Release: More Kiwis are hungry, homeless and out of work

Source: New Zealand Labour Party Half of Pacific children sometimes going without food is just one of many heartbreaking lowlights in the Salvation Army’s annual State of the Nation report. “This devastating report shows just how far this country has gone backwards under this coalition of chaos,” Labour’s social development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said. “While … Read more

Fisheries consultation must put sustainability before profit

Source: Green Party The Green Party is urgently calling on the Government to prioritise long-term prosperity of our oceans in its consultation on the Fisheries Act. “Our oceans are in a state of decline, continuing to put short-term profit before long-term sustainability will see the health of our ocean life wash away,” says Green Party’s … Read more

Serious crash, State Highway 6, Nelson

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) State Highway 6 near Atawhai Drive, Nelson is currently closed following a crash. The two-vehicle crash involving a car and a motorbike was reported just before 11:30am. One person has been seriously injured. Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays. ENDS Issued by Police Media … Read more

X0PA AI Launches Revolutionary Agentic AI Suite for Talent Acquisition

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – X0PA AI, a leading innovator in AI-powered talent acquisition, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking Agentic AI Suite, featuring advanced AI-driven agents designed to transform the hiring landscape. The initial release introduces two powerful AI agents, Alex and Kate, marking a … Read more

Media Funding Reforms – Joint statement from NZ On Air and NZ Film Commission on media reform consultation

Source: NZ On Air and the NZ Film Commission (NZFC) NZ On Air and the NZ Film Commission (NZFC) acknowledge the importance of ensuring public funding delivers the best possible outcomes for audiences and the wider sector. The Ministry for Culture and Heritage has today released a Media Reform consultation document that includes a number … Read more

Pharmac funding decision will increase medicines access

Source: New Zealand Government Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour, and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s decision to fund medicines for a further five health conditions, including cancers, from 1 March 2025. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the government,” Mr Seymour says.   “Today … Read more

Minister to attend international security conference

Source: New Zealand Government Defence Minister Judith Collins leaves today for Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference and hold a range of bilateral meetings.“In these times of rising geopolitical tension, open dialogue and defence diplomacy are more important than ever,” Ms Collins says.“I am looking forward to attending this annual conference, to meet face-to-face … Read more

Southern Lakes Sanctuary – Extensive predator trapping leads to 18 takahē released in the Rees Valley

Source: Southern Lakes Sanctuary The 18 takahē released on to 18,000ha of leasehold land in the Rees Valley near Queenstown was made possible thanks to a major predator control effort three years in the making. Yesterday’s release of the 18 endangered flightless birds marked a major milestone for Southern Lakes Sanctuary, which led the land … Read more

Banking Sector – ASB half year result: Profit up 1% as economy moves toward recovery

Source: ASB ASB has reported a cash net profit after tax (NPAT) of $716 million for the six months to 31 December 2024, an increase of 1% on the prior comparative period, as the economy moves towards recovery.   Statutory NPAT is $763 million, a 2% increase on the prior comparative period. The increase in … Read more

Benefit levels fail to keep families out of poverty

Source: Green Party The Salvation Army’s State of the Nation report is a bleak indictment on the failure of Government to take steps to end poverty, with those on benefits, including their children, hit hardest. “Poverty is a political choice this Government is choosing for our communities, intentionally exacerbating inequality and pushing thousands of families … Read more

Takahē released to grow wild population

Source: Department of Conservation Date:  12 February 2025 After travelling from Burwood Takahē Centre near Te Anau and Orokonui Ecosanctuary Dunedin, takahē rangers paused briefly at Glenorchy Primary School for children to wave the birds on to the release site. Mana whenua Ngāi Tahu welcomed takahē with a mihi whakatau before they were released. The decision … Read more

Property solution for Wellington Girls’ College

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is providing Wellington Girls’ College certainty by confirming funding for the school’s long-term property solution.“Cabinet has approved funding for the next stage of the school’s redevelopment. It will deliver safe, warm and dry learning environments that will ensure Wellington Girls’ College continues to deliver a world-leading education for generations … Read more

Environment – Climate and public health the winners as big waste incineration proposal fails – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace Greenpeace welcomes news that a land-use agreement in Glenavy has lapsed and will not be renewed, which means a proposed $350 million waste to energy incinerator cannot be built there by the company SRRL. It would have been the first polluting waste to energy incinerator built of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. “This … Read more

Energy Sector – Energy Competition Task Force identifies new ways to empower electricity consumers

Source: Electricity Authority The Energy Competition Task Force (the Task Force) has identified new ways to give consumers more control over their energy costs and to harness the power of rooftop solar and batteries. The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority) is now seeking feedback on three proposed changes to regulation to promote competition, reliable … Read more

Tenants’ privacy rights in the spotlight

Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner The hunt to land a flat over summer shouldn’t come at the expense of people’s privacy rights, warns Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster. “There’s often a lot of pressure on people, especially students, to find a flat quickly, which risks privacy shortcuts being taken and that can put both tenants and … Read more

Finance – ASB drops mortgage rates further

Source: ASB ASB has today announced decreases on some of its most popular mortgage terms, with market-leading rates across the major banks on 6-month, 1-year and 18-month terms from today. The 6-month term drops 10 basis points to 5.89%, the 1-year rate drops to 5.49% while the 18-month term falls 15 basis points to 5.19%. … Read more

SH76 Brougham Street upgrades prioritised as a Road of Regional Significance

Source: New Zealand Government The Government will prioritise delivery of upgrades to SH76 Brougham Street in Christchurch as a Road of Regional Significance, including an overbridge between Collins and Simeon Streets, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.   “The Government is committed to delivering transport infrastructure that boosts economic growth and productivity, reduces congestion, and creates a … Read more

Consultation opens on fisheries reforms

Source: New Zealand Government Feedback is being sought on proposed changes to the Fisheries Act which Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says are the most significant reforms in the sector for decades.“The Coalition Government is committed to the success of the fishing industry, which generates around $1.6 billion in exports each year and employs … Read more

Fisheries reform: proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries Have your say Fisheries New Zealand wants your feedback on a package of proposals that will enhance value to fishers and better ensure sustainability. These proposed reforms will: improve the responsiveness, efficiency, and certainty of decision-making provide greater protection for on-board camera footage and ensure the on-board camera programme is … Read more

Murder charge filed in Lake Hawea homicide

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Attributable to Otago Lakes Area Commander, Inspector Paula Enoka: A man is appearing in court today charged with the murder of Karen White last year. Ms White was killed in her Lake Hawea home on Friday 8 March, 2024. Following a lengthy investigation, Police have now charged a 61-year-old … Read more

Twelve months to re-negotiate contracts before income threshold policy takes effect

Source: New Zealand Government Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says an income threshold for unjustified dismissal claims will apply to existing employment agreements after one year.  The income threshold was announced last year and will be introduced as part of upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act. It delivers on the ACT-National … Read more

“Phoenix Go Glocal” Reaches the Middle East! Hit the 2025 World Government Summit

Source: Media Outreach DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2025 – The World Government Summit, known as “the world’s largest and most influential” intergovernmental forum, was held in Dubai, UAE, from 11 to 13 February. Themed as “Shaping Future Governments”, the Summit attracts about 6,000 participants, including more than 30 heads of … Read more

Legendary US Rock Band Green Day Kick Off Asian Tour at Galaxy Arena, Making Their First Performance in China After a 15-Year Hiatus and Igniting an Unforgettable Night of Rock’n Roll

Source: Media Outreach MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2025 – One of the world’s most influential rock bands, Green Day officially launched their Asian tour on February 9 at Macau’s largest indoor entertainment venue, Galaxy Arena. Amid crashing waves of sound and thunderous applause, Green Day opened the night with their … Read more

HKT partners with Microsoft Hong Kong to launch next-gen Teams Phone solution

Source: Media Outreach First local telecom carrier in Hong Kong to provide Microsoft Operator Connect1HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2025 – HKT has partnered with Microsoft Hong Kong to provide Operator Connect, making it the first local telecom carrier to offer the new Microsoft Teams Phone solution for enterprises in … Read more

Rising Costs and Coverage Gaps: The Diverging Medical Insurance Landscapes in Hong Kong and Singapore

Source: Media Outreach As Hong Kong witnesses a burgeoning interest in health insurance, Singapore grapples with the challenges of rising medical costs and financial risk management. Budget Priorities: Respondents in both regions allocate significant portions of their budgets to Family, Finance, and Health. Notably, there is a strong intent to increase health budgets in 2025, … Read more

Police locate person sought following incident in Clutha area

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Today Police have located the person sought in relation to alleged firearms offending in the Clutha area. Police have engaged in dialogue with the person, who is believed to be alone, at a rural Clutha property. The situation is contained and there is currently no risk to the public. … Read more

Fatal crash: Mouse Point Road, Hurunui

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Hurunui this afternoon. The two-vehicle crash on Mouse Point Road was reported just after 4:20pm. The person died at the scene, no further injuries were reported. The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene … Read more