Anisha Satya for Country Life

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It’s what’s underneath that matters at the Underground Festival.

The soil, how we treat it, and who it feeds were key focuses at the two-day educational retreat, held in the middle of a vineyard in Waipara.

Fran Bailey is the mind behind New Zealand’s “festival for farmers,” which draws heavy inspiration from her time at the Groundswell Festival in England.

“It’s a regenerative agriculture festival [run] over two days on a no-till arable farm. And, yeah, they get about 8000 farmers there.”

Regenerative agriculture – building resilient farm systems by doing things like restoring nutrient-depleted soil – has gained ground amongst Kiwi farmers in recent years.

So why not bring the Groundswell Festival to New Zealand, too?

Bailey was raised on a Tokoroa dairy farm until the age of six.

“I didn’t have anything to do with farming after that, when mum and dad sold the farm in the late ’80s.”

But she found her way back to farming while working in the UK.

“I ended up working at a regenerative farming podcast, and went to a regenerative farming conference,” she says.

“These farmers stood up and went ‘I’m an environmentalist too!’, and they were so passionate about biodiversity.”

The conference lit a fire under her to share environment-conscious farming stories, which she felt were underrepresented in media.

“I just thought, ‘farmers care about the land, and not enough people know about this’.

“I sort of put a stake in the ground to help tell their stories.”

Bailey spent three years managing public relations for Groundswell, before coming back to New Zealand and trying the concept out locally.

The Underground Festival 2026 is the first official event, and saw hundreds of people make their way to Greystone Wines’ vineyard over the two days.

“The farmers here, they vary from 500 hectare-plus sheep and beef stations, down to small market gardeners.

“We’re all coming together around an interest in soil health, and fertility, and how we can improve our soils to therefore improve the health of our plants.”

Given the success of this year’s event, Bailey’s mind has already turned to next year.

“Farmers are the salt of the earth; they are wonderful people, very practical, and I just want to help them tell their stories, connect, and keep making good progress.”

Learn more:

• Find out more about the Underground Festival here

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Six tertiary students have been awarded scholarships as part of efforts to support farmers and growers on-the-ground, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard have announced.

“This Government is backing the sector by supporting the next generation of on-farm advisers,” Mr McClay says.

“Our On Farm Support Science Scholarships are an important part of our efforts to ensure the sector can provide specialised on-the-ground expertise and advice for farmers and growers.

“The successful programme has already started producing the next generation of advisers with four of the inaugural 2024 recipients having secured roles.”

The 2026 scholarships went to students enrolled in agricultural science, commerce, or environmental sustainability degrees.

The recipients were Lincoln University students Cameron Brans, Jack Green, Eibhlin Lynch, and Fraser Wilson, Massey University student Ella Hogan, and University of Canterbury student Cecily Holland. Each will receive $5,000 for the year. They have an interest in dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture, and arable production.

“Recipients in the scholarship programme are also mentored by members of the Ministry for Primary Industries On Farm Support team, providing hugely beneficial experience and networking opportunities,” Mr Hoggard says.

“Farm advisers have a vital role to play in providing on-the-ground support to farmers and growers. These students are the future of the advisory sector and will help keep our food and fibre sector thriving.”

Note to editors:  
Biographies of the successful scholarship recipients can be found below.

Name: Cameron Brans
University: Lincoln University 
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture)
Home region: Waipawa, Central Hawke’s Bay
Background: Cameron has an interest in sustainable meat and arable production and diversification on-farm. He’s seeking a career in an advisory role that combines scientific and business aspects of agriculture.

Name: Jack Green
University: Lincoln University
Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons)
Home region: Auckland
Background: Jack has been on an exchange at Cornell University (US) for a semester. His study in 2026 will focus on the growing complexity of data and software on New Zealand dairy farms. He’s seeking a career in agri-tech and farm consultancy.

Name: Fraser Wilson
University: Lincoln University 
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture)
Home region: Gore, Southland
Background: Fraser was raised on a sheep and beef farm and is most interested in the sheep industry. He’s seeking a career in rural banking, agribusiness, and has a long-term goal of farm or agri-business ownership.

Name: Eibhlin Lynch
University: Lincoln University
Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons)
Home region: Whanganui
Background: Eibhlin was raised on a dairy, sheep and beef farm. She’s been on an exchange at University College Dublin in Ireland to learn how the country is tackling similar environmental challenges and consumer pressures within the agricultural sector. She’s seeking a career in farm advisory combining science and rural services.

Name: Ella Hogan
University: Massey University
Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Home region: Dannevirke
Background: Ella is passionate about supporting the sheep and beef sector through science-based advisory work. She is interested in connecting research and policy with practical farm management to help farmers build resilient, sustainable businesses.    

Name: Cecily Holland
University: University of Canterbury
Degree: Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
Home region: Wellington
Background: Cecily is interested in horticulture, regenerative agriculture, and helping growers adapt to climate change and improve soil health. She’s seeking a career to work as a sustainability consultant or adviser.

MIL OSI

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

• Fonterra expecting to distribute Mainland Group earnings as special Mainland dividend
• Fonterra confirms FY26 forecast earnings guidance from continuing operations
• Fonterra lifts 2025/26 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price midpoint from $9.00 per kgMS to $9.50 per kgMS

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today lifted its forecast Farmgate Milk Price for the 2025/26 season and narrowed its forecast range.
 
The midpoint has increased from $9.00 per kgMS to $9.50 per kgMS, with the forecast range lifting and narrowing from $8.50-$9.50 per kgMS to $9.20-$9.80 per kgMS.
 
CEO Miles Hurrell says the Co-op has been able to make these changes based on recent improvements in global commodity prices combined with Fonterra’s well contracted sales book.
 
“As we have seen, global dairy prices have been volatile across the season. Following the declines at the end of 2025, prices have lifted in the last four Global Dairy Trade events.
 
“Global milk production remains above seasonal norms, meaning the risk of further volatility in pricing remains. As such, we continue to take a balanced approach with our Farmgate Milk Price forecast.
 
“Our team is focused on enhancing returns for farmer shareholders through the Farmgate Milk Price and earnings, by delivering on our strategy,” says Mr Hurrell.
 
Update on Mainland Group earnings
 
Fonterra is today advising that it intends to pay out 100% of underlying earnings generated by Mainland Group during FY26 while still under Fonterra ownership.
 
The earnings will be distributed through a special Mainland dividend payment to shareholders and unit holders following the completion of the sale to Lactalis.
 
“We are currently finalising our interim accounts and can indicate that we expect the special Mainland dividend to be in the range of 14-18 cents per share, which reflects the operating performance of the Mainland business during the first half of this year driven by ongoing cost management and favourable input commodity prices.
 
“This remains subject to the settlement date of the transaction and the finalisation of our financial statements and audit process.
 
“Fonterra’s FY26 forecast earnings guidance from continuing operations remains unchanged at 45-65 cents per share. It is intended that Fonterra’s dividend policy will be applied to these continuing earnings.  
 
“Our interim dividend from continuing operations will be confirmed when we release our FY26 interim results and an update on the special Mainland dividend will be given at this time,” says Mr Hurrell.
 
As previously indicated, Fonterra expects the transaction to be complete in the first quarter of the 2026 calendar year, subject to separation of the businesses from Fonterra and remaining regulatory approvals being received.
 
About Fonterra  
 
Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer, foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities byDoing Good Together.

MIL OSI

Warning: The following story contains an image that may disturb some viewers.

A Northland farmer says more than 250 of his family’s sheep have been killed by roaming dogs, and he’s thinking of quitting sheep farming if the killing can’t be stopped.

His call for action comes in the same week a woman was mauled to death by a pack of dogs in Kaihu.

Finn Cook is the fourth generation of his family to farm near Kaeo in the Far North.

He said roaming dogs had always been a bit of a nuisance for their stock, but towards the end of last year, the problem got out of hand as hundreds of their sheep were attacked and killed.

“It’s pretty disgusting to walk out there and see sheep half chewed on, still alive, can’t move on the ground. Especially in the heat with the flies and stuff.”

Cook said his uncle had already had to give up on sheep farming because of wild dogs, and if Cook couldn’t find a solution, his family would have to do the same.

“We’re at a dead end. We don’t know what to do. We don’t know what support there is for us as farmers because the laws aren’t in anyone’s favour here.”

He has tried taking matters into his own hands and shooting the dogs but he said it didn’t make a difference.

“They just keep coming. The dog owners need to hold themselves accountable, they don’t post up that they’ve got missing dogs either. Because I’m sure they know their dog’s been up to no good.”

He also tried contacting dog control at the council, but said it was hard to get any action from them.

“You’ve basically got to visually sight the dog all the way home, prove where it’s living and then also prove that it’s been killing your sheep… for them to actually do anything about it.”

But Far North District Council’s delivery and operations manager Hillary Sumpter said in a statement that the council only had records of one complaint from Cook.

“If we gave Mr Cook the impression that the council would only act when it had video evidence, then I apologise – that is not the case,” Sumpter said.

The council needed good eyewitness accounts or other evidence linking a dog to an attack which would stand up in court, she said.

“Setting dog traps and focusing our patrols on problem areas are methods we use to gather evidence. It is not possible to monitor a property 24 hours a day.”

Whangarei woman Tracy Clarke also knows about the problems roaming dogs can cause – she has been afraid to even walk down her street since she narrowly escaped a pitbull coming after her.

“It’s only just a few metres away, and I knew that I was in bloody big strife to be fair. Within a split second, I just heard a woman scream at me to get in and she parked up beside me – it was actually a local courier.”

After that ordeal, Clarke delivered a petition to parliament, calling for the rules around dog control to be changed.

“The current legislation governing dog ownership and control came into force in 1996. I know that sounds just like yesterday but in actual fact, it was all written 30 years ago. Clearly, it’s no longer befitting.”

Cook agreed there needed to be law changes, but said the owners needed to take some responsibility.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Auckland councillors are split on what to make of the government’s sudden change of heart on intensification.

Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced on Thursday the number of homes Auckland Council must plan for would be reduced from 2 million to 1.6m, but only if it submitted a plan that was approved by the central government.

The need for approval from Wellington outraged Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.

“We’re not doing this in order to go to the government and to the Cabinet and ask for their approval,” he said after the announcement.

“I mean, the Cabinet mostly don’t even live in Auckland, so that’s not going to happen.”

North Shore ward councillor and chairperson of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee, Richard Hills, agreed with Brown that the need to seek approval from the government was “very strange”.

“That was a bit of a surprise, we knew the number was being dropped but we were surprised this week that there would be some sort of intermediate phase where we would have to take the potential changes to Cabinet to sign off before they give us the legislation,” he told RNZ.

“The mayor’s been very clear that Auckland should not be going back to Cabinet, we are responsible to the people of Auckland, not Cabinet, so I’m not sure exactly how we’ll negotiate that out.

“It is a strange precedent, it’s normally left up to the different parts of the country to work out their own plans … I’m not exactly sure what the expectation is, I mean, what happens if the Cabinet don’t exactly agree with the direction of change? Will we have to go back and forward?”

The council also had little time to come up with the new plan, as Hills explained it had not been given an extension to its mid-2027 deadline.

“The end date for the plan being complete is still the same, so there’s going to be no extension on the other end, so whatever we do has to be quick, and it has to be quite focused on reducing some of the density in the outer areas of Auckland,” he said.

Another councillor, Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa’s Christine Fletcher, felt the government’s request was fair.

“I’m comfortable with the guardrails that the government are putting in place,” she said.

“We should have to justify where we’re looking to downzone, we should have to justify where we’re wanting the intensification, and so I’m quite comfortable with the process going forward.”

Anne Moore, an east Auckland resident neighbouring a controversial three-storey development in Farm Cove, was pleased to hear the target for intensification had been lowered.

She said recent intensification in the suburbs had damaged National’s reputation, and wondered if Thursday’s U-turn was a reaction to that sentiment.

“I talk to people every day out here, residents are saying they’re worried ACT and Winston [Peters] are going to get their votes. It’s really been a big issue out here in east Auckland particularly, and they’ve been voicing how they feel,” she said.

“They don’t want [intensification], or they want it done in a measured way and they want it done so we’re aware of what’s going on in our suburbs. [Ministers] don’t live where these things are happening and yet they won’t listen to the people that live there.”

Moore hoped the lower target would push the council to take a more considered approach.

“That was always the hope, that if they reduced the number that would mean the focus would be on central city and transport hub development, rather than turning every suburb into a three-storied townhouse situation,” she said.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the Fast-track approval of thousands of new homes and a major economic boost in Queenstown. 

RCL Homestead Bay Limited lodged an application in June 2025 to construct 2,800 residential homes and a commercial retail precinct, which has now been approved by an independent panel. 

“Approval for this project took around six months from the panel’s appointment,” Mr Bishop says. 

“The project is estimated to contribute $720.3 million to GDP and support around 4,420 jobs during construction. 

“Over the last two decades, Queenstown Lakes has become one of the most expensive districts in New Zealand to buy a home, having the highest median sale price in the country in January 2026. Rental prices have also continued to rise in this time.

“The median sales price in Queenstown is around $1,000,000 higher than the rest of New Zealand. The supply of more affordable homes has not kept up with growth. This means long-term residents and temporary workers struggle to find affordable homes. 

“This development of thousands of homes will make a real difference in Queenstown, where demand for housing is high

“The development has also been designed to minimise pressure on existing infrastructure. The panel found the project’s infrastructure approach, including independent wastewater systems was adequate, and could, in future integrate with the council’s wastewater network.  

“This is the 10th project to be approved through Fast-track, and it shows the system is working to get much-needed infrastructure off the ground faster.”

Notes to editor:

For more information about the project: Homestead Bay. 

Fast-track by the numbers:

• 10 projects approved by expert panels.
• 19 projects before panels for consideration.
• 149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
• 49 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
• 28 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure. 

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels:

• Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
• Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
• Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
• Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
• Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
• Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
• Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
• Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
• Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
• Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]

Expert Panels have been appointed for:

• Arataki project
• Ashbourne
• Ayrburn Screen Hub
• Bendigo-Ophir Gold Mine
• Green Steel
• Haldon Solar Farm
• Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme
• Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works
• Mahinerangi Wind Farm
• Pound Road Industrial Development
• Ryans Road Industrial Development
• Southland Wind Farm Project
• Sunfield Masterplanned Community
• Takitimu North Link – Stage 2
• Taranaki VTM Project
• The Point Solar Farm
• Waitaha Hydro
• Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project
• Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal

MIL OSI

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka today congratulated the finalists for this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy competition.

The three finalists for 2026, Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective and Otama Marere Trust which are both based in the Bay of Plenty, and Northland’s Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust, were announced at a function at Parliament today.

The trophy celebrates the vital role Māori farmers and growers play in New Zealand’s economy.

“This year’s finalists exemplify excellence in horticulture, driving growth in the food and fibre sector while creating jobs in rural communities,” Mr McClay says.

“The hard work of Māori growers and their staff will help achieve New Zealand’s aspirational goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years, while meeting the global demand for high-quality, safe and sustainable food and fibre.”

The competition was expanded to include horticulture in 2020, recognising the growth of horticulture on whenua Māori, which has increased by 50 per cent since 2017.

“Māori orchards, such as apples and kiwifruit, and agribusinesses provide employment and vital reinvestment back into marae, papakāinga, kura, and education scholarships,” Mr Pokata says.

“The prosperity and wellbeing horticulture generates for Iwi and Māori across the motu has far reaching impacts. I tautoko the outstanding work these finalists are doing.”

Each Ahuwhenua Trophy finalist will host a field day to demonstrate their growing operations. These field days and a second round of judging will determine the overall winner. The winner will be announced on 5 June in Whangārei.

MIL OSI

Livestock farmers are being urged to keep their animals well fed and circulated to avoid the spread of moisture-loving parasites.

Downpours and gusts that lashed the country in recent weeks have left farmers grappling with paddocks turned to lakes, keeping stock fed and dry, and navigating cut-off tracks, roads and bridges.

Heavy rainfall and warm conditions created an optimal habitat for parasites like worms and their larvae to spread in pasture.

Wormwise manager Ginny Dodunski said the worm larvae animals ate when they were grazing lived in droplets of water.

“[The larvae] are pretty good at clinging onto the grass blades, so unless you’ve actually had land move down a hill or you heaps of water flowing through your property, they’re still going to be there.”

Dodunski said sheep and cattle were subject to different worm species, but all would thrive in pasture during wet and warm conditions.

“The conditions that we’ve got at the moment definitely favour larvae survival,” she said.

“So we’ve got to get around that with really good feeding and then thinking about how we can use our different stock classes on our farms to clean up behind each other.”

She said stock rotation and grazing management were key to preventing further spread.

“One of the worst things we could do now with our lambs and calves is have them just going round and round and round their same little area on the farm, because they will pick up lots of larvae and because they’re young, they will put out a lot more worms themselves, so they create these hotspots for themselves.”

Dodunksi said farmers could capitalise on good lamb prices and focus more on fattening up the ewes, to buffer any pasture production knocks that might come with pests and diseases this summer.

“Get rid of your lambs, get the weight back on the ewes, and get yourself set up for next year, because some of these other pests and diseases might knock some pasture production around later on. So having ewes in good condition now is going to be a bit of a buffer for some of that as well.”

She said fortunately most sheep were already shorn by now which helped prevent flystrike in summer months.

She also urged farmers to monitor for any sudden deaths and consider spore and faecal counts.

Furthermore, Beef and Lamb said farmers were reporting a proliferation of these pests and diseases, as well as facial eczema and porina.

Earth Sciences New Zealand maps showed wet soils were especially pronounced on the East Coast, Bay of Plenty and pockets of South Waikato, Manawatū and Kaikōura as of Monday.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Storms across the North Island have destroyed a Horowhenua grower’s large berry tunnels, but power to the milking shed has since returned.

Severe weather over the weekend thrust five North Island districts into states of emergency; Manawatū, Rangitīkei, Tararua, Waipā and Ōtorohanga.

At Lewis Farms near Levin, strong gusts smashed 100m long berry tunnels, ripping off roofs and twisting steel.

Milk collection was scheduled for late Tuesday once downed trees were cleared from the farm’s tanker tracks and roads.

Owner and managing director of the family business, Cam Lewis, said the team was safe which was the main thing, but there was significant damage to the farm.

“The farms are a bit of a mess at the moment,” he said.

“Worst for us is the strawberries. So our tunnel houses and the crop itself have been particularly hard hit by the wind.”

Lewis said while many of the tunnels were still standing, he estimated about two of the seven hectares the tunnels covered had sustained damage.

“We feel we’re pretty geared up for handling wind, but unfortunately this time around, it came in a completely different direction to what the farm’s built to handle and to what we would normally expect.

“So lots and lots of tunnel houses with roofs gone and twisted steel and heaps of our plants lying on the ground, which isn’t ideal.”

As well as growing berries and asparagus, the farm had just under 900 dairy cows across two sites.

Power to the milking sheds was still out by Monday afternoon, when Lewis said he expected the outage to end soon.

“I think there’s a bit over 400 girls sitting out there at the moment wondering why they haven’t been milked this morning.”

Power returned to the shed by Monday evening, so the cows were “very relieved”, he said.

It was the second power outage at the farm since Christmas.

Lewis said it was time to think about adding a generator to the fleet.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

A Banks Peninsula farm worker had to swim stranded sheep to safety after huge downpours at Teddington.

More than 280mm of rain has fallen on parts of the Banks Peninsula from Sunday night to Tuesday morning. MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino said persistent rain was expected for much of the rest of Tuesday. An orange heavy rain warning was in until 6pm

Farmer Sir David Carter said more than 250mm of rain fell overnight at his property.

“The rain gauge was overflowing this morning. I’ve never seen so much rain and I’ve been farming here for 40 years.”

Carter said paddocks were flooded and trees were are down, which left him stranded on the farm.

“We moved stock to higher ground last night because we knew this was coming, but a farm assistant had to swim nine sheep to safety at 6.30am.

“I’d say there will be slips on the hills but we won’t know the extent of the damage until the rain stops.”

He said he didn’t think they had had stock losses.

Opawa flooding

In Christchurch, Stuart Payne, an Opawa resident of 35 years, told RNZ it was the second-worst flooding he’d seen in the area.

He said the response from council for the city’s metropolitan areas was delayed, despite flooding in various parts of the city, while most of the focus was currently on the Banks Peninsula.

He also questioned why the region hadn’t been placed in a state of emergency. No declaration had been made by 10am on Tuesday.

“Maybe they’ve been caught out.”

Payne sent RNZ photos from his drive on Fifield Terrace, where surface flooding has covered the road.

“It’s like a massive lake.”

His property was raised and wasn’t at risk of flooding, he said.

At 8.40am, Christchurch City Council published a list of city road closures on its website.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Residents of an affluent east Auckland suburb fear their quiet lifestyle could be shattered by a three-storey development in the middle of their neighbourhood.

With dozens of buildings looming high above her garden, Farm Cove resident Anne Moore said there was nowhere to hide.

“My sister’s room is curtains drawn because there are people building on the building site, and there’s no privacy,” she said.

Moore was leading the charge urging council to take action over the partly-completed construction.

With the support of her neighbours, she had sought legal advice, maintaining the development should no longer be allowed under Auckland’s recently changed planning rules.

The hammers and grinders echoing through her home office were hard at work on a pair of three-storey residential units, and they were right next door.

Moore worried the lack of privacy could be permanent once her new neighbours moved in.

“I think the fact that it looks right into our home and right into our property. We’ve got a spa pool, there’s two or three swimming pools in the surrounding area that they now look down on all of us,” she said.

Another neighbour, Lisa Anne Roy, said the new building towered over her property and blocked the sun.

“The impact’s been absolutely huge,” Roy said.

“We have an immune-compromised child, and taking all the sunlight away from the bedroom side of the house, I mean going up 11 metres, it’s just horrific.”

Roy only heard about the development through word of mouth after construction had already started.

“I have three dogs. To have that third dog on my property, I had to get every single neighbour to sign before council would let me have three dogs on my property,” she recalled.

“They didn’t have to get any signatures to totally change the landscape.”

The development in Farm Cove was allowed by the central government’s Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS), introduced in 2022 and permitting three-storey buildings on most city properties.

Contractors at the site on Bramley Drive had just broken ground in October last year when Auckland Council pulled out of those standards, the result of an agreement with the government following the 2023 floods.

That change limited new builds in Farm Cove to two floors, but the development had already been consented for three.

Anne Moore said construction should stop, and was campaigning for the council to step in.

“I keep getting emails saying that, you know, he had a building consent, he got it under the MDRS, and so they’re not going to enforce it because he was given that at the time. Well, that’s all very well, but those rules don’t apply anymore.”

Auckland Council’s head of resource consents, James Hassall, said the development could go ahead despite the recent changes.

“The government is investigating changes to help remedy the situation. This has allowed Auckland Council to issue formal notices to affected consent holders confirming they can rely on their existing consents and continue with their developments while a permanent fix is investigated,” he said in a written statement.

The developers declined RNZ’s interview request, but reiterated that the council had given them permission to continue.

And continue it had. Within a few months, contractors had already erected the frame of the third floor, and the shape of the building was coming into view.

Moore said the noise was driving her crazy, work often dragging into the evenings and weekends.

“They are allowed to work until six in a residential area, but they often keep going and we all have to yell out, hey, time to go, because by then we’ve had enough. So we really want our privacy back for what little time we have it,” she said.

“They’re here Monday to Saturday, and then last Sunday some showed up to work last Sunday, which they’re not allowed to do.”

In an election year, she said National risked losing its previously loyal support in east Auckland.

“I think it’s going to make a difference at the polls this year, to be honest,” she said.

“And this area is a big stronghold for a certain party, and so people are outraged.”

Anne Moore said her community felt burned, and feared others may be put in a similar position.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

MIL OSI

Source: ASB

With severe weather affecting regions across North Island, ASB is offering support options for customers who are impacted by the weather and worried about finances.

Targeted support for personal, farming and business customers affected by the extreme weather will be offered on a case-by-case basis, with options including:

• Deferring loan repayments for up to three months or interest only for three months.
• Immediate consideration of requests for emergency credit card limit increases.
• Tailored solutions for eligible ASB business and rural customers including access to working capital of up to $100,000.

ASB Executive General Manager for Personal Banking Adam Boyd says ASB wants to hear from any affected customers needing financial assistance or extra support.

“We recognise this will be a challenging time for some communities. Any personal, business or farming customers who are worried about their finances following the severe weather are encouraged to get in touch. Our teams have practical options available and are here to help.”

ASB’s branches in Masterton and North City are closed today. Lambton Quay is open with reduced staff. All other ASB branches remain open, and customers are advised to check ASB’s branch locator tool for their nearest branch and opening hours.

To discuss support options, personal customers should call ASB’s contact centre on 0800 803 804. Alternatively, customers can email hardship@asb.co.nz.  Affected ASB business and rural customers should speak to their relationship manager or call 0800 272 287.

Further detail on ASB’s extreme weather support is available here: https://www.asb.co.nz/page/extreme-weather-support.html

More information and full terms, fees and charges can be found on ASB’s website.

MIL OSI

Riddet Institute Fellow Laureate Paul Moughan has led a research collaboration with Yili’s Innovation Centre in New Zealand which will help shape World Health Organisation policy on infant nutrition.

Distinguished Professor Moughan, who chaired the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations’ expert consultation which published guidelines on protein quality for humans in 2013, has been working closely with global experts in a joint research effort co-ordinated by the Yili Innovation Centre Oceania (YICO) at Lincoln University.

In a series of papers published in the Journal of Nutrition (2023), Frontiers in Nutrition (2024) and the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2025), the work of Professor Moughan and his team has led to breakthrough research that provides a better understanding and far more accurate way of assessing how well babies can absorb and utilise the essential building blocks of protein from breastmilk.

Professor Moughan’s original work in 2013 provided the gold standard for evaluating protein quality in infant formula: the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS).

His latest research with YICO, the Yili Global Maternal and Infant Nutrition Institute and Professor Yin Yulong, a Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Engineering at the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has produced new data which deepens this understanding further and has already led to new approaches to infant nutrition production within Yili.

“This has been a hugely productive international research alliance and will no doubt lead to further advances in FAO policy,’’ Professor Moughan said.

“Professor Yin is a digestive physiologist of significant international standing and his thoroughness, attention to detail and scientific leadership was crucial to the success of the collaboration.

“The alliance’s work will also lead to global impacts on the production of infant formula leading to improvements in the long-term health of babies and children.

“It has also been very enjoyable working with the scientific team within Yili. I have been very impressed by the technical capabilities of the team and working with them has actually been quite delightful.’’

Head of YICO, Dr Philip Wescombe, said the Yili Innovation Centre Oceania principal aim was to act as a hub for research collaboration across Oceania.

“After 10 years, we are now well-established in driving innovation by strengthening ties with startups, expanding business opportunities, and fostering greater interaction between researchers, industry, and consumers,’’ Dr Wescombe said.

Resident Director of Yili Group Oceania Region, Zhiqiang Li, said Yili was proud of the work of YICO and of Yili’s teams across Oceania and in Inner Mongolia.

“We are honoured to learn of the warm and respectful relationships the company’s internal technical staff have developed with leading global researchers in China and New Zealand, the support we can provide as Asia’s largest dairy producer, and the fifth largest dairy company in the world,’’ Mr Li said.

References

Hodgkinson, S. M., Xiong, X., Yan, Y., Wu, Y., Szeto, I. M.-Y., Li, R., Wescombe, P., Duan, S., Liu, H., Yin, Y., Lim, W. X. J., & Moughan, P. J. (2023). An accurate estimate of the amino acid content of human milk collected from Chinese women adjusted for differences in amino acid digestibility. The Journal of Nutrition, 153, 3439–3447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.10.009

Moughan, P. J., Deglaire, A., Yan, Y., Wescombe, P., Lim, W. X. J., Stroebinger, N., Duan, S., Szeto, I. M.-Y., & Hodgkinson, S. (2024). Amino acid requirements of the infant: The amino acid composition of human breast milk. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11, 1446565. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1446565

Wu, Y., Yan, Y., Xiong, X., Li, R., Duan, S., Tang, M., Szeto, I. M.-Y., Liu, H., Hodgkinson, S. M., Moughan, P. J., Wescombe, P., Wang, J., & Yin, Y. (2025). Effect of different ratios of αlactalbumin to βcasein in infant formula on true ileal digestibility and intestinal morphology of suckling piglets. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 73, 6144–6150. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.4c10520

MIL OSI

MIL OSI

The Chiefs have emerged victors in a messy Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Blues at Eden Park. A try by All Black halfback Cortez Ratima was the key play in the 75th minute, after he linked with Tupou Vaa’i and Samipeni Finau up the middle of the field. That gave the Chiefs the last lead in a game that at times neither side looked interested in winning, with errors and 20 penalties blown throughout.

The first half saw both sides struggle with cohesion, bombing chances in each others’ 22s with handling errors. The Chiefs bombed a golden opportunity with three men unmarked when Josh Jacomb sent over a cross kick that went way too far, both kickers missed relatively simple shots at goal.

It wasn’t until half an hour into the game that the deadlock, when Tupou Vaa’i scored a slightly controversial try when he appeared to dive over a Blues defender to score in the corner.

Zarn Sullivan hit back almost immediately for the Blues, after some good work by the impressive Caleb Clarke off a bomb saw the ball moved into the flying fullback’s hands.

Anyone hoping for an improvement in quality after the break was sorely disappointed, although the home side looked to have the better of the moments. Dalton Papali’i crashed over after a long period on attack after 53 minutes, which at the time looked about good enough to win the game.

However, Samisoni Taukei’aho gave the Chiefs hope not long after, then a litany of errors once again saw the Chiefs set up for Ratima’s ultimately decisive score.

Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes can now celebrate a win on debut, although it’s unlikely his side will be able to play as flat as this and get away with it again. Meanwhile the Blues will be disappointed after specifically stating they were trying to avoid another poor start to the season.

The Chiefs head south to Dunedin to face the Highlanders next weekend, while the Blues make the long journey to Perth to take on the Force.

Read how the game unfolded below:

Team lists

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 4 Sam Darry, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Torian Barnes, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 6 Kaylum Bosher, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Kyle Brown

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

New Zealand and Singapore have signed a new electronic certification arrangement that will streamline trade and reduce costs, Trade and Investment, and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.

Export health certification confirms products meet the importing country’s regulatory requirements, including in animal or plant health, hygiene, and food safety.

The current paper-based system will be replaced by the new arrangement which enables real-time digital exchange of export health certification between New Zealand and Singapore for trade in food and primary products.

“It will streamline border processes, improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance supply chain security and integrity, and help products clear borders and reach markets sooner,” Mr McClay says.

“Singapore is one of our closest trade partners, and last year we marked 60 years of diplomatic ties between our countries. The new arrangement speaks to the strength of this relationship and will enable trade growth.

“It also progresses us towards New Zealand’s aspirational goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years. This Government is focused on building the future and delivering prosperity for New Zealanders.”

New Zealand’s food and primary product exports to Singapore reached $1.2 billion in the year to 30 November 2025.

The arrangement, signed in Singapore, forms part of New Zealand’s and Singapore’s Joint Plan of Action under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

MIL OSI

MIL OSI

Accelerating AI Integration into Educational Settings to Enhance Learning and Teaching Effectiveness

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

Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is yet to front questions on a scathing coroner’s report into the death of Malachi Subecz.

Coroner Janet Anderson report found everything possible went wrong for the 5-year-old in the last six months of his life.

Senior Cabinet Ministers have expressed shock at the report; Child Povery Reduction Minister Louise Upston taking a series of questions on it before Question Time this afternoon.

Chhour, who has responsibility for Oranga Tamariki, has declined requests for a short interview on the coroner’s report today.

RNZ first contacted her office to arrange an interview this morning, given the minister does not walk through reporter scrums at Parliament due to hearing issues.

In response to a follow-up query a few hours later, a spokesperson said they were “struggling to find even a free 2 mins in the Minister’s diary”.

Chhour was seen at a promotional event, showcasing the red meat sector for National Lamb Day, on the Speaker’s Lawn about lunchtime.

When that was raised with her office, the spokesperson replied: “Sorry she needed to eat”.

Anderson’s report highlighted serious concerns about the pace at which Oranga Tamariki has improved its system in response to Malachi’s death.

“They are not happpening fast enough,” she said.

She pointed out a previous system-wide review, led by the late Dame Karen Poutasi, recommended Oranga Tamariki run a public awareness campaign to help anyone identify possible signs of abuse and how to take action – but that had still not happened.

“It is hard to understand why this has not yet happened given the Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive’s statutory duties, and the previous recommendations that have been made about this matter, including by Dame Poutasi over three years ago.”

She recommended Oranga Tamariki prioritise and roll out an awareness campaign, and that “it must no longer be delayed”.

Chhour’s office provided a statement just before 6pm Wednesday night.

“I agree with Coroner Janet Anderson assessment that Malachi Subecz was the victim of unspeakable cruelty and deliberate evil, which no child should ever have to endure.

“My heart goes out to everyone who loved and cared for Malachi, for whom today’s findings will be incredibly painful.

“The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention (the Centre) and Oranga Tamariki are supporting the work being led by MSD to implement recommendations from Dame Karen Poutasi’s report into the death of Malachi Subecz.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has today hosted a celebratory barbecue for farmers, industry representatives and MPs to mark the upcoming National Lamb Day on 15 February.

“As we honour the legacy of the pioneers behind the first shipment of frozen sheep meat to the United Kingdom, we also celebrate lamb exports exceeding $4 billion for the first time last year,” Mr McClay says.

“Today we acknowledge the red meat sector and its significant economic contribution to New Zealand, as well as the hardworking men and women behind that success.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Meat and wool export revenue alone is forecast to increase seven per cent to $13.2 billion in the year to 30 June 2026.
 
“The efforts of New Zealand’s hard-working sheep and beef farmers support tens of thousands of jobs, and the sector is crucial to New Zealand’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years.

“This Government is focused on building the future. We’re cutting red tape through significant reforms, building trade, boosting farmgate returns, and investing in the health of rural New Zealand,” Mr McClay says.

“Since coming to Government, we have concluded, signed and entered into force the NZ–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, finished negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, and secured a high-quality, once-in-a-generation Free Trade Agreement with India.

“We’ll continue removing barriers to trade, opening doors to new partners and making the most of strong trading relationships.”

MIL OSI

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – Capella at Galaxy Macau has officially opened, marking the arrival of the serene enclave within the celebrated world of Galaxy Macau. This exceptional property represents a rarefied expression of hospitality within Galaxy Macau, Asia’s highly awarded luxury resort.

Capella at Galaxy Macau represents the pinnacle of the luxury resort’s experiential offering. Designed for the most discerning of premium guests, the property occupies a privileged position within Galaxy Macau’s constellation of lauded luxury hotels. An ultra-residential retreat designed for the most discerning traveller; it offers privacy, expansive space, and superlative service.

The golden hued architectural landmark comprises just 95 suites and penthouses, while maintaining an exceptionally low key-count and a welcoming sense of intimacy and seclusion.

The opening of Capella at Galaxy Macau further strengthens Galaxy Macau’s status as the region’s premier experiential destination, offering guests a highly curated way to experience the dynamism of the luxury resort, and all that UNESCO World Heritage–recognised Macau has to offer.

Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer – Macau of Galaxy Entertainment Group, states: “Galaxy Macau was created as a destination where the world’s finest hospitality and ultra-luxury experiences come together. We are delighted to reveal Capella at Galaxy Macau to our treasured guests from around the world; which showcases a new expression of our signature and ever-evolving ‘World Class Asian Heart’ service – that is not just personalised but anticipated; promising that true exclusivity is no longer about spectacle – but about scarcity.”

Clive Edwards, Senior Vice President, Operations, of Capella Hotel Group adds: “This strategic partnership positions Capella at Galaxy Macau as a distinctive expression of our brand vision: an intimate, residential retreat within an integrated resort context. Our guests enjoy seamless access to Galaxy’s world-class amenities while experiencing the culturally immersive hospitality that defines Capella—from our Capella Culturists to curated experiences celebrating Macau’s rich heritage.”

A contemporary retreat where The Gilded Jungle meets the runway

Conceived with renowned Paris-based design studio Moinard Bétaille, Capella at Galaxy Macau introduces a distinct design sensibility to the city, influenced by the jungle-inspired motifs found throughout the world of fashion, defined by craftsmanship, sophistication, and vintage luxury accents.

Imagined as a gilded jungle, the undulating exteriors draw from the formations of Macau’s tropical landscape while offering a sleek, residential interpretation of ultra-luxury. Rather than enclosed opulence, the architecture and interiors emphasise soft curves and undulating fluid forms, mirroring meandering waterways, light, airflow, the organic forms of the rainforest canopy – all brought to life with tactile materiality; creating a deeply immersive and energetically aligned experience.

Interior design studio Moinard Bétaille was tasked with creating a ‘residential sanctuary in Macau.’ From the forest-like canopy at the Ground Floor Lobby arrival and the Tree of Life, to the multi-sensory digital artwork by Laura Cheung – whose hand-finished jungle inspired walls grace every suite, Bruno Moinard has composed an environment of serenity, luxury and quiet confidence. For Capella at Galaxy Macau – a collaboration with Bruno Moinard’s creative partner, Claire Bétaille – the design duo have built on their collective commitment to bespoke luxury; creating a signature new language that builds upon culture, community, tradition, and heritage craftsmanship in a way that is both distinctive and unique. Moinard states: “Our vision was to create a sense of calm, crafted elegance, a residential sanctuary that feels both intimate and timeless, set within the extraordinary environs of Galaxy Macau.”

Gentle curves, softened edges, and dappled light that mimics sunlight filtering through a rainforest canopy guides guests from the moment they enter the driveway, a protected space that transitions from the pulsing energy of Macau, surrounded by lush foliage that fosters a sense of calm and privacy. In an ecosystem of light, art and nature, as one steps into the Lobby, a chamber of light and running water frame the Tree of Life – the beating heart of the Lobby that pulsates in coloured light. Round pools, lush foliage, and a mustering of carved wooden storks alight, finding their place in front of the spellbinding three-metre immersive multi-sensory LED artwork by Hong Kong artist Laura Cheung, founder of artisanal luxury homeware brand LaLa Curio. Evoking the natural rhythm of a tropical jungle, the sculptural natural forms, rocks and fire pits enable the kinetic artwork to subtly transform from dawn to dusk; connecting the interior to the passage of time outside. This digital grove “breathes” with the time of day; featuring a cacophony of ambient sounds that culminate in a nightly bloom of glowing fireflies and shooting stars. A custom-handmade tumbled glass sculpture by Czech glass masters Lasvit – ‘Splash’ – cascades over the illuminated water pools.

The arrival experience unfolds on the first floor, where guests discover the gilded Lobby layered with specially commissioned artworks. Highlights include contemporary abstract gouache and oil artworks by Bruno Moinard, alongside ceramic scholar’s rocks on Amazonite marble plinths by American ceramic artist Jason Messinger, that blend the softly-hued neutral interiors with statement pieces.

Guests are welcomed by their Capella Culturist in the Capella Living Room, a brand signature reimagined here as a cocooning social salon, before being escorted to their private residences for in-suite check-in by their personal butler. “Jungle Blue” – a Bruno Moinard abstract oil painting anchors the space in Moinard’s signature Macau Blue, a nuanced hue that echoes his interior inspiration, where water meets the jungle. Here, the Capella Culturists host daily rituals such as tea ceremonies, baijiu tastings, and cultural introductions.

The ultimate exemplar of penthouse living

Capella at Galaxy Macau delivers a rare combination of grandeur, serenity and exclusivity. Offering the largest rooms in Southern China, the Capella Penthouses are among the most remarkable accommodations ever introduced in the territory. Two- and four-bedroom penthouses offer expansive indoor-outdoor living, with sliding glass doors opening onto breezy, light-filled terraces, sun rooms and glass-walled outdoor private infinity pools overlooking futuristic Hengqin island – where visionary engineering meets architectural finesse – achievements previously unseen in the region. Artisanship is apparent in the details, such as the penthouse entrance doors featuring bespoke woven horsehair panelling lining, offering superior acoustic protection and a refined, luxurious patina. Four-bedroom penthouses, spanning close to 700 square metres, include a private Winter Garden with its diamond-stitched leather upholstery inspired by vintage automotive seats; wellness room with state-of-the-art massage chair and TechnoGym personal training equipment, games room with foosball table, and butler pantry. A den-like, soundproofed media and entertainment room houses a state-of-the-art home theatre and karaoke system, while airy, spa-like marble bathrooms feature generous soaking tubs and ultra-spacious his and hers showers. Two-bedroom penthouses include many of the same bespoke amenities, along with a dedicated VIK (Very Important Kids) room for family travellers.

One- and two-bedroom suites begin at 128 square metres and feature indoor relaxation pools, sunbeds, Amazonite marble bathrooms with mosaic floors, and polished finishes. Bedrooms are accentuated with jungle-inspired, hand-finished wall coverings by LaLa Curio, extending into canopy-like ceilings.

A heightened and singular service philosophy

Capella at Galaxy Macau brings together a union of award-winning hospitality for exceptional personalization. With Capella Hotels and Resorts voted the “No.1 Hotel Brand in the World” in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for the third consecutive year, Capella’s globally recognised service philosophy finds a new home in the most accentuated expression of Galaxy Macau’s signature and ever-evolving World Class Asian Heart service.

Every guest enjoys 24-hour butler service, packing and unpacking of luggage, a complimentary minibar, premium Chinese tea sets, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella bath amenities, locally-sourced pre-batched cocktails and a Bugatti kettle and Illy IperEspresso Professional Machine for the ultimate precision-brewed coffee experience. Dedicated Capella butlers – unique to this hotel – and Capella Culturists work seamlessly together to intuitively shape each stay around individual preferences; promising that true exclusivity is no longer about spectacle – but about rarity and experience.

Culturists curate bespoke experiences connecting guests to Macau’s heritage and contemporary culture, from art tours and baijiu tastings to culinary masterclasses with Stephen Hsu, the executive chef of Capella at Galaxy Macau’s signature restaurant Botanica, or private helicopter and walking tours arranged with insider access.

A dining destination for connoisseurs

As part of Galaxy Macau’s reputation as one of Asia’s most celebrated gastronomic destinations, Capella at Galaxy Macau introduces three highly anticipated dining and bar concepts.

Pony & Plume, a whisky and cocktail bar and divan designed by Moinard Bẽtaille, reveals a haven of hidden delights and secret spaces, waiting to be revealed. Set to become a vibrant Macau destination hotspot in its own right, the bar’s name is its creed: the “pony” – a precise measure of spirit – represents intention in every pour, while the “plume” is the bar’s calling card, introduced as an aromatic cloud of smoke that infuses its signature cocktails, bar snacks and the divan experience. Home to more than 650 whiskies curated across eight flavour profiles, the venue celebrates precision, ritual, and the aroma, from rare and limited-edition bottles to guided tastings and signature smoke-infused cocktails inspired by Macau’s cultural eclecticism and morsels designed to appeal to connoisseurs and the curious alike. Featuring a cabinet of the world’s rarest unicorn whiskies, even the private reserve of whisky casks of provenance might be sighted by those in-the-know.

Botanica, a 48-seat restaurant led by Executive Chef Stephen Hsu, serves international comfort classics reimagined with Asian influences for the global palate. Light floods the tropical interiors by Moinard Bétaille, where indoor water reflections feature beneath imaginary jungle vines and a cluster of soft, pillow-like fungi stretch across the high ceilings. Ornamental glass screens and trellises add to an ambient space punctuated by climbing botanicals and sculptural works by Mexican artist Joel Escalona, creating a casual yet refined atmosphere.

Further elevating Galaxy Macau’s culinary stature, acclaimed Hong Kong chef Vicky Cheng will open an independent fine-dining restaurant within Capella at Galaxy Macau in 2026. The Michelin-starred chef and Krug Ambassador, whose Wing restaurant is ranked number three on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, is set to present modern French cuisine shaped by his distinctive and adventurous culinary vision.

Francis Lui, Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group, concludes: “Capella at Galaxy Macau’s architecture, service, gastronomy, and residential privacy create a singular experience for our top percentile of VIP guests, one that sets a new reference point for hospitality in Macau and globally. Our design and operations teams have worked tirelessly to bring the vision for Capella at Galaxy Macau to life in close partnership with Capella Hotel Group. Together, we have crafted the most intimate, elevated, and personalised way to experience our global entertainment and leisure resort offering; creating a true sanctuary, where every stay unfolds as a bespoke retreat, shaped by design, culture, and service at the highest level.”

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

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

The Government is further protecting productive land by committing nearly $28 million for erosion control projects, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today.

Applications for funding support under the Hill Country Erosion Programme (HCEP) opened today, and councils across the country are invited to submit proposals for eligible projects. This round allocates $27.8 million for erosion control work to be delivered between 2027 and 2031.

The programme helps reduce the impacts of severe weather, protect soil health, and limit downstream damage.

“This programme is one of our most effective tools for supporting farmers and growers to protect their land and prepare for future storms,” Mr McClay says.

“We want to continue safeguarding productive farmland around the country, while reducing the environmental and economic impacts of erosion on local communities.”

Cabinet established the programme in 2007 and Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service’s current $25.2 million investment (2023–2027) is supported by $87 million in cash and in-kind contributions from 14 partner councils and from landowners, reflecting their strong support.

The funding went towards the councils delivering regionally tailored programmes that include treating vulnerable land, working with landowners to create farm-scale erosion control plans, and building regional capability.

Information on the HCEP and the 2023-2027 regional programmes can be found here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/forestry/funding-tree-planting-research/hill-country-erosion-programme

MIL OSI

New Zealand is taking fantasy sports to a whole new level with a league only Kiwis could dream up: Meadow Fresh Fantasy Herd – what we believe to be the world’s first fantasy league powered by real cows.

Created by Meadow Fresh, the game lets players draft real cows for their chosen team, score points from live farm data, and compete for a $20,000 top prize. Just like fantasy football, which relies on real athlete stats, Fantasy Herd draws on actual milking outputs and behavioural data collected from the herd at Nottingham Dairy Farm in North Otago, New Zealand.

Fantasy Herd ambassador Tav Hughes – content creator, meme connoisseur, and proud champion of Kiwi culture – says jumping in was an easy yes.

“I love anything that helps bridge the gap between town and country.  Most people only ever see the finished dairy products on the supermarket shelves, not the tech, care and effort behind them,” Hughes says. “Fantasy Herd is a crack-up idea, but it’s also educational and uniquely Kiwi. I reckon people are going to get hooked.

“Or at least until my darling COW HABUNGA takes home the gold!”

Meadow Fresh Marketing Manager, Jen Jones says the aim is simple: make dairy farming fun, visible and accessible to everyone.

“Although dairy remains one of New Zealand’s defining industries, its place in Kiwi culture has evolved.

“With Meadow Fresh Fantasy Herd, we wanted to shine a positive light on dairy by creating something unexpected, entertaining, and true to what modern dairy really looks like, it’s exciting and high tech.”

Just like traditional fantasy sports, Fantasy Herd players are selecting their own lineups, drafting real cows, each wearing a solar-powered smart collar from New Zealand’s ag-tech company Halter.  

Helen Moore, VP Marketing and Growth at Halter explains:

“Halter’s collars monitor every cow’s location, behaviour, and movement. This gives farmers a valuable tool to maximise their productivity and to care for their animals. We’re stoked to surface the data and insights that Halter farms rely on, and bring it to everyday Kiwis.”

North Otago farmer Tim Richards, whose cows star in the game, says it’s been a hit on-farm too.

“The cows don’t even know they’re athletes yet, but we’ve been laughing over who should be captain. If a bit of friendly competition helps people appreciate the care behind the dairy products in their fridge, that’s amazing.”

Draft opens 9th February, one week before the first round, giving players time to build their herds, choose their captain cow, and join a league. After six rounds, the herder with the highest total score will be crowned Fantasy Herd Champion and take home $20,000*.

Players can register and build their fantasy herd now at www.fantasyherd.co.nz.

*T&Cs apply. NZ res 18+. Commences 26/1/26. Ends 30/3/26. Full T&Cs available at www.fantasyherd.co.nz

MIL OSI