New Zealand stands with Ukraine, three years after illegal Russian invasion

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Source: New Zealand Government As the world marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced additional sanctions on Russian entities and support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.  “Russia’s illegal invasion has brought three years of devastation to Ukraine’s people, environment, and infrastructure,” Mr Peters says.  “These additional sanctions target 52 individuals and entities … Read more

Public Service – Oranga Tamariki workers strike over insulting pay offer, unmanageable workloads – PSA

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Source: PSA Strike to begin 28 February with two hour full labour withdrawal 7 March PSA members at Oranga Tamariki are taking strike action over an insulting pay offer and a refusal to address the concerns of workers over unsafe and unmanageable workloads. “Enough is enough – Oranga Tamariki is effectively offering a real pay cut … Read more

Housing Market Confidence – ASB Housing Confidence Survey: Optimism persists, but momentum slows

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Source: ASB Number of New Zealanders expecting house prices to increase continues to rise – a net 33 percent compared to 24 percent in the previous quarter, with Aucklanders most confident.  Slight drop in proportion of Kiwi expecting interest rates to fall, from net 57 to net 51 percent, reflecting some concerns. Nationwide, a net … Read more

Government Cuts – CPAG urges Government to reverse ‘funded to fail’ school lunch cuts

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Source: Child Poverty Action Group The Child Poverty Action Group has today told the Government that reversing cuts to school lunches is an achievable way to address rising child poverty levels in New Zealand. Official statistics released last week showed an extra 36,600 children are likely to be living in material hardship compared to two years … Read more

Serious crash, Ashworths Rd, Hurunui

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious two-vehicle crash on Ashworths Rd (SH1) near Mays Road, Hurunui.  Police were called about 5.30pm.  Initial reports suggest two people have been seriously injured.  Traffic management is in place.  Motorists should avoid the area if possible. ENDS  MIL OSI

Fatal crash, Hadlow, Timaru District

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News) One person has died after a single-vehicle crash on Spur Road, Hadlow, in the Timaru District. The crash was discovered about midday today and is thought to have occurred overnight. The Serious Crash Unit is examining the scene, and diversions are in place. Motorists should avoid the area if … Read more

Going for Growth: Overseas investment changes to drive higher wages

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Source: New Zealand Government Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced the Government’s plan to reform the Overseas Investment Act and make it easier for New Zealand businesses to receive new investment, grow and pay higher wages.  “New Zealand is one of the hardest countries in the developed world for overseas people to invest … Read more

BusinessNZ Statement – Overseas investment overhaul: NZ means business

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Source: BusinessNZ BusinessNZ says the Government’s announcement to reform the Overseas Investment Act sends a positive signal to the world that New Zealand is ready to do business.  Chief Executive Katherine Rich says existing rules make it difficult and uncertain for overseas investors to consider investing here.  “New Zealand’s settings for overseas investment have been some … Read more

Fatal quad bike crash – Purangi, Taranaki

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News) A person died after a quad bike crash on Tarata Road, Purangi yesterday afternoon. Police were advised at 2.30pm that a quad bike had rolled on the road, adjacent to paddocks. The person was critically injured and tragically passed away at the scene. Our thoughts are with their family … Read more

Biosecurity New Zealand Birkdale fruit fly update, February 23 2025

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Source: Ministry for Primary Industries MPI is providing daily 10am updates for any significant developments regarding the Oriental fruit fly response. There is no significant update at this time. No further fruit flies have been detected. Today, our team continues its work on the ground checking traps, collecting waste from bins in the area for … Read more

Electric Avenue wrap-up

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News) To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons, Operation Commander: Christchurch put on a stunning weekend for the more than 35,000 people attending Electric Avenue each day of the two-day festival. The event was well managed and organised, with a large security contingent which proved valuable. Police assisted … Read more

Man arrested – Birkenhead stabbing

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Attribute to Detective Sergeant Matt Bartlett: A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to a stabbing in Birkenhead on 4 February. The man was arrested during a search warrant at a Northcote address yesterday morning and is due to appear in the North Shore District Court … Read more

Rural News – Farmers celebrate more funding for QEII Trust – Federated Farmers

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Source: Federated Farmers A funding boost for the QEII National Trust is a win for farmers and the environment, Federated Farmers vice president Colin Hurst says. Following strong advocacy from Federated Farmers, the Government have announced an additional $4.5 million for the trust over the next three years. “When it comes to environmental bang for your … Read more

Minister going to Australia for aged care meetings

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Source: New Zealand Government Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello is traveling to Australia for meetings with the aged care sector in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney next week. “Australia is our closest partner, so as we consider the changes necessary to make our system more effective and sustainable it makes sense to learn from its … Read more

Have you seen Geoffrey?

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Police are asking for anyone in the area of Makokomiko Road, Hikumutu, to keep an eye out for missing man Geoffrey Kelly. Geoffrey’s car was located about 10.30am yesterday (Friday) morning in a ditch on Makokomiko Road, however he was not in the vehicle. It is believed he may … Read more

More funding for biodiversity protection

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Source: New Zealand Government The Government is boosting investment in the QEII National Trust to reinforce the protection of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biodiversity on private land, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.The Government today announced an additional $4.5 million for conservation body QEII National Trust over three years.QEII Trust works with farmers and landowners who voluntarily … Read more

Homicide investigation launched, Rotongaro

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Attribute to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Rotongaro overnight. Police were called to Hetherington Road at about 10:40pm after receiving reports a male had been stabbed following a roadside altercation. He died at the scene. A 25-year-old … Read more

First Responders – Fire and Emergency responds to church fires in Masterton

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have attended four church fires in Masterton this morning, which started between 4.25am and 4.35am. The churches are: Anglican Church Of The Epiphany, St Patrick’s Catholic Church Masterton, Masterton Baptist Church and Equippers Church Masterton. Damage to the churches ranged from moderate to significant.  … Read more

Biosecurity New Zealand media release – Birkdale fruit fly update

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Source: Ministry for Primary Industries The biosecurity response to the discovery of a single male Oriental fruit fly in Birkdale on Auckland’s North Shore is making good progress, with extra traps in place, stepped-up checks and legal controls introduced, says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand regional Commissioner North. “Special bins have started being delivered for … Read more

Dodgy crane safety inflicts misery for teen worker

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Source: Worksafe New Zealand 22 February 2025 Old equipment repurposed by businesses must be safe to use, WorkSafe New Zealand says, following sentencing of a Rotorua company whose modified crane became a weapon that changed the life of a teenage contractor. Harrison Gilbert was struck in the face by an untethered 412-kilogram steel beam being … Read more

Police investigating suspicious church fires in Masterton

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Police are investigating after four suspicious fires at churches in Masterton early today. Emergency services were called to the fires from around 4.25am. Police have undertaken checks at other churches in the town this morning and have located evidence to suggest three further churches were targeted but did not … Read more

OPPO Find N5, the World’s Thinnest Book-Style Foldable, Set to Hit the Shelve on February 28

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Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – OPPO, the world’s leading smart device brand, announced that the OPPO Find N5 will be available for purchase starting February 28, 2025, priced at S$2499 for the 16GB + 512GB configuration. The device will initially launch in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong … Read more

“AI in Action” Career Day Inaugural AI-Focused Recruitment Drive 1,000+ Tech Roles to Attract Top Talent and Address Industry Demands

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Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) successfully hosted the “AI in Action” Career Day, attracting over 3,000 visitors. Marking HKSTP’s first-ever AI-focused recruitment initiative, the event delivered a one-stop career platform tailored for young professionals and graduates, … Read more

Key European events in Q1 2025: strategic considerations for traders by global broker Octa

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Source: Media Outreach KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – The beginning of 2025 witnessed a complex geopolitical scenario in Europe, with the most prominent events expected to impact financial markets. The intersection of political instability, economic tensions, and global trade dynamics makes it crucial for traders to be vigilant … Read more

Spackman Entertainment Group’s Korean Remake of The Taiwanese Hit YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE, Produced by Studio Take, Premieres Today in Korea, Ranking #1 In Advance Ticket Reservation Sales for Korean Films

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Source: Media Outreach Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea. The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology … Read more

“HK+FR: Furniture for World Design”, presented by Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association, successfully concluded at Maison&Objet Paris 2025

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Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR & PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – The Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association (HKF&DA) proudly announces that its first time participation in the Maison&Objet interior design trade fair has successfully concluded in January 2025 in Paris, France, with the Cultural and Creative … Read more

Universities – University of Auckland unveils its world-class Recreation Centre Hiwa – UoA

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Source: University of Auckland (UoA) The University of Auckland’s new recreation centre was formally opened on 21 February by Hon Chris Bishop, Minister for Infrastructure and Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, Professor Dawn Freshwater. The eight-storey building, complete with rooftop turf, pool, and state-of-the-art sports halls, … Read more