Last year was among the hottest on record, as the world’s “addiction” to fossil fuels continues to drive global warming, new data shows.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) confirmed the average global temperature last year was 1.43°C warmer than the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average.

2024 remains the hottest year on record, but 2025 was the second- or third-hottest, across the nine major global datasets.

The organisation said the global climate was more out of balance than at any other time in observed history, as greenhouse gas concentrations reached their highest levels in at least 800,000 years.

Most of the trapped heat was stored in the ocean, which is warming at an accelerating pace.

Together with melting sea ice and glaciers, that was driving global sea level rise – which projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change show will continue for centuries.

Arctic sea-ice hit a record low in some satellite datasets last year.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the planet was being pushed beyond its limits.

“Every key climate indicator is flashing red.”

Current major conflicts were exposing another truth, Guterres said.

“Our addiction to fossil fuels is destabilising both the climate and global security.”

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, after the country was attacked by Israel and the US, has spiked oil and gas prices and prompted fears of global inflation.

The WMO’s State of the Climate report said increasingly severe weather, driven by climate change, was already affecting agricultural production and displacing people from their homes.

“The cascading and compounding impacts of multiple, sequential disasters severely limit the ability of communities to prepare for, recover from and adapt to shocks,” the report said.

That was especially true in places that were already experiencing conflict or other types of insecurity.

In New Zealand, inflation-adjusted data published by the Insurance Council showed that since 2019, insurance companies had paid out nearly $6 billion for extreme weather-related events in New Zealand.

That did not include pay-outs for severe weather at the beginning of this year, which killed six people in a landslide at Mount Maunganui, cut off entire communities, and closed major roads.

Victoria University professor of climate science James Renwick said the science of climate change had been understood for a century or more now.

“We know what we have to do to stop it,” he said. “Stop burning fossil fuels.”

Policymakers had been given that message for decades but emissions just kept increasing, he said.

He hoped the latest report “moves the dial”.

“The costs of inaction are already astronomical, let’s not make them overwhelming.”

Last week, the High Court in Wellington heard a case taken by two environmental NGOs against the government over its emissions reductions plans, which the organisations argued were risky and unlawful.

The Environmental Law Initiative and Lawyers for Climate Action told the court that the government broke the law when it dismantled dozens of climate policies soon after the election, before it had consulted the public.

The current plan relied overwhelmingly on offsetting emissions by planting forestry, rather than tackling emissions at their sources, the organisations said.

The court has reserved its decision.

Similar cases in the UK succeeded in forcing the government there to re-write its own emissions plans.

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

Explainer – With the Iran war leaving supply chains choked off, pain at the pump is rising, but you still need to drive. How can you get the most out of your tank? Here’s some options.

The price of 91 petrol has now heading towards $4 a litre in some parts of the country, the government is mulling weighing in and some have begun to hoard petrol ahead of possible shortages.

Feeling uncertain? Get used to it, for now.

“Nobody has a clue about future petrol, diesel and aviation fuel supplies and their costs,” Massey University Emeritus Professor in Climate Mitigation and Sustainable Energy Ralph Sims said.

There are plenty of other options – public transport, biking or walking if you can, pivoting to electric vehicles – but not everyone can easily take up those alternatives.

If you’re looking to ‘fuelmaxx’ your efficiency, here is more of what experts suggest:

Combine your errands

NZTA estimates that short trips use 20 percent more fuel when your engine is cold.

So if you can manage to tie together things like school runs with the grocery shop and a run to the chemist, you can save your overall petrol consumption, AA fuel spokesperson and former general manager of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Terry Collins told RNZ’s Afternoons.

“Do it all in one trip when the car’s warm – save the fuel, tick off all those little jobs, instead of making them independent trips every time.”

Steady on the acceleration, mate

Sims said that the majority of drivers can save up to 20 percent of fuel use with a few simple changes.

“Most people don’t understand how to drive a car efficiently,” he told RNZ recently.

“I see people accelerate to a red light and then brake heavily, and if you’re running on low tyre pressures, it consumes much more fuel.”

Collins said a lot of it boils down to how you’re driving.

“When we hop in a car what we really want is momentum – movement. So what we do is we use the fuel to gather momentum, but I see every day people wasting that momentum by braking unnecessarily.

“They’re not anticipating the traffic in rush hour, so they’re driving up behind the next car and putting the brakes on. If they could look ahead a number of cars and see that everybody already had their brakes on, they could just drift up behind the other car very slowly and brake.

“Every time you put your foot on the brake, you have lost that momentum for the fuel that you’ve paid for. So think that every time I put my foot on the brake, I’m spending money.”

It’s worth watching your speed on highways, too – Sims said that typically a car at 110km/h uses 10 percent more fuel per kilometre than when travelling at 90 km/h due to greater air friction.

Once upon a time, manual or stick shifts were typically more fuel efficient than automatic transmission vehicles, but thanks to improved technology that’s changing and modern automatics are often as good or slightly better than manuals.

The more you carry, the more you use

Carrying heavy loads will obviously slow your car down, but there are also smaller drags to be aware of.

Modern cars are carefully designed and put through wind tunnels to get the most aerodynamic shape possible, Collins said.

Even leaving roof racks on your car that you never use can add to the drag.

“The moment you put those roof racks on you’re disturbing all that air flow.

“People think ah, they’re OK, but you’d be surprised how much that aerodynamic change affects your fuel consumption.”

Keep up your maintenance

Don’t just think about car services as a way to get your next Warrant of Fitness ticked off. Regular care for your vehicle’s systems can save you money in the long run.

“One of the things we often overlook is just the simple thing of checking your tyres,” Collins said.

Under-inflated tyres can add 10 to 12 percent to your fuel bill, he said.

“You’re just adding drag. … It’s working harder to get that momentum I was talking about earlier.”

Your tyre’s correct pressure should be listed on the vehicle label inside the door or in the handbook. It’s best to check the pressure when the tyres are cold to see how yours are looking.

A dirty air filter or fuel filter can also compromise your efficiency, while old and worn spark plugs may mean you’re not getting enough ignition.

“Just that simple servicing on a regular basis to make sure those jobs are done are going to save you in the vicinity of 10 to 20 percent of your fuel bill,” Collins said.

To A/C, or not to A/C?

This is one of the great existential questions of driving – is it better to wind down your windows or pump up the air con? Studies have had conflicting results and ultimately it’s better to be flexible.

“While it’s more fuel efficient to have it on at 100km/h than it is to have the windows down creating drag, the air con can use around 10 percent more fuel,” the AA’s website states. “You may need to find that balance of comfort and economy.”

A lot may depend on how old your car is and how well maintained the engine and air con systems are.

It’s best to mix and match if you can – windows down and air con off when you’re at town speeds and windows up and air con on if you’re on the motorway.

In general any other unnecessary widgets on your car may also be creating a drag – such as leaving your rear window defroster on long after it’s done the job, or those heated seats when there’s no need to.

Use the technology if you’ve got it

Many newer vehicles are equipped with Auto Stop-Start systems which automatically shut off the engine when a vehicle is in congestion or at traffic lights. As soon as you take your foot off the brake, the engine restarts without delay, Ford NZ explains on its website.

“Your climate control fan, audio system, and headlamps still work while your engine is off for your comfort,” Ford noted.

Collins said some people turn off these features on their vehicles, but it’s counterproductive if you want to save money.

“Some people find that annoying – it’s there for a reason. It’s because those cars have to meet energy efficiency standards. … So every time you turn (that feature) off, you’re actually defeating the purpose of saving fuel.”

Collins said he often commutes over a hill, and said there’s many tricks you can use to avoid consuming excess fuel. Gravity can help to be your brake when going up a hill, and going down, other methods can help keep your foot off the accelerator – such as using those other driving modes you may often ignore on the gear shift.

“I have an automatic but I put it in sports mode, which holds it in gear longer. That acts as an engine brake, so I don’t really need to brake on a lot of the corners. I just go through them smoothly, not touching, and my fuel consumption’s on zero.”

And if you can, avoid rush hour

Sitting idling in traffic will waste significant fuel, so – if your job allows it – consider off-peak travel to avoid those long queues, or working from home certain days a week if your employer permits.

Sims said that many of these steps are easy, but changing habits is harder.

“It’s all pretty basic and the science is well understood for cars, trucks, and buses. But to change human behaviour is always the challenge.”

He called for the government to step up fuel conservation messaging.

“What the government needs to do urgently is to run a national education campaign (similar to what was accomplished during Covid times using all media opportunities) to inform drivers how they can save both fuel and money.”

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

Date:  20 February 2026 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation

“Tongariro is a Dual World Heritage site, a taonga, and a cornerstone of the Ruapehu District economy. The fires have damaged biodiversity, disrupted recreation, and affected the livelihoods of families and businesses across Ruapehu District,” Mr Potaka says.

“That is why we are investing $3.5m from the International Visitor Levy (IVL) over five years to fund weed control, pest management and biodiversity monitoring. 

“The IVL ensures visitor revenue goes back into maintaining and improving the places that support local jobs, businesses and communities.”

Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro is working alongside DOC to deliver Maunga Ora, a restoration plan based on science, tikanga and mātauranga Māori.

“Recovery is already visible, with native plants pushing through the charred ground. But without sustained weed control and pest management, including managing deer, that regeneration will be at risk,” Mr Potaka says.

“I want to acknowledge the commitment of Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, DOC staff and the wider Ruapehu community who have been working on the ground since the fires. Their partnership is critical to restoring the mauri of this sacred landscape.

“The investment restores ecological resilience while backing the regional economy and people who depend on it.

“Tongariro is our taonga and restoring its mauri is essential. That’s why the Government is working to secure its long-term future.”

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

Fonterra delivered a strong first half result, beating market expectations, while lifting its full year earnings outlook and forecast farmgate milk price.

The co-operative said a “favourable product mix and resilient global demand for high value dairy Ingredients and Foodservice products” enabled Fonterra to deliver and better than expected result.

The dairy co-operative’s net profit for the six months ended January rose 3 percent, with group revenue up 9 percent.

Key numbers for the six months ended January compared with a year ago:

• Net profit $750m vs $729m
• Revenue $1.231b vs $1.107b
• Earnings per share 45 cents vs 44cps
• Normalised earnings per share 51 cps vs 47cps
• Return on capital 11.2% vs 10.4%
• Interim dividend 24cps vs 22cps
• Special Mainland dividend 16cps – Capital return of $2 a share – expected to be paid 14 April

Current forecast vs previous forecast

• FY26 forecast earnings guidance from continuing operations between 50 – 65cps vs 45 -65 cps
• Current season forecast Farmgate Milk Price midpoint $9.70 per kgMS vs 9.50 per kgMS.
• Reaffirms target to close Mainland underlying earnings gap of $300m – FY28 to match FY25

Outgoing chief executive Miles Hurrell said the changes to the forecast Farmgate Milk Price and earnings reflected improvement in global commodity prices and the co-op’s strong underlying

margins and cost control.

However, he said significant volatility remained, particularly as the conflict in the Middle East continued.

“The underlying performance of Fonterra’s continuing business is stable, allowing the Co-op to return all earnings associated with the Mainland Group business and lift our forecasts for the remainder of the year ahead,” Hurrell said.

“Demand for our products is strong, and we’re focused on our plan to maximise both the Farmgate Milk Price and earnings.”

The co-op also delivered a return on capital of 11.2 percent, in line with its target range.

“The first half of the year has been shaped by strong milk flows, with the Co-op collecting record milk volumes in the South Island so far this season,” Hurrell said, though several adverse weather events had put pressure on operations.

“Our performance shows that we are growing the high-value parts of our business through optimal allocation of milk solids across our product mix, which is driving a strong return on capital for shareholders and unit holders.”

Managing geopolitical volatility

Hurrell said war in the Middle East was having an impact on its supply chain through the region, with potential to increase Fonterra’s inventory levels and costs over the course of the second half of the year.

There was also the potential for further volatility in global commodity prices, he said.

“The conflict is a complex and dynamic situation that is changing daily, but we are confident that we’re on the right track to get product to customers.”

He said Fonterra’s business was designed to manage volatility.

“Our scale and strong relationships with customers and logistics provider Kotahi will help us to navigate through these challenges better than most.

“With this in mind, we remain focused on delivering on our strategic targets.”

Where the growth is coming from

The company said it was focused on deepending its position as a world-leading provider of dairy ingredients.

“In line with the co-op’s strategy, we have continued to focus on optimising our product mix by allocating milk solids effectively to the highest accessible demand.

“With milk collection tracking at 2.3 percent growth year-on-year, we have leveraged flexibility in our asset network and increased the manufacture of our highest returning product portfolios, such as cheese and proteins,” it said in its interim report.

Fonterra said it was also expanding its Foodservice business in and beyond China to grow earnings.

“Diversifying our cream portfolio and expanding our customer base remains a key focus. Anchor Easy Bakery Cream continues to perform strongly in China, valued for its functionality, quality and accessible price point.

“The cream has now launched in Indonesia and Thailand, with other markets across Southeast Asia to follow.”

In addition the company said it was investing more in operations.

“During the half, we continued to invest in our assets to drive growth in our Foodservice and Ingredients businesses, and in projects intended to improve energy security, operational resilience, and reduce the Co-op’s emissions.”

It was also investing more in science and technology.

“In line with our strategy, the co-op has continued to advance its innovation pipeline across products, processes, data and new business models.

“Our team and dedicated research and development centre remains focused on core dairy and advanced nutrition, manufacturing performance and capability, and strengthening in-market application capability to support long-term growth, efficiency and resilience.”

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

50 seconds ago

Jordon Lima (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāpuhi) took to the stage twice at EIT Tairāwhiti’s graduation ceremony on Friday – first to address the graduates as guest speaker, then to join her fellow graduates to receive her New Zealand Diploma in Te Reo Māori.

The 28-year-old completed the Level 5 Rumaki (full-immersion) Diploma at EIT while simultaneously finishing a PhD in Biomedical Sciences through Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka (the University of Otago).

Jordon said being asked to speak at the ceremony came as a surprise but was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on her journey.

In her address, she encouraged graduates to pursue further study no matter what stage of life, drawing on the statistic that the average age for Māori students completing a doctorate is 48.

“At the time I heard that, when I was starting my doctorate, I was not even half of that age! Studying for me was about curiosity and pursuing a passion – something anyone can do at any age.”

Jordon graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours at the University of Otago in 2020. Last month, she defended her PhD in Biochemistry and Māori Studies at the Mātai Medical Research Institute in Gisborne.

Her doctoral research examined how circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) – cancer-specific DNA detectable in the blood – could improve cancer screening and outcomes for Tairāwhiti communities.

Using a Kaupapa Māori approach to Biomedical Sciences, the project required close partnership with the communities her research was designed to benefit.

Her research is deeply personal, having lost several whānau members to cancer over the years, including her Aunty Hariata Green, who passed away in 2022 and before then, her Nanny Pōrua and Papa Joseph Green, who were all reo Māori teachers in Gisborne.

“Aunty had been complaining of pain for ages before she was even diagnosed, and when she was, it was stage four. That was my turning point to design technologies that are actually going to be used by our people. I wanted to focus on empowerment in healthcare and do something with te reo to whakamana the people that we lost.”

Born in Tairāwhiti and raised in Christchurch, Jordon returned to her birthplace during the latter stages of her PhD to deepen her understanding of the tikanga, reo and kawa of the region.

“It felt wrong to write about it from anywhere else but here.”

Having not grown up with te reo Māori, Jordon turned to Te Whatukura at EIT, where she said the kōkā Barbie and kōkā Ange’s knowledge of her whakapapa made it feel like a place she belonged.

“As soon as I moved home and started learning our histories and mātauranga, I actually felt safe. They knew a lot about my whakapapa that I wanted to know. It was a beautiful space to be in.”

Jordon said studying at EIT alongside her PhD was one of the most rewarding parts of her academic journey. She described the rumaki environment as transformative – learning through stories, waiata and games in a way that reminded her of what it would have been like if she had gone to kōhanga reo.

She submitted her thesis midway through last year, returning for the second half of the programme able to fully immerse herself in her reo studies.

“It was hectic. I would start early in the morning, do work on my PhD, go to class from nine until three, and then stay on campus writing my thesis until I was basically kicked out when the building closed.”

Jordon said the kōkā at Te Whatukura were instrumental in her journey, not only as teachers but as connectors to her whakapapa. Kōkā Barbie, who is connected to Jordon’s whakapapa, gifted her a whakapapa booklet that contributed to an entire rewrite of her doctoral thesis.

The rumaki environment also helped her build confidence in te reo Māori, which she had never had before.

“It was super fulfilling to learn about the tikanga, reo and kawa of Tairāwhiti. When I first moved home, I didn’t understand anything that was being said on the paepae, but towards the end of my reo classes, I realised that I’ve actually learned heaps of reo just from being spoken to all day.”

She said that confidence is now central to her work. “It’s still quite rare to see scientists who can also kōrero Māori. Being able to go into the community and talk about science in reo is something I’m really excited about.”

Since completing her PhD, Jordon has been awarded the 2025 Otago Health Sciences Māori Postdoctoral Fellowship, through which she is establishing a molecular biology laboratory in Tairāwhiti capable of conducting blood-based cancer detection tests.

Jordon will formally graduate with her PhD in May this year. And she hasn’t ruled out one day completing the Bachelor of Arts (Māori) at EIT.

“I don’t know where I would find the time right now. But I’d love to do that one day.”

Tairāwhiti Campus Executive Director Tracey Tangihaere said: “I suggested Jordon as guest speaker due to her academic achievement, but also her desire to succeed in Māori health outcomes while being culturally grounded”.

“Having the life experience and stronger cultural skills, such as te reo, helps in communities like ours. Jordon has significant drive and passion. She’s a wonderful role model for us all.”

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2 days ago

Taste of Cultures Day brought students and staff together at the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus this week, as food and performances highlighted the diversity of the community.

Ten cuisines were on offer, from French and Nepalese to Māori, Pacifica and Sri Lankan.

Flags from around the world lined the campus, while cultural performances added to the atmosphere.

International Student Support Officer Song Sim said the event was a valuable way to bring people together.

“It is a really good opportunity to learn about the diversity of many cultures on campus. The best way of doing this is through food and performances.”

EIT Student Support Services Manager Sonya Aifai said the event also fostered a strong sense of connection.

“The Taste of Cultures Day is an event that brings everyone together on the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale in a fun way to experience the different cultures that make up EIT,” she said.

“It has an amazing atmosphere, sharing food, dance and collegiality.”

Among those taking part was Master of Nursing Science student Anne Margarette Zausa Nacar, who moved to New Zealand from the Philippines in July last year with her husband Jeremy.

Anne said it was her first time participating in the event and described the experience as rewarding.

“It’s a good opportunity and experience. I’m really happy that we get to share our delicacies with different cultures. It’s lovely seeing people enjoying the food.”

Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine student Khageswori Budapal also took part for the first time, serving momos inspired by her Nepalese background.

Having started at EIT in 2023, Khageswori said she wanted to make the most of her final year.

“This is my last year, and I want to participate in every event so I can make memories.”

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Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning Committee today approved new changes to the city’s planning rules to better protect people and property from floods and other hazards, while focusing more new homes in safer, well-connected places near jobs and public transport. 

The decision sees the current planning requirements – called Plan Change 78 – withdrawn and replaced with a new plan change for Aucklanders to have their say on, through public submissions. 

The new plan change – Plan Change 120 – will introduce stronger rules to steer buildings away from high-risk areas for flooding, coastal erosion, and inundation. This includes more restrictive consenting rules for new builds and, in the worst affected areas, limiting development to single houses.  

Mayor Wayne Brown says today’s decision will future-proof Auckland.

“We need a physically and financially resilient future. This will allow us to downzone flood-prone land and build up in areas that make sense—like around transport corridors, walkable catchments, and where we have invested significantly in infrastructure, in water pipes, roads, and train lines. It’s really not rocket science.

“Today’s decision allows for a rational discussion on how and where we live, based on fact. The public will get to have their say through hearings, submissions and through their local representatives. I look forward to hearing the public debate,” says Mayor Brown.

Addressing flood and natural hazard risks

Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, says the decision gives Auckland a simpler path to safer, better-connected housing choices while meeting government requirements for capacity. 

“In 2023, Auckland experienced one of its most significant natural disasters. The floods devastated our communities, causing billions of dollars of damage, and most shattering of all, loss of life.  

“Aucklanders are clear that they want stronger rules to limit development in high flood risk areas. We started seeking the legal ability to do this immediately after the 2023 floods, with law changes being made in August this year.

“Today’s decision lets us better protect people and property from flooding and other natural hazards more quickly than we could under Plan Change 78, while focusing more homes where housing demand and public transport access are highest.

“I encourage all Aucklanders to give their feedback and be part of shaping this proposal,” he says.  

Better access to existing infrastructure

Plan Change 120 will see the removal of blanket rules allowing three storey housing on most residential sites across Auckland. Instead, it focuses homes near town centres with easy access to jobs, services and fast, frequent public transport. This follows the council’s compact city approach.

“This proposal gives more people better access to transport infrastructure that all Aucklanders have paid for. With $5.5 billion invested in City Rail Link, trains will be running every few minutes carrying tens of thousands of passengers from next year – people should be able to live and work nearby. It helps get the best return on public investment.

“It’s not just about the number of homes, it’s about whether they are in locations that can meet people’s needs and make it easier to reach they services and facilities they use every day. Strong evidence shows Aucklanders want to live near jobs, public transport, shops, and services. That’s where housing demand is strongest.” says Cr Hills.  

The law behind Plan Change 78 did not allow the council to introduce more restrictive zoning in high-risk hazard areas or opt out of blanket rules allowing three-storey homes across Auckland – including areas with limited transport connections, until the law changed in August 2025.    

Plan Change 120 creates capacity for approximately two million homes, as did Plan Change 78, and as is required by central government. This does not mean two million homes will be built. Instead, it provides a wide choice of locations for homes, and housing types, to meet long-term market demands.

What changes under Plan Change 120?

Plan Change 120 will: 

• introduce stronger planning rules in high-risk flood and natural hazard areas, quickly and simply, reducing future risk to people and property. 
• remove blanket three-storey housing rules (known as the Medium Density Residential Standards) across almost every residential area across Auckland. 
• focus new homes around the city centre, town centres, rapid transit stops such as train stations and the Northern and Eastern Busways, and frequent bus routes. This includes the $5.5 billion investment in the City Rail Link. 
• meet government directions for increased building heights around five key Western Line stations: 15 storeys at Maungawhau, Kingsland and Morningside; and 10 storeys at Baldwin Avenue and Mt Albert stations. 
• give infrastructure providers a clearer picture of where growth is expected, compared to Plan Change 78. This helps them plan and prioritise future investment. 

What happens next? 

• By 10 October 2025: The council will write to the Minister for the Environment seeking approval to notify the new replacement plan change. 
• 30 October 2025: Public notification is expected, subject to the minister’s agreement. 
• 3 November to 19 December 2025: Public submissions are expected to open, subject to the minister’s agreement. 
• Following submissions, public hearings will be held by an Independent Hearings Panel. 

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SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – On March 18, Qianhai, a flagship hub for institutional opening-up, high-end services and technological innovation in southern China, officially opened the application portal for the Qianhai OPC (One-Person Company) International Community and launched its global OPC Mavericks Program. Adhering to the philosophy of “All Innovation, Zero Distraction”, the initiative aims to build the world’s leading ecosystem for AI-driven one-person companies.

Widely recognized as a pioneering zone for China’s institutional opening-up and a key innovation node in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Qianhai leads the country in piloting cross-border cooperation, regulatory innovation and business-friendly reforms. It has grown into a highland for advanced services, tech research and development, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, connecting global talents, capital and technologies with the massive market of the Greater Bay Area.

The OPC Mavericks Program targets six elite groups: academic pioneers, tech veterans, global AI competition winners, elite prodigies, influential open-source contributors, and outstanding graduates in AI and computer science. Eligible projects should leverage generative AI, large language models, AI agents and automation to build sustainable closed-loop businesses.

As the world’s first vertical accelerator dedicated to OPCs, the community provides a tailor-made AI launchpad with the SENSE ecosystem and the “Eight Zeros” guarantee to remove startup barriers: supported office space up to 200㎡ for two years, talent housing up to 50㎡ per person, annual free computing power up to 50P, free LLM trials, Greater Bay Area market access, collateral-free loans, high-risk-tolerance seed funding, annual talent rewards up to 600,000 RMB, and one-stop services for visas, finance, IP, taxation and global internet access.

To help global innovators experience opportunities in the region, Qianhai offers the Shenzhen-Hong Kong 72-Hour Experience Pass, which was officially launched in 2025. This pass provides streamlined entry arrangements, guided visits to tech platforms, enterprises and research institutions in both cities, and on-site insights into the OPC entrepreneurship environment. It serves as a key channel for global talents to fully explore cooperation and development prospects in the Greater Bay Area.

The program supports AI solopreneurs to turn ideas into scalable businesses. Qualified applicants can submit core founder resumes and project pitch decks to inqianhai@qhidg.com to join the program and embrace new opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.

Hashtag: #Qianhai #GreaterBayArea #AIInnovation #GenerativeAI #StartupEcosystem #AIEntrepreneurship

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

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

Nobel Laureate affirms Hong Kong’s strengths in attracting global high-calibre talent, contributing to the country’s drive to become a high-technology hub

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

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2026 – On the opening day of Hong Kong FILMART, global leading game enterprise, MOONTON Games, hosted a film-game intellectual property (IP) launch conference under the theme From Spark to Spotlight, officially announcing its cross-border upgrade from the game industry to full ecological incubation of film-game IPs. At the event, MOONTON Games unveiled three flagship original IPs—You Ming Zhi, Cetus, and Project: Lovania—spanning Eastern fantasy, sci-fi adventure, and cozy genres, with diversified formats including feature films, animated series, and video games. An industry forum was held to explore the new-era development of film-game integration.

Distinguished guests attended the conference, including Cloud Zhang, Head of ByteDance’s Game Business and CEO of MOONTON Games; Yaguang Ma, also known as Link Ma, Head of MOONTON Games’ Lighthouse Studio; renowned screenwriter Ran Ping; celebrated author Jiang Nan; acclaimed animation director Shen Youbafang; Wang Shanshan (Film and Television Director of Science Fiction World); as well as leaders from the National Radio and Television Administration; the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; numerous media representatives; and industry peers.

Founded in 2014, MOONTON Games has crafted a portfolio of classic game IPs loved by gamers worldwide. Its debut at Hong Kong FILMART marks the launch of MOONTON Games’ global incubation journey for premium IPs with a brand-new vision, completing a cross-dimensional creative leap from a digital game kingdom to a cinematic light and shadow realm, and empowering Chinese culture-rooted original content to shine on the international stage. MOONTON Games’ Lighthouse Studio, the core vehicle for its film-game IP development, made its official debut at the conference, and its unwavering commitment to long-termist creative philosophy has become the cornerstone of Moonton’s film-game integration layout. The three distinctive original IPs form MOONTON Games’ first film-game IP matrix; all anchored in high-quality content, they pose profound emotional inquiries around What it means to be human, what it means to live, with unique themes and expressive formats.

You Ming Zhi: Rooted in Chinese Folk Customs, Forging a Benchmark for Eastern Fantasy Theatrical Animated Films

As MOONTON Games’ maiden cross-border film and television project, the Eastern fantasy IP You Ming Zhi—deeply rooted in Chinese folk culture—officially kicked off at the conference. The IP builds a distinctive worldview where the world is governed by animal Spirits of Light, and humans embark on a quest to uncover their own history and the meaning of survival. Breaking free from the clichés of traditional immortal and chivalric fantasy, it returns to a narrative core rooted in mortal life and journey experiences. The growth story of protagonist Zhou Chu mirrors the self-discovery and identity exploration of contemporary young people, embodying both profound Chinese cultural heritage and universal emotional resonance.

The IP’s first concept short film made a stunning debut at the conference. Wanzhou Yu, the IP producer, shared that creative inspiration stemmed from personal emotional resonance, aiming to create a humanistic Eastern fantasy work where the protagonist achieves inner growth through witnessing rather than conquering. Cloud stated that this IP was chosen as the starting point of MOONTON Games’ cross-border endeavor for its compelling narrative rooted in Chinese folk customs that transcends media boundaries; it reflectsand MOONTON Games’ aspirations to set an aesthetic and narrative benchmark for it with the ceremonial essence of film. Yaguang Ma highlighted the IP’s pure creative team, original worldview and systematic aesthetic system, believing it to be an IP seed with sustainable growth potential for a decade. A landmark announcement was made: national first-class screenwriter Ran Ping officially joined the project as the animated film’s screenwriter. Ran Ping noted that the IP’s allure lies in exploring profound propositions of civilization, loneliness and coexistence through a fantasy lens, integrating the traditional heritage of ancient supernatural tales with modern narrative consciousness, and a great fantasy work ultimately reflects reality. The MOONTON Games team presented Ran Ping with a framed original art poster of the IP, marking his official joining in a highly ceremonial way.

Cetus: Debut of a Dieselpunk Sci-Fi IP, Launching a Global Co-creation Plan

Following You Ming Zhi, MOONTON Games released the high-concept sci-fi IP Cetus, with the first concept short film of its dieselpunk post-apocalyptic adventure animated series also unveiled at the event. The IP constructs a post-apocalyptic world shrouded in a sea of clouds, where humans have built a unique civilization based on whaling in an isolated island setting, and cling to hope and resolve amid ruins and steel.

Cetus boasts celebrated author, Jiang Nan, as co-creator and acclaimed sci-fi animation director, Shen Youbafang, as director—two core creative forces with profound expertise in building grand worldviews and crafting sci-fi animations. Yaguang Ma commented that Jiang Nan has endowed Cetus with a profound textual foundation and epic grandeur, while Shen Youbafang masterfully captures and presents the distinctive texture of this sea of clouds world to audiences. Jiang Nan explained that the core of Cetus is to depict the essence of humanity in desperate situations: even if only one tower remains in the world, there will still be stories, warmth, and dignity. Shen Youbafang frankly shared that the challenge and joy of creation both lie in building a dieselpunk visual system that blends industrial ruggedness with the warmth of life, making every gear and rust mark an integral part of the narrative. Moonton also announced the official launch of the Cetus Global Co-creation Plan at the conference, opening up the IP’s worldview setting to global sci-fi writers, illustrators, animators and game designers, and inviting creators worldwide to jointly build this magnificent sea of clouds universe. The plan is jointly promoted by MOONTON Games and Science Fiction World, the benchmark platform for Chinese sci-fi literature. Cloud, Wang Shanshan and three other distinguished guests launched the plan with a jigsaw puzzle ceremony, marking Cetus as the first Chinese dieselpunk sci-fi IP nurtured by global creators.

Project: Lovania: A Cozy Game Surprise Debuts, Creating a Spiritual Haven

As a delightful surprise at the conference, MOONTON Games launched the original cozy game, Project: Lovania, whose promotional short film brought a warm and heartfelt experience to the audience. The game builds a fairy-tale wonderland named the Hometown Never Forgotten, where players take on the role of a little puppet and embark on a magical adventure following a long-eared star. In the game, players can build exclusive homes, customize their avatars, and pursue the starlight and the moon hidden in fascinating stories. In an era driven by efficiency, Project: Lovaniacenters on the core of healing, serving as a warm emotional complement to MOONTON Games’ IP matrix and adding greater diversity to the company’s film-game IP layout.

For The Future: MOONTON Games Releases the Core Strategy for Film-Game Integration

At the conference, MOONTON Games showcased the creative aspirations and team spirit of Lighthouse Studio through a corporate short film, with original aspiration and unwavering faith as the studio’s core tenets. On behalf of the studio, Yaguang Ma released MOONTON Games’ core strategy for film-game integration, stating that the establishment of Lighthouse Studio stems from MOONTON Games’s persistent commitment to long-termist content creation. The studio rejects rushed content production, focuses on returning to the essence of creation itself, and builds a tailored creative ecosystem for the sustainable growth of premium IPs.

MOONTON Games’ film-game integration layout is not a simple cross-media expansion, but is centered on building a living, evolving world. Each IP is enabled to naturally evolve into diverse formats including games, films and animations, based on a complete worldview and a profound emotional core. Cloud emphasized that MOONTON Games has always believed that a good story transcends media and time, and the core of film-game integration is to take high-quality original content as the foundation, allowing IPs to realize value amplification and enduring vitality across different media. The three IPs released at the event represent the first implementation of this core strategy, and Moonton will continue to deepen its focus on original content creation, fueling the incubation and growth of more film-game IPs in the future.

Industry Elites Gather at the Forum to Explore the Key to Success for the Future of Film-Game Integration

After the IP release session, MOONTON Games hosted an industry forum themed What is the Decisive Factor for the Future of IP-Based Film-Game Integration, moderated by Li Xingwen, a famous cultural critic and Chief Editor of Film and Television Critic. Cloud, Ran Ping, Jiang Nan, and Huang Haibo, Director of Phoenix TV Movie Channel, engaged in an in-depth discussion from diverse professional perspectives.

The forum delved into core topics including the key factors for translating film-game integration concepts into practical execution, the essential traits of IPs with sustainable cross-media vitality, the creative differences between animation and traditional film and television production, the creative adaptation of literary IPs for film and game cross-border development, the new forces urgently needed in the film and television industry, as well as the opportunities and challenges for game enterprises venturing into the film and television sector. Combining their rich practical experience and insightful industry observations, the guests offered multi-dimensional insights and ideas for the industrial development of film-game integration, helping the on-site audience gain a clearer and more in-depth understanding of its future development trends.

MOONTON Games’ film-game IP launch conference at Hong Kong FILMART marks the official launch of the company’s global film-game IP layout, emerging as a pivotal practice for game enterprises in cross-border film-game integration. From deepening its roots in the game industry to incubating film-game IPs, MOONTON Games takes these three original IPs as its starting point, integrating the essence of Chinese culture with modern creative expression. With its long-termist creative philosophy and open co-creation operation model, Moonton sets a new paradigm for the development of the global film-game integration industry. As the conference theme From Spark to Spotlight implies, this launch is not the end of MOONTON Games’ cross-border film and game journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. In the future, Moonton’s Lighthouse Studio will continue to polish high-quality original content, drive the in-depth integration and global development of film-game IPs, and let Chinese original film-game IPs shine brightly on the world stage.

Hashtag: #MOONTONGames

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

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today hosted the CTC Marketplace Showcase Event: From Clinical Trials to Fundraising, Licensing Deals and Acquisitions, reinforcing its commitment to accelerating the city’s life and health tech sector. The event brought together 110 industry pioneers, investors, and corporate partners for a deep dive into the critical pillars shaping biotech success—from Hong Kong’s unique policy advantages for innovation and the evolving IPO landscape, to the city’s emergence as a global clinical trial hub.

With over 300 life and health tech companies in its ecosystem and strong policy support from the nation and the HKSAR Government, HKSTP is uniquely positioned to drive the next generation of medical breakthroughs. Through its end-to-end translational ecosystem, HKSTP accelerates biotech commercialisation by bridging the critical gap from lab discovery to global market access—delivering world-class infrastructure, strategic funding, and expert regulatory guidance.

As a strategic catalyst, HKSTP actively connects innovators with top-tier Principal Investigators (PIs), leading clinical centres, and institutional investors, helping to de-risk development pathways, streamline regulatory approvals, and fast-track clinical trials for transformative growth.

“At HKSTP, we recognise that a great idea is only the beginning. The real challenge is navigating the long and complex journey from lab to clinic, from concept to cure,” said Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, in his opening remarks. “Today’s CTC Marketplace represents the physical embodiment of our execution strategy. Our mission is to connect, collaborate, and accelerate, because every step forward brings us closer to the patients and communities who depend on our innovations.”

Health Hope Pharma is a Hong Kong-headquartered late-stage clinical oncology biopharma, specialising in novel oral anti-cancer drugs towards a safer and more convenient alternative to conventional intravenous therapy. Prof Dennis Lam, Founder of Health Hope Pharma, shared his experience in securing a major licensing agreement with global biopharmaceutical leader Gilead Sciences, with a potential value of up to USD 82.5 million for HHP, including milestone payments.

Arthrosi Therapeutics Inc. is a US-based clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing treatment option aimed at lowering uric acid levels and reducing joint damage for people living with gout. Dr Shunqi Yan, Co-founder and COO of Arthrosi Therapeutics, joined virtually and shared the company’s remarkable success in achieving USD 153 million in Series E funding and a subsequent acquisition valued at USD 1.5 billion.

Nuance Pharma is an innovation focused biopharma company, with late-stage clinical pipeline and commercial stage asset portfolio across respiratory, emergency care, iron deficiency anemia and pain management. Dr Charlie Chen, COO of Nuance Pharma, discussed how the company leveraged the “1+” mechanism to expedite commercialisation in Hong Kong. The Department of Health approved Ohtuvayre in March 2026, marking it as the first drug targeting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to gain approval under this scheme.

InxMed (Hong Kong) Limited is focused on addressing a key challenge in cancer therapy: drug resistance stemming from tumor defense mechanisms. The company officially submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in August 2025. Mr Francis Cao, Co-founder and COO of InxMed, emphasised the critical role of fundraising in advancing their research, having completed five rounds of financing that total over USD 130 million.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

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

New Zealand’s Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Ireland’s Minister of State Noel Grealish have signed a joint ministerial statement for advancing their partnership on agricultural climate research in Wellington today.

“New Zealand and Ireland will continue to advance vital research to support the development of tools to give farmers options to tackle agricultural greenhouse gas emissions without reducing production,” Minister McClay says.

It follows a successful Joint Research Initiative (JRI) pilot launched in 2022 with $34.5 million jointly invested to boost climate change research and science capability.

Minister of State Noel Grealish visited several of the 11 projects underway during his time in New Zealand and says they have helped accelerate understanding of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

“Agriculture is at the heart of the Irish and New Zealand economies, and we share the common goal of lowering emissions in pasture-based farming, while supporting farmers to produce more.

“During my visit to New Zealand, I was delighted to meet with Minister Todd McClay and agree to the second phase of the JRI that will drive meaningful reductions in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.”

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will now identify further projects to progress.

Separately, Ministers also launched the new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan for the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA).

It has four priorities: advance scientific research, strengthen capacity and knowledge sharing, build effective collaboration and partnerships, and leverage financial and other resources.  

Note to editors:

The GRA aims to deepen and broaden research efforts in cropping, livestock, and paddy rice. It brings together researchers from around the globe to collaborate on science and breakthrough solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 

MIL OSI

Studies this summer show seabirds in the Hauraki Gulf are struggling to raise chicks, as the impacts of climate change hit.

Lack of food appears to have caused poor chick survival for some seabird species in the Hauraki Gulf this summer.

University of Auckland Associate Professor Brendon Dunphy, research fellow Dr Edin Whitehead and master’s student Isabella Brown have been monitoring the nests of diving petrels and fluttering shearwaters in the gulf since October last year.

The outlook for these seabirds is bleaker than expected, say the researchers from the School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society.

Whitehead says there was a 50 percent failure rate in the 13 fluttering shearwater nests she monitored at Tāwharanui, north of Auckland. That failure rate is higher than normal, she says.

Four of the adult shearwaters abandoned their nesting boxes, typically a sign they can’t find enough food to survive and feed their chicks, Whitehead says.

In 2019, fluttering shearwaters in the gulf were foraging and returning to the nest daily, but in December 2025, they were disappearing for as long as 12 days. The adult birds left their nests for so long, Whitehead feared the colony had been wiped out.

“GPS tracking showed they were covering huge distances, making foraging trips as far as North Cape, which is more than 200 kilometres away,” says Whitehead.

The parents usually rotate shifts, with one sitting on the egg, while the other flies out to sea seeking food, then swapping every day or two.

“But if there’s not enough food, the parent sitting on the egg might get too hungry to stay and will go to sea to feed too.

“It slows down the development inside the egg, because it’s cooler for longer periods,” says Whitehead.

Fluttering shearwater chicks in the gulf usually hatch between late October and the end of November, but this year hatching didn’t begin until late November. Some shearwaters were sitting on eggs until mid-December, possibly because the eggs had been left to cool more often while the parents searched long distances for food.

“This is unusually late and concerning because it’s so different from what’s been previously recorded for the species in the Hauraki Gulf,” says Whitehead.

Brown also observed diving petrel chicks hatching up to a month later than usual on Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Lower than average weights were recorded among the 15 diving petrel chicks monitored on Tiritiri.

“They were a lot lighter than normal when they departed, so they had less energy reserves and that could reduce their survival rate,” says Brown.

Dunphy says seabirds are sensitive to changes in the ocean, offering an early warning sign of shifts that will affect other species in the Hauraki Gulf.

“The ocean has absorbed 25 billion Hiroshima bombs worth of energy since the 1960s, but we’re now seeing the point where the ocean can no longer absorb more.

“We’re experiencing frequent marine heatwaves, which have immediate effects on the fish, zooplankton and krill that the diving petrels and fluttering shearwaters feed on.

“When marine heatwaves affect zooplankton, that affects the whole food web above it. We’re seeing the impacts on seabirds, because they are easy to observe, but everything in the gulf will be affected,” he says.

The Hauraki Gulf is a global seabird hotspot, where about 70 species breed and forage. Five species breed nowhere else in the world.

“We’re hoping some species will be able to cope with the higher ocean temperatures, but the ones we’ve looked at, it’s had quite a dramatic impact,” Dunphy says.

“I would like to say we can turn it around, but we’re living with 1.5 degrees of global warming. The goal is to keep it to that, but we’re already starting to overshoot it.”

Whitehead says slashing the amount of fishing in the gulf would help, particularly commercial fishing with purse seine nets that strip life from the sea.

Big boils-ups in the gulf used to occur often, with large fish, such as trevally and kahawai, pushing small fish and zooplankton to the surface, where seabirds could feast.

But these days, boil-ups are reported to have dwindled in size and frequency, making it harder for seabirds to find enough food to feed themselves and growing chicks, Whitehead says.

Dunphy says coastal marine reserves work wonders, but many of the schools of large fish that push prey to the surface are migratory.

In order to protect the migratory fish so vital to seabird survival, marine protection would need to be mobile and seasonal. GPS tracking could indicate where seabirds are feeding and where temporary protection is needed.

Brown says a diving petrel fledging rescued on Waiheke Island this summer weighed about 90 grams, when it should have weighed 140.

“The people at Waiheke Native Bird Rescue said they could feel its ribs. It was just wasted away,” she says.

Dunphy says “eco-grief” affects the seabird researchers.

“Our job is to study the effects of climate change on seabirds, but that doesn’t make it easier,” says Whitehead.

Dunphy says he had imagined climate change might have impacted heavily on the gulf by the end of his career, but it has struck earlier.

“We’re transitioning to a different Hauraki Gulf, a certain amount of change is going to be inevitable.

“But we can make the gulf as naturally resilient as it would be without the other human impacts, like sedimentation, pollution and overfishing,” he says.

The seabird monitoring was carried out with Catalyst funding from the Royal Society Te Apārangi and the support of the George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment.

MIL OSI

The government should be keeping tabs on the lingering and “deeply concerning” effects of Long Covid around the country, a health support group says.

Newly released data by the Ministry of Health estimated 185,000 New Zealanders experienced Long Covid symptoms in the 12 months ending July last year.

Figures released on Tuesday indicated over 400,000 people had developed Long Covid at some stage, equating to one in 11 adult New Zealanders.

About 12 percent of adults had reported having had Covid-19.

The survey indicated women, Māori and disabled adults were more likely to report having had Long Covid.

Of those who had contracted Covid, about one in six Māori adults (15.5 percent) reported having had Long Covid, compared to about one in nine non-Māori (11.3 percent).

Almost half of those who developed Long Covid were still experiencing symptoms when surveyed.

The Long Covid Support Aotearoa group was renewing its calls for better monitoring of Long Covid by authorities after front-footing the matter last week.

Spokesperson Larisa Hockey said it was surprising it took so long for the data to become public.

“[The] survey suggests about 185,000 New Zealanders were living with Long Covid symptoms at the time of the survey, roughly the population of Hamilton and broadly consistent with the earlier estimate,” she said.

“It also suggests more than 400,000 people may have experienced Long Covid at some stage, about the combined population of Wellington and Hamilton.”

Data from the survey was collected between July 2024 and July 2025 and included more than 9000 people aged 15 and over.

The group said the figures were sobering.

“We’re shocked and concerned that so many people have been underserved by New Zealand’s health authorities,” Hockey said.

“Now that the scale of the problem is clearer, we want to know why there are still no plans to monitor it.”

Long Covid Support Aotearoa nurse practitioner Catherine Appleby said the results were deeply concerning.

“The relatively high Māori prevalence of Long Covid is unacceptable. This significant inequity is an urgent public health issue that deserves government attention,” she said.

About a year ago, public health experts called for the government to protect people from Long Covid, which included the development and implementation of a health response strategy.

At the time, Health Minister Simeon Brown said Covid-19 and Long Covid were being managed as part of a ‘business as usual’ healthcare response, with the primary care sector largely taking the lead in patient care.

RNZ has approached the ministry for comment.

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – The much-anticipated Quality Building Award 2026 (QBA 2026) today officially announces its finalist list! A total of 35 outstanding project teams have successfully advanced to the final presentation stage. They will present their remarkable achievements to the judging panel this Saturday (20 March and 21 March), competing for the highest honor of the “Oscar of the Construction Industry.”

Held biennially, the Quality Building Award is jointly organized by ten leading professional institutes and organizations representing Hong Kong’s architecture and construction sectors. It aims to recognize exceptional projects that demonstrate outstanding teamwork in the design and construction of quality buildings. This year’s theme, “Smartly We Build | Sustainably We Thrive | Inclusively We Lead,” encourages the industry to adopt smart, sustainable, and inclusive solutions, steering the sector towards innovation and green development.

Comprehensive Coverage Across Eight Categories Showcasing Hong Kong’s Diverse Excellence

This year’s Award features eight major categories, comprehensively covering different types of building projects. These span residential and non-residential, government and non-government, renovation and revitalization, and temporary building categories. The response from local Hong Kong projects has been enthusiastic, with the finalists fully demonstrating the industry’s diverse creativity and professional expertise, reflecting the vibrant and flourishing state of local architecture.

Breaking Geographical Boundaries with Strong International Participation

Another highlight of this edition is the inclusion of the “Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong)” and “Building Outside GBA (include International)” categories. These are open to all eligible projects from within and outside the region, with teams not required to provide proof of a Hong Kong registered company to participate. This initiative has successfully attracted numerous high-quality non-local projects, including outstanding entries from as far as Egypt. This underscores the international vision and regional influence of the Quality Building Award, further cementing Hong Kong’s status as a regional architectural hub.

Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia, Chairlady, QBA 2026 Organizing Committeestated: “We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response to this year’s Award. The finalist projects are of exceptional quality and span a diverse range of categories. The 35 finalist teams will showcase their innovative practices in smart construction, sustainable development, and social inclusion during their final presentations, fully embodying the spirit of this year’s theme. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I thank all participating teams for their dedication and wish the finalists every success in their upcoming presentations.”

Ir ZA Wai Gin,Tony, Chairman, QBA 2026 Jury sub-committee remarked: “Throughout the selection process, the judging panel has placed particular emphasis on how projects integrate smart technology, environmental concepts, and human-centric design. The active participation of projects from the Greater Bay Area and the international community this year has brought a broader perspective to the Award. We look forward to gaining deeper insights into the design philosophies and practical achievements of the finalist teams during the presentations, and to jointly witnessing new milestones in the architectural world.”

Award Ceremony to be Held in June to Celebrate Excellence

The final results of the Quality Building Award 2026 will be unveiled at the Awards Ceremony to be held on 26 June this year. The event will bring together industry leaders to collectively witness the glorious moment celebrating outstanding architectural projects.

For more details about the Quality Building Award, please visit:
Official Website: www.qba.com.hk
Facebook: QBAHK
LinkedIn: QBAHK
Weibo: 優質建築大獎
WeChat Official Account: 優質建築大獎

Hashtag: #QualityBuildingAward2026

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

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

MIL OSI

Volcanic alert levels for Whakaari / White Island have been lowered.

There was a minor eruption last week, raising warning levels and leaving flights at Tauranga Airport cancelled.

Earth Sciences New Zealand says new satellite data shows ash emissions could have started as early as 8 March.

Observations have now confirmed the volcanic activity is over with no further ash detected.

They also show a new thin deposit of ash over the floor of the inner crater, and some of the island’s southern side.

The volcanic alert level has been lowered back to Level 2, and the Aviation Colour Code reduced to Yellow.

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

Native bush falcons are breeding at Auckland’s Hūnua Ranges after years of uncertainty about the species’ future.

It is estimated that there are 5000-8000 native falcons (kārearea) in the country. They are classified as ‘Threatened – Nationally Increasing’.

But a 40-day observation of kārearea at Hūnua this summer – commissioned by Auckland Council – led to the discovery of a breeding pair raising two fledglings.

Auckland Council spokesperson Paul Duffy said it was a significant finding.

“This study gives us the first clear evidence that kārearea are successfully breeding in the Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui Hūnua Ranges.

“It also shows that intensive predator management and ground-based trapping are giving this threatened species the chance to make a comeback in the Auckland region.”

Not to be mistaken with the more common swamp harrier (kāhu), which glides slowly, the smaller kārearea is New Zealand’s fastest bird, capable of high-speed pursuit through the forest canopy.

Kārearea nest on or near the ground in a simple hollow known as a ‘scrape’, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators such as cats, mustelids, pigs, and possums.

Kārearea specialist Chifuyu Horikoshi, who led the field work, said the result was “incredibly encouraging”.

“Watching kārearea hunt through native forest is breathtaking; they are exceptionally fast, agile, and intelligent birds truly built for pursuit.

“Seeing them deliver prey and continue caring for their young shows this habitat is supporting their full breeding cycle.”

The survey was undertaken between December 2025 and February 2026, and was the first formal assessment of kārearea presence and breeding activity in the park.

Residents are encouraged to report sightings through citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist or eBird, and to include photographs if possible to help with identification.

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

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

A deeply unglamorous and rarely seen creature that spends most of its life in mud has pulled off a last-minute upset by winning the title of Fish of the Year.

The Northland mudfish was not even in the top ten at the competition’s halfway point, but surged ahead in the final 24 hours – bumping the longfin eel, or tuna kūwharuwharu, out of the top spot.

Just under 6000 people around the country voted in the contest, which is organised annually by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.

Trust founder Samara Nicholas said the humble, secretive Northland mudfish – which was found only in a few wetlands around Kaikohe and Lake Ōmāpere – benefited from strong campaigns by the regional council and a local radio station.

“Even the Northland Rugby Union claimed they may actually change the Northland Taniwha name to the Northland Mudfish,” she said.

“I think people just got really fascinated by the fact that it’s so rare, it’s highly threatened. Not a lot is known about it. And it’s just was just so quirky that it seemed to capture the imagination of people.”

Until the late surge by the mudfish, the longfin eel, the seahorse and the whale shark – the world’s biggest fish – appeared to be top contenders.

“It was just the buzz and the sheer amount of people getting behind the mudfish. And that’s what we want to do. We want this competition to create friendly competition between different organisations campaigning for their fish. The campaign went crazy in those last 24 hours, and the mudfish completely took it out.”

New Zealanders’ love of the underdog was also a likely factor.

Nicholas said the purpose of the competition was to shine a spotlight on creatures that were usually “out of sight, out of mind” – as was the case with many of New Zealand’s native fish.

With a maximum length of 15cm, the Northland mudfish was the smallest winner to date. It was also the first freshwater fish to take out the title, and so obscure it was only discovered in 1998.

Its unique talents included the ability to survive droughts by burying itself in mud and breathing through its skin, Nicholas said.

That skill helped mudfish survive when a fire ripped through 15ha of conservation land next to Kerikeri airport in 2010.

However, the main threat to the survival of the Northland mudfish – and the four other species of mudfish around the motu – was the destruction of wetlands.

“We’ve drained around 90 percent of our wetlands in the last 150 years, and that has had a disastrous impact on our native galaxiids, including mudfish,” Nicholas said.

“We urgently need to protect and restore wetlands and riparian areas across the country to give freshwater fish, like the Northland mudfish, a fighting chance.”

It was the fifth time Mountains to Sea had run the Fish of the Year competition.

Last year’s winner was the bizarre, and aptly named, blobfish.

The Northland mudfish is sometimes also called the burgundy mudfish because of the colouring around its gills and belly.

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