(l-r) Paul Stainton, General Manager of Epson New Zealand and Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson Australia and New Zealand officially opening the new Epson New Zealand office and new experience centre in Freemans Bay, Auckland
The company was established in 1986 with a product portfolio that included computers, dot matrix printers, inkjet printers and projectors. Over the years Epson New Zealand has evolved from a strong consumer-focused business into a broad market leader serving customers across retail, education, corporate, commercial and industrial sectors.
Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson Australia and New Zealand
Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson Australia and New Zealand, said the 40-year milestone reflects both Epson’s heritage and its future ambitions in the local market. “We are thrilled to commemorate this significant milestone in our company’s history. For 40 years, Epson New Zealand has helped shape the way people and businesses communicate, create and grow. That legacy has been built on a foundation of technology, leadership and partnership.”
Attendees at the opening of the new Epson New Zealand office and experience centre
The anniversary comes at a time of strong momentum for the business, with Epson continuing to expand its presence across the region and create new value for customers and business partners. Today, Epson New Zealand’s portfolio spans home and office printers, scanners, thermal receipt printers, projectors, large format printers, industrial print solutions and software tools that enhance productivity and usability across its range.
Attendees at the opening of the new Epson New Zealand office and experience centre
Epson New Zealand represents more than 80 years of Japanese craftsmanship, engineering and environmental excellence. Heckenberg added, “We are deeply grateful to our parent company, Seiko Epson Corporation, for its continued support through providing world-class products and technology. This support has enabled us to serve customers in New Zealand with confidence, helping them overcome challenges and improve quality of life.”
Epson New Zealand’s new experience centre in Freemans Bay, Auckland
A key part of the 40th anniversary celebration is the opening of Epson New Zealand’s new experience centre in Freemans Bay, Auckland. The space has been designed as a hands-on destination where customers, partners and industry can engage directly with Epson’s latest technologies and see them perform in real-world settings. Visitors can explore a range of applications and experience the breadth of Epson’s technology portfolio in action with experts on hand.
Paul Stainton, General Manager of Epson New Zealand, said the opening of the new office and experience centre is both a celebration of the company’s achievements and a signal of its future direction. “We are very proud of our collective achievements and success over the last 40 years. I want to thank all Epson staff, past and present, as well as our channel partners and customers, for contributing to this shared success. With our new Freemans Bay offices and experience centre, we are focused on the next 40 years in Aotearoa, driving continued growth through innovative products and services that make a positive impact on the lives of our customers, their businesses and their communities.”
The Epson New Zealand team
As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, customers and channel partners attending the event experienced a blend of Japanese food and art alongside wines from Waiheke Island’s Jasper Ridge Estate.
Jun Arita displaying his art at the opening of the new Epson New Zealand office and experience centre
The partnership provided a fitting celebration of the connection between New Zealand and Japan, bringing together local craftsmanship, creativity and hospitality with Epson’s Japanese heritage.
About Epson, Epson Australia and Epson New Zealand
Epson is a technology innovation and engineering company whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company uses technology and engineering ability to implement real-world solutions in precision innovation, industrial & robotics, office & home printing and visual & lifestyle. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1.4 trillion.
Epson Australia offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the commercial, industrial, consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets and is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market. Epson is the market leader in Australia and worldwide in sales of projectors for the home, office and education. Established in 1983, Epson Australia is headquartered in North Sydney and is a subsidiary of the Epson Group headquartered in Japan.
Epson New Zealand offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the commercial, industrial, consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets and is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market. Epson is a market leader in New Zealand, Australia and worldwide in sales of projectors for the home, office and education. Epson New Zealand is headquartered in Auckland and is a branch of Epson Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the Epson Group headquartered in Japan. www.epson.co.nz
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6. TROOPS, Inc. Announces Landmark Merger with EFFORCE Group, Expanding into Multi-Vertical Digital Asset Infrastructure and Securing Crypto Trading
October 14, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Merger Agreement Architects Alan Sun and Ricky Sun Appointed as Corporate Advisors to Provide Strategic Business Advice
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – TROOPS, Inc. (NASDAQ: TROO) (“TROOPS” or the “Company”), a diversified conglomerate spanning financial technology and insurance services, today announced that it has signed a merger agreement with EFFORCE Group.
This strategic combination unites TROOPS’ robust ecosystem with EFFORCE’s blockchain infrastructure and regulatory credentials. Co-founded by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, EFFORCE has established a prominent presence in the digital asset and sustainability sectors through its focus on innovative technology-driven solutions. Mr. Wozniak remains a shareholder of EFFORCE following the transaction.
Following the signing of the merger agreement, EFFORCE Group will appoint Alan Sun and Ricky Sun as Corporate Advisors. As the architects behind this merger agreement, they bring extensive experience in investment and commercial law, respectively, and will provide advice on the Company’s business and capital strategies.
Alan Sun stated: “This merger integrates the complementary strengths of both parties across technology R&D, regulatory compliance, business development, and market access. By combining our respective capabilities, both parties are committed to creating a stronger business platform positioned to capture multiple market opportunities in the evolving digital asset economy.”
A Multi-Vertical Ecosystem: Beyond Crypto Trading
Through this merger, TROOPS will gain access to EFFORCE Group’s frameworks and technology, expanding its operational scope beyond traditional cryptocurrency exchange capabilities into synergistic digital verticals, including potential opportunities to access trades for carbon credits and green certificates.
The combined group intends to leverage its expanded infrastructure and industry expertise to pursue opportunities spanning digital assets, sustainability-focused initiatives, financial services integration, and related technology-driven business models.
The transaction is expected to provide a solid foundation for future growth while enhancing the group’s ability to serve institutional and commercial clients across multiple markets.
Strategic Leadership Insights
“This merger represents a significant milestone for TROOPS as we continue to expand our digital asset infrastructure and diversified business platform,” said Damian Thurnheer, President and CEO of TROOPS, Inc. “The combination of EFFORCE’s technology, regulatory capabilities, and industry expertise with TROOPS’ existing operations creates new opportunities for growth, innovation, and value creation.”
A spokesperson for EFFORCE Group added, “The combination of EFFORCE’s licensing framework, digital asset expertise, and sustainability-focused initiatives with TROOPS’ market presence creates a strong foundation for future development across multiple business verticals. We believe the transaction will enable the combined group to explore new strategic opportunities while leveraging the strengths of both organizations.”
The integration is expected to accelerate revenue growth opportunities, diversify income streams, and support the creation of long-term value for NASDAQ: TROO shareholders. Both parties expect to work closely together to ensure a seamless integration process and to maximize the strategic benefits of the transaction for stakeholders of both organizations.
Hashtag: #TROOPS #EFFORCE
About TROOPS, Inc.
Website: https://www.troops.co/
About EFFORCE Group
Website: https://www.efforce.io/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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7. Tech – Boost Mobile NZ to launch challenger prepaid brand in Aotearoa New Zealand
October 14, 2026
Source: Boost Mobile New Zealand
AUCKLAND – 14 October 2026 – Boost Mobile New Zealand has today unveiled plans to shake up the local telco market, promising to deliver more competition and product innovation with a relentless focus on value for New Zealand consumers.
Boost Mobile New Zealand is an independently owned and operated business whose co-founders include Chief Executive Officer Jason Haynes and Boost Mobile founder Peter Adderton.
Greg Murphy, four-time Bathurst 1000 winner and Peter Adderton, founder of Boost Mobile
The company will operate as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) on the award-winning One NZ network. The partnership gives Boost Mobile New Zealand the reach and coverage of a major carrier while it focuses on innovating, delivering competitive products, and making it easier for consumers to get maximum value from their mobile service.
Haynes has led the establishment of the New Zealand business with the support of long-time telco disrupter Adderton alongside the other original Boost Mobile founders. Haynes will draw on his own operational and brand-building experience overseeing record growth for the Boost brand in the Australian prepaid market.
Boost Mobile New Zealand enters the market as MVNOs continue to drive competition, expand consumer choice and increase customer satisfaction at a time when household budgets remain under pressure and consumers are increasingly scrutinising their everyday expenses. Boost New Zealand will also focus on educating consumers about the broader benefits of prepaid and the greater control it gives them over their spending.
“When an industry gets comfortable, consumers generally end up paying for it. The Boost Mobile brand was born 26 years ago to challenge exactly that kind of thinking, and that’s the same DNA we’re building into Boost Mobile New Zealand,” said Peter Adderton, founder of Boost Mobile.
“Every day we wake up thinking about how we can give consumers a better deal, and that is exactly how Boost Mobile New Zealand will operate. We’re building a business here to compete, to push the market and to make the incumbents uncomfortable. If we do that properly, Kiwi consumers win. People often just keep paying their telco because switching feels like too much trouble. We will make it easy for them,” said Adderton.
Haynes said launching the brand in New Zealand was about backing Kiwi consumers with the same energy Boost has brought to markets around the world.
“This is a brand and business, built for New Zealand consumers. I’ve had the backing of Peter and the original Boost Mobile founders to carry that same challenger spirit into what we’re building, but how we show up for Kiwis is something we’re building ourselves, from the ground up,” said Jason Haynes, Chief Executive Officer of Boost Mobile New Zealand.
“Over the years Boost has supported many Kiwis in motorsport and action sports, including legendary Supercars driver Greg Murphy, Richie Stanaway and others, we’re looking forward to deepening that support for New Zealand action sports, motorsport, music and youth culture.
“It’s that same energy we put into how we compete: listening to consumers, fighting for value and competing hard for every customer,” said Haynes.
“Peter Adderton and the Boost Mobile brand have been a big part of my motorsport career. Peter gave me my first drive in Australia back in 1994, and that was the beginning of a very long and successful relationship. I was a Boost NZ-sponsored athlete in the early 2000s, and then reunited with the brand in 2022 for a Bathurst 1000 wildcard entry alongside Richie Stanaway,” said four-time Bathurst 1000 winner Greg Murphy.
“The brand has been a huge supporter of motorsport for many years and is synonymous with sports sponsorship and giving back to those communities. It’s going to be brilliant to have Boost Mobile back in New Zealand, offering its awesome products on the One NZ network!”
Murray Osborne, GM Infrastructure Partners, One New Zealand said: “We’re pleased to welcome Boost Mobile New Zealand onto the One NZ network. Our focus is on giving our wholesale partners access to high-quality mobile infrastructure they can rely on, while giving them the freedom to build their own brands, products and customer experiences. Boost brings a strong proposition to the New Zealand market, and we’re looking forward to supporting them with the reach, performance and reliability of the One NZ network.”
The launch is being supported by Advantai Group and its managed services company, Prvidr.
“Prvidr NZ is delighted to support Boost NZ’s entry into the New Zealand market. The opportunity to enable Boost NZ from both a technical and operational perspective is a real privilege. Bringing a brand of Boost NZ’s calibre to market is what our people do best, and we can’t wait to get started,” said David Joss, Chief Executive Officer of Prvidr.
Boost Mobile New Zealand will reveal its first prepaid mobile plans, pricing and launch date shortly.
About Boost Mobile New Zealand
Boost Mobile New Zealand is a challenger telecommunications provider operating as a mobile virtual network operator on the One New Zealand network, founded on the Boost philosophy of delivering value, innovation and greater choice to mobile consumers. It is independently owned and operated, and its shareholders include Chief Executive Officer Jason Haynes and Boost Mobile founder Peter Adderton.
Boost Mobile was founded in Australia in 2000 and grew from a disruptive prepaid challenger into an internationally recognised telecommunications brand, with a long association with motorsport, surfing, snowboarding and action sports, including support for Kiwi Supercars legend Greg Murphy. Boost Mobile New Zealand carries that challenger philosophy into the New Zealand market and intends to deepen its support of New Zealand motorsport, action sports, music and youth culture.
Boost Mobile New Zealand is independently owned and operated and is not affiliated with Boost Mobile Australia.
Notes:
Jason Haynes: Haynes’ relationship with Boost and Peter Adderton dates back to his career as a professional snowboarder, when Boost sponsored him in 2000, and includes extensive time spent in New Zealand. That connection to New Zealand’s action sports scene, together with his experience in the MVNO and youth culture markets, underpins his leadership of Boost Mobile New Zealand.
Peter Adderton: Adderton founded Boost Mobile in Australia in 2000, challenging the established telcos and building a brand synonymous with value and youth culture. He has spent more than three decades campaigning for a better deal for mobile consumers, and more recently launched MobileX in the United States. MobileX is now 51% owned by Charlie Ergen, who also owns Boost Mobile in the US. Adderton’s connection to New Zealand goes beyond long-standing relationships such as Boost’s support of Supercars legend Greg Murphy. His father-in-law, Lindsay Richardson, is a Kiwi who grew up in Dunedin.
Greg Murphy: Born in Hastings, Murphy is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated motorsport figures. A four-time Bathurst 1000 winner (1996, 1999, 2003 and 2004), he set the famous “Lap of the Gods” at Mount Panorama in 2003, a lap record that stood for seven years. Across a career of more than 400 Supercars starts, he also won the 1994 New Zealand Grand Prix and back-to-back V8SuperTourer titles, before returning to Bathurst in 2022 with a Boost Mobile-backed wildcard entry alongside Richie Stanaway. Today he is a familiar face to motorsport fans as a Supercars broadcast commentator, presenter and television personality, as well as a long-time road safety advocate.
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8. Long overdue replacement for critical bridge
October 14, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Another bridge on South Canterbury’s State Highway 82 will be replaced, through funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say.
The Deep Creek Bridge on SH82 will be replaced at a cost of $7.5 million. Elephant Hill Stream Bridge has already been replaced, and Waihao North Bridge is in the process of being replaced
Deep Creek Bridge carries about 1850 vehicles each day and supports local journeys, agricultural activity and freight movements.
“South Canterbury communities rely on this route every day for work, business and access to services. Reliable transport infrastructure underpins agriculture, freight and regional business, and this investment will keep this important connection fit for purpose,” Mr Jones says.
Mr Bishop says strong transport links are essential to support regional productivity and connectivity.
Significant deterioration, including major cracking in the pier, means replacement is a better option than continuing maintenance and repairs.
“Replacing Deep Creek Bridge provides better long-term value than continuing to pour money into increasingly costly repairs. It is a practical investment that will benefit road users and freight operators for decades to come,” Mr Bishop says.
Design and consenting work is expected to begin within six months, with construction expected to commence in 2027.
Editors’ note
The Regional Infrastructure Fund invests in infrastructure that supports economic growth, strengthens resilience, improves regional productivity, and helps unlock investment opportunities across regional New Zealand.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/14/long-overdue-replacement-for-critical-bridge/
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9. XTransfer Launches Cross-border Payment Service in Chile
October 14, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
UAF registration strengthens compliance footing in Latin America
SANTIAGO, CHILE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – XTransfer, a leading global B2B cross-border trade payment platform, announced that XTransfer Chile SpA has completed registration with Chile’s Unidad de Análisis Financiero (UAF), marking a key milestone in its Latin America expansion.
UAF registration strengthens compliance footing of XTransfer in Latin America.
The registration strengthens XTransfer’s local compliance foundation in Chile and supports its ability to provide cross-border payment solutions to businesses in the market. XTransfer specialises in serving SMEs engaged in international trade, helping them simplify international collections and payments while navigating cross-border trade and compliance requirements.
China–Chile Trade Growth Fuels Demand for Cross-border Payments
The China–Chile Free Trade Agreement was the first bilateral free trade agreement signed between China and a Latin American country, coming into effect in 2006. Bilateral trade between China and Chile grew from over US$7 billion in 2005 to US$66.905 billion in 2025, with China remaining Chile’s largest trading partner for many consecutive years, according to China Customs data. According to XTransfer data, payment collections from Latin America rose 94% year-on-year in 2025, with collections from Chile increasing by 79%, reflecting the deepening trade ties between the two countries.
Solving the Export Payment Bottleneck
However, many exporters still face the bottleneck of “easy to export, hard to get paid”. Latin American buyers often prefer paying in local currencies, while exporters may lack suitable collection channels. USD settlement can add FX costs and cross-border fees, and post-payment steps, including conversion, settlement, and repatriation, can slow cash flow and affect fulfilment. Businesses therefore need a full-chain solution covering pay, collect, settle, and repatriate.
To address this, XTransfer leverages its global local collection network and partnerships with licensed financial institutions to provide eligible companies with local-currency collection accounts in key Latin American markets including Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Peru, supporting currencies such as Chilean Peso, Brazilian Real and Mexican Peso. Buyers can pay from local bank accounts via local clearing, while exporters can convert and settle into RMB through XTransfer, accelerating fund return and improving cash utilisation.
“Completing our UAF registration is a key milestone in our Latin America expansion,” said Violas Xiao, Singapore and LatAm CEO of XTransfer. “XTransfer will continue to invest in regulated markets and strengthen its payment infrastructure to support SMEs participating in cross-border commerce,” she added.
https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn
Hashtag: #XTransfer #Chile #LatAm #Crossborder #Payment #EmgergingMarkets
XTransfer
We connect top-tier financial institutions directly to SMEs, the backbone of global trade, giving businesses of every size access to the same secure, compliant and seamless payment infrastructure once reserved for multinationals. As of March 31, 2026, we provide payment services across more than 200 countries and regions through partnerships with financial institutions, including some of the most established international banks around the world.
XTransfer has obtained required licenses in major hubs, including the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, the Netherlands, Australia and Canada.
For more information, please visit: https://www.xtransfer.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. Exotic Food Becomes Thailand’s First Food Company Certified to ISO 14068-1:2023
October 14, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Owner of globally recognized Flying Goose Sriracha strengthens roadmap toward Carbon Neutrality by 2040 and Net Zero Emissions by 2050
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 – Exotic Food Public Company Limited, a leading Thai food exporter and owner of Flying Goose, the globally recognized Thai Sriracha sauce brand, as well as the Exotic Food brand of Thai sauces and curry pastes, has become the first company in Thailand’s food industry to receive ISO 14068-1:2023 certification from the Management System Certification Institute (MASCI).
The certification marks a key step in the company’s transition toward lower-carbon operations and supports its long-term targets of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2040 and Net Zero Emissions by 2050, as environmental requirements become increasingly important for companies competing in global markets.
“Environmental performance is becoming an important part of doing business internationally, particularly in Europe, one of our key export markets,” said Vasana Jantarach, Chief Executive Officer of Exotic Food Public Company Limited.
“Setting a target is not enough. We need a credible and internationally recognized framework that demonstrates how emissions will be measured, reduced and managed over the long term.”
To meet the ISO requirements, Exotic Food reviewed and recalculated its greenhouse gas emissions baseline across its manufacturing operations, strengthened its emissions-data management system and trained executives and employees responsible for environmental data. The process also included pre-assessment and independent verification.
The company has begun implementing emission-reduction measures across its operations, including installing solar power systems at its Amata City Rayong facility, with further installations planned at its raw-material facility in Phitsanulok.
It is also improving manufacturing energy efficiency and working with logistics suppliers to gradually transition freight transport from diesel-powered trucks to electric vehicles.
A central principle of ISO 14068-1:2023 is that companies prioritize avoiding and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, followed by replacing carbon-intensive activities with lower-carbon alternatives. Carbon offsets are used only for residual emissions that cannot currently be eliminated.
“This framework gives us a disciplined pathway to reduce emissions as the business continues to grow,” Vasana said. “It also enables our customers and business partners to see that our environmental commitments are measurable, transparent and independently verifiable.”
Exotic Food said it will continue investing in cleaner technologies, energy efficiency and operational improvements as part of its broader ESG strategy and efforts to build a more sustainable food supply chain.
https://www.exoticfoodthailand.com/
Hashtag: #ExoticFood #FlyingGoose #ISO14068
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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