Right to Repair Bill passes significant step

Source: Green Party Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson’s Consumer Guarantees Right to Repair Amendment Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament this evening. “This is a significant step towards building a circular economy that empowers our people and protects our planet,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. “This Bill combines climate action with cost … Read more

Grants open soon for the Hibiscus and Bays community

Source: Auckland Council Hibiscus and Bays community groups and business associations will soon be able to apply for local, facilities or business grants. Local grants provide funding for arts, community, environment, heritage, sport and recreation projects and events and applications open from 3 March to 11 April 2025. Facilities grants assist with the costs of … Read more

Government Response to the Report from the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant and growing public health threat which affects patients and communities, and threatens to undermine the modern health system. AMR can also have serious negative impacts on animal health, welfare and production, and the environment. The New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan was published … Read more

Regional Tourism Boost to attract international visitors

Source: New Zealand Government A new $3 million fund from the International Conservation and Tourism Visitor Levy will be used to attract more international visitors to regional destinations this autumn and winter, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.   “The Government has a clear priority to unleash economic growth and getting our visitor numbers back … Read more

NZCTU welcomes passage of wage theft bill

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU The Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill passing committee stage in the House is a win for workers, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff. The Bill, which amends the Crimes Act 1961 to clarify that not paying an employee their wages is theft, will now head … Read more

Serious crash, State Highway 3, Te Mapara

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) State Highway 3 is expected to be closed for several hours following a serious single-vehicle crash. About 8.45am, emergency services were alerted to the crash. Initial indications suggest a van left the road and hit a tree between Maraetaua and Pukenui roads. One person is reportedly in a critical … Read more

Council’s value for money programme gains momentum

Source: Auckland Council Auckland Council has recorded $43.2 million in savings so far this year – two-thirds of the annual savings target of $66 million. The council’s savings initiative is part of an ongoing programme to ensure ratepayers get value for money and cost-effectiveness across the organisation, through clear targets set in the Long-term Plan. … Read more

Police monitoring Te Puke tangi

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Attributable to Inspector Clifford Paxton, Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander: Police are aware of a gang related tangi for the father of a prominent gang member, due to take place in the Western Bay of Plenty Area on Friday 21 February. Bay of Plenty Police will be monitoring … Read more

Sun Life Invests Over HK$10 Million to Partner with the Basketball Association of Hong Kong, China

Source: Media Outreach Focusing on Three Key Areas to Develop a Professional Basketball Ecosystem and Promote a Healthy and Active Lifestyle HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Sun Life and the Basketball Association of Hong Kong, China (BAHKC) held a partnership signing ceremony today (February 19), officially announcing an … Read more

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited announces annual results for the financial year ended December 31, 2024

Source: Media Outreach 2024Annual Results – Financial Highlights(Figures for the corresponding period in 2023 are shown in brackets) Consolidated revenue: HK$ 901 million (HK$ 822 million) Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company:HK$ 230 million (HK$ 466 million) Basic loss per share: 11.29 HK cents (22.89 HK cents) No final dividend (No … Read more

Sahm Capital Joins Capital Market Forum Riyadh 2025 as Platinum Sponsor

Source: Media Outreach RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Sahm Capital, the first fintech-driven financial company to secure full Capital Market Authority (CMA) licensing (license no. 22251-25), is proud to announce its participation as a platinum sponsor at the Capital Market Forum (CMF) 2025. Organized by the Saudi Tadawul … Read more

Economy – OCR 3.75% – OCR reduced further as inflation abates – Reserve Bank of NZ

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand 19 February 2025 – Annual consumer price inflation remains near the midpoint of the Monetary Policy Committee’s 1 to 3 percent target band. Firms’ inflation expectations are at target and core inflation continues to fall towards the target midpoint. The economic outlook remains consistent with inflation remaining in the … Read more

Lifestyle – Exercise Industry Set for Significant Growth in 2025 Despite Economic Headwinds

Source: Exercise NZ Despite ongoing economic pressures, a new consumer survey by ExerciseNZ reveals a promising outlook for New Zealand’s exercise industry. Conducted by Horizon Research for the past five years, the survey polled New Zealand adults nationwide and highlights a growing interest and uptake in physical activity and structured exercise, presenting significant opportunities for … Read more

Euvella Unveils Two New Captivating Scents for Reed Diffusers

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Singapore-based fragrance company Euvella is set to expand its collection with the introduction of two new scents—White Musk and Aquamelon—designed to elevate home ambience through their signature reed diffuser sticks. Slated for a tentative early March release, these new fragrances promise to … Read more

[3-Day Pop-up] ‘‘My Favourite Sake’’ Arrives at Mira Place, Tsim Sha Tsui! Free Tasting of Over 70 Nihonshu + Enjoy 23 Workshops + Win Round-Trip Tickets to Yonago

Source: Media Outreach Featuring 5 Themed Zones Constantly Rotating Sake Selection – TRADITIONAL SAKE, FRUIT LIQUEUR, SPARKLING, AGED SAKE, NEW STYLE / CRAFT SAKE HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – A Must-Visit Event for Sake Enthusiasts! Organized by JETRO Hong Kong, the 推しの日本酒 (My Favourite Sake) event will take over … Read more

Update: Information sought after possible sighting of Tom Phillips

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Police have confirmed the group sighted on State Highway 4 around 8:30am, Sunday 16 February, who were believed to potentially be Tom Phillips and his children, were not. Following the initial reported sighting on Sunday, Police responded to the area conducting several enquiries to locate the group, however they … Read more

‘A peaceful, prosperous, democratic Pacific’

Source: New Zealand Government Good Evening Let us begin by acknowledging Professor David Capie and the PIPSA team for convening this important conference over the next few days. Whenever the Pacific Islands region comes together, we have a precious opportunity to share perspectives and learn from each other. That is especially true in our region, where … Read more

“Design Your Change: Up+Rise Bangkok” Bangkok Design Week 2025: A Showcase of Creative Solutions Transforming Bangkok’s Future

Source: Media Outreach As part of Bangkok Design Week 2025, designers and cross-sector collaborators are showcasing cutting-edge projects that underscore the potential of creativity to reshape cities. These works reflect how design can tackle pressing urban challenges, elevate communities, and open pathways for sustainable growth—all while reimagining Bangkok’s future as a city that thrives on … Read more

Waikato Police appeal for witnesses to motorcycle crash

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Waikato Police are appealing for witnesses to a motorcycle crash on Tauranga Road (State Highway 24) on 28 January. The crash, involving a red Triumph Rocket III (registration 78ZNH), occurred at around 7.50pm that day, just north of State Highway 29, Te Poi. The motorcyclist was transported to hospital … Read more

Release: Rate cuts highlight Willis’ economic blunders

Source: New Zealand Labour Party Today’s Official Cash Rate cut is good news for borrowers, but also a symptom of rising unemployment and an economy in recession. “Nicola Willis loves to take credit for the decisions of the Reserve Bank, which is an independent agency outside of her control, but if she wants to own … Read more

Resealing planned for stretch of SH3 heading south into Bulls

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency A stretch of State Highway 3 (SH3) heading south into Bulls will be closed for 5 days while one lane is resealed. The southbound lane of SH3, near Dudding Lake, will close from Monday 3 March, with work expected to be complete by 6pm, on Friday 7 March. The lane … Read more

Finance – The RBNZ cuts 50bp, as telegraphed. And they have lowered the OCR track – 3% here they come – Kiwibank

Source: Kiwibank Yes, the RBNZ cut 50bps today, as expected.  RBNZ officials have proven to be nibble, again, and thankfully.  The economy needs help. But the main message from today’s MPS is the lowering (again) of the OCR track. The RBNZ are signalling more cuts, sooner. The RBNZ has effectively matched market pricing, and moved closer … Read more

Real Estate – Ark for sale in New Zealand – NZSIR

Source: New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty (NZSIR) Noah’s Ark is now up for sale in Christchurch, New Zealand. The distinctive property – believed to be the only ark for sale in the world – is expected to attract international interest. Listed by leading real estate agency New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty (NZSIR), the (approximate) 860 … Read more

Detour for Greymouth drivers next Wednesday – overnight

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency 19 February 2025 2:58 pm | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Greymouth’s High St (SH6) will be closed between Shakespeare St and Morice St next Wednesday night, 26 February, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). The highway will be resurfaced between 8 pm and 6 am, weather permitting. NZTA … Read more

NZers didn’t need this much pain to reduce OCR

Source: Green Party Today’s OCR cut will fail to soothe the long-term pain Christopher Luxon’s Government is inflicting upon our communities.  “Luxon’s Government had options to cool demand in the economy. Instead of sharing resources around so everyone could get through the hard times, they threw jobs, public services and livelihoods on the scrapheap,” says … Read more

UPDATE: Crash closes State Highway 6 near Murchison (SH6 is now OPEN)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency 19 February 2025 2:29 pm | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi UPDATE: 2:25 pm:The crash site has been cleared and State Highway 6 has reopened in both directions. Some delays are possible as queued traffic clears.  1:25 pm: Drivers travelling on the inland route between Nelson and Springs Junction can … Read more

UPDATE: Wellington drivers, expect delays following crash in the Terrace Tunnel (Tunnel now fully OPEN)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency 19 February 2025 2:11 pm | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi UPDATE: 2:10 pmThe Terrace Tunnel is now open in both directions. NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while this incident was resolved. UPDATE 1:55 pm: The Terrace Tunnel is now open … Read more