farming – LiveNews.co.nz

STAMPEDE creates 11,000 free business pages to bring Singapore’s AI push to local F&B operators

MIL OSI — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:15:44 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Hawkers, cafés and restaurants can claim their pages and set up no-app loyalty and referral programmes at no upfront cost

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – As Singapore commits more than S$1 billion to artificial intelligence research and talent development from 2025 to 2030, homegrown loyalty platform STAMPEDE is helping smaller F&B businesses to benefit from AI without requiring owners to learn complex tools or hire dedicated marketing teams.

STAMPEDE has created more than 11,000 free, claimable business pages for F&B establishments across Singapore. The pages give hawkers, cafés, restaurants and small chains a digital starting point where customers can find key business information, including location, ratings and outlet details.

Owners can claim or create their page for free, set up a digital loyalty programme and review the system before deciding whether to activate a paid plan.

The initiative comes as Singapore’s F&B sector faces continued pressure. Between 1 January and 23 October 2025, 2,431 retail food establishments closed. Of these, 63% had been registered for five years or less, while 82% of that group had never recorded a profit in their annual tax declarations.

Against this backdrop, STAMPEDE is focusing on an area that operators can influence directly: whether customers return, redeem rewards and recommend the business to others.

“Singapore is investing heavily in AI, and that’s a real opportunity, but a hawker or café owner shouldn’t need to become an AI expert to benefit from it,” said Wilson Komala, Founder of STAMPEDE.

“At the end of the day, F&B owners just want customers coming back and bringing their friends. The technology should work quietly in the background, turning everyday customer activity into simple actions and not another dashboard to check or skill for the owners to learn,” Wilson added.

Customers join a participating outlet’s loyalty programme by scanning a QR code through their phone browser, without downloading an application. Staff can issue stamps using an ordinary phone camera, with no additional hardware required.

The platform combines digital stamp cards, referral rewards, coupons, customer data, automated communications and weekly AI reports that explain customer activity in plain language.

Early results from three Singapore F&B brands show how this can translate into measurable customer activity. In under four months, OMMA Chicken Soup, CHA MULAN and LICKERS collectively gained more than 14,000 loyalty members, generated over 1,300 completed referrals and recorded more than 10,700 coupon redemptions across 19 outlets.

OMMA Chicken Soup recorded more than 5,500 loyalty members and over 300 completed referrals across five outlets, while CHA MULAN gained more than 7,000 members and generated over 800 referrals across nine outlets. Their coupon redemption rates reached approximately 50% and 55% respectively.

“The strongest sign for us is that customers are not only joining the programmes, but they are now returning, redeeming rewards and recommending the brands to others,” said Josiah Tan, Founder of OMMA Chicken Soup and Co-founder of CHA MULAN.

Neighbourhood ice cream brand LICKERS gained more than 1,600 loyalty members and over 200 completed referrals across five outlets. It also recorded a 33% returning-customer rate, the highest among STAMPEDE’s clients.

“LICKERS has always grown through its regulars, so the returning-customer rate is particularly meaningful,” said Felix Tan, Founder of LICKERS. “It gives us clearer proof that customers are coming back and introducing the brand to others.”

Businesses can claim or create their STAMPEDE page and complete the initial setup for free. Payment begins only when the programme is activated, with its Growth plan priced at S$50 per outlet per month.

https://stampede.sg/

Hashtag: #singapore #f&b #food #customerloyalty #loyalty

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

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

Universities – What happens after a river becomes a legal person? – UoA

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:08:24 +0000

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

A Yale PhD candidate moved to Whanganui to investigate what nearly a decade of legal personhood has meant for Te Awa o Whanganui and its people.

As it winds through bush-clad valleys and farmland towards the ocean, picking up kayakers, silt and stories along the way, Aotearoa’s longest navigable river, Te Awa o Whanganui, slows as it prepares to flow through the city of Whanganui before connecting with the sea.

On its northern bank, just off State Highway four near the eastern edge of the city, sits Te Ao Hou marae, a place of connection and learning. Its main hapū is Ngāti Tupoho of the iwi Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi.

It’s here on the banks of the river that Yale School of the Environment PhD candidate Raffaele Sindoni spent much of his time, learning from kaumātua, kaiārahi and rangatahi, playing guitar and absorbing stories and knowledge about the region, particularly Te Awa o Whanganui.

Raffaele, who is also a writer and folk musician, spent five months living in Whanganui, never far from the Whanganui River, the first in the world to be recognised as a legal person in 2017.

The groundbreaking legislation, honouring te ao Māori, inspired communities around the world to explore legal protections for rivers and mountains. It also drew Raffaele to Aotearoa.

His research, in collaboration with Native American tribes and prior scholarship in the United States, led him to investigate the impact of the Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Act nearly a decade after the river was granted legal personhood.

“I’m most curious about where the Act generates promising advancements, where it meets resistance, what it’s used for, and where it reaches its limits as both an expression of Indigenous relational worldviews and as an Act of Parliament operating within the structures of the New Zealand state.”

On paper, says Raffaele, granting legal personhood to a river appears to profoundly challenge colonial-capitalist understandings of land as property, water as resource, and humans and nature as separate. But, he points out, there’s a caveat.

“Rights of nature frameworks still operate within and engage with the very Western legal systems they seek to challenge. This poses an important question: how are Indigenous worldviews being translated into forms that the state recognises, and how does such a translation affect centuries of embedded legal and political Western colonial power structures?

“My research sits at this fault line. The Te Awa Tupua Act is an important entry point into scholarly and political inquiries across the world concerned with the expropriation of land, the objectification of water, climate change, and, of course, decolonisation and Indigenous sovereignty.

“These debates about legal personhood are essential for the next generation of students, activists, and lawyers as we grapple with changing relationships between people and nature. More importantly, though, they matter for all communities working to challenge the ways Western law has long shaped land, belonging, and political power.”

Over five months of fieldwork in Whanganui, he interviewed around 40 people with unique perspectives on the Act, including leaders of Whanganui hapū, farmers, members of entities that speak with or for the awa, heads of iwi settlement entities, Members of Parliament, district and regional councillors, environmental lawyers, and foresters.

Such a breadth of voices proved invaluable, says Raffaele, who’s now back in the US transcribing interviews and preparing a book based on his findings. Read more.

MIL OSI

Rural News – FREE SUPPORT FOR FLOODED WAIRARAPA FARMERS

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:16:59 +0000

Source: Rapid Relief Team NZ

Farmers affected by catastrophic flooding in South Wairarapa are being invited to attend a free Farmers Community Connect (FCC) event in Martinborough next month, bringing together practical recovery assistance, support services and the rural community.

Hosted by the Rapid Relief Team NZ (RRT), the event will provide flood-affected farmers with free fencing packs containing posts, battens and wire to assist with repair and recovery efforts following the severe weather experienced across the region, valued at $1,500 each.

Farmers will also have the opportunity to connect with a range of local support organisations, in particular Rural Support Trust, along with health services, rural financial counselling providers and veterinary suppliers.

RRT New Zealand General Manager Paul Simmons said the event is designed to provide both practical assistance and an opportunity for farmers to connect with others facing similar challenges.

“Recovery from a weather event of this scale doesn’t happen overnight. Many farming families are under real emotional and financial pressure as they cope with damaged infrastructure and the ongoing clean-up effort,” Mr Simmons said.

“Farmers Community Connect is about providing practical support while creating an opportunity for people to come together, access services and have conversations that can make a real difference during the recovery process.”

In addition to collecting recovery supplies, attendees can enjoy a complimentary barbecue lunch and barista coffee while catching up with fellow farmers and support providers.

RRT is expecting to donate around 100 fencing packs and provide 250 free lunches to the local community on the day.

This will be RRT’s ninth FCC event, bringing the total level of support for flood, drought, and storm affected farmers to over 1,600 since 2023.

To be eligible to receive free fencing supplies, farmers must register before on Friday, 7 August 2026. For registration information, visit: www.bit.ly/martinboroughFCC.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, 13 August 2026

Time: 11:00 to 13:00

Location: Martinborough Transport, 204 Lake Ferry Road, Martinborough

About Rapid Relief Team NZ:

Established in 2013, the Rapid Relief Team is a charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church which provides practical support, community assistance and disaster relief across New Zealand and around the world. For more information on RRT, please visit www.rrtglobal.org.

Since 2023, RRT has supported more than 1,640 New Zealand farmers affected by severe weather events through its Farmers Community Connect programme – further information available here: https://rrtglobal.org/nz/operations-appeals/farmers-community-connect-events/

MIL OSI

Climate News – Greenpeace says new report reveals devastating impact of Luxon’s climate policy reversal

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:32:03 +0000

Source: Greenpeace

A new report from New Zealand’s independent Climate Change Commission has shown that efforts to reduce emissions have stalled since the Luxon Government took power, and that New Zealand is no longer on track to meet its emissions reduction targets.

Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “This report is a stark warning – the Luxon Government is undermining climate action, putting everyday New Zealanders at risk.

“From day one, this Government has abandoned New Zealand’s climate credibility – bringing back offshore oil and gas exploration, removing the clean car discount, cancelling the Lake Onslow Battery Project, and letting agribusiness off the hook for their climate pollution. Now, we’re seeing the consequences of this climate denialism.”

The Commission’s report warns in particular that agricultural emissions are a ‘significant risk’ and that New Zealand will not meet existing methane emissions reduction targets without significant action from the Government.

Appelbe says, “Everyday New Zealanders – including farmers – are already experiencing the impacts of climate change. It’s going to get worse, unless we take action now – and this report shows that the Government is falling dangerously short.”

In 2025, the New Zealand Government became the first in the world to change the law to weaken climate targets. They reduced the methane target and adopted the controversial concept of ‘No Additional Warming’, against advice from the international scientific community.

Simultaneously, they confirmed that they would not make the agricultural industry pay for its climate pollution – a move that this report says will limit emissions reduction.

Appelbe says “Methane is our climate emergency brake. Reducing methane emissions from the intensive livestock industry now will give us a fighting chance of preventing the worst of the climate crisis.

“That’s why it’s so concerning to watch this Government recklessly cave to agribusiness lobbyists like Federated Farmers, and undermine any attempt to reduce methane emissions from intensive livestock farming.”

“New Zealanders want to see urgent climate action that keeps us safe and protects future generations. This Government’s war on nature goes against what New Zealanders stand for – and Luxon should expect resistance.”

MIL OSI

Animal Welfare – Help Them Escape This Future: Octopus Farming Ban Campaign Goes Huge in Wellington

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:31:55 +0000

Source: Animals Aotearoa

177 organisations worldwide stand with New Zealand against factory farming of highly sentient animals.
Giant octopuses have appeared on billboards overnight, with a key message: Ban Octopus Factory Farming.

The billboards come after advocacy charity Animals Aotearoa wrote to every New Zealand political party, requesting that they include a commitment to prohibit commercial octopus farming in their policy platforms for the upcoming election. The letter, cosigned by the Aquatic Animal Alliance coalition of 177 organisations across 75 countries – including NZ-based SPCA and SAFE – points to scientific evidence that octopuses are highly sentient animals with advanced cognitive abilities. Also highlighted are the absence of validated welfare safeguards, lack of humane slaughter methods, and environmental concerns about farming carnivorous species dependent on animal protein.

“Octopus factory farming is a bad investment in every sense,” says Marianne Macdonald, Executive Director of Animals Aotearoa. “Octopuses are sentient wonders. With three hearts, blue blood, and minds that dream, they navigate their ocean world with intelligence that rivals our own. They solve puzzles, navigate elaborate mazes, use tools, recognise individual humans, and even decorate their dens with shells. These are creatures to be in awe of, not to exploit in sordid factory farms.”

Steve Abel of The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand responded positively to the call to ban octopus farming, “We are concerned about efforts to introduce octopus farming to Aotearoa and support prohibiting octopus farming before this harmful practice can be established”, adding, “Octopus are extraordinary species and farming them is totally unacceptable”. Karen Singleton, Animal Justice Party Aotearoa NZ said, “Progress isn’t measured by what we can commercialise, but by the wisdom to know who should be left in the ocean. We already ask billions of animals to pay the price of economic growth. We don’t need to add octopuses to that list.”

“New Zealand has a unique opportunity to prevent the suffering associated with octopus factory farming before this industry begins to operate,” said Catalina López Salazar, Director of the Aquatic Animal Alliance. “Around the world, governments are increasingly recognizing that these highly intelligent, curious, and sentient animals cannot be raised humanely in intensive farming systems. By acting now, New Zealand can demonstrate global leadership in protecting animal welfare and set an example for other countries considering this emerging industry.”

Octopus aquaculture – a new form of intensive farming still in the research phase – would cause extensive harm. The New Zealand Government has already granted $1 million of public funds to the University of Auckland to advance this new form of exploitation. But because the octopus farming industry has not yet been established, there is a rare window of opportunity to prevent it from taking hold.

“We showed the octopus reaching out to show how often they’ve sought to connect with people,” Macdonald explains. “We also wanted to highlight that octopuses are escape artists of the highest calibre. These animals can fit through the tiniest of gaps, the size of their beak. But they need our help to escape a future in factory farms.”

A specially commissioned animation by Auckland-based artist Timothy Armstrong provides a glimpse of the risk octopus farming poses. Based on an industry research report, it features Octopus tetricus, the native octopus studied for exploitation in Aotearoa.

“In Aotearoa, the petition calling for a ban on octopus farming has gathered 7,770 petition signatures so far. New Zealanders are making clear they want their country at the forefront of this progress”, says Macdonald.

The campaign reflects a growing global movement. Washington State and California have already banned octopus farming. Legislation has been introduced in Mexico and Chile.

The petition is being officially launched at an event in Wellington, next Tuesday, 28 July. Sign at www.animalsaotearoa.org/stop-octopus-farming/
About Animals Aotearoa
New Zealand’s Animals Aotearoa is a registered charity whose mission is to improve the well-being of farmed animals and end their suffering. They work to protect the welfare of aquatic animals, with a particular focus on preventing octopus factory farming. They also improve the lives of chickens bred for meat by securing welfare commitments from food businesses and raising public awareness of the suffering caused by the way chickens are bred and farmed.

About the Aquatic Animal Alliance
Founded by the Aquatic Life Institute (ALI), the Aquatic Animal Alliance is a coalition of more than 190 advocacy organisations across 75 countries dedicated to improving the welfare of aquatic animals within the global food system. ALI is an international non-profit organisation that works on advancing aquatic animal welfare in both aquaculture and wild capture fisheries globally. They work with certifiers, nonprofits, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, governments, and the public to improve the welfare of aquatic animals.

Notes

Petition to ban octopus farming
Washington State and California have already banned octopus farming; seven more U.S. states are pursuing legislation against octopus farming, including Hawaii and New York, together with Mexico and Chile.
Information about octopus farming
The petition is being officially launched at an event in Wellington on Tuesday, 28th July.

MIL OSI

Awards – New crop of arable leaders stand tall – Federated Farmers

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:41:47 +0000

Source: Federated Farmers

From a couple who set up their own stone-ground milling enterprise to developers of a seed treatment that reduces nitrogen losses, the 2026 Arable Award finalists have been named.

“The annual awards are a celebration of the best and brightest in the industry – the individuals and teams who stand tall in what we do,” Federated Farmers arable chair Chris Dillon says.

“It’s said that when the going gets tough, the tough get going and that’s true of this year’s crop of finalists.

“The fighting in the Middle East continues to put pressure on fuel and fertiliser prices and it’s really hurting arable prospects with the planting season looming.

“More than ever, we need the innovation, commitment to excellence and environmental sustainability, research and willingness to share knowledge that these growers, agronomists and companies bring to the table.”

Dillon says he’s particularly impressed by the three Innovation Award finalists.

Marty and Georgina Skurr, who work the Canterbury land Marty’s great-grandfather began farming in the 1920s, added another value stream by setting up Minchins Milling, an on-farm stone-ground flour enterprise.

The look and taste of the flour produced is prized by sourdough makers and home bakers, and the direct connections the couple have forged with consumers give their arable business a point of difference and niche market.

Another Innovation Award finalist is agronomist Paul Oliver, who has played a key role in bringing H&T Agronomics’ Always N from development and extensive trials here and overseas, to commercialisation.

This microbial seed treatment helps reduce nitrogen losses, enabling growers to reduce their reliance on synthetic nitrogen inputs.

The third finalist is Lincoln University researcher Mariana Andreucci.

By investigating the relationship between cultivar characteristics, biomass production, and on-farm management practices, her research provides insights that enable growers to optimise crop performance and unlock the potential of individual wheat varieties.

When higher input costs and sluggish returns from the global oversupply put the squeeze on arable growers, it might be thought investment in environmental improvements will take a back seat.

Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) general manager business operations Ivan Lawrie, who convened the judging panels, says the calibre of Environment Award finalists shows growers’ determination to leave the land and water in better shape for the next generation.

Lovett Family Farms, led by Daniel Lovett near Ashburton, has implemented a comprehensive approach to sustainable farming focused on improving soil health, water-use efficiency, and biodiversity.

Judges said that through innovative practices, the family has built a resilient farming system while openly sharing their sustainability journey with the wider agricultural community.

Up against the Lovetts is Tim Gorton, who runs a mixed arable, livestock and dairy farming business near Feilding.

Through extensive planting and management practices, and a commitment to improving waterway health, Tim has demonstrated how productive farming and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand, judges said.

There are three Maize Grower of the Year finalists, in a year that’s seen a record maize silage harvest – one bright spot for arable.

Ashburton’s Mark Shera grows 250 hectares of maize as part of a 1,200-hectare arable operation. Supported by a significant dryer and silo complex, his business is recognised as the largest maize grain operation in the South Island, demonstrating both scale and commitment to crop production.

Donald Stobie, the Federated Farmers Waikato arable chair, operates a 450-hectare farm in Gordonton, growing around 200 hectares of maize. His focus on excellence has resulted in some of the best maize yields in the country, consistently achieving outstanding grain and silage production.

The third contenders are Hawke’s Bay couple Patrick and Belinda Nicolle. They lease land and contract grow 300 hectares of maize grain and 60 hectares of popcorn, earning recognition from judges for their effectiveness and forward-thinking approach.

From these three finalists, and finalists from the Cereal Grower and Seed Grower of the Year, an Arable Farmer of the Year will be named on awards night on 20 August at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch.

Ivan Lawrie says finalists in the three previous Arable Awards of New Zealand have always been of a high calibre and it’s no different this time.

“It fills me with optimism as I see new people coming in,” he says.

“For example, in the agronomist category there’s some relatively young professionals who are committed and have new thinking.

“They’re looking at the broader picture.

“The silo mentality of looking only at growing grain and seeds is gone as they look at how that fits in with livestock and horticultural systems.

“That’s going to provide real integration going forward.”

For tickets to this year’s awards event – https://www.arableawards.co.nz/tickets

The full list of 2026 Arable Industry NZ Award finalists:

Maize Grower of the Year:

Mark Shera, Ashburton

Donald Stobie, Gordonton

Patrick and Belinda Nicolle, Hastings

Cereal Grower of the Year:

Guy and Kathryn Wigley, Waimate

Andrew and Amy Darling, Timaru

Geoff and Joy Hayward and family – Hayward Agricultural, Timaru

Seed Grower of the Year:

Brendan and Rachel Moore, Methven

Jeremy and Kate Simpson, Rakaia

John and Mel McCaw, Methven

Innovation Award:

Paul Oliver, Feilding

Mariana Andreucci, Lincoln University

Marty and Georgina Skurr, Sheffield

Environment Award:

Lovett Family Farms, Ashburton

Tim Gorton, Feilding

Agronomist of the Year:

Nicola Pace, Ruralco

Sean Mulligan, PGG Wrightson Seeds

Mariana Andreucci, Lincoln University

Working Together Award:

SCID Rebuild Team

Ellesmere Sustainable Agriculture Incorporated

Oat Industry Group.

MIL OSI

American Rare Earths Appoints Andrew Conover as Chief Development Officer

MIL OSI — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:23:15 +0000

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

HIGHLIGHTS

Andrew Conover appointed Chief Development Officer (CDO), a new executive role responsible for driving the Halleck Creek Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), Final Feasibility Study (FS) and towards construction.
Mr. Conover brings approximately 20 years of mining project execution experience across the Americas, including leadership of a brownfield copper-molybdenum mill restart with an approximately US$350 million capital budget.
The CDO role is intended to strengthen internal project delivery capability and support execution from feasibility through permitting, detailed engineering and construction.
American Rare Earths also advises that Dwight Kinnes has retired from the Company after making a substantial contribution to Halleck Creek.

DENVER, July 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) (“ARR” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Conover as Chief Development Officer (CDO), a new executive role focused on advancing the Company’s flagship Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming through the current Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), the planned Final Feasibility Study (FS), and towards construction.

APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Mr. Conover is a mining projects executive with approximately 20 years of experience delivering studies, major capital projects, restarts and brownfield expansions across the Americas. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Construction at Elko Mining Group / Origin Mining, where he was accountable for the restart of a brownfield copper-molybdenum mill, tailings and associated infrastructure with a capital budget of approximately US$350 million, while achieving strong safety outcomes and disciplined execution.

As Chief Development Officer, Mr. Conover will be responsible for integrating and driving the Halleck Creek Cowboy State Mine pre-feasibility and feasibility programs, including engineering, project controls, risk management and constructability. He will also establish the development and execution framework required to move Halleck Creek efficiently from feasibility into permitting, detailed engineering and construction, while working closely with technical, operations and permitting teams to support long-term safety, operability and capital discipline.

In addition, he will help advance the Whole of Property Development Assessment for the broader, multi-generational Halleck Creek deposit beyond the initial Cowboy State mine.

“Andrew brings exactly the kind of real-world project execution experience we need as Halleck Creek enters its PFS and final Feasibility Study phase. His track record delivering large, complex mining projects from study through construction will help ensure Halleck Creek is advanced as a buildable, financeable project that can move into construction as quickly and responsibly as possible.”

– Mark Wall, Chief Executive Officer, American Rare Earths

“Halleck Creek is a unique opportunity to help build a large-scale, U.S.-based rare earth project at a time when domestic critical minerals supply is front of mind for government and industry. I’m excited to join American Rare Earths at this pivotal stage and to work with the team and stakeholders in Wyoming to advance the project through feasibility and toward construction.”

– Andrew Conover, Chief Development Officer, American Rare Earths

The creation of the Chief Development Officer role reflects the Company’s focus on de-risking Halleck Creek as a future domestic source of rare earths for defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing supply chains, and on aligning internal capabilities with the scale and strategic importance of the project.

The Company also advises that Mr. Dwight Kinnes has retired from the Company. American Rare Earths thanks Mr. Kinnes for his substantial work on the Halleck Creek project and wishes him the best in his retirement.

This announcement has been authorized for release by the Board of American Rare Earths Limited.

ABOUT THE HALLECK CREEK RARE EARTHS PROJECT

The Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project, located in Wyoming, is described by the Company as the largest known rare earth deposit in the United States on a total rare earth oxide (TREO) basis¹. The Cowboy State Mine area is being advanced as the initial development area, while the Company also continues to assess the broader long-term potential of the overall property.

ABOUT AMERICAN RARE EARTHS LIMITED

American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) is a critical minerals company focused on advancing the Halleck Creek Project through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. The Company states that Halleck Creek has the potential to support U.S. critical mineral independence and that it continues to work on innovative extraction and processing technologies with support from U.S. government-backed research program. Further information is available at www.americanree.com.

________________________________
¹ Refer ASX announcement dated 4 February 2025

– Published by The MIL Network

Federated Farmers pressure pays off on iwi-council agreements

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:56:47 +0000

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is welcoming the Government’s decision to stop existing and new Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements from transferring into the new resource management system.

Last week, Federated Farmers called on the Government to end the rush by councils to sign Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements before the new planning system comes into force.

Federated Farmers made the same recommendation in its submission on the Government’s resource management reform legislation.

“We’re really pleased the Government has listened,” Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper says.

“Over recent months we’ve seen a big increase in councils rushing to sign these agreements before the law changes.

“That’s created uncertainty for farmers and raised serious concerns about accountability.”

The Environment Committee today came back with its recommendations on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, which will replace the Resource Management Act.

Alongside the Committee’s recommendations, the Government has agreed further changes to the legislation, including relating to Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements.

No existing or initiated Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements will transfer into the new planning system.

Instead, councils will be able to enter into more narrowly scoped iwi participation agreements with clear legislative guardrails.

“While there is absolutely a place for relationship agreements between councils and iwi, they need appropriate safeguards,” Hooper says.

“Decision-making powers that affect communities should remain with democratically accountable elected representatives.

“The new guardrails announced by the Government are an important step in ensuring that.”

Federated Farmers will now take the time to work through the Select Committee’s report, which runs to more than 500 pages, to fully understand the changes being proposed.

“At first glance, it’s extremely encouraging to see the Government has agreed to scrap the transfer of all Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements and replace them with more narrowly focused arrangements,” Hooper says.

“That’s exactly what Federated Farmers recommended.”

Federated Farmers also welcomed the Government signalling it is considering changes to address Waikato Regional Council’s Plan Change 1.

“We’ve consistently argued it makes no sense for Waikato farmers and growers to implement an expensive and complex new planning regime while the entire resource management system is being replaced.

“We look forward to seeing the detail of the Government’s proposed solution.”

MIL OSI

Imperial Harvest Unveils US$1.888 Million Mahjong Set in Singapore, With All Proceeds Pledged to Childhood Brain Cancer Research

MIL OSI — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:00:17 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – Imperial Harvest, an Imperial Feng Shui consultancy in Singapore, has unveiled a one-of-one bespoke mahjong set valued at US$1.888 million (approximately S$2.4 million) — placing it among the world’s most valuable mahjong sets ever created — with all proceeds from its sale pledged to DIPG Foundation Singapore, funding research into one of the deadliest childhood brain cancers.

Imperial Feng Shui Mahjong Set

For generations, mahjong has been far more than a pastime. Rich in symbolism, strategy and tradition, the centuries-old game has long brought families and friends together around a table, and today it is enjoying a global resurgence, winning new audiences across the United States and beyond.

Against this backdrop, the one-of-one creation brings together exceptional materials, artisanal craftsmanship and Imperial Feng Shui principles into a collector’s piece that channels cultural heritage into meaningful change.

Turning Prosperity Into Hope for Children

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a rare and aggressive brain tumour that primarily affects children between the ages of five and 11, and has long been considered incurable. In 2024, doctors reported the world’s first case of a child effectively cured of DIPG, renewing global momentum in the field — yet research into the disease remains critically underfunded.

All proceeds from the sale of the mahjong set will be donated to DIPG Foundation Singapore, Singapore’s first foundation dedicated to advancing research into DIPG and other paediatric brain cancers. Founded by families who each experienced the loss of a child to the disease, the foundation supports research, advocates for greater access to innovative therapies and clinical trials, and provides resources for affected children and their families.

For Grand Master David Goh, founder of Imperial Harvest, donating the proceeds reflects a belief that prosperity carries its greatest meaning when it can be shared. The mahjong set celebrates abundance through symbolism and craftsmanship while channelling that value into research that brings hope to affected children and their families.

A Fading Craft, Reimagined

The set arrives at a time when the traditional art of mahjong tile carving is fading worldwide, lending its craftsmanship a significance beyond luxury alone. At the heart of the set are 156 playing tiles, including Animal, Fei and Joker tiles, individually crafted in untreated Burmese Grade A Black Jadeite. Revered for its rarity and cultural significance, the stone has long been associated with protection, resilience and prosperity, with every tile retaining its natural individuality.

The tiles are housed in a bespoke trunk wrapped in exceptionally rare Himalayan Niloticus crocodile leather, prized for its naturally occurring gradient reminiscent of snow-capped mountain peaks and sourced from a tannery that supplies some of the world’s most prestigious luxury maisons. Inside, aerospace-grade Alcantara — the same premium material found in the interiors of Ferrari and Lamborghini supercars — creates a soft, durable lining that protects every tile.

Where Feng Shui Meets Design

Guided by third-generation feng shui master Grand Master David Goh, every detail has been considered not only for its visual appeal but also for its symbolic significance, resulting in a collector’s piece that seeks to harmonise Heaven, Earth and humanity.

The conventional Singapore animal tiles have been replaced by the Four Celestial Guardians — the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Phoenix, White Tiger and Black Tortoise — mythical creatures deeply rooted in Chinese cosmology that traditionally represent protection, balance and harmony. Likewise, the flower tiles have been redesigned to depict four auspicious creatures: the bat, deer, crane and magpie, collectively symbolising fortune, prosperity, longevity and happiness.

Even one of mahjong’s most recognisable tiles, the Seven Dots, has been reimagined. Instead of following its conventional arrangement, the seven circles are positioned according to the “Seven Star Lighting” formation, an Imperial Feng Shui configuration believed to represent stability, clarity and strategic balance. The Character suit, meanwhile, features English transliterations such as “Yi Wan”, “Er Wan” and “San Wan”, making the set accessible to an international audience while preserving its cultural identity.

As Grand Master David Goh describes it, the set is “far beyond a Mahjong set. Every detail has been calibrated to harmonise Heaven, Earth and Man, ensuring that its owner engages not just in a game, but in a field of aligned opportunity, protection and infinite prosperity.”

A New Definition of Luxury

Whether viewed as a collector’s piece, a work of design or cultural heritage, the Imperial Feng Shui Mahjong Set occupies a category of its own — a reminder that the greatest luxury may ultimately be the opportunity to create meaningful change. It is a philosophy that Imperial Harvest carries through its bespoke Feng Shui consultation services in Singapore, where prosperity is understood as something to be built, and shared.

https://imperialharvest.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imperialharvest/

Hashtag: #ImperialHarvest #GrandMasterDavidGoh #ImperialHarvestMahjongSet #ImperialFengShui

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Vietfood & Beverage – Propack Vietnam 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City

MIL OSI — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:34:37 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Vietnam’s leading international F&B exhibition – 30 years of partnering with businesses to create sustainable value

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – Vietfood & Beverage – Propack Vietnam 2026 is an annual international exhibition integrating two major sectors: Food & Beverage and Processing Equipment & Technology, Packaging – held continuously in Vietnam since 1996. The exhibition will take place over three days, from August 6-8, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), organised by VINEXAD in cooperation with the Ho Chi Minh City Food & Foodstuff Association (FFA) and the Vietnam Beer – Alcohol – Beverage Association (VBA), continuing to affirm its role as one of the leading and most trusted trade promotion events for Vietnam’s Food and Beverage (F&B) industry.

Beyond bringing together advanced products, technologies and solutions, Vietfood & Beverage – ProPack Vietnam 2026 continues to serve as an important trade promotion platform, helping connect businesses, expand supply chains and drive sustainable growth for Vietnam’s food and beverage industry during this period of deep international integration.

F&B industry undergoing a strong transformation amid new trends

The food and beverage industry is entering a new phase of development as consumer demand moves beyond product quality alone toward more comprehensive values such as nutrition, health, sustainability and brand experience.

Alongside the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, e-commerce and ESG standards, F&B businesses are ramping up investment in modern production technology, automated production lines, eco-friendly packaging, traceability and supply chain optimisation to strengthen their competitiveness in the international market.

In addition, new-generation free trade agreements continue to open up export opportunities for Vietnam’s food industry, while also attracting international brands seeking to expand into a market of nearly 100 million people with growing purchasing power.

Against this backdrop, the need for trade connections, technology updates and strategic partnerships is becoming increasingly urgent, making specialised exhibitions one of the most effective trade promotion channels for businesses.

Vietfood & Beverage – Propack Vietnam 2026: a comprehensive networking platform for the F&B industry

Building on the success of previous editions, Vietfood & Beverage – Propack Vietnam 2026 continues to affirm its position as one of Vietnam’s largest international exhibitions for the Food & Beverage, Food Processing Technology and Packaging industries, and is also the first exhibition in this industry in Vietnam to be certified under the standards of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) – a guarantee of the event’s quality, scale and international standing.

Notably, 2026 marks the 30th edition of the exhibition held in Ho Chi Minh City, affirming its journey of sustainable development and its pioneering role over three decades of connecting the domestic and international F&B business community. This year’s exhibition reaches an impressive scale with more than 1,400 booths from over 1,000 companies across 20+ countries and territories, and is expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors, further confirming the event’s outstanding appeal and influence within the industry.

Vietfood & Beverage – ProPack Vietnam 2026 brings together every link in the food and beverage value chain, from raw materials, production and processing to packaging, logistics, and distribution and retail systems. Within the exhibition space, thousands of products, technologies, and advanced solutions will be showcased, covering the entire F&B ecosystem – from processed foods, premium foods, beverages, coffee and tea, confectionery, seafood and meat products, to food ingredients and additives, as well as processing machinery and equipment, packaging technology and modern technology solutions. This is an opportunity for businesses to find partners, keep up with market trends, access new technology and expand their domestic and international business networks.

More than a venue for launching new products, Vietfood & Beverage – ProPack Vietnam also serves as a forum for businesses to grasp consumer trends, find partners, expand distribution systems and access solutions that enhance competitiveness in an ever-changing market.

For international businesses, the exhibition is an effective gateway into the Vietnamese and Southeast Asian markets. Meanwhile, domestic businesses have the opportunity to access new technology, find suppliers, expand exports, and participate more deeply in the global value chain.

Adding value – bringing together thousands of domestic and international businesses

Vietfood & Beverage – ProPack Vietnam 2026 brings together thousands of domestic and international brands from more than 20 countries and territories, including China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan (China), Thailand and Vietnam.

At the event, the Diamond Sponsor – Masan Group Corporation (‘Masan Group, HOSE: MSN’) – will showcase its portfolio of leading brands, including CHIN-SU, Omachi, Vinacafé, Nam Ngư and WinEco, reaffirming its leadership in Vietnam’s branded food and beverage industry as well as high-tech agriculture. Guided by a consumer-centric strategy, Masan is committed to creating products that enrich the everyday lives of Vietnamese consumers while advancing the company’s vision to ‘Make Vietnamese Foods Global Foods’. At this year’s event, Vinacafé will introduce its premium Fine Robusta collection, crafted from specialty Robusta beans cultivated at altitudes above 1,000 metres. Naturally fermented and slow-dried for up to 720 hours, Fine Robusta delivers a refined coffee experience with rich, multi-layered flavour profiles and versatile brewing options.

The Beverage Pavilion continues to bring together leading brands in the industry, showcasing a diverse range of beverage products and emerging consumer trends. Supporting this dedicated exhibition area are Saigon Beer as the Gold Sponsor of the Beverage Pavilion, Hanoi Beer as the Silver Advertising Sponsor of the Beverage Pavilion, and Carlsberg Vietnam as the Bronze Sponsor of the Beverage Pavilion. Their participation contributes to promoting outstanding beverage brands while creating valuable networking opportunities between exhibitors, buyers, distributors and business partners.

The exhibition also continues to welcome the participation of many reputable domestic and international brands in the food and beverage industry, including Golden Farm, Tan Nhat Huong, Fancy Foods, Dan On, Vedan, Bibica, Huu Nghi, TH true FOOD, Khanh Hoa Bird’s Nest, Vietcoco, Rita, Miocen, Wonderful and Nam Viet, alongside international companies such as Allanasons, Al-Nasir, APK TRADING, Agroeco, Amos Food, Al-ammar Frozen Foods, Rustam Foods, Wellstand, Want Want, Learth, Kingmao and Cobi.

In the field of processing technology and packaging, the exhibition brings together companies offering advanced solutions such as Eulsung Auto Pack, Eastern Dragon, EIP, Han Viet Star, MMP Corporation, Shininghwa, QCM, Mutto Vietnam, Hao Tuan, Song Hiep Loi, Tan Phuong Vinh and Hoa Binh, showcasing modern technologies in automation, smart packaging, and production optimisation.

In addition to featuring leading domestic and international brands, Vietfood & Beverage – Propack Vietnam 2026 also reflects diverse participation from businesses across key markets around the world, including Australia, Bangladesh, China, Denmark, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (China), Thailand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United States and Vietnam. The presence of these countries not only reflects the exhibition’s increasing level of internationalisation but also presents a comprehensive overview of the global F&B supply chain – from raw materials and processed products to manufacturing technologies and modern packaging solutions.

Further affirming its international appeal, the exhibition welcomes national and territorial pavilions with participation from businesses in China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan (China), Thailand and Vietnam. These pavilions are organized on a large, cohesive scale, showcasing each country’s signature products, export strengths, and advanced technology solutions, thereby creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to directly access quality supply sources, expand trade cooperation, and strengthen connections across the global Food & Beverage value chain.

One of the standout highlights of Vietfood & Beverage – ProPack Vietnam 2026 is the continued participation of international trade promotion programs, affirming the exhibition’s appeal and credibility among foreign organizations and businesses. A prime example is The Taste Europe!, a program promoting high-quality European food products. This marks the fifth consecutive year the project has chosen the exhibition as its destination for brand promotion and trade connections in the Vietnamese market, introducing visitors to pork, beef, and processed products made from these two meats, as well as promoting apples and apple-based products.

In addition, The Drop of Excellence continues its participation in the exhibition for the second year of a promotional program spanning at least three years in the Asian market. The program focuses on introducing high-quality European dairy products, including many products from Poland, helping to expand trade cooperation opportunities and bring European agricultural products closer to Vietnamese consumers and businesses.

Notably, a delegation of Polish businesses continues to attend Vietfood & Beverage – ProPack Vietnam with support from Poland’s National Support Centre for Agriculture, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Poland. The consistent presence of Polish business delegations over the years reflects the growing interest of European businesses in the Vietnamese market and further affirms the exhibition’s role as an effective trade promotion bridge between Vietnamese businesses and international partners.

For many consecutive years, the Russian Trade Promotion Centre in Vietnam has supported Russian businesses in participating in Vietfood & Beverage – ProPack Vietnam, viewing the exhibition as one of the most effective trade promotion channels for showcasing products, finding partners, and expanding into the Vietnamese market. This continues to affirm the exhibition’s credibility and standing as an important destination for international trade promotion programs in the food and beverage sector.

A series of specialised activities: connecting businesses – driving innovation – expanding cooperation

Beyond serving as an exhibition and trade space, Vietfood & Beverage – ProPack Vietnam 2026 continues to affirm its role as a forum connecting the F&B community through a series of seminars, workshops, business-matching programs and engaging experiential activities.

The activity series opens with the international seminar ‘Building Premium Value in F&B: From Brand Identity to Distribution Channels and Packaging’ (on August 6, 2026), co-organised by VINEXAD, Italian Atelier, and CJC Marketing Agency. The seminar focuses on brand-building strategy, distribution channel development, and packaging design for F&B businesses to enhance product value and competitiveness.

Next, the specialized seminar “Green Transformation, Digital Technology, and Sustainable Nutrition” (on August 7, 2026), co-organized by VINEXAD and the Vietnam Association of Food Science and Technology (VAFOST), will provide updates on key trends in digital transformation, AI applications, sustainable product development, and supply chain optimization.

Also in the afternoon of August 7, 2026, the seminar ‘Food Packaging Compliance Management in the New Context’ organised by VINEXAD and the Vietnam Packaging Association (VINPAS), will provide new information on regulations, packaging standards, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and solutions to help businesses meet domestic and international market requirements.

At the same time, the Young Chefs Challenge: Culinary Arena, a cooking competition for young talent now in its second edition, organized in cooperation with the A Au Vocational Training Academy and the Ho Chi Minh City College of Economics and Tourism (CET), will give young chefs a platform to showcase their skills and creativity in food preparation while connecting with businesses and experts in the food and culinary service industry.

In addition, the F&B Spotlight – Business Presentations segment will allow companies to introduce their own products, technologies, and new solutions, helping them promote their brands and connect directly with customers and partners.

Notably, the VIP Buyer Program remains a key highlight, featuring scheduled B2B trade-matching activities that help improve trade promotion efficiency between businesses and domestic and international buyers, as well as major corporations (Big Corps) in the industry, opening up numerous opportunities for cooperation and business growth.

Alongside this, a check-in gift and lucky draw program, together with various interactive activities at the exhibition, will offer an engaging experience and help create a lively atmosphere throughout the three-day event.

Affirming its position as Vietnam’s leading F&B exhibition

The convergence of numerous domestic and international brands together with a high-quality series of specialised activities has established Vietfood & Beverage – ProPack Vietnam 2026 as one of the most important trade promotion events in the F&B industry, helping to drive supply-demand connections, innovation, and expanded cooperation opportunities across the region.

Beyond bringing together advanced products, technologies, and solutions, the exhibition also serves as a bridge between businesses, buyers, associations, and domestic and international organizations, helping to drive innovation, technology transfer, market expansion and the enhanced competitiveness of Vietnamese businesses within the global value chain.

As the food and beverage industry moves toward a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future, Vietfood & Beverage – ProPack Vietnam 2026 is expected to continue driving cooperation, investment, and development, accompanying businesses on their journey to elevate Vietnamese brands and conquer new markets.

Contact Information:
VINEXAD – No. 09 Dinh Le Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Ms. Dao Thu Ha – Project Director
Mobile: (+84) 912 000 406 – Email: daoha@vinexad.com.vn

Hashtag: #Vinexad

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

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

BRICS Competition Authorities Establish Task Force to Study Global Grain Trade

MIL OSI — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:36:59 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Competition authorities from BRICS countries have established a task force to conduct a joint sector inquiry into the global grain trade, marking a new step in cooperation on competition policy across international agricultural markets.

The decision was announced during the discussion “Competition Development in Global Grain Trade: Joint Efforts of BRICS Countries”, organized by the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre on the sidelines of the 23rd Session of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy in Geneva.

The event included a closed meeting of BRICS competition authorities and a public panel featuring researchers, academics and representatives of international organizations.

Discussions focused on competition in global grain markets, the growing influence of financialization and digitalization across agricultural value chains, and policy tools to improve market transparency. Participants also reviewed the findings of a joint report prepared by the BRICS Competition Centre and UNCTAD (link: https://www.bricscompetition.org/ru/grainreport) , first presented at the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference in Cape Town in 2025.

A coordinated market study

The central outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a BRICS task force that will coordinate a joint sector inquiry into global grain trade within the framework of the BRICS Working Group on Food Markets.

The task force will be co-chaired by Diogo Thomson, President of Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), and Mahmoud Momtaz, Chairperson of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA).

Thomson welcomed the initiative and proposed making competition in global grain trade a key topic at the next BRICS International Competition Conference, scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2027.

“Brazil is the only jurisdiction that has launched an investigation into digital grain trading platforms such as Covantis. I therefore strongly welcome this sector inquiry, which will help us better understand the impact of digitalization across grain supply chains and the risks it may create for competition. I also support using the BRICS Competition Centre as the coordination platform for this work,” he said.

Momtaz said one of the main conclusions of the BRICS-UNCTAD report was the significant role speculative activity plays in global grain markets.

“One of the key findings of the report presented by the BRICS Competition Centre is the extent to which speculative factors influence global grain trade. The most effective response is greater market transparency. We should not accept a situation where farmers receive only a small share of the value they create while consumers in Egypt pay excessively high prices for bread. Where does this margin accumulate, and who ultimately benefits from it? These are the questions our sector inquiry should answer,” he said.

He also proposed that the task force develop a common AI-powered price monitoring tool covering BRICS grain markets.

“Such a tool would provide the information needed for market analysis and become an important complement to the joint sector inquiry,” Momtaz added.

From analysis to policy recommendations

Hardin Ratshisusu, Deputy Commissioner of the Competition Commission of South Africa, said the study should contribute to the implementation of the BRICS Grain Exchange initiative endorsed by BRICS leaders in the Kazan Declaration (2024) and the Rio de Janeiro Declaration (2025).

“The proposal to establish a BRICS Grain Exchange should become one of the key recommendations of the sector inquiry as an innovative mechanism for restoring competition in global grain trade. Our objective is not merely to identify market problems but to develop practical recommendations that can ultimately be submitted to the leaders of our countries,” he said.

Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre, said competition authorities should play a central role in designing the institutional framework of the future exchange.

“The BRICS Grain Exchange should not become another formal institution. It must serve as a practical mechanism for improving competition and market transparency. Competition authorities are uniquely positioned to identify the institutional features that will allow the exchange to achieve these objectives,” he said.

Growing international role

Frédéric Jenny, Chairmanof the OECD Competition Committee, said the initiative demonstrated the growing international role of BRICS competition authorities.

“This project illustrates how BRICS competition authorities are becoming drivers of the global competition agenda. In the past, they largely followed the lead of developed jurisdictions. That is no longer the case. There are very few examples worldwide of such close cooperation between competition authorities. This applies not only to joint market studies, but also to enforcement cooperation and competition advocacy. Rather than acting individually, you have found both the mechanisms and the political will to work together,” Jenny said.

The task force will now begin developing the methodology and work plan for the joint inquiry. Its findings are expected to provide policy recommendations aimed at strengthening competition, improving transparency in global grain trade, and supporting future BRICS initiatives in agricultural markets.

Hashtag: #BRICSCompetition

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

Schlumberger Foundation Honors Nine Women Scientists and Engineers with the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize

MIL OSI — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:46:25 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

KAMPALA, UGANDA – EQS Newswire – 16 July 2026 – The Schlumberger Foundation (https://SchlumbergerFoundation.com/) is proud to announce the nine recipients of the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize, a merit-based award that recognizes Fellows who are translating their scientific and engineering expertise into initiatives with demonstrated potential for wider impact.

Download Document:https://apo-opa.co/457IRvc

For more than two decades, the Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future program has supported women scientists and engineers from emerging and developing economies in pursuing advanced STEM research and developing their leadership.

Today, their achievements demonstrate that the program’s influence extends far beyond individual academic journeys. Across countries, disciplines and generations, Faculty for the Future Fellows are turning advanced scientific and engineering expertise into breakthrough solutions that open new pathways, strengthen communities and generate wider change across people and systems.

The Faculty for the Future Impact Prize recognizes proven initiatives and accelerates their next stage of development. Through funding, visibility and connection to the wider fellowship, the scientific and business community it helps recipients extend their reach and deepen their impact.

The 2026 Impact Prize recognizes outstanding initiatives in three areas:

Educational Outreach
Technology Innovation
Social Impact

“Faculty for the Future began by investing in the education and potential of exceptional women scientists and engineers. What we now see is how that investment continues to multiply as Fellows open pathways for others, build institutions and apply their expertise to urgent challenges in their communities. The Impact Prize allows us to recognize this leadership, connect it across the fellowship and help it travel further,”said Capella Festa, President of the Schlumberger Foundation.

2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize Recipients

The Schlumberger Foundation is delighted to announce the nine recipients of the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize:

Dr. Darshana Joshi
VigyanShaala: STEM Access for Women and Rural Communities in India

Dr. Angela Tabiri
The Mathsqueen National STEAM Circuit

Dr. Novalia Pishesha
Future Southeast Asian Scientist (FSAS)

Dr. Chao Mbogo
Mentorship Infrastructure for Holistic Technologists

Dr. Hifza Rasheed
Empowering Women and Communities with Climate-Resilient Water

Dr. Edu Inam
Scaling a Research Equipment Database for Equitable Access in Nigeria

Professor Bridget Bannerman
Empowering African Women to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

Dr. Tonthoza Uganja
Profitable Agroforestry for Smallholder Farmers in Malawi

Dr. Zita Nodjikouambaye
Community-Based Screening for Cervical and Breast Cancer in Chad

Selected from 156 applications from 61 countries, the nine winning initiatives reveal the breadth of what Faculty for the Future Fellows are building through science and engineering. They create pathways into STEM, strengthen access to research and healthcare, and develop practical responses to challenges in water, agriculture and climate resilience.

The Impact Prize marks a new chapter for Faculty for the Future. Building on more than two decades of support for advanced STEM education, it strengthens a global fellowship in which the scientific and engineering leadership of Fellows is recognized, connected and amplified.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Schlumberger Foundation.

Download Image: https://apo-opa.co/4pqtJT1

Faculty for the Future Impact Prize Global Press Kit https://apo-opa.co/457IRvc.

Media Contact:
Joan Busingye
SFCommunications@slb.com

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

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

Hang Lung Launches the Third Phase of “66 and beyond” Anniversary Celebration

MIL OSI — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:15:56 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Portfolios Across the Chinese Mainland Launch the “66 Let Loose” Summer Carnival to Energize Local Communities

HONG KONG SAR & SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2026 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) (“Hang Lung” or the “Company”) today announced the launch of its “66 Let Loose” Summer Carnival (「66放肆一夏」嘉年華) across 11 of its mixed-use commercial developments on the Chinese Mainland, officially kicking off the third phase of its “66 and beyond” anniversary celebration. Spanning July and August, the campaign is built around three signature themes: “Let’s Play,” “Let’s Move” and “Let’s Jam,” offering specialty markets, high-energy sports and live music parties.

Hang Lung launches “66 Let Loose” Summer Carnival (「66放肆一夏」嘉年華) across its 11 mixed-use commercial developments on the Chinese Mainland

Built around three core themes – pop up markets, sports and music – the “66 Let Loose” Summer Carnival seamlessly blends lifestyle experiences with community connection. “Let’s Play” spotlights trendy, locally inspired summer markets brimming with creative content and interactive experiences, encouraging young people to explore fresh ideas and discover lifestyle inspiration. “Let’s Move” connects communities through sports and wellness experiences, championing a lifestyle that nurtures both body and mind. “Let’s Jam” centers on the nationwide “66 Summer Music Festival” and Chinese Valentine’s Day programs, teaming up with a diverse lineup of renowned bands to deepen cultural and emotional ties with local communities.

Center 66 in Wuxi presents Summer Lemon Party, featuring the debut of limited-edition desserts and interactive engagement

Olympia 66 in Dalian brings together more than 50 curated brewers from over 40 cities, offering a vibrant hub for discovery and social connection

Spring City 66 in Kunming, in collaboration with SUNNYMORE, introduces the nationwide debut of a mushroom-themed creative pop-up

Among the highlights, Spring City 66 in Kunming blends local urban flair with SUNNYMORE’s signature mushroom-themed characters, marking the nationwide debut of the “Mushroom Island Tour” pop-up, alongside “Shroom Style Culture Market 2.0,” a limited-edition mushroom-themed bazaar. Parc 66 in Jinan is set to electrify the summer nights with its Qixi Music Festival, bringing together popular bands from the hit show The Big Band (樂隊的夏天) and beloved local online stars to deliver one of the city’s landmark summer music events. Meanwhile, Riverside 66 in Tianjin brings the spirit of speed and adventure to life through an immersive go-karting experience. Together, these standout events promise to infuse each city’s summer with boundless energy.

These themed activities – paired with exclusive HOUSE 66 member perks such as summer bonus points, 666-point redemptions, lucky draws and gift-with-purchase offers – come together to shape the multifaceted experience of the “66 Let Loose” Summer Carnival. Spanning retail, dining and lifestyle, this carefully curated series brings the “66 and beyond” anniversary theme to life across Hang Lung’s entire Mainland portfolio, infusing city living with fresh energy while co-creating enduring value with the communities we serve.

Appendix – Key Summer Campaign Highlights across Hang Lung Properties’ Mainland Portfolios

Mall / City

“Let’s Play” Curated Markets

“Let’s Move” Active Sports and Wellness

“Let’s Jam” Live Music and Celebrations

Exclusive Pop-ups and Featured Exhibitions

Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai

Let’s Play

(August 13 to 16)

Vitality in Surge

(July 25 to August 2)

Summer Music Festival

(August 13 to 16)

–

Plaza 66, Shanghai

–

Burberry “Tropical Summer” Pop-up

(From now to August 31)

Palace 66, Shenyang

Ice Cream & Dessert Festival

(July 31 to August 2)

FSMC Orienteering Run & Yoga Party

(July 25 to 26)

Summer Music Festival

(August 8, 9, 15, 16)

–

Parc 66, Jinan

66 Inspiration Bazaar

(July 30 to August 2, 19 to 23)

“BUBBLE UP” Craft Beer Festival 2.0

(July 30 to August 2)

Ice Cream & Dessert Festival

(August 19 to 23)

Let Loose: Sweat It Out Summer Party

(July 25)

Let Loose: 66 Summer Music Party

(August 8, 9, 15, 16)

POP Bakery’s first “Crybaby” themed store in Shandong

(From now to September 8)

“Toy Story” Pop-up

(From now to August 2)

Forum 66, Shenyang

“Savor Southeast Asia” Summer Market

(August 7 to 9)

Summer Skate and Dancing Fest

(August 15 to 16)

Summer Music Festival

(July 25 to 26, Aug 1 to 2)

–

Center 66, Wuxi

–

Sports Community Activities:

(1) lululemon Training Community Classes

(July 15 and 29)

(2) On Running Summer Training Community Series

(July 4, 9, 18, 26)

66 Let Loose Summer Music Festival

(August 8, 9, 15, 16)

Summer Lemon Party

(Every Friday to Sunday from now to August 31)

Jo Malone British Countryside Pop-up

(August 15 to 23)

Riverside 66, Tianjin

66 Let Loose: Tianjin’s First Supercar and Modified Car Fair

(July 18 to 19)

66 Let Loose: Real-life Go-Kart Racing

(July 20 to August 5)

66 Summer Party: DJ Flash Mob

(August 8)

HEC Miniature Model Carnival – Tianjin Debut

(July 8 to August 14)

Olympia 66, Dalian

Craft Beer Festival

(July 10 to 12)

Outdoor Fitness 66 Zone

(From now to July 20)

Rooftop Music Festival

(August 8, 9, 15, 16)

Qixi Romantic Staircase
(August 7 to 19)

Spring City 66, Kunming

Shroom Style Culture Market 2.0

(July 18 to July 19, July 25 to July 26)

Weekend Sports Community

(July 30 to August 16)

66 Summer Music Festival

(August 8, 9, 15, 16)

66 Let Loose Summer: “Mushroom Island Tour” Themed Pop-up – National Debut

(July 8 to August 30)

Beauty Festival 2.0 Fruit Theatre · Dopamine Beauty Lab (August 8 to 31)

Heartland 66, Wuhan

Summer Ice Dessert Bazaar

(August 14 to 16)

Fat-Burning Boxing & Zumba Party

(July 25)

66 Summer Music Festival

(August 8, 9, 15, 16)

Sanrio “Sun Kissed Island Party” – Central China Debut

(July 4 to August 30)

Westlake 66, Hangzhou

–

Oasis Beats: “Sweat Sound Field” Sports Community Series

(From now to August 2)

Oasis Beats: “Heartbeat Party” Music Performance Series (From now to July 26)

LEGO “The Qingming Scroll” Exhibition

(Expected to open in late July)

Hashtag: #HangLung

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

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

Environment – EPA seeks feedback on proposal to ban two insecticides

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:31:56 +0000

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions during a reassessment of insecticides used to treat fleas on pets and for household and commercial pest control.

The public consultation about fenthion and propoxur and products containing these substances runs from 15 July to 26 August 2026.

In New Zealand, fenthion has historically been used in flea treatments for pets and propoxur has been used in flea treatments for pets and in household and commercial insect pest control. However, we believe that they are no longer in use in New Zealand.

The EPA proposes revoking all approvals for substances containing these active ingredients.

Max Thoma, Acting Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager, says these insecticides pose significant risks to both the environment and human health.

“At this stage, we haven’t seen any evidence that these insecticides are still being used in New Zealand but we’d like to get up-to-date information and check that we haven’t missed anything. If anyone is aware of products containing these substances being used in New Zealand, we’d like to hear from them before a decision is made.

“We propose banning them so we can remove the risk of them being used in the future.”

Assessments by recognised international regulators show significant risks to human health and the environment from the use of fenthion and propoxur.

Alternative pest control methods are available to farmers and pet owners.

Find out more and have your say

MIL OSI

Federated Farmers warn of last-minute rush for iwi agreements

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:26:52 +0000

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is sounding the alarm over councils rushing to sign new iwi partnership agreements before the Resource Management Act is replaced.

Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper says Environment Canterbury is the latest council attempting to finalise a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreement before the new planning system comes into force.

“Under the Government’s replacement legislation, as currently drafted, councils won’t be able to enter into new Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements.

“But that draft legislation presently carries over any existing Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements.

“Predictably, that has triggered a rush from iwi organisations seeking to lock agreements in before the law changes.

“The latest example is Environment Canterbury, which has suddenly announced it’s considering an agreement with Ngāi Tahu, with elected councillors given only one week to consider and decide on the draft agreement.

“ECan is showing flagrant disregard for their community, pushing this through with no public notification before it appeared on the agenda this week, to be ratified next week.

“That’s deeply concerning and we’re calling on the Government to intervene so councils can’t rush these agreements through before the system is reformed.”

Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements, created under the Resource Management Act, set out how councils and iwi work together on resource management matters.

They can allow for joint decision-making on plans and resource consents.

In its Election Platform launched last month, Federated Farmers expressed concern about the increasing number of agreements between councils and iwi that allow for co-governance or co-management of natural resources.

Since the Government released its draft Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill in late 2025, dozens of new agreements have been initiated around the country, including in Manawatū-Whanganui, Northland and most recently Taranaki.

Hooper says councils have little discretion once an agreement is formally requested.

“Councils are legally required to negotiate these agreements, which puts elected members under enormous pressure to complete them before the law changes.

“That creates a real risk of rushed decision-making and inadequate public scrutiny.

“In Canterbury, councillors have had very little time to consider the proposal before being asked to ratify it.”

Federated Farmers will write to Environment Canterbury urging it to pause the process and allow proper consultation.

“The timing couldn’t be worse. Local government reform is also underway and, within a year or two, Environment Canterbury may no longer exist, with smaller unitary councils taking its place.

“Signing long-term partnership agreements now could bind future councils that don’t even exist yet.

“Those future councils should be free to negotiate their own relationships with iwi once both local government and resource management reforms are settled.

“Rushing agreements through now shows little respect for future elected representatives or the communities they’ll serve.”

Hooper says the situation reinforces the need for Government action.

“This scramble highlights exactly why ministers need to step in and change the new legislation before it’s enacted.”

In its submission on the Government’s resource management reforms, Federated Farmers recommended the new system shouldn’t carry over Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements.

“If the Government decides to retain them, there need to be clear limits.

“They shouldn’t override democratic decision-making, expand the scope of planning legislation or create additional consent requirements.”

Hooper says the agreements raise important questions about who should influence planning rules and resource consent decisions.

“We fully support councils and iwi working together and building strong relationships.

“But decisions affecting property rights and resource consents should ultimately rest with people the public can vote in or vote out.

“Our concern is that some agreements move beyond collaboration and hand significant influence to groups that aren’t democratically accountable in the same way elected councils are.”

While some agreements focus primarily on improving communication, Hooper says others extend much further.

“For example, Northland Regional Council’s agreement with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine includes funding for iwi environmental planning work and provides opportunities for iwi representatives to participate in resource consent processes.”

He says farmers are concerned about what that could mean in practice.

“A farmer wanting consent for a feed pad, a new effluent system or worker accommodation could end up facing extra costs, delays and bureaucracy.

“Federated Farmers is firmly opposed to blanket requirements for cultural impact assessments on routine consent applications.

“Farmers already spend enough time and money navigating an overly complex consent system.

“The last thing rural New Zealand needs is another layer of consultants, planners, lawyers and reports added to an already broken resource management system.”

MIL OSI

Finance – Farm mortgages drop on strong returns – Federated Farmers

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:37:33 +0000

Source: Federated Farmers

Many farmers are taking advantage of strong returns for meat and milk to pay down debt, the latest Federated Farmers Banking Survey and Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) data shows.

Reserve Bank data that shows total agricultural lending dropped $1.4 billion to $61.2 billion in the year to April 2026.

“Strong dairy payouts, including a capital redistribution of $2 per share to Fonterra suppliers, combined with record beef and sheep farmgate prices, have likely allowed farmers to meaningfully reduce loan principal,” Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Mark Hooper says.

Responses from nearly 540 farmers to the Federated Farmers Banking survey in May also show falling farm mortgages and improved farmer-banker relationships.

In the Feds survey, the number of respondents with mortgages under $2 million has risen to 41%, up from 38% six months earlier.

Average mortgages for sharemilkers and for dairy and meat and wool farms all fell significantly between the November 2025 and May 2026 surveys.

“The outlier is arable farms,” Hooper says.

“That sector is in near-crisis mode, with weak grain prices, rising costs, tough growing conditions and competition from lower cost imports.

“The arable farm median mortgage of $3.5 million is the highest of all farm types.”

Other key survey results tracking the farmer-banker relationship continue an upward trend.

Farmer satisfaction with banks reached 69% in May, the highest rate recorded in the last eight years of Federated Farmers’ twice-a-year surveys.

The survey shows banks have lifted their game on the communication front.

Farmer satisfaction with their bank’s communication is at 69%, up from 61% in the November survey.

Another positive is that the number of farmers who said they were feeling undue pressure from their bank came in at 10%, the lowest since 2018.

The average mortgage rate was 5.49%, down from 5.78% in the November survey, and two out of five respondents to the May survey have over 75% of their loans on floating rates.

“One finding that all banks should ponder: the single most consistent theme across more than 200 general comments added by farmers was that a knowledgeable, available bank manager outweighs factors such as loan rate competitiveness,” Hooper says.

“Where communication from banks works, it tends to reflect a specific person rather than the bank system. Where it fails, the cause is usually the same.

“One farmer’s comment states it plainly: ‘Never hear from our bank; don’t even know who our rural bank manager is. That’s concerning and disappointing if we need them’.”

MIL OSI

Dairy Sector – Fonterra revises its 2026/27 forecast Farmgate Milk Price

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:22:37 +0000

Source: Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today updated its forecast 2026/27 Farmgate Milk Price off the back of declining prices at recent Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auctions.

The revised forecast is $9.25 per kgMS, with a new range of $8.00 – $10.50 per kgMS.

This is down from the opening forecast of $9.75 per kgMS announced in May, when the Co-operative started with a wide range of $8.00 – $11.00 per kgMS to reflect the potential for volatility and varied outcomes throughout the season.

Fonterra CEO Richard Allen says the change to the 2026/27 forecast reflects softer-than-expected demand at a time of strong global supply.

“GDT prices have fallen 11% across the reference products that inform the Farmgate Milk Price since we announced the opening forecast in late May, while milk production from key exporting regions is up on last year. We’re expecting a strong start to the season in New Zealand, noting the potential for the El Niño weather pattern to impact global supply as the season progresses,” says Mr Allen.

“It’s very early days in terms of the proportion of our FY27 sales book that has been contracted, so we face significant exposure to changes in commodity prices.”

Mr Allen says the Co-operative continues to focus on maximising returns for its farmer shareholders.

“As the seasonal supply picks up, our plan will ensure we utilise our flexible operations footprint, strong customer relationships and robust supply chain to shift milk into the products and markets where we can get the best returns for our farmers’ milk.”

The 2025/26 forecast Farmgate Milk Price of $9.60 – $9.80 per kgMS, with a mid-point of $9.70, remains unchanged.

MIL OSI

AIA Announces Winners of The AIA Healthiest Schools Competition

MIL OSI — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:16:54 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 July 2026 – AIA Group Limited (“AIA” or the “Group”) is proud to unveil the winners of the fourth annual AIA Healthiest Schools Competition, a flagship initiative of the AIA Healthiest Schools programme (“AHS”) which empowers students aged five to 16 to turn healthy living into everyday action.

Group Photo AIA Healthiest School

Since its launch in 2022, AHS has continued to scale its impact across the region, expanding to 10 Asia-Pacific markets. The programme supports schools and communities in embedding health and wellbeing into the lives of young people, across four pillars: Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyles, Mental Wellbeing and Health & Sustainability.

The 2025/26 competition attracted a record number of entries, reflecting the growing momentum of the programme and the increasing commitment of educators and young people to drive wellbeing initiatives in their communities.

Entries demonstrated how schools are generating breakthrough ideas and turning healthy habits into daily routines that influence behaviour across classrooms, families and communities, with many showing sustained impact over time.

Stuart A. Spencer, AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer and Head of the AHS Competition Judging Panel, said, “The AIA Healthiest Schools Competition is one of the leading programmes of its kind in Asia and is helping young people take ownership of their health by turning knowledge into action.

Across the region, we are seeing rising levels of inactivity, poorer nutrition, and increasing mental health pressures among young people and the evidence shows that early intervention can make a lasting difference. Through this programme, students are developing healthier habits and essential life skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

This programme goes far beyond awareness – it is driving lasting behaviour change and is a powerful manifestation of our Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

Congratulations to our Regional Winner, SMP IL Kapten Fatubaa from Indonesia and the pillar winners. Your shining examples will inspire countless others across the region, shaping a healthier future for young people all over Asia.”

The winners were honoured at a regional awards ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, where a total prize pool of US$100,000 was awarded to support schools’ ongoing health and wellbeing initiatives.

Regional Winner – SMP IL Kapten Fatubaa, Indonesia

In a remote border village where students cross rivers and rugged terrain to reach school, SMP IL Kapten Fatubaa transformed a local waste challenge into a powerful learning opportunity. Through its “Huka Upcycling Project,” students convert banana peel waste into ice cream, compost, and liquid fertiliser – combining science education with entrepreneurship and community impact. The initiative has benefited over 1,000 people, strengthening environmental literacy, supporting local farmers, and fostering cross-border collaboration.

Category Winners

Health & Sustainability Award – Angchum Secondary School, Cambodia

Student-led campaigns and community partnerships promoted plastic reduction, hygiene, and environmental care. The initiative strengthened sustainable habits and improved health practices across both the school and surrounding community.

Mental Wellbeing Award – Chongqing Nan’an District Shanhu Puhui Experimental Primary School, China

The “Emotion Eco-Park” helps students develop emotional awareness and resolve conflicts through structured activities and dedicated learning areas. The initiative has reduced conflicts and created a more positive school environment.

Active Lifestyles Award – Sekolah Kebangsaan Manir, Malaysia

The “Sihat Aktif Manirian” programme uses digital tracking and goal-setting to encourage healthier daily habits. It has improved hydration, fitness awareness, and student ownership of wellbeing.

Healthy Eating Award – Chu Van An Primary School, Vietnam

The “Happy Meal” project promotes healthy eating through nutrition education, organic gardening, and hands-on cooking. It significantly improved student diets and increased the proportion of students at a healthy weight, while rebuilding trust in school meals.

Looking Ahead

The 2026/27 AHS will continue to build on this strong momentum, expanding its reach to include Myanmar and New Zealand, alongside its existing markets of Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong SAR⁽¹⁾, Indonesia, Mainland China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

By broadening its footprint, AIA aims to extend the programme’s positive impact to even more students and communities across Asia-Pacific, further advancing its Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

To learn more about the programme, visit ahs.aia.com.

Notes:

(1) Hong Kong SAR refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

(2) Macau SAR refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Hashtag: #AIA

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

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

Events – Auckland Museum opens archives for 40th anniversary of Homosexual Law Reform in special LATE event

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:07:58 +0000

Source: Auckland Museum

Forty years after the passing of the Homosexual Law Reform Act, Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum will open its archives for an evening of storytelling, taonga, music and performance reflecting on a crucial moment in Aotearoa New Zealand’s fight for equal rights.

LATE at the Museum | 1986: A Look Back at Homosexual Law Reform will take place on Wednesday 29 July, bringing together key figures involved in the campaign for reform, from Tāmaki Makaurau to the heart of Parliament. See: https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/visit/whats-on/evenings/1986-a-look-back-at-homosexual-law-reform

On 9 July 1986, after 16 divisive months of nationwide protest and debate, the Homosexual Law Reform Act passed in Parliament, decriminalising consensual sexual activity between men. The Bill passed by a narrow margin, with 49 votes in support and 44 against.

Auckland Museum Manuscripts Curator Nina Finigan says the event will bring a significant moment in Aotearoa’s recent history into the room through archives, collection items and the voices of people who lived it.

“Museums are not only places for looking back; they are places where history that is still within living memory can be held, shared and understood through the people who experienced it,” says Finigan.

“Homosexual Law Reform is part of Aotearoa’s recent history, but it is also deeply personal history for many people. By bringing together archival material, collection objects and the voices of those who were there, this event allows us to reflect on what was won, what it took to get there, and the work that continued beyond 1986.”

Hosted by former MP and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate Louisa Wall, the evening will feature storytellers including Dame Fran Wilde, who introduced the Homosexual Law Reform Bill into Parliament in 1985, alongside Edward Cowley, Bruce Kilmister, Welby Ings and Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku, who were each part of the wider movement for change. The programme will also include live performances from GALS choir and drag artist Adena Delights to mark this significant anniversary.

Louisa Wall says the 40th anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform Act marks a defining moment in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history.

“It was more than a change to the law; it affirmed the dignity, humanity and equal worth of people who had lived under the burden of criminalisation. This anniversary is an opportunity to recognise the courage and determination of everyone who campaigned for reform and to remember those whose lives were profoundly affected by the law.”

“As we commemorate this milestone, we celebrate the progress that has been made while recognising that the pursuit of equality and inclusion continues. By sharing these stories and preserving this history, we pay tribute to those who came before us and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring all LGBTQIA+ and takatāpui people can live with dignity, safety and belonging,” says Wall.

Stories will include critical fundraising hijinks that countered the deep pockets of the opposition, the nurturing of drag as a form of advocacy at the inner-city nightclub Staircase, and the battles that would continue to be fought in the years to come.

The evening will also feature mini-talks from Auckland Museum curators Nina Finigan and Jane Groufsky, who will share rarely seen collection items and archival material from the period connected to queer life and creative expression in Tāmaki Makaurau.

LATE at the Museum | 1986: A Look Back at Homosexual Law Reform
Wednesday 29 July
Doors open 6.30pm, Event starts 7.30pm
Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum
Adults $59
Concession $25 – Concession tickets are available for students, seniors, unwaged people and Community Services Card holders.
Bookings are essential.

About the speakers:

Edward Cowley, renowned drag artiste performing as Buckwheat, is a public health advocate and former member of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation. He worked at the legendary Staircase nightclub in the 1980s.

Welby Ings is a Professor of Narrative Design, educational reformer, author, designer, filmmaker and “disobedient thinker”. He was arrested several times during the 1980s Homosexual Law Reform protest movement.

Bruce Kilmister was a founding member of Auckland’s Gay Task Force chapter, Founding Trustee of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (now Burnett Foundation Aotearoa) and CEO of Body Positive for more than 20 years. Bruce played a key role in the organisation and fundraising effort for the 1986 Homosexual Law Reform movement here in Tāmaki.

Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku (Te Arawa, Tūhoe, Ngāpuhi, Waikato) has fought for Māori, LGBTQI+ and women’s rights for five decades. In March 1972 she was refused a scholarship visa to the US as a ‘known sexual deviant’. That same week, the first gay activist group got together in Auckland. She describes herself as a Kuia/Queer.

Dame Fran Wilde introduced the Homosexual Law Reform Bill into Parliament in 1985 and worked tirelessly to see it through. Since then, she has been a Cabinet Minister, CEO and company director and is now Mayor of South Wairarapa.

Louisa Wall (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato, Ngāti Hineuru) is Chair of the Tūwharetoa Iwi Māori Partnership Board, a former New Zealand MP, and Patron of Toitū Takatāpui. Her human rights leadership includes Marriage Equality, Safe Areas around abortion facilities, and reforms addressing image-based sexual abuse.

Nina Finigan is Manuscripts Curator, Documentary Heritage at Auckland Museum, and will speak on material from the Museum’s ephemera archive folder titled “Gay Liberation.”

Jane Groufsky is Auckland Museum’s Social History Curator, Human History, and will speak on the shoes and life of Doug George, as well as Garth Maxwell and Peter Wells’ filmic ode Naughty Little Peeptoe.

MIL OSI

Thailand’s BOI Approves $688 Million Nestlé Investment for AI-Driven Regional Coffee Hub

MIL OSI — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:23 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 July 2026 – The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) approved on 8 July a USD 688 million (23 billion baht) investment by Nestlé (Thai) Co., Ltd. to construct a smart factory and distribution center. The greenfield project will deploy artificial intelligence and advanced automation, positioning Thailand as the multinational’s strategic production and logistics hub for Southeast Asia.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment.

The approval highlights Thailand’s accelerating momentum in attracting high-tech, high-value food and beverage manufacturing as global corporations seek resilient, technology-driven supply chains in Southeast Asia.

“This greenfield investment will support growing domestic and regional market demand while linking directly with our domestic supply chain,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment. “By using local raw materials, helping our farmers and entrepreneurs, and sharing knowledge, this project will boost the potential of the Thai coffee industry and strengthen Thailand’s position as a key food and beverage hub in the region.”

The new automated facility, located in the Araya Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan province, is scheduled to start operations in the fourth quarter of 2028 with an annual capacity of 170,000 metric tons of NESCAFÉ soluble coffee, coffee mixes, and ready-to-drink beverages. The project is expected to create over 520 jobs for Thai engineers and technical specialists.

By integrating AI-driven systems and robotic automation, the facility aims to maximize operational efficiency and minimize its environmental footprint. This directly supports Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic agenda.

Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, counts Thailand among its longest-serving markets. Its NESCAFÉ brand has led the Thai coffee market for more than 50 years, with more than half the market share.

“Thailand has been an important market for Nestlé for more than 130 years,” said Mr. Nikhil Chand, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Indochina. “This investment reflects our confidence in the country and our commitment to contributing positively to Thai society, the economy, local communities, and the environment. The new facility will use a wide range of locally sourced ingredients including coffee beans, sugar, and fresh milk, further supporting local agriculture and economic development.”

A key factor in the BOI’s approval is the project’s deep integration into the domestic economy. Nestlé will source USD 130 million (4.3 billion baht) worth of local agricultural inputs and raw materials each year.

In tandem with the manufacturing expansion, Nestlé will drive upstream agricultural development by researching climate-resilient coffee varieties, distributing high-quality saplings, and training local farmers in sustainable, high-yield cultivation practices.

“Nestlé’s choice to invest in coffee production here reflects the confidence global investors place in Thailand. It advances our strategy to become a world-leading food and beverage production base,” Mr. Narit said. “This investment strengthens the entire coffee value chain, from farming and processing to logistics and export. And it builds a stronger, more resource-efficient foundation for Thailand’s food and beverage industry.”

Note: Currency conversions are based on the Bank of Thailand’s average selling rate of approximately 1 USD = 33.3 THB.

Hashtag: #Thailandboardofinvestment #BOI #FDI #Investment

https://www.boi.go.th/en/index/

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

About Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

Established in 1966, the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) has continuously played an essential role for over 60 years in promoting value-adding investment for the country, from both foreign and Thai investors, to enhance national competitiveness and drive towards a new era of sustainable and balanced growth.

Investment Services Center — PR Section, The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI)

555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak Bangkok 10900 Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111, Fax: +66 (0) 2553 8222

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

NZ Super Fund – STAKEHOLDER UPDATE JULY 2026 – Global recognition for Guardians

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:56:43 +0000

Source: NZ Super Fund

The NZ Super Fund has for the third year in a row been awarded a perfect score in the annual GSR (governance, sustainability, resilience) scoreboard published by international sovereign wealth fund experts GlobalSWF.  

First introduced in 2020, the GSR scoreboard assesses 200 state-owned investors against 25 criteria covering each entity’s governance structure and processes, responsible investment policies and practices, and ability to manage liquidity and operational risk.

The Super Fund is one of nine investors to achieve a perfect score.

CEO Jo Townsend says GlobalSWF’s scoreboard is a valuable guide to industry best practice for state-owned investors.

“We are delighted to have performed well against these criteria again,” Ms Townsend said.

Ms Townsend said the increase in sustainability and resilience scores globally reflected the increasing awareness among investors of how relevant these criteria were for long-term success.

“Our discussions with peers show a strong ongoing commitment to these areas, in keeping with our shared focus on creating long-term value for stakeholders.”

The Super Fund is also one of 13 New Zealand investors recently recognised as Responsible Investment Leaders by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).

RIAA said Responsible Investment Leaders were required to demonstrate leading practice across four pillars: Responsible Investment commitment and transparency; ESG integration and screens; Stewardship; and Allocation of Capital.

Guardians co-Chief Investment Officer Will Goodwin said RIAA recognition was an important benchmark.

“The RIAA’s four pillars are well aligned with what we consider to be best-practice portfolio management,” said Goodwin.

“Integrating these considerations into an investment strategy is not an optional extra, it is absolutely fundamental to achieving strong, sustainable risk-adjusted returns.”

Beachlands South development moves to next phase

Beachlands South Limited Partnership (BSLP), the company behind the development of a master-planned community in East Auckland, is moving to internalise the management of its flagship project as preliminary earthworks get under way at the 255 hectare site.

BSLP has announced the appointment of Ian Passau to head the project’s new management team. Passau has held senior executive roles with NZX-listed property company Kiwi Property Group, Arvida and Foodstuffs, and helped to design and implement Auckland Airport’s commercial property development programme.

BSLP has also named Guy Milburn as Chief Operating Officer. Milburn has more than 20 years’ experience in the property and construction sectors in New Zealand and Australia, most recently as COO at Lime Global. He previously held various GM roles at Ngāi Tahu Property.

The Super Fund is the majority shareholder in BSLP, alongside local iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, property fund Hāpai, and interests associated with construction and property organisation Russell Property Group.

Taranaki Offshore Partnership welcomes new legislation

Taranaki Offshore Partnership (TOP), a joint venture between the Super Fund and global infrastructure investor Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners that wants to develop New Zealand’s first offshore wind farm, says the recent passing of the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill is a significant step towards harnessing a world-class fuel source that will generate both sustainable energy and significant downstream economic benefits.

Read TOP’s full announcement here.

Guardians supporting development of award-winning New Zealand Taxonomy

Guardians investment team members Greg Munford and Terina Williams are among a group of industry, investment and sustainability experts creating a sustainable finance framework that is gaining international recognition.

The New Zealand Taxonomy project was last month awarded the 2026 Climate Bonds Initiative Award for Most Innovative Taxonomy. The citation said the project, which is being led by the Centre for Sustainable Finance with support from the Ministry for the Environment, was providing “global leadership in the development of science-based criteria for agriculture and forestry, two of the most difficult sectors for taxonomy development.”

The New Zealand Taxonomy is intended to identify economic activities that either meet sustainability criteria or are actively transitioning towards doing so, thereby helping qualifying New Zealand businesses access global and local green finance.

It is also recognised as one of the first such initiatives to explicitly incorporate climate change adaptation and resilience measures.

Terina Williams (pictured above), a member of the Forestry & Agriculture Technical Advisory Group, said that as well as encouraging investment in local primary industries, the Taxonomy will also help New Zealand exporters maintain access to important overseas markets.

“A growing number of countries are introducing carbon border adjustment mechanisms or mandatory climate-related disclosures. The Taxonomy provides a practical mechanism for exporters to demonstrate their environmental credentials.”

The broader New Zealand Taxonomy project covers agriculture and forestry, energy, buildings and construction, and transport. It will be submitted to the Government to consider for endorsement in December 2026.

Established in 2010, Climate Bonds Initiative is a UK-based non-governmental organisation focused on developing a large and liquid Green and Climate Bonds market that will help drive down the cost of capital for climate projects and improve access to lower-cost debt in emerging markets https://www.climatebonds.net/

More information about the New Zealand Taxonomy can be found on the Centre for Sustainable Finance website: https://sustainablefinance.nz/nz-taxonomy/

Super Fund features as case study in new ICPM study

The Super Fund is one of five funds profiled in a paper that looks at the various ways in which the Total Portfolio Approach to investing is being implemented. Guardians Head of Asset Allocation Charles Hyde was one of the contributors to the study, which was published by the Toronto-based International Centre for Pension Management and is available on their website.

Annual Report wins Gold

In June, the Guardians’ 2025 Annual Report won Gold at the Australasian Reporting Awards, our 13th consecutive Gold Award, and was named best report in the Financial Services sector.

Latest SOI and SPE now available

The Guardians’ 2026-31 Statement of Intent, and 2026/27 Statement of Performance Expectations, have been published and are available on our website.

People News

The Guardians recently announced the appointments of Will Fletcher as Head of Private Equity and Alternatives and Dr Anastasia Moskvina as Head of Data Analytics.

Dean Hill, formerly of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, has been appointed Strategic Relationship Manager, overseeing some of our most important external partnerships, including with Northern Trust and Bloomberg.

Finally, Eleanor Morrison has been appointed Fund Finance Manager, leading financial accounting and reporting for the NZ Super Fund.

And special congratulations to former Guardians’ staffer Joe Margison, recently appointed CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection.

Co-CIOs in the Media

Brad Dunstan tells Investment Magazine’s Darcy Song how our assessment that equity risk premia are likely to reduce has led to us lowering the long-term expected return for our benchmark reference portfolio.

Will Goodwin writes in the NZ Herald that sustainability is fundamental to risk, return, and portfolio resilience over decades, making it a core component of any long-term investment strategy.

MIL OSI

Singapore Team Crowned Champion at the Inaugural Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 in Vietnam

MIL OSI — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:34:03 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Outperforming 439 teams and nearly 1,500 participants from 22 countries and territories, Team Helios, comprising two participants, Pratham Ranjan and Alok Vernekar from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, has been crowned champion of the Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026, a competition dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Chair of the Competition’s Judging Panel, Vice Provost for Graduate Education at VinUniversity, and Chief Scientific Officer at VinUniversity’s Center for AI Research (right), and Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation, Vingroup, present the First Prize to Team Helios. Photo: Organizing Committee.

The competition was jointly organized by three not-for-profit entities under Vingroup: the “For Green Future” Foundation, VinUniversity, and the Vingroup Young Technology Talent Club (VinTechTalent). It is the first pan-Asian environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master’s students to be held in Vietnam. The Final Round and Awards Ceremony took place on July 4 at VinUniversity, Hanoi.

With the project titled “An Urban Simulation Platform for Low-Carbon Infrastructure,” Team Helios won the First Prize, worth USD 8,000. The team’s solution addresses a critical challenge facing many cities today: how to determine whether a green infrastructure project will truly be effective before committing significant resources to its implementation.

The team developed a district-level urban simulation platform that enables users to test options such as EV charging stations, public transportation, solar energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure, while assessing their expected impacts on travel behavior, emissions, costs, and the power grid. The solution helps city authorities identify projects worth investing in, avoid wasting resources on ineffective initiatives, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon cities.

The Second Prize, worth USD 5,000, was awarded to Team VFluxion, comprising four participants, Nguyen The Anh, Vu The Vinh, Tran Hung Vi, and Do Thi Nhu Y, from the University of Information Technology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

VFluxion’s solution addresses an increasingly important need in the transition to green mobility: how to effectively connect and coordinate electric vehicles with urban energy systems.

The team proposed a platform that coordinates bidirectional charging and discharging, enabling electric vehicles not only to consume energy but also to serve as distributed energy storage resources that can help balance electricity demand when needed. The solution aims to optimize energy use, enhance power grid stability, reduce the need to deploy high-emission backup power sources, and protect battery longevity.

Two Third Prizes, each worth USD 3,000, were awarded to two teams from Vietnam: Future Greener and ALT F4.

Team Future Greener, comprising Nguyen Nguyen Tam Nhu, Truong Dong Hung, Pham Ho Kim Ngan, and Bui Hoai Ngoc from UEH.ISB Honours College, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, and FPT University’s Ho Chi Minh City campus, developed a project addressing the challenge of managing the life cycle of electric vehicle batteries amid the rapid growth of electric mobility, which brings with it the risk of used batteries being stored, discarded, or handled unsafely.

The platform tracks battery information throughout its life cycle, supports battery health assessment, and helps determine whether a battery should be repurposed or sent for recycling. The solution aims to reduce environmental risks from discarded batteries, increase transparency in the used EV market, and promote a circular economy in the battery industry.

Team ALT F4, comprising Nguyen Tuan Minh, Nguyen Thanh Vinh, and Tran Phi Anh Nhat from the University of Science, Vietnam National University Hanoi, British University Vietnam (BUV), and Hanoi University of Science and Technology, won a Third Prize for its early warning system for saltwater intrusion.

The system monitors water conditions in estuarine areas, forecasts the risk of saltwater intrusion 24 to 72 hours in advance, and sends alerts in Vietnamese directly to the phones of farmers and local officials. This early warning window can enable timely action to close sluice gates, preserve freshwater supplies, and adjust irrigation practices, thereby reducing crop losses, protecting farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthening resilience to climate change.

The Organizing Committee also awarded five Consolation Prizes, each worth USD 1,000, to Project Gaia from Vietnam, AVERTIX from India, ReRootSG from Singapore, Forust from Hong Kong, China, and Seekers from India.

To reach the Final Round, the 30 finalist teams underwent a selection and training journey lasting nearly three months. From 439 teams that entered the Preliminary Round with project proposals and introductory videos, the Top 30 teams advanced to a month-long online training program with multidisciplinary experts to sharpen their problem-solving approaches and prepare for the final challenge.

At VinUniversity, the finalist teams took part in an intensive 36-hour hackathon, during which they analyzed real-world challenges, developed solutions, built functional prototypes, and refined their final presentations under the guidance of expert mentors from Vingroup’s technology companies.

Reflecting on the competition’s outcome, Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation, Vingroup, said: “What makes us proud is that the Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 has shown that Vietnam can truly become a regional hub for Asia’s young talent in the journey of innovation for sustainable development. Here, cross-border ideas are not only shared, but also tested, refined, and transformed into practical solutions capable of creating lasting value for communities.”

From energy and transportation to climate, water resources, and agriculture, the environmental challenges facing Asia increasingly transcend national borders and demand regional collaboration. By bringing together young talent from diverse countries and disciplines, the Asian Hackathon for Green Future aims to foster a regional space for collaboration, where knowledge, technology, and diverse perspectives can converge, complement one another, and develop into solutions with the potential to create real-world impact.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the competition will return for a second season in 2027 with an expanded scale and geographical reach, aiming to attract more young talent from across Asia and other regions of the world to jointly develop solutions for a green and sustainable future.

Hashtag: #Vingroup

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

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

Politics – Federated Farmers says Greens freshwater plan is bad policy and bad science

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:22:54 +0000

Source: Federated Farmers

The Green Party is putting politics ahead of practicality and science with its freshwater policy, Federated Farmers freshwater spokesperson Mark Hooper says.

“The Greens’ plan to phase out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser would significantly hike the cost of food for Kiwi families.

“It’s a completely mad idea.

“It’s estimated global food production would fall by about 50% without modern fertilisers. With over 60% of New Zealand’s exports coming from agriculture, taking fertiliser off farmers would be economic suicide,” Hooper says.

Multiple surveys show the cost of living is the number one issue for New Zealanders, and if our farmers and growers can’t use synthetic fertilisers to grow grass for livestock, and vegetables for human consumption, higher food prices in supermarkets are inevitable.

“In a 2024 study, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research found that putting the squeeze on farmers’ use of nitrogen via proposed tougher regulation could send the price of broccoli as high as $9 a head.

“The Greens are putting ideology ahead of common sense with this kind of daft idea,” Hooper says.

Another plank of party’s policy announced today, based off its own interpretation of overseas research, is a call for lowering nitrate limits for drinking water.

“This is a steal from the Greenpeace playbook and is counter to advice from the Ministry of Health, Bowel Cancer NZ and the World Health Organisation.

“Federated Farmers has said time and again that when it comes to what chemicals are safe, what causes cancer, what medicines are safe, decisions need to be made through science-technical processes, not political announcements.

“If the Ministry of Health changes its advice on the link between nitrates and cancer, then of course we would welcome any change in drinking water standards,” Hooper says.

“The Green Party making such an announcement without that health advice risks simply creating confusion and panic in rural communities.”

Hooper says farmers are working hard to lift water quality and further lighten their environmental footprint. In the interests of Kiwi families any new freshwater policy needs to be based off sound scientific evidence or risks simply creating economic pain and pushing up the price of food for no good reason.

MIL OSI

Education – From resettlement training to online learning: Open Polytechnic celebrates 80 years of helping New Zealand’s workforce

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:56:43 +0000

Source: Open Polytechnic

Open Polytechnic turns 80 this year, celebrating its history of providing hundreds of thousands of Kiwis access to career-focussed, flexible distance learning wherever they live.

“Since 1946 we have been helping learners from all over Aotearoa New Zealand change their lives through access to flexible distance learning,” says Open Polytechnic Chief Executive Sharon Cooke.

“Over its 80-year history, Open Polytechnic has continually evolved to meet the changing vocational learning needs of New Zealand’s workforce.”

Open Polytechnic has gone from enrolling 615 learners in 1946 to 40,000 today, with 73% of learners studying while working and 97% studying part-time.

Graduates include industry leaders and business owners who have made the most of studying with New Zealand’s leading flexible online learning provider to advance or change their careers.

Well-known landscape designer Bayley LuuTomes changed careers from advertising to horticulture more than a decade ago and has never looked back.

He worked as a gardener in Wellington, before enrolling in Open Polytechnic’s National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) which he completed in 2012.

Since then, Bayley has run his own business for the past decade, Bayley LuuTomes Design and travels the world from his Christchurch base designing gardens.

In recent years, he has also appeared on My Green Dream Home TV show and worked with Open Polytechnic Academic Staff Member in floristry Megan Parker on The Welcome Garden at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. One of many international shows he has exhibited at.

“Studying through Open Polytechnic gave me the foundation and confidence to pursue a career in landscape design,” Bayley says.

“When I enrolled, I could never have imagined that my career would one day take me onto international stages, television screens, and award-winning projects around the world.”

Waikato-based Sabine Lang used her New Zealand Certificate in Business (Small Business) (Level 4) to help set up her own gluten-free bakery called Lang’s Little Bakery in 2023.

“I could’ve never pulled off starting or running my own business without the knowledge I gained during the programme,” Sabine says.

“It has not only given me the knowledge, but also the confidence.”

The family business is going so well that it has hired two additional staff and is looking to expand its operation from a food trailer to a bakery shop and cafe in Cambridge in the Waikato soon.

Taking her career to new heights, Open Polytechnic graduate Hana Whaanga (Ngāti Rakaipaaka) is now a nominated member of the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) national board.

Hana graduated from Open Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Library and Information Studies (BLIS) in 2023 and works as a Learning and Discovery Librarian at the Hastings District Libraries, where she has been for the past nine years.

“Having my Open Polytechnic tohu (qualification) makes me feel incredibly proud of the work I’ve done to date in and for this field. I am most proud of the depth of relationships that I have developed and nurtured over time and this whanaungatanga (sense of connection) is what I value overall,” Hana says.

History of Open Polytechnic

Open Polytechnic began life as the Technical Correspondence School under its first principal Dr John Nicol, opening on 1 July 1946, providing distance learning from its home base in Wellington.

Its role was to provide resettlement training, predominantly in trades and farming subjects, for returned servicemen and women following World War 2.

Courses in these early years covered farming, motor mechanics, engineering, agriculture, horticulture, surveying, electrics, plumbing, textiles and more.

Under 1990 tertiary education reforms, The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand name was introduced, resulting in a fundamental change to the organisation’s role as an education provider for learners anywhere in New Zealand.

With this change, Open Polytechnic became the specialist national provider of open and distance learning at tertiary level.

The education reforms meant that the Open Polytechnic was able to start offering degrees, with the first graduate of its Bachelor of Business in 1995.

Fast forward to 2026 and Open Polytechnic offers more than 100 qualifications and 1,000 courses from certificate to diploma and degree level and is one of the oldest distance learning institutions in the world.

Degrees at Open Polytechnic are now offered in accountancy and business, applied management, psychology, communication, information technology, information & library studies, social health and wellbeing, social work, engineering technology, and early childhood education. Open Polytechnic also offers certificates and diplomas in construction management, engineering, business and small business, psychology, information technology, health and wellbeing, legal executive and real estate, pharmacy, education and financial services.

About Open Polytechnic

Open Polytechnic is New Zealand’s largest specialist provider of open and distance learning; Open Polytechnic enrols over 40,000 mainly part-time learners per year. The majority of learners are adult learners, combining work and study.

Website: www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz

MIL OSI

Taiwan International Plant-Based Festival Launches in Singapore: High-End Culinary Partnerships and Diplomatic Exhibitions Shape Premium Agri-Product Branding

MIL OSI — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 02:05:33 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – The “Taiwan International Plant-Based Festival” officially launched in Singapore. Led by Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Deputy Minister Hu Jong-I, the delegation introduced Taiwan’s premium produce and elite Phalaenopsis orchids into Singapore’s luxury dining and international sectors. The initiative leverages high-end restaurant marketing and immersive thematic exhibitions to showcase the quality, safety, and sustainability of Taiwanese agriculture, actively expanding its reach into premium consumer and international procurement markets.

The culinary campaign features a high-profile partnership between “Yang Ming Spring”—a prominent Taiwanese pure vegan culinary group honored with the Michelin Green Star—and Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road under the Pan Pacific Hotels Group. From July 1 to September 30, this exclusive plant-based menu highlights premium fresh ingredients sourced directly from Taiwan, including water snowflake, green bamboo shoots, cabbage, tea leaves, and the rising export star, the “Mango Pineapple,” elevating Taiwanese produce onto international five-star tables.

The launch was attended by MOA Deputy Minister Hu Jong-I, Ministry counselor Wu Wen-ling, Pan Pacific Hotels Group Executive Director Ms. Wee Wei Ling, and Yang Ming Spring Founder Mr. Chen Chien-Hung. Deputy Minister Hu noted that this festival marks a critical milestone for Taiwanese agriculture as it integrates with green gastronomy globally. The MOA aims to connect Singaporean consumers with Taiwan’s top-tier produce, establishing a premium brand image rooted in food safety and trust to unlock future export channels.

The launch elegantly incorporated Taiwan’s Phalaenopsis orchid floral aesthetics to create a “five-sensory feast” that harmonized taste, vision, and cultural narrative, solidifying Taiwan’s premium brand image. The event successfully drew over 80 distinguished guests, including mainstream Singaporean media, food critics, business chamber representatives, and executive chefs.

Concurrently, the official residence of the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore hosted the festival’s thematic opening reception, serving as a premier venue for cultural diplomacy and showcasing the narrative of Taiwan’s agricultural excellence. The exhibition focused on three themes: Taiwanese orchid aesthetics, Mango Pineapple innovation, and sustainable agriculture tourism. This space demonstrated Taiwan’s agricultural evolution from precision R&D to green sustainability, highlighting its export potential to foreign diplomats and Singaporean trade buyers.

The MOA emphasized that the initiative’s core strategy is to “drive tangible procurement through engaging and immersive experiences in our target markets.” By bridging high-end dining with diplomatic prestige, the three-month campaign will maximize the visibility of Taiwanese agri-products across Southeast Asian markets. Aligning with global net-zero sustainability trends, the festival establishes a safe, premium brand image, paving the way for Taiwanese agriculture to integrate into global high-end supply chains and broader Asia-Pacific channels.

Hashtag: #YMSpring

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

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