Drug and Alcohol Testing – Recent data indicates an increase in amphetamine-type substances and opioids

Source: Botica Butler Raudon Imperans Q4 Report, State of Workplace Drug Use from TDDA. AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 25 February 2024 – The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider has released its Q4 2024 workplace drug and alcohol findings.   The Imperans Report provides New Zealand employers with an analysis of … Read more

Health – Mum needing essential heart scan faced life-threatening delays

Source: Kia Manawanui Trust | The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand A mum needing an essential heart scan was told she’d have to wait ten months – at the earliest – for an appointment. Māhina Ngāpō is battling stage three breast cancer and needs an echocardiogram every three months to ensure she can undergo life-saving treatment. … Read more

Energy – Meridian and NZAS agree 50MW reduction for winter 2025

Source: Meridian Energy 25 February 2025 – Meridian Energy Limited and New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited (NZAS) have agreed that NZAS will provide 50MW per hour of demand response for winter 2025.  The full 50MW of demand response is expected to be provided from 10 March 2025 to 31 August 2025 inclusive (unless mutually agreed … Read more

Police response to Lake Rotokākahi protest

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Seven people were arrested at a protest at Lake Rotokākahi last night, after refusing to leave a worksite related to a Rotorua Lakes Council project. The seven people were given trespass notices and formal warnings, and were released without charge. Police recognise that this is a complex and sensitive … Read more

Missing person located, Ōtara

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Location: Counties Manukau A 19-year-old who was reported missing earlier today from the Ōtara area has been located safe and well. Police would like to thank those members of the public who provided information. ENDS. Holly McKay/NZ Police MIL OSI

Report highlights urgent need for “life-changing” free dental care

Source: Green Party ActionStation’s Oral Healthcare report, released today, paints a dire picture of unmet need and inequality across the country, highlighting the urgency of free dental care for all New Zealanders. “Quality dental care isn’t a luxury, it’s a human right. It’s time we treat it like one,” says Green Party co-leader Hon Marama … Read more

Government to consider Special Economic Zones

Source: New Zealand Government Marsden Point could become the heart of a bold vision to boost New Zealand’s fuel and energy security, and an attractive option for overseas investors seeking to be part of our economic growth story, Resources, Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says. “New Zealand is a small and remote … Read more

Residency fast tracked for Primary Teachers

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is ensuring more Kiwi kids access the teachers they need to thrive in the classroom by fast-tracking the residency process for primary teachers.“We know the most important thing for students in the classroom is the quality of the teacher in front of them. A teacher shortage not only impacts … Read more

Advocacy – New Report Shows Existing Approach to Dental Care “Not Fit for Purpose” – Action Station

Source: Action Station A landmark report is published today by the Dental for All Coalition telling human stories of struggles with oral healthcare in New Zealand. One of the key conclusions of the report is that the system of $1000 grants provided by Work & Income for urgent dental care is “not fit for purpose”. … Read more

Did you see a road rage incident in Northland yesterday?

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Police are appealing for information following an incident on Ngunguru Road, where a motorist received serious injuries following an assault at around 5.45pm. Detective Sergeant Paul Overton says the incident is believed to have begun on Crawford Crescent in Kamo and ending on Ngunguru Road. “Two people were arrested … Read more

NZ-AU: YakTrak and Grist Join Forces to Transform People Development & Compliance in Contact Centres

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU) Melbourne, Australia, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Contact centre leaders face constant pressure to coach teams, manage compliance, and improve performance. Yet without structure, visibility, and clear measurement, they’re often stuck reacting to problems instead of preventing them. It’s like trying to drive somewhere new without a GPS—you know the destination, … Read more

ISCA Forms Partnership with Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) to Establish Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification Programme in China

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, China, to establish pathways for students in China to pursue the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ). The newly-formed partnership marks the … Read more

Deputy PM visit harnesses huge interest in NZ in the Gulf

Source: New Zealand Government Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to the Gulf region today, focused on building economic growth opportunities and conducting strategic foreign policy discussions.  “The Gulf is an exciting, fast-developing region with much promise for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says.  “We chose to come to the Gulf at … Read more

Sahm Capital Empowers Investors at CMF Riyadh 2025 Investor Bootcamp

Source: Media Outreach RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Sahm Capital, a leading financial services provider, empowered investors at the CMF Riyadh 2025 Investor Bootcamp. Hadeel Bedeeri, General Manager of Sahm Capital, led a session on navigating the IPO process, equipping attendees with essential knowledge to thrive in Saudi … Read more

TCMA Chairman elected as President of ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers, joining forces to accelerate the development of the AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap

Source: Media Outreach BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), has been elected as the President of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM). In his two years term 2025–2027, he aims to strengthen collaboration among the eight ASEAN cement-producing member … Read more

XTransfer Expands U.S. Footprint with 5 Additional Payment Licenses

Source: Media Outreach NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – XTransfer, a leading global B2B cross-border trade payment platform, continues solidifying its regulatory presence in the United States by acquiring five new payment licenses in Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, Idaho, and South Carolina. This milestone follows the company’s recent expansion … Read more

Serious crash, Courtenay Place, Wellington

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Police are at the scene of a crash on Courtenay Place, near Cambridge Terrace, in Wellington. Emergency services were notified of the collision, involving a vehicle and pedestrian, about 8.25pm. The victim is being transported to hospital in a critical condition and the Serious Crash Unit is attending. Both … Read more

Bupa expands its Connected Care commitment with the new Global Prestige VHIS Plan (Signature) for discerning customers

Source: Media Outreach Bupa is an international healthcare group dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for over 70 years. We serve more than 38 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest our profits into enhancing healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers. Bupa has … Read more

Arlo Technologies Announces Price Repositioning On Security Products

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Arlo Technologies, a leading innovator in smart home security solutions, is thrilled to announce a Recommended Retail Price repositioning across selected products in the Arlo range. Effective immediately, this initiative makes it easier than ever to experience extraordinary value and … Read more

Paramount Gardening Launches Franchise Opportunities For Entrepreneurs To Start A Lawn Mowing Business

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand Paramount Gardening, New Zealand’s elite property care partner, has announced exciting new franchising opportunities for prospective buyers interested in owning a lawn mowing business. Franchises are available New Zealand-wide starting from $19,000. Entrepreneurs can join the Paramount Gardening team with full support to run their own businesses and … Read more

Lifestyle – New Zealand MPs Set to Get ‘Fit For Office’ in National Exercise Challenge

Source: Exercise NZ Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the political spectrum in Aotearoa are preparing to lace up their sneakers and lead by example as part of the Fit For Office (F4O) Challenge, launching on March 5, 2025, at 8:15 AM on the Parliamentary Steps. Supported by Exercise New Zealand (ExerciseNZ), this three-week initiative … Read more

Generali Hong Kong Champions Inclusion Through LGBTQI+ Video Series Reaching Over 5 Million Views

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Generali Hong Kong continues to lead efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) through its continued commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and promoting understanding and respect across the broader community. Reflecting its mission to be a “Lifetime Partner”, these … Read more

Consultation on charity tax settings open

Source: New Zealand Government Consultation on an Inland Revenue Issues Paper on the taxation of charity and not-for-profits opens today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government is committed to a strong charity and not-for-profit sector, as well as high levels of fairness and integrity in New Zealand’s tax rules. “New Zealand not-for-profits make a … Read more

Expanding Access to Sharia Financial Markets, BUMA Offers Its Inaugural Sukuk

Source: Media Outreach PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), a subsidiary of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group, IDX: DOID), offers its inaugural Sukuk Ijarah, marking another historic milestone in its financial diversification strategy. The Sukuk, with a maximum amount of Rp2 trillion, is offered in three series with tenors of 370 days, … Read more

Wellsford subdivision granted COVID fast-track consent – EPA

Source: Environmental Protection Authority An independent panel has approved resource consent, subject to conditions, for the Wellsford North residential subdivision in Wellsford, Auckland. Wellsford Welding Club Limited applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020. The project involves constructing a residential subdivision on Rodney and Monowai Streets in Wellsford, Auckland. The resource … Read more

Fire Safety – All of Wellington District to move to restricted fire season

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand The remainder of the Wellington District will move into a restricted fire season at 8am on Tuesday, 25 February, until further notice. Porirua and the Kāpiti Coast entered a restricted season on 28 January. Now, Wellington’s city suburbs, Hutt Valley and all of the Wairarapa will join those areas in … Read more

Geotechnical investigations next step for HB Expressway project

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency It’s not every day commuters between Napier and Hastings get to see a drilling rig in Tutaekuri River. But that’s exactly what they’ll see from early March as work progresses on the State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance project. The drilling rig will be here and … Read more